SYLLABUS

GEOL 1014 – Physical Geology

Tulsa Community College, Metro Campus

Spring 2013 (132)

Course: Physical Geology – GEOL 1014

16-week Internet CourseSection No: 190

Begins: January 14, 2013Ends: April 29, 2013Call No: 22585

Professor: Claude E. Bolze

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

To Contact Your Instructor

Office: MC 527

Phone: 918-595-7246

Email:
Address: Science and Math Division, MC 620
Tulsa Community College, Metro Campus
909 S. Boston Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74119-2095 / To contact the Division Office
Division Name: Science and Math
Division Associate Dean: Dr. Connie Hebert
Division Office Number: MC 620
Division Phone Number: 918-595-7334

Course Prerequisites: None

Next Course in Sequence: GEOL 1024 – Historical Geology

Course Description:

Study of earth materials and processes for science and non-science majors. Includes examination of earth's interior, magnetism, gravity, setting in space, minerals, rocks, structure, and geologic processes. Lecture 3 hours per week. Laboratory 3 hours per week.

General Education Goal Statement:

The General Education Goals are designed to ensure that graduates of Tulsa Community College have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to carry them successfully through their work and their personal lives. General Education Goals relevant to this course include Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning and Technical Proficiency.

Discipline Goals:

  • Students will be able to identify and explain geologic phenomena.
  • Students will be able to locate the phenomena relative to the process of cause.
  • Students will be able to explain geologic phenomena in terms of the natural forces or process responsible for existence.
  • Students will be able to place geologic phenomena into the chronology of Earth’s geological history.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Students develop an appreciation of the workings of geologic processes in their daily lives by recognizing the following geologic processes: weathering and soils, mass wasting, streams and floods, waves and coasts, glaciers and glaciation, deserts and wind action and groundwater.
  • Students recognize how the earth works by arranging geologic events in chronological order, describing volcanoes, locating earthquakes, charting the earth’s interior, diagramming features of the sea floor, identifying geologic structures and examining plate tectonics.
  • Students identify the common rock forming minerals and classify the common igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
  • Students read and interpret topographic maps with respect to orientation and geologic processes.
  • Students develop a working vocabulary of geologic terms.

Textbooks, Software and Supplemental Material:

Required Textbook: Physical Geology, 14th ed., by Charles C. Plummer, Diane H. Carlson and Lisa Hammersley published 2013 by McGraw-Hill, Boston, MA, ISBN 978-0-07-336938-9.

Note – The 11th, 12thand 13theditions of the text will also work for this course.

However, any page numbers and figures will be referenced from the 14th edition.

Required Laboratory Manual: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology by AGI/NAGT, 9th ed., published 2011 by Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458,

ISBN-13: 978-0-321-68957-3 or ISBN-10: 0-321-68957-7.

Required Laboratory Kit: Earth Revealed Lab Kit (Rocks and Minerals)

from Burminco, 613 W. Covina Blvd., San Dimas, CA 91773

The textbook, laboratory manual, and laboratory kit can be purchased from the TCC NE Campus Bookstore. Note – only the TCC NE Campus Bookstore has these items.

Other Material: Pencil, paper, colored pens, colored pencils or crayons, ruler, compass, calculator.

Additional Information about the Textbook, Lab Manual and Lab Kit:

  • A copy of the textbook and laboratory manual is on reserve in the Learning Resources Center (Library – MC 2000). These books are shelved at the Circulation Desk. They may be used for one-hour intervals in the library.
  • The laboratory kit is on reserve in the Media Center of the Library. The lab kit like the textbooks cannot be removed from the library, but are available for use in the library.
  • Textbooks for Internet courses are sold at the Northeast Campus Bookstore. For more information see the Distance Learning Webpage (frequently asked questions section):
  • Textbooks also may be purchased on-line through the campus bookstore. Students may contact the bookstore manager, Jackie Green, at and she will explain the process. Students should include name, mailing address, e-mail address, and the course name and number when contacting the bookstore manager.

Required Software: Microsoft Word.

If you do not have Word, you can download it from Blackboard free.

-- Go to the Organization tab

-- Search for: software

-- Enroll in the organization

-- Follow the on-screen instructions

Required email address:

All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex: ). All communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course. You access MyTCC at

Computer Access:

It is highly recommended that you have regular (daily) computer access, preferably a home computer with broadband Internet access. This course can be completed using public computers at TCC or other public access areas. However, be aware that using public computers may create a hardship. All course requirements remain the same whether your computer access is public or private (home).

