A Two-Year
Unit of the University System of
PHYSICAL
GEOLOGY 1121 SYLLABUS
Fall 2011
I. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Glenn B. Stracher, Ph.D.
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION: GLY 1121, Physical Geology, is an introductory course designed to provide both science and non-science majors alike with information about the physical composition of earth and the internal and external processes operating in the evolution of this planet. Mineral and rock identification, map reading skills, and written exercises are emphasized in the lab. Course Description from EGC Catalog: http://www.ega.edu/registrar/catalog/Catalog0809.pdf
III. PREREQUISITES: College Algebra is recommended.
IV. TEXTBOOK: The Changing Earth, 5th edition, 2006, J.S. Monroe and R. Wicander, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, ISBN: 978-0-495-55480-6.
V. LABORATORY MANUAL: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 9th edition, 2011, R.M. Busch, editor, and D. Tasa, illustrator, Macmillan Publishing Co., ISBN: 978-0-321-68957-3.
VI. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOME LINKAGES (3, 4, 5): In this course you will learn:
1.
To identify common minerals and rocks based on their physical
properties.
2. The characteristics of earth's internal and external physical processes.
3. Map reading skills.
4. How to use the scientific method.
5. To appreciate the impact of science on your life.
VII. EVALUATION: Your final grade is based on:
1. Two lecture exams and one final exam, each worth 100 points.
2. Six laboratory exams and four written lab assignments-- each worth 100 points.
3. A Microsoft PowerPoint (PP) presentation, worth up to 20 extra points on a lecture exam.
4. Several movie summaries worth 2.5 points each.
VIII. GRADING:
The final grade you earn for the course is based on the average of your lecture
and laboratory grades,
i.e.,
IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY: In order to succeed in this course, you are expected to attend all lectures, laboratory sessions, and field trips, in accordance with EGC policy stated in the college catalog. The penalty for missing more than five classes, regardless of the reason, is an automatic F unless you withdraw during the time allotted for doing so. In addition, please arrive on time for class. Each time you are late counts as a day absent. If your personal circumstances require you to be absent more than five days during the semester or means that you cannot arrive to class on time, please drop this course.
X. OFFICE INFORMATION:
Science and
E-Mail: stracher@ega.edu, Office Hours:
M and W: 9:30-11 a.m.; 1-2 p.m., T and R
9:30-12 p.m.
XI. MAKE-UP WORK POLICY: EXAMINATIONS--For each exam missed, a make-up exam is required in addition to a 10 page (not including figures) physical geology research term paper. This paper must be typed, double-spaced, and include a title page with your name on it as well as an abstract and bibliography. If the paper is not done this way or is not completed, a grade of zero will be averaged in with the make-up lecture exam.
XII. TAPING
of CLASS: Students who would like to audio or videotape a class or a
portion of it must receive
permission from the instructor.
XIII. PLAGIARISM
AND CHEATING: The penalty for plagiarism on written assignments and for
giving or receiving information during the course of any examination is an
automatic grade of F and possible expulsion from
XIV.
can an be found at http://www.ega.edu/counseling_center/disabilityaccommodations.htm)
XV. LABS: Labs are a mandatory course requirement and are worth 100 points each. All labs must, without exception, be completed in class. If you leave early, you will not receive any credit for the lab, even if you have a lab partner and are turning in a joint project. Written labs are due when announced. Each lab turned in late will automatically lose 50 points. No lab will be accepted at any time after class on the first day after it was due.
XVI. HORSEPLAY: If I find your in-class behavior to be personally disruptive, you will be given a disorderly-conduct warning in front of your classmates. If your behavior is personally disruptive a second time, you will be asked to leave the class and your final grade will be an F.
XVII. CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS: Cell phones and personal computers must be turned off in class at all
times. If they are not, you will be asked to leave class, this counting as a day absent.
XVIII. COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY STATEMENT: Students are responsible for their own academic progress. Decisions regarding withdrawal from courses should only be made after consultation with an academic advisor. Before withdrawing from a course, students must meet with a Financial Aid representative to discuss their personal financial aid situation. More information regarding withdrawal from courses can be found in the EGC catalog at http://www.ega.edu/registrar/catalog/Catalog0809.pdf
XIX. CAMPUS EMERGENCY POLICY:
- In the event the fire alarm is sounded, everyone must evacuate the building at once and in a calm and orderly fashion, using the nearest exit. In the event of a severe weather warning everyone must proceed immediately to the nearest designated shelter area which are marked by a small tornado symbol. All severe weather shelter locations are posted on the EGC website. Each student should, on the first day of class, determine the location of the nearest exit and the nearest designated shelter area for each of his or her classrooms. If you have difficulties locating either ask your instructor to assist you.
- The Connect-ED system is a communication service that enables East Georgia College administrators and security personnel to quickly contact all East Georgia College students, faculty and staff with personalized voice and text messages that contain emergency-related campus information (e.g., campus closing, campus threat, health scare, etc.) With Connect-ED, East Georgia College students can be reached and provided with vital instructions anywhere, anytime, through their cell phones, home phones, e-mail, TTY/TDD receiving devices, or other text-receiving devices. (http://www.ega.edu/connected.pdf)
- EGCS students should make themselves familiar with Georgia Southern University’s Emergency Response Plan http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/ess/Emergency%20Response%20Plan.pdf
In the event of an emergency, EGCS students should follow the instructions of EGCS faculty and staff members
and GSU campus officials.
MAJOR TOPICS COVERED:
1. Chapter 1 Understanding Earth: An Introduction
2. Chapter 19 A History of the Universe, Solar System, and Planets
3. Chapter 7 Earthquakes and Earth's Interior
4. Chapter 2 Minerals
5. Chapter 3 Intrusive Rocks and Intrusive Igneous Activity
6. Chapter 4 Volcanism
7. Chapter 5 Weathering, Soil, Sediment, and Sedimentary Rocks
8. Chapter 6 Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
9. Chapter
10 Deformation,
10. Chapter 17 Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles
11. Chapter 12 Running Water
12. Chapter 13 Ground Water
13. Chapter 11 Mass Wasting
14. Chapter 14 Glaciers and Glaciation
15. Chapter 16 Shorelines and Shoreline Processes
XXI. GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOME:
(3) Students will demonstrate skill in
logic and critical thinking.
(4) Students will demonstrate proficiency at solving problems algebraically, numerically, and
graphically.
(5) Students will apply scientific principles to solve a variety of problems.