[ Syllabus | Schedule | Assignments ]
Course description. Geology 202 is the second course of a year-long sequence in geology which examines the nature and origins of rocks and minerals; the processes responsible for Earth's structures and landforms and the history of the planet as evidenced in the rock and fossil record. G202 focuses on surface processes including the study of earthquakes, faults and folds, coastal geology, rivers, groundwater, mass wasting, deserts and glaciers. Considerable emphasis is placed on local geology. Class work includes lecture, laboratory and field study. Normally offered Winter quarter. Lecture 3, Lab 3, Credits 4
G202: Geology - Winter Term 2006
Instructor: Dr. Bob Reynolds
Office: 237 Ochoco, Phone: 383-7557, e-mail: breynolds@cocc.edu
Office hours: T-R: 9-10 and 11:30 AM - Noon
Course Home Page: http://www.cocc.edu/breynolds/classes/G202/
Text: The Changing Earth, by Monroe and Wicander
G202 Course Packet by Reynolds
Lecture. The Earth is a dynamic planet in which natural processes occur on a variety of size and time scales. These processes, which include earthquakes, landslides, floods and coastal erosion, affect our everyday lives. It is therefore important for us to understand how, where and why these phenomena occur. Accordingly, my goal for this quarter is to introduce you to the many geologic processes that continuously shape the surface of the Earth. The specific topics that we will cover are listed on the accompanying class schedule.
You should be aware from advising that the Geology 201-202-203 sequence may be used to meet the general education lab science requirement for all associate degrees offered by COCC. This is a 200-level college science course and accordingly there is a significant amount of material that will be covered. You will therefore need to spend an appropriate amount of time studying. Speaking from experience, you are likely to get more understanding out of the lectures and lab if you come to class all the time and read the assigned material in the text ahead of time. Moreover, I encourage you to interrupt me at any time with questions or stop by my office for help.
Landslide damage near Dodson, Oregon
Geologic Hazard Poster. Much of this quarter will center on geologic processes that affect the surface of the Earth. Many of these processes have a direct and devastating impact on humans. With this in mind, you mayteam up with one other person to conduct background research on a specific geologic hazard. You will summarize your findings in the form of a poster or Power Point that you will present to the class during the last lab. Specific guidelines and topic suggestions are provided with this course pack.
River hydrographs aid in predicting floods
Earthquake Summaries. You will compile a record of three significant non volcanic earthquakes that occur during the course (no more than a month old). Each earthquake should include the date of the event and a written summary of the event. Your summaries are due on the dates shown on the accompanying schedule. I will not accept late summaries. specific guidelines are provided in the course pack
Damage from the 1994 Northridge, CA magnitude 6.7 earthquake
Lab. In lab we will further explore the nature of geologic processes, through the integrated examination of rocks, topographic maps and geologic maps. Your assignments will include making observations, descriptions, identifications and interpretations similar to those that a geologist might be required to make as a part of their job. The purpose of the lab is to help you understand and apply geologic concepts, to stimulate your curiosity, and to give you the opportunity to ask me questions in a more informal setting. I will begin each lab with a brief review of the preceding lab and an introduction of the current lab activity. The remainder of the lab will be devoted to working on your lab assignment. In order for you to complete your lab activity successfully it is imperative that you bring your text, class notes and course pack to every lab. In addition, you should have read the lab material before coming to lab.
In order for me to grade and return your assignments quickly, lab assignments must be completed and turned in before you leave the lab. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you have a conflict and cannot attend a lab, you should contact me ahead of time to make other arrangements. Please be aware, however that lab makeups are not permitted for "after-the-fact" excuses or repeated absences.
Flooding on the Little Deschutes winter 1996 near La Pine, Oregon
How to Obtain Course Materials. The following is a list of ways that you can access the various course related materials. In addition, I will set aside time during the first week for folks who are interested in learning how to use the computer to access course materials.
1. The text and complete course packet can be purchased from the college bookstore.
2. The course packet is available for downloading as a PDF and MS word files located at schedule portion of this course web site.
Grading. There are a total of 590 possible points for the course. Three mid-term exams will be given during the course and a final exam during exam's week. The dates of these exams are listed on the accompanying schedule. The exams will consist of a combination of essay, multiple choice and fill in the blank drawings and will cover material from both lecture and lab. Study guides are provided in your course packet to help you in preparing for exams. All exams are “closed book” which means you may use only the information stored in your brain to complete a test. You cannot use notes, texts, or another student to assist you, nor can you assist another student in completing their exam. I consider all of these to be cheating offenses and you will receive a score of “0” for the exam. You must take the exams on the designated date and time. If you miss an exam you will get an F for that test. In the event of an emergency (or if you have special testing requirements) you should contact me ahead of time. The value of each assignment is provided in the table below.
