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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Coopersmith Career Consulting | Evaluated Learning Experience

Essentials of Earth Science (SCI-103)

Length: 

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Location: 
Various; distance learning format.
Dates: 

Version 1: May 2013 - July 2018. Version 2: August 2018 - April 2023. Version 3: May 2023 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Online/distance learning
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1, 2, and 3: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: apply the scientific method and conduct scientific inquiry and gathering of data; describe the structure of the Earth's interior and explain how different layers are identified; explain the composition of various types of rocks and minerals; outline the processes of weathering and erosion, including running water, glaciers, wind, etc.; relate plate tectonics and the dynamic earth to earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains; interpret data relating to earthquakes such as "p" and "s" waves and Richter scale values; explain the structure and composition of the atmosphere, including its features such as temperature, air pressure, and moisture; identify the effects of air pressure, temperature, wind, and other meteorological data on weather and weather patterns; interpret the effects of air masses, moving air masses, and fronts on weather on weather disturbances such as hurricanes and tornadoes; identify characteristics of various climate types; and discuss the impact of human activity on the weather and climate on Earth, including concept of greenhouse gas emission and its effect on global climate.

Instruction: 

Version 1, 2, and 3: This self-study course covers a variety of scientific disciplines related to the composition of Earth and its dynamic nature and position in space. Major topics include: composition of the Earth's surface and the Earth itself, including rocks and minerals and the weathering, erosion, and deposition that shape the Earth's surface, earthquakes and volcanic activity, Meteorology (weather, air masses, precipitation, fronts, etc.), climate, climate change, and impact of human activities on the Earth's climate.

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Earth Science or as a core science requirement (11/13). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Earth Science or as a core science requirement (8/18 revalidation). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Earth Science or as a core science requirement (5/23 revalidation). 

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