Subject: GPGN
Number: 200
Course Title: Introduction to Geophysics
Section: A
Semester/year: Fall/2015
Instructor or Coordinator:
Contact information:
Edwin Nissen
Green Center room 260G
e-mail: enissen@mines.edu
Office hours: MWF 10:00-11:00 am or by appointment
Class meeting days/times: MWF 9:00-9:50 am
Class meeting location: Green Center room 210 N
Web Page/Blackboard link (if applicable): Blackboard page for GPGN200
Guest lecturers: Andrei Swidinsky (GP), Jeff Andrews-Hanna (GP), Jeff Love (USGS), Whitney
Trainor-Guitton (GP), Dan McNamara (USGS), Gavin Hayes (USGS & GP), David Wald (USGS
& GP) Morgan Moschetti (USGS), Jonathan Godt (USGS), Kate Allstadt (USGS), Paul Sava (GP)
Instructional activity: 3 hours lecture 0 hours lab 3 semester hours
Course designation: ___ Common Core ___ Distributed Science or Engineering
_X_ Major requirement ___ Elective ___ Other (please describe ___________)
Course description from Bulletin:
(I) (WI) This is a discovery course designed to introduce sophomores to the science of geophysics in the
context of the whole-earth system. Students will explore the fundamental observations from which
physical and mathematical inferences can be made regarding the Earth’s origin, structure, and
processes. Examples of such observations are earthquake records; geodetic and gravitational data, such
as those recorded by satellites; magnetic measurements; and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Learning will take place through the examination of selected topics that may vary from one semester to
the next. Examples of such topics are: earthquake seismology, geomagnetism, geodynamics, and climate
change. 3 hours, lecture, 3 semester hours.
Textbook and/or other requirement materials: None
Required text: None
Student learning outcomes: At the conclusion of the class students will have…
1. Have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
2. Have an improved ability to communicate effectively, particularly in writing
3. Have an enhanced understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global context
Brief list of topics covered:
1. Intro to Geophysics
2. Global Earth Dynamics & Geomagnetism
3. Space Geomagnetism & Hazards
4. Earth’s Topography & Geomorphology
5. Landslides
6. Earthquake Monitoring
7. Seismology & Tectonics
8. Strong Motion Seismology
9. Geodesy
10. Volcanology
Policy on academic integrity/misconduct: The Colorado School of Mines desires an environment free
of any and all forms of academic misconduct and expects students to act with integrity at all times.
Academic misconduct is the intentional act of fraud, in which an individual seeks to claim credit for the
work and efforts of another without authorization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information
in any academic exercise. Student Academic Misconduct arises when a student violates the principle of
academic integrity. Such behavior erodes mutual trust, distorts the fair evaluation of academic
achievements, violates the ethical code of behavior upon which education and scholarship rest, and
undermines the credibility of the university. Because of the serious institutional and individual
ramifications, student misconduct arising from violations of academic integrity is not tolerated at Mines. If
a student is found to have engaged in such misconduct sanctions such as change of a grade, loss of
institutional privileges, or academic suspension or dismissal may be imposed. Academic misconduct is
the intentional act of fraud, in which an individual seeks to claim credit for the work and efforts of another
without authorization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise.
Student Academic Misconduct arises when a student violates the principle of academic integrity. Such
behavior erodes mutual trust, distorts the fair evaluation of academic achievements, violates the ethical
code of behavior upon which education and scholarship rest, and undermines the credibility of the
university. Because of the serious institutional and individual ramifications, student misconduct arising
from violations of academic integrity is not tolerated at Mines. If a student is found to have engaged in
such misconduct sanctions such as change of a grade, loss of institutional privileges, or academic
suspension or dismissal may be imposed.
The complete policy is online.
Grading Procedures: Grades will be based on class participation, in-class work, two major papers and
several shorter written assignments, and a final exam.
Coursework Return Policy: There will be an effort to return most work to students within two weeks,
along with suitable materials/feedback that enable students to understand how to improve their learning/
performance.
Absence Policy (e.g., Sports/Activities Policy): Students are to make arrangements for excused
absences in advance.
Homework:
 Homework must be turned in before it is due to be graded – PLAN AHEAD.
 Exams: If you will be absent during a scheduled exam, you should schedule a make-up time
BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
Common Exam Policy (if applicable):
Detailed Course Schedule: See the separate Lecture Schedule for this class.