Undergraduate Course Syllabus
Course Number: GEOG 121
Course Name: Earth and Atmospheric Science
Semester and Year: Summer 2016
Course Schedule and Prerequisite:
Course: GEOG 121 F: Earth and Atmospheric Science
Period: August 8 – 26, 2016
Lecture Time: MTThF 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Lecture Room: Lower RNT - Room 125
Lab Times: MTThF (L1: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.; L2: 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
Lab Room: Upper RNT - Room 223
Prerequisite(s): None.
Preclusion: Students who have completed GEOG 101 or GEOG 102 prior to September 2008 are not eligible for GEOG 121 credit.
Additional Fee: $90
Note: Fulfils TWU’s Academic core requirement for a natural science laboratory course.
Instructor: Dr Daniel Ekane Nnane
Email:
Telephone: 604 513 2121 Ext 3107
Office: Upper RNT – Room 208
Office Hours: Friday: 11:30 am to 12:30 p.m. or by appointment
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and systems of Earth and atmospheric science from a geographic perspective. Emphasis is placed on the origins and development of Earth’s surface features; the characteristics and circulations of the atmosphere, including weather and global climates; and the biophysical principles governing vegetation on Earth. Lab exercises will introduce some of the technical skills related to physical geography. This course is intended for both science and non-science majors.
Student Learning Outcomes: The following chart demonstrates how this course meets Trinity Western University’s Student Learning Outcomes. The column on the left indicates TWU’s Student Learning Outcomes relevant to this course; the column on the right provides learning outcomes specific to this course. It is intended that through the range of their experiences at TWU, students should prepare for a life of learning and service by developing:
Knowledge and its application· A broad foundational knowledge of human culture and the physical and natural world.
· A depth of understanding in any chosen field(s) of study.
· Applied knowledge acquired through discipline-appropriate experiential learning. / By the end of this course, students will have gained
· Broad foundational knowledge of important scientific principles and processes as they relate to earth and atmospheric science including; the scientific method, systems theory, flows of matter and energy, scale, and spatial analysis.
· A depth of understanding about how the sub-disciplines of physical geography; climatology, geomorphology and biogeography continually shape physical environments and influence human activities.
· Applied knowledge of physical geography by participating in “hands-on” laboratory exercises and field experiences.
Cognitive complexity
• Skills including critical and creative thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication, research, and information literacy.
• An ability to respond with wisdom, humility and charity to questions, issues, and problems of the human condition. / By the end of this course, students will have gained
• Skills in quantitative reasoning and communication acquired through basic data gathering, manipulation, and presentation techniques using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), topographic map interpretation, and basic weather instruments.
• The ability to write a concise and accurate scientific field report.
• The ability to respond with wisdom, humility, and charity to the questions, issues, and problems of the human condition explored in physical geography.
Spiritual Formation
· A spiritual dimension by means of an exposure to a reflective and caring Christ-centered community which encourages a further understanding of God. / By the end of this course, students will have gained
• A further understanding of God, by means of exploring the integration of science and faith through a deeper understanding of the fullness of Earth’s geologic timeframe; Earth’s cosmic dimensions; biological evolution and global climate change.
Social Responsibility and Global Engagement
· The resources, skills, and motivation to become engaged global citizens who serve locally, nationally, and globally in socially and economically just ways.
· Respect for creation and its sustainable use and care. / By the end of this course, students will have gained
• Intellectual resources and technical skills preparing them to serve locally, nationally and globally in socially and economically just ways.
· Respect for creation and its sustainable use and care by critically examining their ecological footprint through an in-depth exploration of global climate change.
Required and Optional Course Materials
Required Text: Christopherson, R.W., Birkeland, G.H. (2016). Elemental Geosystems. 8th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey. The textbook may be purchased at the Bookstore. You may use older editions, however, please note figures and content are slightly different. You are encouraged to use the on-line resources provided by the publisher. Other readings may be assigned to supplement the text material from time to time during the course. Lecture PowerPoints, announcements and other relevant information will be posted on MyCourses. Thus check MyCourses regularly.
