Department: Physical Sciences (Geology)
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Spring 2011
Geol 1401 - 0087 Crn# 69808
Course location and
times:
Missouri City Campus
(Rm. 210/206)
Saturday: 8.30 am-12.00 noon/ 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Course semester
credit hours:
Course contact hours:
Course length:
Instruction type:
4 Semester Credit hours
Instructor:
Ravindra (Ravi) S.Tipnis, PhD.
Phone:
713-718-7773
Email address:
ravindra.tipnis@hccs.edu
Office location and
hours:
Missouri City Campus (By appointment only)
96 total hours
12 weeks
In-person Lecture
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to enable students to use fact and observations to
make geologic interpretations about geologic processes operating today and in the
past. Key questions to be addressed include a. major elements of plate tectonics and
internal processes, b. external processes and how they modify the landscapes, c.
impact of geologic processes on local environment and review and understanding of
earth materials (minerals & rocks).
The students with learn to use interpret data from Topographic Maps, Rocks &
Minerals and also undertake a Group Projet (Faults in Houston Area) and a Research
Report on a topic related to Plate Tectonics.
Course Prerequisites:
Completion of developmental English classes (ENGL 0310/0349 or higher), or
passing grades on the English portion of the college assessment exam, and GUST
0342 are requirements.
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Course Goals:
This course is intended for students majoring in one of the physical sciences or life
sciences. It is also beneficial to students who are preparing themselves for higher level
science courses in their respective curricula.
GEOL 1401
Student Learning Outcomes
Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes
1. Program SLO #_ 1 _: Students will recognize scientific and quantitative
methods. Students will evaluate the differences of scientific approaches and
communicate these findings, analyses, and interpretations in oral and written
communication. Program SLO #_ 2 _: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the
major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon
ethics, values, religion, and public policies. Program SLO #_ 3 _: Students will
demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their
influence on, and contribution to, modern culture. Program SLO #_ 4 _: Students
will identify and recognize the differences in competing scientific theories.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7
1. Level 1: Knowledge 1. Recognize important aspects of the Earth System in terms
of Earth materials, surficial and internal processes, as well as the forces that drive
those processes. 2. State the current theory of the formation of the Earth within the
context of our Solar System. Recognize how the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans,
continents and ocean basins, and life evolved. 3. Recognize basic principles of
evolution and the vastness of geologic time. Level 2: Comprehension 1. Describe and
identify minerals in terms of their diagnostic physical properties. 2. Describe and
identify major rock types in terms of their composition and texture. Level 3:
Application 1. Use topographic maps and profiles to illustrate a basic understanding
of the morphology of Earth features and elevation. 2. Use geologic maps and block
diagrams to interpret and reconstruct sequence and types of geologic events. Level
3: Application 1. Use information revealed through seismic data to interpret the
internal structure of the Earth. 2. Relate the generation of seismic waves to various
earthquake phenomena. 3. Apply models of Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics to
the worldwide distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes, major mountain chains.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives (Numbering system should be linked to SLO - e.g., 1.1,
1.2, 1.3, etc.)
Level 1: Knowledge
1. Recognize important aspects of the Earth System in terms of Earth materials,
surficial and internal processes, as well as the forces that drive those processes.
2. State the current theory of the formation of the Earth within the context of our
Solar System. Recognize how the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, continents and ocean
basins, and life evolved.
3. Recognize basic principles of evolution and the vastness of geologic time.
Level 2: Comprehension
1. Describe and identify minerals in terms of their diagnostic physical properties.
2. Describe and identify major rock types in terms of their composition and texture.
Level 3: Application
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1. Use topographic maps and profiles to illustrate a basic understanding of the
morphology of Earth features and elevation.
2. Use geologic maps and block diagrams to interpret and reconstruct sequence and
types of geologic events.
Level 3: Application
1. Use information revealed through seismic data to interpret the internal structure
of the Earth.
2. Relate the generation of seismic waves to various earthquake phenomena.
3. Apply models of Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics to the worldwide distribution
of earthquakes, volcanoes, major mountain chains.
Level 1: Knowledge
1. Define the geological terms used in describing Earth's materials, processes, and
forces.
2. Show the position of the Earth relative to other bodies in the Solar System.
3. Identify the major differences between Oceanic and Continental Crusts.
4. List major subdivisions of the geologic time scale and recognize the distinction
between relative and radiometric age determinations of geologic time.
Level 2: Comprehension
1. Summarize in chart form observed physical properties of minerals in order to
differentiate among major rock forming and other minerals.
2. Demonstrate the ability to describe rocks representative of the three major rock
groups on the basis of composition and texture.
Level 3: Application
1. Apply basic map contouring practices to interpret and use topographic maps and
profiles for purpose of characterizing topography of landforms in different
physiographic provinces.
2. Illustrate techniques in using aerial photos and basic Google Earth visualizations
to put into practice methods for conducting landscape analysis.
3. Illustrate the surface expression and overall 3-D architecture of common geologic
structures via geologic map construction and block diagram interpretation.
Level 3: Application
1. Illustrate how seismogram-derived data can related to estimating earthquake
magnitude and identifying epicenter locations.
2. Illustrate how earthquakes are used to determine the structure of the Earth’s
interior zones.
3. Calculate rates of tectonic plate movement. Use maps showing distribution of
active volcanoes and recent earthquakes to help establish plate boundaries.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, student should acquire the knowledge in the field
of Environmental Science that he or she can organize, analyze and learn to apply
within the field of their choice. The instruction strives to provide :
1. A transferable science core elective to cross discipline major
2. Scientific instruction to a culturally diverse student body
3. Information to strengthen the problem-solving abilities to those who are
deficient in Science and Mathematics
4. The tools necessary to interpret environmental conditions/phenomena that
may affect the student in his or her future.
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Classroom discussion, take-home assignments, written examination and
verbal presentations will measure the student’s achievements as part of
successful course completion.
Course Calendar:
Week
2/12
Week 1
Lecture Schedule
EARTH SYSTEM-UNIT Three
Ch. 1 : Introduction to Earth Science
Lab Schedule
LAB on Plate
Tectonics-
Ch. 7 : Plate Tectonics
EARTH SYSTEM-UNIT One
LAB Exercise 1 & 2
2/19
Ch. 2 : Earth Material -Minerals
Week 2
Ch. 3 : Earth Material - Rocks
2/26
Week 3
EARTH SYSTEM-UNIT Two
Test # 1 [Chs 1, 2, 3 &
7]
Ch. 4: Weathering/Mass Wasting
Ch. 5: Running Water & Ground Water
3/05
Week 4
EARTH SYSTEM-Unit Two
No LAB
LAB Exercise 3Topographic Maps
Ch. 6: Glaciers, Desert & Wind
EARTH SYSTEM-Unit Three
Test # 2 [Chs 4, 5 &6]
3/12
Ch. 8: Earthquakes
Week 5
Ch. 9: Volcanoes
[see above]
3/19
EARTH SYSTEM- UNIT Four
Lab Exercise 6
Week 6
Ch. 11 : Geologic Time
Ch. 12 : Earth’s Evolution
EARTH SYSTEM –UNIT Five
3/26
Week 7
Ch. 13 : The Ocean Floor
Test # 3- [Chs 8, 9, 11 &
12]> Not Dropped
Ch. 15 : The Dynamic Ocean
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4/2
Week 8
4/9
EARTH SYSTEM –UNIT Six
Chs. 16 to 19: Earth’s Dynamic Atmosphere
[Take Home Assignment-5 Points]
Lab Exercise 8
Test # 4 : Chs 13 – 15-Ocean System
Make-up Day Units
One to Six
Ch 20- Global Warming
Lab Exercise on
Global Warming
Week 9
4/16
Week 10
Last Date For Withdrawal 4/21
4/30
Week 11
Lab Exercise 20
EARTH SYSTEM UNIT Seven
Earth’s Place in Universe
[Chs 21 to 24]
5/07
Final Exam Review & Report Presentations
Week 12
5/14
( EXAM
Week)
Mini Review for Final Exam 8.30 am-9.30 am
[Comprehensive]
Final Exam 10 am to 12 noon
Note that your instructor reserves the right to change the schedule as needed at
any point during the course.
Instruction Methods:
Earth Science has become a very useful subject for understanding dynamic geologic
activities such as Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Volcanoes and shoreline changes as well as
topics related to Energy and Environment.
While the primary focus of the course will be on recommended text book covered
through class lectures including illustrations, animations; considerable knowledge in this
field can be gained through assignments, labs and group activities. Thus, the Lecture
material will not only correspond to the topics covered in the required textbook, but will