The grade that you earn will be based upon the scores you receive in the categories listed below. In figuring your final grade, I will drop your lowest one lab score. Letter grades will be assigned as follows: A = 93-100%, A- = 90-92%, B+ = 87-89%, B = 83-86%, B- = 80-82%, C+ = 77-79%, C = 70-76%, D = 60-69%, F = less than 60%.
Grading category Point value
Mid-term exam 150
Final exam 150
9 Lab assignments (20 points each) 180
3 earthquake summaries (10 points each) 30
Geologic Hazard Poster 100
Dropped lowest lab -20
Total Points Possible 590
How to View your grade. You can view your scores and keep track of your overall grade at any time during the course by following these instructions.
1. Launch an Internet browser and go to the COCC home page at http://www.cocc.edu
2. click on the “my log in” button located near the top of the page.
3. Scroll down the new page to Micrograde, then click on “log in now” You will be taken to a page titled WebGrade.
4. In the white box located in the upper left corner of the page type in your instructor’s last name, then click on “search”
5. A list of instructors and institutions will be displayed on the screen. Click on the instructor that matches your course.
6. You will be taken to a new page that shows the courses offered by your instructor. Click on the link to your course to log in.
7. Enter your user ID (this is your student ID, ex. 820012345) and Password (your initial password is set as the first and last initials of your name capitalized, followed by your birth date ex. EPmmddyy, where mm = month, dd = day and yy = last 2 digits of the year that you were born) in the white boxes. Click the Login button.
8. You'll be taken to YOUR private student page, containing the reports your instructor has posted regarding your work.
9. Click on any of the hyperlinks to the reports your instructor has made available for you to view.
Extra credit? Occasionally students ask if there is anything they can do to improve their grade. My first response is always: “Of course there is: study more!” I say that because I know from experience that most students do not study as much as they should. Having said that, a limited amount of extra credit (up to 20 points) will be made possible in the form of participating on field trips or completing outside assignments approved by me. Be aware, however, that extra credit means: “credit beyond what is normally required”. Therefore, extra credit will only count towards your grade if you’ve completed all of your tests and lab assignments. That means that extra credit cannot be used as substitute for missing tests and/or assignments. You should see me first before embarking on any outside extra credit assignments.
I have structured this course so as to provide equal opportunities for all students to succeed. In addition, I try very hard to treat everyone fairly and to base grades upon on objective academic criteria. Moreover, I am very willing to help students that are having difficulty providing they show up for class regularly and come prepared and willing to try. In most cases the grade you earn will reflect your effort. If you are having difficulty or feel that you need additional help, please contact me in person, by phone or by e-mail. Do not wait until the end of the course to approach me about your grade.
Results from hundreds of students so far indicate that most of you will do quite well; perhaps even better than you might have imagined. However, those who include dishonesty, chronic absenteeism or habitual excuses in their academic repertoire generally find my courses and college in general difficult. Remember, the grade that you earn is your responsibility. Your education is an investment in your future. I encourage you to make the most of it and learn as much as you can. Welcome to the exciting world of geology!
ADA Statement: Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations; those who have emergency medical information of which the instructor should be aware; those who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation; or those who may require specific instructional accommodations should notify me as soon as possible, or contact the Disability Services office in Boyle Education Center.
G 201-202-203 Geology Course Outcome Statements
1) Students will develop an effective understanding of the basic concepts, processes, and analytic tools as they are currently understood in the science of geology. Students will able to articulate and describe the fundamental disciplinary models/laws/theories presented as well as the current state of supporting evidence. Within the realm of geology these include fundamental scientific theories such as plate tectonics and geologic time. These courses will expose students to a diversity of topics within the realm of geology and explore the relationships among other scientific disciplines. (ex: chemistry of minerals; fossil record of biologic organisms)
2) Through inquiry-based, hands-on laboratory activities and field experiences students will develop specific experimental skills and knowledge leading to the ability to identify, implement, and interpret scientific information as it relates to geology. Students will apply their knowledge and skills and employ logical scientific methodologies in a variety of numerical and descriptive problem solving situations.
3) Students will enhance their ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and data via multiple means including visual, oral and written modes using activities such as poster presentations, term papers, computer graphics and modeling, test essay questions, interactive questioning and lab write-ups.
4) Students will be able to evaluate and articulate the application and relevance of specific geology topics to the world around them at a personal, community, and global level. As a result, students will understand the significant role of science and geology in particular in modern society. Moreover, students will become more scientifically literate citizens capable of formulating informed logical opinions regarding the application of science and technology to solving such problems as pollution, energy demands, minerals extraction, and geologic hazards
