Program Overview

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Program Information

Course Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a course, GEOL 101: Exploring Planet Earth, which covers the basics of geology. This includes the birth and evolution of planet Earth, geologic time, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, natural resources, and surface processes. The course aims to help students understand how geology is important to their lives.

Course Details

• Course: GEOL 101
• Section: 1005
• Credits: 4 (4 max credits)
• Instructor: Boes Thomas
• Dates: January 20, 2026, to May 9, 2026
• Status: Open
• Call Number: 22317

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites listed for this course.

Notes

• This course satisfies the General Education Core requirement for a science course and a laboratory science course.
• It also satisfies the University Science Requirement.
• The course is an Internet class, with instructions available on Canvas.

Program Requirements

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geology and its relevance to their lives. It covers various topics, including the Earth's evolution, geologic processes, and natural resources. The course is worth 4 credits and is open to students who meet the university's admission criteria.

Admission Criteria

While specific admission criteria for this course are not provided, students are advised to consult the university's catalog for full details on admission requirements and course prerequisites.

Research Areas

The course touches on several research areas in geology, including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and surface processes. These areas are fundamental to understanding the Earth's systems and processes.

Conclusion

The GEOL 101: Exploring Planet Earth course at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers students a broad introduction to geology, covering its principles, processes, and importance in everyday life. With its comprehensive curriculum and laboratory components, this course is designed to satisfy both science and laboratory science requirements for the university's General Education Core.