Physical Geology (Hybrid) (GEOL 1403 CRN 14046 Fall 2018)

Instructor: Ayorinde Idowu

Course Syllabus added

 

Geology Program, Department of Natural Sciences

http://www.hccs.edu/geology

Course Syllabus

Physical Geology

GEOL 1403

 

Fall 2018    CRN 14046

 

Instructor contact information

Ayorinde Idowu             <[email protected]>                 Tel: 281-989-2208

 

Office Location and Hours: Sa after class in Room B221 Alief - Hayes Campus

 

Course Location/Times: Sa 9:00am – 11:50am Rm B221

 

Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH)

Credit Hours:  4             Lecture Hours: 3            Laboratory Hours: 3

 

Total Course Contact Hours

96.00

 

Course Length:

16 weeks

 

Type of Instruction

Lecture/Lab Hybrid (less than 50% in-person)

 

Orientation Exercise:

Access the orientation for this course @ www.hccs.edu for GEOL 1403 Hybrid Physical Geology. Our first class campus meeting will be on Saturday September 22, 2018, 9:00am – 11:50am, Alief - Hayes Campus Room B211

 

 

Course Description:

Introduction to the study of the materials and processes that have modified and shaped the surface and interior of Earth over time. These processes are described by theories based on experimental data and geologic data gathered from field observations. Laboratory activities will cover methods used to collect and analyze earth science data.

 

Course Prerequisite(s)

  • Qualify to take INRW 0420 – and –
  • Qualify to take MATH 0312 (Intermediate Algebra) or higher

Academic Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will recognize scientific and quantitative methods.
  2. Students will evaluate the differences of scientific approaches and communicate these findings, analyses, and interpretations in oral and written communication.
    3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values, religion, and public policies.
    4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
    5. Students will identify and recognize the differences in competing scientific theories.

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):

  1. Describe how the scientific method has led to our current understanding of Earth’s structure and processes.
    2. Interpret the origin and distribution of minerals, rocks and geologic resources.
    3. Describe the theory of plate tectonics and its relationship to the formation and distribution of Earth’s crustal features.
    4. Quantify the rates of physical and chemical processes acting on Earth and how these processes fit into the context of geologic time.
    5. Communicate how surface processes are driven by interactions among Earth’s systems (e.g., the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere).
    6. Identify and describe the internal structure and dynamics of Earth.
    7. Describe the interaction of humans with Earth (e.g., resource development or hazard assessment).
    8. (Lab) Classify rocks and minerals based on chemical composition, physical properties, and origin.
    9. (Lab) Apply knowledge of topographic maps to quantify geometrical aspects of topography.
    10. (Lab) Identify landforms on maps, diagrams, and/or photographs and explain the processes that created them.
    11. (Lab) Differentiate the types of plate boundaries and their associated features on maps and profiles and explain the processes that occur at each type of boundary.
    12. (Lab) Identify basic structural features on maps, block diagrams and cross sections and infer how they were created.
    13. (Lab) Demonstrate the collection, analysis, and reporting of data.

 

Learning Objectives

1.1. Defend or criticize the evidence for Plate Tectonics. 

 

2.1 Compare the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

2.2 Explain distribution and formation of fossil fuel and mineral resources.

 

3.1. Identify the major physiographic features of the oceans and continents related to their plate tectonic setting

3.2. Sketch the different types of plate boundaries and label the features.

 

4.1 Evaluate the movement of the continents from the formation of Pangaea to present day positions. 

4.2 Compare rates of geologic surface processes (e.g., rate of glacial retreat, erosion, coastal retreat)

 

5.1 Describe the combination of processes that shape landforms.

5.2 Evaluate how the biosphere affects rates of chemical weathering.

 

6.1 Draw and label a diagram of the interior of the earth.

6.2 Describe how Earth’s internal structure impacts plate motion.

 

7.1 Discuss human modification of Earth’s surface and how it contributes to geologic hazards (e.g., dams, highways, wetland development).

