Geography 121 – Earth and Atmospheric Science
Instructor:
Course:
Lecture Time:
Laboratory Time:
Lecture Room:
Lab Room:
Office:
Office Hours:
Daniel Ekane Nnane PhD,
Email: Daniel.Nnane@twu.ca
Tel.: 604 513 2121 Ext 3107
GEOG 121 - Section F3
MTThF 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MTThF Lab 1: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.; Lab 2: 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
TBA
TBA
Upper RNT – Room 208
Fri 11:30 am to 12:30 pm or by appointment
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and systems of earth and
atmospheric science from a geographic perspective. Emphasis will be placed on the origins and
development of Earth’s surface features; the characteristics and circulations of the atmosphere,
including weather and global climates; and the biophysical principles governing vegetation on
Earth. Laboratory exercises will introduce some of the technical skills related to physical
geography. This course is intended for both science and non-science majors.
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Prerequisite: None.
Preclusion: Students who have completed GEOG 101 or GEOG 102 prior to September 2008
are not eligible for GEOG 121 credit.
Note: GEOG 121 fulfils TWU’s Academic core requirement for a natural science laboratory
course.
Course Objectives
The main objectives of the course are to:
 Introduce students to key scientific principles and processes as they relate to earth and
atmospheric science such as the scientific method, systems theory, flows of matter and
energy, scale, and spatial analysis.
 Teach students basic data gathering, manipulation, and presentation techniques using Global
Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), topographic map
interpretation, and basic weather instruments, (e.g., thermometer, barometer).
 Provide students with a broad foundation in geographic sciences from which they can pursue
more specialized studies of earth systems, atmospheric systems, and/or geographic
information systems.
 Integrate earth science understanding with a Christian worldview that sees God as the creator
and sustainer of all living and non-living systems.
Text
de Blij, H.J., P.O. Muller, R.S. Williams Jr., C.T. Conrad, and P. Long (2009). Physical Geography:
The Global Environment. 2nd Canadian Edition. Oxford University Press, Don Mills, Ontario.
The textbook may be purchased at the Bookstore. A copy of the textbook is also available on
Reserve in the library. You may use older editions, however please note figures and content are
slightly different.
Summer Semester 2015 1
Course Content
Lectures: This course consists of one three-hour lecture block on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Friday and one three-hour lab block. Lectures will provide the theoretical aspects you need
to understand the assignments and pass the tests, so attendance is essential. Classes will
consist of lectures delivered via PowerPoint presentation; lectures will also include multimedia
presentations, demonstrations, and discussions on selected topics.
Readings: Keeping up with the assigned reading is an essential part of this course. The readings
provide depth and context that will enhance your understanding of course material, and they will
be tested. Students are expected to have read the required daily readings before the class.
Specific reading assignments are outlined below; these may be modified when the need arises.
Labs and assignments: Labs are an important and a required component of this course. Labs
are designed to allow students the opportunity to investigate selected topics presented during
lecture in greater detail. Labs will consist of both group and individual instructional time.
Typically, methods and techniques will be presented and discussed, followed by time for data
gathering, individual work, and questions and answers. Labs will take place 12:30 - 3:30 pm and
2:30 – 5:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. You must register for only one
regularly scheduled lab section. Switching between lab sections is not permitted except for
documented medical reasons.
Come prepared for labs. You will need a 30 cm metric ruler, 2 regular or mechanical pencils, a
vinyl eraser, and a simple scientific calculator (required). For outdoor labs, be sure to be
prepared for the day’s weather (e.g., rain jacket) and field conditions (e.g., waterproof shoes).
There are eight lab exercises. You may gather data and consult other students about the lab
exercises, but each student is responsible for writing and submitting their own answers to lab
questions. Failure to submit your own work is considered plagiarism (more on this below).
Attendance at labs is very important. Lab attendance and participation will be evaluated. You will
not be graded on missed activities due to unexcused absence from lab. Lab assignments are due
one day (24 hrs.) after they are assigned, unless indicated otherwise by the lab instructor.
Tests and exams: There will be one mid-semester exam and one final exam. The mid-semester
and final exams will focus on conceptual understanding of material. Some lab material will also
be tested. The format for each exam is a combination of multiple choice, true-false, matching,
and written sections (short answers, definitions, and short and long essays) questions. The midterm exam covers all course material introduced from August 10th to August 17th. The final
exam covers all course material introduced from August 18th to August 25st (although some of
this material builds on ideas introduced in the first half of the course). Please use the washroom
before these exams begin. Note: Trinity Western University does not offer supplementary or
“make-up” exams. A missed exam can normally not be written at a later date.
