May 28, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Catalog

Course Descriptions

Schoolcraft College offers over 700 courses to help you reach your personal and professional goals. Students can take classes taught by our highly qualified faculty members and earn credits toward a certificate or degree at any of our four locations or through various online options. Learn more at our Course Formats page. 
 

Earth and Environmental Science
  

  • EARTH 110 - Earth Systems

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Lab Contact Hours: 3
    Description: This course examines environmental science from an Earth systems perspective that analyzes environmental problems caused by humans and natural hazards in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. In addition, physical geography and Earth systems concepts are utilized to investigate the physical nature of Earth and the anthropogenic influences on its environment. Topics include a survey of atmospheric processes, water resources, climate patterns and global climate change, surficial processes and landforms, soils, vegetation, ecosystems, pollution, waste management, energy resources, natural disasters and mitigation. Field trips may be taken as part of this course.  

    Prerequisites: None
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: None

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Fall
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Examine how the nature of science and scientific processes are used to understand complex environmental issues.
    2. Evaluate the physical nature of the Earth’s surface and its environmental problems through the analysis of maps using geographical skills and tools.
    3. Describe the compositional and physical parameters of Earth’s atmosphere.
    4. Distinguish between the various greenhouse gases found in Earth’s atmosphere.
    5. Explain the factors that result in global temperature patterns and global climate change.
    6. Distinguish between the natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change.
    7. Determine the processes at play in the water cycle.
    8. Examine the distribution of water resources on Earth.
    9. Explore the availability, extraction and usability of freshwater.
    10. Explain the physical and compositional characteristics of Earth’s geosphere and processes, such as plate tectonics, weathering, erosion and mass wasting.
    11. Examine Earth’s biomes and its biodiversity.
    12. Evaluate the principal factors of soil formation.
    13. Examine the types of energy and mineral resources on Earth.
    14. Examine the ways in which anthropogenic waste is produced, disposed of and recycled.
    15. Identify the ways in which pollution exists in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
    16. Determine the types of natural hazards that exist on Earth.
    17. Explore mitigation efforts and techniques to minimize the negative effects of natural and anthropogenic hazards on human health and well-being.
    18. Analyze how anthropogenic activities influence and alter each of Earth’s systems.
    19. Apply ecological and biogeographical concepts to interrelated systems to examine their effect on global change.
  

  • EARTH 120 - Environmental Science

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Description: This course examines the environmental issues and challenges that we face in our world today. Students will analyze the human impact on the physical environment and investigate the causes and solutions to environmental problems using real world examples on the local, regional and global scale. Topics include human population distribution, habitats, biodiversity, pollution, waste management, energy resources, natural resources, climate change and sustainability.

    Prerequisites: None
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: None

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Examine how information literacy plays a role in understanding environmental problems in today’s world.
    2. Analyze the trend of human population growth and its impact on the environment.
    3. Examine the importance of biodiversity on the local, regional and global scale.
    4. Explore past and current issues with ecosystems, habitats, the extinction of species and preservation.
    5. Analyze the effects of urbanization and human activities on the environment.
    6. Investigate the ways in which pollutants are introduced to the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere.
    7. Explore the type of pollutants released into the environment.
    8. Analyze the impact pollutants have on humans and the biosphere.
    9. Evaluate the pros and cons of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
    10. Summarize the distribution of natural resources.
    11. Evaluate the impact of human exploitation of natural resources has on the environment.
    12. Explore solutions needed to minimize the human contribution to climate change.
    13. Distinguish between the natural and the anthropogenic factors that influence the climate.
    14. Investigate sustainable solutions to the various environmental challenges faced by humans today.
    15. Explore past environmental problems that have been resolved and those that may arise in the future
  

  • EARTH 140 - Introductory Geology

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Lab Contact Hours: 3
    Description: Geology is the study of the physical structures and processes that make and shape our planet. This course will provide a survey of minerals and igneous/sedimentary/metamorphic rocks, along with the processes involved in their formation. Topics also include the structure of Earth, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, deformation, weathering and erosion, deposition, rivers, groundwater, glaciers, geologic time and an overview of the local geological setting in the Great Lakes region. Laboratory exercises consist of the identification of minerals and rocks, interpretation of topographic/geologic maps and the analysis of earthquakes. Field trips may be included in this course.  

