GEOL-101-5T

Physical Geology

Fall 2012

Instructor Name: Marguerite Moloney e-mail:

Office Location: 136 Beauregard

Phone Number: 448-4878 ***********************************

Office hours:TBAThis course will include the use of moodle as a course delivery system whichcan be found at:

Catalog Description:Study of the earth, its constituents, agents, and processes modifying it; also geologic structures and landforms.

Prerequisites:none

Required Text and Other Materials:Earth, An Introduction to Physical Geology 10thedition, Tarbuck, et al.

Homework will be available on the Mastering Geology website at:

Student Outcome Objectives:

The primary objective of GEOL 101, Physical Geology, is to provide you with the

fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to understand the geologic processes

forming the composition, structure, and environments of the Earth. At the successful completion of this course the student will have gained sufficient knowledge to understand:

a) The basic structural components of atoms and elements, the physical properties of

minerals, the major tetrahedral linkages of silicate minerals.

b) The major intrusive and extrusive igneous bodies, the major igneous rock textures, the

distinguishing characteristics of the major igneous rock families, the geologic settings

of igneous activity and the rock types distinctive to each.

c) The sequence of events involved in the weathering, transport, deposition, and

lithification that produces sedimentary rocks and the major rock types within each

category.

d) The agents of metamorphism and their role in forming metamorphic rocks,and examples within each category.

e) The types of stress to which rocks are subjected, the different types of folds, the types

of faults, the tectonic settings and topography associated with faults and folds.

f) Elastic rebound and its effects on rocks, the relationship between earthquakes and

plate tectonics, the evidence for plate tectonics.

g) The differences and the relationships between mechanical and chemical weathering,

the effects of weathering in various climates, the major soil forming processes.

h) The balance of forces that maintain the equilibrium of loose materials on a slope, and

the features resulting from mass wasting.

i) The parts of a stream system, the types of stream drainage patterns.Proterozoic eon,

ophiolites, glacial deposits, banded iron formations, first appearance

eukaryotes, multicellular life.

Course Content:

Chapters / Topics and Final Exam
Introduction, Mastering Geology intro
1 / An Introduction to Geology
2 / Plate Tectonics
Exam 1
3 / Matter and Minerals
4 / Magma, Igneous Rocks and Intrusive Activity
5 / Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards
Exam 2
6 / Weathering and Soil
7 / Sedimentary Rocks
8 / Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rock
Exam 3
9 / Geologic Time
10 / Crustal Deformation and MountainBuilding
11 / Earthquakes
Exam 4
13 / Divergent Boundaries
14 / Convergent Boundaries
Exam 5
16 / Running Water
17 / Ground Water
18 / Glaciers
Exam 6
21 / Global Climate Change
22 / Earth’s Evolution Through Geologic Time
23 / Energy and Mineral Resources
24 / Planetary Geology
Final / Final Exam, Dec12th, 10:30am

Course Requirements:

Exams:

There will be a total of seven (7) equally weighted exams given. Each Exam will be worth 100 points toward the final grade. This means that your final exam is not cumulative and will include only the information included in the last chapters covered in the course.

Homework:

Homework will be made available on the companion website to the text, Homework will be assigned through out the semester. All homework assigned will be counted toward the final grade.Each homework assignment will be subject to a time limit. After the due date for homework assignments has passed, no late homework will be accepted, with no exceptions for any reason.

Extra Credit:

An Extra Credit memory assignment is available for each of the first 4 exams. This is not a mandatory assignment but it is highly recommended. These assignments are essential to the understanding of the material and memorization is extremely beneficial. Extra credit points are averaged into the corresponding test score.

Methods of Evaluation:

Grading Scale:

A / 90 -100
B / 80 - 89.99
C / 70 – 79.99
D / 60 – 69.99
F / Below 60

Weighted values of Course Materials:

Exams = 65 %

Homework = 35%*

*It is important to note that homework is a requirement of the course and counts for a large percentage of your grade. You must have access to Mastering Geology in order to complete the homework assigned. Access to the mastering geology website is provided by Pearson publishing. You will have a separate grade book for homework on the Mastering Website. At mid semester an average of your homework will be posted to Moodle to give you an idea of your course average.

Make – up Procedure:

It is strongly advised that students take tests on the day that they are given. Students with a valid excuse will be allowed to take a make up exam. The decision for the allowance of a makeup exam will be determined on an individual basis as these needs arise.

Academic Honesty Policy:

It is expected that students will conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity. Any documentable instances of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with Departmental and University policy. This policy can be found in the “Code of Student Conduct”.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory and roll will be taken.

Drop Date:The last day to drop a course with a “W” is:November 7th,2012.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430. (TDD 449-7002).

Academic Grievances:

The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at the following link:

***********It should be noted that this syllabus is subject to change as circumstances arise. Notification of such changes will be announced during regularly scheduled class periods. Since attendance to this class is mandatory, it is the responsibility of the student to be aware of announcements made in class.*************

Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency:

In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme emergency, students are responsible for:

  • Reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;
  • Knowing how to use and access Moodle (or university designated electronic delivery system);
  • Being familiar with emergency guidelines;
  • Knowing their Blackboard (or designated system) student login and password;
  • Contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.

Faculty is responsible for:

  • Their development in the use of Blackboard (or designated software);
  • Having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and e-mail;
  • Continuing their course in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;
  • Making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.