Any student caught cheating by the instructor (or teaching assistant) during an exam will be
ejected immediately from the classroom and will be awarded a ‘0’ for that particular exam. If an
“ejected student” wishes to remain in the course, he/she must discuss the matter within 48
hours of his/her ejection.
Dissatisfaction with any grade received on an exam and/or an assignment must be lodged with
the instructor within 48 hours of receipt.
Illness and extenuating circumstances: If you miss a lab or exam due to illness or other serious
reason, such as a car accident, you must provide a Doctor’s note from the Trinity Western
University Medical Centre. Otherwise, a mark of zero will be given for the missed lab assignment
or exam.
Summer Semester 2015 2
Classroom Management
It is your responsibility to read this syllabus closely and familiarize yourself with its contents.
Code of conduct: This code of conduct is a non-negotiable requirement for enrolment in this
course. This code obliges each of us to ensure that the GEOG 121 environment is a safe and
positive space and that all course activities involve mutual respect for all members of the class.
This code necessitates an atmosphere of inclusion, free of discrimination based on culture,
religion, religious denomination, national origin, class, gender, “race,” sexuality or physical ability.
Attendance policy: Assessment is based on much more than how well you read materials and can
regurgitate ideas. Attendance is imperative to succeed in this course.
 Trinity Western University has a policy that students are expected to attend all classes on
a regular basis. If you must miss a class, you are responsible to speak with a classmate
regarding notes and an explanation of activities.
 If you miss more than 20% of classes without significant medical or compassionate
reasons, you will receive a mark of zero on Participation.
 Students who are absent for more than 50% of classes are not eligible for a passing
grade in the course.
 Students are expected to participate in a respectful manner in class discussions and
small groups. I request that you respect the ideas, thoughts, and opinions of others,
including mine. Respect does not necessarily imply acceptance. In fact, independence of
thought and critical thinking will contribute to you getting a high mark in the course. Thus
you should show a readiness and willingness to share your ideas, feelings, and thoughts
on a wide range of issues.
Laptop policy: Laptop/personal computers are not permitted in lecture. If you have a specific
learning-related issue that requires the use of a laptop computer in class I am happy to
accommodate your needs.
Policy on other digital entertainment and communication devices: Please ensure that these
devices are turned off and stored in your bag/coat/pocket so as not to be a distraction to other
students in the class.
Office hours and contacting me: Students should make every attempt to attend office hours to
have their course-related questions answered. If you email me, you can expect to wait 2 days for
replies to your emails. However, if you do not hear back from me within that time frame, kindly
resend your email. Note: Please use your student email account when emailing me.
Basis of Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based on accuracy, thoroughness, and neatness. On tests and lab
assignments, always show your work and keep track and express units of measurement. When
your work is graded, we are looking for proof of your understanding. If you complete your work
clearly and carefully, showing all steps, you may get partial credit, even for wrong answers.
Grading is done fairly and consistently, however if you have any questions regarding assessment,
feel free to come to my office and ask about it. I will not discuss grading of tests and
assignments via email.
Assignments and Evaluation:
 Lab Assignments (8 x 5 marks)
 Midterm Examination (August 20th)
 Final Examination (August 28th)
 Lecture Attendance/Participation
40%
20%
35%
05%
Summer Semester 2015 3
Note: You must attain a passing grade (50%) in both the lecture component and the lab
component of the course in order to receive course credit.
Late policy: Late assignments are deducted 10% for the first day late, 25% for the second day
late, and 50% for the third day late. Assignments are not accepted for marking after 3 days.
Each student is allowed one late assignment grace (no deduction).
Grading system: Letter grades are assigned according to the standard Trinity Western University
grading system published on page 33 of the 2010/2011 Academic Calendar.
A+ = 90-100%
A = 85-89%
A- = 80-84%
B+ = 77-79%
B = 73-76%
B- = 70-72%
C+ = 67-69%
C = 63-66%
C- = 60-62%
D+ = 57-59%
D = 53-56%
D- = 50-52%
F = below 50%
Grade interpretation guidelines:
A: Outstanding, excellent work; excellent problem solving ability in scientific or mathematical
contexts with virtually no computational errors.
B: Good, competent work; good problem solving ability, with few computational or conceptual
errors in scientific subjects.
C: Adequate, reasonably satisfactory work; limited problem solving ability in scientific subjects;
satisfactory grasp of basic elements of the course but frequent lapses in detailed or in-depth
understanding.
D: Minimally acceptable work; weak problem solving ability in scientific subjects. Shows
inadequate grasp of some basic elements of the course
F: Inadequate work; shows little evidence of even basic competency in the course content or
skills.
Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism at TWU
As Christian scholars pursuing higher education, academic integrity is a core value of the entire
TWU community. Students are invited into this scholarly culture and required to abide by the
principles of sound academic scholarship at TWU. This includes, but is not limited to, avoiding all
forms of plagiarism and cheating in scholarly work. TWU has a strict policy on plagiarism (see
academic calendar, pp. 37-38). Learning what constitutes plagiarism and avoiding it is the
student's responsibility. An excellent resource describing plagiarism and how to avoid it has been
prepared by TWU Librarian William Badke and is freely available for use as a flash (self-running)
tutorial: http://www.twu.ca/library/research_help_formatting_citations_bibliographies.htm
Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the intentional unacknowledged use of someone else’s words, ideas, or
data. When a student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas or data of others, the
source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific
references, in a style appropriate to the area of study, and, if verbatim statements are included,
through quotation marks or block format as well. By placing their names on work submitted for
credit, students certify the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate
acknowledgments.
Cheating: Cheating is an act of deception by which students misrepresent that they or others
have mastered information for an academic exercise.
Fabrication: Fabrication is the intentional use of false information or the falsification of research
or other findings with the intent to deceive.
Summer Semester 2015 4
Facilitation of Academic Misconduct: Helping or attempting to help another to commit act(s) of
academic misconduct as outlined above.
Non-attendance: Non-attendance, where attendance is deemed to be mandatory, is not
acceptable. Absences due to personal illness, family illness, death of an immediate family
member, religious ceremonies, or sports events in which the student represents Vancouver Island
University are allowed and must be approved by the appropriate instructor or coordinator. Nonattendance must be for valid reasons and not falsified.
Campus Closure Policy
In the event of deteriorating weather conditions overnight or other emergency situations, every
effort will be made to communicate information regarding the cancellation of classes to the radio
stations CKNW (980 AM), CKWX (1130 AM), STAR FM (107.1 FM), PRAISE (106.5 FM) and KARI
(550 AM) by 6:00 a.m., and an announcement will be placed on the University’s campus closure
notification message box (604-513-2147) and website (http://www.twu.ca/conditions/). The first
announcement regarding a closure will cover the period up to 10:00 a.m. only. The next update
will occur by 10:00 a.m. and cover the period until 3:00 p.m. Students and faculty should assume
that all night classes will continue to operate. If the emergency continues into the evening,
students and faculty may check for a closure notice on the University’s campus closure
notification message box and website after 3:00 p.m. that day.
Summer Semester 2015 5
Tentative Course Schedule
Week
Date
Lecture topic
Introduction to the Course
Monday
Introducing Physical Geography
August 10 The Planet Earth
Mapping the Earth’s Surface
Atmospheric Composition and Structure
Tuesday
Earth’s Setting in Space
August 11 Atmospheric Radiation and the Heat Balance
Assigned Reading
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 5
Unit 4
Unit 6
Lab 1: GPS Mapping
1
Thursday
August 13
Atmospheric and Surface Temperature
Atmospheric Moisture and the Water Balance
Precipitation, Air Masses, and Fronts
Unit 7
Unit 11
Unit 12
Lab 2: Using Topographic Maps
Friday
August 14
Air Pressure and Winds
Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Weather Systems
Unit 8
Unit 9
Unit 13
Lab 3: Atmospheric Observations
Monday
August 17
Earth’s Layered Interior
Plate Tectonics
Volcanism
Earthquakes
Unit 20
Unit 24
Unit 25
Unit 26
Lab 4: Weather Systems
Tuesday
August 18
2
Minerals and Igneous Rocks
Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks
Weathering Processes and Soils
Unit 22
Unit 23
Units 29 & 44
No Lab (Reading for Midterm)
Thursday
August 20
Midterm Exam (8:30 – 9:30 am)
Climate, Soil, Plants, and Animals
Biogeographic Processes
The Global Distribution of Plants
Climate Change
Unit 43
Unit 46
Unit 47
Unit 18
Lab 5: Rocks and the Rock Cycle
Friday
River Systems and Landforms
Units 31, 32, 33, & 34
August 21 Lab 6: Biogeography
Monday
Glacial Processes and Landforms
Units 36, 37, & 38
August 24 Lab 7: Streams
Tuesday
Coastal Processes and Landforms
Units 41 & 42
3
August 25 Lab 8: Geomorphology
Thursday
August 27 No class (Reading Day)
Friday
August 28 Final Exam (8:30 am – 11:30 am)
N.B. The lecture schedule is provided for general planning purposes only and is subject
to change and revision as necessary.
Summer Semester 2015 6