Great Basin College
Physical Geography
GEOG 103
Spring 2013 - 3 Credits
Instructor Caroline R Bruno
Phone
775-753-2204 (email is preferred)
Office
Lundberg 109D
E-mail
WebCampus
Office Hours
M-F 8:00-9:00am
Or by appointment
Online
Course
Text:
Physical Geography 10th ed.; McKnight and Hess
ISBN: 978-0-321-67734-1
Catalog Description:
Physical elements of the earth’s natural features and their significance to man. Topics include
earth form and motion, landforms, weather, climate, vegetation, and soils. Four laboratory
experiences required.
Course Description:
This course will provide an overview of the various physical processes of the earth and how they
interact to create the observed distribution of earthly conditions and phenomena. The general
topics to be covered include map making and reading, the atmosphere, the oceans, weather,
climate, landforms, and the interface of biological and physical processes. The specific topics are
shown in more detail on the attached course outline.
Objective:
The objective of the course is to give the student both an understanding of the distribution of
physical conditions and phenomena across the planet and also an understanding of why these
distributions exist. An understanding of these ideas will make the student a more informed
observer, and a better citizen in decision-making processes as they relate to man and the
environment. It is hoped that students will take with them a greater appreciation and enjoyment
of what the earth’s features and processes represent.
Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced, rigorous internet course. PowerPoint Presentations available on WebCampus
coincide with assigned reading material in the text and add clarification and examples to the
material in the text.
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Learner Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learner outcomes for GEOG 103. Learner outcomes will
be measured each time the class is taught with a short, comprehensive final exam. Results from
the final will be analyzed. Instruction in future semesters will be altered based on the analysis.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Describe Earth's motions, including its rotation
on its axis and its revolution around the Sun.
Recognize the thermal structure of the
Measurement
Quiz 1
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun Gizmo
Quiz 2
atmosphere and the gaseous composition of
the atmosphere.
Describe important functions of the earth’s
atmosphere.
Describe what controls the global distribution
Quizzes: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Gizmos: Coastal Winds and Clouds, Hurricane
Motion
Quiz 6
of precipitation.
Quiz 12
Identify and describe soil forming factors
Provide thorough examples of cycles and
Quizzes 10 and 11
relationships in the biosphere.
Distinguish between Earth’s internal processes
and external processes.
Recognize arid terrain landforms and explain
Rock Classification and Mineral Identification
Gizmo
Quiz 18
their genesis.
Recognize that moving water is the most
Quizzes: 9 and 16
important agent of erosion and deposition on
Earth (except in glaciated areas).
Explain plate tectonics.
Quiz 14
Plate Tectonics Gizmo
Analyze and interpret graphs and maps
Develop lab skills
Gizmos: Graphing Skills Gizmo, Reading
Topographic Maps, Weather Maps
Gizmos: Porosity, Calorimetry Lab, Relative
Humidity Lab,
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Course Requirements/Evaluation:
Video Introduction:
To help develop presentation and ‘public’ speaking skills, students will be responsible for producing
a simple, two-three minute introductory video. Instructions for this assignment will be posted the first
week of the semester.
Gizmos – Homework/Lab Assignments:
Gizmos – interactive online homework and lab assignments are required frequently throughout the
semester. These assignments will help you better understand chapter material as well as develop
and build lab skills. Go to ExploreLearning.com to register for your class. The GEOG 103 class code is
XW9HX5PMQQ. You will submit your written Gizmo assignments through WebCampus.
Quizzes:
Students are required to complete weekly quizzes. Generally, quizzes will be available on Tuesdays
through Sundays. Quiz availability will not be extended under any circumstances. Take quizzes
from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection. Immediately contact the GBC
Helpdesk if technical problems arise.
Grading:
Grading will be based on writing assignment and quiz scores. All scores will be added together at
the end of the semester, and the percentage of the total possible points will determine the grade.
Grades will be based on the following divisions:
A
95-100%
A-
90-94%
B+
87-89%
B
84-86%
B-
80-83%
C+
77-79%
C
74-76%
C-
70-73%
D+
67-69%
D
64-66%
D-
60-63%
F
<59%
A student may receive a “W” grade only if withdrawal occurs before the end of the thirteenth
week of the semester (April 26, 2013). To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor verbally
or in writing why the withdrawal is taking place, and must formally withdraw through student
services. Anyone who does not formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive
an ‘F’ grade. ‘I’ grades for ‘incomplete’ will be given only under the most extenuating
circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the instructor.
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Attendance Policy:
It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with reading, assignments and
quizzes.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete quizzes and turn in writing
assignments/labs on time.
Hints for Success:

In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your education and study!