Technical Skill Requirements:

You should be comfortable with the following:

  • using a word processor (changing font, spell check)
  • using email for communication
  • sending an email attachment
  • navigating the Internet
  • downloading appropriate plug-ins
  • using an Internet search engine

Teaching Methods:

The course is online, however, you will be coming to the Metro Campus to take exams and hand-in laboratory exercises. Strategies include: reading resources (textbook), video lectures, and laboratory exercises. Students are responsible for completing all assigned work.

Lecture - Reading Assignments and Videos:

Physical geology is a lecture and laboratory course. The lectures involve assigned readings from the textbook and viewing professionally prepared videos. See the Course Schedule for the specific reading assignments and videos to view.

Laboratory Exercises:

The laboratory exercises are a fundamental part of the course. The laboratory component provides hands-on involvement with the geological concepts. The laboratory exercises reinforce and enhance the video lessons and textbook readings.

You will be performing the laboratory exercises at home using the laboratory manual and laboratory kit. The laboratory assignments and their due dates are listed on the Laboratory Exercise Schedule.

Because you will be off-campus when completing the laboratory exercises, you will not be able to receive the close personal instruction available in the classroom. To help you complete each laboratory exercise, a set of guidelines for each exercise will be provided. Refer to Introduction to Laboratory Exercises for a detailed discussion on completing the laboratory exercises.

The laboratory exercises will behanded in at the Metro Campus Testing Center (MC 1018) prior to taking an exam. This process is necessary because the lab exercises involve marking on figures and answering questions on tear-out pages in the lab manual.

Each laboratory exercise must be submitted by the last exam day scheduled for the exam to which the laboratory exercise applies. Make sure your name is on all papers you hand in.

A specific set of laboratory exercises will be due by an exam time. The laboratory assignments and their due dates are listed in the Introduction to Laboratory Exercises section.

The graded labs will be available for pick-up in my office. If you provide me with a self addressed stamped envelope or manila envelope with appropriate postage, I will return the graded labs by mail.

Testing:

Exams will be taken in the Metro Campus Testing Center, Room MC 1018. You will have one week to take the scheduled exam. Room MC 1018 is on the 1st Floor of the MainMetroCampusBuilding.

Testing Center Hours: Monday thru Thursday: 8 AM to 7 PM.

Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM

Saturday: 8 AM - 4 PM.

You should arrive at the TestingCenter to begin the exam no later than one hour before the TestingCenter closes.

One form of picture identification will be required to take the exam: current student ID or driver's license.

Evaluation Techniques: How to determine your grade:

Exams:

There will be a total of 3 exams. The Final (Exam 3) will not be comprehensive. The exams will be multiple choices and matching. The exam questions will come from both the videos and the textbook readings.

The 3 exams will comprise 50% of the final grade.

Laboratory Exercises:

Each laboratory assignments will be worth 10 points. The Field Trip report will be worth 20 points. See the Course Schedule for the due dates of each laboratory exercise.

The laboratory exercises will behanded in at the Testing Center prior to taking an exam. Each laboratory exercise must be submitted by the last exam day scheduled for the exam to which the laboratory exercise applies.

The laboratory grade will comprise 50% of the final grade.

Exam Schedule:

Exam 1: Monday, February 11 Monday, February 18

Lab Exercises due – 9, 16, 2.

Exam 2: Friday, March 8 Saturday, March 16

Lab Exercises due – 3, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Exam 3: Monday, April 22 Monday, April 29

Lab Exercises due – 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Final due date for Field Trip report.

Student exams and laboratory exercises that are submitted by the stated due date will be graded within one (1) week of the due date. Exams and laboratory exercises submitted after the stated due date in accordance with the late work policy will be graded as soon as possible. Exam and laboratory exercise grades will be posted onMy Grades.

Grade Scale Grade Distribution

90 - 100% = A

80 - 89% = B Exams = 50%

70 - 79% = C Lab Exercises = 50%

60 - 69% = D

0 - 59% = F

How to Calculate Physical Geology Percentage Grade

Your Exam Points x 0.5 = Exam Points

Possible Points

Your Lab Points x 0.5 = Lab Points

Possible Points

Exam Extra Credit is added to only Your Exam Points and is not added to the Possible Points.

Lab Extra Credit is added to only Your Lab Points and is not added to the Possible Points.

Grade = (Exam Points + Lab Points) x 100

Testing Policy:

All exams will be administered at the Metro Campus Testing Center, MC 1018. Room 1018 is on the 1st Floor of the main MetroCampusBuilding. Students must present a picture identification card: driver’s license or current TCC picture ID.

Testing Center hours: Monday thru Thursday: 8 AM to 7 PM.

Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM.

Students must be certain to allow enough time (at least one hour) to complete their exams before the Testing Center closes. Therefore you should arrive at the Testing Center to begin the exam no later than one hour before the Testing Center closes.

