The University of South Dakota
ESCI 101: Principles of Earth Science I (4 CR)
Fall 2005; MWF 11:00-11:50 AK 125
Dr. Stephen Hildreth
Akeley-Lawrence Science Center 309
x6143
shildret@usd.edu
Hours: MWF 1:00-1:45 pm or by appointment
Overview
Welcome to Earth Science! We think you'll find this course very enjoyable. Principles of Earth Science is designed to give you an overview of our planet and how it functions. While this is a science course, don't be scared into thinking that we'll be doing lots of calculus or chemistry or physics. It's not like that. Think of this course as an advanced Outward Bound or NOLS course — if you like to do outdoorsy-like things, such as hiking, skiing, kayaking, etc., then you will appreciate how this course helps you understand in more depth the environment you so like to play in. There are no prerequisites or needed technology skills for this course.
Catalog Description:
The study of the Earthıs composition, landforms, geological processes, oceans and atmosphere. Laboratory includes study of minerals, rocks, topographic maps, and landforms.
Course Goals:
Students are expected to learn the basic earth science processes that operate on our planet and how humans have altered and/or reacted to those processes over time. This class in conjunction with the laboratory fulfills the following Goals of the South Dakota System of General Education Requirements:
GOAL #6: Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
1. Demonstrate the scientific method in Earth Science in a laboratory experience;
- Identify a variety of common minerals and rocks and identify and interpret basic geological features using topographic maps and aerial photographs through completion of laboratory assignments and exams.
2. Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
- Positively identify common minerals and rocks though observation of physical properties such as crystal structure, hardness, color, streak, cleavage, specific gravity, texture, and chemical composition on laboratory exams.
3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic geological processes (listed on course outline) on lecture exams.
4. Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.
- a. Demonstrate an understanding of basic geological hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, major storms, and river flooding on lecture exams.
- b. Demonstrate an understanding of how human activity has affected the environment, such as surface and groundwater contamination, acid rain, global warming, waste disposal, and urbanization on lecture exams.
- c. Demonstrate an understanding of earth resources (fuels, minerals, metals, etc.), their origin, extraction, and conservation on lecture exams.
Materials
The REQUIRED TEXT for this course is Earth: Portrait of a Planet by Stephen Marshak, 2nd Ed. It is available now at the bookstore. In addition, I have put my lecture outlines on the web. They can be found at:
http://www.geoclassroom.com
Don't be fooled into thinking that these outlines can replace your text or my lectures. They are very cryptic, and I guarantee that you won't be able to understand them without attending class. These outlines, however, can form the basis for your lecture notes. I recommend that you print these outlines and bring them to class. Your notes can be used as a supplement to these outlines.
You will be required to use a Number 2 pencil for each exam. If you show up for an exam without a Number 2 pencil, you will be asked to go get one at the expense of the time allotted for the examination.
Grading
EXAMS:
There will be 4 REQUIRED lecture exams during this semester, including 1 comprehensive final exam. A review for each exam will be held the class period before the exam. There will be NO MAKE UPS FOR EXAMS — you must be present for each exam, or you will receive a 0 for that exam. Each exam is worth 18.75% of your total grade. Due to the size of the class, the exams will consist of multiple choice questions and/or true-false questions. The exams will cover the material thoroughly. Grading is done on a 10 point scale, meaning that 80-89% is a B, 70-79% is a C, etc. There will likely be no curve for this course, meaning that the grade you got is the grade youıll get.
Grades will be posted on my website a day or two after an exam. The grades will be listed by your College ID number. If you cannot find your College ID number, you can contact me or contact the registrar. Any student who enrolled within the last two years has his ID number on his activity card. Students who still have the old cards should go to WebAdvisor, and the ID number will be listed under Profile. The Earth Sciences Department secretary cannot give you the number.
There will be no make ups for the final exam. You absolutely MUST be present at the given day and time for the final exam. Otherwise, you will receive an Incomplete for the semester and have to make it up later.
USD College of Arts and Sciences Policy on Academic Dishonesty
The College of Arts and Sciences considers plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty inimical to the objectives of higher education. The College supports the imposition of penalties on students who engage in academic dishonesty, as defined in the ³Conduct² section of the University of South Dakota Student Handbook.
No credit can be given for a dishonest assignment. At the discretion of the instructor, a student caught engaging in any form of academic dishonesty may be:
a. Given a zero for that assignment.
b. Allowed to rewrite and resubmit the assignment for credit.
c. Assigned a reduced grade for the course.
d. Dropped from the course.
e. Failed in the course. -- Adopted by vote of the faculty - April 12. 2005
Lab
There is a required laboratory with this course, taught by various Instructors in the Department. You will be given a syllabus in the lab. During registration, you signed up for a particular lab section. If you aren't sure which section you're in, see the Earth Science secretary. Your final lab grade will account for 25% of your total course grade.
Attendance
Attendance for this course is required. You are allowed 3 excused or unexcused absences. After that, each absence will result in your FINAL GRADE being lowered by 0.25 points. While in class, you will be expected to act as adults. Obnoxious or loud students will be asked to leave, and repeat offenders will be reported to the Dean.
Dr. Hildreth reserves the right to drop students who consistently miss lecture or lab, or who fail lecture or lab exams.
Disabilities: Any student who feels s/he may need academic accommodations or access accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability should contact and register with Disability Services during the first week of class. Disability Services is the official office to assist students through the process of disability verification and coordination of appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Students currently registered with Disability Services must obtain a new accommodation memo each semester.
Course Evaluation: You will be encouraged to complete a course evaluation form at the end of the semester.
On the next page, youıll find the class schedule. This schedule is subject to change at the Professorıs discretion. Itıs your responsibility to keep up with the material and any changes!!
NOTE: Some editions of the textbook have different chapter numbers than those listed below. Pay attention to the subject title as opposed to the chapter number!
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TOPIC |
READING (Ch.) |
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31-Aug |
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Course Introduction |
- |
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Introduction to geology |
1,2 |
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Geologic Time |
12 |
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Age Dating |
12 |
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Plate Tectonics |
3,4 |
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Plate Tectonics |
3.4 |
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Seismology |
10 |
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Earthquakes |
10 |
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26-September |
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EXAM 1 |
1,2,3,4,10,12 |
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Earth Materials - Minerals |
5 |
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Ore Geology |
15 |
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Igneous Rocks |
6 |
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Magmatism |
9 |
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Volcanoes |
9 |
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Metamorphism |
8 |
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Metamorphic Rocks |
8,11 |
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24-October |
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EXAM 2 |
5,6,8,9,11,15 |
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Weathering |
7 |
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Erosion |
7,16 |
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Mass Wasting |
16 |
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Soils |
7 |
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Sedimentary Rocks |
7 |
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9-November |
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EXAM 3 |
7,16 |
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Movement of Water |
Interlude E |
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Rivers and Streams |
17 |
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Hydrogeology |
19 |
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Groundwater |
19 |
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Shorelines |
18 |
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Glaciers |
22 |
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Glacial Geology |
22 |
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Deserts |
21 |
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Eolian Systems |
21 |
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Earth Resources – Review |
14 |
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14-Dec |
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FINAL EXAM 8:00pm |
ALL |
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The final exam is in the same room as the lecture.