Welcome to Geological Sciences 201 (The Dynamic Earth) at Michigan State University. This course is 4 credits with a 2 hour lab each week. The lecture portion of the course is 70% of the grade and the laboratory portion is 30%.

The format of the course stresses the conceptualization of earth processes both in terms of types as well as rates. There are four major topics:

	Setting the Stage -- This portion sets the stage for the rest of the course by looking at topics such as Earth System Science, Geologic Time, and Origins of the Universe, Solar System, and Earth.
	Earth's Surface Energy Systems & Processes -- Here we look at how the energy from the sun drives processes of the Water Cycle such as waves, rivers, and groundwater. Through our study of glaciers we explore the concept of Global Climate Change, past and future.
	Earth's Internal Energy System & Processes -- Earth internal energy is shown in the section to drive processes of the Tectonic Cycle such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
	Elements of Global Change -- The course ends with a look at patterns of global change such as mass extinction. The state and future of our atmosphere is discussed as well as our energy and mineral resources.

For more infomation on the course you can look at the Course Overview and the Course Outline. In addition, can explore the web sites that are in the laboratory manual Laboratories in the Geological Sciences the projects for the Honors Option.

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Document author: David T. Long
E-Mail: long@msu.edu
Revised: Fall  2000
URL: http://www.cevl.msu.edu/~long/