 

8.1. Identify a variety of common rock-forming minerals using physical properties.

8.2. Identify igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks using texture and composition.

 

9.1. Read, interpret, analyze and understand topographic maps and geological profiles in terms of relief, contour intervals, and elevation.

9.2. Construct topographic maps with provided data.

 

10.1. Use various forms of technology (e.g., Google Earth, stereo photographs) to identify landforms.

 

11.1 Draw and label a profile of a subduction zone and a divergent boundary.

11.2 Identify the plate boundary types based on landforms seen on the map (e.g., offset rivers along transform fault)

 

12.1 Label and interpret folds and faults on geologic maps and cross-sections.

12.2 Interpret the geologic structures in relation to plate tectonic stresses.

 

13.1. Locate the epicenter of an earthquake by reading a seismogram.

 

Core Curriculum Objectives:

This course is in the Life and Physical Science Core Curriculum “functional component area” and meets the objectives of:

  • Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
  • Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
  • Empirical and Quantitative Skills - to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
  • Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal

 

Course Calendar

 

  • Note: Overall semester assignments including relevant chapters, quizzes, tests, and lab are available on McGraw-Hill Connect, Canvas, My Lab/Mastering; and Lab Manual respectively

 

  • (08/27/2018 – 12/16/2018)
  • Tentative Schedule:

WEEK #

 

Topics for the Week

Reading

Chapters

Lab/Assignments

Quiz/Test

WEEK #1:

(AUG 27 – SEPT 2)

 

WEEK #2

THE NATURE OF GEOLOGY

 

 

INVESTIGATING GEOLOGIC QUESTIONS

CH.1

 

 

CH.2

 

(Posted 08/27 – Due 09/02/2018)

 Lab 1 – Filling Your Geoscience Toolbox

(Posted 09/03 – Due 09/09/2018)

Lab 2 – Plate Tectonics

WEEK # 3

PLATE TECTONICS

 

 CH.3

 

(Posted 09/10 – Due 09/16/2018)

Lab 3 - Mineral Properties, Identification, and Uses

WEEK # 4

 

EARTH MATERIALS

 

 

CH.4

(Posted 09/17 – Due 09/23/2018)  

Lab 4 – Rock Forming Processes and the Rock Cycle

WEEK # 5

 

WEEK # 6

 

IGNEOUS ENVIRONMENTS

 

 

VOLCANOES AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS

 

 

 

CH.5

 

 

 

CH. 6

(Posted 09/24 – Due 09/30/2018)

 Lab 5 – Igneous Rocks and Processes

 

(Posted 10/1 – Due 10/7/2018)

Lab 6 – Sedimentary Processes, Rocks, and Environments

WEEK # 7

 

 

 

SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS AND ROCKS

 

TEST 1: CH. (1-7) on campus on October 13

 

 

CH. 7

 

 

 

 

(10/08 – Due 10/14/2018)

Lab 7 – Metamorphic Rocks, Processes, and Resources

TEST 1: October 13 (on campus)  

WEEK # 8

 DEFORMATION AND METAMORPHISM

LAB TEST 1(MINERALS & ROCKS IDENTIFICATION) OCT 20

CH.8

 

 

(Posted 10/15 – Due 10/21/2018)

Lab 8 – Dating of Rocks, Fossils, and Geologic Events

LAB TEST 1(MINERALS & ROCKS IDENTIFICATION) OCT 20

WEEK # 9

 

 

 

 GEOLOGIC TIME

CH. 9

 

 

(Posted 10/22 – Due 07/28/2018)

Lab 9 – Topographic Maps

WEEK # 10

 

WEEK # 11

THE SEAFLOOR AND CONTINENTAL MARGINS

 

 

 

MOUNTAINS, BASINS, AND CONTINENTS

 

  

CH.10

 

 

CH. 11

 

(Posted 10/29 – Due 11/4/2018)

Lab 10 – Geologic Structures, Maps, and Block Diagrams

 

(Posted 11/5 – Due 11/11/2018)

Lab 11 – Stream Processes, Geomorphology, and Hazards

 

WEEK # 12

 EARTHQUAKES AND EARTH’S INTERIOR

 

CH. 12

(Posted 11/12 – Due 11/18/2018)

