Physical Geology
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Instructor: Dr. Joel S. Aquino Email: jaquino@gsc.edu Office: Natural
Sciences and Engineering Building Office Telephone: (678) 717-3927 Office hours: Make
prior appointment Textbook: The
Changing Earth – Exploring Geology and Evolution Resources by Monroe and
Wicander (ISBN-13: 978-0-8400-6208-6) Required Course Materials: Scientific Calculator, Ruler with
centimeter markings, colored pencils, compass Course Objectives: This course, Physical Geology, is a college-level introductory
course whose general aim is to provide an "overall" perspective about earth
science. It is never meant to be comprehensive in scope but provides a
conceptual understanding of the underlying physical
and chemical concepts governing the earth's processes. Only minor emphasis
will given to the numerous terms in earth science as this distracts the
fundamental understanding of the underlying scientific principle. Though
conceptual in approach, the students are expected to have a basic comprehension
of high school mathematics (algebra).
These mathematical tools are used to quantify the curiosity raised by
the students during lectures, discussions and lab. Moreover, students will
appreciate the predictive power of
simple mathematical language as it relates to the dynamism of the earth's
processes. During the course of the semester, students are expected to
gradually realize that the earth is a "living system". Different parts of the
system interact; if one part of the
system is manipulated, the rest of the system is affected. Case histories and
personal field anecdotes will be presented for group discussion. Ultimately,
students will be able to realize that the "future" of our planet rests on what
we do now. For us, humans, have the power to alter its course. Attendance Policy: The
class will be run through the concept of "exploratory learning" where the
laboratory part of the course is integrated within the lecture
component. Thus, attendance is mandatory
for the course. An attendance list will be passed around for
record purposes. Due to the amount of material to be covered, it is to your
advantage to attend every class session. Class Behavior Policy:
Mature and respectful behavior is expected from the class. Disruptive behavior
is not tolerated and disruptive student will be requested to leave the
classroom. Repeated offence will lead to a force withdrawal from the course. USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES SUCH AS LAPTOPS, CELLPHONES,
CD's and ELECTRONIC GAMES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING CLASS HOURS Grading Policy: You will have two grades - lecture grade and a
lab grade. The lecture grade will consist of 4 exams (80%) and a final exam (20%).
One of the exams is just the average of take home quizzes. The lab grade is
just the average of all the lab activities. Missed exams or lab may not be made
up without a verifiable written evidence of a problem causing you to miss
class. Excused absences include accident, illness, death of an immediate member
of a family. You may only make
up one excused lab and/or exam during the semester, and it is your
responsibility to complete all labs. Class and Exam Schedule: The attached schedule for
lecture topics, lab topics and exam details is only meant to serve as a guide.
Depending on the progress of the class, the scheduled topics are flexible and
dynamic. DURING EXAMS, NO SHARING OF BOOKS, NOTES AND CALCULATORS Accommodations: Any student
needing an accommodation due to disability should first contact the Office of
Disability Services at (678)717-3855.
Their office address is at Gainesville State College, Disability Services, 3820
Mundy Mill Rd, Oakwood, GA 30566. You may also email Carolyn Swindle (Coordinator
of Disability Services) at cswindle@gsc.edu. Course Consent Form I have fully read and will
fully abide by the requirements of the course. I understand that non-compliance
with the course requirements will lead to a failing grade and/or
voluntary/force withdrawal from the course. _______________________
_____________ Student
Signature Date Geology 1250 (Physical Geology) Schedule: Lecture/Lab Class Schedule (MW or TTH – 5:30-8pm) Date, Chapter & Topic Day
1 Introduction, Nature of Science Day 2,3 Chapter 1,3 The Earth as a system, Properties of minerals Day 4,5 Chapter 4,5 Igneous rocks, Volcanic
hazards and Igneous intrusions Day 6,7 Chapter 6 Weathering and Soils,
Sedimentary rocks and environments Day 8,9 Chapter 7 Metamorphic Rocks and
Metamorphism Day 10 EXAM Day 11,12,13 Chapter 10 Mountain Building
Processes, Structural Geology, Geologic maps Day 14,15 Chapter 8 Earthquakes and the
Earth's interior Day 16 Chapter 9 Ocean Basins and
Continents Day 17,18 Chapter 11, 12,
13 Mass wasting, Hydrologic
cycle, Surface Water and Groundwater Day 19 EXAM Day 20 Chapter 14 Glaciers, Deserts
Shorelines and Coastal processes Day 21,22,23 Supplemental Chapter Energy
and mineral resources Day 24,25 Chapter 17,
18 Geologic time and
Evolution Day 26, 27 Chapter 2,1 Plate Tectonics and Planetary Geology Day 28, 29 EXAM and Review for Finals Day 30 FINALS Lab
Schedule Day 1,2 Scientific Method (1 lab)
Day 3-5 Properties of Minerals (2 labs)
Day 6-9 Major Rock Types (3 labs)
Day 11-13 Topographic Maps and Geologic Structures (1 lab)
Day 14,15 Geologic Maps and Earthquakes (1 lab)
Day 15-18 Surface and Groundwater (1 lab)
Day 21-23 Resource Calculations (2 labs)
Day 24-25 Geologic Time (2 labs)
Saturday Field Trip
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