Environmental Geology - Geology 102
Spring, 2004

LAB GRADES

General Information
Instructor:
Office:
Traphagen 219
Phone:
994-6916
E-mail:
Office hours:
8:30-9:30 Tu & Thur (before lecture), by appointment, or drop in any time.
Classroom:
Tu, Th; 9:30-10:45; Reid 102
Lab Room:
Traphagen 100
Text:
Merritts et al. , 1997, Environmental Geology , Freeman, New York.
Assistant:
Office:
Traphagen 114; 994-4890
Course Goals:
  • To develop an understanding and appreciation of Earth materials and processes
  • To demonstrate the relationships between humanity and Earth system -- impacts of humanity on the Earth, and ways in which our society is impacted
  • To develop "scientifc habits of mind" through observation, acquisition and application of evidence, modeling and experimentation
  • To develop life-long learning skills -- communication, qualification, collaborative learning
Course Syllabus
MONTH
DATE
TOPIC
CH.
LAB
DEBATE
Jan
15
Introduction
1
None
20-22
First principles, energy, mass, time
2-3
27-29
Seismic Hazards
4-5
Feb
3-5
Volcanic Hazards
4-5
10-12
Slope Stability
6
17-19
Floods and subsidence
7, 8
24-26
Extreme weather, the ocean system
9, 10
Mississippi Floods
Mar
2-4
Global change, El Nino
Lucas vs. South Carolina
9-11
Midterm; group project
Global Change
Sustainable Agriculture
16-18
Spring Break
NO LAB
23-25
Energy resources
Mar-Apr
30-1
Energy resources cont'd
NO LAB
6-8
Mineral resources
Asbestos
Nuclear waste disposal
13-15
Water resources
1872 Mine Act
20-22
Water resources cont'd
Mono Lake (B)
Apr
24/25
FIELD TRIP!!!
A and B
27-29
Environmental change, public policy , CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA
12, 13
Mono Lake (A)
May
3
FINAL EXAMINATION - 2:00-3:50

Class Policies

Laboratory/discussion: your lab grade is worth 30% of your total grade. Due to the collaborative nature of most of the lab work, your attendance is required. You must pass lab to pass the course. One absence from lab will be excused, but you must realize that you have a responsiblity to your group to attend class (and group meetings, if necessary) and contribute to each assignment.

Class Project: We will spend a considerable time this semester preparing for the public debate, and this is reflected in the credit awarded for this project; 20% of your grade. We will use a combination of self, group, faculty and community evaluation to determine credit.

Exams: Midterm is scheduled for March 9, in class; 20% of your grade. Final Exam will be comprehensive and will be worth 30% of your final grade. The exam is scheduled for May 3, 2:00-3:50. We can decide as a class if you would prefer to have the exam at this time or take a take-home exam.

Cheating: Don't. This course is based on a premise of open, honest, scholarly investigations. You are encouraged to work in groups, but there will be times when the work turned in must be your own. Student Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced

Make-ups and allternative assignments: if you anticipate missing class (e.g. travel with a sport team, other class opportunities)