GEOL 100 Mineralogy Syllabus, Fall 2013
Instructor:
Office:
Office phone:
Office hours:
e-mail:
Geology web page:
Dr. Lisa Hammersley
1000 Placer Hall
278-7200
Mon 10:30-12:00; Tues 9:00-10:30 (or by appointment)
hammersley@csus.edu
http://www.csus.edu/geology/
Course Description and prerequisites:
Introduction to mineral identification by physical and optical properties. Techniques and theory of
optical mineral analysis, crystallography and mineral formation. 4 units.
CHEM 1A; GEOL 10; GEOL 10L
Required textbook:
Introduction to Mineralogy by William Nesse (2nd Edition)
Other good books that can supplement the required text:
Mineralogy, Perkins (available in library)
Minerals, their constitution and origin, Wenk and Bulakh
An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals, Deer, Howie, Zussman
Mineral Science, Klein (available in library)
SacCT 9.1
Online material for this course, such as homework assignments, lecture slides and grades will be
available through SacCT 9.1. You can login to SacCT at http://www.csus.edu/sacct/. In order to access
the course website you will need a saclink account. If you do not have a saclink account you can get
one by going to https://www.saclink.csus.edu/saclink/, clicking on register and following the
instructions.
Please note: There is an orientation course available to all students (see www.csus.edu/sacct/ for
information). Please let me know if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Mineral identification kits:
For mineral identification you will need the following items: Glass jar, nail, magnet, hand lens, penny,
pocket knife. This identification kit must be brought to all mineral identification labs. Small ceramic
bar magnets can easily be found for less than a dollar at a hardware store or a craft store. You are
expected to have these materials by the second week of the semester.
Reading:
Your class schedule lists the assigned reading for each class. The lectures typically follow the reading
material very closely. Mineralogy is a complex subject and I highly recommend that you do the
assigned reading before you come to class and review the reading again after class.
Late work policy:
I expect you to hand work in on time and to do all of the exercises given. Late work will not be
accepted unless a valid reason is given and may be penalized.
Grading:
Your final grade will be determined from your lab, homework and exam scores according to the
following grading scheme.
Lab exercises: 40%
Homework: 15%
Quizzes: 5%
Midterms: 10% each
Lab Final: 10%
Written Final: 10%
Lab exercises:
Most lab exercises are designed to be completed during lab time but in some cases you will need to
spend time outside of class on them. Materials will be available in the classroom for you to catch up
on missed or unfinished labs. All Lab materials will be posted on SacCT ahead of time. You are
expected to print out your worksheets and bring them to lab.
Homework and Quizzes:
 Homework will be assigned throughout the semester. All homework will be posted on SacCT.
 During the semester there will be a number of short (5-10 minute) quizzes on mineral
formulas and important concepts at the start of lecture or lab periods. You will receive
adequate notice for each quiz and be told what the subject material will be.
Exams:
There will be two midterm exams, the first at the end of the crystal chemistry component of the class
(week 6) and the second at the end of the crystallography component (week 10). Midterm exams
may include material from the lectures and from the labs. At the end of the semester there will be a
cumulative final exam, covering all course material. There will also be a lab final exam held during
finals week. Makeup exams will only be granted under extenuating circumstances and will be held
during my regularly scheduled office hours. If you know that you will not be here for a scheduled
exam you must give me plenty of advance notice.
Attendance and Class Rules
 Attendance is required. We cover a lot of material quickly in this course and it is very easy to fall
behind.
 Participation in class discussions is highly encouraged and questions are welcomed.
 Please turn your cell phones OFF while in class. Ringing phones are very distracting to others in
the room. If you are expecting an important call that you have to answer, please inform me
before the beginning of class and leave your phone on silent mode.
 If you need to leave class early (i.e. for an appointment), please let me know beforehand.
 Students in this class are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and scholarly manner.
Please do not chat with other students during lecture as this is extremely disruptive for those
around you who are trying to listen. When working in groups, please be respectful of every
member of your group - don't exclude anyone, don't race ahead of anyone.
 Please try to arrive on time. This is particularly important for lab periods as the first few minutes
are used to introduce the lab materials.
Academic Honesty
You are expected to do your own work in this course and act with integrity in completing all
assignments. You are encouraged to confer with other students during in-class activities and while
doing your homework or studying for exams. However, all work handed in must be your own and
cheating during exams will not be tolerated. All instances of academic dishonesty will be dealt with
harshly, with consequences that range from a zero for the assignment to a grade of F in the course
and a referral to the Office of Student Affairs for disciplinary action.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation to
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD). For more information please visit the SSWD website
(http://www.csus.edu/sswd/). They are located in Lassen Hall 1008 and can be contacted by phone
at (916) 278-6955 (Voice) (916) 278-7239 (TDD only) or via email at sswd@csus.edu.
Please discuss your accommodation needs with me after class or during my office hours early in the
semester.