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 1404-section; Earth Systems
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: The Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and continents are examined
through the concept of plate tectonics, with special reference to Earth’s place in the solar system;
introductions to meteorology, oceanography, plate tectonics and planetary astronomy. Lecture
three hours, laboratory three hours. $45 fee.
PREREQUISITE: none
TEXTBOOK: Choose from official booklist
LAB BOOK:
OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
1. understand current theories of the origin of the solar system and planetary differentiation.
2. be familiar with our current knowledge of all bodies within our solar system.
3. have knowledge of the current state of Plate Tectonics theory and its relation to the sea floor.
4. understand unique properties and circulation patterns of ocean water.
5. have an understanding of shoreline geological processes.
6. know the properties and circulation patterns of the atmosphere, in relation to heat exchange.
7. understand the processes behind the development of clouds, storms and climate change.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class attendance a
priority.
(Place additional attendance requirements here.).
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.
DISABILITY STATEMENT: 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: Students will be evaluated by
examinations, quizzes and lab activities, etc. as described in this syllabus under the heading
“Evaluation”.
EVALUATION:
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
(Place test/quiz/lab grade values used and schedule here.)
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)
______Subject
1
Introduction
2
Earth Science Concepts
3
Sea Water and the Sea Floor
4
Plate Tectonics
5
Plate Tectonics / Ocean currents
6
Ocean Circulation, Shorelines
7
Shoreline processes
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Atmospheric properties
Solar & Terrestrial Radiation
Humidity and Clouds
Atmospheric circulation
Weather systems
Earth-Moon system
The solar system
Stars & Galaxies
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
Last rev. 03/18/15