also include more details on certain specific topics. Topics and concepts covered during
lecture or included in the assigned reading will be included in exams.
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Additional Instructional activity will include mandatory Lab Component that will cover
numerous laboratory exercises from the Lab Manual and also “hands on” activities such
as mineral and rock identifications. Cooperative group work is encouraged.
Text Books
Lecture: Earth Science, 12th Edition, Tarbuck, Lutgens & Tasa; Pearson/Prentice Hall
Publishers., ISBN -13:978-0-13-602007-3; ISBN-10: 0-13-602007-0
Laboratory: Applications & Investigations I Earth Science, 6th Edn: Edited by Tarbuck,
Lutgens & Pinzke
Student Assignments:
& Exams
Student Assessments:
Instructional Materials:
HCC Policy Statement:
ADA
HCC Policy Statement:
Academic Honesty
One Assignment [5%] and 4 Tests will make up 40% of Total
Grade. One (1) of the Tests will be dropped [not Test 3],
but student should take all four test
Students will be evaluated via a Term Paper that will involve
independent research [MLA Format about 6-8 pages]. The
Term Paper will make up 10% of the Total Grade and is due
on or before April 30. The topic selected will be based on
Plate Tectonics and will require approval from the instructor
[Individual Task/Project].
Additional “Task” will include a “Group Project” with each
group consisting of not more than “6” students that will review
the “Faults in Greater Houston Area” & their Impact on
Houston Real Estate & Construction [on or before April 30]
See Above
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical,
learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Services Office at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Instructors are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Services Office. If you have any special needs or
disabilities that may affect your ability to succeed in college
classes or participate in any college programs or activities,
please contact the DSS office for assistance. At Southwest
College, contact:
Dr. Becky Hauri
5407 Gulfton
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone: 713-718-7909
Fax: 713-718-7781
TTY: 713-718-7909
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements.
Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by the college
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system against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
Penalties can include a grade of "0" or "F" on the particular
assignment, failure in the course, academic probation, or even
dismissal from the college. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but
is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
HCC Policy Statement:
Student attendance,
repeaters, withdrawal
deadline
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students
are responsible for materials covered during their absences,
and it is the student's responsibility to consult with instructors
for make-up assignments.
Instructors check class attendance daily. A student may be
dropped from a course for excessive absences after the
student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the
hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).
Habitual tardiness is considered an unprofessional
behavior. This includes missing the remainder of lecture
after a “lecture-break; walking in & out in a “freelance
manner; talking/texting in class; responding to cell
phones amongst others. Students are expected to be in
attendance for the entirety of the scheduled class and are
responsible for completing assignments scheduled
during their absence/s. It is the responsibility of each
student to amend their professional/personal schedule to
meet the class schedule.
Repeaters
Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may
soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other
Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your
instructor / counselor about opportunities for tutoring / other
assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are
not receiving passing grades.
Withdrawals
Withdrawal from the course after the official day of record (see
current catalog) will result in a final grade of “W” on the
student transcript and no credit will be awarded. It is the
student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a request for
withdrawal from any course. Students will be required to
formally request a drop from their instructors prior to the
administrative drop date deadline (April 21, 2011).
Abandoning the course or failing to formally drop, will result in
a grade being given based on the work completed for the
entire course (including missed exams).
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on
students who drop courses excessively. For example, if you
repeat the same course more than twice, you have to pay
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extra tuition. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature
passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more
than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
Receiving a "W" in a course may affect the status of your
student Visa. Once a W is given for the course, it will not be
changed to an F because of the visa consideration. Please
contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you
have any questions about your visa status and other transfer
issues
Instructor Requirements:
Basic requirements
Students should be on time for class and be prepared with required materials including
textbook and lab manual. Full class attendance is required including lecture and lab
portions. Full attention during lecture is required.
Phones/electronic devices
Absolutely no phone or other personal electronic devices are to be used during class
(lecture and lab). This includes making or taking a call, reviewing messages, texting,
playing games, checking email, surfing the web, anything that involves a phone or other
personal electronic device. If your work or family situation requires that you be available
via phone, your phone can be on vibrate mode and you can take the call during our
regular scheduled breaks or you can exit the class to review the call. Notify your friends,
family, employers, and anyone else who regularly contacts you that you will be in class
and that you should be contacted only when necessary. The taking of calls during class
is not only disruptive but it is also discourteous to classmates and the instructor.
Testing procedures
Be sure to arrive early for your examinations. There are time limits for exams. You will
not be given extended time for testing if you arrive late.
Entering and exiting the lecture room or lab room is not permitted once exams have
begun. Please be sure to use bathroom before or after.
Do not come late to the class or leave early. The absences, late entrances or leaving the
class early will be recorded in the attendance sheet and submitted to the Department.
Please buy yourself a good eraser when you have written exams. In my experience, the
students perform the best when they take active interest in attending the lectures and reading the
textbook.
Each student, “he” or “she” must understand the consequences of CHEATING, PLAGIARISM and
COLLUSION (see Student Handbook) and the fact that such action(s) could result in a grade of
“0” or “F” in that specific activity, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from College System.
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Deportment
Students are expected to conduct themselves as adults. This includes courteous and
respectful behavior towards instructor and classmates. Disruptive behavior or any
behavior that interferes with any educational activity being performed by the instructor
will not be allowed. Additionally, no student may interfere with his/her fellow students’
right to pursue their academic goals to the fullest in an atmosphere appropriate to a
community of scholars. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the class.
GRADING
HCC Grading
Scale:
A = 90 -100%
B = 80 - 90%
C = 70 - 80%
D = 60 - 70%
F = less than 60%
Instructor Grading Criteria:
Students must adhere to testing schedule. Failure to take a test will result in a “0” for the
missed exam. Exceptions include work, family, or personal (health) emergency, and
must be documented.
Only one make-up exam per semester is allowed (with proper documentation) and must
be arranged with instructor ASAP.
Examination format
Lecture exams will include multiple choice questions and essay/short answer
questions.
Grade Calculation
Assessment Activity
Total Grade %
TESTS [1 to 4]> one dropped
Final Exam [Comprehensive]
Term Paper
Lab Activity
Take Home Assignment
Group Project
“In Class” Activity (includes habitual
tardiness-see HCCS Policy on
Attendance)
Final Score
40
20
10
15
5
5
5
100
Recommendations for Success:
 Learning is an active process and it requires time, effort, energy and
perseverance. It requires practice and your dedication.
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
Attend class: Log on every day. Spend sufficient time reading the material
given in notes and in chapters. It is your money, time and education.

Preview the assigned chapters in the text. Read the concepts and overview
of the chapter. Review the headings, illustrations and Tables in the chapter.
Read the summary of the chapter.

For effective learning and success, read, write and recite. Repeat words
aloud and create concept maps to summarize the material.

You may require a minimum of 1-2 hour to review each “class lecture”.

Utilize CD and other visual aids that are on the Learning Web as well as
websites such as “geology.com” & “www.usgs.com”

Write answers to review questions and review from other sources as
mentioned in class.

Be prepared to write short answers to critical thinking questions and
develop problem solving skills.

Review lecture material multiple times before the exam
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