PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 1403 CRN 59312 (HYBRID COURSE)

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 Syllabus

Physical Geology

GEOL 1403 (Hybrid)

Spring 2018 Class Number (CRN) 59312

Instructor contact information (phone number and email address)

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

Office Location and Hours

Saturday before or after class in Room 203, HCC Spring Branch NW College

Most of your contact with me will be via EagleOnline’s “inbox” feature. The reply email address will only be your [email protected] address. For your information security I won’t reply to emails that are not from your [email protected] address.

Course Location/Times

Saturday 9am-12noon; Room 203 Spring Branch

Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable

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 meeting on Campus is on Saturday January 20, 2018, 9:00AM – 11:50AM Room 203 Spring Branch HCC Northwest College

 

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

Course Goals: The purpose of this course is to enable students to use facts and observations about geologic processes operating today and in the past. Concepts to be learned include major elements of tectonic theory; how the Earth systems modify landscapes; the impact of geologic processes on our local environment; and the Global environment. Students will learn to interpret data from a variety of resources including topographic maps, rock and mineral collections, personal observation, and the World Wide Web. Entry level students who may have little previous exposure to the sciences can learn to interpret geologic data from a scientific point of view. Geology is an eclectic science involving exposure to applications of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to understand geologic processes. Many of the concepts you will learn in this course deal with basic principle from these fields.

 

Academic Discipline/CTE 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 goalCourse Calendar

 

  • (01/15/2018 – 05/06/2018)Tentative Schedule: 

Week

 

Topics for the Week

Reading

Lab/Assignments

Quiz/Test

1

 

 

 

THE NATURE OF GEOLOGY

 

INVESTIGATING GEOLOGIC QUESTIONS

CH.1

 

CH.2

Quiz 1(Assignments) on chapters 1 and 2

PreLab 1 & Lab 1 quiz

(Posted 01/21/2018 – Due 01/27/2018

 

Lab 1 – Filling Your Geoscience Toolbox

2    

PLATE TECTONICS

 

 

CH.3

Quiz 2(Assignments) on chapter 3

PreLab 2 & Lab 2 quiz

(Posted 01/28/2018 – Due 02/03/2018

 

Lab 2 – Plate Tectonics

3

 

EARTH MATERIALS

 

 

CH.4

Quiz 3(Assignments) on chapter 4

PreLab 3 & Lab 3 quiz

(Posted 02/04/2018 – Due 02/10/2018

 

Lab 3 – Mineral Properties, Identification, and Uses

4

IGNEOUS ENVIRONMENTS

 

VOLCANOES AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS

 

CH.5

 

CH. 6

Quiz 4(Assignments) on chapters 5, and 6

PreLab 4 & Lab 4 quiz

(Posted 02/11/2018 – Due 02/17/2018

 

Lab 4 – Rock Forming Processes and the Rock Cycle

5

 

 

 

SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS AND ROCKS

 

TEST 1 (CH. 1-7)

 

CH. 7

 

 

 

Quiz 5(Assignments) on chapter 7

PreLab 5 & Lab 5 quiz

(Posted 02/18/2018 – Due 02/24/2018

 

Lab 5 – Igneous Rocks and Processes

6

DEFORMATION AND METAMORPHISM

CH.8

 

 

Quiz 6(Assignments) on chapter 8

PreLab 6 & Lab 6 quiz

(Posted 02/25/2018 – Due 03/03/2018

 

Lab 6 – Sedimentary Processes, Rocks, and Environments

7

 

 

 

GEOLOGIC TIME

 

(LAB TEST 1 (ROCK AND MINERAL IDENTIFICATION)

 

CH. 9

 

Quiz 7(Assignments) on chapter 9

PreLab 7 & Lab 7 quiz

(Posted 03/04/2018 – Due 03/10/2018

 

Lab 7 – Metamorphic Rocks, Processes, and Resources

8

 

THE SEAFLOOR AND CONTINENTAL MARGINS

 