Review PowerPoints and other information posted on WebCampus prior to taking quizzes.

Study, study, study!!!

Ask questions if you don’t understand the material.

In case your book hasn’t arrived by the start of semester, the first two chapters on the
schedule are available via WebCampus.

If you are unable to secure a book by the end of the third week of class, the instructor
recommends withdrawing from the course and taking it another semester.
Additional Course Information:

The professor will reply to WebCampus emails during posted office hours. WebCampus
emails are the BEST way to contact Ms. Bruno.

Extra credit opportunities are not available.
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Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of
Higher Education (NSHE) outlined on pp. 28-32 of the 2007-2008 GBC Catalog. Because this is an
online course, students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful
manner toward other students and the professor in their online communications such as e-mail
messages, written assignments and classroom discussions.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to
be outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom
behavior will not be tolerated”
Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another
student or to the instructor will be dropped immediately. During the first week of class, students will
be required to respond to an email from the instructor acknowledging that they have read the
Student Conduct Policy and understand that they will be dropped from the class for violating it.
Academic Honesty Statement:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the
instructor AND Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic
suspension, or expulsion. All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the
student’s OWN work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s
own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of
that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references;
and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest
writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:



Another person’s actual words are quoted
Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in
the student’s own words
Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is
common knowledge
ADA Statement:
The college catalog states, “Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational
opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and
regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA
Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate
and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further
assistance, please call 775.753.2271”.
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Spring 2013 GEOG 103 Course Schedule:
Week
Reading and Assignments
Topic
(due dates on WebCampus)
Read Ch. 1
1–Jan 20

Introduction to Earth
2 – Jan 27

Atmosphere
Earth, Moon, Sun Gizmo
Ch. 1 Quiz
Read Ch. 3
Ch. 3 Quiz
Reading Topographic Maps Gizmo
Read Ch. 5
3 – Feb 3

Atmospheric Pressure and Wind
Coastal Winds and Clouds Gizmo
Ch. 5 Quiz
Read Ch. 6
4 – Feb 10

Calorimetry Lab Gizmo
Atmospheric Moisture
Ch. 6 Quiz
Read Ch. 7
5 – Feb 17

Atmospheric Flows and Disturbances
Weather Maps Gizmo
Hurricane Gizmo
Ch. 7 Quiz
Read Ch. 9
6 – Feb 24

Graphing Skills Gizmo
The Hydrosphere
Ch. 9 Quiz
Read Ch. 10
7 – March 3

Cycles and Patterns in the Biosphere
Ch. 10 Quiz
Evolution: Natural and Artificial
Selection
Read Ch. 11
8 – March 10

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
9 – March 17

Soils
Ch. 11 Quiz
Read Ch. 12
Ch. 12 Quiz
Porosity Gizmo
March 24
Spring Break
Read Ch. 13
10 - March 31

Mineral Identification Gizmo
Landform study
Rock Classification Gizmo
Ch. 13 Quiz
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Read Ch. 14
11 – April 7

The Earth’s Internal Processes
Plate tectonics Gizmo
Ch. 14 Quiz
12 – April 14

Read Ch. 15
Weathering and Mass Wasting
Ch. 15 Quiz
Course Drop Deadline, Friday, April 26
13 – April 21

