Instructor: David Bell
Important notes about this class
If this is your first online class, visit and review the links at our WNC WebCampus
Page for assistance and to determine if this kind of class is right for you.
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This class requires dedication and self-discipline for successful completion.
This is not a self-paced class: be prepared to spend at least 9-12 hrs. per week on
this class, depending upon your existing computer skills, typing skills, reading
skills and your level of comfort with a science class. Certain math skills are
required - see below.
There is NO extra credit; apply the time you would spend in that pursuit on the
assigned work and the "extra credit" will not be necessary.
After you have read over this Syllabus, and before you begin anything else,
click on the "START HERE" link immediately above this one on the
Geology 100 home page
Always check for new announcements whenever you enter the class site.
New announcements will be noted on the Canvas page after you log in. All
class announcements can be accessed also by clicking on the
“Announcements” button in your menu to the left of the Geology 100 site.
If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodations,
please contact Susan Trist, Coordinator for Disability Support Services at 775445-3268 or susan.trist@wnc.edu as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate
accommodations.
1. COURSE INFORMATION
This class is taught over the Internet. Class begins August 25, 2014 and ends
December 13, 2014.
This class does not meet in a classroom for 3 hours every week; however; this
class follows a schedule, just like a regular class that meets on campus. Students
should expect to spend at least as much time in an online class as they would in a
classroom section of the same course (on average 9-12 hours per week for this
course). Online learning can be more difficult without the personalized classroom
attention and because it is almost entirely up to you to get things done in a timely
fashion, even more so than in a regular class.
Due dates and other important dates can be found on the Printable Calendar
link and in the Assignments page for each Weekly Module, accessed by clicking
on the Modules "button" to the left side of the Geology 100 site Due dates can be
found in the weekly modules also, under the assignments for the week. Below is
a brief summary:
Week 1: Orient yourself to the class.
Week 2: Overview of our place in the solar system and time.
Week 3: Introduction to minerals and rocks.
Week 4-5: Plate Tectonics.
Week 6-7: Earthquakes.
Week 8: Midterm Exam.
Week 9-10: Volcanoes.
Week 11: Streams & Ground Water
Week 12: Streams & Flooding.
Week 13: Mass Wasting.
Week 14-15: Energy Resources
Week 16: Final Exam.
To supplement these topics, four (4) laboratory projects are included (see below).
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASS
Geol 100: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Natural Disasters
Credits: 3.
Prerequisite: NONE.
Discipline: Geology (GEOL)
Academic Division: Science, Mathematics & Engineering
Catalog Course Description: Investigates geology of the dynamic earth: natural hazards
and catastrophes, and geology of natural resources. Includes four laboratory experiences.
Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to
apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of
Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may
transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this
course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
Programs of Study: This course can be found in the following programs of study:
Geosciences (Associate of Science)
3. LINKAGE TO EDUCATION PROGRAM MISSION
General Education
The mission of general education at WNC is to provide students who complete degrees
and certificates of achievement with critical life skills that will benefit them in their
personal and professional endeavors. GEOL 100: EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANOES
AND NATURAL DISASTERS addresses the general education student learning
outcome:
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Understand the methods of science and the role of science and technology in the
modern world
Program-AS Geosciences
GEOL 100 is a program elective for the Associate of Science with Geoscience
emphasis. The mission of the Associate of Science-Geoscience emphasis is to
provide a strong foundation in earth and physical sciences, and prepare students
for transfer into many disciplines, including geology, geography, environmental
science, and science teaching. GEOL 100 addresses the program student learning
outcome
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have gained a basic understanding of physical processes operating on and within
the Earth, including plate tectonics and formation of rocks and minerals.