Each exam must be taken during its scheduled days. You will have a one week interval (Monday thru the following Monday) to take the scheduled exam.Note – Exam 2 will have a different time interval due to Spring Break (March 18-24) and Easter (March 29-31).

Students in the Tulsa area must test at the Metro Campus. Students who do not live in the Tulsa area and cannot test on campus must find a TCC approved proctor. The proctor’s name must be supplied to the Professor for approval. Proctor approval or rejection is at the discretion of the Professor.

Make-up and Late Laboratory/Exam Policy:

Exams: Make-up exams are discouraged. A valid reason must be accepted by the instructor before any make-up will be allowed. Make-up exams will be more rigorous.

Labs: Laboratory exercises may be turned in late, but are subject to a 20% reduction provided that they are submitted within 7days following the due date. Any work submitted after the 7-day grace period, will not receive any credit.

Submitting Laboratory Exercises:

The laboratory exercises will behanded in at the Metro Campus Testing Center (MC 1018) prior to taking an exam. Each laboratory exercise must be submitted by the last exam day scheduled for the exam to which the laboratory exercise applies. Make sure your name is on all the papers you hand in.

A specific set of laboratory exercises will be due by an exam time. The laboratory assignments and their due dates are listed in the Introduction to Laboratory Exercises section.

The graded labs will be available for pick-up in my office. If you provide me with a self addressed stamped envelope or manila envelope with appropriate postage, I will return the graded labs by mail.

Additional Items:

Communicating with the Instructor:

Email is the preferred method of individual communication. Email is typically checked daily. Please allow for a 24-hour response time.

Classroom Etiquette:

Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other.

When posting on the discussion board or sending email you are expected to:

  • Be respectful.
  • Use acceptable grammar and spelling. There are now spell check features in both email and discussion board functions.
  • Use color and font that are easily readable.
  • Use sentence case. Email or discussions posts type in all UPPERCASE is unacceptable. It can be perceived as the equivalent of shouting. You may format your text for emphasis.
  • Use TCC email or the email features available inside of Bb as this will clearly identify you and the class you are enrolled. If these resources are not available, and you must send from an outside account, clearly identify yourself and the class you are enrolled.
  • Keep communication on the discussion board relative to the topic.
  • Converse with others the same way you would in a traditional classroom. Harassment will not be tolerated. Refer to the Student Policies and Resources Handbook for general classroom expectations.
  • If an assignment requires you to critique a peer’s work, be positive and respectful. Take your responsibilities seriously and offer meaningful feedback.

Attendance – Time Commitment – Student Expectations:

Attendance (regular participation in the online classroom) is essential for maintaining the best learning environment. Learning occurs in relationship not only between student and course materials, but, just as importantly, peer to peer, professor to student and student to professor.

Participation in this course via the Internet is the responsibility of the student. Students receiving benefits from government agencies must adhere to policies stipulated by the specific agency.

NOTE: This Internet class demands that the student be self-motivated and self disciplined. You are responsible to keep up with the schedule, assignments, and exams. I will be contacting you throughout the semester by email and Blackboard.

What You Should Understand About Internet Classes:

  • Be realistic about the amount of time required to do the coursework
  • Plan to spend 3 to 5 clock hours per week for every credit hour
  • Schedule class time just as if you were attending class on-campus
  • Turn in your work ON TIME
  • On-line is NOT easier!
  • Participate actively in the class
  • Use e-mail and the discussion boards to communicate often with your instructor and other classmates
  • Log onto the class at least 3 times a week (every day is best)
  • Do NOT fall behind in your assignments
  • ASK for help when you need help

Institutional Statement:

Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook, and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:

General Education Goals:

General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills, knowledge and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning and Technological Proficiency.

Transferability:

Please visit with the TCCCounselingCenter or the CounselingCenter at the college or university to which you plan to transfer to determine transferability status of this course.

Course Withdrawal:

Those students who decide not to complete the course must withdraw themselves from the course. Failure to complete work does not constitute a withdrawal from TulsaCommunity College and those students will receive a grade based upon the points earned at the end of the semester.

The last day to withdraw from this course is April 12, 2013.Contact the Counseling Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course (“W” grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Check the TCC Academic Calendar for deadlines. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw will receive a course grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.

Students who are earning a failing grade should consider withdrawing from the course by the official drop date. Failure to withdraw will result in the student receiving a regular grade of “F” at the end of the semester. I do not give "AWs" to students who earn failing grades in the course.

ADA Policy:

TCC provides accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For information, students may contact the disabled Student Resource Center, 918-595-7115, or the Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 918-595-7428V, 918-595-7434TTY.

Academic accommodations will not be provided unless appropriate documentations are provided to the disabled student services offices to support the need.

Academic Integrity – Plagiarism:

Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. TulsaCommunity College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty, a faculty member may: