HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EASC 121
EARTH SCIENCE, SPRING 2012
GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE/CREDITS:
EASC 121
Introduction to Earth Science 3 Semester Credit Hours
INTRODUCTION:
EASC 121, Introduction to Earth Science, is an introductory course designed to give an overview of
the physical nature and processes that shape the environment both on and beyond earth. Discussions
will incorporate current issues that affect the environment.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory physical science class that surveys the fields of geology, oceanography,
atmospheric science and astronomy. An optional lab (EASC 122) will apply earth science principles
to lecture material. Environmental concerns will be discussed in this class. This class is suitable for
students with minimal course work in the sciences and mathematics
TEXTBOOK:
Earth Science, 13th ed, Tarbuck and Lutgens, Prentice Hall, let me know if you have another edition
of the book as we can make that work as well.
PREREQUISITE FOR THE COURSE:
None.
INSTRUCTORS INFORMATION:
--Name: Mark Finley
--Office Location: RM 2404, Instructional Commons Building
Phone: (309) 268-8642
Email: mark.finley@heartland.edu
--Office Hours and Accessibility: MW 9-10 & 12:00-12:30; TR 7:30-8 & 10:45 -11:15. You’re
welcome to try or contact me at anytime. Appointments can also be made at your convenience.
The times that the course meets are clearly listed in the Credit Course Schedule.
LEARNING OUTCOMES (COURSE OBJECTIVES):
Course Outcomes
1. Understand how to
process knowledge
and evaluate
information using
the scientific
method.
2. Develop an
understanding of
how natural
systems operate
and interact as a
holistic system.
3. Demonstrate an
understanding of
key concepts and
theories in the
areas of geology,
meteorology,
astronomy and
oceanography.
4. Identify and
examine how
knowledge of earth
systems can be
applied to the
concept of
sustainability.
5. Demonstrate the
ability to
evaluate
information and
use reasoning
skills to
formulate and
support personally
held beliefs.
HCC General Education
Outcomes
Throughout the
semester students
will achieve the
following General
Education Outcomes.
Course outcomes may
correlate to one or
more of the following
General Education
Outcomes.
PS 2: Student
identifies the type
of problem and used a
framework to solve
the problem
CO 2: Student
effectively delivers
a message via
channels/modalities
CT 1: Students gather
knowledge, apply it
to a new situation,
and draw reasonable
conclusions in ways
that demonstrate
comprehension
DI 3: Student
reflects upon the
formation of their
own perspectives,
beliefs, opinions,
attitudes, ideals,
and values
Range of
Assessment
Methods
The following
are possible
formative
assessments an
instructor may
use to assess
student learning
and course
pedagogy:
group
discussion,
student
presentations,
worksheets, inclass questions,
self-assessment
exercises, endof chapter
exercises
The following
are possible
summative
assessments that
an instructor
may use: exams,
papers, quizzes,
projects,
presentations,
other
assessments may
also be applied
as deemed
appropriate by
the instructor
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
EASC 121 fulfills 3 of the semester hours of credit in Life and Physical Science required for the
A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core
Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and
universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for
transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information
as well at www.itransfer.org
Introduction to Earth Science provides a basic science foundation necessary for further college-level
science courses.
EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS
BELIEFS ABOUT THE DISCIPLINE:
Earth science provides a means to know more about the environment in which you live, consequently
you will be better able to enjoy, exploit and protect your environment.
BELIEFS ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:
Students must take an active role in the learning process or it will not take place. Desire and effort
are the key ingredients in student success.
BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHER'S ROLE:
The teacher is responsible for fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning, i.e., encouraging
questions, interesting presentations, etc. Do not be afraid to ask questions, I am very approachable,
don't hesitate to do so.
COURSE OUTLINE:
1. Introduction to Earth Science
a. Scientific Method
2. Astronomy
a. Universe
b. Galaxy
c. Solar System
3. Meteorology
a. Atmospheric Structure
b. Radiation Budget
c. Atmospheric Circulation
4. Geology
a. Earth Materials
b. Plate Tectonics
c. Surface Processes
5. Physical Oceanography
a. Oceanic Processes
b. Deep Water Environment
c. Coastal Environment
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams/Grading Systems):
Any combination of the following may be used as summative
assessments to measure student learning: presentations,
projects, research papers, quizzes, group projects, exams.
Other assessments may also be applied as deemed appropriate by
the instructor.
Exams - 80%
Other - 20%
GRADING SCALE
90-100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
Below 60 =F
DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND RATIONALE:
Informal lecture and discussion. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and contribute
to discussion throughout.
POLICIES ON ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS/MAKEUPS:
There will be no test or quiz make-ups, except for College-sanctioned student activities, if you
miss a test that will be the test that you drop. Be on time for tests, you will not be allowed to take the
test if you arrive after the first person has completed the test and left the room. Electronic devices,
including cell phones, must be shut off, during testing, don’t use them during a test or it results in a
failing grade.
NO TEXTING DURING CLASS.
REQUIRED WRITING:
Homework, tests and quizzes
POLICIES ON ATTENDANCE:
Regular class attendance is an important part of educational success and is expected of all students.
You are responsible for all missed lecture material. Attendance will be taken randomly during the
semester as part of your overall score. You must be present at the time that attendance is called to be
recorded as present.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in
the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web
site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been
cancelled for that day and the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might
contain a message from the instructor.
SIGNIFICANT DATES:
9 May
12-16 Mar
11-17 May
Last Day of Class
Mid-Term Break
Finals Week
This schedule is subject to change. The weekly schedule can be used as a guide, however, depending
on the class and circumstances the class may progress at a faster or slower rate then the schedule
indicates. The week in which the tests will be given are provided as estimates only.
CALENDAR
ASTRONOMY
Chap 21
Chap 24
Chap 23
TEST
WEATHER
Chap 16
Chap 17
TEST
Chap 18
Chap 19
TEST
GEOLOGY
Chap 7
Chap 8
Chap 9
TEST
Chap 2
Chap 3
Chap 4
TEST
TENATIVE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
This is subject to change depending on the pace of the class
WEEK 1-2– Astronomy ,
WEEK 2-4 – Astronomy - TEST
WEEK 4– Weather – Vertical Structure, Earth/Sun Relationships
WEEK 4-5 – Weather – Heat Transfer, Greenhouse Effect, Temperature Controls
WEEK 5 – Weather – Phases of Matter, Adiabatic Processes, Stability
WEEK 5-6– Weather – Clouds, Precip, TEST
WEEK 7-8 –Weather – Pressure / Winds
WEEK 8-9 – Weather - Winds, Mid Latitude Cyclones
WEEK 10 – Weather - Severe Weather - TEST
WEEK 10-11 –Geology – Plate Tectonics
WEEK 12-14 – Geology – Earthquakes/Volcanoes -TEST
WEEK 15-16- Geology – Minerals, Rock Cycle, Igneous and Sedimentary Rocks, TEST
DATES FOR EXAMS/QUIZZES:
You will be informed at least two class periods in advance before tests. Quizzes can occur with or
without prior notice.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS:
The site listed below includes information such as Testing Services, Academic Support Center
Services, Career Services, Counseling Services, academic integrity, and grade philosophy.
http://intranet/cas/docs/studentsyllabuspacket.pdf