Geology C050: Introduction to Geology
Beury 160, M,W & F 9:40 AM, Spring 2007
Instructor:
Dr. Laura Toran
223 Beury Hall
215-204-2352
ltoran@temple.edu
Office Hours: 10:40-11:30 MF
8:30-9:30 W
and by appointment
Website: “geo050” on Blackboard through TUPortal. The textbook also has a website
www.prenhall.com/tarbuck
Text: The Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 8th ed, by Tarbuck and Lutgens and the
Online Lab Manual (available at www.temple.edu/geology/spring07_Geo50_labs.html).
Goals: You live on the earth, but how much do you know about it? This course will teach you
about the minerals used to make almost everything humans own, how mountains form, where
earthquakes occur, and whether you need to worry about climate change or groundwater
contamination.
GEO C050 will fulfill the first semester science and technology requirement (SA) of the Core
Curriculum. The course is designed both for students with no previous college-level science
experience and also as an introduction to geology for prospective majors.
Grading and expectations: You are expected to attend every lecture and laboratory and to be on
time. Grades will be based on 2 midterm tests, a final exam, short quizzes, laboratory work, and
overall performance. Tests will be 75% of the grade (with quizzes included as about 5%) and the
laboratory will be another 25% of the grade. You must attend and pass the laboratory to pass the
course. We will read 1-2 chapters per week for the course.
Grades almost always reflect attendance. Poor attendance leads to poor grades. The lectures tell
you what textbook points will be emphasized on an exam, and bring new, up-to-date material
into the classroom. What if you miss a class? Don’t just hope you’ll catch up. Do something
about it: get notes from a student that attended; read the chapter; go to the textbook web site and
do the reviews. However, the text, CD, and textbook website emphasize more definitions than I
do. That’s why lectures are most important. If you come across something not discussed in
class, it will not be on the exam. Make up exams are given only under with a documented excuse. Contact me
BEFORE the exam. The make up exam will be different version (mostly essay).
Laboratory: Laboratory sessions will meet once a week in Barton Hall. You must attend and
pass the laboratory to pass the course. TAs will take attendance. If you miss a lab, arrange to
take another lab the same week.
Disabilities, etc: Contact Disability Resources and Services 215 204 1280 in 100 Ritter Hall and
talk to the instructor if you have needs that require accommodation. The university has adopted
a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02)
Other needs: Contact me if you are struggling with the class. For exams, I am more likely to
accommodate a person who contacts me with a problem BEFORE the exam than I am AFTER
the exam. I check and respond to email promptly.
Geology 50 Syllabus
MWF Section
Spring 2007
WEEK
1
2
3
DATES
Jan 16-19
4
Jan 22-26
Jan 29-Feb 2
(last day to
drop)
Feb 5 -9
5
Feb 12 -16
6
Feb 19- 23
LECTURE TOPIC
Rock cycle,
Intro plate tectonics
Minerals, quiz
Igneous rocks
Volcanic activity
READING
HOMEWORK
Ch 1
Ch1, #4, #7, #20
Ch 3
Ch 4
Ch 5
Ch 3,#10, #14
Ch 4, #5, #10,
Ch 5, #3, #9
Minerals
Igneous Rocks
Weathering,
Sedimentary rocks, quiz
Sedimentary rocks,
Metamorphic rocks
Scientific method,
Review,
EXAM Fri Feb 23
Ch 6
Ch 7
Ch 7
Ch 8
Ch 6 # 2, #6
Sedimentary Rocks
Ch 7, #5, #8
Ch 8, #11
GPS &
Campus Tour
Metamorphic Rocks,
Comparison of rock
types
LAB
No lab
Ch 2 53-56
GLADFELTER 13
7
Geologic time
SPRING BREAK
Tectonics, deformation,
quiz
Ch 9
online, Ch 9 #21
Lab exam
8
Feb 26-Mar 2
Mar5-9
Mar 12-16
Ch 2
Ch 10
Ch 2 #7, #11, #12
Ch 10 #14, #20
PA Geologic map or
Earthquake lab
9
Mar 19-23
Earthquakes, Earth’s
interior
Ch 11
Ch 12
Ch 11 #7, #9
Ch 12, #3,#18
10
Plate boundaries
Ch 13
Ch 14
Ch 13, #3, #5,#9
Ch 14,#6,#17,#21
11
Mar 26-30
(last day to
withdraw)
Apr 2-6
Earthquake
computer lab or PA
map
Topo Maps
12
Apr 9-13
EXAM Fri Apr 6
GLADFELTER 13,
begin Rivers, review
Rivers, Groundwater
Ch 16
(not on
exam2)
Ch 16,
Ch 17
13
Apr 16-20
Ch 18
14
Apr 23-27
Groundwater, Glaciers,
Quiz,
Shorelines, Energy,
climate change
15, 16
April 30,
MAY 9
8:30-10:30
Review,
FINAL EXAM
Wed May 9
Room TBA
Ch 20:
597-614
Ch 21 to
644
Maps: Rivers
Ch 16#2,#9,#16
Ch 17, #4,#14,
#21
Ch 18 #2,#6
Groundwater
Ch 20, #8, #16
Ch 21, #2, #4
No lab
Lab exam