SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
Summer Quarter – 2011-2012
Course Title:
Introduction to Physical Geology
Course Number/Section:
GEOG 1210 – 7A
Instructor:
Michelle Todd, M.A.
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus – 2011-2012/Summer
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
LAB LOCATION:
Introduction to Physical Geology
GEOG 1210-7A
6.0 credit hours
6/7/2012 – 8/14/2012
Tuesday & Thursday / 8:00-11:20am
None
7/31/2012
CON 249
Same
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
OFFICE LOCATION:
TELEPHONE:
FAX:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
FACULTY WEBSITE:
ACADEMIC AREA:
Michelle Todd, M.A.
SOC/CON/240
402-738-4703
402-738-4556
by appt only
matodd2@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/mrerucha
Social Sciences
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description:
Geology is the study of the earth and the processes that shape it. In this course, students will learn about
the materials and physical features of the earth, changes in those features, and the processes that bring
them about. The earth is studied as a planet, as a changing body, and as our home. The course provides
students with an overall view of the Earth, including studies of the Earth’s changes, formation of the
continents and the general theories of evolution of the Earth. Lab exercises cover rock formations,
minerals of the Earth, erosional changes and identification of faults and related crustal changes.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, the ability to read and write at the college
level is highly recommended, as is the ability to solve basic math problems.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Identify common minerals and rocks based on their physical properties.
 Understand the characteristics of earth's internal and external physical processes.
 Understand weathering and erosional processes.
 Understand the different types of glaciers and their effect on the earth’s surface.
 Use maps and remote sensing images.
 Use the scientific method.
Required Materials:
TEXTBOOK: Murck, B., B. Skinner & D. Mackenzie. 2010. Visualizing Geology. 2nd ed. Wiley.
LAB BOOK: Freeman, Tom. 2010. Geoscience Laboratory Manual. 5th ed. Wiley
Class Structure:
Textbook, lectures, labs, in-class activities, written assignment, quizzes, exams, optional extra credit
Students will learn in this course by attending class regularly, by participating in lectures, discussions, and
activities in class and by completing any and all assignments in a timely fashion. You will get far more out
of the class if you make an effort to stay current with your reading assignments and come to class
prepared to discuss and ask questions about course material.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
Types of Assessments/Assignments:
Labs, in class activities & participation, written assignments, quizzes, and exams
Total Points:
Four (4) exams worth 100 points each
300 pts
*The lowest exam score will be dropped
Twelve (12) lab assignments worth 20 points each
240 pts
Four (4) lab quizzes worth 25 points each
100 pts
Six (6) in class assignments worth 10 points each
60 pts
One (1) mineral project
50 pts
Total Points Possible:
750 pts
Make-up procedures: If you miss an exam, for any reason, that will count as your dropped exam
score. No make-up tests are given. If you miss a lab quiz, you will take that lab quiz at the end of the
following class period. If you miss a lab assignment, you will be able to make up that lab assignment
on day of, or prior to, the next exam. The lab make-up dates occur on the scheduled exam dates. If
you do not make up the lab on, or before, the next scheduled exam date, you will receive a zero (0)
for that lab assignment. There are no make-ups for the in class assignments. If you miss an in class
assignment, you will receive a zero (0) for that assignment.
Late assignments: Late homework assignments may be accepted at the instructor’s discretion, but
may be reduced by 10% for every class day that it late beyond the due date unless arrangements
have been made with the instructor beforehand. If you are not able to turn an assignment in on time,
please contact the instructor to determine whether or not the late assignment will be accepted. Late
assignments can be turned in through student services so they can be placed in the instructor’s
mailbox at the South Omaha campus. Ask the student services worker to date and time stamp what
you are turning in so there will be no disagreement concerning when you turned in your assignment.
Maintenance of Student Records: In class and homework assignments will be returned to the
student. Student tests, labs, assignments, papers, etc. used in determining the final grade, but not
returned to the student, will be kept for a period of one (1) year. Graded exams will be reviewed
during a class period following the test. The tests will then be returned to the instructor who will retain
them for a period of one (1) year. Please retain copies of your returned assignments in case of an
error when recording points. The course gradebook will be maintained by the instructor for a
minimum of one (1) year.
Use of Student Work:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license
to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in
the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other manner without
the written consent of the student(s).
Grading Policy:
Your final grade will be determined by percentage of the total possible points (750) earned on assessments
and assignments. There is a chance for extra credit, which will be discussed as the quarter progresses.
