Course description. Geology 203 is the third 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. G203 focuses on the geologic history and development of Earth and includes absolute and relative methods of measuring geologic time, geologic time scale, stratigraphic principles for interpreting the rock record, fossil preservation, mass extinctions, major tectonic events, environments and life forms present during the Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Considerable emphasis is placed on local geology. Class work includes lecture, laboratory and field study. Recommended Prerequisite; MTH 060. Normally offered Spring quarter. Lecture 3; Lab 3; Credits 4.
Course Syllabus: Spring Quarter 2006
Instructor: Dr Bob Reynolds
Office: 237 Ochoco, Phone: 383-7557
Office Hours: T & R: 9-10 AM, and 11:30-noon
Course Materials
Text: The Changing Earth by Monroe and Wicander
Lab Manual: G203 Lab Manual by Bob Reynolds
Lecture. This course is primarily about geologic time; 4.55 billion years of it. In order to help you to begin to understand Earth’s long and very interesting history, I will be presenting the material outlined on the accompanying schedule. We will begin by looking at how geologists measure time and how they use rocks as history books to decipher the events of Earth’s past. Next, we will take a fantastic journey through Earth's extensive and complex geologic history by examining important rock formations, fossils and plate tectonic settings. We will focus on the most significant events that have been well researched and which are widely agreed upon by the vast majority of scientists. Where relevant, I will bring in examples from Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
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 several hours per week reading and studying. Speaking from experience, you are likely to get more understanding out of the lectures if you come to class regularly and read the assigned material in the text ahead of time. I encourage you to interrupt me at any time with questions or stop by my office for help. In addition, Power Point copies of my lectures are located on the course web site: http://www.cocc.edu/breynolds/ classes/G203/schedule.htm.
Paleozoic trilobite, crinoid and brachiopod fossils
Lab. In lab we will be examining a variety of topics relating to historical geology, primarily through the examination of geologic maps, rocks and fossils. 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. Your lab assignments will include making observations, descriptions and interpretations similar to those that a geologist might be required to make as a part of his or her job. In order to successfully complete your lab assignments you should have attended lecture, read the appropriate material in the text and associated lab activity. It is imperative that you bring your text, class notes and course packet to every lab, because you will be using these materials regularly. If it looks as though students are coming to lab unprepared, I may give “pop quizzes” which will become part of your lab grade. 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 make-ups are not allowed for "after-the-fact" excuses or repeated absences.
Field Trips. An integral part of geology involves the examination and interpretation of field exposures of rocks. Accordingly, I have scheduled several weekend field trips. These trips are optional and can be applied towards extra credit (up to 10 points per day). A sign-up sheet is located outside my office door so you can select the trip that you want to attend. Seating is limited, so sign up early for the best selection. Bring a lunch, the appropriate field guide from your lab manual, a pencil and clothing for adverse weather conditions.
Critter Posters. Much of this quarter will center on ancient life forms once lived on Earth, which are now preserved as fossils. In order to give you an opportunity to learn more about the ancient life forms preserved in the fossil record, part of your grade will consist of researching a fossil organism that once existed on Earth. You will summarize your findings in the form of a poster that you will present to the class during lab. Each person will prepare their own poster and your topic must be approved by me before you begin. A set of guidelines for researching and developing your poster are provided in the miscellaneous handouts section of the course packet. Posters are due on lab #7 on Thursday May 25th. Late posters will not be accepted.
G203 Geology Course Outcome Statements
1) Students will have an effective understanding of the basic concepts, processes, and analytic tools as they are currently understood in the science of historical geology. These include fundamental scientific theories such as plate tectonics geologic time and the origin and evolution of planet Earth including rocks and life forms. G203 will expose students to a diversity of topics within the realm of Earth history and explore the relationships among other scientific disciplines. (ex: chemistry and physics of radioactive dating; principles of evolution as applied to interpreting the fossil record.
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 Earth history. 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 communication skills through oral and written activities such as poster presentations, term papers, computer presentations, test essay questions, interactive questioning and lab write-ups
4) Students will be able to evaluate and articulate the application and relevance of specific Earth history 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.
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 text has been placed on 3 hr reserve at the library.
3. The course packet is available as both MS Word and PDF files for downloading at the course web site: http://www.cocc.edu/breynolds/ classes/G203/schedule.htm.
Grading. There are a total of 560 possible points for the course. Two 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 questions. Study guides are provided in your course packet to help you in preparing for exams. 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 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. 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
2 Mid-term exams (100 points each) 200
Final exam 100
9 Lab assignments (20 points each) 180
Critter poster 100
dropped lab score -20
Total Points Possible = 560
Keep track of your grades. You can check your grades on-line at any time during the course by following these directions. You will first need to log on to a computer, then open a web browser such as “Internet Explorer". If you are using a non college computer, point your browser to: www.cocc.edu. Click on “my login” at the top of the page. This will take you to the COCC My Login page with several options. The login link to Micrograde appears as the forth item on this page. Click on the “Login Now" link. You will be taken to a new page titled: Eclassroom. In the while box located in the upper left corner of the page type in your instructors last name, then click on “search”. A list of instructors and their respective institutions will be displayed on the screen. Click on the instructor that matches your institution. You will be taken to a new page that shows the courses offered by your instructor. Click on the link to your course. You will be taken to the log in for your course. 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. Click on any of the hyperlinks to the grade 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 in field trips or completing an outside assignment 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 other graded activities. That means that extra credit cannot be used as a substitute for missing tests and/or assignments. You should see me first before embarking on any extra credit assignments. Guidelines for extra credit assignments are provided in the miscellaneous handouts section of the course packet.
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.
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. Ultimately the knowledge that you gain and the grade that you earn are a direct reflection of your effort. Because your education is an investment in your future. I encourage you to make the most of it and learn as much as you can.
