UCC/UGC/ECCC
Proposal for Course Reactivation/Change
FAST TRACK
(Select if this will be a fast track item. Refer to Fast Track Policy for
eligibility)
If the changes included in this proposal are significant, attach copies of original and proposed
syllabi in approved university format.
1. Course subject and number: GLG 340
2. Units:
See upper and lower division undergraduate course definitions.
3. College:
CEFNS
4. Academic Unit:
1
SESES
5. Current Student Learning Outcomes of the
course.
Show the proposed changes in this column (if
applicable). Bold the proposed changes in this
column to differentiate from what is not
This course was last offered more than 35 years ago, changing, and Bold with strikethrough what is
and was subsequently removed from the academic
being deleted. (Resources & Examples for
catalog. It predates the development of learning
outcomes in college courses. No description has
survived the ensuing 3+ decades, but from the title
and units (1), this class was a field course very
similar to the one being proposed, with an emphasis
on the field observations and mapping of geologic
relationships in the field.
Effective Fall 2012
Developing Course Learning Outcomes)
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this
Course
Upon completion, students will be able to:
(1) Ask questions that guide the types of data to
collect at an unfamiliar outcrop of strata.
(2) Read a topographic map and locate oneself and
delineate geologic features on one.
(3) Develop skills in taking good, descriptive notes in
the field.
(4) Demonstrate competency at using a Brunton
compass to measure the orientation of geologic
features (strike/dip; trend/plunge).
(5) Recognize and defining geologic units and their
composition, contacts, and structures.
(6) Construct and annotate a geologic map and
structural cross-sections using field data.
(7) Interpret successions of rock units and their
depositional settings and geologic history.
(8) Practice carrying multiple working hypotheses,
developing tests for these hypotheses, changing
your lead hypotheses based upon new data, and
integrating data of diverse types.
(9) Use ArcGIS to create a digital geologic map in
addition to using traditional field techniques.
6. Current title, description and units. Cut and
paste, in its entirety, from the current on-line
academic catalog*
http://catalog.nau.edu/Catalog/.
Show the proposed changes in this column
Bold the proposed changes in this column to
differentiate from what is not changing, and
Bold with strikethrough what is being deleted.
GLG 340 FIELD METHODS II (1)
GLG 340 INTERMEDIATE GEOLOGIC
FIELD METHODS II (1)
This course was last offered more than 35 years ago, Description: This course is designed to
and was subsequently removed from the academic
develop and expand the geologic field
catalog. No description has survived the ensuing 3+
skills learned in GLG 240 and apply them
decades, but from the title and units (1), this class
to richer, more complex mapping areas.
was a field course very similar to the one being
We will emphasize field mapping and
proposed, with an emphasis on the field
interpretation of both small and largeobservations and mapping of geologic relationships
scale rock relationships to deduce their
in the field.
geologic history, and the use of
geographic information science (GIS) to
visualize and represent geologic data.
Prerequisite: GLG 240
Co or Prerequisite: GLG 315, GLG 324
Co requisite: GLG 350W
*if there has been a previously approved UCC/UGC/ECCC change since the last catalog year, please copy the approved
text from the proposal form into this field.
7. Justification for course change.
This course is being proposed as a part of the restructuring of the GLG field course program.
As proposed within the larger curriculum remapping, one unit GLG 440 has been moved to
this course in order to prevent GLG undergraduates from losing field knowhow during their
junior year and to allow more coordination between junior-level majors course and the field
program.
8. Effective BEGINNING of what term and year?
FALL 2016
See effective dates calendar.