4. REQUIRED MATERIALS
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Environmental Geology, 10th edition, 2014, Carla W. Montgomery, McGraw
Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-352411-5 (soft cover); text is available for rental through
WNC Bookstore at a substantial savings;
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A world atlas: if you do not already have a world atlas at home, any world atlas
less than 30 years old that you can find at a new or used bookstore or online will
suffice. An inexpensive new soft-cover edition is sometimes available at the
WNC bookstore;
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A binder, loose-leaf that can handle letter-size paper, where you can organize all
materials for the course;
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An inexpensive calculator, at least something that does addition, subtraction,
multiplication & division;
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An inexpensive drawing compass (needed for drawing circles when finding
an earthquake's epicenter) (places like WalMart or Walgreens usually have
them for around $2.00 or less;
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A reliable computer with an Internet browser and a program able to handle
htm/html files (most word processing programs can now handle those files). If
you do not have a word processing program, you can download Open Office for
free at www.openoffice.org, which is very similar to Microsoft Word;
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Reliable access to the Internet;
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A printer, in order to print all of the class material, information and class content
you need;
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MyWNC ID (number): you will need this user ID and your password to
access this class. You are assigned a temporary password when you register that
must be changed the first time you log into your online classes.
5. REQUIRED COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND
HARDWARE
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Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8 or MAC System 7 or higher (Note: Other
operating systems, including Windows XP, may work based on the browser used,
but no support will be offered).
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At least 500 Mb of RAM recommended.
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At least 56.6 kbs or faster speed recommended. You may get by with slower
speeds, but it may be a painfully slow experience.
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A Web browser (current versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome should
work fine).
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A program able to handle htm/html files (most word processors can now handle
those types of files). Again, if you do not have a word processing program, one
can be downloaded for free from www.openoffice.org.
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If you do not have access to the type of equipment mentioned above, you may
decide to use the WNC computer labs in Carson City, Douglas, or Fallon. Check
with the computer lab for their schedule and any fees.
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If you are using a computer at work, someone else's computer or one of the WNC
computer labs, you will need to save your work on a flash drive, CD, or some
other storage media of your choice.
6. REQUIRED SKILLS
In order to be successful in this class, the following skills are strongly
recommended:
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Knowledge and skills to browse the Internet, and get to the class web pages;
Knowledge and skills to save and modify files from the Internet;
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Knowledge and skills to send and receive e-mail attachments;
Self-motivation;
Good time management skills;
Ability to learn independently;
Good reading skills;
At least basic computer skills;
Basic word processing skills;
Desire to succeed in your learning experience;
Be comfortable with technology, or at least have patience with technology
If you have not taken an online class at Western Nevada College before, you should
access and follow the WNC Online Learning Page accessible from the WNC home page
or in the "Start Here" page on the Geology 100 home page.
7. RECOMMENDED MATH SKILLS
This is a science class, and as such it requires some basic math. A level of prealgebra is strongly recommended. We will use basic arithmetic (addition,
subtraction, division and multiplication) as well as the following:
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conversions (converting from one unit to another, for example from kilometers to
centimeters);
interpretation of graphs, charts and tables;
percentages;
positive and negative numbers;
fractions;
simple formulas;
decimal numbers;
ratios and proportions;
8. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion, the successful student will have:
gained factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends) about
earthquakes, volcanoes, other natural disasters, and geologic resources;
learned fundamental principles, generalizations or theories of earthquakes, volcanoes,
other natural disasters, and natural resources, including the relationship between plate
tectonics and these processes and/or resources;
learned to apply course material to improve thinking, problem solving and decisions in
relation to earthquakes, volcanoes, other natural disasters and geologic resources;
acquired an interest in learning more by asking questions and seeking answers about
earthquakes, volcanoes, other natural disasters, and geologic resources.
As a result, successful students will be able to:
understand and discuss the general concepts relevant to geologic hazards (plate
tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods);
understand which areas of the world are at most risk from the geologic hazards
discussed;
understand what geologic hazards can affect Nevada and/or your particular location;
understand the general concepts related to natural resources (water, energy);
understand and discuss the current issues related to natural resources.
9. TESTING AND GRADES
Students will earn their grade according to the following: (THERE IS NO EXTRA
CREDIT):
Laboratory Assignments: 20% (100 points total)
Quizzes: 20% (100 points total)
Participation (Discussions): 10% (50 points total - 56 actually, so a bit of "extra credit" if
Canvas software allows it)
Midterm: 25% (125 points)
Final: 25% (125 points)
Total possible points: 500
A CHANGE IN "W" (WITHDRAW) POLICY BECAME EFFECTIVE FALL, 2012.
