SYLLABUS
Spring, 2016
Course Geology 101 - Physical Geology
-
I nstructor
Dr. William Pirkle
Office 225 Sciences Bldg.
M eeting
Schedule
Lecture
Lab. 001
Lab. 002
10:50-12:05 TTH Rm. 200 Sciences Bldg.
1:40-4:20
T Rm. 212 Sciences Bldg.
1:40-4:20 Th Rm. 212 Sciences Bldg.
Conference
Times
9:30-11:00 MW; 12:15-1:15 Th
Other times by appointment
Email Pirkle@sc.edu
Text
Lecture
Laboratory -
Objective
To have you gain a system of knowledge regarding geological processes that operate on the
earth’ s surface or within its interior; to have you obtain an understanding and an appreciation of
the materials which compose the earth and how they were formed; and to have you work
successfully within this system of knowledge using critical reasoning to solve problems.
Assessment
M ethods
You will demonstrate your understanding of the material and your ability to successfully operate
within this system of knowledge by written examinations in lecture and by problem solving
written and oral activities in laboratory.
Grading
Policy
Lecture --- 75%
Three exams (Feb. 2, Feb. 23, M ar. 22) = 50% (Each exam counts equally)
Final exam (11:00, Thurs., Apr. 28, Rm 200, Sci. Bldg.) = 25%
Laboratory --- 25%
Earth, 11th edition, by Tarbuck and Lutgens
Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 10th edition, edited by Busch
A critical review of a book from the approved list may be substituted for the lowest grade of any
pre-quiz. Only one review may be done. Book reviews may be turned in at any time, but the
last date to submit is 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2016.
Extra Credit
Opportunities
A total of 20 points may be earned for various extra credit activities. Extra credit points are
added to your final exam grade. Extra credit activities will be announced in class and on
Blackboard. Extra credit assignments typically are due the next class period after the activity.
Attendance
Regular attendance is vital to fulfilling your responsibilities in this class. There will be no makeup classes or laboratories. Arrangements for work missed due to an excused absence must be
made within one week of the absence. Documentation of extenuating circumstances is required.
Make up exams may be of different format than scheduled exams. If an exam is missed for a
documented excused absence, a book review must be done in its place and you will not be able to
drop the lowest grade of the exams and book review.
Late
Assignments
Late assignments typically are lowered one letter grade per day late.
Classroom
Deportment
Please make every effort to be on time to class. Late arrivals disrupt class and make it difficult
for others to hear while you enter. Turn off cell phones while in class or lab. No earpieces.
No eating in class or lab. Please be courteous to and considerate of other class members.
It is the instructor’ s right to remove from the classroom any student who disrupts or disturbs the
proceeding of the class. The use of any portable electronic devices, including cell phones,
pagers, MP3 players, iPods, etc., during class is not allowed for any reason unless prior
approval has been given to a student from the instructor or unless required for the course. If you
are planning to have any of these devices in class, they must be turned off and stowed away for
the duration of the class period. If you use a portable electronic device during a test, quiz, or
other assessment, you are eligible to receive a failing grade on that assignment.
Disability
Policy
If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your
performance in this class please contact the Office of Disability Services, B& E 134, (803) 6436816 as soon as possible. The Office of Disability Services will determine appropriate
accommodations based on documentation.
Tentative Schedule
Assignments in Tarbuck and Lutgens, 11th Edition, Earth, an Introduction to Physical Geology, to be read before
and after class.
DATE
ASSI GNM ENTS
TEXT CHAPTERS
Jan
12
Introduction
1
14
Plate Tectonics
2
Feb
Mar
Apr
19
21
Plate Tectonics
Matter & Minerals
2
3
26
28
Igneous Activity & Igneous Rocks
Igneous Activity & Igneous Rocks
4
4
2
4
Exam I (Chapts. 1,2,3,4)
Volcanoes & Volcanic Hazards
5
9
11
Volcanoes & Volcanic Hazards
Weathering & Soils
5
6
16
18
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks; Metamorphic Rocks
23
25
Exam I I (Chapts. 5,6,7,8)
Geologic Time
1
3
Geologic Time; Crustal Deformation
Crustal Deformation; Earthquakes
7
7; 8
9
9; 10
10; 11
8
10
Spring Break
Spring Break
15
17
Earthquakes; Earth’ s Interior
Running Water
11; 12
16
22
24
Exam I I I (Chapts. 9,10,11,12)
Running Water; Ground Water
16; 17
29
31
Ground Water; Glaciers
Glaciers; Deserts
5
7
17
18
Deserts; Shorelines
Shorelines
18; 19
19; 20
12
14
Divergent Plate Boundaries --- Ocean Floor
Divergent Plate Boundaries --- Ocean Floor
20; 13
13
19
21
Convergent Plate Boundaries --- Mountain Building
Convergent Plate Boundaries --- Mountain Building
14
14
Final Exam: 11:00, Thurs., Apr. 28, Rm. 200 (Chapts. 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)