IN THE FOLLOWING SECTION, COMPLETE ONLY WHAT IS CHANGING
CURRENT
Current course subject and number:
PROPOSED
Proposed course subject and number:
Current number of units:
Proposed number of units:
Current short course title:
Proposed short course title (max 30 characters):
FIELD METHODS II
INT GEOLOGIC FIELD METHODS
Current long course title:
Proposed long course title (max 100 characters):
FIELD METHODS II
INTERMEDIATE GEOLOGIC FIELD
METHODS
Current grading option:
letter grade
pass/fail
or both
Current repeat for additional units:
Proposed grading option:
letter grade
pass/fail
or both
Proposed repeat for additional units:
Effective Fall 2012
Current max number of units:
Proposed max number of units:
Current prerequisite:
Current co-convene with:
Proposed prerequisite (include rationale in the
justification):
Proposed co-requisite (include rationale in the
justification):
Proposed co-convene with:
Current cross list with:
Proposed cross list with:
Current co-requisite:
9. Is this course in any plan (major, minor, or certificate) or sub plan (emphasis)? Yes
No
If yes, describe the impact. If applicable, include evidence of notification to and/or response
from each impacted academic unit.
This course is part of the GLG major (all emphases). Its one added unit is balanced by the
decrease in units within GLG 440 that is also part of this course remapping for GLG.
10. Is there a related plan or sub plan change proposal being submitted?
If no, explain.
Yes
No
11. Does this course include combined lecture and lab components?
Yes
If yes, include the units specific to each component in the course description above.
No
Answer 12-15 for UCC/ECCC only:
12. Is this course an approved Liberal Studies or Diversity course?
If yes, select all that apply.
Liberal Studies
Diversity
Yes
No
Both
13. Do you want to remove the Liberal Studies or Diversity designation?
If yes, select all that apply.
Liberal Studies
Diversity
Both
Yes
No
14. Is this course listed in the Course Equivalency Guide?
Yes
No
15. Is this course a Shared Unique Numbering (SUN) course?
Yes
No
FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN CAMPUS
Scott Galland
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
1/29/2015
Date
Approvals:
Department Chair/Unit Head (if appropriate)
Date
Chair of college curriculum committee
Date
Effective Fall 2012
Dean of college
Date
For Committee use only:
UCC/UGC Approval
Approved as submitted:
Approved as modified:
Date
Yes
Yes
No
No
EXTENDED CAMPUSES
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
Date
Approvals:
Academic Unit Head
Date
Division Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized Learning)
Date
Division Administrator in Extended Campuses (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized
Learning)
Date
Faculty Chair of Extended Campuses Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or
Personalized Learning)
Date
Chief Academic Officer; Extended Campuses (or Designee)
Date
Approved as submitted:
Approved as modified:
Effective Fall 2012
Yes
Yes
No
No
College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
School of Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability
GLG 340 – Intermediate Geologic Field Methods
SPRING SEMESTER, 2016 - 1 hour/week, 1 credit
INSTRUCTOR
Mary Reid
mary.reid@nau.edu
Geology Annex 212
Office hours: tbd
Michael E. Smith
michael.e.smith@nau.edu
Geology Annex 212
Office hours: tbd
TA:
Teachy Assisterson
t.assisterson1234@nau.edu
Office hours: tbd
Class Times: Two Fridays, 1-3 pm, Geology rm. xx, and five field days as scheduled
Course prerequisites:
GLG 240, Introduction to Field Methods and Report Writing; Course
co or prerequisites:
GLG315, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology; GLG324, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy;
Course co requisite: GLG 350W, Geologic Communications.
Course Description
The goal of this course is to provide you with intermediate to advanced skills and practice to observe
and investigate geology in the field. This course is designed to develop the skills you have learned in
GLG 240 and apply them to richer, more complex field areas that will flex your conceptual
understanding of stratigraphic and structural relationships as well as igneous and metamorphic rocks
and their field relationships. We will emphasize field mapping and interpretation of both small and
large-scale rock relationships to deduce their origin and geologic history. You will also further expand
your ability to utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize and represent geologic data
and relationships while constructing publication-grade geologic maps of the study areas that you visit.
Upon completion, students will be able to:
(1) Ask questions that guide the types of data to collect at an unfamiliar outcrop of strata.
(2) Read a topographic map and locate oneself and delineate geologic features on one.
(3) Develop skills in taking good, descriptive notes in the field.
(4) Demonstrate competency at using a Brunton compass to measure the orientation of geologic
features (strike/dip; trend/plunge).
(5) Recognize and defining geologic units and their composition, contacts, and structures.
