Geologic Disasters & Environment

(formerly known as: Environmental Geology)

GLG 110

First Summer Session 2011

 

Instructor: Harry Birkmann (Ph. D. Geology, ASU)

Phone: 602-787-6820

e-mail: harry.birkmann@pvmail.maricopa.edu

Office Hours: Mo. through Th. 4:30 pm. To 5:00 pm.

Office: G-101

Course Number: GLG 110, 3 credits

Section Number: 15488

Course Title: Geologic Disasters & Environment

Class Schedule: Mo. through Th. 5:00 pm. – 7:00 pm.

Class Location: Paradise Valley Community College, H-113

Textbook: Keller, Edward A. Environmental Geology, 9th edition

 

Tentative Schedule Lecture Part

Date

Topic

Reading

05-31

Introduction to class (5-6pm)

 

05-31

Chapter 1: Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts Notes

2-27

06-01

Chapter 2: Earth Materials and Processes Notes

28-63

06-02

Chapter 3: Soils and Environment Notes

64-91

06-06

Chapter 5: Natural Hazards: An Overview Notes

116-135

06-07

Video on Petroleum

 

06-08

Review for Exam 1

Exam 1

06-13

Take-Home Exam 1 due back!

 

06-09

Chapter 6: Rivers and Flooding Notes

136-172

06-13

Chapter 7: Landslides and Related Phenomena Notes

173-205

06-14

Chapter 8: Earthquakes and Related Phenomena Notes

206-258

06-15

Chapter 9: Volcanic Activity Notes

259-289

06-16

Review for Exam 2

Exam 2

06-20

Take-Home Exam 2 due back!

 

06-20

Chapter 11: Water: Process, Supply, and Use Notes

344-371

06-21

Chapter 12: Water Pollution and Treatment Notes

372-402

06-22

Chapter 17: Global Change and Earth System Science (Video on Global Warming)

474-504

06-23

Review for Exam 3

Exam 3

06-27

Video on Electric Cars

 

06-27

Take-Home Exam 3 due back! Student Presentations

 

06-28

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 tests. If a student misses a test, the grade will be zero. Exams will be essay and short answer. Each test is worth 100 points each. If all three exams are taken the lowest score will be dropped (assuming you did poorly on that exam). Total points: 300.

2. Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final exam, worth 100 points, which "must" be taken by all students. 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.

350 points are possible for the class work.

Options: If you like your grade for the three hour-tests and the quizzes/activities, you can use these for your grade and not take the final. Note: anyone who misses an hour test 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.

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 787-7170.

In case you have difficulty understanding my accent, please feel free to point this out to me.