School of Mathematics and Sciences
Fairbanks – Spring 2014
February 24, 2014 – May 17, 2014
Mission: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging and
distinctively Christian environment for professional success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE:
CAMPUS: Fort Eielson
INSTRUCTOR:
GEOL 1402 - Historical Geology & Lab
Jennifer Bell
Office Hours, Building and Location: Before class and by appointment
Email:
Jennifer.m.bell@wayland.wbu.edu
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: The physical
history of the earth is examined through a systematic survey of
the origin, growth, and changes of continents and ocean basins as it relates to plate tectonics, with
emphasis on North America. Climate variation and changes in the fossil record through geologic time
are discussed along with various stratigraphic principles and dating methods used to interpret Earth’s
history.
PREREQUISITE: none
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
The Earth Through Time, 10th Edition
by Harold L. Levin; Wiley
ISBN- 978-1-118-25467-7
OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
1. Know the major earth materials, especially sedimentary rocks.
2. Have knowledge of the current state of Plate Tectonics theory.
3. Understand current theories of the origin of the solar system and planetary differentiation.
4. Understand major concepts used in study of the history of the earth.
5. Understand mechanisms and processes of fossilization.
6. Have knowledge of the various geologic time intervals of the earth, including dominant
characteristics of each.
7. Be aware of how recent glaciation has affected much of the moderns world surface
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
3 (100 points each)
300
55.6%
Final Exam
1 (200 points)
200
Assignments
400
44.4%
Lab
9 (20 points each)
180
Lab Final
1 (40 points each)
40
Homework
9 (20 points each)
180
Points Possible
900
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
1 Mar
8 Mar
15 Mar
TOPIC
Course Introduction
The Science of Historical Geology
Early Geologists Tackle Mysteries
Lab 1
Time and Geology, Rocks
Lab 2
Exam 1
Sedimentary Archives
Lab 3
22 Mar
29 Mar
5 Apr
12 Apr
19 Apr
26 Apr
3 May
10 May
17 May
Assignments DUE
Read Sections
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Lab 1
HW1 (Ch 1&2)
Lab 1
HW2 (Ch 3&4)
Lab 2
Chapter 3 & 4
Lab 2
Chapters 1-4
Chapter 5
Lab 3
Spring Break - Off
Life on Earth and Plate Tectonics
Lab 4
The Earths formative stages
Lab 5
Exam 2
Proterozoic
Lab 6
Paleozoic (Early and Later)
Lab 7
Paleozoic life and Mesozoic Events
Lab 8
Take home Exam 3
Mesozoic Life and Cenozoic Events
Lab 9
Cenozoic Life and Human Origins
Lab Final/Review for Final
Final Exam (13-17)
Chapter 6 & 7
Lab 4
HW3 (Ch 5&6),
Lab 3&4
HW4 (Ch 7&8)
Lab 5
HW 5 (Ch 9)
Lab 6
HW 6 (10&11)
Lab 7
HW 7 (12&13)
Exam Due
Lab 8 Due
HW8 (Ch 14&15)
Lab 9 Due
HW9 (Ch. 16&17)
Chapter 8
Lab 5
Chapters 5-8
Chapter 9
Lab 6
Chapter 10&11
Lab 7
Chapter 12 & 13
Lab 8
Chapters 9-12
Chapter 14 & 15
Lab 9
Chapter 16&17
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.