School of Mathematics and Sciences
Sierra Vista – Winter 2014
November 10, 2014 – February 14, 2015
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically
challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional success lifelong learning,
and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology 1
CAMPUS: Tucson Campus,
INSTRUCTOR:
Michael Engel
Office Hours, Building and Location: Before and after class
Email:
Michael.engel@wayland.wbu.edu
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: An introduction to rock and mineral materials, and the dynamic processes
responsible for shaping Earth and providing our natural resources, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, and
various surficial processes.
PREREQUISITE: none
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology; Tarbuck and Lutgens; 10th ed.; Prentice
Hall
OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
 Understand current theories of the origin of the solar system and planetary differentiation
 Be able to identify common rocks and minerals
 Have knowledge of the current state of Plate Tectonics theory
 Understand major concepts used in study of the history of the earth
 Have knowledge of surface and subsurface geologic processes (e.g. volcanism, earthquakes)
 Be able to relate these processes to a plate tectonics reference frame
ATTENDANCE-TIME COMMITMENT: The university expects students to make class attendance a priority. If a
student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of that student to notify the instructor immediately and
to acquire the notes from another student for the class(es) missed. More than three absences will result in at
least a one (1) letter drop in the final grade and could result in a failure of the course.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the
policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or
activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a
disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291- 3765. Documentation of a
disability must accompany any request for accommodations.”
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disability that may require accommodation
during the lecture or laboratory portions of the course. It is of particular importance to report any condition or
disability that may affect the safety of the individual or others. Information provided for this purpose will be kept
strictly confidential and will not in any way affect the individual’s course grade.
Disability Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the
university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and
should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must
accompany any request for accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students will be evaluated by examinations, class assignments, etc. as described
in this syllabus under the heading “Evaluation”.
EVALUATION: University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C =70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
Points
%
Exams
3 (60 points each)
180
60%
Assignments
8 (15 points each)
120
40%
300
100%
Assignment*s: All assignments are due no later than the date AND time listed on the posted DUE DATES
document. Time is based on Plainview time (Central Time Zone U.S.) Late assignments are graded as 0*. The
first assignment may be turned in by the second week deadline. (This is to allow all students sufficient time to
obtain materials.)
Note: You must have a valid reason for missing an exam. Missed exams must be made up within 7
days and will result in a 10% penalty. Consult with the instructor immediately should you require a
make-up exam.
*Exception for serious illness (hospital time) or major emergencies may be allowed only at instructor discretion.
You will be required to furnish evidence of any extenuating circumstances. If you are military and will be going
TDY during the course, you need to let me know ahead of time (verification from your C.O. may be required).
Class
11 Nov
18 Nov
2 Dec
9 Dec
16 Dec
13 Jan
6 Jan
20 Jan
27 Jan
3 Feb
10 Feb
TOPIC
Course Introduction
An Introduction to Geology
Plate tectonics
Matter and minerals
Igneous rocks
Volcanism
Metamorphic rocks
Exam 1
Sedimentary rocks and their
environments
Mass wasting
Crustal deformation- Structural
Geology, weathering and soils
Earthquakes and Earth’s interior
Exam 2
Geologic time
mountain building & sea floor
Running Water and Groundwater
Glaciers & deserts
Final Exam
Assignments
Read Sections
Chapter 1
HW1
HW2
HW3
HW4
HW5
HW6
HW7
HW8
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 8
Chapter 1,2,3,4,5,8
Chapter 7
Chapter 15
Chapter 10 & 6
Chapter 11 & 12
Chapter 7,8,10,11,12,15
Chapter 9
Chapter 13 & 14
Chapter 16 & 17
Chapter 18&19
Chapter 9,13,14,16,17,18,19
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.