Physical Geography Lab
Department of Physical Science
Bakersfield College
Tentative Syllabus
Spring Semester 2016
Lab: SE 8
Geography B1-L
Introduction to Physical Geography Lab
Lab Times: W – 1 – 4:10 pm
Instructor: Dr. John Menzies
Office and Hours: MS27, M – 5- 6 pm, T – 4-6 pm, W - 11–12 pm, R – 10-11 am
E-mail: jmenzies@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Office Phone Number: 661-395-4563
Website: www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/jmenzies
Lab Manuals: Menzies, John. Physical Geography Lab Manual
Rand McNally. Goode’s World Atlas. 22nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Christopherson, R.W. Custom. ed. New Jersey:
Prentice Hall.
Obtaining the Lab Manual: 1. Go to www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/jmenzies
2. Click on Courses
3. Click on Lab Manual – must have MSWord
Materials: Lab manual, Textbook, Atlas, Calculator, Ruler, Colored Pencils, Graph
Paper
Lab Objectives: The purpose of the physical geography lab class is to supply a practical
basis for the material covered in the lecture portion of the class.
Becoming a good geographer requires basic map reading and
interpretation skills. By taking the lab, students have the opportunity to
apply specific geographic concepts to real-world problems. Labs will
last approximately 3 hours. This should be plenty of time to finish the
assignments. If more time is required, I will give you until lecture class
the next day to complete them. The labs will be done in groups of no
more than 3 people. This is to encourage team work and critical
thinking on the part of the students.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Analyze the earth as an open physical system where all elements interact
with one another.
2. Evaluate how the earth’s atmosphere, geology and biological processes
shape the earth’s surface.
3. Analyze the earth’s size, orientation and revolution in space.
4. Analyze the global distribution of Earth’s weather, climate, and landform
features.
5. Apply the scientific method to real world geographic problems.
Attendance: All labs must be attended because the assignments are due at the end of
each session. BC policy states that if you miss 2 weeks worth of classes the
instructor may drop you from the course. If you miss 1 week prior to the
census date you will be dropped as well.
Withdrawal Deadlines: Last day to drop without a W on your record: Jan. 31, 2016
Last day to drop with a W on your record: April 1, 2016
Census Date: Feb. 1, 2016
Grading: 3 Exams
Final Exam
Labs
Total
150 pts. (Each worth a total of 50 pts.)
50 pts.
200 pts. (Each worth a total of 20 pts.)
400 pts.
College Grading Policy (+90% A, 89-80% B, etc.)
Etiquette: Late lab assignments and missed exams will not be accepted.
If extreme circumstances exist, and a lab cannot be handed in on time or an
exam must be missed, a reasonable and verifiable excuse must be supplied in
advance so that other arrangements can be made. Any excused assignment or
exam that is 1 week or more overdue will not be accepted under any
circumstances. There will be no exceptions to these rules.
Plagiarism: Bakersfield College does not tolerate academic misconduct such as
plagiarism. If a students’ assignment is found to be copied directly from
another source, the instructor reserves the right to award an F to that student
for the assignment. Be aware that students’ work can be verified for its
originality at www.turnitin.com.
Tentative Lab Schedule (subject to change)
Week 1
Introduction
Week 2
Use of Atlas
Week 3
Geographic Grid: Latitude, Longitude, and Time
Week 4
Earth-Sun Relationships
Week 5
Public Land Survey
Week 6
Exam # 1
Week 7
Pressure and Wind
Week 8
Weather-Temperature
Week 9
Moisture and Air Masses
Week 10
Spring Break!!!
Week 11
Exam # 2
Week 12
Topographic Maps
Week 13
Topographic Maps (Cross-Sectional Profile Drawing)
Week 14
Volcanic and Glacial Landforms
Week 15
Exam # 3
Week 16
Final Exam Q & A
Week 17
Final Exam
Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs and Services in the Student Services
Building, 1st Floor, Counseling Center (661-395-4334), as soon as possible to ensure that
such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner.