Course Syllabus

GEOL 1L: Geology Lab: Fall 2020

A printable PDF version of this syllabus is available here.

Instructor Contact Information

Rebecca Perlroth

Email:  rperlroth@santarosa.edu (preferred method of contact)

Office Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri: 2-3 pm, Tues & Thurs 11-12;  Additional timeslots available most days by appointment

I typically respond to email and voicemail messages within 24 hours (may be longer on weekends or holidays).

Course Description

This course is a supplementary offering alongside the lecture component, GEOL 1 (The Earth).  The lab component offers a hands-on opportunity to study minerals and rocks, and to interpret geologic processes and landforms through analyzing maps and other data.  Topics that will be covered include: identification of minerals and rocks, map reading skills, interpretation of plate tectonics and earthquakes, and synthesis of these subjects out in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1.  Apply scientific techniques to solve geological questions.
  2.  Recognize, identify and describe Earth materials.
  3.  Interpret evidence of tectonic plate interaction.
  4.  Utilize maps and other data to interpret features on the Earth's surface.

Textbook and Other Required Materials

Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology, by Ludman and Marshak, 4th edition.  You may use the print or online version, however please note that you will be physically filling out pages from the lab manual, so you must have access to a printer if you opt for an online book.  You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC bookstore, directly from the publisher, or rent or borrow/share a lab manual (you will need to photocopy pages in this case). 

ISBN-13: 978-0393617528                                  ISBN-10: 0393617521

You are required to use the lab manual pretty much every week including the first (must be actual textbook OR photocopied OR printed pages from the lab manual - labs completed on binder paper will NOT be accepted).  You will also need:

  1. Pencil AND eraser for each exercise in the lab manual (no pen allowed since you are guaranteed to make a mistake, and you’ll need to erase and redo answers.)
  2. Calculator. Make sure it can take big numbers... Time and distances in geological calculations are huge, often in the billions!
  3. Ruler (must have both centimeters and inches)

 Expectations

  • You must be present each week during at least one Zoom meeting, take all exams and quizzes, and complete the required assignments. There are no make-up opportunities, so completing assignments by the due date is the only way to receive credit for completion of these activities.
  • You are expected to know and be able to apply some simple arithmetic in this lab. This means addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  If you do not feel comfortable with your arithmetic skills, there are resources available to you through the Tutorial Center or feel free to ask me, or your peers, and I will help you in any way I can, or point you to appropriate resources.
  • Everyone can succeed in this lab class. Plan to do the work, be present in this online environment, and work hard. Seek help as needed.
  • Dropping the course: If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it. A student may be dropped from any class when that student's absences exceed ten percent (10%) of the material. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one week that you contact the instructor to avoid being dropped from the class.

Evaluation and Grading

You will be evaluated by exams, quizzes, and your participation in class.  There will be 500 possible points in this lab.  Points are distributed as follows:

  • Exams: 40 pts each (x4 = 160 pts)  There will be four exams during the semester (see schedule for details). Exams will test your knowledge and your ability to apply your understanding of the material.  Questions include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, calculations, and hands-on exercises similar to in-class lab activities.  You need a pencil, eraser, calculator (not a cell phone), and ruler.  Due to the nature of the online environment, there are no make-up exams. You will have access to exams for an entire week, but exams are timed, so once you begin, you will have only a short window to complete the test.
  • Quizzes: 12 pts each (x10 = 120 pts)  There will be a short quiz at the start of each lab period covering the assigned reading material for the week’s lab exercise.  Be sure to do the assigned reading before beginning the lab activity.  Questions may include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and definition questions.  The quizzes are timed, so once you begin each one, you will have only a short window to complete the quiz.
  • Exercises and assignments: 20 pts each (x11 = 220 pts)  You will be evaluated upon your participation during weekly exercises.  If you are unsure what is due, please ask. Answer keys will be posted on Canvas after lab is completed each week.  It is your responsibility to check your work to make sure you understand the material, and to ask questions as needed.

Grades

Final letter grades will be based on the number of points earned, according to the following scale:

A= 90+%                              

B= 80-89%                          

C= 65-79%                          

D= 55-64%                          

F= less than 55%

Notes: D and F are not passing grades.  If taking Pass/No Pass you need to earn at least 65% of the total class points in order to pass. Please note the district's deadline to opt for Pass/No Pass. Once you switch to the Pass/No Pass grading scheme, you cannot switch back to grade.

Standards of Conduct

Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Rights and Responsibilities.

Copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. Students are encouraged to share information and ideas, but not their work.

Rights and Responsibilities Page at SRJC

Special Needs

Every effort is made to conform to accessibility standards for all instructor-created materials. Students should contact the instructor as soon as possible if they find that they cannot access any course materials. If you need disability related accommodations for this class, please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to the instructor as soon as possible. If you have not received authorization from DRD, please contact them directly. DRD is located in Bertolini Hall, 3rd Floor on the Santa Rosa campus, and Jacobs Hall on the Petaluma Campus.