Quartz: SiO2

This is a general education course for upper division students and does not count toward a geology degree. The course will examine how the Earth works and in particular how natural processes impact upon humans. This is a science course that requires critical thinking. We will build hypotheses upon data, but we will emphasize understanding via words and drawings, rather than from mathematical formulas and chemical equations. 

Course emphases will be upon the principles underlying natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, climate change, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, coastal processes, asteroid impacts, fires, and mass extinctions. Many examples will be drawn from the southern California area. 

Course goals include having you observe the Earth's natural processes involving land, water, atmosphere and sky. You can improve your mental abilities by forming hypotheses that explain your observations — and then revising your hypotheses as new data are obtained. The goal of an education is to learn to observe and explain, then keep searching for new facts allowing you to critically evaluate and revise your understanding. This should become part of a like-long habit that enriches your life, develops your mind, and interests and involves your friends and family. OBSERVE; THINK; EXPLAIN; DISCUSS.