Required Lab Manual: LAB NOTES – GEOGRAPHY 121: Earth and Atmospheric Science. Trinity Western University, Geography Program. Provided in class.
Required Lab Kit: Regular or mechanical pencils (2), vinyl eraser, 30 cm metric ruler, simple scientific calculator.
Optional: Rain gear (including waterproof jacket and boots)
Lecture topics and labs, and tentative schedules:
Day/Date / Lecture Topic / Assigned Reading / LabMonday, August 08 / Course Introduction
Essentials of Geography / Unit 1 / Introducing Labs
Tuesday, August 09 / The Dynamic Planet
Weathering and Soils / Unit 9
Units 11 & 15 / 1. GPS Mapping
Thursday, August 11 / Ecosystem Essentials
Terrestrial Biomes / Unit 16
Unit 17 / 2. Using Topographic Maps
Friday, August 12 / River Systems and Landforms / Unit 12 / 3. Rocks and Minerals
Monday, August 15 / Coastal Systems
Glacial Landscapes / Unit 13
Unit 14 / 4. Biogeography
Tuesday, August 16 / Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes / Units 9 & 10 / 5. Weather Systems
Thursday, August 18 / Midterm Exam 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Climate, and Climate Change / Units 7 & 8 / 6. Streams
Friday, August 19 / Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere / Unit 2 / 7. Field Trip to Kanaka Creek
Monday, August 22 / Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperature
Atmospheric Circulation / Unit 3
Unit 4 / 8. GIS and Geomorphology
Tuesday, August 23 / Water, and Atmospheric Water and Weather / Units 5 & 6 / 9. Atmospheric observations
Thursday, August 25 / No Class (Reading for Exam)
Friday, August 26 / Final Exam 9 – 11 a.m.
N.B. The lecture and lab schedules are provided for general planning purposes only and are subject to change and revision as necessary. The instructor reserves the right to alter the schedules, readings, exams, and assignments if deemed necessary to improve the quality of learning.
Course Content
Lectures: This course consists of four three-hour lecture sessions per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and four three-hour lab blocks per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Lectures will provide the theoretical aspects you need to understand the assignments and pass the tests, so attendance is essential. Classes will consist of lectures delivered via PowerPoint presentation; lectures will also include multimedia presentations, demonstrations, and discussions on selected topics. I will facilitate your learning process and progress. I will provide clear and organized PowerPoint lectures, which will re-emphasize critical portions of the text and clarify and elaborate upon material and concepts in order to help you understand the basics of physical geography; use many and varied illustrations and examples; respond to your questions to the best of my abilities; encourage you to think and ask relevant questions; evaluate your work and progress fairly and honestly through representative challenging exercises and exams; provide prompt feedback on exercises and exams; and make myself available to you during office hours or by appointment. The Teaching Assistant (TA) is a valuable resource, and I encourage you to make use of this resource.
Students are obliged to attend class regularly; actively participate in class, e.g., by asking and answering questions; pay close attention in class and take accurate and detailed notes; take scheduled exams, and meet lab assignment submission deadlines; be academically honest; demonstrate respect to classmates; maintain a positive attitude toward the course; study effectively and regularly; attend review sessions; and seek help when needed.
Readings: Keeping up with the assigned reading is an essential part of this course. The readings provide depth and context that will enhance your understanding of course material, and they will be tested. Students are expected to have read the required daily readings before the class. The specific reading assignments outlined above may be modified when the need arises.
Labs: Labs are an important and a required component of this course. Labs are designed to allow students the opportunity to investigate selected topics presented during lecture in greater detail. Labs will consist of both group and individual instructional time. Typically, methods and techniques will be presented and discussed, followed by time for data gathering, individual work, and questions and answers. You must register for one of the regularly scheduled labs (L1 or L2).
There are nine lab exercises. You may gather data and consult other students about the lab exercises, but each student is responsible for writing and submitting their own answers to lab questions. Failure to submit your own work is considered plagiarism (more on this below). Attendance at labs is very important. Lab attendance and participation will be evaluated. You will not be graded on missed activities due to unexcused absence from lab. Lab assignments are due at the beginning of your next lab session (e.g., a Monday lab assignment will be due at Tuesday’s lab; a Tuesday lab assignment will be due at Thursday’s lab; a Friday lab assignment will be due at Monday’s lab), unless indicated otherwise by the lab instructor.
