Geology 1 - Physical Geology   Tu-Th  3:00-6:20       

 

INSTRUCTOR                      Douglas Given, U. S. Geological Survey @ Caltech

            Office hours:                Before and after class or call for appointment

            PCC Office:                 Building E, room 210A (across the hall from classroom)

            Caltech Office:  525 So. Wilson Ave., Pasadena, CA     (626) 583-7812

E-Mail:                       given@caltech.edu

            Web Page URL:           pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/office/given/geo1 (that’s geo-one)

 

COURSE PURPOSE

We will emphasize understanding the dynamic processes of the earth as we survey a broad range of physical geology topics. We will learn and apply the methodology, terminology, and techniques used by scientists. Lab work will give you hands-on experience with many aspects of mineralogy and geology. Concurrent enrollment in the field class, Geology 1F (geology field trips), is encouraged but not mandatory.

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1) Textbook: Understanding Earth (5th Edition) by Grotzinger, Jordan, Press & Siever 2) Lab Assignments: geology lab PDF files printed from Web Site

3) You’ll need a hand-lens ($6 from the department Lab Tech), teal Scan-Trons (882-ES) for exams, and various outside resources such as maps, atlases, etc. for homework.

%

Points

 

21%

150

Labs & exercises (in class and take-home)

10%

70

Reading Quizzes (on-line at textbook site)

11%

75

In-Class Pop Quizzes & Progress Checks

14%

100

Mid-term Exam

10%

70

Field Trip

6%

45

Mineral Exam - open book, notes

21%

150

Final Exam (Cumulative)

6%

40

Class participation, attendance, etc.

100%

700

Total Points

 

GRADING

You earn your final course grade based on the total points you receive on the work you turn in. Absence does not excuse you from completing work.

Late assignments earn ½ credit if turned in within one week of the due date and zero thereafter. If you can’t finish a lab in class, all lab materials are available outside of class in room E210 (across the hall). Cheating will result in an “F” in the course. Under excep­tional circumstances it may be possible to take an exam EARLY if arrangements are made IN ADVANCE. Don’t count on extra credit.

Text Box: IMPORTANT: Missing and late assignments are the most common cause of D’s & F’s in this course.

EXPECTATIONS

Show up. Be on time. Stay to the end. Do the work! You’ll have much more fun if you are interested in how the world works, rather than in getting a grade. Don’t bail at the break. If you are late, slink in quietly; don’t disrupt the class. Role will be taken every class session after the break. The instructor may drop you from the class if you miss six hours of class time. Expect to spend 4-6 hours/week outside of class on work for this course. Before each week begins you must read the chapter and complete the on-line quiz. It is your responsibility to print and bring each week’s lab. Read each lab’s introduction before class.

 

Please, silence your cell phones during class – no iPod use during lab time.