Geology 7 – Natural Disasters – Spring 2013
Section 1, Tues-Thurs 12:00-1:15, Del Norte 1004
Section 2, Tues-Thurs 1:30-2:45, Sequoia 301
Instructor:Dr. Lisa Hammersley
Office: 1000 Placer Hall
Office Hrs:Tues10:00– 11:00
Weds 11:00 – 12:00
Or by appointment
Email: or you cancontact me through SacCT.
Course Content
This course covers many of the natural hazards and disasters that confront people every day around the world. You will gain an appreciation of the powerful world we live in and an understanding of how to deal with natural hazards that can affect us all.
Catalog Description
An examination of earth materials and earth processes through the study of catastrophes. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes and meteorite impacts. Examination of causes, effects and mitigation of natural disasters. No prerequisite. Lecture. 3 units. GE area B1.
Student Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of science in understanding, predicting, and mitigating natural disasters
- Evaluate the scientific evidence for plate tectonics
- Integrate the concept of plate tectonic boundaries with natural processes such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and volcanic activity
- Relate seismic activity to damage associated with earthquakes
- Compare and contrast volcanic eruption styles and products
- Describe factors and interactions that are responsible for landslides and other forms of mass wasting
- Understand the basic principles of climate and weather
- Evaluate the evidence for global climate change and its impact on society
- Describe, explain and illustrate the natural and artificial causes of river flooding
- Describe and explain the evidence for meteorite impacts as causes of environmental catastrophes and mass extinctions
Required Text:
Abbott, Patrick, L., Natural Disasters (8th Edition) or LSC COL7 (Sac State edition of book)
McGraw Hill Publishers. Available in the bookstore.
**One of the best study practices in any class is to read the assigned sections before coming to class and again, more carefully after class.
SacCT 9.1
Online material for this course, such as homework assignments, lecture slides and grades will be available through SacCT 9.1. You can login to SacCT at In order to access the course website you will need a saclink account. If you do not have a saclink account you can get one by going to clicking on register and following the instructions.
Please note: this is a new version of SacCT that has been phased in at Sac State. There is an orientation course available to all students (see for information). Please let me know if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Grading
Exams:75% of course grade
Homework:25% of course grade (all homework exercises will be weighted equally)
Exams
There arefour exams; three during the semester and one during finals week. The dates of these exams are shown on the class schedule. Any changes to these dates will be announced in class and on the class SacCT page. Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions and will cover material covered since the last exam. Your three highest exam scores will be counted toward your final grade. No make-up exams will be given.
Homework Assignments
Homework will be assigned weekly in the form of online quizzes through SacCT. You are expected to do all of the homework assignments. The due date for each homework will be shown clearly on SacCT and access to the homework will close at the specified time. No late homeworks will be accepted.
Grade assignment
Letter grades will be based on a scale no more severe than the following:
A90-100%
B80-89%
C70-79%
D60-69%
FBelow 60%
Plus and minus grades will also be given
Extra Credit
Extra credit points for this course may be earned by bringing a copy of a natural disaster-related news item to class. The event or study must occur during the semester (i.e. reports of the Haiti earthquake do not count). Each item you turn in is worth 1% extra credit (assigned to your total for the course at the end of the semester). Up to 3% extra credit may be earned.
Attendance and Class Rules
- Attendance is required. I will take roll at random during the semester.
- Participation in class discussions is highly encouraged and questions are welcomed.
- Please turn your cell phones OFF while in class. Ringing phones are very distracting to others in the room. If you are expecting an important call that you have to answer, please inform me before the beginning of class and leave your phone on silent mode.
- Please try to arrive on time. If you are late, please enter quietly to minimize disruption to the class.
- If you need to leave class early (i.e. for an appointment), please let me know beforehand.
- Students in this class are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and scholarly manner. Please do not chat with other students during lecture as this is extremely disruptive for those around you who are trying to listen.
Academic Honesty
You are expected to do your own work in this course and act with integrity in completing all assignments. You are encouraged to confer with other students during in-class activities and while doing your homework or studying for exams. However, all work handed in must be your own and cheating during exams will not be tolerated. All instances of academic dishonesty will be dealt with harshly, with consequences that range from a zero for the assignment to a grade of F in the course and a referral to the Office of Student Affairs for disciplinary action.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD). For more information please visit the SSWD website ( They are located in Lassen Hall 1008 and can be contacted by phone at (916) 278-6955 (Voice) (916) 278-7239 (TDD only) or via email at .
Please discuss your accommodation needs with me after class or during my office hours early in the semester.
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