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American Geosciences Institute: AGI029 Geologic Names and Usage: A Guide to Stratigraphic Nomenclature

Geologic Names and Usage: A Guide to Stratigraphic Nomenclature


American Geosciences Institute
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  1. Course Number

    AGI029

  2. Classes Start

  3. Estimated Effort

    1 hour

  4. Classes End

About This Course

Stratigraphic nomenclature is the system of proper names given to specific stratigraphic units, which provides a universal language essential for all scientific publications. Consistent and effective communication in the geosciences requires systematic use of stratigraphic nomenclature. The importance of consistent stratigraphic nomenclature as a means of effective geologic communication has been recognized since the USGS established the Geologic Names Committee (GNC) in 1899 to evaluate and address issues of nomenclature. This course is designed to provide a review of geologic names usage and stratigraphic principles that serve as a foundation for professionals and students to improve geoscience communication among all industries.

Course Objectives

Students are expected to learn the following when they take this course:

  • The principles of stratigraphic nomenclature.
  • The steps for creating, revising, and abandoning geologic names.
  • Accurate expressions and styles of geologic names and nomenclatural terms.
  • Resources available for geologic names usage and stratigraphic nomenclature.

Additional Information

This is an asynchronous short-course that contains videos, resources for learning more, and a set of questions in each section to help facilitate learning. An asynchronous course is a course that can be done on your own time. Feel free to pause, take a break, and come back to your saved progress to continue with the course. There is no deadline for completion of this course.

Note: For tips on taking this course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.

Obtaining Continuing Education Units

If your course grade is at least 70%, you may apply for 0.1 CEU credit. There is an administrative fee for the issuance of the CEU, and you can view the fee structure view the fee structure here. You can check your final grade by clicking on the Progress menu item in the course navigation menu at the top of the page.

Requirements

There are no requirements for this course.

Course Staff

American Geosciences Institute staff serve as the facilitators for this course. If you have questions at any time during this course, you can email your questions to learning@americangeosciences.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above.

See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.

How do I take the course using the edX mobile app?

For tips on taking the course via the edX mobile app, please visit the edX Learner’s Guide, and read the section on using the edX mobile app for the most up-to-date information.

Do I have to take this course all at one time to pass it?

No, in fact that's the advantage of offering asynchronous online courses. You can go through the course at your own pace, pause when you wish, save your progress, and resume the course when it’s convenient for you to do so.

Do I have to pay a registration fee for the course?

There is no registration fee for the course. You may view the entire course, and complete all the assessments, assignments, and exams at no cost.

Are Continuing Education Units available for this course?

If you would like to receive credit for the course and obtain CEUs, you will need to pass the course with a minimum of a 70%, fill out a form to register for the CEUs, and pay an administrative fee. The administrative fee for CEUs varies for each course. Please see details in the “How to Obtain CEUs” section at the end of each course.

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