MOUNTAINS, BASINS, AND CONTINENTS

 

      

CH.10

 

 

CH. 11

 

 No other assignment due to Spring Break

 

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

9

EARTHQUAKES AND EARTH’S INTERIOR

 

CH. 12

Quiz 9(Assignments) on chapters 10 and 11

PreLab 9 & Lab 9 quiz

(Posted 03/18/2018 – Due 03/24/2018

 

Lab 9 – Topographic Maps

10

 

         

CLIMATE, WEATHER, AND THEIR INFLUENCES ON GEOLOGY

 

TEST 2 (CH. 8-13) online

 

CH. 13

 

 

 

Quiz 10(Assignments) on chapters 12 and 13

PreLab 10 & Lab 10 quiz

(Posted 03/25/2018 – Due 03/31/2018

 

Lab 10 – Geologic Structures, Maps, and Block Diagrams

TEST 2: 03/30-03/31 (CH. 8-13 online)

11

GLACIERS, SHORELINES, AND CHANGING SEA LEVELS

 

CH. 14

 

Quiz 11(Assignments) on chapter 14

PreLab 11 & Lab 11 quiz

(Posted 03/18/2018 – Due 03/24/2018

 

Lab 11 – Stream Processes, Geomorphology, and Hazards

12

WEATHERING, SOILS, AND UNSTABLE SLOPES

 

 

CH.15

Quiz 12(Assignments) on chapter 15

(Posted 03/25/2018 – Due 03/31/2018

 

 

13

WEATHER ANALYSIS & FORECASTING

 

WATER RESOURCES

 

 

CH. 16

 

CH. 17

 

 

Quiz 13(Assignments) on chapters 16 and 17

 

(Posted 04/01/2018 – Due 04/07/2018

 

 

14

ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

 

LAB TEST 2 (TOPOGRAPGHIC/STRUCTURAL MAPS/TECTONICS SYSTEMS)

CH. 18

 

 

 

 

 

Quiz 14(Assignments) on chapter 18

(Posted 04/08/2018 – Due 04/14/2018

 

15

 

GEOLOGY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

  

CH. 19

Quiz 15(Assignments) on chapter 19

2

(Posted 04/15/2018 – Due 04/21/2018

 

16

 

 

FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (CH. 1-19)

 

 05/05 on Campus                                       

            

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.

PreLab: Students will work on short assignments which will introduce the laboratory materials

Prior to arriving at the week’s lab session. The assignment will need to be completed before arriving to class in order to participate in the day’s laboratory exercise.

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 EagleOnline 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: If applicable

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/district/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:

 

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, 4th ed., Reynolds et al., McGraw-Hill, 2016. ISBN 9781259292217 (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.

The Connect site is:

 

http://connect.mheducation.com/class/a-idowu-geol-1403-spring-2018

 

Lab Book: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 10th ed., edited by Busch, Prentice Hall, 2014 (ISBN 13-9780321944511).

 

HCC Policy Statement:

Please familiarize yourself with campus policies in the HCC Student Handbook for topics including: ADA (students with disabilities), Scholastic Dishonesty, 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/

 

Student with Disabilities (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/

 

Withdrawal Policy: The withdrawal deadline is April 3, 2018 at 4:30PM. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm this date on HCC current academic calendar and withdraw from the class. I will not withdraw you from the class. You are able and capable of adding the course to your schedule, so you are able and capable of removing it when you decide to drop. If you do not drop and simply stop participating without withdrawing you will receive a grade at the end of the semester and it will likely be an F.

 

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]

 

HCC Campus Carry statement: At HCC the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our first priority. As of August 1, 2017, Houston Community College is subject to the Campus Carry Law (SB11 2015). For more information, visit the HCC Campus Carry web page at http://www.hccs.edu/district/departments/police/campus-carry/.

 

http://www.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/student-services/HCC-Online-Student-Handbook.pdf

 

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.