Earth Materials
1. Learn the basic mineral types, how they form, and how they differ structurally.
2. Understand how minerals are put together to form rocks.
3. Learn the names and how to recognize the basic sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock types.
4. Understand the structural and engineering aspects of these materials.
Hydrosphere Dynamics
1. Understand the basic atmospheric and hydrologic systems and how they affect the Earth's rocks.
2. Learn how man has influenced these systems and what the possible future outcomes of this influence might be.
Tectonic Systems
1. Learn the basic workings of the Earth's tectonic system and the evidences that support the plate tectonic theory.
2. Understand how to interpret geologic structures and rocks in terms of the tectonic system.
3. Understand geological hazards and engineering concerns related to the operation of the tectonic system.
Geology and Mankind
1. Understand the nature of fossil fuel resources, their origin, and the magnitude of reserves of coal, oil, natural gas, etc.
2. Understand the nature of metallic resources, including their origin, distribution across the globe, and the magnitude of reserves.
3. Appreciate the environmental consequences of fossil fuel and metallic resource extraction.
4. Become aware of the major hazards posed by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and their attendant phenomena.
5. Understand the fundamental processes that regulate the climate, as well as the role of human activity in climate change.
