Physical Geology: GL 1100  MWF 10-10:50 am                              Spring 2008

Instructor:  Dr. L.W. Wolf

Room 220 Petrie Hall  (844-4878)

Email: wolflor@auburn.edu

Web Page: http://www.auburn.edu/~wolflor

Office Hours:  Fri 9-9:50 AM, and by appointment

 

Course objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the field of geology and to increase their understanding of the physical processes that form and shape the Earth.  The students will learn

            1) how to identify and classify rocks and minerals,

            2) how rocks and minerals form,

            3) why and where earthquakes and volcanoes occur,

            4) how to use and interpret topographic and geologic maps, and

            5) how natural processes influence and shape the land surface.

 

Required texts:

Earth: An Introduction to Geology, 9th ed., by Tarbuck and Lutgens [2008]

Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, by American Geological Institute, 7th ed. R. Busch and D. Tasa (custom edition offered; purchase new manuals only!)

 

Grading:

2 tests                                                                                                        40%

Final exam (comprehensive)                                                                     20%

Laboratory                                                                                                25%

Assignments/quizzes                                                                                  15%

Grading Scheme:  A(90% and above); B(80-89%); C(70-79%); D(60-69%); F(59% and below)

 

Exam schedule (tentative):

Tests 1 and 2:  Feb 20,  Mar 26

Final Exam: Thurs May 1:  9:00 am -11:30 am

 

Rules:

Exams must be taken on the day and time scheduled by the instructor unless a university-approved excuse is warranted. Examples and procedures are as follows:

(1) Medical problem: The student should contact the instructor prior to the scheduled exam date or as soon as possible thereafter (usually before the next class meeting). The student will be required to present documentation of a hospital or doctorÕs visit in the form of a bill/invoice (only the patientÕs name and date of service is needed), or a verifiable letter from the provider. A photocopied standardized form from a doctorÕs office or hospital without an original signature is NOT acceptable. If the illness or treatment extends beyond one additional class period, the student must contact the instructor to discuss the situation and course of action. Additional documentation indicating a Òreturn to schoolÓ date will be required. This excuse must account for ALL class meetings between the scheduled test date and the return to class. A make-up exam will be offered or the remaining exams will be weighted accordingly.  The course of action followed will depend on the situation.

(2) University-approved activity: Students who know in advance that they will miss an exam due to a university-approved activity should notify the instructor at least one week prior to the exam to make arrangements for a make-up test.  The student will be asked to provide a letter from the activity director, coach, etc., indicating the date and time of departure and return.

(3) Family or personal emergency: Students should notify the instructor as soon as possible in these circumstances. Documentation may be required, depending on the situation.

If you miss an exam for any reason other than those discussed above, you will receive a score of zero. Exams may consist of multiple choice, short answer and/or essay questions. Students will be expected to follow the rules and conventions of the written English language.

 

In-class quizzes and assignments will be given at the instructor's discretion and may be unannounced.  Missed in-class quizzes will receive a score of zero unless a university-approved excuse is presented (see above). Homework assignments will be due at the beginning of a class period unless otherwise specified.

 

Attendance:

Class attendance by all students is expected, since regular attendance is considered to have a direct, positive influence upon the student's performance in this course.  Therefore, attendance will be taken.  In-class assignments, announcements concerning assignments, possible changes in examination dates, etc., may be given in class. Students are responsible for all information given in class, regardless of whether they are present or not when an announcement is made. Plan to be seated in the classroom at the designated starting time and plan to stay for the entire duration of the class. If absences (excused or unexcused) or missing grades (exams, quizzes, homework) equal or exceed 25% of the total, a final grade of FA may be issued at the instructorÕs discretion.

 

Laboratory:

Students must register for a laboratory section to receive credit for this course. Graduate teaching assistants will provide a separate laboratory syllabus. Students should pay close attention to requirements to optimize their lab grades, which will count as 25% of their course grade. Students must pass the laboratory with a 60% or better to pass the course, regardless of lecture exam scores or attendance.

 

There will be no extra credit assignments given to individuals.

 

Lecture:

Lecture outlines will be available at http://www.auburn.edu/~wolflor/CourseNotes/GL1100, along with study guides prior to each exam.

 

Lecture Topics:                                                                       Text Chapter

1.   Introduction to Geology; The Scientific Method                      1

2.   Nonsilicate and Silicate Minerals                                              3

3.   Plate Tectonics                                                                         2

4.   Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks                             4, 7, 8

5.   Volcanoes                                                                                5

6.   Topographic maps                                                                   TBA

7.   Geologic Time and Crustal Deformation                                  9, 10

8.   Weathering and Soil; Mass Wasting                                          6, 15

9.   Running Water and Groundwater                                             16, 17

10. Shorelines                                                                                20

11. Glaciers and Climate Change                                                    18, 21

12. Divergent and Convergent Boundaries                                     13, 14

13. Earthquakes and EarthÕs Interior                                              11, 12

14. Energy and Mineral Resources                                                 23

 

From the above outline, you can see that the course keeps a fast pace and covers a large amount of material.  To maximize learning and optimize your performance, you should keep up with the reading assignments.