(6) Construct and annotate a geologic map and structural cross-sections using field data.
(7) Interpret successions of rock units and their depositional settings and geologic history.
Effective Fall 2012
(8) Practice carrying multiple working hypotheses, developing tests for these hypotheses, changing
your lead hypotheses based upon new data, and integrating data of diverse types.
(9) Use ArcGIS to create a digital geologic map in addition to using traditional field techniques.
Course structure/approach
We will venture on a total of 5 field days. Details about these trips are found below.
Required Textbooks:
distributed.
No textbook. Photocopies or digital copies of required readings will be
COURSE OUTLINE
This is a field-intensive course. The limited number of class meetings will be devoted to fieldtrip
preparation and review.
Week
Days
Class topic
1
Jan 15
Course introduction.
2
Jan 22
No class
3
Jan 29
No class
4
Feb 4
No class
5
Feb 11
No class
6
Feb 18
Field trip 1 preparation.
Field trip to xx, Feb 18-20
7
Feb 25
Trip 1 review, mapping assignment.
8
Mar 4
GIS practicum.
9
Mar 11
No class
10
Mar 18
Spring Break – No class
11
Mar 25
No class
12
April 1
13
April 8
Trip 2 review, mapping assignment.
14
April 15
GIS practicum.
15
April 22
Work on reports and maps.
16
April 29
Work on reports and maps.
Weekend Trip
Weekend Trip
Trip 2 preparation.
Field trip to xx, April 1-3 (includes milestone field exam)
Your final reports, including geologic maps and cross sections, unit descriptions and
geologic histories are due on the Friday the 5th of May.
Effective Fall 2012
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Grading will be based on completeness, accuracy of observation and recording of data, geological
reasoning, presentation of maps and cross sections, organization, neatness, grammar, and the
overall clarity of geologic reports. Assignments are due on day given, not the day after or three days
later. You will be docked 10% per late day!
ALL written material will be turned in word-processed (by you), double spaced, with 1” or 1.25”/3.2 cm
margins all around, and in Times or Times New Roman 12-point font, and all illustrations will be in
ink, using drafting pens. Computer-generated graphics and photographs are allowed EXCEPT where
the assignment calls for sketches. Double-sided pages are fine, and page numbers are required.
Course policies
 Attendance is mandatory to all class and field meetings.

You cannot make up the field portions of this course. If you must miss class of turn an
assignment in late, you must provide a legitimate excuse prior to the course meeting, or
accompanied by a note from a doctor if you are ill.
Grading
Your grade will be determined according to your grade on the following assignments:
Two field reports/maps = 40% each. Milestone field exam: 10%. Professionalism: 10% overall.
The milestone field exam must be passed prior to enrolling in 400 level GLG courses.
University Policies
Please consult the following link for official NAU policies concerning Safe Working and Learning
Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional Review Board, and Academic Integrity (i.e.,
cheating and plagiarism) : http://nau.edu/OCLDAA/_Forms/UCC/SyllabusPolicyStmts2-2014/.
Plagiarism and cheating are major offenses. At the very least, you will fail whichever assignment you
are caught cheating on. More serious potential consequences can be found in the official policies
above. It’s not worth the risk to not do the work yourself.
Basic skills that you are expected to possess at the start of GLG 340
(1) Locate yourself on a topographic map.
(2) Measure strike and dip of bedding planes and other surfaces (faults, mineral foliation, etc.).
(3) Recognize common minerals in the igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
(4) Describe rocks in the field, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary structures and
textures.
(5) Follow and accurately map contacts in the field.
(6) Apply the principle of crosscutting relations in the field to determine relative ages of geologic
features.
(7) Know common geologic map symbols (strike and dip of bedding, contacts, faults, fold axes).
(8) Draw a topographic profile and basic cross section from a geologic map.
(9) Be able to make basic interpretations of environments of deposition, intrusion, and metamorphism.
Necessary Supplies
The Geology Program will supply basic mapping materials: maps, Brunton compass, computer hardware &
software. Transportation will be provided by University vehicles.
