[ Syllabi | Schedule | Assignments ]
Catalog Description: Scientific study of the physical characteristics and geologic processes of the Earth. Principle topics include minerals, rocks, volcanoes, geologic time, plate tectonics, earthquakes and glaciation. Emphasis is placed on local and regional geology. One of 3 GS courses required to satisfy an "A-list" science sequence. Taught: Winter (days) and Spring quarters (days). Lecture: 3, Lab: 2, Credits: 4.
Prerequisites: One year of high school algebra or concurrent enrollment in MTH 060.
GS 106: Physical Geology Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Bob Reynolds
Office: 237 Ochoco Hall Phone: 383-7557 e-mail; breynolds@cocc.edu
Supplementary Materials
Text: Fundamentals of Geology by Montgomery
GS 106 Course Packet by Reynolds
Crater Lake
Introduction. Geology is the scientific study of the physical components that make up our planet and includes three major areas of study: (1) geologic materials including rocks and minerals, (2) geologic processes such as the causes of earthquakes and the formation of mountains and (3) geologic history which includes the study of fossils and the origin, age and evolution of the Earth.
Earth is a very old and dynamic planet and the geologic processes that shape this ever-changing planet exert a profound influence on the Pacific Northwest in particular. The rocks that lie beneath us and those in the nearby Cascade mountains are a valuable natural resource. Much of the water that is an essential part of our lives is stored in glaciers, lakes and streams located high in the Cascades. The water makes its way to us by moving over and within the rocks. In addition, many of the local industries derive their products directly and indirectly from the rocks and flowing water. Moreover, the stunning mountain scenery provides us with a wide variety of year-around recreational activities. Although we often take it for granted, geology provides an important foundation of our modern society. It seems only appropriate that we should take the time to examine geologic processes and learn to read and understand the rock record. Accordingly, my goals are to introduce you to the broad range of earth materials and dynamic processes within the realm of geology and to point out many of the exceptional examples of Oregon's geology.
Lecture. I assume that you have had no previous exposure to geology. The introductory nature of this course dictates that we cannot cover all of the topics in the book, nor can we spend too much time on any one topic. However, please be aware that this is a college level science course and there is a significant amount of material that will be covered in this course. In order to do well, you will need to spend an appropriate amount of time each week studying. Speaking from experience, you are likely to get more understanding out of the lectures and do well in this course if you come to class regularly and read the assigned material in the text ahead of time. You are encouraged to interrupt me at any time with questions or stop by my office for help.
At this point you should be registered for both a lecture and a lab section of this course. You should be aware from advising that GS106 Geology is one of several courses that can be used to fulfill the science sequence requirement for an associates degree. In this sequence GS104 (Physics) and GS105 (Chemistry) are required, plus one additional GS course of your choice from among the following: GS106 (Geology), GS107 (Astronomy), GS108 (Oceanography). Knowledge of basic high school algebra (equivalent to Math 60) is assumed for all GS courses.
Mt Bachelor
Lab. Lab activities will be conducted weekly in Ochoco 210. In lab we will further explore geologic materials and processes, through the hands-on examination of minerals, rocks and 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. Each lab will begin with a brief introduction. The remainder of the lab will be devoted to working on your lab assignment. Your lab assignment will include a lab exercise pertinent to recent lecture topics. Bring your text, class notes and course packet to every lab.
In order 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 makeups are not allowed for "after-the-fact" excuses or repeated absences.
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. An Adobe Acrobat PDF or MS Word copy of the course pack can be downloaded by clicking on the hyperlik located at the top of the schedule page of this web site
Broken Top volcano
Grading. There are a total of 460 possible points for the course. There will be three, 100 point mid-term exams during the course and a final exam during finals week, the dates of which 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 at the designated date and time. If you miss an exam you will get an F for that test. In the event of an emergency, you must contact me ahead of time. In the rare case that a makeup exam is permitted, there will be a mandatory 10 point deduction (no exceptions!). In addition, if you have special testing requirements, you should see me prior to the exams.
The grade that you earn will be based upon the scores you receive in the categories listed below. In figuring you final grade, I will drop the score of your lowest one lab activity. Final 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
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. Launch an Internet browser and go to the COCC home page at http://www.cocc.edu. Click on the “my log in” button located near the top of the page. Scroll down the new page to Micrograde, then click on “log in now” You will be taken to a page titled WebGrade. In the white box located in the upper left corner of the page type in your instructor’s last name, then click on “search”. A list of instructors and institutions will be displayed on the screen. Click on the instructor that matches your course. 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. 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 reports your instructor has made available for you to view.
Extra credit? Occasionally students ask if there is anything that they can do to improve their grade. My first response is always: “Yes, 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 (up to 20 points) of extra credit is available in this course in the forms of participating on field trips, writing a short term paper. Please be aware, however, that extra credit means: “credit beyond what is normally required”. Extra credit will only count towards your grade if you've completed all of your tests and lab assignments. Extra credit, therefore, cannot be used as substitute for missing tests and/or assignments. You should see me first before embarking on any 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.
The Three Sisters
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. Now let's rock!
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.
GS 106 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 geology. These include fundamental scientific theories such as plate tectonics and geologic age determinations. GS 106 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 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 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.
