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GSC 199

I.  TITLE: Earth Science

II.  CATALOG DESCIPTION: This course introduces the study of basic earth science processes and concepts.  Areas explored include the earth’s place in the universe, and the complex interactions between the major components of the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.  Laboratory required.

III.  PURPOSE: This course is directed primarily at non-science majors and is designed to introduce the student to the study of earth science though investigation of important earth processes.  Students will explore the role of the scientific method of inquiry and important scientific technologies in the study of the earth and its place int he Universe.  The knowledge gained from this study can result in practical understanding of natural and artificially-induced phenomena such as earthquakes, severe weather events, rising sea level, long-term climatic change, and air and water pollution.  Students will learn to evaluate earth science data and to effectively express logical conclusions in oral and written communications.

IV.  COURSE OBJECTIVES: As a result of participation in this course, the student should be able to:
A.  learn to apply the methods of scientific inquiry to the study of the earth
B.  become familiar with the current theories of the origin of the universe and solar system
C.  understand the general composition and structure of the earth’s atmosphere
D.  understand basic principles of meteorology and apply these principles to understand the causes of local and regional weather patterns
E.  understand how humans affect the earth’s atmosphere
F.  understand the important role of the ocean as the predominant feature of the earth’s surface
G.  gain an appreciation of the importance of earth’s fresh water resources
H.  understand the origin of major rock families
I.   apply the methods of rock and mineral identification to classify earth materials
J.   gain an understanding of the physical properties and internal structure of the earth
K.  understand the application of the Plate Tectonic Theory as the major unifying theme of  modern geology

V.  CONTENT OUTLINE: This course covers the four traditional major areas of Earth Science.  Major discussion topics will include:
A.  The Earth’s Place in the Universe

1.  Application of the Scientific Method to Earth Science
2.  Historical Overview of Astronomy
3.  The basic Tools of Astronomy: Radiation and Gravity
4.  Theories of the Origin of the Universe
5.  Theories of the Origin of the Solar System
6.  The Sun’s Source of Energy

1.  Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere
2.  Motions of the Earth - Earth/Sun relationships
3.  Radiation and Heat Transfer, Phase Changes
4.  What Makes the wind Blow?
5.  Human Impacts on Atmosphere
6.  Atmospheric “Greenhouse” Effect
7.  The “Ozone Hole”
8.  Severe Weather Events

1.  Major divisions of the hydrosphere
2.  Introduction to Oceanography
3.  Tides and Waves
4.  Origin of Salt in Seawater
5.  The Earth’s Freshwater Resources

1.  Atoms, Elements, and Minerals
2.  Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals and Rocks
3.  Methods of Estimating Geological Time
4.  Important Principles of Physical Geology
5.  Composition and Internal Structure of the Earth
6.  Continental Drift Theory
7.  Plate Tectonics
8.  Earthquakes

1.  Text-Earth Science by Tarbuck and Lutgens, 8th edition
2.  Student-selected articles from newspapers and magazines.  Students select an article from a popular-press (non-science) newspaper or magazine.  A written report is required which includes a review of the article, and a discussion of its relevance to  lecture topics.  The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the connection between course content an modern society.  (1 per semester)

1.  Students work in groups of 2-4 during laboratory (weekly)
2.  Small-group written/oral reports on topical subjects; e.g., Global Climate Change (1 per semester)
3.  Small-group written responses to questions seeking earth science principles responsible for common events; e.g. seasonal weather patterns in Murray (2 per semester)

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: The weekly two hour laboratory is meant to be an integral part of this course.  The purpose of the laboratory is to further investigate topics, which are introduced in lecture sections, and to demonstrate the application of the scientific method of inquiry to the study of the earth.  Laboratory exercises are coordinated with classroom lecture material.  There will be a weekly laboratory quiz: grades received for the laboratory component will account for approximately 20-25% of the final course grade.  As mentioned above, some laboratory exercises will incorporate Internet access to view and discuss new earth science information.  These exercises will make use of the computer classroom facilities of the Mid-America Remote Sensing Center.

VIII. RESOURCES:
A.  Printed Material
B.  Video Cassettes and films
C.  Department of Geosciences Minerals & Rock Specimens
D.  Computer Facilities at Mid-America Remote Sensing Center

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES: Assessment of student accomplishment is keyed to the course purpose and objectives.  Accomplishment is measured in the three general areas described below.  Ranges reflect the recent practices of the 4 faculty presently responsible for course instruction.
A. Understanding of Earth Science Concepts: assessed in four written classroom examinations.  Examinations include essay as well as short-answer questions.  60-70% of final grade.

B.  Application of Earth Science Concepts: assessed in weekly laboratory quizzes, and in laboratory mid-term and final examinations.  Typically, the laboratory assessment comprises 10 quizzes, 1 Mid-Term, and 1 Final Exam. 23-28% of final grade.

C. Oral and Written Communication: assessed in graded evaluation of written newspaper or magazine assignment, and in graded evaluation of written and oral small-group classroom activities. 7-15% of final grade.

X.  ATTENDANCE: Attendance in class is encouraged.  Much of the understanding to be gained from this course is expected to come from classroom discussions and activities.  Attendance will be taken during class and laboratory.  Individual make-up exams will not be given.  A lecture exam which is missed may be made up in a comprehensive test during Final Exam Week.  Each student is permitted only one lecture make-up exam.  There will be a weekly make-up session for missed laboratory classes.  Students who attend the make-up laboratory will receive reduced credit for quizzes.

XI.  ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Cheating or plagiarism on classroom exams, on laboratory exams, or on laboratory or homework assignments will result in a grade of zero being recorded for that exam or assignment.  A second offense will result in a failing grade of the course.

XII.  TEXT AND REFERENCES:
Text:
Title: Earth Science, 8th Edition, 1997
Authors: Edward J. Tarbuck and Frederick K. Lutgens
Publisher: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Laboratory Manual:
Title: Applications and Investigations in Earth Science, 2nd Edition, 1997
Authors: E.J. Tarbuck, F.K. Lutgens, and K.G. Pinzke
Publisher: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: None

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