A = 90% - 100% (675 or more points)
B = 80% - 89% (600-674 points)
C = 70% - 79% (525-599 points)
D = 60% - 69% (450-524 points)
F = below 60% (449 and fewer points)
Assessment of Student Learning Program:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You
may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to
surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may
be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Attendance/Participation Policy:
Attendance Policy: Attendance is encouraged since in-class activities, quizzes, and exams will
take place during class time. Exam material will come from in-class activities and lectures, thus it will
be difficult to do well in this course if you do not attend regularly. More than six (6) unexcused
absences may result in a failing (FX) grade. Note that class attendance is required for many
financial aid programs. If you do not attend, financial aid could be affected. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor prior to, on the day of an absence, or as soon as
possible in case of an emergency. Failure to do so is noted in the instructor’s grade book and this
information is utilized when the instructor considers whether or not to give the student the benefit of
the doubt on subjective maters. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all missed notes,
makeup assignments, or materials.
Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Date published in the
Class Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/ may be disenrolled from the class. There is no appeal
for this disenrollment.
 WX: After the first class meeting and through the Census Date, the instructor will disenroll
(WX) students who have never attended. The Census Date is listed under the Important
Dates for the course in the official Class Schedule at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/.
A student who fails to meet minimum class participation expectations may receive a final grade mark
of FX, indicating an absence-related failure, or a failing (F) grade.
 FX: A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations will receive a final grade of
FX, indicating an absence-related failure. A student earning an FX grade prior to the end of
the quarter may avoid receiving the failing grade by withdrawing from the course before the
Last Date to Withdraw from Class.
Expected Classroom Behavior: Your first responsibility in this course (or any other) is to
make sure that you have read and understand the syllabus. The terms outlined in this document
will bind both instructor and student for the coming quarter. Thereafter, your responsibilities, should
you wish to succeed in the course, are to do your part to maintain a classroom atmosphere that
facilitates learning for all by:
 Being attentive in class, taking notes, and asking pertinent questions
 Participating in class activities
 Respecting the diversity of cultures, opinions, viewpoints in the classroom
 Listening to fellow students, professors, and lecturers with respect
 Arriving on time, prepared for class and attending for the duration of class
 Not talking, texting, reading other materials, surfing the internet, or chatting online
Disruptive Classroom Behavior: Certain student behavior will result in: the lowering of the
course grade by at least one grade level, an "F" grade for the course, or the student's suspension or
expulsion from the college. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:
 Dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information or
signatures on work.
 Intentional disruption, obstruction, or interference with the process of instruction.
Portable Electronic Device Usage: Please turn cell phone or pager ringers off or to vibrate.
If you have an emergency, take the phone or pager out of the classroom to respond. If you are
suspected of text messaging during class, you may be asked to leave the class and will receive no
credit for assignments for the day. Using a cell phone or text messaging in class disrupts the class
and shows disrespect for the instructor and your fellow classmates.
Communication Expectations:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and cooperative
behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the
opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the
class. You may also wish to review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
Recording in the Classroom:
Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the instructor’s knowledge & permission. If
recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable accommodation under Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate documentation from College Disability
Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the individual student’s educational review
of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted, sold or distributed to others. Students who
violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.
Academic Honesty Statement:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright
protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at
http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty
(cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing
grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College.
Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
Student Withdrawal:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through WebAdvisor
at http://webadvisor.mccneb.edu or by calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553.
Failure to officially withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The
last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly, supportive learning
environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff members in these centers
provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced,
computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language,
and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student
Handbook, College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations from Disability Support
Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students have arranged for
accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss these accommodations.
For further information, please contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help Desk at
457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
Technology Resources:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones), you
acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College
Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources. It is your
responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures
Memorandum may be found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
IMPORTANT DATES
Student Services Important Dates: http://www.mccneb.edu/sos/enrollman.asp
2011-2012 Spring
June 6 – August 15, 2012
Classes Begin for 10-week/first five-week sessions ........................................................... June 6 W
***Census Date/Tenth Day* Date for 10 week session .........................................................June 19 Tu
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class ............................................................. Varies by Class**
Independence Day Recess/College Closed ............................................................................... July 4 W
Classes end for second five week/10 week sessions ................................................... August 15 W
Summer grades for second five week/10 week sessions due and posted by 11:59 p.m ..... August 17 F
The Last Day to Drop for a “W” grade is also the last day for students to change from Credit to Audit or Audit to
Credit with instructor approval. Students must drop by this date to avoid being assigned a grade of “F”. NOTE:
“Last day to drop” refers to grades only.
To view the Last Day to Drop specific to your course section, go to the online class schedule at
http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp and click on the Important Dates next to the course.
The Refund drop dates for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates
and the number of sessions for the course. NOTE: Refer to refund policy below to determine the last day to
receive a refund for your course.
REFUND POLICY
Eligibility for a refund is automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. The amount of refund is based
on number of class meetings held prior to the withdrawal compared to the total number of schedule sessions
for the course.
