Science School of Science and Technology SCIN138 Introduction to Physical Geology with Lab 4 Credit Hours 8 Week Course Prerequisite(s): None

Transcription

1 Science School of Science and Technology SCIN138 Introduction to Physical Geology with Lab 4 Credit Hours 8 Week Course Prerequisite(s): None Instructor Information Course Description Course Scope Course Objectives Course Delivery Method Course Materials Evaluation Procedures Grading Scale Course Outline Policies Academic Services Selected Bibliography Instructor Information Instructor: Course Description (Catalog) SCIN138 Introduction to Physical Geology with Lab (4 Credits). Geology encompasses the study of our planet, and students in this course will explore: how it formed, the nature of its interior, the materials of which it is composed, landforms, earthquakes and volcanoes, geologic resources, and geologic history. Current events that students learn about in the news, ranging from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, and more will fit into a larger picture of how Earth works and why such things happen. The Geology lab provides students with a laboratory manual, thirty-six rock and mineral samples, a topographic map and other tools to give students a hands-on opportunity to explore geologic concepts covered in the lecture portion of the course as well as virtual field trips related to the geologic sciences.

2 Course Scope This Physical Geology course takes students on a journey to discover how the Planet Earth originated and was modified since its formation about 4.5 billion years ago. Geologic processes from the time of the Big Bang to the last Ice Age and everything in-between will be discussed and explored in this course. The class begins with the origin and birth of the universe and the different planets in our solar system. From this broader perspective, we will zoom in to study the intricacies of our planet. Students will then learn about the origin, structure, chemical and physical contents, geomorphology and various physical features that exist on Earth. Specifically we will study the crystals, minerals, rocks, and fossils that form the outer layer of the planet and how they have been modified by the agencies of erosion namely wind, water and ice over billions of years. We will also study phenomena like volcanism, earthquakes and folding/faulting that mold and shape the structure of the Earth. A concurrent laboratory component that emphasizes the skills needed for the identification of minerals and rocks, the interpretation of land surface features based on topographic maps, and an understanding of folding, faulting, and rock relationships through the interpretation of geologic maps is included in this course. Course Objectives At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to: CO-1 Recognize the general structure of the Earth and how it was formed, including the origin of elements and mineral structures. CO-2 Recall how the Earth and living organisms have changed over the last four billion years. CO-3 State the dynamic processes of rock formation and deformation, volcanism, and earthquakes within the framework of Plate Tectonic Theory. CO-4 Compare and contrast igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, including formation processes. CO-5 Recognize the geologic settings and formation processes for common landforms and soil types. CO-6 Identify the principles and processes related to transport and storage of subsurface and surface water. CO-7 State the physical and chemical properties of the oceans and atmosphere and how these affect climate. CO-8 Identify present and future energy resources and associated challenges. Course Delivery Method

3 This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by Sunday evening of the week as noted and include Forum questions (accomplished in groups through a threaded forum), examination, and individual assignments submitted for review by the Faculty Member. Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course. Course Materials Required Texts: Murck, B. W., & Skinner, B. J. (2012). Visualizing geology. (3 ed.). Hoboken: Wiley. The VitalSource e-book is provided via the APUS Bookstore. Please visit for more information. Coast Learning Systems (2011). Geology for Distance Learning Kit. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt. This lab kit will be mailed to you at the address you provided. If you have not received your lab kit, contact ecm@apus.edu immediately for guidance on delivery. Check your lab kit package to ensure that you have the following materials: rock and mineral samples, tools, a USGS topographic map, and a DVD with video lessons. Gardiner, G. P., & Wilcox, S. (2011). Introductory physical geology laboratory manual for distance learning. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt. The laboratory manual is provided in the online classroom as PDF files of the individual lab lessons. Links to the lab lesson PDF files can be found in the Reading and Resources sections of the Weekly Lessons (left-hand classroom menu). Software: Microsoft Office (MS Word) o If you do not have Microsoft Office, you may use any office suite that is capable of reading Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. A free, open-source alternative to Microsoft Office may be downloaded from OpenOffice.org

4 Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download from Evaluation Procedures Grades for this course will be based upon the following assignments and exams: Forums: Participation is mandatory and will count towards the course grade (16%). You are expected to provide a substantial and well-written comment in each session and a similar comment or reflection in reply to at least two other students contributions. Initial posts are due by Wednesday, 11:55 pm EST; and two replies are due by Sunday, 11:55 pm EST. Initial posts submitted after Wednesday will receive a 5 point grade deduction for each day late. Initial posts and replies submitted after Sunday will not receive credit. If you have extenuating circumstances which prevent you from completing your initial forum posts or replies on time, contact your instructor before Wednesday so we can discuss other arrangements. The initial post in the first forum (Introduction) must be at least 250 words long. Your response must be submitted before the end of the first week. This is a way of confirming your attendance in the course. Discussion Forum Grading Rubric:

