Science 155

About this curriculum

The 100-level Discovering Design with Earth Science course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, offering students a well-rounded understanding of the planet’s structure and systems. Students begin by exploring the geosphere, examining its major sections—the core, mantle, and crust—before diving deeper into each layer. When studying the Earth's crust, they investigate minerals, various rock types, and the rock cycle. This foundation leads into an in-depth study of plate tectonics, including seismic waves, earthquakes, and volcanoes. The course then introduces fossils, analyzing how both uniformitarian and catastrophist perspectives interpret fossil evidence and the sedimentary rock layers where they are found. A thorough comparison of these two viewpoints follows, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Next, students explore the hydrosphere, beginning with the fundamental properties of water, such as polarity, hydrogen bonding, and heat capacity. This knowledge sets the stage for understanding the hydrologic cycle and the concept of residence time…