For refund or account questions call: (402) 457-2405 or 1-800-228-9553, extension 2405.
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and expected
learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to enhance learning
for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will
conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
(*Note: schedule is provisional & subject to change!)
DATE
6/7/2012
IN CLASS
ASSIGNMENTS DUE TODAY
In Class Activities (#1 & #2)
Introduction to the Course
NEXT CLASS
- Chapter 1/3
Lab Exercise 2: Maps
Earth as a Planet (Ch 1) & How Old is
6/12/2012
Old? The Rock Record & Deep
Geologic Time (Ch 3)
 Questions: 2.5-2.8; 2.10-2.11; 2.18-2.21;
2.23-2.24; 2.30-2.32; 2.34; 2.36
Lab Exercise 1: Geologic Time
- Chapter 2
 Questions: 1.1; 1.7; 1.9-1.10; 1.13; 1.151.16; 1.20-1.21; 1.23-1.25
Lab Exercise 3: Minerals
6/14/2012
 Questions: 3.1; 3.3-3.9; Mineral ID Handout
Earth Materials (Ch 2)
- Chapter 3
(13 Samples)
6/19/2012
In Class Activity (#3)
Volcanoes (Ch 6)
- Chapter 6
Lab Exercise 4: Igneous Rocks
6/21/2012
 Questions: 4.1; 4.3-4.4; 4.6; 4.9-4.11; 4.16-
Igneous Rocks (Ch 6)
4.19; 4.21-4.23; Igneous Rock ID Handout
- Exam 1
- Lab Quiz 1
(12 Samples)
6/26/2012
EXAM 1 (Ch 1-3; 6); LAB QUIZ 1
6/28/2012
Weathering & Erosion (Ch 7)
7/3/2012
Turn in any missed lab exercises (if needed)
In Class Activity (#4)
In Class Activity (#5)
From Sediment to Sedimentary Rock
(Ch 8)
- Chapter 8
Lab Exercise 5: Sedimentary Rocks
 Questions: 5.1; 5.3-5.4; 5.6-5.8;
- Chapter 9/10
Sedimentary Rock ID Handout (12 Samples)
Folds, Faults, & Geologic Maps (Ch 9)
7/5/2012
- Chapter 7
& Metamorphism: New Rocks from Old
(Ch 10)
Lab Exercise 6: Metamorphic Rocks
 Questions: 6.1-6.3; 6.6-6.8; 6.9-6.10;
- Chapter 5
Metamorphic Rock ID Handout (13 Samples)
*Mineral Project Due
7/10/2012
Earthquakes & Earth’s Interior (Ch 5)
Lab Exercise 9: Earthquakes
 Questions: 9.1; 9.3-9.12; 9.14-9.22
- Exam 2
- Lab Quiz 2
**Also need to turn in pages 164-165
7/12/2012
EXAM 2 (Ch 7-10; 5); LAB QUIZ 2
7/17/2012
Plate Tectonics (Ch 4)
Turn in any missed lab exercises (if needed)
In Class Activity (#6)
- Chapter 4
Lab Exercise 8: Plate Tectonics
 Questions: 8.2-8.4; 8.9; 8.11; 8.14; 8.16-
- Chapter 11
8.18; 8.20-8.22; 8.25-8.28; 8.30
7/19/2012
Water On the Ground (Streams – Ch
11)
In Class Activity (#7)
Continued on next page
- Chapter 11
Lab Exercise 11: Streams & Rivers
Questions: 11.1-11.2A; 11.3; 11.6-11.8; 11.10;
7/24/2012
Water Under the Ground (Groundwater
– Ch 11)
11.12; 11.14;
Lab Exercise 12: Groundwater
- Chapter 12
 Questions: 12.2; 12.6-12.7; 12.17-12.18;
12.22; 12.24; 12.26-12.28
Lab Exercise 16: Coastal Processes &
7/26/2012
The Oceans (Ch 12)
Problems
 Questions: 16.3-16.7; 16.11; 16.13; 16.16;
- Exam 3
- Lab Quiz 3
16.18-16.19; 16.24-16.31; 16.38; 16.40
Turn in any missed lab exercises (if needed)
7/31/2012
EXAM 3 (Ch 4; 11-12); LAB QUIZ 3
8/2/2012
Mass Wasting (Ch 7)
Lab Exercise: TBA
- Chapter 13
8/7/2012
Deserts & Glaciers (Ch 13)
Lab Exercise: TBA
- Chapter 12/13
8/9/2012
8/14/2012
The Atmosphere (Ch 12) & Climate
Change (Ch 13)
EXAM 4 (Ch 7; 12-13); LAB QUIZ 4
In Class Activity (#8)
Lab Exercise: TBA
Turn in any missed lab exercises (if needed)
- Chapter 7
- Exam 4
- Lab Quiz 4