The purpose of the Geology 10113 Lab Component is to introduce the student to the physical aspects of geology. Lecture alone cannot familiarize a student with concepts of rock and mineral identification, map interpretation and other hands-on components of geological study.

The first 6 weeks of lab consist of mineral and rock identification. By using techniques taught in lab, the student is required to familiarize him/herself with different classes of rocks/minerals and their importance. A identification mid-term exam is used to show mastery of the identification process.

The last half of the lab semester is spent on several different geological topics which form the base of the physical geology course. These are fundamental topics such as map interpretation and construction, age dating, sequencing geologic events. and other relevant topics.