WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERISTY
____________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students
in an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 4301-section; Field Methods in Geology
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Techniques of geologic fieldwork; use of a GPS unit, Brunton
compass, and other field instruments is covered; use of aerial imagery, construction and
interpretation of various map types (topographic, geologic, etc.), and interpretation of geologic
phenomena. $45 fee. Other fees may apply for field costs.
PREREQUISITE: School approval
TEXTBOOK:
LAB BOOK: TBA
*Choose from official booklist
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES:
Upon completion of the course the student will
1. be familiar with modern collecting and tabulating methods for geologic specimens & data,
both in lab and in the field.
2. be able to synthesize and interpret concepts utilizing geologic data, including maps.
3. understand how to apply geological data to solution of various geologic problems.
4. be able to effectively communicate both orally and through writing ideas, arguments and
solutions in either formal and informal setting
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class attendance
a priority. No makeup, late work or redoing of work will be permitted except for makeup work
for excused absences due to official university business or very serious illness (hospital time).
Makeups will be scheduled at the instructor’s discretion. Students should expect to make up
work within 2 weeks of the absence. Notice of excused absences for official university business
should be provided on 8.5x11 paper prior to the absence
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per
university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be
reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: It is university policy that no otherwise qualified disabled
person be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the
coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation
requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for
accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA:
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60. The final
class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
Tests
3*
(100 points each)
Labs
12*
(25 points each)
Assignments and quizzes TBA
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious
academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic
academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final
grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic
Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised,
or lowered at any stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must
be submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee
may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
(Actual dates & book chapters may be included. This schedule includes student presentations
which may be omitted.)
______Subject
1 Introduction
2 Field Equipment, Field Notes, Geologic Report Writing
3 Stratigraphic Columns (measured sections)
4 Base maps & grid systems & Topographic maps/profiles
5 Geologic Maps and Cross Sections
6 Analyses of Geologic Maps
7 Use of Brunton Compass, GPS, etc. for field measurements
8 Field measurements for Geologic Maps
9 Creating Geologic Maps and Cross Sections 1
10 Creating Geologic Maps and Cross Sections 2
11 Variations: Mapping Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Structures
12 Projects completion
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Optional
Rev. 03/18/15