Southern Connecticut State University

                                                                   Earth Science 200 Principles of Geology

                                                                 Course Syllabus, Spring Semester 2003-2004

 

Instructor:  Dr. Thomas Fleming                      Office:  Morrill Hall, Room 214-A

e-mail: fleming@southernct.edu     Office Hours: MWF 11:00am-12:00pm; MW 9:00-10:00pm, or by appointment

Office Phone: 203-392-5837   Department Office Phone:  203-392-5835 (hours 1:00 - 5:00pm)

 

Lecture: Morrill Hall, Room 220; MWF, 10:10-11:00am 

Laboratory:  Morrill Hall, Room 213; Th.  2:10-5:00pm

 

Course Description:   This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of  physical geology for students with concentrated interest in the sciences and for those who are interested in pursuing a degree in Earth Science.  The laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce important concepts discussed in lecture through hands-on learning activities.  The exercises provide an opportunity to learn mineral and rock identification, and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps.

 

Course Contribution:   In order to ensure that all SCSU students receive the basic foundations of a liberal arts education, the university has set up a sequence of common core courses for all students.  ESC 200 satisfies the natural science A requirement which is normally fulfilled by a selection of courses from earth science and biology. For students majoring in earth science, ESC 200 represents a significant component of the introductory core of classes that serve as the foundation for more advanced studies in the earth science program.  For students perusing degrees or accreditation in general science or earth science through the school of education, this course prepares candidates to fulfill NCATE unit standard #1 – content knowledge for teacher candidates, and NSTA standard #1 - science content.

 

Modes of Learning:  Class lectures and discussions, in-class demonstrations, reading assignments, homework problems/assignments, hands-on laboratory activities, cooperative learning within a group format.

 

Required Texts:     Marshak, Stephen (2001) Earth: portrait of a planet, W. W. Norton Company, New York, 735 pp. (required text).

 

Bush, R. M. (ed) (2003) Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology. 6th ed., Prentice Hall, Saddle River NJ, 271 pp.  (required lab manual).

 

Laboratory:  Laboratory sessions will begin on Thursday during the second week of classes.  It is important to read the lab assignment each week prior to coming to lab.  Attendance in the laboratory portion of this class is required and all lab work must be completed and handed in during class unless otherwise noted.  Bring your lab manual, calculator, small plastic ruler (6-8 inch with English and metric units), pencil, and an eraser to each laboratory session. All lab work must be completed in pencil.

 

Examinations and Quizzes:  There will be two 50 minute, mid-term exams and one two-hour comprehensive final exam.  Exams may include a combination of true/false, matching, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer essay questions.  The exams will cover lecture materials, lab materials, and reading assignments from the textbook.  Bring several number two pencils and a calculator to each exam.  There will also be periodic announced quizzes at the beginning of the lab period.  If a legitimate and unavoidable conflict arises such that you need to miss an exam or quiz, you must contact me (e-mail, voice mail, phone, message to Dept. Secretary, or written note) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled date to be eligible for a make-up.  In emergency situations you must contact me a soon as reasonably possible.  All excuses must be appropriately documented.  The make-up exam will consist of a single comprehensive exam that will be administered on the last day of classes.  If the university cancels class on a quiz or  exam-day due to weather or other unforeseen emergency, the exam/quiz will be held during the next regular class meeting. 

 

 

Grading: 

Two Mid-Term Exams                        20% each  (40%  total)

Final Exam                                             30%

Lab Quizzes                                           20%

Labs                                                       10%

 

 

Students with Disabilities:    Students with a disabilities are welcome to enroll in this course.  Those wishing to receive accommodations in this class will need to make an appointment with the Disability Resource Center located in Engleman Hall room C-16 to arrange for approved accommodations.  Please discuss these accommodations with me during the first week of class, if possible.  If you have other special needs, such as emergency medical information, or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated please feel free to discuss these issues with me.

 

Class Policies:

 

- Attendance at all lectures and labs is mandatory.  Attendance will be taken periodically and will affect decisions regarding borderline final grades.

- All exams, lab work, and homework are to be completed individually unless specifically noted by the instructor.

- Coursework must be turned in on-time.  Late work will not be accepted.

- No “Extra Credit” will be given.

- Students are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the Student Code of Conduct as outlined within the Universities Student Handbook.

- This course involves use of expensive laboratory equipment and samples.   Damage of equipment resulting from misuse or abuse will constitute grounds for immediate administrative withdrawal from the course.

- Cell phones must be turned off during class (both lecture and lab).   If you have an emergency situation that requires access to a cell phone, please discuss your situation with me.

Course Outline

 

 

Week

 

Dates

 

Topics

 

Reading

 

1

 

Jan. 26–30

Intro. to Geology/ Intro. to Plate Tectonics

Minerals and Matter

Preface

(pp. 3-10),

Ch. 5,

Appendix A

 

2

 

Feb 2-6

Minerals and Mineral Resources

Lab 3:  Minerals

Ch. 14 , 15

 

3

 

Feb 9-13

Igneous and Sedimentary Rocks

Lab 4 and 5:  Rock Cycle and Igneous rocks

Friday,  Feb 13,  No Class

Interlude A

(pp. 129-135),

Ch. 6, Ch. 7

 

4

 

Feb 16-20

Monday, Feb 16,  No Class

Metamorphic Rocks

Lab 6:  Sedimentary rocks

Ch. 8,

Interlude B

(pp. 227-233)

 

5

 

Feb 23-27

Weathering, Soil, and Mass Wasting

Lab 7:  Metamorphic rocks  Lab Quiz Minerals

Ch. 16

 

6

 

Mar 1-5

Monday,  March 1,  Midterm Exam #1

Geologic Time

Lab 8:  Geochronology

Interlude D

(pp. 352-363),

Ch. 12

 

7

 

Mar 8-12

Surface Water

Lab 9:  Topo Maps

Ch. 17

 

 

8

 

Mar 15-19

Ground Water

Lab 10:  Geologic Maps  Lab Quiz Rocks

Friday, Oct  24,  Midterm Grades

Ch. 19

 

 

9

 

Mar 22–26

 

Spring Break, Mar 22-26, No Class

 

 

10

 

Mar 29 – Apr 2

Glaciers

Lab 11:  Streams

Ch. 22

 

 

11

 

Apr 5-9

Deserts

Lab: Self-directed Field trip to Peabody Museum

Ch. 21

 

12

 

Apr 12-16

Monday, April 12, Midterm Exam #2

Plate Tectonics

Lab 12:  Groundwater

Ch 3, Ch 4

 

13

 

Apr 19-23

Volcanoes and Igneous Activity

Lab 13: Glaciers Lab Quiz Maps and Structural Geology

Ch. 9

 

14

 

Apr 26–30

Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior

Lab 14:  Deserts

 

Ch 2, Ch 10,

Interlude C

(pp. 308-316)

 

15

 

May 3 – 7

Structural Geology,  Mountains and Mountain Building

Lab 16: Earthquakes

Ch. 11

 

16

 

May 10-14

Marine Geology and Coastal Processes

Lab 15: Coastal processes  Lab Quiz

Friday May 10, reading or make-up day

Ch 18

 

17

 

May 17–21

Final Exam Week

Comprehensive Final Exam

Monday, May 17,  10:15 am-12:15 pm

 

 

 

Note: This syllabus is meant to be a guide to the topics that will be covered in this course.  Coverage of individual topics and exam dates may be adjusted during the semester, any changes will be announced in class.