Geology 101
Introduction to Geology
Spring 2010
Instructor: Dr. Summer Rupper
Phone: 801-422-6946
Office: S317 ESC
Office Hours: M, 3-5
Email: summer_rupper@byu.edu
Lecture Classroom: 446 MARB
Lab Classroom: N-111 ESC
Text: Earth’s Dynamic Systems,
10th edition by Hamblin and
Christiansen
TA: Maria Asay
Office Hours: ????
Office:
Email: mslack5@yahoo.com
COURSE CONTENT
This course is an introduction to physical geology for non-geology majors. Materials from
the earth are crucial for humans whether they live in an adobe hut or in a high-rise apartment.
In this course you will learn how geologists contribute to the world’s need for raw materials
and the avoidance of natural and man-made hazards. It explores the essential concepts and
methods used by scientists to study the earth in order to (1) understand its nature, (2) discover
resources essential to society [fresh water, ores, petroleum, and rock/mineral materials], (3)
protect against natural hazards [landslides, earthquakes, flooding and more], and (4) protect
the environment [avoidance of ground water contamination, waste storage, and so on]. You
will also learn what science is, and how it works.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
On completion of this course, students will be able to
1. Apply factual knowledge gained to make informed choices concerning geology and
society,
2. Describe the different temporal and spatial scales over which earth-system processes
operate,
3. Discuss the idea that the earth is not static, but a dynamic, ever-evolving planet,
4. Develop a greater sense of awe and respect for the Earth and its Creator.
REQUIREMENTS
Reading and Textbook
You are responsible for reading/studying the textbook and occasional outside readings
available on the internet or Blackboard. The textbook is Earth’s Dynamic Systems, 10th
edition by Hamblin and Christiansen. The text is available online at http://earthds.info, and is
free of charge. The online chapters are *pdf files. Bound versions of the text can be
purchased from the traditional resources as well – BYU Bookstore, Amazon, etc.
1
Before reading a chapter, read the “Major Concepts” carefully. These will help you focus on
the important concepts as you read. Next, study each figure and read the captions – geology
is a visual science and this will greatly improve your comprehension of the text. Then read
the chapter, keeping in mind the key points you gleaned earlier, and take notes. Test your
understanding by answering the “Review Questions” at the end of the chapter. Finally, take
the online quiz for the chapter.
Quizzes
There will be a quiz twice a week on the assigned reading. Before coming to class, when we
are starting a new chapter, read the assigned chapter in the textbook (or on-line reading) and
take a quiz via Blackboard. Quizzes will be available 9am until 5pm the following day.
There are 14 quizzes, each worth 5 points. You have 20 minutes to complete each quiz. Be
sure to include enough time to save your file to Blackboard. Your two lowest quiz scores will
be dropped before grades are calculated.
Quizzes are open book/notes. They are NOT open friends!
Note: Use Firefox or Internet Explorer 6 as IE 7 will often cause you to drop (not save)
quizzes. When you look up your score in Blackboard and you see an “!” you exceeded your
time limit and no credit was given. If you see a padlock, you quit before saving (were using
IE7, your connection was lost, or whatever). On the first two quizzes, if you get a “!”, contact
the TA. After that, you know you have to allow time to save. If you have a padlock or other
quiz problems contact the TA via e-mail. If you receive a couple of padlocks, use a different
browser or take the quizzes using a campus computer with a reliable connection.
Important: You are responsible to take the steps necessary to avoid an “!” or a padlock and
ensure you successfully complete the quiz. After the first two quizzes, any problems
resulting in a missed quiz will count as a zero on that quiz. If problems arise due to
professor, TA, or university errors, you will not be penalized and we will correct the
problem.
Class Attendance
Attendance in lecture is expected. Lectures are the core of the class and you are responsible
for information covered therein. The lectures will cover points that are not in the textbook.
The lectures will help you figure out which subtopics are the most important to study.
Importantly, there will be numerous writing assignments, group discussions, and projects
during lecture that count towards your participation grade. These activities will be done
during class and handed in before class ends. If you miss these in-class assignments, you can
not make them up later.
Participation
A large portion of your grade will come from a sincere effort to actively participate in
activities during lecture. These activities will not be announced until lecture starts, so please
make sure you do not miss class. There will be a total of 15 in-class assignments throughout
the semester. These are graded for “credit” only. In other words, if you participated and
2
hand in something thoughtful, you receive full credit. If you are absent or turn in something
that shows little effort, you receive no credit. Three of the lowest in-class assignments will
be dropped.
Importantly, you will not be penalized for not participating in general class discussions.
Some people are far more comfortable asking questions and contributing to lectures than
others. Activities that are graded will be individual or in small groups.
Exams
There are three exams. Two midterms consisting of 40-50 questions (multiple choice,
matching, and/or true-false), and a comprehensive final consisting of approximately 100
questions.
There are two parts to the exam:
Part I:
The midterms will be taken in the testing center, and will be offered over a two day period.