    Prerequisites: None
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: None

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Identify a set of common minerals, including those found in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
    2. Determine the difference between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
    3. Explain the processes involved in the formation of the three basic types of rocks.
    4. Explain the physical/compositional differences between the layers of Earth.
    5. Explain the processes involved in the workings of the plate tectonic theory.
    6. Interpret the geological settings and landforms created by different plate tectonic boundaries.
    7. Compare and contrast the basic types of volcanoes and their eruption styles.
    8. Explain why earthquakes happen, including the types of seismic waves they generate.
    9. Explain how seismic waves are used to determine the internal structure of Earth.
    10. Analyze basic seismic data to determine the epicenter of an earthquake.
    11. Distinguish between various structural deformations such as folds and faults.
    12. Explain the different types of weathering processes that occur on the surface of Earth.
    13. Characterize the different types of sediments and their physical/compositional properties.
    14. Distinguish between the different types of erosional mechanisms.
    15. Distinguish between the different types of depositional environments and landforms associated with erosion/deposition by wind, water and glacial ice.
    16. Analyze the characteristics of aquifers and groundwater flow.
    17. Explain the glacial processes that played a role in the geological setting of Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
    18. Interpret topographical/geological maps. 
  

  • EARTH 200 - Weather and Climate

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Description: This course provides an overview of the Earth’s atmospheric and weather systems. Topics include energy, temperatures, atmospheric moisture, cloud formation, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, weather systems, weather forecasting, severe weather and global climate patterns and climate change. In addition, topics on air pollution and atmospheric phenomenon will be covered.

    Prerequisites: None
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: None

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Fall
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Analyze the major atmospheric processes, including energy, pressure, wind, precipitation, air masses and weather systems.
    2. Explain how the major atmospheric processes are linked in the atmospheric system.
    3. Summarize the atmospheric conditions that result in severe weather, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes.
    4. Analyze the spatial patterns of weather systems.
    5. Predict local and regional weather using fundamental meteorological principles.
    6. Classify the major climate regions of the world.
    7. Explain the possible causes for climate change.
    8. Explain how humans have altered the composition of the atmosphere.
    9. Explain how atmospheric pollution affects both the environment and human health.
    10. Analyze weather data using various weather instrumentation, data, charts and maps.
  

  • EARTH 235 - Geographic Information Systems

    Credits: 5
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Lab Contact Hours: 4
    Description: This course covers the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications at the beginner and intermediate levels. GIS topics and skills involve digital mapping, spatial analysis, and data exploration. Applications in GIS include fields in the geosciences, social sciences, politics, humanities, urban planning, natural resources, land management, economics, and much more. The course will utilize modern GIS software that is commonly used by global institutions and industry, and topics include the application of map design, data incorporation, and GIS programming elements. Student requirements include the completion of a GIS project that encompasses data collection, database management, analysis, and presentation.

    Prerequisites: None.
    Corequisites: None.
    Recommended: CIS 115  or Basic Computer Experience

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement

    This Course is Typically Offered: Fall Only
    Course Competencies
    1. Explore various GIS software packages.
    2. Utilize ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online interfaces, and other GIS tools and software.   
    3. Explain the importance of organized data and computer usage habits in GIS projects.
    4. Manage data and geodatabases. 
    5. Evaluate the quality of online data sources and services.
    6. Utilize census and USGS data for GIS projects. 
    7. Perform spatial analysis.
    8. Apply cartographic principles.
    9. Create map layouts for print, digital use, and online use.
    10. Explain the various coordinate systems and projections used in maps and cartography.
    11. Edit data layers and tables.
    12. Apply georeferencing techniques for scanned maps and images.
    13. Create combinations of datasets based on spatial relationships.
    14. Conduct queries and selections based on attribute and spatial criteria.
    15. Perform spatial analysis operations.
    16. Investigate patterns and trends in spatial data.
    17. Perform analysis on raster and LiDAR data.
    18. Create applications for collecting field data.
    19. Integrate field data into GIS projects.
    20. Apply GIS for a decision-making process in real-world scenarios.
    21. Recognize the importance of data ethics and privacy.
    22. Create a conference-quality deliverable, such as a poster, presentation, or map, using elements from GIS.
  

  • EARTH 240 - Fossils and Earth History

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Lab Contact Hours: 3
    Description: This course examines the historical geology and evolution of planet Earth through time. Geological concepts, methods and techniques are used to explore the history of Earth, including the identification and interpretation of fossils and the analysis of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their structures. Field trips may be included in this course.

