School of Mathematics and Sciences
Fairbanks – Spring 2014
February 24, 2014 – May 17, 2014
Mission: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging and distinctively Christian environment for professional success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 1402 - Historical Geology & Lab
CAMPUS: Fort Eielson
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Bell
Office Hours, Building and Location: Before class and by appointment
Email:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: The physical history of the earth is examined through a systematic survey of the origin, growth, and changes of continents and ocean basins as it relates to plate tectonics, with emphasis on North America. Climate variation and changes in the fossil record through geologic time are discussed along with various stratigraphic principles and dating methods used to interpret Earth’s history.
PREREQUISITE: none
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
The Earth Through Time, 10th Edition
by Harold L. Levin; Wiley ISBN- 978-1-118-25467-7
OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
1. Know the major earth materials, especially sedimentary rocks.
2. Have knowledge of the current state of Plate Tectonics theory.
3. Understand current theories of the origin of the solar system and planetary differentiation.
4. Understand major concepts used in study of the history of the earth.
5. Understand mechanisms and processes of fossilization.
6. Have knowledge of the various geologic time intervals of the earth, including dominant characteristics of each.
7. Be aware of how recent glaciation has affected much of the moderns world surface
ATTENDANCE-TIME COMMITMENT: The university expects students to make class attendance a priority. If a student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of that student to notify the instructor immediately and to acquire the notes from another student for the class(es) missed. Any student who misses twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the regularly scheduled class meetings may receive a grade of “F” for that course.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291- 3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for accommodations.”
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disability that may require accommodation during the lecture or laboratory portions of the course. It is of particular importance to report any condition or disability that may affect the safety of the individual or others. Information provided for this purpose will be kept strictly confidential and will not in any way affect the individual’s course grade.
Disability Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university.The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students will be evaluated by examinations, class assignments, etc. as described in this syllabus under the heading “Evaluation”.
EVALUATION: University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C =70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
Points %
Exams 3 (100 points each) 300 55.6%
Final Exam 1 (200 points) 200
Assignments 400 44.4%
Lab 9 (20 points each) 180
Lab Final 1 (40 points each) 40
Homework 9 (20 points each) 180
Points Possible 900 100%
Assignment*s: All assignments are due no later than the date AND time listed on the posted DUE DATES document. Time is based on Plainview time (Central Time Zone U.S.) Late assignments are graded as 0*. The first assignment may be turned in by the second week deadline. (This is to allow all students sufficient time to obtain materials.)
Note: You must have a valid reason for missing an exam. Missed exams must be made up within 7 days and will result in a 10% penalty. Consult with the instructor immediately should you require a make-up exam.
*Exception for serious illness (hospital time) or major emergencies may be allowed only at instructor discretion. You will be required to furnish evidence of any extenuating circumstances. If you are military and will be going TDY during the course, you need to let me know ahead of time (verification from your C.O. may be required).
Class / TOPIC / Assignments DUE / Read Sections1 Mar / Course Introduction
The Science of Historical Geology
Early Geologists Tackle Mysteries / Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Lab 1 / Lab 1
8 Mar / Time and Geology, Rocks / HW1 (Ch 1&2) / Chapter 3 & 4
Lab 2 / Lab 1 / Lab 2
15 Mar / Exam 1 / HW2 (Ch 3&4)
Lab 2 / Chapters 1-4
Sedimentary Archives
Lab 3 / Chapter 5
Lab 3
22 Mar / Spring Break - Off
29 Mar / Life on Earth and Plate Tectonics / Chapter 6 & 7
Lab 4 / Lab 4
5 Apr / The Earths formative stages
Lab 5 / HW3 (Ch 5&6),
Lab 3&4 / Chapter 8
Lab 5
12 Apr / Exam 2 / HW4 (Ch 7&8)
Lab 5 / Chapters 5-8
Proterozoic
Lab 6 / Chapter 9
Lab 6
19 Apr / Paleozoic (Early and Later) / HW 5 (Ch 9)
Lab 6 / Chapter 1011
Lab 7
Lab 7
26 Apr / Paleozoic life and Mesozoic Events
Lab 8
Take home Exam 3 / HW 6 (10&11)
Lab 7 / Chapter 12 & 13
Lab 8
Chapters 9-12
3 May / Mesozoic Life and Cenozoic Events
Lab 9 / HW 7 (12&13)
Exam Due
Lab 8 Due / Chapter 14 & 15
Lab 9
10 May / Cenozoic Life and Human Origins
Lab Final/Review for Final / HW8 (Ch 14&15)
Lab 9 Due / Chapter 16&17
17 May / Final Exam (13-17) / HW9 (Ch. 16&17)
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.