SYLLABUS Glendale Community College – Fall 2011 GLG 110 – GEOLOGIC DISASTERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (LECTURE) Mon/Wed 5:45-7:00, PS 173 CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Joe Belcher Email:[email protected] Office Hours: by appointment Webpage:http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/appliedscience/jbelcherweb/ jbelcherhome.html Textbook: Introduction to Environmental Geology, 5th ed., by E.A. Keller COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, you should:  Have an understanding of the fundamentals of geology and why it is important  Have an understanding of the rock cycle and the criteria for classifying rocks  Know what a mineral is and understand their importance to society  Be able to explain the theory of plate tectonics and the role it has played in Earth history  Be able to describe various types of alternative energy sources.  Have an understanding of the various types of mineral resources and how they are used  Understand what produces earthquakes and volcanoes and their affect on humans  Have a better understanding of geologic hazards that occur on the surface such as landslides, mass wasting, flooding, and changing shorelines.  Be able to describe groundwater systems and how they are affected by humans COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to acquaint students with the use and importance of geological studies as they apply to the interactions between people and the Earth. Topics include geological processes and hazards such as flooding, volcanic activity, earthquakes, landslides, the use of fossil fuels, and the mining of raw materials. 3 credits – No prerequesite required. EXPECTATIONS AND CLASS POLICY  Students need to be present for class, take notes, and participate in class work. Most of the information you will be tested on will come from lecture. Instructor-initiated withdrawal may ensue after 3 unexcused absences.  Textbooks are to be brought to class with you. Students are also required to read the assigned section(s) prior to coming to class.  Attendance is of the utmost importance for success. Failing to come to class could result in being dropped.  Come prepared.  Make-up work will be allowed for official excused absences. This type of absence occurs when students are involved in an official college activity, called to jury duty or by subpoena, or has experienced a death of an immediate family member. Prior notification is required to obtain an offical excused absence by contacting the instructor.  Unofficial absences will not merit the opportunity for make-up work, including exams.  Come to class on time. Work missed cannot be made up. Cell phones and any other electronic equipment must be turned off. Texting is not permitted during class.  Audio or video recording of this class is not permitted.  Do not distract others or disrupt instruction. Be respectful to all present.  Students with disabilities who require accommodations should notify the Disability Services and Resources Office located at the main campus in TDS 100. Phone: (623) 845-3080  Withdrawals must be completed by filling out the appropriate paperwork and adhering to the deadline requirements. WEB RESOURCES Physical Science Home Page: www.gc.maricopa.edu/appliedscience/geoweb/geohome.html  Syllabus & Calendar  Homework  Study Guides  Lecture Notes Grades will be assessed in this class in the following areas:  In-class assignments – individual and/or group exercises required to be done during class time. 12 assignments will be graded @ 10 pts. each.  Homework assignments – a total of eight assignments @ 10 pts. each. Late work will not be accepted. See make-up/excused official absence policy on previous page.  Project/Presentation – Includes a one-time research paper (30 pts), one-time powerpoint presentation (40 pts.), and three observations (10 pts. each).  Exams – 4 exams @ 100 pts. each given throughout the term. POINTS DISTRIBUTION POINTS In-class assignments 120 Homework assignments 80 Project/Presentation 100 Exams 400 Total Possible Points 700GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE- SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGMENT: GLG 110 Geologic Disasters and Environment Lecture FALL 2011 Instructor: Joe Belcher I acknowledge that I have received a syllabus for the course described above. I have read it and understand the attendance, withdrawal, grading and other policies. Signature: _______________________________________ Printed Name: _______________________________________ Date: