MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Course Syllabus
Department of Geosciences
COURSE NUMBER: GSC 101
CREDIT HOURS: 4
I. Title: The Earth and the Environment
II. Catalog Description: An introduction to the materials of the Earth and the processes
that modify them to form our landscapes and create our physical environment.
Includes an introduction to aerial photo and topographic/geologic map interpretation.
III. Purpose: This course is primarily designed for students with an interest in science
to provide them with an understanding of the materials which compose Earth, the
external and internal processes which modify it’s surface, and how humans interact
with the environment. Students will learn to engage in independent thought and to
express their ideas effectively in oral and written communication; to understand
critical methodologies used to make scientific discoveries, to analyze and evaluate
scientific data to reach logical conclusions; to understand the role and application of
technology and science in formulating solutions to environmental problems; and to
understand the importance of acquiring accurate and current scientific information
in making responsible environmental decisions.
IV. Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this course students will have:
A. an understanding of the fundamental laws and concepts that govern geologic
processes and the formation of earth materials through the study of geology
as an active inquiry/discovery-based process in which questions are
formulated, current knowledge is reviewed, testable hypotheses are stated,
data are collected and critically analyzed, conclusions are drawn, and
discussion with peers is conducted throughout all lecture and laboratory
sessions.
B. demonstrated proficiency in the identification of common and economically
important minerals by their chemical and physical properties and evaluated
by laboratory activities, quizzes, and the mid-term lab exam.
C. displayed the ability to adequately discuss the formation of the three major
rock families; identify the various members of those families, and predict
accurately the impact of their formation and location for industrial materials.
Satisfactory completion of this objective is assessed by lecture exams and
laboratory mid-term exam.
D. discussed and displayed a knowledge of the impact of volcanoes,
earthquakes, and landslides on the environment and society, eg., local and
international case studies are evaluated.
E. described or illustrated the effects of gravity, surface and underground
water, wind, and glaciers in sculpting the landscape of earth and other
planetary bodies and assessed by lecture exams and article critiques.
F. demonstrated an ability to use and interpret topographic and geologic maps
for basic environmental applications primarily through laboratory activities
as evaluated by lab exams and quizzes.
G. discussed the generation of geologic structures (faults, folds, impact craters)
and how these features are related to volcanoes, earthquakes, meteorite
impact and global tectonics evaluated by lecture exams and article critiques.
These objectives are applicable to Kentucky core content for assessment:
SC-HS-4.6.8,SC-08-2.3.3,SC-08-4.6.1,SC-HS-4.6.9,SC-08-1.1.4,SC-08-4.6.2,SC-HS-4.6.4
SC-08-2.3.4,SC-HS-2.3.7,SC-08-2.3.1,SC-HS-2.3.8,SC-08-2.3.2,SC-HS-2.3.10,SC-08-4.7.2
SC-HS-4.7.3, SC-HS-4.7.4
V. Content Outline:
Scientific Method
Chapter 1, p. 22-23
The Science of Geology
Chapter 1
Atoms, Elements, and Minerals
Chapter 2
Rock Families (Brief Description)
pp. 60-66,70-75,94-97,139-154,171-184
Rock Cycle
pp. 58
Laws of Stratigraphy
pp. 195-206
Relative and Numerical Ages of Rocks
Chapter 8, pp.207-214
Geologic Time Scale
pp. 214-218
Compositional and Mechanical
Structure of Earth
pp. 445-452 and pp. 588-590
Plate Tectonics
Chapter 19
Strike, Dip, Folds
pp. 382-390
Joints and Faults
pp. 391-400
Earthquake Mechanisms/Case Studies/Northridge
/Kobe/New Madrid
Chapter 16
Igneous Activity
Chapter 4, pp. 86-93
Volcanoes/Case Studies/Mt. Pinatubo
pp. 97-112
Weathering Processes
pp. 117-128
Differential Weathering
Lecture notes
Soil Formation
pp. 129-135
Mass Wasting
Chapter 9
Classification and Control of Mass Wasting
Lecture notes
Ground Water
pp. 284-293
Karst Formation
pp. 293-300
Streams
pp. 248-263
Drainage Patterns and Their Significance
Lecture notes and pp. 250-252
Alpine and Continental Glaciers
pp. 308-329
Causes of Glacial Ages
pp. 330
Deserts and Wind Action
Chapter 13
Waves, Beaches, and Coasts
Chapter 14
The professor reserves the right to adjust the exam dates to a later time if needed to match
the progress of lecture presentations.
VI. Instructional Activities:
A. This course is designed to promote scientific literacy associated with the
geologic environment through active learning. Since this course is taught
primarily as a large assembly, active learning activities are more readily utilized
in the laboratory session; but modified techniques are still used in the lecture.
Group discussion, pair-sharing, and collaborative research dealing with case
studies of historic geologic phenomena and current global environmental issues
are utilized.
B. GSC 101 also promotes critical thinking skills by helping the student develop an
investigative approach to asking questions and synthesizing answers about the
geologic environment. All weekly laboratory assignments require written
responses and an application of the concepts previously discussed. DVDs/CDs
are used in the lecture for illustrations of concepts. Scientific articles are also
read, discussed and critiqued for validity and utility to society.