INSTRUCTORS ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO ASSIGN THIS GRADE. STUDENTS
MUST WITHDRAW FROM THE CLASS NO LATER THAN THE END OF THE
NINTH (9th) WEEK (you will have your midterm scores by then); IF YOU DECIDE
NOT TO WITHDRAW BY THAT DATE, SEMESTER GRADES WILL BE
ASSIGNED PER THE FOLLOWING:
GRADING SCALE (PERCENTS)
A: 93-100 A-: 90-92
B+: 87-89 B: 83-86 B-: 80-82
C+: 77-79 C: 73-76 C-: 70-72
D+: 67-69 D: 63-66 D-: 60-62
F: below 60
You will see a "floating" percent in your grades. This is an average of what your scores
are on everything to that point versus the possible points for the semester. Unfortunately,
it may be more confusing than enlightening.
In addition, around the eighth week, you will see something called a “midterm” grade
recorded in your myWNC site. This is a kind of mid-semester progress report on where
you stand in the class and should not be confused with your midterm exam grade, which
will be found only in your grades in your Canvas class site. The “midterm” grades will
be as follows: C for a work level of C or better at that time; D for work that is passing
but not up to C level work; F for work that is not of a passing level at that time. Of
course, your semester grade can be quite different from any of these three.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Detailed Weekly Assignments are accessed using the Modules "button" on the left side of
your screen. Weekly assignments include:
* A reading assignment from the textbook;
* Reading the lecture notes, found immediately below each Weekly Assignment [except
week 1];
* Completion of review exercises & questions included in the lecture notes (answers to
the questions are located immediately below the lecture notes). QUESTIONS SIMILAR
TO THOSE IN THE EXAMPLES & REVIEW QUESTIONS MAY APPEAR ON
QUIZZES & EXAMS;
* Reading any NEWS items;
* Viewing any VIDEOS (most videos are short clips, but a few may be 45 minutes to an
hour long);
* Viewing any animations that may be provided;
* Discussion-Participation for the week;
* Laboratory assignment (4 during the semester);
* Taking a quiz after completion of all of the above.
LABORATORY PROJECTS
This class includes 4 laboratory projects which will be completed either on line, on the
computer, and/or on paper. Each has a due date (see calendar and weekly assignments).
These assignments are in lieu of a hands-on laboratory experience and count for 20% of
your grade. General information about laboratory assignments can be found on the Lab
Information link below the Syllabus link. Individual laboratory assignments are
accessed in the module for the weekly assignment for the week they are due.
QUIZZES
There is a quiz at the end of each chapter (but not necessarily each week). Quizzes are
designed to enable students to check their knowledge. They will be available as
appropriate and must be taken by midnight on the due date.
Quizzes are open book; however, they have a 60 minute time limit. All quizzes may be
taken twice during the time they are available, only the highest grade being recorded.
This give you a chance to check your knowledge; it is recommended you take each twice,
but review any missed questions and material before the second attempt. Students should
complete the reading (including text, lecture notes, animations, videos, and any NEWS
articles) and homework for the corresponding chapter, as well as any lab assignment due,
before attempting to take a quiz. See the Quiz Information link just below the Syllabus
link on the Geology 100 home page.
DISCUSSION-PARTICIPATION
Students are required to participate in weekly discussions (except weeks 8 and 16) via the
appropriate site in the Weekly Assignments. Late discussion participation will count for
1/2 credit and must be completed within one week of the deadline. Discussion
participation accounts for 10% of a student's final grade. See the DiscussionParticipation link below the Syllabus link on the Geology 100 home page for further
information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Class announcements will be made on occasion. They will provide updates, corrections,
other information necessary to complete the required work, or important general
information. New (and previous) announcements will appear on your Canvas login page
and also will be found at the Announcements site at the top of the menu on the left side
of your screen. It is recommended that you check these locations every time you log
on, but no less than twice a week.
MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS
The Midterm and Final Exams are proctored. It is the student's responsibility to set up
his/her own proctored exam with an appropriate proctoring center. Centers and
contact information will be found on the Exam Information link just below the Syllabus
link. The Midterm Exam must be taken during week 8. The Final Exam must be taken
during week 16.
Students are restricted in what they can bring to an exam, but the list starts with NO
BOOKS! Complete information on the exams is available at the Exam Information
link. Also, "hints" and key terms for each exam can be found there. The midterm and
final exam each account for 25% of a student's final grade in the class, for a total of 50%.
