WEST
VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AT PARKERSBURG
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 112 SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION
TO EARTH SCIENCE
SPRING SEMESTER 2010
PROFESSOR: Dr. Edward L. Crisp OFFICE:
3310 PHONE: (304) 424-8327
E-MAIL: ed.crisp@mail.wvu.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Office
Hours: 2:30-3:30 p.m. MW; 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon TR; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. F; and
by appointment..
WEBSITES: Crisp Homepage: http://www.wvup.edu/ecrisp/crisphomepage.htm
PSCI 112 Page:
http://www.wvup.edu/ecrisp/psci112page.html
TEXTS:
Tarbuck, Edward J. and Lutgens, Frederick K.; 2009; EARTH SCIENCE (12th Edition): Prentice Hall (a division of Pearson Education, Inc.), Upper Saddle River, New Jersey; 740 p.
Tarbuck, Edward J; Lutgens, Frederick K and Pinzke, Kenneth G.; 2009; Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (6th ed.) : Prentice Hall (a division of Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey); 340 p.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Earth Science deals with natural phenomena in the
world around us. In this course we will study the elements of geology,
meteorology (weather, and the related concept of climate), oceanography, and
astronomy. Many of the issues in today's newspapers, news programs, and news
magazines are concerned with some aspect of the Earth Sciences, whether it is
an essay on the relationship of earthquakes and volcanic activity to global
plate tectonics or a news flash about photographs of planets, moons, or
galaxies, etc. taken by phototelescopes onboard
exploring spacecraft or in orbit around the Earth (such as the Hubble Space
Telescope)! Recently news stories about the discovery of new planets in
other solar systems and the possibility that Mars may have harbored ancient
primitive life forms have fascinated us! And of course, the recent Mars
robotic "roving geologists" that have explored the surface of Mars
are just incredible. Other recent news stories have shocked us with the
devastation to property and human lives that Earth processes may cause, such as
Hurricane Katrina, the recent typhoon in Burma that killed more than 80,000
people, the recent earthquake in China that resulted in the death of over
100,000 people, etc.
As an individual in today's world, we must be
knowledgeable about the natural laws of nature which govern our planet.
We, as voting members of society, will help make some of the decisions
concerning the Earth's future. Thus, as we interact with the laws of
nature, we perhaps control our own destiny! Acid rain, radioactive
and chemical waste disposal, global warming due to the greenhouse effect,
destruction of the ozone layer, soil erosion, destruction of the world's rain
forests, air and water pollution, and adequate energy and mineral resources
from the Earth are just some of the major problems which face us today.
We must understand the scientific principles of the physical and earth sciences
in order to adequately solve these problems, if not directly as a scientist or
engineer, then as a voting citizen cognizant of the basic principles of nature
and the methods involved in scientific investigations of the world around us.
The study of science is different in some respects to
that of other subjects. At first it may seem more difficult.
However, it challenges our powers of critical thinking. Sometimes it is
like playing detective, we must put all the clues and
facts together and determine the conclusion. You should expect to
spend about two hours of study outside of class for every one hour of time
spent in the lecture portion of this course (although
this may vary some for different students). I am confident that we can
make this a very enjoyable and rewarding course. I hope the course will
challenge your intellectual curiosity and also make you more aware of the
physical principles of nature around you.
Introduction to Earth Science (Physical Science 112)
at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a general survey course dealing
with the basic concepts of geology, meteorology, and astronomy. The
course is designed primarily for students majoring in fields other than the
physical sciences.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT:
It is your responsibility as a student to review the CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT statement that appears in the WVUP Student Handbook. Your conduct in this course should follow the guidelines set forth in the Code of Student Conduct statement.
Any conduct which disrupts the normal flow of classroom activity will not be tolerated. As such this includes consistently coming to class late, engaging in conversation with fellow students while the instructor is lecturing, belligerent or disruptive activity directed towards others in the classroom, or any other activity that would reasonably be considered to disrupt classroom activities. Turn off all cell phones (even vibrate) prior to entering the classroom, keep cell phones put away, and do not answer a cell phone in the classroom (even if you forget to turn it off and it rings or vibrates). If you have to leave the classroom (to go to the bathroom or for any other reason) please leave and return to the classroom quietly, however you should only leave the classroom if absolutely necessary (I will discuss this activity with you if it becomes routine). The Code of Student Conduct also prohibits all forms of dishonesty including, cheating, plagiarism, forgery, or knowingly furnishing false statements to college officials.
SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT:
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability Services (424-8378).
CAMPUS SAFETY
Upon activation of the building fire alarm, all building occupants must exit to a position of a minimum of 100 ft. safely away from the building. If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation, please contact the instructor so that arrangements can be made in advance. All students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the locations of emergency exits. Information concerning emergency exits is posted by or in each classroom. Students and instructors should also be familiar with the Color Code System and the Emergency Call buttons (College Paging System) that are located in each room on the main campus. Information regarding the system and instructions for each individual emergency can be found in the Safety Plan, accessible only on campus through the college website or by contacting faculty, staff, or administration. Questions regarding safety can be directed to the safety committee through the campus website at http://www.wvup.edu/safety/.
LEARNING CENTER SERVICES
The Learning Center is located in room 0404 and services are offered to students free of charge, Monday through Friday. Peer tutoring is open for scheduled and group sessions as well as unscheduled drop-in sessions. Students can visit the Learning Center's website for more information at http://www.wvup.edu/Learning_Center/.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM THIS COURSE FOR FALL SEMESTER 2009
The last day to withdraw from this course is Friday April 2. If you remain registered for the course after that date you will receive a letter grade for the course.
