Subject: GPGN
Number: 598B
Course Title: Current Topics in Strong Ground Motion Seismology
Section:A
Semester/year: Spring 2016
Instructor or Coordinator: Edwin Nissen, David Wald, and Eric Thompson (USGS)
Contact information (Office/Phone/Email): 303-273-3578, enissen@mines.edu
Office hours: TBD
Class meeting days/times: TBD
Class meeting location: TBD
Web Page/Blackboard link (if applicable): Blackboard page
Teaching Assistant (if applicable): N/A
Instructional activity: _1__ hours lecture
___ hours lab
_1__ semester hours
Course designation: ___ Common Core ___ Distributed Science or Engineering
___ Major requirement _X_ Elective ___ Other (please describe ___________)
Course description:
This is a reading/discussion class focused on current “hot” topics in strong motion seismology, including:
(1) State-of-the-art in site characterization and amplification; (2) 3D ground motion simulations; (3) Spatial
variability of ground motions; (4) Earthquake source directivity; (5) Case studies of recent earthquakes of
interest. Each week we will discuss the theme and content of one paper assigned the previous week. One
member of the class will lead the discussion; delivering a short synopsis of the paper at the beginning of
the session and inviting discussion. Some author presentations will be made depending on their
rd
th
availability. After the 3 or 4 week, decision on choice of papers will be made with group input.
Textbook and/or other requirement materials:
N/A
Other required supplemental information:
N/A
Instructional outcomes:
Students will have a strong grasp of key concepts and current state-of-the-art in ground motion
seismology research.
Student learning outcomes: At the conclusion of the class students will have:
3g. an ability to communicate effectively
3j. a knowledge of contemporary issues
Student Outcomes Addressed by Course:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
X
h
i
j
X
Criterion 3
k
1
2
program criteria
Brief list of topics covered:
N/A
Policy on academic integrity/misconduct:
The Colorado School of Mines affirms the principle that all individuals associated with the Mines
academic community have a responsibility for establishing, maintaining an fostering an understanding
and appreciation for academic integrity. In broad terms, this implies protecting the environment of mutual
trust within which scholarly exchange occurs, supporting the ability of the faculty to fairly and effectively
evaluate every student’s academic achievements, and giving credence to the university’s educational
mission, its scholarly objectives and the substance of the degrees it awards. The protection of academic
integrity requires there to be clear and consistent standards, as well as confrontation and sanctions when
individuals violate those standards. 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. The complete policy is
online.
Grading Procedures: (Note: all courses must have a published, transparent grading policy that students
can use to gauge their performance and progress in the class through the course of the semester.)
Based on student attendance, presentations, and participation.
Coursework Return Policy:
N/A
Absence Policy (e.g., Sports/Activities Policy):
Acceptable with prior consent.
Homework:
Assignments will involve reading and studying one paper each week, typically 15-20 pages in length (e.g.,
Bulletin of Seismological Society of America style), taking around 2 hours of the students’ time.
Common Exam Policy (if applicable):
N/A
Detailed Course Schedule: (Note: it is recommended that the syllabus provide a detailed week-by-week
schedule of course activities, including readings, exam and project due dates, etc., as a common
courtesy to students.)
TBD.