5 Initial Discussion Posting The initial post is worth a maximum total of 50 points. Exemplary 50 points Contribution relates concept to firsthand experience. Contribution ties in concepts from the text. Contribution brings in outside sources. Contribution provides a graphic or link to additional information to further explain the concepts. Meets Standards 40 points Contribution meets all exemplary standards except for use of a graphic or link to additional information to further explain the concepts. Contribution contains no more than 3 unique spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Below Standards 30 points Contribution demonstrates an understanding of the concepts presented, however does not relate to text, outside resources, firsthand experience, or use of a graphic or link. Contribution contains no more than 4 unique spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Unsatisfactory 0 points Does not contribute or answer the question posed. Contribution contains more than 4 unique spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Contribution contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Exemplary 50 points Meets Standards 40 points Below Standards 25 points Unsatisfactory 0 points

6 Responses to Discussion Posts of Other Participants The responses to other participants are worth a maximum total of 50 points. There are more than 2 responses to others by the due date and each advances the learning by including at least two of the following components: Offering advice Posing a question Providing an alternative pointof- view Acknowledging similar experiences Responses contain no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Responses to others advance the learning by including at least one of the following components: Offering advice Posing a question Providing an alternative pointof- view Acknowledging similar experiences Responses contain no more than 3 unique spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Only 1 response is posted, or responses to others do not advance the learning, or include any of the following components: Offering advice Posing a question Providing an alternative pointof- view Acknowledging similar experiences Responses contain more than 4 unique spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Responses to others are made after the due date. Does not respond to others. Exams: The exams covering the reading assignments in the textbook (Murck et al.) are on-line, open-book, and timed. They may include multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short essay type questions. Quizzes: Multiple-choice, fill in the blank, and T/F quizzes based on the Exercises. Quizzes are not timed and can be accessed multiple times. Answers are submitted in the Tests & Quizzes Tool (left-hand menu) of the electronic classroom. Quizzes are due on Sunday evening (11:55 PM EST) of the week that they are assigned. Final Grade: The final grade will be calculated as follows: Grade Instruments Points % of Final Grade: Forum Assignments (8) 2 pts each 16% Exams (7) 5.5 pts each 38.5% Quizzes (14) 1.8 pts each 25.2% Final Exam 20.3 pts 20.3% TOTAL %

7 8 Week Course Outline Please see the student handbook to reference the University s grading scale. Week Topic(s) Learning Objective(s) 1 A First Look at Planet Earth & Minerals CO-1 Reading(s) Chapter 1. Earth as Planet; Chapter 2. Earth Materials. Lesson 5: Minerals, p Assignment(s) Forum #1 Posts must be at least 250 words long and submitted before the end of the first week. Exam 1 (covers Murck et al. chapters 1 & 2. Due Week 1) Lab Lesson 5 Quiz Due 2 Telling Time Geologically & Plate Tectonics CO-2 CO-3 Chapter 3. How Old is Old? The Rock Record and Deep Geologic Time; Chapter 4. Plate Tectonics. Lesson 9: Geologic Time, p. 191 Lesson 2: Plate Tectonics, p. 31 Exam 2 (Murck et al. chapters 3 &4; due Week 2) Lab Lessons 9 and 2 Quizzes Due Forum #2 Posts due 3 Earthquakes, Igneous Rocks & Volcanoes CO-3 CO-4 Chapter 5. Earthquakes and Earth's Interior; Chapter 6. Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks. Exam 3 (Murck et al. chapters 5 &6; due Week 3) Lab Lessons 4 & 6 Quizzes Due

8 Lesson 4: Earthquakes and Seismology, p.79. Lesson 6: Igneous Rocks and Volcanism, p Forum #3 Posts due 4 Weathering and Soils & Sedimentary Rocks CO-5 CO-4 Chapter 7. Weathering and Erosion; Chapter 8. From Sediment to Sedimentary Rock. Lesson 1: Topographic Maps, p. 1. Lesson 7: Sedimentary Rocks, p Exam 4 (Murck et al. chapters 7 & 8; due Week 4) Lab Lessons 1 & 7 Quizzes Due Forum #4 Posts due 5 Crustal Deformation & Metamorphic Rocks CO-3 CO-4 Chapter 9. Folds, Faults, and Geologic Maps. Chapter 10. Metamorphism: New Rocks From Old. Lesson 3: Rock Deformation and Mountain Building, p. 53; Lesson 8: Metamorphic Rocks, Exam 5 (Murck et al. chapters 9 & 10, due Week 5) Lab Lessons 3 & 8 Quizzes Due Forum #5 Posts due

