Instructor Name: Marguerite Moloney E-Mail s1

GEOL-101-2T1

Physical Geology

Fall 2007

Instructor Name: Marguerite Moloney e-mail:

Office Location: Beauregard 118

Phone Number: 448-4878 ***********************************

Office hours: Mon 10:35-12:00, 1:00- 1:30 This course will include the use of

Tues 10:00-12:00, 1:00 -3:00 Blackboard as a course companion,which

Wed 8:30-9:40, 10:35-12:00 can be found at:

Thur 10:30-12:00, 12:30-1:00 http://blackboard.nicholls.edu

Fri 10:35-12:00

Catalog Description: Study of the earth, its constituents, agents, and processes modifying it; also geologic structures and landforms.

Prerequisites: none

Required Text and Other Materials: Physical Geology, 11th edition, Plummer.

Student Outcome Objectives:

The primary objectives of GEOL 101, Physical Geology, are to provide you with the

fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to understand the geologic processes

forming the composition, structure, and environments of the Earth. At the successful completion of this course the student will have gained sufficient knowledge to understand:

a) The basis structural components of atoms and elements, the physical properties of

minerals, the major tetrahedral linkages of silicate minerals.

b) The major intrusive and extrusive igneous bodies, the major igneous rock textures, the

distinguishing characteristics of the major igneous rock families, the geologic settings

of igneous activity and the rock types distinctive to each.

c) The sequence of events involved in the weathering, transport, deposition, and

lithification that produces sedimentary rocks and the major rock types within each

category.

d) The agents of metamorphism and their role in forming metamorphic rocks, and examples within each category.

e) The types of stress to which rocks are subjected, the different types of folds, the types

of faults, the tectonic settings and topography associated with faults and folds.

f) Elastic rebound and its effects on rocks, the relationship between earthquakes and

plate tectonics, the evidence for plate tectonics.

g) The differences and the relationships between mechanical and chemical weathering,

the effects of weathering in various climates, the major soil forming processes.

h) The balance of forces that maintain the equilibrium of loose materials on a slope, and

the features resulting from mass wasting.

i) The parts of a stream system, the types of stream drainage patterns. Proterozoic eon,

ophiolites, glacial deposits, banded iron formations, first appearance

eukaryotes, multicellular life.

Course Content:

Course Requirements:

There will be a total of four (4) exams given. Each Exam will be worth 100 points toward the final grade. Homework will be assigned through out the semester. Each homework assignment will be worth 10 points toward the final grade, for a total of 100 points toward the final grade.

Methods of Evaluation:

Grading Scale: Based on total accumulated points

Make – up Procedure:

It is strongly advised that students take tests on the day that they are given. Students with a valid excuse will be allowed to take a make up exam. The decision for the allowance of a makeup exam will be determined on an individual basis as these needs arise.

Academic Honesty Policy:

It is expected that students will conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity. Any documentable instances of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with Departmental and University policy. This policy can be found in the “Code of Student Conduct”.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory and roll will be taken.

Drop Date: The last day to drop a course with a “W” is: October 26, 2007.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430. (TDD 449-7002).

Academic Grievances:

The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at the following link:

http://www.nicholls.edu/documents/student_life/code_of_conduct.pdf

Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency:

In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme emergency, students are responsible for:

·  Reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;

·  Knowing how to use and access Blackboard (or university designated electronic delivery system);

·  Being familiar with emergency guidelines;

·  Knowing their Blackboard (or designated system) student login and password;

·  Contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.

Faculty is responsible for:

·  Their development in the use of Blackboard (or designated software);

·  Having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and e-mail;

·  Continuing their course in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;

·  Making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.