10. POLICIES FOR LATE LAB ASSIGNMENTS and MAKE-UPS ON
QUIZZES
Late laboratory projects or quizzes are accepted without penalty ONLY when conditions
are out of a student's control, such as in case of emergency, sickness, or job-related
duties, AND if the student contacts the instructor ahead of time to make other
arrangements.
If an emergency situation arises and a student wants to hand in a late lab assignment or
make up a quiz, he/she must contact the instructor ahead of time (before the due date) to
explain the situation and to make alternate arrangements. Failure to contact the
instructor ahead of time will result in a 50% penalty on the lab assignment or quiz.
11. MAKE-UPS ON EXAMS
If a student is unable to take the midterm or final during the time allotted (refer to Exam
Information link on the Geology 100 home page), he/she needs to contact the instructor
ahead of time to make other arrangements, if other arrangements are possible.
2. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
True academic achievement is based on academic integrity. An honor code exists in this
class that forbids plagiarism and other forms of academic fraud. PLAGIARISM
includes copying material directly from a source, and/or failure to show where the
material was found. The practice of plagiarism or other forms of dishonesty (such as
submitting another person's work as your own or cheating during an exam) will result in a
failing grade for the course.
Students working together on labs are expected to submit separate and different
work. Students who make their work available for plagiarism by others will suffer the
same consequences as students who plagiarized the work. Thus, it is the student's
responsibility to refrain from sharing his/her work with other students in the class.
13. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Students who want to be successful in an online class need to ask questions and
communicate with the instructor on a regular basis. Unfortunately, because I do not have
an assigned office nor phone number, my access is more limited than I would like.
However, students can contact me in the following ways:
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by e-mail: Before class starts, David.Bell@wnc.edu may be used. And that's always a
"backup" email if disaster strikes. I reply to e-mail messages Monday through Friday,
usually in the evenings.
 via message: this class site provides a message box (“inbox” found in the upper left of
your Canvas page) that is basically an internal email system. It is the primary means of
individual communication we will use for this class. If you have any questions or
concerns, feel free to contact me via the message system. I will respond as soon as
possible, usually in the evenings, and usually Monday through Friday; weekend
responses are "iffy".
by phone: send me a message with the number you want me to call and at least two
dates and times. I will try to accommodate your schedule and will confirm by reply
message.
How This Course Is Organized
This site is password protected. Your user name is your MyWNC ID and your
password is a temporary one assigned when you register. You must change your
password the first time you log in to the site. See the WNC Online home page for
assistance by using this link: http://www.wnc.edu/wnconline/. A link to Canvas login
instructions is on the right side of the page.
Your password can be changed by you at any time via the link on the login page.
The Geology 100 site is divided into two general parts:
(1) The Weekly Modules, accessed at the right in your "menu". Modules are arranged in
order by week. There you will find the week's assignments; text assignment; lecture
notes; supplemental animations, videos and NEWS articles; discussions; lab assignments;
and quizzes.
Also in your menu at the left will be links to announcements, your grades, quizzes,
discussions and people (other class members).
Note that when you log into your Canvas site, you should see any messages,
announcements and a list of items due for all of your Web classes.
(2) The Geology 100 Home Page:
The following links will be found on the Geology 100 Home Page:
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Start Here: an explanation of how to get started with the class and how to
organize the class binder.
Syllabus: that's where you are now, with all the general course information.
Lab Information: general information about the laboratory assignments.
Discussion-Participation: details of the participation policy.
Exam Information: general information about the midterm and final exams.
There are also links to information regarding the content of each exam, including
terms and hints.
Quiz Information: general information about quizzes.
Printable Class Calendar: this calendar page contains the dates for all weekly
assignments, dates quizzes and exams are available, due dates for all assignments,
quizzes, exams and labs; it can be printed and put in your binder.
Useful Links: links to useful resources for the class. Many of these links will
occur in the lecture notes or lab assignments as well.
Netiquette: online Do's and Don'ts for this class.
Updates and Changes to This Syllabus
Changes may be made to this syllabus until class begins. Students who read or print
this syllabus before then must make sure that they check the "last update" (below)
to confirm they have the latest version. If changes are necessary after the class
begins, students will be notified by an announcement.
Copyright © 2014, David Bell. All rights reserved.
Last updated: April 22, 2014