GEOLOGY 101
INTRODUCTION TO THE EARTH
SPRING 2013
Sections 001-013
T TH 9:30 – 10:45
PSC 210
Dr. James Kellogg
Office: EWS 203
Phone: 7-4501
e-mail: kellogg@sc.edu
Office Hours: MWF 10-11 AM
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the Earth is a four-credit course that focuses on the
major discoveries in understanding the Earth, including processes that shape the Earth, the
environment, and geologic hazards. The course fulfills a laboratory science requirement.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the term, successful students will:
1. acquire a basic understanding of the scientific method,
2. acquire an understanding of the internal and external processes that act to shape the
surface of the Earth, plate tectonics, mountain building, the rock cycle, shorelines,
deserts, and geologic time.
3. acquire a working knowledge of the components of the Earth’s environment and how
these are impacted by humans.
4. Understand major geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, mass wasting, and tsunamis.
TEXTBOOK:
Jordan & Grotzinger, “The Essential Earth” ebook or paperback.
(electronic version available at
http://ebooks.bfwpub.com/essentialearth1e.php
LAB MANUAL:
Lab Manual in Physical Geology, R. Busch (AGI/NAGT), 9th edition
iCLICKER:
This course makes extensive use of a classroom response system
(iClicker) to evaluate student progress in mastering concepts. The iClicker remote is a required
piece of equipment for this class. You may purchase a unit new or used, or you may borrow one
from a friend for a semester, but you must use the same unit consistently once you have
registered it for this class. To register your iClicker, point your browser to:
http://www.iclicker.com/support/registeryourclicker/
Please note that it is a violation of the USC Honor Code to enter responses on any iClicker other
than your own. Bringing an iClicker to class for a classmate and registering responses is not
allowed, and violations could result in suspension from the university.
LAB COORDINATOR: Craig Cunningham, EWS 305; 777 - 3272; ccunningham@geol.sc.edu
FINAL EXAM:
EXAMS:
Tuesday May 7, 9 AM – PSC 210
1. The exams are based almost exclusively on the lecture material.
2. There are three hourly exams and a final that will count for 60% of the final grade. The
lowest hourly exam score will be dropped when calculating the grade. All students must
take the final exam. The exams are equally weighted, and will each count for 20% of
your final course grade, for a total of 60%.
3. Only the final exam will be cumulative.
4. There will be no provisions for a make-up exam in the event you miss an exam for any
reason, since the lowest hourly exam score will be dropped.
LABS:
1. The lab counts 30% toward the final grade. ATTENDANCE IN LAB IS
MANDATORY!
5. Labs begin on Tuesday, January 22, 2012. All labs are in EWS 101 or EWS 104.
GRADING:
1. Laboratory grade (30%)
a. Attendance and lab completion (10%)
b. Weekly quizzes (10%)
c. Lab Midterm (5%)
d. Lab Final (5%)
2. Midterm exams (40%) - two highest of three midterm exams (20% each)
3. Final exam (20%)
4. Class participation (10%)
5. Extra credit (5%)
Grades will be assigned as follows:
90%
87%
80%
77%
70%
67%
60%
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
CELL PHONE POLICY: Use of cellular and mobile phones, pagers, etc. during lecture or lab
time is inappropriate and will not be accepted.
ATTENDANCE: A significant part of your grade will be based on class attendance and
participation. By using your iClicker, you will register both your attendance as well as your
participation. Attendance at all labs in mandatory. A doctor’s note is required for any missed lab.
LECTURE NOTES: Lecture notes in PowerPoint will be posted in Blackboard immediately
following lecture, and will be available for a short period for you to check your class notes.
Provisional Schedule of Lecture Topics
Day
Date
Topic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
M, 1/14
T, 1/15
TH, 1/17
F, 1/18
T, 1/22
TH, 1/24
T, 1/29
TH, 1/31
T, 2/5
TH, 2/7
T, 2/12
TH, 2/14
T, 2/19
First Day of Classes
Introduction – Course Overview
The Earth System/ Plate Tectonics
Last Day to Drop/Add
Minerals and the Rock Cycle
Igneous Processes and Rocks
Volcanoes and Volcanism
Sedimentary Processes and Rocks and Review
EXAM 1
Metamorphic Processes and Rocks
Geologic Time
Faults and Folds
Mountain Building/Evolution of the Continents/South
Carolina
Earthquakes
Interior of the Earth and Review
EXAM 2
Last Day to withdraw without WF – semester midpoint
Measuring Plate Motions
The Climate System and Global Climate Change
Spring Break, no classes
Spring Break, no classes
Glaciers and Ice Ages
Hydrologic Cycle and Groundwater
Mass Wasting
Streams and Floods and Review
EXAM 3
Deserts
The Ocean Floor
Shorelines
Earth and Society I
Earth and Society II
The Solar System
Review – Final Exam
Session Ends
Reading Day
Final Exam
TH, 2/21
12
T, 2/26
13
TH, 2/28
14
M, 3/4
T, 3/5
15
TH, 3/7
16
T, 3/12
TH, 3/14
T, 3/19
17
TH, 3/21
18
T, 3/26
19
TH, 3/28
20
T, 4/2
21
TH, 4/4
22
T, 4/9
23
TH, 4/11
24
T, 4/16
25
TH, 4/18
26
T, 4/23
27
TH, 4/25
28
M, 4/29
T, 4/30
TUES 5/7 9 AM
Reading
TEE
--------------Ch. 1
Ch. 2/3
--------------Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
--------------Ch. 7
Ch. 8
Ch. 7
Ch. 7/9
Ch. 13
Ch. 13
---------------
Ch. 10
----------------------------Ch. 10
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
--------------Ch. 12
Ch. 12
Ch. 12
Ch. 14
Ch. 14
Ch. 9
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