Content of the course

1. Earth Sciences: an introduction
2. The solar system
3. Plate tectonics
4. Minerals: rock’s elementary building blocks
5. Rocks and rock cycle I: igneous rocks
6. Rocks and rock cycle II: sedimentary rocks
7. Rocks and rock cycle III: metamorphic rocks
8. The age of rocks
9. Earth history I: paleogeography
10. Earth history II: origin and evolution of life

Practical classes

The students will examine hand-size rock samples and rock thin sections chosen to illustrate the different rock types and geological structures seen during the course. In addition, the students will also participate in a one-day field trip to examine the geology of Mizunami area (Gifu Prefecture), examine Miocene fossils and sediments (20-15 million years old), and learn how geologists collect data in the field.

Notice for Students

Handouts of lecture notes and slides will be distributed during the class. Students can refer to the reference books indicated if they wish to have complementary information about the subjects covered by the course. The books are available at the science library.

Grading

Two quizzes (multiple choice): 20% (10% each); mid-term exam: 40%; final exam: 40% Students will be graded following the five-step S-A-B-C-F grade evaluation system. S: 90-100%, A: 80-89%, B: 70-79%, C:60-69%, F: 59-0% A student will be given an “Absent” grade if he or she submits a Course Withdrawal Request by the 15th of November. This deadline does not apply to students who drop the class part-way through for an exceptional reason (e.g. illness, accident).