Effective Fall 2012
YOU will need to supply all of the following items for the field:
1. Geology hammer
2. Hand lens
3. Field notebook: a pocket-type such as K & E 360B or Post 385 is best
4. 2-3 straight-edge/protractors ("C-Thru" brand, protractor/ruler, model W-5)
5. 2-3 Mechanical pencils, preferably a Pentel 0.5mm, 0.3mm, or equivalent, with spare lead (2H
minimum hardness). Alternatively, 2H or 4H, pencils with pocket clips, erasers, and sharpener
6. Water bottles: you MUST have a MINIMUM of 3 -- 1 qt/liter capacity water bottles. Dehydration is
the single largest threat to your health and happiness out here, far beyond snakes, bears, or
people.
7. Day pack to carry lunch, equipment, and rock samples. No backpacking will be required.
8. Personal first aid supplies (Band-Aids, moleskin, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.)
9. #1 and #00 drafting pens for inking maps.
10. Complete set of colored pencils (24 Berol Verithin pencils or the equivalent)
11. Supply of paper and usual items for drafting maps, cross sections, and stratigraphic sections and
writing reports
A simple rule for field equipment is to carry an extra of anything you are likely to lose or break. We
will supply a limited amount of general supplies for the base camp such as tape, extra paper, stapler,
etc...
Weather will be generally warm and sunny, but it can vary a lot and include hot and cool conditions as
our camps will be from 4000’ to 7000’ elevation, and from August to November. It can rain or even
snow. Your field clothing should include light-weight long pants and shorts; sturdy field boots with hard
soles (we'll be working in areas of jagged rock outcrops and cactus); light, warm, wind-resistant jacket;
light-weight rain gear; field hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You will want to include some warm
clothes, as evenings can get cold.
You will need a sleeping bag, ground cloth, air mattress or foam pad, a tent or some kind of rain
shelter. A duffel bag or backpack will serve to keep your belongings together. Prepare for simple
breakfasts and packing your own lunch. Many people find it handy to have a sandwich-size or larger
plastic container for lunches.
Precautions Although not common, poisonous snakes and insects inhabit the field areas. Caution,
not fear, is necessary, especially in loose rock, rocky ledges, or high grass. Biting and stinging insects
may be locally abundant. Gnats could be a problem in May. Plants with thorns or dagger-like stickers,
such as yucca and agave, are potentially hazardous. Falling rock, whether natural or human-caused,
constitutes another hazard. Be especially careful when climbing slopes or ledges above others.
Crossing streams on wet rocks or logs may be hazardous when done carelessly and can usually be
avoided. Mother Nature is unforgiving of those who are thoughtless or careless.
Field Trip Policies The following are some (not all) of the general rules of behavior. The basic
standard that will guide our actions will be respect and consideration for people outside and within our
group.
1. When camping, 10:00 p.m. will be the quiet hour; avoid making loud or disturbing noise while
others are sleeping.
2. Firearms are not allowed in the field areas under any circumstances.
3. Be on time for all meetings.
4. Help to keep the vans clean; do not stuff garbage and empty cans under the seats; properly
dispose of your garbage, wrappers, cans, etc., when we return from the field after each project.
5. University policy states that alcoholic beverages will not be consumed during work hours.
6. University insurance insists that no non-University personnel will drive a state vehicle.
Effective Fall 2012
7. Field work involves somewhat greater risks of injury than sedentary pursuits. We encourage you to
obtain good health insurance, and to consciously think safety at all times.
8. Everyone is expected to contribute to routine camp chores such as helping in the kitchen, setting
up and breaking down camp, etc.
Professionalism
It is essential to work with others and to participate successfully in group activities in this course. This
skill is necessary for much of the work you may do in the future as a professional geologist. This
applies whether you are working together in a small group project, working in a group to help the camp
cook, and working with the whole group with camp setup. In a professional setting, you are almost
always judged by the level of enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive that you demonstrate for the project.
These skills and attitudes can be evaluated separately from the quality of the work product that you
produce. We will include an evaluation of this category of your participation as 10% of the total course
grade, based on the evaluation of the instructor(s) and teaching assistant at the end of each project.
Effective Fall 2012