SYLLABUS

School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

I.     COURSE:   ESCI 1051 – Elements of Geology Lab (Pre/Co requisite: ESCI 1063)

        NOTE:  This course fulfills specific general education requirements.  For more information, see the catalog.

II.    TEXT:   Instructor generated handouts

III.   INSTRUCTOR:    Dr. Jim Edson

                                    Office: Room 109 - Museum - Phone 460-1966 - email:  edson@uamont.edu

                                    Hours:   MWF 8:00 – 12:00, TT 10:00 – 11:00 or by appointment

                                    Website:   http://www.uamont.edu/FacultyWeb/Edson/

IV.   COURSE FORMAT:  Lab will meet two days per week.

V.        COURSE GOALS:  The overall goal of this course is to introduce the vast subject of earth science in a manner, and with a philosophy, that will show that earth science is an integrated discipline involving processes and response to those processes known as products.  Rocks and landforms do not just occur, with out rhyme or reason, but are the result of a unique set of processes.

VI.   OBJECTIVES:   By the time the student completes this course he/she should be able to:

1.   name and recognize representatives from each of the mineral families.

2.   name and recognize the basic igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

3.   locate earthquakes on maps and interpret earthquake data.

4.   interpret the nature of changes in the Earth’s past.

VII. TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

1.      Identification of minerals.

2.      Identification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

3.      Earthquakes and Earth structures

4.      Geologic time

VIII.  TESTING AND GRADING PRACTICES:

1.      There will be four, non-comprehensive tests given during the semester. Two at 100 points each and two at 200 points each for a total of 600 points.

2.      The fourth exam will be the final.

3.      Make-up exams will only be permitted for verifiable, excused absences.

4.      There will be 100 points possible from lab work.

5.      Grades will be determined based on the following scale:

                      700 - 627   =   A ( 100  - 89.5%)

                      626 - 557   =   B ( 89.4 - 79.5%)

                      556 - 487   =   C ( 79.4 - 69.5%)

                      486 - 417   =   D ( 69.4 - 59.5%)

                      416 -   0     =   F  ( 59.4 -     0%)

        6.  Students will be assigned a code number for the purpose of posting grades. You have the right not to have your grades posted. Please tell me if you wish not to have your grades posted.

IX.  CLASSROOM POLICIES:  Attendance is expected. Students missing lecture notes or assignments because of absences (excused or unexcused) are still responsible for the material. Please do not bring children, friends or pets to lab without prior approval. Cell phones are to be turned off and out of sight during class. Tape recorders are allowed for taping lectures.

      The following action is prohibited under the Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.

X.   ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

1.      Cheating:  Students shall not give, receive, offer, or solicit information on examinations, quizzes, etc. This includes but is not limited to the following classes of dishonesty:

a.       Copying from another student’s paper.

b.      Use during the examination of prepared materials, notes, or texts other than those specifically permitted by the instructor.

c.       Collaboration with another student during the examination.

2.      Collusion: Collusion is defined as obtaining from another party, with out specific approval in advance by the instructor, assistance in the production of work offered for credit, to the extent that the work reflects the ideas of the party consulted rather than those of the person whose name in on the work submitted.

      For any instance of academic dishonesty that is discovered by the instructor, whether the dishonesty is found to be cheating or collusion the result for the student or students involved will be that the instructor will assign a grade or F for the examination or assignment involved. (See page 63 of the UAM catalog 2005-06 for further academic code violations)

XI.  POLICY ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  It is the policy of the University of AR—Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course.  Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall Room 120; phone 870 460-1026; TDD 870 460-1626; fax 870 460-1926.