 Lab 12 – Groundwater Processes, Resources and Risks

WEEK # 13

 

       

 CLIMATE, WEATHER, AND THEIR INFLUENCES ON GEOLOGY

 

 

CH. 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLACIERS, SHORELINES, AND CHANGING SEA LEVELS

 

 TEST 2 (CH. 8-13): on campus NOV 24

CH. 14

 

TEST 2 (CH. 8-13): on campus NOV 24

WEEK # 14

 

WEATHERING, SOILS, AND UNSTABLE SLOPES

CH.15

REVIEW

 

 

 

STREAMS AND FLOODING

 

 

WATER RESOURCES

 

 

CH. 16

 

CH. 17 

 

 

WEEK # 15

 

 ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

CH. 18

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW

 

WEEK # 15

 GEOLOGY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

 LAB TEST 2 (ON MAPS) DEC 8

 

CH. 19

LAB TEST 2 (MAPS) DEC 8

 

WEEK # 16

 

FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (CH. 1-19) on campus DEC 15

 

 

 

 

Instructional Methods

Hybrid (less than 50% in-person). We will make use of tools on Eagle Online Canvas (EO). Quizzes, lab handouts, announcements, slideshows, animations can all be found here. EagleOnline is available at http://eagleonline.hccs.edu/ . EagleOnline Canvas is an internet-based course management system. You are expected to log-in to the Canvas EagleOnline site every few days to keep up with course materials.

Ba sure to register for our Connect site to access text related assignments and exercises at: http://connect.mheducation.com/class/a-idowu-geol-1403-spring-2018

 

Student Assignments

Assignments in this course will include weekly reading assignments with Connect on-line SmartBook, and lab assignments. The Connect system is designed to aid students in preparing for class by focusing reading. LearnSmart is a very helpful study product. The goal of LearnSmart is to help you learn the topics presented in each assignment by asking you a series of questions that adapt to your strengths and weaknesses to guide you through the materials you need to learn.

Most of the lab assignments will be directly from the lab book. You may work with any other partner in the class, but you will each produce individual work for submission.

 

Student Assessments

Weekly Quizzes and Exams will assess Student Learning Outcomes 1-7 relating to material presented in the textbook chapters and discussed in class

Quizzes: will be assigned throughout the semester, and administered on-line via the class Eagle Online site. Once the deadline has passed you will not be able to take the quiz

 

Examinations: Lecture exams will consist of a variety of question types including multiple choice, fill-in, short answer, image labeling and sketching. Exam dates are indicated on the course calendar listed earlier in the syllabus. Lab quizzes will also be given to cover some of the skills practiced in the lab exercises. The first lab quiz will be rock and mineral identification; and the second lab quiz will cover materials as announced

 

Missed Examinations: As a rule, no make-up exams will be given and a grade of 0 will be earned if an exam is missed. Should an exam be missed due to an exceptional situation beyond the student’s control, the situation will be assessed on an individual merit but the instructor should be notified of the situation as soon as possible.

 

 Instructor's Requirements

Lab Requirements: Lab attendance is mandatory and la meetings are from 9am – 12noon every Saturday scheduled. Lab exercises and assignments are designed to complement the lecture/textbook material and give you hands-on experience with the concepts. Thinking through and understanding the lab assignments are a big step toward learning the material. Collaborative group work is encouraged while you learn from your classmates and they from you

 

Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones, smart phone, and pagers should be turned to silent and you can talk in the hallway

 

Technology Requirements: You must have reliable, regular access to an internet-connected computer, as well back-up plans for where to log-in to our class

 

Program/Discipline Requirements:

Lab Requirements
Lab attendance and participation is mandatory. The lab exercises and assessments will be 25% of the total course grade. Lab exercises and assignments are designed to complement the lecture and give you hands-on experience with the concepts covered in lecture. Thinking through and understanding lab assignments is a big step toward learning the material. Collaborative group work is emphasized. You can learn from your classmates and them from you.

