School of Mathematics and Sciences
Fairbanks – Spring 2014
February 24, 2014 – May 17, 2014
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: Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks
INSTRUCTOR:
Jennifer Bell
Office Hours, Building and Location: Before class and by appointment
Email:
Jennifer.m.bell@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 (ISBN 13: 978-0-321-81393-0), 11th ed
by Tarbuck & Lutgens; Prentice Hall Publishing Co.
**Online access to http://www.masteringgeology.com/site/login.html com is required for
completion of class activities. Access is included with purchase of a new textbook. Used or rented
textbooks may require additional cost for purchase of online access registration.
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. Any student who misses twenty-five percent
(25%) or more of the regularly scheduled class meetings may receive a grade of “F” for that 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
2 (100 points each)
400
67%
Final Exam
1 (200 points)
Assignments
200
33%
Notes
3 (15 points each)
45
In Class Group Work
5 (10 points each)
50
Homework
7 (15 points each)
105
600
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
24 Feb
1 Mar
8 Mar
15 Mar
22 Mar
29 Mar
5 Apr
TOPIC
Course Introduction
An Introduction to Geology
Matter and minerals
Igneous rocks and Volcanism
Sedimentary rocks and their
environments
Metamorphic rocks
Exam 1
Mass wasting
26 Apr
3 May
Running Water and Groundwater
10 May
Glaciers & deserts
Group Work
Final Exam (2,12-14, 16-19)
19 Apr
17 May
Read Sections
Chapter 1
HW1 (Ch 1&3)
HW 2 (Ch 4&5)
Notes (Ch 1,3-5)
HW3 (Ch 7&8)
Spring Break - Off
Crustal deformation- Structural
Exam 2
Weathering and Soils
Geologic Time
Earthquakes
Exam 3 – Take Home
Plate Tectonics &Earth’s interior
Mountain building & sea floor
12 Apr
Assignments DUE
Chapter 3
Chapter 4 & 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapters 1,3-5
Chapter 6
Chapter 10
HW4 (Ch 6&10)
HW 5 (Ch 15)
HW 6 (Ch 9&11)
HW 7 (Ch 2&12)
Take Home Exam Due
HW5 (Ch 13 &14)
HW6 (Ch 16, 17)
Chapters 6-8, 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 9 and 11
Chapters 9-11, 15
Chapter 2&12
Chapter 13&14
Chapter 16 & 17
Chapter 18&19
HW5 (Ch 18 &19)
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.