GEL 1007
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXTS

• Keller, Edward A., Introduction to Environmental Geology, 4th ed.
• Blatt, Harvey, Laboratory Exercises in Environmental Geology, 2nd ed.

ORGANIZATION

• Lectures will cover topics from the text, you should bring you textbooks to class so you can refer to the topics, figures, and diagrams.
• Seminars are designed to offer you an opportunity to discuss lecture topics and lab exercises with me in a more relaxed setting.
• Laboratory exercises are assigned to reinforce lecture topics. The laboratory is an open lab and you may work on assignments at your own pace, you should plan to spend approximately two hours in the lab each week.  Help will be available in the lab to answer your questions. You are encouraged to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.
• Field Trips are hands-on exercises designed to allow you to see what we are talking about in class. Field trip locations have been selected to help with the interpretation of environmental geology required for your reports.

REQUIREMENTS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• CLASS PARTICIPATION: In order to check your understanding I will ask you questions about the material being covered. "I don't know" is commonly a favorite response to questions, but it is not acceptable in this course. I expect an honest attempt at an answer, even if it is incorrect
• TEXT: You are expected to read the text. We will not be able to cover all of the material in the text during lecture and seminar. If you read the text prior to attending class, you will be able to ask me for clarification about things you don't understand
• LABS: Lab assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule.
• TERM PROJECT: You will be required to apply the concepts learned in the class by researching a term project discussing the environmental geology of the area in which you live. Do not panic, the main requirement will be for you to observe and interpret your surroundings. The project will be presented a term paper accompanied by a brief, in-class presentation (you may use the document camera, a poster, Power Point, or a web page). The reports will be based on field work and research and should describe the environmental geology of the area in which you live. The specific minimum requirements and grading method are described on a separate page.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material in the text, lectures, and labs. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer. A study guide is provided on a separate page and should be used to prepare for the exams.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.
• READ THIS OUTLINE AND REFER TO IT DAILY. This handout includes lab assignments, reading assignments, exam dates and a study guide. You are responsible for the material covered in this outline. Not knowing that there is an exam will not excuse you from having to take it.

POLICIES

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should notify me prior to missing class (in person, by voice mail, or by e-mail).
• WITHDRAWAL: I can drop you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I may drop you for the following reasons:
  • three unexcused absences from lecture or seminar
  • failure to complete one exam
  • failure to submit two labs
  • note: If you have taken the first exam, I will drop you only if you request it. Failure to request a drop or complete the course will result in a grade of "F."
• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be made up within one week and will be essay or oral exams. You must notify me prior to missing the exam.
  • Quizzes cannot me made up, one quiz can be dropped.
  • Labs must be turned in prior to the date indicated on the schedule. One point will be subtracted for each day late. Labs turned in after one week will not be accepted.
  • Late exams and labs will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and lab work with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words. If you cheat on an exam, you will be given a failing grade for the exam and will be required to have a conference with me and the Division Chair.
• CONTACT ME: If you have conflicts, concerns, scheduling problems, study difficulties, test anxiety, a learning disability, or anything else that may interfere with your success in this class or if you have questions about the college, geology, your career path, or just about anything else, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. I will do my best to help you.
• The student handbook and the college catalog should be reviewed to become familiar with all IVCC policies.

GRADE

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Grammar & Spelling are worth 10% of all assignments and exams. Answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. All words should be correctly spelled. If you need help you should ask me, an English instructor, or the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab (in LRC-B) for assistance.

EXTRA CREDIT: Research Paper: You may apply the concepts learned in the class by writing a research paper discussing a topic in greater detail than presented in the class. You must have the topic approved by me. Points will be assigned based on the depth of knowledge expressed in the paper. You are expected to cite all references. The term paper must be typed, and proper English and spelling must be used. If you are assigned a paper in another course and you choose a topic related to this course, you may be able to submit the paper to me as well (just ask).  Writing term papers: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/term-paper-guide/

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Take notes.
• Read the assigned chapters prior to attending class.
• Work on the lab assignments prior to seminar.
• Follow the study guide and be sure you know the answers to the questions.
• Ask questions about the material. Talk to other students and to me.
• Stop by my office.
• Get to know some of your classmates and work on labs and the study guide with them.
• Visit me in the lab.
• Ask more questions.
• Type all assignments (required).
• Use proper English and spelling on all assignments (worth 10% of all homework).
• Put a lot of time and thought into your reports (worth about 1/3 of your final grade).
• Don't rush through the labs, you are expected to spend at least 2 hours per week working in the lab.
• Seek assistance at the Tutoring Center in B-325 (244-0479).