EARTH SYSTEMS REVEALED
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES 201
SPRING 2011
Course Description
“Earth Systems Revealed” combines aspects of physical and historical geology. Physical
geology examines Earth materials (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create, modify,
and destroy them. Historical geology examines the origin of Earth and its development through
time. Lectures discuss basic concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology important for
understanding the Earth as a system composed of numerous interacting parts (Earth System
Science). You can expect to learn “how the Earth works” while simultaneously developing basic
skills for interpreting and reconstructing geologic history in the field. The course culminates with
a REQUIRED weekend field trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin (5/20 - 22). REQUIRED laboratory
sections (2 hr per week) consist of exercises designed to prepare you for the field trip.
Meeting Times and Locations
Lecture
MWF
11 – 11:50
Locy 301
Lab
W
1–3
Locy 111
Lab
Th
3–5
Locy 111
Instructor
Prof. Andrew D. Jacobson
Office: 311A Locy
Phone: 847-491-3132
e-mail: adj@earth.northwestern.edu
Office Hours: W 3 – 4, Th 2 – 3, and by appointment
TAs
Greg Lehn
Office: 003 Locy Hall
Phone: 847-467-1109
e-mail: greg@earth.northwestern.edu
Darcy Dan Li
Office: 003 Locy Hall
Phone: 847-467-1109
e-mail: danli@earth.northwestern.edu
Required Books
Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 10th Edition, Tarbuck and Lutgens
Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 8th Edition, Busch (You must buy a NEW copy)
EVALUATION
Homework (10%) The course includes two REQUIRED homework assignments. The
assignments will employ a novel computer program called CogSketch, which was developed by
the Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center at Northwestern University. More information about
CogSketch is attached to this syllabus. Assignments are due one week after the laboratory in
which they are assigned.
Lab exercises and quizzes (25%) One lab per week is REQUIRED. Labs meet in Locy 111.
You may attend either session, but you are encouraged to choose one and stick with it as best as
possible. Labs begin with a brief quiz. The purpose of the quiz is to encourage you to show up on
time. You cannot make up quizzes if you are late. Exercises count 90% of the total lab grade,
while quizzes count 10%. Labs DO NOT meet during the first week of class. Advance
arrangement is required to make up missed labs. You must provide a written excuse signed by a
doctor, supervisor, etc. No exceptions.
Exams I and II (30%) Exam I is multiple choice. Exam II is multiple choice and short answer.
Exam II is not cumulative, but some overlap between the first and second parts of the course is
unavoidable. Advance arrangement is required to make up missed exams. You must provide a
written excuse signed by a doctor, supervisor, etc. No exceptions.
Fieldtrip and fieldtrip report (35%) The Baraboo fieldtrip on May 20 – 22 is REQUIRED.
Failure to attend the fieldtrip will result in failure of the course. LOGISTICAL DETAILS
ABOUT THE FIELDTRIP ARE PROVIDED ON SEPARATE PAGES ATTACHED TO THIS
SYLLABUS. REVIEW THIS MATERIAL WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE FIELDTRIP.
Information about the report will be provided at a later date and discussed extensively during and
after the field trip. By the time the field trip occurs, you will be well prepared. The field trip is
designed to be enjoyable and is something to look forward to. Your final report is due no later
than noon on Thursday, June 9. You may turn in the report early. HOWEVER, LATE REPORTS
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. YOU SHOULD TAKE THE REPORT SERIOUSLY AND
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RETURN HIGH QUALITY WORK. THE REPORT HAS A
VERY LARGE EFFECT ON YOUR FINAL GRADE FOR THE COURSE. YOU ARE
ENCOURAGED TO GET FEEDBACK ON YOUR REPORT FROM YOUR TA BEFORE
TURNING IN THE FINAL VERSION.
Extra Credit No extra credit options are available other than questions provided in exams and
lab assignments.
Attendance and participation All students are REQUIRED to attend lecture and actively
participate in discussions on the field trip. Poor attendance could adversely affect your final
grade.
