Introduction to Geology: Geol 110

Text: Grotzinger, J. P., and Jordan, T. H. Understanding Earth. 7th Edition.

Course Organization: Lectures will be given on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:40 AM to 11:00 AM. The sequence of lecture topics will follow the sequence of chapters in the text (with few exceptions), and we will cover the vast majority of the material presented in the text book. Also we will discuss some other issues, so please do not miss lectures!

Course Objective: To use observations, measurements, and the logic of science to gain an understanding of, and an appreciation for the Earth's dynamic systems.

Office Hours: Tuesday 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am, Thursday, 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am

Examinations: Two exams (each one-hour long), are scheduled, and few short quizzes will be given. The quizzes and examinations will be various combinations of multiple-choice, short-essay, and sketch-drawing questions.

Group Projects: Few of us act alone in the real world, most things are done with the help or ideas of other people. Group projects are great practice for real life. Because of this, you will work on a project that will involve the local geology and write a paper, make a poster and present your findings at the end of the term.

Homework: There will be homwork assignments after each chapter. Homework assignments will consist of writing or sketching responses to selected review questions at the end of each chapter, and are designed to help the student prepare for the exams and quizzes. Homework MUST be submitted to the instructor by the indicated due date. Late homework will not be accepted for grading.

Grading: Final grades will be determined on the basis of relative performance. Two exams will count for 25%, quizzes and homework will count for 25%, labs 25%, final projects 25%.

Reading: You are expected to read each chapter in the text-book.

Laboratory and field sessions: You are required to attend each laboratory and field session in the course.

Office Hours: If you cannot make it to the above office hours, you can come visit me anytime that is convenient to both of us. If you see me around campus, please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have. If you are having trouble finding me (which won't happen), first check with our department secretary Mrs. Ellen T. Haberoth in Mudd 167 (222-4407), if that does not work try calling me at home (664-9229) before 9:00 PM, or leave a note on my bulletin board or leave message on my voice mail.

ACCOMMODATION AND ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. Contact the instructor to work out the details of accommodations. Class materials prepared by the instructor can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the instructor as early as possible..