    Prerequisites: None
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: EARTH 140  

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Winter Only
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Distinguish between the major geological time periods.
    2. Differentiate between the processes involved in the formation of planetary bodies in our Solar System.
    3. Explain major events in Earth’s history including the formation of its atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.
    4. Distinguish between the different types of fossils and the ways in which they form.
    5. Identify igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their constituent minerals.
    6. Distinguish between the various igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock features and structures.
    7. Identify full and partial fossils.
    8. Interpret Earth’s geological, environmental, and biological past using fossils, minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
    9. Determine the relative ages of rock sequences and past events using relative dating principles.
    10. Determine the absolute ages of rocks using radiometric dating information and analysis.
    11. Explain the occurrence of correlated rock strata.
    12. Interpret ancient tectonic activity based on various landforms such as ridges/rifts, trenches and mountain belts.
    13. Distinguish between rocks and fossils of the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
    14. Explore paleogeographic maps and the processes used in creating them.
    15. Interpret geological history from various types of geological maps.
    16. Summarize the geological history of North America.
    17. Apply historical geology concepts to make predictions regarding future geological processes.  
    18. Compare and contrast the fossil records and the current biosphere uncovering the evolution of life on Earth.
    19. Distinguish between the sub-periods of the Pleistocene Ice Age and the events that led up to the formation of the Great Lakes region.  
  

  • EARTH 250 - Mineralogy

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Contact Hours: 3
    Lab Contact Hours: 3
    Description: This course studies the composition, structure, formation, occurrence and the environmental importance of minerals found on Earth. Topics include mineral classification, descriptive mineralogy, crystal and mineral chemistry, crystallography and optical mineralogy. Laboratory exercises include the identification of minerals and their properties, their crystal systems and thin section identification using a petrographic microscope. Field trips may be included in this course.

    Prerequisites: EARTH 140  
    Corequisites: None
    Recommended: CHEM 104  or higher.

    Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
    This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
    This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

    This Course is Typically Offered: Fall Only
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Distinguish between atoms, elements, chemical compounds, minerals and rocks.
    2. Explain the criteria for a substance to be considered a mineral.
    3. Identify minerals in hand specimens and rocks.
    4. Distinguish between the physical properties used in the identification of minerals.
    5. Distinguish between the different categories of minerals.
    6. Explain how minerals are classified and named.
    7. Determine the relationship between the atomic structure of a mineral and its external crystalline shape and form.
    8. Distinguish between the different crystal systems and classes in minerals.
    9. Determine the relationship between atomic structure and the chemical composition of minerals.
    10. Differentiate between the geologic environments in which minerals can form.
    11. Explain the ways in which minerals can form from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes.
    12. Investigate the formation of crystals from solution.
    13. Identify minerals in thin sections of rocks by using their optical properties.
    14. Analyze minerals in thin sections using a polarizing/petrographic microscope.  
    15. Explain the importance of minerals in terms of derived materials used in manufactured items, industry and infrastructure.
    16. Explain the benefits and hazards associated with minerals in terms of human health.
    17. Explain the effect mineral mining has on the health and sustainability of the environment.
    18. Explore extraterrestrial minerals in samples of meteorites.
    19. Explore the utility of modern analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction to analyze the composition and structure of rocks and minerals.
    20. Explore the relationships between the science of mineralogy and gemology.
  

  • EARTH 294 - Directed Study in Earth Science

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Contact Hours: 1
    Off Site Contact Hours Without Faculty: 2 - 40
    Description: This course provides an opportunity for students to explore and apply their knowledge in the Earth and Environmental Science fields. Students may seek a directed study, on or off campus, in the form of a paid or unpaid work assignment, research project, investigation or other learning experience related to their specific interests. These experiences may include internships at public or private sectors, industry and undergraduate research assignments/projects at Schoolcraft or other colleges/universities. This directed study is initiated by the student with guidance from instructors in the department. Students are expected to contact the department at least one semester or earlier before they decide to pursue this directed study course. Students registered in this course are considered Schoolcraft College students with all rights, responsibilities and privileges of a student.

    Prerequisites: Consent of Department
    Corequisites:
    Recommended:

    Course Category: Applied Liberal Arts | Science
    This Course is Typically Offered: Spring Only
    Check Course Availability

    Course Competencies
    1. Apply Earth and Environmental Science concepts to real-world projects.
    2. Utilize time management skills by creating and using schedules and work plans.
    3. Adapt within the social, organizational and technical systems of the field experience organization.
    4. Evaluate information so that output can conform to the employer’s or project’s needs.
    5. Solve Earth and environmental-related problems through data analysis and information.
    6. Relate with staff in a respectful and collaborative manner.
    7. Perform duties in a professional manner (e.g., dress, professional ethics and formal communication).
    8. Utilize environmental skills, sampling equipment or other tools appropriate for the project or internship.
    9. Perform other appropriate duties as assigned by a supervisor.