Syllabus GPH 111: Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory

Syllabus GPH 111: Introduction to Physical Geography Lab

SCOB 312

Tuesday 2:40 – 5:30 (Dorn)

Instructor: Liz Ridder Office: SCOB Room 314

Mailbox: SCOB Room 330 (Geography Office) Office Hours: Tuesday 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm,

Email: (preferred contact method) or by appointment

Phone: 480-965-9425 (Office Hours Only) or 480-965-7533 (Geography Office, message phone)

Required Materials: Pencil, eraser, simple calculator

Required Text: Introductory Physical Geography Lab Manual, 6th edition

Optional Text: Geosystems by Cristopherson, R. W. 6th or 7th edition or Dr. Ritter’s on-line text http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/title_page.html

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The lab section of GPH 111 serves to complement the lecture portion of the class by presenting the lecture material in a hands-on manner. The lab also provides an opportunity to learn basic geographic techniques and discuss material covered in lecture in a small group format.

FORMAT

Twelve labs will be assigned during the course of the semester; your two lowest scores will be dropped. Thus, there will be no make-up labs. The assigned labs must be completed in class and turned in before leaving. Lab assignments will not be accepted after the scheduled class period. The combined score of the ten labs is 50% of your total lab grade. Three quizzes will be given during the semester at the beginning of the scheduled class (see schedule). There will be no make-up quizzes, so be on time to class. These quizzes are not comprehensive and when combined are worth 50% of your lab grade. No extra credit will be given on an individual basis. To summarize:

50% = 10 lab exercises

50% = 3 quizzes

Lab grade = 25% of total GPH 111 class grade

You must pass the lab to pass the class!

GRADING

Each lab will be graded on a percentage scale; thus, each lab will be graded according to the amount of work for that particular lab. For example, if a particular lab has 33 points possible and the student earns 30 points, the resulting score will be (30/33)*100, or 91% for that lab. The highest 10 lab grades will then be added together to form the lab exercise portion of the grade. The three quizzes will be graded on a percentage scale and then added together to get the quiz portion of the grade. The lab exercises and the quizzes will be then combined for the Lab grade. This grade will then become 25% of the GPH 111 class grade.

A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, E = 59% and below

COURSE POLICIES

LABORATORY ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY! MORE THAN TWO ABSENCES FROM THE LAB SESSIONS RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE OF THE LAB AND OF THE ENTIRE COURSE. Per departmental and university policy, the third unexcused laboratory absence will result in a failing grade in BOTH lab and lecture, regardless of your grade to that point. You must be physically present in the lab classroom for the entire portion of the day’s lab lecture AND activity in order to be counted as present. Sign-in sheet. A sign-in sheet will be passed around at the beginning of each lab. Please be sure to sign-in, otherwise you will be considered absent for that week.

Generally, quizzes cannot be made up. However, if you have a legitimate, documented absence, a make-up quiz may be given at the lab instructor’s discretion.

You are encouraged to discuss and complete lab exercises in groups; however, you must formulate your own answers and the work you turn in must be your own, i.e. you may not simply copy someone else’s answers and turn them in as your own! Of course, there will be no group work or discussion during quizzes; all work on quizzes must be your own. Cheating will absolutely not be tolerated. Students are expected to adhere to the Arizona State Code of Academic Honesty.

LAB ETIQUETTE

Student conduct: A major component of learning process in this lab involves discussion, and therefore we strongly encourage you to participate in the classroom dialogue. However, we do insist that you be respectful of your fellow classmates at all times. Please be aware that other students come from different backgrounds and may hold different beliefs. We ask that you be sensitive to these issues and behave in an inclusive manner. In addition, in the interest of fostering a productive learning environment, disruptive behavior of any kind will not be permitted. Exercise common sense at absolutely every opportunity and act accordingly.

Clean up after yourself: A clean, organized lab promotes a safe and productive environment for all concerned. For several hours every week, this lab will be an important workplace for you – take care of it.

Turn off cell phones: No cell phone use during lab (including text messaging). Cell phones ringing during labs are disruptive and distracting. They will not be tolerated. Answering your phone during exams (lab and class) will win you a zero on the exam as well as an absence.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

** These are outdoor lab activities, so be prepared and dress appropriately.

All contents of this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.