Geology 300 -- Physical Geology -- Spring 2020

Course Information

Course description:

Physical geology is an introduction to the study of the scientific composition and dynamics of the earth from the atomic scale of minerals to the global scale of plate tectonics. The composition, structure, and dynamics of the layered earth include a short introduction to minerals, rocks, weathering, erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, faults, interior processes, plate tectonics, and earth resources. Emphasis is placed on how the geologic environment affects humans and how humans affect the environment. The student will study the processes forming surface landforms and be able to recognize landscapes characteristic of water, ice, and wind erosion. Successful completion of physical geology prepares a student to apply geologic principles to other sciences, understand and appreciate geologic phenomena and avoid geologic hazards.

Student Learning Objectives:

SLO#1: Apply the Scientific Method to evaluating geologic processes.
SLO#2: Evaluate temporal and spatial dimensions in which Earth originated and exists.
SLO#3: Examine how we can determine Earth's interior and surface compositions.
SLO#4: Apply plate tectonic theory to formulate geologic settings for physical processes.
SLO#5: Assess the potential threats of geologically-related natural disasters.
SLO#6: Evaluate the various despositional and erosional features associated with different agents of erosion -- wind, glaciers, rivers, gravity, and waves.
SLO#7: Communicate geologic concepts and information effectively in various forms (e.g., verbal, written, graphic).

Class time:

Mondays & Wednesdays, 9-10:20 a.m. There will be no class on Feb. 17 because of Presidents' Day.  There will be no classes the week of April 6-10 due to Spring Break. The last day of regular class lecture is Wednesday, May 13. 

The final is scheduled for  Monday, May 18, 8-10 a.m.

Class rooms:

Cosumnes River College, SCI-109

Instructor:

Hiram Jackson
tel: (916) 691-7605
e-mail: jacksoh@crc.losrios.edu

Teaching style:

Interactive lecture, along with videos, overhead transparencies, slides, computers animations, & maps.

Notes:

Some class notes may be available on the class  webpage at http://web.crc.losrios.edu/~jacksoh . If you do not have access to the World Wide Web, you can access it through various computer centers on campus.

Units:

This course is worth three units of physical science  lecture credit.  If you need a physical science lab credit, you should consider signing up for Geology 301.   Geology 301 is offered on Tuesdays at noon and also Mondays and Wednesdays at noon.

Office hours:


Monday/ Tuesday /Wednesday, 8-9 a.m.,

Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Fridays, 11 to noon, (certain Fridays)

or by appointment, room SCI-111.  
Please see my class schedule for more information.

Textbook:

Physical Geology (15th ed) by Plummer , Carlson, & Hammersley, available in the bookstore.  If you have trouble obtaining a copy of the class books, copies may be available on reserve in the library.

Exams:

There will be three midterms -- February 26, March 25, and April  22 -- and a final on May 18.  All midterms will last 80 minutes.

Homework:

Homework is assigned every week and will be collected at the beginning of class (9 a.m.) and returned the following class.

Makeup policy:

You must contact me before 9 a.m. on the scheduled day of an exam if you must miss an exam. Please briefly explain the nature of your absence, and when you expect to be able to make it up. Please be aware that I will not return graded exams until all makeups have been given. I generally expect makeups to be taken within 3-4 days.

Attendance policy:

Excessive absences you risk understanding the class material, not being able to do well on exams, or being dropped from the class roster.  If you miss four or more lectures, I reserve the right to drop you from the class.  Nevertheless, you are responsible to make sure you are dropped from the roster if you choose not to finish the course.  If you must be absent, please leave a message indicating what the nature of your absence is, and what arrangements you can make to make up the necessary work.

Grading:

Homeworks: 30%
Midterms & Writing assignment: 50%
Final: 20%
Optional project (geology of particular area of California) : replaces lowest test grade

Another optional project (reading and reporting on a designated book) is worth up to 10 points on the final class grade.

Grades will be calculated on the following scale:

90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D, <60  oops!

Grades are a measure of your performance on assignments and tests in this class, and are not to be interpretted as any reflection of what I think of you as a person.  We hope that this measure of performance shows how well you understand and master the class material.  If you have comments or suggestions, please contact me.

Grade Discrepancies:

If you think that I have made a mistake in calculating your grade, please see me.  Please save your tests and homework if you wish to bring a grade discrepancy to my attention.

Cheating:

You are expected to turn in your own work.  You are to take all exams based on what you remember from studying (no notes, textbooks, or anything else will be available).  Anyone caught cheating may face one or more of the following penalties: no grade for the assignment, an F for the course, probation or suspension from the college.

Note:

Students with special needs or accommodations should contact me as soon as possible outside of class.  If you are thinking of dropping this class, please consider checking in with me to explore your options.

Field trip:

There is no formal or required field trip for this class, however I propose leading two voluntary field trips on different weekends in March and April. There is no extra credit for going on the field trip, but it may help you with the optional project mentioned above.

Classroom 
etiquette:

Apart from the campus standards for conduct printed in the catalog and schedule, the following rules are worth mentioning:
1. Please do not bring food to class. 
2.  Please also turn off all cell phones, watch alarms, anything else that could distract during class.
3.  Arrive on time to class. If you arrive late, please enter quietly and take a seat near the door. If you must leave early, please tell me before class that you will leave early and take a seat near the door.
4.  Please end all private conversations once class begins.

5.  Please note the classroom exits in case of emergency, and prepare to follow instructor’s directions.

Last update 1/22/2020
Webpage designed by Hiram Jackson.
Contact Geology webmanager, Hiram Jackson, at jacksoh@crc.losrios.edu