Geology 101: Physical Geology Fall 2015
GENERAL INFO:
Lecture: Room 10-1 MW 8:30a-10:20a
Lab: Room 15-223L TTh 8:30a-10:20a
Required Reading:
1) Essentials of Geology, Marshak, 2012, 4th Edition, W. W. Norton
(Note: Essentials of Geology, Marshak, 2009, 3rd Edition, W. W. Norton is also acceptable also,
but you will have to go to my website and download a separate reading assignments page.)
2) Fall 2015 Geology 101 Course Materials
This booklet, available in the TCC bookstore, has all of the lab material you will need
for the course, plus study guides and fieldtrip information.
Instructor: Ralph Hitz
Office: Building 15-234
Office Hours: MW 1:15-3:15a, or by appointment
Office Phone: 566-5299
E-Mail: rhitz@tacomacc.edu
Website: http://tacomacc.edu/home/rhitz/
NOTE: The details in this syllabus are subject to change or error. I will notify you in class about any changes or
corrections.
THE COURSE:
Geology is a very broad science encompassing earth (and planetary) processes. This introductory course will open
a whole new universe to you in which you will learn about the amazing geological features on the earth and the rich
geologic history of this planet. We will touch on subjects such as rocks and minerals, mountain building, volcanoes, ocean
basin formation, rivers, and Washington regional geology.
OBJECTIVES
These are the specific outcomes for Geology 101. PLO represents Program Learning Outcomes for the Science
disciplines, which may be found in the TCC catalog at this location: http://www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/11-12catalog/.
Each outcome may or may not relate to one or more of the Science PLOs.
1. Describe the characteristics and origin of the major classes of rocks and minerals. Classify rock and mineral samples.
Identify rock samples in the field. PLO: 3, 4
2. Describe the diversity of volcanic activity on earth. Explain the variation in volcanic mountain shapes and eruptive
styles. Describe volcanic hazards and assess the regional risks due to volcanic activity. PLO: 3
3. Describe seismic energy and its relationship to faults. Describe the geologic consequences of earthquakes and explain our
ability to forecast and otherwise cope with these occurrences. PLO: 3
4. Use experimental models to better understand earthquake mechanics. PLO: 3
5. Describe the structure of the earth and explain how seismic evidence supports these ideas. PLO: 3
6. Explain how the interior structure of the earth relates to the process of plate tectonics. PLO: 3
7. Describe the three main types of plate boundaries and the main geologic activity occurring at each. PLO: 3
8. Explain how stresses in the earth deform crustal rocks. Use experimental models to visualize strain. PLO: 2, 3
9. Explain seismic hazards in the Pacific Northwest and consider how this risk can be mitigated. PLO: 3
10. Describe relative and absolute methods for measuring geologic time and demonstrate proficiency in using the geologic
timescale. PLO: 3
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11. Describe the fundamental concepts governing stream systems such as capacity, competence, and channel structures.
Explain how fluvial systems alter the landscapes of the earth. Critique land use practices as they relate to flood plains.
PLO: 3
12. Describe hydrogeologic concepts such as, infiltration, aquifers, aquicludes, and the potentiometric surface. Explain the
importance of groundwater as a resource. Recognize typical misuses of groundwater systems. PLO: 3
13. Describe the concepts controlling glacial growth and flow. Explain the origin of glacial landscapes and the features in
them. Use observations collected in the field to understand the glacial origins of our local landscapes. PLO: 3
GRADING:
Grading will be based on the criteria below. The course grade will be determined by adding the percentages from
each of the categories below. A simple, straight percentage scale will then be used to assign course grade: 100%-92.5% is
an A, 92.5%-90.0% is an A-, 90.0%-87.5% is a B+, 87.5%-82.5% is a B, 82.5%-80.0% is a B-, 80.0%-77.5% is a C+,
77.5%-72.5% is a C, 72.5%-70.0% is a C-, 70.0-%-67.5% is a D+, 67.5%-60.0% is a D, less than 60% is an E).
Rock Quiz
Rock identification key
Geotour presentation/
Public Safety brochure
In-class exercises
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III (comprehensive)
Labs and Fieldtrips
Symposium
Bias exercise
5%
3%
6%
4%
15%
15%
18%
24%
9%
1%
Rock Quiz
This quiz is based on hand specimen identification and will be given during lab time. The specimens are rocks
types that will be covered during the first three labs. Students are responsible for both identifying each rock or mineral by
name and discussing the origin of the specimen. See the course materials booklet for a list of rocks and minerals that
students are responsible for.
In-class exercises
These are short exercises that we will do in lecture from time to time, schedule to be determined, which are also
due in lecture the day we complete them. The topics vary but the goal is for students to work with concepts that we cover
in lecture in order to better understand the material. We will complete about 15 different in-class exercises. No credit is
granted for each unless the student is present in class and turns in the exercise at that class meeting.
Geotour presentation
This is a presentation to the class based on a Google Earth tour of a landscape feature of your choice, plus
additional photos and figures as needed in a PowerPoint. The assignment may be done independently or with a partner.
Both partners will receive the same grade unless major complications arise, in which case I will assign grades on a case by
case basis. At the beginning of the quarter I will schedule the presentations. You must schedule the presentation before
10/5. See the Geotours assignment description in the Course Materials book for more details about what I expect.
The presentation grade will be based on: description of the site (20 points), geologic origin of the site (40 points),
use of Google Earth and/or other visual aids (20 points), presentation delivery (20 points).
ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT BELOW
Public safety brochure
For this assignment you will design and print a public safety brochure about one of the following topics (or a topic
of you own selection but please talk to me first): volcanic hazards in Pierce County, tsunami hazards in Puget Sound and
the Washington coast, earthquake risk in western Washington, groundwater contamination issues, flooding risks in Pierce
County, soil contamination in Ruston and Tacoma. The assignment may be done independently or with a partner. Both
partners will receive the same grade unless major complications arise, in which case I will assign grades on a case by case
basis.
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See sample brochures in class for ideas for layouts. The brochure must include the appropriate technical detail
about the geology as well as advice on how to avoid the hazard or prepare for it, or preserve the resource. I want to see a
thorough understanding of the geology on the part of the student. You can use the approximate ratio of 2/3 geology to 1/3
safety information, as a guide. Do use figures where appropriate. Grading will be based on: the accuracy and depth of the
technical content (50 points), the organization and relevance of the advice (25 points), and the general layout and
accessibility of the brochure (25 points). Brochure due 11/23.
Exams
The exams will cover both lecture and reading material. Materials in the labs may appear on the exams but only if
it is information that is redundant with the lectures and reading. No makeup exams will be given unless you discuss it with
me beforehand. They will be multiple choice exams and will include a variety of question formats such as diagrams,
matching, true/false, and the standard multiple choice questions.
Labs/Fieldtrips
The lab grade will be based on completed lab work. Lab exercises are completed during lab time and turned in at
the end of the lab period. Graded exercises will be returned within one week. The exercises are designed to reinforce the
content and concepts covered in the lectures and reading.
Symposium
The symposium, taking place during lab on 11/10 and 11/12, will consist of student groups of about four giving a
presentation to the rest of the lab section on the topic of new techniques in oil and natural gas extraction. Each lab section
will be divided into about five groups and each group will be assigned to address one aspect of natural gas. The group will
be responsible for researching the topic and then during the presentation part, summarizing the topic for the other student
groups in the lab section. The presentation needs to include:
1) a PowerPoint slide show to help illustrate the discussion;
2) a well organized oral discussion of the topic presentation
Grading will be based on the quality of the presentation and PowerPoint as determined by the instructor. I will solicit
feedback from each audience group about the quality of each presentation and from each research group member about the
degree of participation of the other group members. Each student will also be required to answer questions about each topic
they listen to.
I will assign specific aspects of the topic to individual research groups to address. More details are in the Course
Materials book.
Bias exercise
This is a library research exercise that you will do individually in association with the symposium described
above. See the Symposium library guide for instructions.
CLASS POLICIES:
Assignments
Late work will have 25% of the score deducted per class day until there is nothing left. No late work will be
accepted if I have already graded and returned the assignment to the rest of the class. Please understand that I must act on
behalf of the students in the class who complete their assignments on time.
Attendance
There is a high correlation between lecture attendance and course performance. If you do not regularly attend
lecture it is very unlikely that you will do well in the course. The opportunity for personal interaction with the instructor is
invaluable. In addition, at the end of the quarter if your course grade is borderline (<0.5% close to the next category), a
strong attendance record will encourage me to give you the higher grade.
Other reasons for strong attendance include: announcements made in lecture will not necessarily be repeated
elsewhere, as this is not a web-enhanced class; in-class exercises may only be completed in lecture; Geotours will have test
questions associated with them, so if you don’t hear the Geotour you’ll have a hard time answering the questions from them
on the exams.
Lab attendance is mandatory. In order for you to receive credit for a lab you must attend. There are no make-up
labs. Because the labs are an integral part of the class, more than three unexcused, missed labs will result in a failing
grade for the entire course. Further, punctuality is required. I want you to come to the lab but you have to be on time.
The doors to the lab room will be locked about 3-5 minutes after the lab meeting begins. If you come after this time, I will
let you in but I will deduct 50% of your lab points from that day’s assignment.