This part of the exam will be worth 100 points. The final will be taken in class, and the first
part of the exam will be worth 200 pts.
Part II:
On the lecture day following the midterms, you will be given 25 minutes of class-time to
retake the exam with your neighbors, notes, and textbook. This “second attempt” will be
worth 10 points. The “second attempt” on the final will be taken the third hour of the exam
(or immediately after everyone has completed the exam). The second attempt on the final is
worth 25 pts. The “second attempt” is specifically designed to help you:
1) learn from the test itself,
2) improve your critical thinking and test taking skills,
3) improve your test score,
4) decrease test anxiety.
IMPORTANT: You may continue to study your notes and think about your test answers
after the test. However, you may NOT discuss the test or test answers with others until Part
II of the test begins. This alleviates any potential questions about cheating, and is therefore
important for you to strictly adhere to.
Assignments and Labs
There are four graded labs and three graded assignments. They consist of one- or two-page
reports or fill-in-the-blank worksheets related to (i) labs, (ii) fieldtrip, and (iv) current affairs
in geology. The purpose of these assignments is to open your eyes to the basic geology
around you and how it influences your life.
(i)
Labs: There are four lab assignments. The samples for the labs are in
wooden boxes in room N111 of the ESC. It is in the northwest corner on the
first floor. It should be open whenever the building is open. There is a
chance that the custodial staff may lock it earlier than it should be locked. If
this happens, please try to find a custodian and let me know in class or by
email.
3
There may also be other groups of students in the lab from other classes. You
have as much right to be there as they do. Just be respectful and try not to
interrupt one another.
(ii)
Rock Canyon Field Trip: There is one mandatory field trip. You have the
option of one of two days scheduled for the trip. See the schedule below for
dates and times. Choose one of the dates. Wear sturdy shoes, a warm coat,
and bring a notebook and pencil. At the beginning of class on the Wednesday
after the field trip, your report is due. The reports cover the geologic age,
structural features, and environments of deposition relating to key geologic
features studied on the trip. The final exam will include several questions
relating to the field trip. More information will be given closer to the field
trip dates.
(iii)
Current Affairs in Geology:
You will write two one-page reports
summarizing articles on current affairs relating to geology. These can be any
form of news media coverage of a current topic relating to geology. See the
schedule for the due dates of these reports. You will share your findings with
your peers in class on the day the reports are due.
HELPS
Study Groups
In the sciences and maths, group studying is one of the most effective learning methods.
Form your own groups and meet weekly at the same time and place. Use the chapter review
questions as an outline for your sessions.
Study Sessions with TA
Your TA will be available once or twice a week to help answer your questions about the
course materials. Consult the course schedule for times and rooms.
Wikipedia
To better understand a particular concept such as “continental drift vs plate tectonics” or
“mantle plumes”, or “radiometric dating”, and so on, you may find the Wikipedia useful.
Extra Credit
Five points each will be awarded for each of the following:
1) Attending an optional external lecture (TBA) and
2) Completing the online student evaluation of the course/professor at the end of the
semester.
POLICIES
Late Work
4
Please contact your TA or the Professor ahead of time if you can not take an exam or quiz
during the time allotted. Except for extenuating circumstances, quizzes, exams, and
assignments can not be turned in late.
Preventing Sexual Harassment
BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but
to students as well. If you encounter sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, or other
inappropriate behavior, please talk to your professor, contact the Equal Employment Office at
422-5895 or 367-5689, or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.
Students with Disabilities
BYU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with
disabilities. If you have any disability that may adversely affect your success in this course,
please contact the University Accessibility Center at 422-2767. Services deemed appropriate
will be coordinated with the student and instructor by that office.
Children in the Classroom
The study of Geology requires a degree of concentration and focus that is exceptional.
Having small children in class is often a distraction that degrades the educational experience
for the whole class. Please make other arrangements for child care rather than bringing
children to class with you. If there are extenuating circumstances, please talk with your
instructor in advance.
5
GRADING
Task
Points
Midterms (2 @ 110 points each) ………………………………220
Final exam..…………...………………………………………....225
Quizzes (14 @ 5 pts each, drop 2 lowest)………………………60
Participation (15 @ 5 pts each, drop 3 lowest)………………….60
Assignments……………………………………………………..120
Labs (4 @ 15 pts each)………………………..……60
Field Trip ……………………………………………30
Current Affairs Articles (2 @ 15 pts each)…..…30
Total Points………………………………………………………685
Extra Credit
Paleontology Museum Self-Guided Tour ……………………………..…………..5
Online Student Evaluations (end of semester) ………………...………………...5
Grading
94-100% = A
90-93.9% = A87-89.9% = B+
84-86.9% = B
80-83.9% = B77-79.9% = C+
74-76.9% = C
70-72.9% = C67-69.9% = D+
64-66.9% = D
60-62.9% = D<60% = E
6