Geologic Disasters and The
Environment
(formerly known as: Environmental
Geology)
GLG 110
Fall Semester 2008
Instructor: Harry Birkmann (Ph. D. Geology, ASU)
Phone: 602-787-6820 or 602-787-6810
e-mail: harry.birkmann@pvmail.maricopa.edu
Office Hours: Mo: 9:30 am – 10:00 am; Tu: 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm; We: 9:30 am – 10:00 am; Th: 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm; and by appointment.
Office: G-123, or try K-108
Course Number: GLG 110, 3 credits
Section Number: 2408
Course Title: Geologic
Disasters and The Environment
Class Schedule:
Class Location:
Textbook: Keller, Edward A. Environmental Geology, 8th edition
Tentative Schedule Lecture
Part
|
Date |
Topic |
|
|
08-25 |
Introduction to class |
|
|
08-27 |
Chapter 1: Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts Notes |
2-23 |
|
09-08 |
Chapter 2: Earth Materials and Processes Notes |
24-55 |
|
09-15 |
Chapter 3: Soils and Environment Notes |
56-84 |
|
09-22 |
Chapter 4: Natural Hazards: An Overview Notes |
86-97 |
|
09-29 |
Review for Exam 1 |
|
|
10-01 |
Take-Home Exam 1 due back! |
|
|
10-01 |
Chapter 5: Rivers and Flooding Notes |
98-131 |
|
10-08 |
Chapter 6: Landslides and Related Phenomena Notes |
132-160 |
|
10-15 |
Chapter 7: Earthquakes and Related Phenomena Notes |
161-204 |
|
10-22 |
Chapter 8: Volcanic Activity Notes |
205-231 |
|
10-29 |
Review for Exam 2 |
Exam 2 |
|
11-03 |
Take-Home Exam 2 due back! |
|
|
11-03 |
Chapter 10: Water: Process,
Supply, and Use Notes |
260-290 |
|
11-10 |
Chapter 11: Water Pollution and
Treatment Notes |
291-316 |
|
11-17 |
Chapter 16: Global Change and
Earth System Science (Video on Global Warming) |
446-471 |
|
11-24 |
Review for Exam 3 |
Exam 3 |
|
11-26 |
Take-Home Exam 3 due back! |
|
|
12-08 |
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
In case you have difficulty understanding my accent, please feel free to point this out to me.