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GSC 101

I.  TITLE: The Earth and the Environment

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the materials of the Earth and the processes that modify them to
form our landscapes and create our physical environment.  Includes an introduction to aerial photo and topographic/geologic map interpretation.  Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.

III.  PURPOSE: This course is primarily designed for students with an interest in science to provide them with an understanding of the materials which compose Earth, the external and internal processes which modify it’s surface, and how humans interact with the environment.  Students will learn to engage in independent thought and to express their ideas effectively in oral and written communication; to understand critical methodologies used to make scientific discoveries, to analyze and evaluate scientific data to reach logical conclusions; to understand the role and application of technology and science in formulating solutions to environmental problems; and to understand the importance of acquiring accurate and current scientific information in making responsible environmental decisions.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this course students will have:
A. an understanding of the fundamental laws and concepts that govern geologic processes and the formation of earth materials through the study of geology as an active inquiry/discovery-based process in which questions are formulated, current knowledge is reviewed, testable hypotheses are stated, data are collected and critically analyzed, conclusions are drawn, and discussion with peers is conducted throughout all lecture and laboratory sessions.

B. demonstrated proficiency in the identification of common and economically important minerals by their chemical and physical properties and evaluated by laboratory activities, quizzes, and the mid-term lab exam.

C.  displayed the ability to adequately discuss the formation of the three major rock families; identify the various members of those families, and predict accurately the impact of their formation and location for industrial materials.  Satisfactory completion of this objective is assessed by lecture exams and laboratory mid-term exam.

D.  discussed and displayed a knowledge of the impact of volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides on the environment and society, eg., Hickman, Kentucky and mudslides of coastal California and evaluated by article critiques and lectures exams.

E.  described or illustrated the effects of gravity, surface and underground water, wind, and glaciers in sculpting the landscape of earth and other planetary bodies and assessed by lecture exams and article critiques.

F.  demonstrated an ability to use and interpret topographic and geologic maps for basic environmental applications primarily through laboratory activities as evaluated by lab exams and quizzes.

G.  discussed the generation of geologic structures (faults, folds, impact craters) and how these features are related to volcanoes, earthquakes, meteorite impact and global tectonics evaluated by lecture exams and article critiques.

H.  utilized the Internet and current literature to conduct research on a recent international geologic phenomena to become more aware of resources available for environmental planning and decision making; assessed by lab and lecture exams.

V.  CONTENT OUTLINE:
The Science of Geology and the Methods of Science
The Earth: It’s Origin and It’s Materials
Minerals
Rocks
Volcanoes/Case Studies: Mt. St. Helens/Kilauea
Lecture Exam I
Geologic Time
Global Tectonics and Earthquakes
Earthquake Mechanisms/Case Studies: New Madrid/San Andreas
Geologic Structures and their Significance
Lecture Exam II/Mid-Term Laboratory Exam
Surface Processes
Mass Wasting (Landslides) Classification and Control
Streams, Lakes and the Hydrologic Cycle
Groundwater and Wetlands
Lecture Exam III
Glaciers and the Ice Ages
Deserts and Dunes
Coastlines and Beaches
Geologic Resources
Planetary Geology
Final Lecture Exam/Final Lab Exam

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
A.  This course is designed to promote scientific literacy associated with the geologic environment through active learning.  Since this course is taught primarily as a large assembly active learning activities are more readily utilized in the laboratory session; but modified techniques are still used in the lecture hall.  Group discussion, pair-sharing, and collaborative research dealing with case studies of historic geologic phenomena and current global environmental issues are utilized.

B.  GSC 101 also promotes critical thinking skills by helping the student develop an investigative approach to asking questions and synthesizing answers about the geologic environment.  All weekly laboratory assignments require written responses and an application of the concepts previously discussed.  Slides, videotapes, videodisk are used in the lecture hall for illustrations of concepts.  Four current applicable scientific articles are also read, discussed and critiqued for validity and utility to society and handed in as short essays.

C.  Computer technology is used as a presentation tool in the lecture hall and laboratory.  The use of virtual “field trips” for various interesting geologic areas is also integrated into the laboratory sessions. Computer modeling and simulation of important concepts such as plate movement and interaction; earthquake generation; and volcanic eruptions are also utilized.  Access to the Internet for current geologic activity is a very important component of this course to conduct the virtual “field trips.”   These “field trips” are used as supplementary/complementary enhancement and are not currently assessed as part of the course grade.

VII.  FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
Due to the large size of the individual sections, field experiences are constrained to virtual field trips or slide presentations.  Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of laboratory experience.  This involves hands-on activities for minerals and rock identification, the construction of topographic maps and profiles and aerial photo/image interpretation applications.

VIII.   RESOURCES:
Text; laboratory manual; rock and mineral samples; topographic and geologic maps; stereoscopes; videotapes, 35 mm slides, internet access.

IX.  GRADING PROCEDURES:
The lecture grade is based on 4 lecture exams including the final for 75% of the total grade.  Two major Lab exams and weekly lab quizzes will make up the remaining 25%.

A = 100-90%
B =   89-80%
C =   79-70%
D =   69-60%
E =   below 60%

At least 40% of all exams will be short essay/applications scenarios format to enhance formal writing and critical thinking skills.

X.  ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance will be taken and students are expected to attend lecture and laboratory.

XI.  ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s material as one’s own, or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit) are all impermissible.  This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports or term papers, or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own work.  A grade of zero will be given for the
assignment which has been submitted dishonestly.  A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course!

XII.  TEXT AND REFERENCE:
Text: Modern Physical Geology, Thompson/Turk 2nd Ed., 1997
Lab Manual: Exercises in Physical Geology, Hamblin/Howard, 9th Ed.

XIII.  PREREQUISITES:
None

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo