Course Objectives:

• Understand the origin and composition of the earth
• Identify common minerals and rocks
• Distinguish between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
• Interpret the rock cycle
• Interpret geologic maps and cross-section, and identify geologic structures
• Understand volcanism, mountain building, earthquakes and glaciology
• Understand plate tectonics and its relationship to earth features
• understand basic hydrogeologic principles and the importance of groundwater

Procedures for Accomplishing Objectives:

• Classroom lectures and audio-visual presentations
• Reading and homework assignments
• Laboratory exercises

The Successful Student Will:

• Maintain a lecture and a laboratory notebook
• Complete all reading and homework assignments
• Maintain a passing average on all graded materials
• Adhere to the college attendance policy

Grading Practices:

• With the exception of the rock and mineral tests, all assignments completed and graded will count equally
• The rock and the mineral tests will count double
• As class time is limited, there will be no make-up exams.  One video/homework exam grade will be dropped.
• Prior to each class meeting, the student will be required to review several videos and read several textbook chapters.  A worksheet on the videos and the textbook questions will be collected at the beginning of each class.  These worksheets may be graded.
• All students wishing to withdraw from the class must do so by the college determined withdrawal date.
• All students on the final roster will receive a grade for the class.

Attendance, Lateness and Classroom Demeanor

• This class only meets 7 times.  Therefore attendance for all class meetings is mandatory.
• Students are responsible for all material taught and all assignments given.
• Excessive lateness will not be tolerated.  I will ask you to withdraw from the class.
• Students must be respectful of each other and of the instructor.
• All beepers, cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off while in the classroom.
• I do not withdraw students from my classes.  If you wish to drop the course, you must obtain the appropriate paperwork for me to sign.

Textbooks and Materials

• Lecture Text:  Earth, An Introduction to Physical Geology, Current Edition (Tarbucks & Lutgens)
• Lab Manual:    Laboratory manual in Physical Geology, (AGI) Current Edition
• Students will need to purchase a compass

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