C. Computer technology is used as a presentation tool in the lecture hall and
laboratory. The use of virtual “field trips” for various interesting geologic areas
is also integrated into the laboratory sessions. Computer modeling and
simulation of important concepts such as plate movement and interaction;
earthquake generation; and volcanic eruptions are also utilized. Access to the
Internet for current geologic activity is a very important component of this
course to conduct the virtual “field trips.” These “field trips” are used as
supplementary/complementary enhancement and are not currently assessed as
part of the course grade.
D. A short special topics paper will also be completed for a total of 20 points.
Details will be discussed in class.
VII. Field, Clinical Experiences and/or Laboratory Experiences:
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of laboratory
experience. This involves hands-on activities for minerals and rock identification,
the construction of topographic maps and profiles and aerial photo/image
interpretation applications. A field trip is scheduled for later in the semester.
Details will be discussed in class.
VIII.
Resources:
Rock and mineral samples; topographic and geologic maps; stereoscopes;
DVDs/CDs, internet access.
IX. Grading Procedures:
Lecture Test I
100 pts
Lecture Test II 100 pts
Lecture Test III 100 pts
Final Exam
100 pts
Lect. Ave. is four (4) test grades
Short Special Topics
Lab average
= 400 pts, 65% total grade
= 20 pts
= 35% total grade
Lab must be completed in order to receive a grade in the course!
The professor reserves the right to adjust the exam dates to a later time if needed
to match the progress of lecture presentations.
Any lecture exam that is missed will be made-up within 2 weeks of the regularly
scheduled exam. The make-up exam is entirely essay format.
X. Attendance Policy:
In the real world attendance is an important part of ones job performance, thus
attendance will be taken. I reserve the right to fail any student who has missed
10 or more meetings. Absence from class even if you get notes from a fellow
student is not as good as your presence and your notes. Students who do not
attend class do not do well. If one does not miss over 3 lectures, 10 points will be
added into the total to calculate the overall average. Please refer to page 10 of the
2005-2007 Murray State Undergraduate Bulletin.
XI. Academic Honesty Policy:
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s material as one’s own, or
doing work for another person who will receive academic credit) are all
impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other
sources in order to secure or give help during an examination, the
unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports or term papers, or
the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own
work. A grade of zero will be given for the assignment which has been
submitted dishonestly. A second offense will result in a failing grade for
the course! Please refer to the page 10 of the 2005-2007 Murray State
Undergraduate Bulletin.
XII.
XIII.
Text and Reference:
Text: Physical Geology, Plummer, McGeary and Carlson 11th edition
Lab Manual: Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, 5th Edition, Jones &
Jones
Prerequisites: None
XIV. STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY: Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, age, or disability in
employment, admission, or the provision of services, educational programs and
activities, and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including
auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an
equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities. For information
regarding nondiscrimination policies contact the Office of Equal Opportunity,
270-809-3155.
GSC 101 Lab Schedule
Week Subject
Assignment
Date
T
u
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ore Minerals
Rock Forming Minerals
Igneous Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Mineral and Rock Exam
Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Lab Instructors Must Get Mid-Term % to Lecture Instructors by March 2,
2007
7
8
Topographic Maps
GPS/Map Coordinates/ Land Division/
Remote Sensing
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
9
10
11
12
13
14
Plate Tectonics/Sea Floor Spreading
Chapter 17
Structural Features of Sedimentary Rock Chapter 14
Interpretation of Geologic Maps
Chapter 15
Streams
Chapter 8
Ground Water
Chapter 9
Second Lab Exam
Covering Materials from Week 7-13 2
Lab Instructors must get final grades to Lecture Instructors
Lab Manual: Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, 5th Ed. Jones and Jones
General Information
A lab instructor will permit in his or her lab ONLY STUDENTS WHO ARE LISTED
ON THE COMPUTERIZED ROLL FOR THAT LAB. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO
ATTEND LAB; AND TO REMAIN IN IT UNTIL ITS END, unless you can
demonstrate that you have completed the assignment to the satisfaction of the lab
instructor. Absences will be reported to your lecture instructor. Lab instructors will not
accept any assigned work over one (1) week past due.
YOU MUST TAKE BOTH EXAMS (ROCKS EXAM AND MAPS EXAM) to obtain a
lab grade for this course.
Jan 23
Jan 30
Feb 6
Feb 13
Feb 20
Feb 27
W
Jan 24
Jan 31
Feb 7
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28
No letter grade will be given for lab; only a numerical grade (based on 220 pts) will be
given by your lecture instructor. Method for determination of lab grade: Minerals and
Rocks Exam -33-1/3%; Second Exam -33-1/3%; Quizzes and Homework -33-1/3%. No
make-ups for the weekly pop quizzes will be given, regardless of the reason.
A make-up exam for the Minerals and Rocks Exam or Second Exam will be given only
for students with excused absences as described on page 10 of the University
Undergraduate Bulletin 2005-2007.