Read Ch. 16
Fluvial Processes
Ch. 16 Quiz
Read Ch. 18
14 - April 28

Relative Humidity Gizmo
The Topography of Arid Land
Ch. 18 Quiz
15 – May 5

Read Ch. 19
Glacial Modification of Terrain
16 - May 12
Ch. 19 Quiz
Final Exam available
May 12 - 15
Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Geography 103:
Communication Skills (significant):
Gizmos are required for this course and will be used to measure effective communication. The use
of appropriate graphs in communicating ideas is promoted.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (significant): We discuss the fundamental problems of map making
and different ways of resolving them. The quantitative relationships expressed on topographic
maps are reviewed and practiced in laboratory exercises. Quantitative Ability will be assessed
through Calorimetry and Relative Humidity laboratories.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): Gizmos require reasoning and
independent thought based on the interpretation of quantitative information. The interpretation of
landforms and the assessment of meteorological information for weather prediction require
reasoning. Reasoning and Independent thought will be assessed through all four labs and exams.
Scientific Understanding (significant): All principles taught in this course are based on
scientific reasoning. All interpretations are given as they are based upon facts. Physical
geography covers fundamentals of geology and meteorology (both themselves based in
chemistry and physics) with some inclusion of biogeography and soils. The lab introduces the use
of the scientific method and the use of both observational and quantifiable facts in its application.
The underlying effects of energy from gravity, stream velocity, internal and solar hear, and other
sources are discussed in geological processes. The chemical nature of rocks and minerals is shown.
The study of weather and climate is based on the principles of physics. Basic elements of
thermodynamics, gas laws, phase change, electromagnetic radiation, and solar astronomy are
presented in the discussion of weather and climate. Students are taught that every feature of the
Earth, and the distribution of categories of features, is the result of specific processes that can be
understood and interpreted by those who are knowledgeable of these processes. Scientific
Understanding will be assessed through quizzes and gizmos.
Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component):
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Sense of the Individual in Society (considerable): This objective is also reflected under the
Sense of Accountability objective below. We discuss the right of the individual to build anywhere
on desires versus society’s willingness to compensate the individual for losses incurred from natural
disasters, especially when a high likelihood of the disaster is known (examples: building on flood
plains or on barrier islands in hurricane prone areas, etc). A global view of geological processes is
given that shows that they have no deference to any race, creed, or cultural factor. Different
social attitudes to geologic hazards in different cultures are reviewed. Sense of the Individual in
Society will be assessed through quiz questions regarding how humans impact the biosphere and
geochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle.
Sense of the Past (considerable): The history of human activity can be shown to reflect the
physical environment within which people have existed. The past and present distributions of
human populations also reflect the distributions of physical conditions. Human migrations have
occurred in response to changes in geological and climatic factors. In this course, note is made of
these factors as often as possible. Sense of the Past will be assessed through quizzes.
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Sense of Accountability (significant): A common theme throughout much of this course is the
interaction between humans and nature, and the personal and social consequences of these
interactions. These interactions range from geologic hazards (floods, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, mass wasting, etc.) through resource utilization (minerals, fossil fuels, ground water
utilization, etc.) through the effects of pollution on natural systems) pollution of groundwater, global
temperature change, etc. The acts of individual and society through building and land use
planning are discussed, using examples of costs to tax payers through government reimbursement
after disasters when individuals build in flood plains, low coastal areas susceptible to hurricanes,
earthquake-prone areas, etc. The question of what rights society (through government) has to
regulate activities in these kinds of areas is posed. Sense of Accountability will be assessed using
quiz questions regarding how humans impact the biosphere and geochemical cycles, such as the
carbon cycle
Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): Development of the arts occurs at different times and
different rates in different geographic localities. Appreciation of the Fine Arts will be assessed
through quizzes.
Personal Wellness (some degree): Personal safety is considered in the discussion of some geologic
hazards (warning systems for tsunamis, first reactions to earthquakes, safe places to build or buy
homes, etc). Meteorologic factors in health are considered in topics like wind chill factor
(hypothermia) and heat index. Contribution factors to air and water pollution are discussed.
Personal Wellness will be assessed in the Hurricanes Gizmo and quizzes covering Chapters 3 and 9.
Technological Understanding (some degree):
Internet links are shown to sites giving global and local weather information, current earthquake
reports, past flood data for the United States. Technological Understanding will be assessed
through labs, and submission of assignments on WebCampus.
Communications (moderate): Online communication consists of emails, between students and the
professor, discussion boards and writing assignments. All communication is expected to be formal.
Critical Thinking (moderate): Writing assignments require students analyze topics and interpret
research materials. Often, multiple choice quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive
reasoning.
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