Geology 110, Physical Geology Lab

University of Maryland University College
European Division, Panzer Kaserne

Term III, 2002/2003
Meeting Times: Fridays, 1800-2200
Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Steve Tucker

Physical Geology Laboratory

The purpose of Geology 111 is to reinforce concepts and knowledge learned in a basic physical geology class such as UMUC's Geology 110. The major concentration of this lab will be mapping, tectonic theory, rocks and minerals, and geomorphological processes; each of these areas is further discussed below. This lab will be taught in conjunction with Geology 110; concepts will generally be introduced in class then further explored in the lab.

 
FOCUS:
§ Maps and mapping including topographic maps, geological maps, aerial photos, and satellite imagery
§ Plate Tectonics: How Continents and Ocean Basins Were Formed and Distributed
§ Earthquakes: Their Effects and Role in Interpretation of the Earth's Interior
§ Structural Features, Landforms, and Development of the Earth's Crust
§ Rocks and Minerals
§ Processes Acting to Shape the Earth's Surface (running code, glaciers, etc.)
 

Student deliverables for this class:

1. Participation: Please read the assignments prior to class. Students are expected to be familiar with lab concepts and be able to contribute to meaningful class work and discussions.
2. Homework: There will be multiple homework assignments from the textbook. These assignments will generally be due at the beginning of class on select class days.

Contact

• UMUC Homepage: http://www.ed.umuc.edu/
• Personal Homepage: Under development
• Email: sltucker@faculty.ed.umuc.edu
• Home Phone: 0711-806-5465
• Work Phone: 0711-680-8803
• Post: CMR 447 Box 173, APO AE 09154

Course Material and Web Sites

Required Text: Exercises in Physical Geology, Eleventh Edition by W. Kenneth Hamblin and James D. Howard

Web Resources:

§ Physical Geology Interactive Labs http://college.hmco.com/geology/dolgoff/essentials_physical_geology/1e/students/index.html

Grading Policies

Quizzes – There will be four scheduled quizzes each worth 25 points. In addition to the scheduled quizzes, pop quizzes may also be given. The lowest score on all quizzes will be disregarded. The remaining quiz scores will be averaged to determine the overall quiz grade.

Lab Assignments – Each lab will have an associated written assignment. The value of each assignment will vary according to its complexity.

Attendance – Attendance and participation are critical components. Students learn from doing, and a great deal can be learned just from showing up and participating. Attendance will account for 20% of the total grade.

Grade Scale

Lab Assignments == 60%
Quizzes == 20%
Attendance == 20%
100-90% == A
89.9- 80% == B
79.9 7- 70% == C
69.9 - 60% == D

Attendance and Late Policies

Students missing more than 25% of scheduled class time must drop or take an F. Late assignments may be accepted depending on the reason.

Office Hours

The instructor will be available after class, by appointment, and any time via email to discuss class-related issues.

Tentative Class Schedule

• 24 Jan - Maps and mapping – topgraphic maps, geological maps, aerial photography, and satellite imagery
• 31 Jan - Maps and mapping – topgraphic maps, geological maps, aerial photography, and satellite imagery
• 7 Feb – Plate Tectonics – plate boundaries, seismology, and volcanos.
• 14 Feb - Plate Tectonics – plate boundaries, seismology, and volcanos.
• 21 Feb - Rocks and Minerals I
• 28 Feb - Rocks and Minerals II
• 7 Mar – Landforms and surface features – landforms, structural geology, fluvial processes, and glaciation.
• 14 Mar – Landforms and surface features –