Come prepared for labs. You will need a 30 cm metric ruler, 2 regular or mechanical pencils, a vinyl eraser, and a simple scientific calculator (required). For outdoor labs, be sure to be prepared for the day’s weather (e.g., rain jacket) and field conditions (e.g., waterproof shoes).
Exams: There will be one mid-semester exam and one final exam. The mid-semester and final exams will focus on conceptual understanding of material.Some lab material will also be tested. The format for each exam is a combination of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer questions. The mid-term exam covers all course material introduced from August 08th to August 16th. The final exam covers all course material introduced from August 18thto August 25th (although some of this material builds on ideas introduced in the first half of the course), it will not be comprehensive. Note: Trinity Western University does not offer “make-up” exams. A missed exam can normally not be written at a later date. It is your responsibility to verify the final exam date, time and location when the final exam schedule is posted.
Any student caught cheating by the instructor during an exam will be ejected immediately from the classroom and will be awarded a ‘0’ for that particular exam. If an “ejected student” wishes to remain in the course, he/she must discuss the matter within 48 hours of his/her ejection.
Dissatisfaction with any grade received on an exam and/or an assignment must be lodged with the instructor within 48 hours of receipt.
Illness and extenuating circumstances: If you miss a lab or exam due to illness or other serious reason, such as a car accident, you must provide a Doctor’s note from the Trinity Western University Medical Centre. Otherwise, a mark of zero will be given for the missed lab assignment or exam.
Classroom Management. It is your responsibility to read this syllabus closely and familiarize yourself with its contents.
Code of conduct: This code of conduct is a non-negotiable requirement for enrolment in this course. This code obliges each one of us to ensure that the GEOG 121 environment is a safe and positive space and that all course activities involve mutual respect for all members of the class. This code necessitates an atmosphere of inclusion, free of discrimination based on culture, religion, religious denomination, national origin, class, gender, “race,” sexuality or physical ability.
Attendance policy: Assessment is based on much more than how well you read materials and can regurgitate ideas. Attendance is imperative to succeed in this course. Thus it is the responsibility of the student to attend all class sessions and to participate in class discussions and team presentations. Classes begin at the stated time; please be on time.
· Trinity Western University has a policy that students are expected to attend all classes on a regular basis. If you must miss a class, you are responsible to speak with a classmate regarding notes and an explanation of activities.
· If you miss more than 20% of classes without significant medical or compassionate reasons, you will receive a mark of zero on Participation.
· Students who are absent for more than 50% of classes are not eligible for a passing grade in the course.
· Students are expected to participate in a respectful manner in class discussions and small groups. I request that you respect the ideas, thoughts, and opinions of others, including mine. Respect does not necessarily imply acceptance. In fact, independence of thought and critical thinking will contribute to you getting a high mark in the course. Thus you should show a readiness and willingness to share your ideas, feelings, and thoughts on a wide range of issues.
Laptop policy: Laptop/personal computers are not permitted in lecture. If you have a specific learning-related issue that requires the use of a laptop computer in class, I am happy to accommodate your needs.
Policy on other digital entertainment and communication devices: Please ensure that these devices are turned off and stored in your bag/coat/pocket so as not to be a distraction to other students in the class.
Office hours and contacting me: Students should make every attempt to attend office hours to have their course-related questions answered. If you email me, you can expect to wait 2 days for replies to your emails. However, if you do not hear back from me within that time frame, kindly resend your email. Note: Please use your student email account when emailing me.
Basis of Student Evaluation. Evaluation will be based on accuracy, thoroughness, and neatness. On tests and lab assignments, always show your work and keep track and express units of measurement. When your work is graded, we are looking for proof of your understanding. If you complete your work clearly and carefully, showing all steps, you may get partial credit, even for wrong answers. Grading is done fairly and consistently, however if you have any questions regarding assessment, feel free to come to my office and ask about it. I will not discuss grading of tests and assignments via email.