Physical Geology

Spring, 2006

 

SECTION SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The syllabus must have the

·  course name (Physical Geology) and number (GEOL 1403)

·  section number and synonym

·  campus, room and time of day

 

INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The following instructor information must be on the syllabus: 

·  instructor’s name

·  phone number(s) (including ACC voice mail for adjuncts)

·  office hours and location of office

·  information on how conferences outside of office hours can be arranged

·  e-mail address

·   web page (if any)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to geology, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, geological processes, landforms, and structural geology. A field trip will be required.  If possible, include the date, time, and other general information.

 

PREREQUISITES

Reading and math proficiency as proven by passing score on ACC assessment or TASP tests, or by exemption through transcripted hours from another college.  One year of high school science is also required.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

Textbook

Press, F., Sevier, R., Grotzinger, J., and Jordan, T. H., 2004, Understanding Earth (4^th ed.): New York, W. H. Freeman & Co., 567 p.

 

Exercise Manual

Hamblin, W. K. , and Howard, J. D., 2005, Exercises in Physical Geology (12^th ed.): Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, 297 p.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is taught in the classroom in a lecture/laboratory format.  A field trip will also be required.

 

COURSE RATIONALE

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of geology and geological techniques for both geology and non-geology majors.  Physical Geology serves as the beginning course for geology majors, and introduces basic geological concepts and processes and techniques.  At the end, you'll be able to amaze your friends and astound your family with your awe-inspiring knowledge of geology.

 

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

Learn the basic principles of geology and geological processes

Review basic concepts of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology as applied to geology

Develop an understanding of the methods geologists use to study the Earth

Learn to identify common rocks and minerals

 

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

Grading criteria must be clearly explained in the syllabus.  The criteria should specify the number of exams and other graded material (exercises, term papers, homework, assignments, projects, etc.).   Instructors should discuss the format of exams (multiple choice, short answer, essay, matching, combination).  Guidelines for other graded materials, such as homework or projects, should also be included in the syllabus.  

 

A student must complete the field trip in order to receive a passing grade in the course.

 

COURSE POLICIES

The syllabus should contain the following policies of the instructor: 

·  missed exam policy

·  policy about late work (if applicable)

·  attendance policy (if no attendance policy, students must be told that)

            ·  class participation expectations

            ·  withdrawal policy (including the withdrawal deadline for the semester)

            ·  reinstatement policy (if applicable)

            ·  incomplete grade policy

            ·  statement on scholastic dishonesty (see below for wording)

            ·  statement on students with disabilities (see below for wording)

            ·  statement on academic freedom (see below for wording)

            ·  course-specific support services (if any)

            ·  statement on safety policy (see below for wording)

 

Missed Exam  and Late Work Policies

Each instructor should clearly express their policies with regard to missed exams, late exercises (if applicable), etc.

 

Attendance/Class Participation

Students are expected to attend lectures and labs and participate in class discussion. 

 

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  Departmental policy forbids the instructor from withdrawing you from the class after the withdrawal date listed in the course catalogue.  If you decide to drop this class, you must protect your academic record by withdrawing no later than November 28.  You must also verify that you have successfully withdrawn from the class before the Final Withdrawal Date.  You are also strongly encouraged to hang onto any paperwork should there be a problem in the computer records.

 

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given if extenuating circumstances, such as illness or death of a loved one, keep a student from completing the final examination. Incompletes must be requested in writing with documentation of the extenuating circumstances.  If a grade of I is given, the final examination must be taken by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the 2006 Spring Semester.

 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

"Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.”

Statement on Students with Disabilities 

"Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.” 

 

Instructors are also encouraged to add a statement about the letter of accommodation, such as:

“Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester.   Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.”

 

Safety Statement

Health and safety are paramount values in science classrooms, laboratories and field activities. You are expected to learn, understand and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow the ACC science safety policy. You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities. Specific safety training will take place before most activities. If you are late and miss this training, you will not be able to participate in the activity. You can read the complete ACC science safety policy at: http://www2.austincc.edu/sci_safe/.

Statement on Academic Freedom

"Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.  The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression.  In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions.  Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.  This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks."

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

The syllabus should contain a course outline for both lecture and lab, outlining what students will be doing on what days, identifying test dates and other due dates.  Instructors are encouraged to add a statement of variance, such as “Please note:  schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class.”

 

TESTING CENTER POLICY

ACC Testing Center policies can be found at:  http://www2.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

STUDENT SERVICES

TheWeb address for student services is:  http://www.austincc.edu/resources_students/services.php

The ACC student handbook can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

 

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES

The Web address is:  http://www.austincc.edu/faculty/newsemester

then click on “Campus Based Student Support Overview”.