PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
FALL SEMESTER 2002
PROFESSOR: Dr. Edward L. Crisp Office: 3310
E-Mail: Ed. Crisp@mail.wvu.edu Phone: 424-8327
OFFICE HOURS: 11:00-12:00 MW; 10:00-11:00 T; 4:00 5:00 p.m. TR
TEXTS: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY: Exploring the Earth (4th ed.); Monroe, James S. and Reed Wicander; 2001; Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.; 712 p.
LABORATORY MANUAL IN PHYSICAL
GEOLOGY (5th ed.): AGI/NAGT, Busch, Richard M. (ed.); 2000,
Prentice Hall Publishers; 276 p.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Fossils, gems, earthquakes, volcanoes, oil and gas, coal, metals, mountains, Ice Age, caves, water, beach, waste and garbage, soil erosion, mass wasting, radioactive isotopes.........etc. All these topics and many, many more are in the realm of the science of Geology. Geology is the study of the Earth and is the most varied of the physical sciences in scope. Geology is not just a dry academic study. The Earth is a dynamic body with a long and eventful history. Many of the processes that were active in the past are still shaping our planet, and thus our life on Earth.
Physical Geology is the study of the composition and structure of our planet, and also the many processes that are in operation within and upon the surface of the Earth, such as Mountain Building, Volcanic Activity, Weathering and Erosion, and Plate Tectonics, to name a few. Historical Geology, on the other hand, is concerned with the study of the origin of the Earth and its evolutionary development through time. Physical Geology must be understood before we attempt to study the historical record of our planet. We must understand the physical processes of the Earth before we attempt to unravel the chronology of the Earth. An understanding of Physical Geology, and thus an understanding of Earth processes and Earth systems, is essential for todays society in order to locate and extract natural resources (such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, water resources, mineral ores, etc.), to predict when and where natural hazards may occur (such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, etc.) and to protect the Earths delicate environmental balance (by addressing such issues as toxic and hazardous waste isolation, water pollution, global warming, acid rain, acid mine drainage, etc.).
Geology 101 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is an introductory
physical geology course designed to provide students for further study
in geology (those considering majoring in geology), as well as provide
an introductory background in physical geology for students majoring in
other fields. Topics covered in the course include composition and structure
of the Earth; internal and external physical processes of the Earth; local
geology (including a local field trip); classification of rocks and minerals;
and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF PHYSICAL GEOLOGY:
GEOL. 101. PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 4 HRS.
An introduction to the study of
the origin, composition, structure, and processes of the Earth. The physical,
chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earth will be studied
in light of the concept of global plate tectonics and the interaction of
Earth's subsystems (the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere).
(3 lecture hours per week) (Prerequisites:
READ 079 AND ENGL 091.) (Co-requisite: GEOL 102) F
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
2. To learn and practice the scientific method of investigation of a problem or idea.
3. To appreciate and practice experimentation and observation and their importance in scientific investigations.
4. To learn how to collect accurate scientific data and the importance of accurate data collecting techniques.
5. To learn and appreciate the value of methodical study and work habits.
6. To study the Earths environment, resources, and environmental problems.
7. To study the Earths origin, composition, and internal and external processes.
8. To study the relationship of the Earth to the Universe as a whole.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance to all classes is highly recommended. If you must miss a class, please notify the instructor as soon as possible (preferably before you miss) at 424-8327 (if no answer, leave a message). If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to cover the material, find out about class announcements, make arrangements for make-up of assignments missed (if make-up is allowed and practical, for example: a missed laboratory session will normally not be practical to make-up because it involves, in most cases, an extensive set-up or introductory explanatory remarks. Therefore, make-up of missed laboratory sessions will not normally be allowed unless there is a death in the family, absence because of approved university sponsored events, or severe illness). Material that is covered in lecture is not always readily obtained by just reading the text. A record of attendance will be maintained, but you will not be formally penalized for lack of attendance. However, because of material you miss, your grade may be adversely affected by excessive absences (excessive absences for this class is missing four 50 minute sessions of lecturea missed laboratory session will count as one absence).
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TESTS! Preparing make-up material
for tests is very time consuming for the instructor. Make-up will be allowed
for valid excuses, such as severe illness (a note from doctor required),
death in the immediate family, or excused university sponsored events.
The student must make arrangements with the instructor before missing or
immediately upon returning to class to arrange for a make-up exam, otherwise
the grade for the missed exam will be recorded as a zero. PLEASE DO NOT
TAKE THIS POLICY LIGHTLY!
SAFETY RULES FOR THE LABORATORY:
A list of safety rules will be given to the student to follow during laboratory sessions. In addition, these rules will be posted in the laboratory. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in injury to the student breaking the rules or other students in the laboratory. Please follow these rules, they are meant for your safety. FLAGRANT AND/OR REPEATED DISREGARD FOR THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE LABORATORY AND FURTHER DISCIPLINE BY THE UNIVERSITY!
All students in the class must receive
LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING. The instructor will use an announced laboratory
time for a laboratory safety training session prior to any use of chemicals
in the laboratory. If for any reason you miss the laboratory safety training
session, please contact the instructor as soon as possible for a make-up
session on laboratory safety. A student who misses the laboratory safety
training session will not be allowed to continue to participate in laboratory
sessions until he/she has received laboratory safety training. As a
part of laboratory safety procedures, approved eye protective goggles are
required for any laboratory procedures involving chemicals or heating procedures.
Students
without approved eye protective goggles will not be allowed to participate
in lab sessions involving chemicals or heating procedures.
TESTING:
There will be 3 major one-hour lecture exams which will be given during the semester. There will bea two-hour final lecture exam. The final lecture exam will be 50% comprehensive and 50% new material (new material being material covered after the third major lecture exam). There will also be periodic unannounced quizzes during the course. There will be absolutely no make-up for missing unannounced quizzes. The laboratory portion of the course will account for 25% of the course grade. There will be two major laboratory exams, in addition to graded laboratory exercises.
BASIS FOR FINAL COURSE GRADE:
3 Major Lecture Exams (150 points each)..........................................450 points
Laboratory
2 lab exams (60 points each).........................................................................120 points
Laboratory Exercises (13 exercises, 10 points each)......................................130 points
Unannounced Quizzes...............................................................................100 points
Final Exam................................................................................................200 points
Total Points Possible...............................................................................1000
points
GRADING SCALE:
Points Range and Percentile Range For Course Grades
> 900 Points or >90% = A
800 to 890 Points or 80 to 89% = B
700 to 790 Points or 70 to 79% = C
600 to 690 Points or 60 to 69% = D
< 600 Points or < 60% =
F
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AT PARKERSBURG
GEOLOGY 101 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR - FALL 2002
WORKKEYS ASSESSMENT:
Students who complete the requirements for an AAS degree program at WVUP
are required to complete the Workkey Assessment. Scores on the assessment
are used as a program evaluation and by potential
employers to screen applicants.