Physical GeologyMark J. Camp

EEES 1010- 001 BOL 3086G

Spring 2011419-530-2398

Room 1049 BOLmark.camp@.utoledo.edu

9:30-10:45 MWOffice Hrs: 8:30-9:30MW

Noon-2M or by appt.

This course fulfills the Natural Science Core Requirement:

  • Provides an understanding of the scientific method as it applies to the study of geologic materials, processes, and concepts.
  • Introduces the rationale of geologic time and the time ordering of events through geologic observations of materials and structures.
  • Reviews the basic hypotheses and theories covering the development and changes of materials and landforms over geologic time.
  • Concentrates on the importance of field observation and laboratory experimentation in the explanation of natural events and materials.
  • Presents the relevance of knowledge about geologic materials and processes to world society and history, betterment of living, and environmental awareness.

Text: Physical Geology Plummer, Carlson & Hammersley (Text is available through UT Bookstore as electronic version. )

DateTopicReading Assignments

Jan10IntroductionChap. 1

12Geologic Materials – MineralsChap. 2

17No class MLK Day

19Geologic Materials – Minerals Chap. 2

24 Geologic Materials -- Igneous Rocks Chap. 3

26Geologic Materials – Igneous Rocks Classification Chap. 3

31Geologic Materials- Volcanism Chap. 4

Feb. 2Geologic Materials – Volcanism continued Chap. 4

7Geologic Materials – Weathering and Soils Chap. 5

9Geologic Materials – Sedimentary Rocks Chap. 6

14Geologic Materials – Sedimentary Rocks. cont. Chap. 6

16Geologic Materials – Metamorphic Rocks Chap. 7

21Exam 1 (Chap. 1-7) (30% of final grade)

23 Geologic Time –relative dating Chap. 8

28 Geologic Time – absolute dating Chap. 8

Mar. 2Geologic Structure – Folds Chap. 15

7No class Spring Break

9No class Spring Break

14Geologic Structure – Faults Chap. 15

16Geologic Processes – Earthquakes Chap. 16, 17

21 Geologic Processes—Plate Tectonics Chap. 19

23Geologic Processes – Plate Tectonics Chap. 19

28Exam 2 (Chap. 15, 16, 17, 19) (35% of final grade)

30Geologic Processes – Mass Wasting Chap. 9

Apr. 4Geologic Processes – Running Water Chap. 10

6Geologic Processes – Running Water Chap. 10

11Geologic Processes – Groundwater Chap. 11

13Geologic Processes –Groundwater Chap. 11

18Geologic Processes – Glaciation Chap. 12

20Geologic Processes – Glaciation cont. Chap. 12

25Geologic Processes – Wind Activity,Arid Landscapes Chap. 13

27 Geologic Processes – Shorelines Chap. 14

May 3 Tuesday 10:15-12:15 (Chap. 9-14) (35% of course grade)

Evaluation: Course grade will be determined from performance on three 100 point exams. Exams will be computer scored, taken from lecture notes, and consist of multiple-choice, True/False, and fill-in questions. Each exam will be graded on a curve based on class performance and predetermined grade limits. Exams must be taken as scheduled barring any unforeseen emergencies or happenings. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero grade on the respective exam. An additional 2-3 page referenced paper on a subject of geologic interest chosen by the student and approved by the instructor may be submitted by April 29, 2011 for extra points in addition to your exam scores. These points will be added to your lowest exam score. Only one paper may be submitted. Exam review sheets will not be provided; your lecture notes are your review and a summary of important lecture material for the exams. Lecture notes will not be posted on-line. A syllabus is available on-line at

Classroom Etiquette:During lectures, classroom distractions must be kept to a minimum. This means talking to others is discouraged; cell phones should be kept in silent mode, etc. Regular attendance is expected.

More Extra Credit (5 pts. each):

1. Write a paragraph or two giving an example of how geologists use or used the scientific method involving a topic covered in lecture.

  1. Write a paragraph or two showing how uniformitarianism is used in explaining geologic features, materials, and/or processes.

Due by Monday, March 14, 2011. You may e-mail ( titled “extra credit”) or drop off in class or at my office, 3086G BOL.