Grading Scale The following is an example of a grading scale applied in the past: A (94+), A(90 – 93), B+ (86 – 89), B (83 – 85), B- (80 – 82), C+ (76 – 79), C (73 – 75), C- (70 – 72), D (60
– 69), F (59 and below). You should use this grading scale to estimate your performance during
the course. However, note the final scale applied could slightly differ.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments in EARTH 201 will employ a computer program called CogSketch,
developed by the Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center (SILC) at Northwestern University.
One assignment will focus on structural geology and geologic time, while another assignment
will focus on the carbon cycle and climate change (see the course schedule). Maria Chang from
SILC will demonstrate CogSketch in lab during the week of April 18. Maria will also answer all
questions related to the homework assignments. Her contact information is:
Maria Chang
Office: Ford 3-207
e-mail: maria.chang@u.northwestern.edu
Phone: 847-467-6145
Office Hours: Drop-in and by appointment
Accessing CogSketch
As discussed below, there are two ways to obtain and use CogSketch. The first is to download
the program and install it on your own computer. The second is to use CogSketch in one of
Northwestern’s Computer Laboratories.
Downloading CogSketch
CogSketch is freely available from the following website:
http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/software/cogsketch/index.html
CogSketch runs on Windows computers. It will work with XP, Vista, or Windows 7. You can
also run CogSketch on a Mac if you have the program Parallels. You should have at least 1 GB
of RAM, and 2GB are preferred. You will need at least 1.5 GB of free disk space to install
CogSketch. In terms of drawing, your CogSketch assignments are designed to be doable with a
mouse, but if you have access to a Tablet PC (ideal) or an external pen tablet (e.g., a Wacom
tablet), you may find the experience more enjoyable.
Using CogSketch in Northwestern’s Computer Laboratories
Northwestern provides a variety of computer laboratories where you can find PCs with
CogSketch installed. The Main Library contains the closest computer laboratories to Locy Hall
[Lower Level, Rooms B182 (30 stations) and B183 (30 stations)]. CogSketch will also be
available in the Tech Computer Laboratory [Rooms MG51 (18 stations) and MG45 (7 stations)].
How to use CogSketch
For each assignment, you will download sketch worksheets. The first assignment has four
worksheets, and the second assignment has two worksheets. When you finish the worksheets,
you will save the files and e-mail them to the e-mail address provided with the assignments.
Each worksheet may take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete depending on the complexity
of the problem. Budget your time accordingly.
FIELD TRIP
BARABOO, WISCONSIN
MAY 20 – 22, 2011
READ THIS HANDOUT BEFORE THE FIELD TRIP
Transportation
Chicago Classic Coach Tour Bus
847-222-6133
Depart: Friday, May 20, 1 PM, Sheridan Road near Northwestern Arch
Return: Sunday, May 22, 5 PM, Sheridan Road near Northwestern Arch
No other transportation options exist (i.e., you cannot use your own car or have friends and family drop
you off or pick you up).
Accommodations
Willowood Inn
S5509 Hwy 123
Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913
Phone: 608-356-5474
FAX: 608-356-5478
E-mail: willowoodinn@willowoodinn.com
web: http://www.willowoodinn.com
There will be several students per room. Rooms will either be male-only or female-only. You may need to
share a double bed with another student. If you prefer, you can bring a sleeping bag and pad. Be prepared
for cold weather at night. You may want to bring an extra blanket or sleeping bag.
Food
Starting with Friday dinner, all meals are provided. If you have special dietary requirements (e.g., vegan)
or you are concerned about vegetarian options, you should bring your own food for the entire trip.
Requests for vegetarian meals cannot be accommodated at the last minute. We will not have time to
purchase snacks during the day, so bring your own snacks if you think you will need a boost.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden. Irresponsible conduct will result in both academic and
disciplinary consequences.
Personal Safety
Safety is THE most important factor to consider on the field trip. Rules to follow:
DO NOT CLIMB ON ROCK WALLS OR STEEP OUTCROPS
WATCH FOR TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES DURING ROADWAY STOPS
KEEP AWAY FROM UNSTABLE ROCK FACES
IF YOU CAN'T IDENTIFY PLANTS, DON'T TOUCH THEM
FIELD TRIP
BARABOO, WISCONSIN
MAY 20 – 22, 2011
READ THIS HANDOUT BEFORE THE FIELDTRIP
Medical Conditions
Inform the TAs or me if you have a medical condition or physical disability that could require special
attention in the field or if you are taking prescription medications with potentially adverse side effects.
