GEOL 101: Introduction to Geological
Sciences
**Online**
Lab: Mondays 9-10:40 a.m.
Room CC 331
Office: CC1
145
Phone:
425.352.8157
E-mail: jvanleer@cascadia.edu
Office hours: by e-mail or appt.
http://www.cascadia.edu/facultyweb/instructors/jvanleer/
Course Overview: Introduction to Geological Sciences is an introductory college level science course designed to enlighten students as to the Earth’s physical processes that arrange material and energy. They will, in turn, use that understanding to interpret the geologic past, and evaluate current impacts and future changes to our Earth. Students will use scientific methodologies, contemporary field techniques, and critical thinking to understand the changing landscape around them. Of particular concern will be the relationship between geology and humans. Students will study how geologic hazards affect human quality of life, how geology plays an important role in the world economy, and how human impacts combined with geologic processes are affecting our environment.
Students should expect to immerse themselves in activities and inquiries that will allow them to gather scientific information directly related to the topics of study. They will read, write, correspond, and speak regularly. They will work individually and collaboratively. Students will become enlightened in all aspects of the environment in which they live. Students will develop a sense of pride in their new understanding and a feeling of community with all members of the class. That combination of intellectual pride and community will make Introduction to Geological Sciences both an enjoyable and memorable component of a lifetime of learning.
Text and Materials:
Introduction to Environmental Geology, by Edward Keller
Academic Success:
The best way to succeed in this class is to log on to Blackboard
frequently and participate with vigor. Keep track of readings and
assignments. INTERACT WITH
YOUR COHORT MEMBERS. Ask them
questions, provide feedback, have informal conversations.
COMMUNICATE WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.
Do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
DO NOT FALL BEHIND.
Catching up is far more difficult than maintaining your progress.
NEVER MISS A LAB. Labs
are our only chance to interact in person, and making up labs is difficult
to impossible. ENJOY THE
CLASS. This course is designed
to make material interesting and relevant to your world.
Relax, learn, and have a good time.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations should contact a Student Success Facilitator or visit the Enrollment Services Office on the first floor.
Assessments and Grading: Students will be assessed in a variety of ways; they are outlined below. Additional information will be made available in the future.
All assignments will be graded on a point system. Total points available is 1500.
100% - 96% = 4.0 |
83% = 2.8 |
71% = 1.6 |
95% - 94% = 3.9 |
82% = 2.7 |
70% = 1.5 |
93% = 3.8 |
81% = 2.6 |
69% - 68% = 1.4 |
92% = 3.7 |
80% = 2.5 |
67% - 66% = 1.3 |
91% = 3.6 |
79% = 2.4 |
65% = 1.2 |
90% = 3.5 |
78% = 2.3 |
64% = 1.1 |
89% = 3.4 |
77% = 2.2 |
63% = 1.0 |
88% = 3.3 |
76% = 2.1 |
62% = 0.9 |
87% = 3.2 |
75% = 2.0 |
61% = 0.8 |
86% = 3.1 |
74% = 1.9 |
60% = 0.7 |
85% = 3.0 |
73% = 1.8 |
<60% = 0 |
84% = 2.9 |
72% = 1.7 |
|
Schedule of
Topics, Labs, and
Week
|
Date
|
Topic
|
Text
|
1 |
|
Introduction |
Chapters 1 |
Lab |
* |
No Lab |
|
2 |
|
Plate Tectonics |
Chapter 2 |
Lab |
7 Apr |
Geology at Cascadia |
|
3 |
|
Minerals & Rocks |
Chapter 3 |
Lab |
14 Apr |
Discovering Plate Tectonics |
|
4 |
|
Natural Hazards |
Chapter 5 |
Lab |
21 Apr |
Mineral Properties |
|
5 |
|
Earthquakes |
Chapter 6 |
Lab |
28 Apr |
Rock Properties |
|
6 |
|
Volcanic Activity |
Chapter 7 |
Lab |
5 May |
Locating Hypocenters |
|
7 |
|
Rivers &
Flooding
|
Chapter 8 |
Lab |
12 May |
N. Creek Hydrology |
|
8 |
|
Slopes and Mass Movement; Coasts |
Chapters 9 &10 |
Lab |
19 May |
N. Creek Hydrology |
|
9 |
|
Water Resources |
Chapter 12 & 13 |
Lab |
26 May |
Topographic Maps |
|
10 |
|
Energy
Resources
|
Chapter 15 |
Lab |
2 June |
North Creek Water Quality |
|
11 |
|
Final Project
Work
|
|
Lab |
9 June |
Global Climate Change |
|
*Note: This
schedule is subject to change and additions.
Only an overview is provided here