SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COURSE OUTLINE

 

Spring 2004

 

Course Title:      Introduction to Geology

Catalog #:          ES15

Instructor:          Earth Science Faculty

 

 

Course Objectives

 

The coursework will enable the students to:

 

1.              Understand the origin and composition of the earth.

2.         Identify common mineral and rocks.

3.        Distinguish between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

4.        Interpret the rock cycle.

5.       Interpret geologic maps, construct geologic cross-sections, and identify geologic structures.

6.         Understand plate tectonics.

7.              Interpret and construct geologic, hydrologic and topographic maps.

8.              Understand volcanism, mountain building and earthquakes.

9.              Interpret the hydrologic cycle.

10.            Understand hydrogeologic principles and the importance of groundwater.

11.            Understand the basic concepts of hydrogeologic subsurface investigations.

12.            Understand the basic concepts of Environmental Geology.

 

Procedures for Accomplishing these Objectives

 

1.              Classroom Lectures

2.              Reading Assignments

3.              Audio-Visual Presentations

4.              Laboratory Exercises

5.              Reviewing case studies

 

Student Requirement for Completing the Course Successfully

 

1.              Maintain a lecture notebook.

2.              Maintain a laboratory notebook.

3.              Complete all reading assignments.

4.              Maintain a passing average on all graded materials.

5.              Adhere to the College attendance policy.

 

 

Grading Practices

 

1.              Lecture exams (50%)       

2.              Laboratory exams (30%)

3.              Research Paper (20%)

4.              Students are encouraged to take the exams on the dates determined. If you must miss an exam, you must notify me. You will be allowed one (1) make up exam, which you will take during the very next class meeting.

5.              I do not drop any test grades.

6.              Proper withdrawal from class

 

Attendance and Lateness

 

1.              I will adhere to the attendance policy established by the College. This policy is printed in the College Catalog.

2.              Students that are absent from a class are encouraged to contact me via telephone or e-mail.

3.              Students are responsible for all material taught and all assignments given.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE ON TIME

 

Textbooks

 

            Lecture Text:      Earth, An Introduction to Physical Geology, (Tarbuck & Lutgens) Seventh Edition

            Lab Manual:       Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, (American Geologic Institute) Sixth Edition

            Supplementary readings and lab exercises will be assigned in class.

 

LECTURE OUTLINE

 

            TOPIC ORDER                                                                      CHAPTER

 

            An Introduction to Geology                                                           1

            Matter and Minerals                                                                     2

            Igneous Rocks                                                                            3

            Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity                                             4

            Weathering and Soil                                                                     5

            Sedimentary Rocks                                                                      6

            Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks                                          7

            Geologic Time                                                                            8

            Mass Wasting                                                                             9

            Running Water                                                                            10

            Groundwater                                                                               11

            Glaciers and Glaciation                                                                 12

            Deserts and Winds                                                                        13

            Shorelines                                                                                  14

            Crustal Deformation                                                                     15

            Earthquakes                                                                                16

            Earth’s Interior                                                                            17

            Plate Tectonics                                                                            19

            Mountain Building & the Evolution of Continents                            20