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Field trips
Some of the labs will involve local field trips. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. Also bring note-taking
materials. See the Course Materials booklet for more information about the fieldtrips.
Withdrawals and Incompletes
November 13h is the last day to withdraw from the course with a grade of “W.” Under appropriate circumstances
students may obtain an incomplete for the course. This option requires that the student fulfill the remaining requirements
within a designated amount of time.
Cheating
Cheating on an assignment or exam will result in zero credit for that item and appropriate action as outlined in the
TCC catalog. Plagiarism is likewise unacceptable. See the TCC Students Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for more
information about cheating and plagiarism.
Late material/missed quizzes or exams
To reiterate policies stated above, late materials are subject to 25% reduction in points per day it is late, and there
are no make-up quizzes or exams unless you contact me (phone, in person, or by email) before the original scheduled time
of the quiz or exam. If you contact me after the quiz or exam has already taken place you are ineligible for a make-up. The
only exception to this is a medical or family emergency that prevented you from attending class. In this case I may grant an
exception but I will require written documentation of the emergency.
Students with Special Needs
All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary.
If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7
(253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate
professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or
services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the
accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Accommodations for disabilities
Accommodations for physical disabilities will be made insofar as they are possible. The lecture and laboratory
work will take place in a classroom setting and should present no difficulties. Fieldtrips are mostly roadside and requires
minimal walking. However, if you have a physical disability, please speak with the instructor before the course begins.
Classroom disputes
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me about your concerns. If we are
unable to resolve the issue the next step is to talk to the Science and Engineering Department Chair, Katie Gulliford.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
General
I expect basic courtesy: no conversations with neighbors during lectures, no leaving in the middle of lecture, and
punctual arrival to class, labs, and fieldtrips.
Electronic devices
Cell phones will turned off or silenced in class and in the field while class is in session (unless arranged with me
beforehand). No texting. Computers may be used for note taking or topic research during class. If a student uses a
computer for other functions I will ban them from using it in class for the duration of the course.
If a student persists in rude behavior, counter to what I outlined in the two sections above, I will take appropriate
measures, contacting administrative officials if necessary.
CALENDAR:
The reading should be completed before we cover the topics. This way you are exposed to the information and
ideas twice and have the opportunity to iron out any difficulties. Although I expect the lectures to follow the calendar fairly
closely there will undoubtedly be times when we stray. It is up to you to make sure that you are keeping up on the
appropriate reading assignments.
The labs will meet almost every week. Consult the calendar for lecture and lab topics.
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Week
Topic
Marshak
1 9/21-9/25
introduction to earth structure and plate tectonics
minerals
igneous rocks
LAB 1: Minerals
pp. 1-33
pp. 70-87
pp. 88-117
2 9/28-10/2
igneous rocks (cont.)
volcanoes
LAB 2: Igneous Rocks
pp. 88-117
pp. 118-147
3 10/5-10/9
weathering and soils
sedimentary rocks
metamorphic rocks
LAB 3: Weathering, Sedimentary and Metamorphic
Rocks
CHOOSE GEOTOUR TOPIC BY 10/5
pp. 148-161
pp. 122-187
pp. 188-215
4 10/12-10/16
review for Exam 1
lecture topic TBA
LAB: Movie, in lab room
 10/12: Exam 1 in Class
5 10/19-10/23
earthquakes
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING DAY TUES 10/20-NO DAY CLASSES
NO LAB MEETINGS THIS WEEK
pp. 216-251
6 10/26-10/30
the earth’s interior
plate tectonics
 10/27 and 10/29: Rock Quiz in Lab
pp. 252-263
pp. 34-69
7 11/2-11/6
plate tectonics (cont.)
folding, faulting, and mountain building
LAB 4: Earthquakes
pp. 34-69
pp. 264-291
8 11/9-11/13
folding, faulting, and mountain building (cont.)
review for Exam 2
 11/12: Exam II in Class
HOLIDAY WED 10/11-NO LECTURE
LAB: Symposium, 11/10 and 11/12
pp. 264-291
9 11/16-11/20
Pacific Northwest earthquake hazards
fluvial systems
LAB 5: Puget Sound glaciations
No assigned reading
pp. 416-443
10 11/23-11/24
Groundwater
Public Safety brochures due 11/23
NO LAB MEETINGS
pp. 473—487
11 11/30-12/4
glaciology and ice ages
pp. 514-534,
534-567 (second set
of pages optional)
Fieldtrip #1- Steilacoom gravel quarry, during lab
 Review and Exam III, Monday, 12/7, 8:30a-10:30a, in 10-1
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