1 ES202W – PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY AND EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Winter Term 2006 - Western Oregon University 4 CR MWF 11 AM - 12 PM Room 101 Natural Sciences Bldg. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. S. Taylor OFFICE: RM 210 Natural Sciences Bldg OFFICE HOURS: M T 3-5 P.M.; F 4-5 P.M. PHONE: (w) 838-8398 (cell) 541-760-9216 WEB SITE: www.wou.edu/taylor E-MAIL: [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is an introductory course in Physical Geology that focuses on Earth surface processes, sedimentary systems, and sedimentary rocks. The rock cycle and plate tectonic theory are briefly surveyed at the beginning of the term. Emphasis topics include: sedimentary rocks, sedimentary processes, stratigraphy / time, rock weathering, mass wasting, fluvial systems, groundwater, glaciers, climate change, deserts, and coastal processes. This is a writing-intensive course that is designed for students who have an interest in Earth Science, or who plan to major in Earth Science. Course content will generally be qualitative in nature, although basic mathematical skills (through algebra) will be reviewed and utilized to complete the lab exercises. Creative instructor-student interaction will be faithfully encouraged to provide a truly relaxed educational atmosphere. REQUIRED TEXTS: Marshak, S., Essentials of Geology: Norton & Company, Inc., 536 p. Busch, R.M., ed., 2002, Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 6th ed.: American Geological Institute and National Association of Geoscience Teachers, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 276 p. CLASS NOTES: A comprehensive set of instructor class notes are available for download via the internet. The class web site is at URL http://www.wou.edu/taylor ... and follow the links to the "ES202" home page. The class notes are available as Adobe Acrobat Reader files (*.pdf file). Acrobat Reader is free and is installed on many campus PC's. For home installation, Acrobat Reader is also available for download at the class website, but you will be responsible for properly installing the software (and will do so at your own risk!). Based on prior student suggestions, I have assembled my class notes and made them available. These notes are required for the class, and may be freely printed at any campus internet station (e.g. ITC Bldg - Student Lab, Library, local department computer labs). YOU ARE REQUIRED to have a copy of the notes by class time during the appropriate week / lecture subject. I will have the notes on overheads during lecture. All you have to do is listen, augment notes, and make drawings as I discuss a particular concept. You will not have to "take notes" in the sense of the traditional lecture format, but you will have to pay attention if you want to succeed. It is imperative that you get a copy of the notes, since I will not be allowing time for students to hand copy them during class. The notes are in outline form and are very comprehensive.2 OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS: Students will also need a scientific calculator, ruler, protractor, colored pencils, and frequent access to a personal computer connected to the internet. You will be required to use these materials during labs and exams. Please plan accordingly. EVALUATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of quizzes, exams, lab exercises, homework, and a term paper. The following is a breakdown of evaluation points and letter grades: Quizzes (2 x 25 pts ea) 50 pts 11% Mid-Term Exam 100 pts 23% Final Exam 125 pts 28% Term Paper 35 pts 8% Lab Exercise Portfolio (10 labs x 9 pts ea) 90 pts 21% Homework Questions (8 x 5 pts ea) 40 pts 9% ___________________________ Total 440 pts 100% Final Grading Scale _______________________________________________________________ Percent Range Letter Percent Range Letter of Total Points Grade of Total Points Grade _______________________________________________________________ 94-100% A 77-79% C+ 90-94% A- 73-76% C 87-89% B+ 70-72% C- 83-86% B 67-69% D+ 80-82% B- 63-66% D 60-62% D- <60% F _______________________________________________________________ Exams and Quizzes: Exams and quizzes will consist of material covered both in lecture and lab periods. Quizzes will be administered once before the mid-term, and again between the mid-term and final. Quizzes are designed to keep the students abreast of their weekly studies, in preparation for the mid-term and final exams. Studying for quizzes is an excellent way to avoid last minute "exam cramming" and poor exam performance. The final exam will be comprehensive with test material drawn from throughout the term, but will focus mostly on the material covered after the mid-term. Exams and quizzes will generally be a mix of objective questions (e.g. multiple choice, matching, true/false, completion), essay questions, and lab-style problems. Geology is a very visual, 3-dimensional science. Be forewarned that you will be expected to include sketches and drawings in your essay answers! Exams and Scantron Erasure Mark Policy: Portions of the class exams may involve use of "scantron" answer sheets. Scantron erasure errors are common in instances where students do not effectively erase all unwanted pencil marks from the answer sheets. Erasure "shadow" marks can result in scantron mistakes with erroneous point subtraction and grade errors. The instructor commonly deals with erasure errors on a case by case basis. One or two erasure errors per exam are no problem and are commonly corrected on the spot. In instances where students claim greater than three scantron erasure errors, the instructor reserves the right to request that the student retake the exam in its entirety.3 Term Paper: A term paper will be assigned by the instructor during the course of the term. Students will select a relevant topic at that time. Specific topics, methodology, and formatting will be prescribed by the instructor. Lab Exercise Portfolio: The lab exercises represent a significant component of the class. Exercises are based on scientific observation, data analysis, and problem solving. Students will compile a Lab Portfolio consisting of a well-organized 3-ring binder with completed lab exercises. Students will complete approximately one (1) lab exercise per week of the term. A significant portion of exercises will be completed