Updated 2013
Course Number: GEOL 1305
Course Title: Natural Disasters
Course Credit: 3 hours
Course Delivery Method: Lecture online
Introduction and Purpose: This course is intended to prepare the science major for further study in a science
field and to meet the general education requirements for a laboratory science. The course can be used to fulfill
core requirements for graduation and/or transfer to senior institutions.
Text: Natural Disasters, please Email your instructor for textbook and course details. pbellah@hillcollege.edu,
pdolliver@hillcollege.edu, bsalle@hillcollege.edu
Method of Evaluation: Quizzes and completion of four exams is required. Other methods of competency
evaluation may include research papers and discussion. Quizzes and papers are submitted in Blackboard.
Exams are administered on campus in the Testing Center.
You MUST have an e-mail address on file with the College to access Blackboard. Exams and quizzes will be
accessed through Blackboard.
Grading Scale:
90%+
80%+
70%+
60%+
<60%
A
B
C
D
F
Course Withdrawal Policy: The last day to withdraw (Check your schedule). You may repeat this course only
once after receiving a grade, including W.
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will understand the concept of Geologic Time.
2. The student will understand the concepts leading to Steno's principles.
3. The student will understand the principles developed for Mineral identification.
4. The Student will understand the general structure of the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere,
and the Environment.
5. The student will understand the principle ideas for the concept of Plate Tectonics and Geologic
Hazards.
6. The Student will understand the concepts and impact of Mineral Resource development.
7. The Student will understand the concepts leading to our understanding of Rock and soil formation
and identification
8. The Student will understand the application of the Scientific Method of inquiry.
9. The student will understand the concepts leading to the theory of Fossil Succession.
10. The student will understand and recognize how technology has led to a better understanding of
Earth energy systems.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s):
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account global, national,
state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will develop the essential knowledge and
skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the
assistance of the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42 semester
credit hour core curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose:
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the
physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world,
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and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically
evaluates the objectives included in the Foundational Component Area of Life and Physical Sciences.
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical Thinking
Skills
CT2: Gather and
assess information
relevant to a
question
Communication
Skills
Use
Any
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through written
communication
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
Use
Any
EQS1: Manipulate
and analyze
numerical data and
arrive at an
informed conclusion
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
Use
Any
EQS2: Manipulate
and analyze
observable facts
and arrive at an
informed conclusion
Teamwork
TW2: Work with
others to support
and accomplish a
shared goal
General Learning
Activities
Assessment
Student will recognize
procedures necessary for
identifying major
environmental impacts.
Embedded exam
assessment and/or
lab activities.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Student will utilize data
and accumulate evidence
leading to the identification
of submarine structures,
rocks, minerals, as
indicators of sudden
environmental change
communicated in a lab
report.
Embedded exam
assessment and/or
lab rubric.
4, 10
Student will be able to
describe technology used
and/or understand
currently recognized Earth
structures by analysis of
data.
Embedded exam
assessment and/or
lab activities.
1-10.
Student will analyze data
from an experiment and/or
lab activity, observing
experimental results and
supporting or rejecting a
hypothesis based upon
those conclusions.
Embedded exam
assessment and/or
lab activities.
Student will actively
discuss problems and
solutions brought up in
lecture and assignments
with the shared goal of
higher understanding.
Discussion board
rubric.
Course SLO
1,2
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Disabilities/ADA:
In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the regulations published
by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a), Hill College’s designated ADA/Section 504
Coordinator, Melanie Betz, Director of Academic Advising & Student Success, shall be responsible for coordinating
the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under ADA. Students with disabilities
requiring physical, classroom, or testing accommodations should contact the Director of Academic Advising &
Student Success, Melanie Betz, at (254) 659-7781.
STUDENT HANDBOOK (http://www.hillcollege.edu/StudentServices/?mdc=handbook)
Geo1l305GENERIC.2013
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Updated 2013
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT:
All students shall obey the law, show respect for authority and observe correct standards of conduct.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY: Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the “Code of Student
Conduct,” and is punishable by the instructor, division director, deans of the instructional programs and/or the
Division of Student Services. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not limited to:
a. cheating on a test; which may include: (1) copying from another student’s test paper, (2) using unauthorized
test material, (3) collaborating with or seeking aid from another student without authorization, (4) knowingly
using, buying, selling, soliciting, stealing or transporting in whole or in part the contents of an un-administered
test, (5) any form of grade alteration, (6) substituting for another student or permitting another student to
substitute for one’s self to take a test.
b. plagiarism, shall be defined as the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means
another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.
c. collusion, shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for
fulfillment of course requirements.
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