All HCC policies regarding attendance, withdrawal, academic honesty, students with disabilities, grading, and student rights will be followed in this course. Refer to syllabus section titled "Instructor's Requirements", "HCC Policy Statements", and "Grading" for more details as well as the Student Handbook: http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/

Where can you get help? Visit your instructor during office hours. Contact your instructor to meet at a time outside of office hours. Get help online via: https://hccs.upswing.io/  Search for tutoring at HCC at: http://ctle3.hccs.edu/alltutoring/

 

HCC Grading Scale:

A = 100- 90:                 4 points per semester hour

B = 89 - 80:                  3 points per semester hour

C = 79 - 70:                  2 points per semester hour

D = 69 - 60:                  1 point per semester hour

59 and below = F         0 points per semester hour

FX (Failure due to non-attendance)          0 points per semester hour

IP (In Progress)                                         0 points per semester hour

W (Withdrawn)                                          0 points per semester hour

I (Incomplete)                                            0 points per semester hour

AUD (Audit)                                               0 points per semester hour

IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses.

FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester. Students who stop attending classes will receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. Logging into an Online course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never attended class.

Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to the Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of "FX" is treated exactly the same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic progress.

Instructor Grading Criteria

Grades for this course are earned based on the divisions listed below. Some consideration is given when assessing borderline grades, to those student who have demonstrated steady progress and who have actively contributed to class sessions during the semester. Grades will be displayed on the Grade Book on Canvas, though the total may not (Note: Students are responsible to keep up to date on their cumulative grade total)

 

Final Grade Formula:

Smartbook Chapter Assignments…………………………………....10%

Quizzes………………………………………………………………....10%

Test 1……………………………………………………………………10%

Test 2……………………………………………………………………10%

Final Test (Comprehensive)…………………………………………..30%

Lab Test 1 (Minerals/Rocks Identification)………………………….10%

Lab Test 2 (Maps: Topographic/Structural/Block)…………………..10%

Lab Assignments……………………………………………………….10%

 

Total                                                                                               100%

 

 

 

 Instructional Materials

 

Textbook: Exploring Geology, 5th ed., Reynolds et al., McGraw-Hill, 2018. ISBN 9781260139976 (access code for Connect system) Students will purchase an access code to Connect either at the HCC bookstores or directly from McGraw-Hill. The cost is lower if purchased directly from the Connect website. Students will have the option to order loose-leaf printed copies of the textbook for a small fee once they are registered in Connect. Once you log-in to the Connect system you have the option of ordering a loose-leaf copy of the book if you would like a hardcopy.

 

Lab Book: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 11th ed., edited by Busch, Prentice Hall, 2017 (ISBN 13-9780134446608).

 

Eagle Online Canvas Learning Management System

This section of GEOL 1403 will use Eagle Online Canvas (https://eagleonline.hccs.edu) to supplement in-class assignments, exams, and activities. HCCS Open Lab locations may be used to access the Internet and Eagle Online Canvas.  It is recommended that you USE FIREFOX OR CHROME AS YOUR BROWSER.

 

HCC Policy Statement:

Please familiarize yourself with campus policies in the HCC Student Handbook for topics including: ADA (students with disabilities), Scholastic Dishonesty, HCC Grading scales and Incomplete/W/FX grade definitions, General Student Attendance, Repeating courses, Electronic Devices in class, Threatening Behavior, Religious Holidays, withdrawal deadline and mores: http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-handbook/

 

Withdrawal Policy: The withdrawal deadline is listed on HCC’s academic year calendar for reference as the absolute date

 

HCC Email Policy: When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC email system to protect your privacy.  If you have not activated your HCC student email account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now.  You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.

 

Student Basic Needs

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so.

 

Disability Services (ADA):

HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services.  It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/

 

HCC Sexual Harassment Policy and Title IX: Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.  Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity.  Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status-in educational programs and activities.  If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy, please contact an Abilities Services Counselor.  The Director of EEO/Compliance is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator.  All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:

David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]

http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

 

HCC Campus Carry statement: For information regarding HCC Campus Carry: http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/police/campus-carry/.

 

EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.

Course Information

A syllabus hasn't been posted for this course yet.