Geologic Disasters and The Environment

GLG 110

Fall Semester 2009

Instructor: Richard Ryan

E-mail: richard.ryan@pvmail.maricopa.edu

Office Hours: By appointment.

Course Number: GLG 110, 3 credits

Section Number: 59092

Course Title: Geologic Disasters and The Environment

Class Schedule: Tu. and Th. 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Class Location: Paradise Valley Community College, H-104

Textbook: Keller, Edward A. Environmental Geology, 8th edition.

 

Tentative Schedule Lecture Part

Date

Topic

Reading

08-25

Introduction to class

 

08-27

Chapter 1: Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts Notes

2-23

09-03

Chapter 2: Earth Materials and Processes Notes

24-55

09-10

Chapter 3: Soils and Environment

56-84

09-17

Chapter 4: Natural Hazards: An Overview

86-97

09-24

Review for Exam 1

Exam 1

09-29

Take-Home Exam 1 due back!

 

09-29

Chapter 5: Rivers and Flooding

98-131

10-06

Chapter 6: Landslides and Related Phenomena

132-160

10-13

Chapter 7: Earthquakes and Related Phenomena

161-204

10-20

Chapter 8: Volcanic Activity

205-231

10-27

Review for Exam 2

Exam 2

10-29

Take-Home Exam 2 due back!

 

10-29

Chapter 10: Water: Process, Supply, and Use

260-290

11-05

Chapter 11: Water Pollution and Treatment

291-316

11-12

Chapter 14: Mineral Resources and Environment

374-399

11-19

Chapter 15: Energy and Environment

400-443

12-01

Chapter 16: Global Change and Earth System Science

446-471

12-08

Review for Exam 3

 

12-10

Take-Home Exam 3 due back!

 

12-15

Final Exam (comprehensive, in class)

 

Grade Policy:

The grade for this class (lecture) will be based on the following criteria:

1. Exams: There will be three exams as shown on the schedule. There are no make-up exams. If a student misses an exam, the grade will be zero. Exams will be essay and short answer. Each exam is worth 100 points each. If all three exams are taken, the lowest score can be dropped and in its place, the final exam will be counted (See “Option” below). Total points: 300.

2. Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam. Total points: 100.

3. Quizzes/Activities: There will be eleven quizzes/activities in class. These are worth 5 points each. A student may miss one quiz/activity. Total points: 50.

4. Extra Credit: You can write a one- to two-page paper about the geologic aspect of some environmental issue (you should find literature on the internet, the newspaper, or the library). Total points: 20.

Options: If you are satisfied with your grade for the three hour exams and the quizzes/activities, you can use these for your grade and not take the final exam.

Note: Anyone who misses an hour exam does not have this option!

Attendance Requirements: I expect you to attend each class. All points described under "Grade Policy" have to be completed. The only exception is point 4 (Term Paper), this is extra credit to improve your grade if you desire to do so. Other forms of extra credit are not included in this class.

Plagiarism & Cheating: Will not be tolerated (See PVCC Student Handbook).

Cell Phones and Beepers: ABSOLUTELY NO phones and beepers allowed in class! If your device goes off during lecture/lab or if you send/receive text messages, you will lose 10 points each time.

Special Arrangements: If you have a specific physical, psychiatric or learning disability and require accommodations, please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Resource Center, KSC-119, or call 787-7174.

Note: Information listed within this course syllabus is subject to change by discretion of the instructor.