9 p Groundwater, Surface Water & the Atmosphere CO-6 CO-7 Chapter 11. Water On and Under the Ground; Chapter 12. The Oceans and the Atmosphere. Lesson 11: Streams and Groundwater, p. 237; Lesson 12: Oceans and Coastlines, p Exam 6 (Murck et al. chapters 11 & 12, due Week 6) Lab Lessons 11 & 12 Quizzes Due Forum #6 Posts due 7 Deserts, Glaciers & Climate Change CO-7 CO-5 Chapter 13. Climatic Extremes: Deserts and Glaciers; Chapter 14. Earth s Climates: Past, Present, Future. Exam 7 (Murck et al. chapters 13 & 14, due Week 7) Lab Lessons 13 & 10 Quizzes Due Lesson 13: Glaciers, p. 287; Lesson 10: Mass Wasting, p Forum #7 Posts due 8 Earth s Resources & Earth History Final Comprehensive Exam CO-2 CO-8 Chapter 15. A Brief History of Life on Earth; Chapter 16. Understanding Earth's Resources. Final Exam (covers all material from Weeks 1 8) Lab Lesson 14 Quiz Due Optional Extra Credit- Smithsonian

10 Lesson 14: Economic Geology and Resources, p Virtual Field Trip: Fossils Quiz Forum #8 Posts due Optional Extra Credit (2.5 points) Smithsonian Virtual Field Trip: Fossils, located in Resources Policies Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. In addition to other important policies, the Student Handbook will cover the: Drop/Withdrawal Policy Plagiarism Policy - All instances of plagiarism will be reported to the Registrar, and an appeals process lies therein. Your instructor will assign a zero for the assignment, and may also fail you from the course upon repeated or egregious cases. Extension Process and Policy Disability Accommodations WRITING EXPECTATIONS All written submissions should be submitted in a font and page set-up that is readable and neat. It is recommended that students try to adhere to a consistent format, which is described below. Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font and submitted inside the electronic classroom (unless classroom access is not possible and other arrangements have been approved by the professor). Arial 11 or 12-point font or Times New Roman styles.

11 Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation being made for special situations and online submission variances. CITATION AND REFERENCE STYLE References and citations in narrative essay or composition assignments (e.g. Forums, research projects, etc.) must follow guidelines of commonly accepted formats, such as APA, Turabian, MLA, Chicago Style, etc. Exact styles may be specified in classes, so be sure to check instructions from your instructor. LATE ASSIGNMENTS All work is expected to be turned in on time. Late work is accepted, but with a 10% per day point deduction. No late work will be accepted beyond 7 days from the due date. Flexibility may be possible on late penalties if you contact your instructor before the due date. After the due date, flexibility is very limited. Contact your instructor early if you are concerned about your ability to complete an assignment on time. NETIQUETTE Online universities promote the advancement of knowledge through positive and constructive debate both inside and outside the classroom. Forums on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and flaming. Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting basic academic rules of good behavior and proper Netiquette must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the rewards and excitement of learning which does not include descent to personal attacks or student attempts to stifle the Forum of others. Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep layouts simple. The Sakai classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your messages. Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and especially satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add emoticons to help alert your readers: ;-), : ), DISCLAIMER STATEMENT Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group. Online Library

12 The Online Library is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Online Library provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors publication, and services to search and borrow research books and articles from other libraries. Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format. Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services. Tutor.com: AMU and APU Civilian & Coast Guard students are eligible for 10 free hours of tutoring provided by APUS. Tutor.com connects you with a professional tutor online 24/7 to provide help with assignments, studying, test prep, resume writing, and more. Tutor.com is tutoring the way it was meant to be. You get expert tutoring whenever you need help, and you work one-to-one with your tutor in your online classroom on your specific problem until it is done. Request a Library Guide for your course ( The AMU/APU Library Guides provide access to collections of trusted sites on the Open Web and licensed resources on the Deep Web. The following are specially tailored for academic research at APUS: Program Portals contain topical and methodological resources to help launch general research in the degree program. To locate, search by department name, or navigate by school. Course Lib-Guides narrow the focus to relevant resources for the corresponding course. To locate, search by class code (e.g., SOCI111), or class name. If a guide you need is not available yet, please the APUS Library: librarian@apus.edu. Turnitin.com Faculty may require assignments be submitted to Turnitin.com. Turnitin.com will analyze a paper and report instances of potential plagiarism for the student to edit before

13 submitting it for a grade. In some cases professors may require students to use Turnitin.com. Typically the course professor will establish a Turnitin.com access code for his/her classes. If the code has not been established, those who wish to use Turnitin.com may ask their professor to establish the code. Click here for more information about Turnitin. Selected Bibliography Plummer, C., D. McGeary, and D. Carlson (2004). Physical Geology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Tarbuck, E.J., F.K. Lutgens, and D. Tasa (2004). Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (8 th ed.). New York, NY: Prentice Hall. Stanley, M. (1989). Earth and Life Through Time (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: WH Freeman & Co. Cooper, A. (1990). A Trip Through Time: Principles of Historical Geology. New York, NY: Merrill Publishing Wicander, R. (2003). Historical Geology: Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time. New York, NY: Brooks/Cole McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Geology and Mineralogy (2002). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill. Drexler, K. (2002). Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology. New York, NY: HarperCollins Winchester, S. (2005). Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Fortey, R. (2004) Earth: An Intimate History. New York, NY: Knopf Publishing Group Murray, R.C. (2004) Evidence from the Earth: Forensic Geology and Criminal Investigation. Denver, CO: Mountain Press Publishing Company, Inc.