Washburn University
GL 101
Physical Geology (3 credits)
COURSE SYLLABUS
Fall 2013
Instructor for this course: Dr. Tambra L. Eifert
Department:
Physics and Astronomy
Office:
Stoffer Hall, 210-D
Office Hours:
By appointment
Office Phone:
(785) 670-2147 (if no answer, please send e-mail)
E-mail:
tambra.eifert@washburn.edu or geology4today@yahoo.com
Class Hours:
GL 101-B
GL 101-C
9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
11:00 to 12:15 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Course Description:
Physical geology is the science of the Earth, the materials of which is composed, and the
processes that are acting upon them. Our studies will include minerals, rocks, Earth’s internal
structure, plate tectonics, volcanism, geologic structures, and other surface/subsurface
processes. At Washburn University, GL 101 serves as an introduction to Physical Geology and is
a general education 3 credit hour course. Physical Geology is a lecture science course;
however, lectures, movie presentations, assignments, and labs will be integrated.
Geology for Today Website:
Students will be utilizing both the Washburn.edu course files and the new website at
geology4today.com. The course syllabus, course outline, classroom guidelines, A+ Flashcards,
and Lecture PowerPoints will be provided on-line under the course files. All other material and
resources will be provided on the new website. Just click on the Physical Geology Tab of the
geology website for the course files.
Student Learning Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Understand the role of geology in everyday life.
Understand the geologic processes that take place on the Earth and possibly on other
planets.
Identify minerals by using a variety of testing applications.
Distinguish between a sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock.
Understand plate tectonics and be able to identify different types of plate movements.
Understand and explain the basic terminology used in physical geology.
Engage in probing discussions and activities related to physical geology.
Identify and differentiate the different types of igneous textures found in plutonic and
volcanic rocks.
Identify the major types of volcanic structures and the different types of eruptions
observed.
Discuss interesting topics related to Yellowstone National Park, Mount St. Helens, and
the volcanoes of Hawaii.
Understand simple geologic concepts and solve problems with basic mathematic
equations related to geology.
Textbook
No textbook or field guide book will be required for this course. All material to cover and
review for exams is provided in the A+ Flashcards and PowerPoint Presentations (PPT) files.
Anyone interested in having a textbook for supplemental reading (as an interest), may request
their instructor to provide them with a recommended source.
GRADING CRITERIA
Distribution of Points:
Exams/Assignments
Value of Points
Total Points Possible
3 Exams
200 points each
600 points
5 Lab Exercises
30 points each
150 points
1 Fieldwork Assignment
100 points
100 points
3 Movie Presentations
15 points each
45 points
SLO Assessments
varied points
60 points
Bonus Opportunity
10 points
10 points
Total points possible = 955 points
(Note: Bonus points are excluded in calculating the total points possible).
Calculating Grades:
Add total points earned and divide by 955.
Example:
900 points Earned ÷ 955 points possible = 94.2% = A
Grading Standards:
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
59% or lower
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Note: A grade tracking sheet will be available on-line under course files.
An important Note about Absenteeism:
It is a fact that there are times when students cannot avoid missing class. If you should need to
miss class, you are responsible for checking with your fellow classmates about missed
assignments, labs, etc. Unless you are in the hospital, please do not contact your professor
wanting to get the details of what you have missed during the day you were absent. You can
check with your fellow classmates the day you return to class.
What Should Each Student Expect from their Professor and Other Classmates?
1.
An interesting and challenging course and a professor who cares about teaching.
2.
Be treated with respect by your professor and fellow students.
3.
Expect assignments to be clearly explained and for your professor to welcome your
questions about course material causing you difficulty.
4.
Have your work evaluated in a timely fashion and as fairly and consistently as possible.
What Does Your Professor Expect from Each Student?
1.
To have students who are excited to learn and want to be challenged.
2.
All students to attend class regularly and arrive on time.
3.
Keep up with assignments and be an active and willing participant in discussions and
group activities.
4.
Treat everyone involved in the course with respect.
5.
Students having a disagreement with or conflict with the instructor are encouraged to
meet with them in person to discuss the issues at hand. Many times, the conflict is
simply just a misunderstanding and can be clarified and resolved.
6.
To ask questions when you don’t understand material covered or assignments given.
7.
Be familiar with the university and classroom policies, as well as the schedule outlined in
this syllabus, including policies on Academic integrity.
Exams:
There will be three exams worth 200 points each administered throughout the semester.
Testing may include a variety of questions, such as multiple choice, matching, modified
true/false statements, and rock and model identifications. Students are permitted
approximately one hour and ten minutes for examination time. If any student should feel the
need for additional time to take the exam, they must contact Student Services to determine if
they qualify for special testing accommodations.
Missed Exams:
Students are expected to take exams as scheduled. If you miss an examination for medical or
compassionate reasons, you MAY be able to make-up the exam at a later date.
Lab Exercises:
When time permits, lab exercises will be given during class time. Students may work together
during lab time; however, each student must be involved as an active participant of the group.
Lab assignments will be turned in before leaving the classroom the day of the assignment. Lab
materials must stay within the classroom. Labs are worth 30 points each; therefore, it is
imperative that students attend class regularly, especially during lab times. Lab assignments
must be completed in class. There will be no lab make-up time available throughout the
semester. Students who miss a lab time due to illness or compassionate reasons (death or
illness in the family), may have the lab exercise deferred from their grade providing that they
have a doctor’s note or funeral program to show to their instructor. Completed lab
assignments must be neat and precise for full credit and written in pencil. Note: Any student
destroying or damaging lab equipment, such as rocks, minerals, glass tubes, etc will be required
to pay a damage and replacement fee for each item. Grades, at the end of semester, will be
given an incomplete until the fees are paid.
Lab assignments include the following:
Lab 1: Identifying Minerals
Lab 2: Analyzing Sedimentary Rocks
Lab 3: Magma Cooling
Lab 4: Igneous Rocks
Lab 5: Metamorphic Rocks
Fieldwork Assignment:
All students are expected to participate in the fieldwork assignment which is worth 100 points.
With a two week notice, fieldwork day will be held during a weekend. Both Saturday and
Sunday will be the designated days for fieldwork. All students will be required to fill out and
submit a liability release form and are held responsible for their own safety at the field site.
Note: Any student who has limited mobility may be considered by the instructor to write a five
to seven page text paper in place of the fieldwork assignment. If approved for a semester
paper, a topic related to the course will be assigned by the instructor. A deadline date for the
paper will be due no later than one week before finals.
Movie Presentations:
Three scientific movie presentations will be shown throughout the semester. Movie
presentations are worth 15 points each. Students may obtain a copy of the assignment on-line
and review it before the class period. Note that paper copies will be available in the classroom
before the documentary begins for that particular day. Movie presentations should be
completed and turned in before leaving class that day. Movie presentation material may be
covered in any of the exams. After the movie presentation, students are allowed to stay an
additional 10 minutes (during class time) to review the questions together as a group. Those
students not wishing to check their answers may leave at any time after the presentation.
Note: Movie presentations may be made up providing that the students watch the movie on
their own time and complete the assignment. All assignments must be turned in no later than
Tuesday of the following week. Any assignment turned past the deadline time will be denied
for points.
Movie Assignments include:
Movie Presentation 1:
Birth of the Earth (History Channel)
Movie Presentation 2:
The Deepest Place on Earth (History Channel)
Movie Presentation 3:
Yellowstone (History Channel)
Self Tests:
Self Tests for most lectures are provided and made available at geology4today.com. Such tests
are useful for enhancing and building upon material covered in lectures. They are also a great
way to help study for exams. Note that the Self Tests are provided as optional work for those
students wishing to earn the highest grade possible for this course.
PowerPoint Lecture Notes:
A PowerPoint presentation will be available for each lecture before class time at
MyWashburn.edu Home page. The PowerPoint lectures are designed to assist you in your
studying purposes. Some students choose to take notes only; while others choose to make
notes on the PowerPoint Lectures or just simply sit back and actively listen to the presentation.
Whatever works for you is fine with your professor. Note that downloading the files may take a
little time because there are many slides with many photos.
A+ Flashcards:
A+ Flashcards are available under course files which may assist students in rock and mineral
identifications, studying for exams, and key notes about rocks and minerals discussed in class.
Many students particularly find the flashcards useful when working on the different labs
throughout the semester.
Bonus Opportunity:
Students may earn up to 10 points by answering questions based on rock and fossil display
cases found on the first floor of Stoffer Science Hall.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Texting and/or E-mailing:
Texting and/or e-mailing of any kind are prohibited during class time. Classroom 118 has a
posted sign indicating such a rule. Instructor will make note of all students who are observed
texting and/or e-mailing during class time. At the end of the semester, if a student is failing the
course or on the border-line for a better grade and has been observed texting and/or e-mailing
during class time, the instructor will deny them any opportunity for having their grade raised.
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend regularly and punctually for all lectures and other class
activities as described in the course syllabus. Attendance is not calculated into the semester
grade; however, there will be a sign-in sheet provided each day of class. At the end of the
semester, if a student is right on the border-line for a better grade and has attended most all
class periods, your professor may consider raising them to the higher grade.
E-mail Policy:
The best way to reach your professor is by e-mail. Your professor should be able reply to all email messages within a 24 hour period. See front page of the course syllabus to obtain your
professor’s e-mail addresses.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is a fundamental value of higher education at Washburn University;
therefore, your professor will not tolerate acts of cheating, plagiarism, falsification or attempts
to “cheat,” plagiarize or falsify. Should your professor determine that an academic integrity
violation has taken place, she reserves the right to either assign a grade penalty or to refer the
case to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for an Academic Integrity Board
hearing.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Policy:
Students requesting accommodations based on a covered disability must go to the Student
Services Office located in Morgan Hall, Room 135 to verify the disability before any
accommodations can occur. The telephone number is 785-670-1629. Office hours are from 8
a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices:
Be sure to turn “OFF” all cell phones and pagers. Use of cell phones, IPods, MP3 players or any
other electronic devices is PROHIBITED during class time or exams. If cell phone or lap top
usage is observed while taking an exam, the student will be asked to leave and their exam
grade will result in a zero (0).
General Information:
Do remember to keep all assignments and exams returned to you so that discrepancies can be
easily and fairly straightened out. Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent. If
you need to drop this course, refer to the class schedule for the deadlines and requirements for
dropping or withdrawing from courses.
Misconduct in Class:
Any misconduct in class can result in being dropped from the course. One verbal reprimand
MAY be granted before action is taken upon for dropping the student from the course. If your
professor feels that she has been disrespected in any way, shape, or form, she has the right to
drop the student from the course. Students at risk have the option to withdraw from the
course before action takes place, thus preventing an explanation on the academic records as to
why they were dropped from the course.
Student Health Services/WU Counseling Services:
Student Health Services (SHS) works closely with WU Counseling Services to provide support for
students experiencing challenges with learning and adapting to university life. SHS also offers
urgent care for illness and injury, sports, school, and travel abroad physicals, well woman
exams, immunizations/vaccinations and care of chronic illness such as diabetes and high blood
pressure. More information can be found at http://washburn.edu/currentstudents/services/health-services/index.html and http://washburn.edu/currentstudents/services/counseling/index.html.
Disability Services:
The Student Services Office is responsible for assisting in arranging accommodations and for
identifying resources on campus for persons with disabilities. Qualified students with
disabilities must register with the office to be eligible for services. The office MUST have
appropriate documentation on file in order to provide services. Accommodations may include
in-class note takers, test readers and/or scribes, adaptive computer technology, brailled
materials. Requests for accommodations should be submitted at least two months before
services should begin; however, if you need an accommodation this semester, please contact
the Student Services Office immediately.
Location: Student Services, Morgan Hall Room 135 (new location)
Phone: 785-670-1629 or TDD 785-670-1025
E-Mail: student-services@washburn.edu
Students may voluntarily identify themselves to the instructor for a referral to the Student
Services Office.
Office of Academic Advising:
As a Washburn student, you may experience difficulty with issues such as studying, personal
problems, time management, or choice of major, classes, or employment. The Office of
Academic Advising is available to help students either directly through academic advising,
mentoring, testing and developing learning strategies or by identifying the appropriate
University resource. If you feel you need someone with whom to discuss an issue confidentially
and free of charge, contact Academic Advising in Morgan 122, 785-670-1942,
advising@washburn.edu.
Withdrawal Policy:
During fall and spring semesters, students may go online and withdraw from full semester
courses through the second week of class with no recorded grade. From the third through the
eleventh week a “W” is recorded for any dropped course. After the eleventh week, there are
NO withdrawals, and a grade will be assigned for the course. These deadlines will be different
for short-term, out-of-sequence, or summer courses. To view the deadline dates for your
courses visit the “Last Day” Deadlines web page at: https://www2-prod.washburn.edu/selfservice/coursedates.php Depending on the timing of the request to withdraw from a course,
students may be responsible for repaying all or a portion of their financial aid. Students who do
not attend their courses and fail to officially withdraw themselves will receive a grade of “F”
and may also be required to repay all or a portion of their financial aid based on their nonattendance. For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 785.670.1151 or e-mail
financialaid @washburn.edu.
Attendance/Administrative Withdrawal:
Although it is the student's responsibility to initiate course withdrawals, an instructor, after due
notice to the student, may request withdrawal of the student from a course because of
nonattendance through the same date as the last day a student may withdraw from a course.
This would NOT absolve the student of financial responsibility for tuition/fees for the course in
question. The inclusion of this information in the course syllabus is considered due notice.
Official E-Mail Address:
Your Washburn University e-mail address will be the official address used by the University for
relaying important messages regarding academic and financial information and the University
will consider this your official notification for important information. It may also be used by
your instructors to provide specific course information. If you prefer to use an alternate e-mail
address to receive official University notices, you can access your MyWashburn e-mail account,
choose the "Options" tab, and select "Settings", scroll to the bottom of the screen, click enable
forwarding and enter the e-mail address you would like your Washburn emails forwarded to in
the “mail forwarding” area. Click add and the click on save changes. This will complete the
process of forwarding your Washburn e-mail. It is your responsibility to ensure that your
official e-mail box does not exceed your message quota resulting in the inability of e-mail
messages to be accepted into your mailbox.