National University

Course:	EES103A - Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory
Last revised:	Date: September 16, 2009    By: Dr. Dzung T. Nguyen
Textbook:	For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com
Course Prerequisite(s): EES 103
Course Description: (1.5 quarter units) This laboratory course will complement the student's knowledge of geology with demonstrations and experiments. Contact hours for this laboratory course (45) are based on a 3:1 ratio, i.e. 3 lab hours = 1 lecture hour equivalent. This laboratory course will provide the student with an opportunity to become familiar with the tools and methods of geologic analysis. This will include identification of individual minerals and rocks and their significance in the overall understanding of the environment in which they reside as well as the ability to understand the interpretation of maps generated by such studies.
Learning Outcomes: Recognize and interpret features on the earth's surface. Interpret processes that are constantly changing the earth's surface. Discuss/describe the following: Reasons for various topographical features. Processes that are modifying the earth's surface. Major classes of rocks. Physical properties of the common rock-forming minerals. The earth's place in the solar system and universe. Geomorphologic divisions of the earth's surface. The student will better understand: The language of the earth scientist. Chemical and mechanical weathering and erosion of rocks. Genetic classification of the three types of rocks. Materials that constitute the earth, especially its crust. Volcanic and diastrophic activity. History of the earth: theories of its origin, and of the origin of the solar system. The student will appreciate: The role that geology plays in common life. Contributions of early investigators. Soil and minerals resources and their conservation. The various studies of the earth science field. Atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere and their relation to the earth and to man. Effects of time upon the physical constituents and appearance of the earth. Effects of time upon living organisms-anthropology, paleontology.
Course Requirements: Course Goals: To acquaint the student with the basic physical phenomena operating upon the crust and interior parts of the earth; and with the resultant topographical and geomorphic expressions. To this end, field trips and laboratory experiments and exercises will supplement the lectures. To acquaint the student with materials comprising the known portions of the earth, i.e. elements, minerals, and rocks. To permit the student to use some of the tools of the geologist, such as topographic maps, surveying instruments, etc., in laboratory and field situations. In addition to the above guidelines, the student should be able to accomplish the following by virtue of successful completion of this course: Identify common rocks, minerals, fossils. Use topographic maps freely. Recognize geological phenomena from their topographic expressions. Be able to construct a simple topographic map. Be able to locate and describe any location including student's own on a map, and locate and describe a mineral claim.   An attempt will be made wherever feasible to keep the laboratory exercises and field trips coordinated with the SCI 103 course as outlined. In addition to this, emphasis will be on field and laboratory familiarity with minerals and rocks, maps and the principles of field mapping, location and resection, location description according to land office terminology, point plotting and contouring, mining and petroleum economics and realities. In addition, there will be a minimum of one, 1-day, or two 1/2-day field trips.

Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):

A	96-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A-	90-95	B	84-86	C	74-76	D	64-66
		B-	80-83	C-	70-73	D-	60-63

Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:

• Weekly quizzes
• Midterm exam(s)
• Homework assignments
• Participation in classroom or chatroom discussions
• Participation in threaded discussions (online only)
• Short papers, term papers, and the like
• Individual and/or group projects (written and possibly oral presentation)
• Case study analysis and discussion
• Field experience report
• Final exam (comprehensive)

Definition of Grades:

Undergraduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement	Significantly exceeds standards
B	Commendable Achievement	Exceeds standards
C	Acceptable Achievement	Meets standards
D	Marginal Achievement	Below standards
F	Failing *

Graduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement
B	Commendable Achievement
C	Marginal Achievement
D	Unsatisfactory *
F	Failing *

* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.

I

Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered. An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average.

W

Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

• Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
• Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
• There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://www.nu.edu/LIBRARY/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://www.nu.edu/library.

Contact the Library:

• RefDesk@nu.edu
• (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
• 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

• Recorded class presentations
• Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)