Southern Connecticut State University

Earth Science 110 – Earth Sciences Section 02 & 03

Course Syllabus – Spring 2003

 

Instructor: Thomas Van Biersel (vanbierselt1@southernct.edu)

Office/Phone: Morrill 214C/(203) 392-5842

Office Hours: TR 4:00-5:30 and MW 11:00-12:00 (or by appointment)

Tentative Schedule

 

Date

Lecture Topic

Reading

Labs

1/21

Introduction to Earth Science

Preface

 

1/23

Introduction to Astronomy

Chap. 19

 

1/28

Planetary Motion, the Seasons, the Solar System: Earth & Moon

Chap. 19

 

1/30

 

 

#1 Measurements

2/4

The Solar System: Terrestrial, Jovian & Sun

Chap. 20

 

2/6

 

 

#2 Horizon system

2/11

Astronomical Observations, Star System

Chap. 21&22

 

2/13

 

 

#3 Celestial coordinates

2/18

Review & Lecture Exam I

 

 

2/20

 

 

#4 Insolation and seasons

2/25

Intro. to Meteorology, Origin & Composition of the Atmosphere

Chap. 14

 

2/27

 

 

#5 Weather instruments

3/4

Structure of the Atmosphere, Water in the Atmosphere

Chap. 14&15

 

3/6

 

 

#6 Weather maps

3/11

Atmospheric Circulation, Severe Weather

Chap. 16

 

3/13

 

Chap. 17

#7 Topographic maps

3/18

Review & Lecture Exam II

 

 

3/20

 

 

#8 Minerals

3/25

Spring Recess

 

 

3/27

 

 

Spring Recess

4/1

Introduction to Geology, Elements, Minerals

Chap. 1

 

4/3

 

 

#9 Rocks (igneous)

4/8

Rock Cycle

Chap. 2

 

4/10

 

 

#10 Rocks (sed. and meta.)

4/15

Geologic Processes, Earth Interior & Earthquakes

Chap. 3&6

 

4/17

Review & Lecture Exam III

 

#11 Earthquakes

4/22

Introduction to Oceanography, Origin & Properties of Seawater

Chap. 12

 

4/24

 

 

#12 Salinity and density

4/29

Seafloor, Plate Tectonic

Chap. 7&12

 

5/1

 

 

#13 Tides

5/6

Ocean Currents and Circulation, Waves & Coastline

Chap. 13

 

5/8

 

 

#14 Ocean floor

5/13

Sec 02 Lecture Exam IV (6:00-8:00 pm)

 

 

5/15

Sec 03 Lecture Exam IV (7:30-9:30 pm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: The sciences pertaining to the earth and its place in the universe. Major aspects of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy are considered.

 

"the earth is not finished, but is now being, and will forevermore be re-made”

Charles Richard Van Hise

 

Required Texts:         Earth Sciences by Tarbuk & Lutgen (Pearson Education)

Introduction to Earth Sciences ESC 110 Lab Manual by Drobnyk & Others (Southern Connecticut State University)

 

Grade:  The final grade will be based on the following:

 

š     four one-hour lecture exams (15% each)

š     five in class short quizzes based on current events (2% each)

š     lab exercises (30%)

 

No make-up exams, quizzes or exercises will be given (unless for documented medical reasons in accordance with university policies).  Exams will not be returned to the student but can be viewed during the instructor’s office hours

 

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.

 

Attendance: There will be no make-up labs or lectures.  It is the student’s responsibility to attend all scheduled lectures or to make other prior arrangements with the instructor.  Laboratory attendance is mandatory.  Any three unapproved absence from lab will result in one letter grade penalty.  No late work will be accepted.  No “Extra Credit” will be given.

 

Policies:  Students are expected to behave in accordance with the SCSU Student Code of Conduct.

 

Students with Disabilities: As a student with a disability, before you may receive course accommodations in this class, you will need to make an appointment with the Disability Resource Office located in EN 15 to arrange for approved accommodations.  However, if you have other information you would like to speak with me about, such as emergency medical information, or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment as soon as possible.