Let us know immediately if you are injured during the trip.
Clothing and Equipment
Bring clothes suitable for outdoor activity. They will get muddy, dirty, etc. BE PREPARED FOR COLD,
RAINY, OR HOT WEATHER AND OCCASIONAL INSECTS. WE SPEND TIME IN THE WOODS,
AND POTENTIALLY, IN THE RAIN. Specifically, I recommend:
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, preferably waterproof
Waterproof jacket
Warm sweater, sweat shirt, or jacket
Warm socks, gloves, and hat
Sunglasses
Pencils, pens, and notebook
Daypack
Water bottle
Camera
Small clipboard for notes and handouts
Sunscreen and insect repellant
Your brain
Field Exercises and Report
At each stop, you will make a series of observations and measurements. You are highly encouraged to ask
questions, engage in discussion, take notes, sketch pertinent features in your notebooks, and take
photographs. Photographs are highly recommended, as they will help with your report. Participation will
be factored into your fieldtrip grade. After you return home, you will compile your notes into a "field
report." I will provide a standard format to follow, but you can add whatever you like, e.g., photographs,
sketches, etc.
SCHEDULE
Date
Lecture
Reading
Lab
3/28
3/30
4/1
Introduction to 201
Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics
Minerals
None
Ch. 1 + 2
Ch. 3
No Lab
4/4
4/6
4/8
Igneous Rocks
Volcanism
Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks I
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6 + 7
Lab 1*
Minerals and
Igneous
4/11
4/13
4/15
Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks II
Metamorphic Rocks
Structure
Ch. 6 + 7
Ch. 8
Ch. 10
Lab 2*
Sedimentary
4/18
4/20
4/22
Geologic Time
Earth Through Time
Exam I
Ch. 9
Ch. 22
Lab 3
Metamorphic
CogSketch intro;
fault and age dating
assignment provided
4/25
4/27
4/29
Earthquakes
Interior of the Earth
Plate Boundaries
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13 + 14
Labs 4*,‡
Structure
Fault and age
dating assignment
due
5/2
5/4
5/6
The Atmosphere-Ocean System
Rivers
Glaciers
None
Ch. 16
Ch. 18
Lab 5
Geologic Time
5/9
5/11
5/13
Deserts and Shorelines
Climate Change I
Climate Change II
Ch. 19 + 20
Ch. 21
Ch. 21
Lab 6
Topo Maps
Carbon and climate
assignment provided
5/16
5/18
5/20
Ch. 21
Lab 7
Baraboo Prep
Carbon and climate
assignment due
5/21
5/22
Climate Change III
Baraboo Prep
No Class
Depart Evanston 1 PM
Baraboo
Return Evanston 5 PM
5/23
5/25
5/27
In class Baraboo review (bring questions)
In class Exam II review (bring questions)
Exam II
Exam II
Review
5/30
6/1
6/3
No class, Memorial Day
No class, reading week
No class, reading week
Baraboo Report
Help
6/9
Baraboo Report Due at 12 PM
(may turn in early)
Labs noted with this symbol indicate that labs are long and will take the entire lab period.
Plan your schedules accordingly.
Be sure to bring lab textbook to lab.
*
‡
Homework
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All students should review and adhere to Northwestern University's principles regarding
Academic Integrity (http://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/) and Weinberg College policies on
Academic Integrity (http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/advising/academic.html). Any
suspicions of possible violations will be referred directly to the WCAS Dean's Office.
Use of notes, books, and electronic devices (e.g., calculators, PDAs, laptop computers, cellular
phones, iPods, etc.) during examinations is prohibited.
While it is encouraged that students discuss assignments, ultimately each student must submit his
or her own work. Lab partners who collect data together may submit identical data tables, but
each student must prepare his or her own lab report. Copying assignments is unacceptable and
will result in disciplinary action.
Students must cite materials taken from websites, books, journals, or other sources. Materials
taken verbatim must be clearly identified with quotations. Failure to do so may constitute
plagiarism.