SPECIAL SUPPLIES:
Calculator (preferrably a scientific calculator, these are now relatively inexpensive); protective eyeware (this will be discussed in Laboratory Safety Training).
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 some cases, an extensive set-up). Regardless, 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 the equivalent of more than one week of lectures and lab).
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, 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 be a two-hour final lecture exam. The final lecture exam will be approximately 50% comprehensive and 50% new material (new material being material covered after the third major lecture exam). There will also be several unannounced quizzes given during the semester, with only the 10 highest counting in your average (NOTE: IF 10 OR LESS THAN 10 QUIZZES ARE GIVEN, THE LOWEST SCORE WILL BE DROPPED). THERE IS NO MAKE-UP FOR MISSING AN UNANNOUNCED QUIZ! 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
Unannounced Short Quizzes....................................................100 points
Laboratory
2 lab exams (60 points
each)..........................................120 points
Laboratory Exercises (13
exercises, 10 points each)......130 points
Final Exam..............................................................................200 points
Total Points Possible..............................................................1000 points
GRADING SCALE:
Points Range Percentile
Range Course Grade
> or =
900
> or =
90
A
800-890
80 -
89
B
700-790
70 -
79
C
600-690
60 -
69
D
less than
600
less than 60.
F
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To increase the ability of the student to think critically.
2. To learn and practice the scientific method of investigation of a problem or idea.
3. To appreciate and practice experimentation and/or observation of nature 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 understand the basic principles of geology, meteorology, and astronomy.
6. To understant Earth's environment, resources, and environmental problems.
7. To understand Earth's origin, history, composition, and internal and external processes.
8. To understand Earth's atmosphere and its relation to climate and weather.
9. To understand Earth's water resources and the hydrologic cycle.
10. To understand the relationship of Earth to the Universe as a whole.
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY-PARKERSBURG
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 112 - INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE
TENTATIVE COURSE
CALENDAR- SPRING 2010
Jan. 12 Introduction to course (Earth Science, Earth Systems, scientific inquiry)--Ch. 1
Introduction to course (the nature of scientific inquiry)--Ch. 1
Earth Science (geology,
meteorology, astronomy)--Ch. 1
Earth Science (solid Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere,etc)--Ch.
1
Earth Science (origin of Universe, Solar System and Earth)--Ch. 1 and part Ch.
24
Minerals (minerals, elements, atomic structure, chemical bonds, etc)--Ch.2
Minerals (phys. characts., silicates, nonsilicates)--Ch.2
Rocks (rock cycle, magma, crystallization of igneous rocks,)--Ch.3
Rocks (classification of igneous rocks, sediment, sed.rocks)--Ch.3
Rocks (sed. rock classif., metamorphism, meta. rocks,classif.)--Ch.3
Rock Weathering, Soils, Water, Glaciers, Deserts--parts of Chs.4, 5, and 6 (as
time allows)
Feb. 11 - EXAM 1 (CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3,and parts of 4,5, 6, and 24)
Plate Tectonics (continental drift,evidence for,paleomagnetism)--Ch.7
Plate Tectonics (sea floor spreading,plate boundaries,mechanism)--Ch.7
Plate Tectonics (video on Plate Tectonics)--Ch.7
Earthquakes and the Earth's Structure(earthquakes,seismic
waves)--Ch.8
Earthquakes.......(earthquake intensity,magnitude,Earth
struct.)--Ch.8
Igneous Activity
(volcanoes and extrusive igneous rocks)--Ch.9
Igneous Activity (intrusive igneous rocks, batholiths, dikes, etc.)--Ch.9
Geologic Time and Earth History
(history of geology, Hist. geology)--Ch.11
Geologic Time and ......(relative dating,correlation,
fossils)--11
Geologic Time and ......(radioactivity, absolute dating,geol.
time)--Ch.11
Mar. 11 - EXAM 2 (CHAPTERS 7, 8, 9, and 11)
SPRING BREAK (Monday March 15 through Sunday March 21)
Earth's Evolution (the physical and biologic evolution of Earth
Systems)--Ch.12
Earth's Evolution (history and evolution of life on Earth)--Ch.12
The Earth's Atmosphere
(Evolution of, Composition, Structure, and Temperature)--Ch.16
Solar and Terrestrial Radiation--Ch.16
Weather (humidity, condensation, cloud formation, etc.)--parts of Ch.17
Weather (barometric pressure,lows and highs,
atmospheric circulation)--parts of Ch.18
Weather (air masses, weather
fronts, storms, weather systems)--Ch.19
Climate and Climate Change--parts of Ch. 20
Apr. 8 -
EXAM 3 (CHAPTERS 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, AND 20) (Note: some of this
material may be covered after exam 3.)
The Following as time permits:
(Astronomy) Motion in the Heavens and History of Astronomy--Ch.21
The Solar System (the planets, moons, solar nebula
hypothesis)--Ch.22
The Solar System (Video: Planet
Earth Series, "Other Worlds")--Ch.22
Light, and Beyond our Solar System (stars,galaxies,black
holes, BIG BANG, etc.)--.Chs.23 and 24
FINAL EXAM – CHAPTERS (or parts of) 21, 22, 23, 24 AND COMPREHENSIVE PORTION
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 112
INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE LAB
TENTATIVE LAB SCHEDULE-SPRING 2010