Geology 112- Introduction to Geology
New Jersey City University, Spring 2014
Instructor:
Email:
Office Hours:
Lecture & Lab:
Prerequisite:
Dr. Noureddin Amaach
namaach@njcu.edu
Th, 1:00PM-2:00PM, Rossey 601
TuTh, 2:10PM-3:25PM, Rossey 601
None
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Course Objectives and Information
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Course Objectives:
To understand Earth as a dynamic planet
To appreciate the relevance of geology to humans and societies
To understand the evidence and reasoning used by geologists to reach conclusions
Geology is a science that study Earth. It is both an applied, as well as research science.
Chemistry, mathematics, physics, and element of biology are required to understand
Earth’s concepts. This course focuses on the Earth’s composition, structure, and systems.
The course will taught through lectures and related laboratory exercises. The lecture and
laboratory elements will be integrated and therefore most of class meetings will include
an investigative activity that requires your direct participation. Laboratory exercises will
stress the application of geological problems and will be held periodically to reinforce
specific concepts.
Expect exam questions from the text as well as lab exercises.
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Textbook and Materials
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The textbook used for this course will be EARTH: An Introduction to Physical
Geology, 11th edition, by Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, and Dennis G. Taza
- Pearson Prentice Hall - 2013
Note: Any recent book, new or used ,is acceptable
11E
10E
Another important part of this course will be laboratory exercises that require the
following: ruler, pencil, eraser, protractor, and a few colored pencils or markers.
Information needed for this course will also be posted on Blackboard. There you can find
a syllabus and other important information.
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Course Content
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LECTURE
An introduction to Geology (Ch 1)
LAB
The Rock Cycle Exercise
Matter and Minerals (Ch 3)
Mineral Identification
Magma, Igneous Rocks, and Intrusive Activity (Ch 4)
Classification and Description of
Igneous rocks in Hand_Sample
Volcanoes
Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards (Ch 5)
Weathering and Soil (Ch 6)
EXAM I (February 25)
Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks (Ch 7)
Geologic Time (Ch 9)
Classification and Description of
Sedimentary Rocks in Hand Sample
Classification and Description of
Sedimentary Rocks in Hand Sample
Relative & Absolute Dating
Crustal Deformation (Ch 10)
Geological Structures
Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks (Ch 8)
EXAM II ( April 10)
Earthquakes (Ch 11)
Plate Tectonics (Ch 2)
Epicenter Location ( Triangulation
Method)
Tectonic Plate Motion
Earth's Interior (Ch 12)
Topo Maps
Groundwater (Ch 17)
Global Climate Change (Ch 21)
Review for Final
FINAL (TBA)
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Turn off cell phones and pagers during class
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Course Requirements and Class Room Conduct
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1.
Attendance is very important for the successful completion of any course.
Attendance to all classes is highly recommended and a record of attendance will
be recorded. A student who has perfect attendance, for all classes, will have
points added to his/her final average. This may be beneficial to those who need a
few extra points to receive that next higher grade.
2. Arrive on time and ready to work. Arriving late could cause you to miss
quiz/exam materials, and homework review.
3. Use bathroom before class begins. If you have a medical condition, make
arrangements with your professor.
4. All students are expected to conduct themselves in mature and responsible
manner while in the class room. Avoid side conversation in class. Your
whispering is obvious to everyone and disrespectful.
5. Make sure to have all the cell phones, pagers, etc, turned off when you enter the
classroom. These will remain off while in class.
6. Please note that text messaging is prohibited in class. It is rude and disruptive.
You will be subject to an initial warning if you are found to be sending text
messaging in class and then possible removal from class.
7. Student should only leave the class room in case of emergency.
8. Talk with me. Ask questions during class or after class.
9. There is no warning or excuses for cheating. A student who is caught cheating
will be dropped from the course immediately and reported to the Dean of
students.
10. Any students with learning disabilities are directed to the Academic Support
Center for help in study strategies, note-taking strategies, etc.
Reading
In order to succeed in this class, reading should be considered on an going homework
assignment. Reading will prepare you for lecture discussions, labs, quizzes, and exams.
Assuming that you possess the text book, EARTH: An Introduction to Physical Geology,
and that you will bring with you to class each Tuesday and Thursday..
Quizzes
There will be weekly chapter quizzes (THERE IS NO MAKE UP for quizzes). The
quizzes will consist of multiple choice and true or false questions.
Exams
There will be three exams based upon material from lecture, lab exercises, and reading
assignments. The exams will consist of multiple choice and true or false questions. You
may not make up any exams (unless cleared with me beforehand). If you arrive late you
will not be given extra time to complete the exam.
If you would like additional help focusing on what need to know for the exam, please see
me after class or email me with specific questions.
Exams Calendar
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EXAM I:
February 25
EXAM II:
April 10
FINAL ( EXAM III):
TBA
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Grading: Your objective is to earn as many points as possible.
Quizzes
Three exams
Lab exercises
Attendance
=
=
=
=
15 %
60%
15%
10%
TOTAL
=
100%
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Grading Scale
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>90 % = A
87-90 % = Aˉ
86-84 % = B+
80-83 % = B
79-77 % = B
76-74 % = C+
70-73 % = C
60-69 % = D
<60 % = F
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Good luck
Dr. Amaach