Physical Geology Syllabus

 

Kurt Hollocher, Professor

Office: Olin Building room 314

Phone: 388-6518

e-mail: hollochk@union.edu

Office hours: Fridays 12:30-2:30, by appointment, or just stop by at other times and see if I’m there.

Required Text, Earth, Portrait of a Planet, Marshak, 2nd edition

 

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. - John Adams

 

 

Topics are subject to change.

Geology at Union College

In its most basic form, geology is the study of the solid earth. Geology had its beginnings in early attempts to understand the origin and nature of mineral deposits and rocks, and later evolved into the study of the distribution of rock types over the surface of the earth (geologic mapping), and the study of a vast range of geologic processes. Modern geology has branched out to include a wide range of subjects, that include aspects of:

 

 

No single branch of geology includes all of these fields, but geologic science is diverse with broad public appeal, practical applications, and scientific challenge. Geology is also an active science, with things going on every day. Because of its diversity and direct application to modern events, geology is always new and exciting.

 

The Geology Department has advanced instrumentation and equipment that rivals some graduate schools. We strive for excellence in research and teaching, and in covering all the fundamental aspects of modern geological science.

 

We offer a full range of instruction that includes a wide variety of upper level courses, experiences abroad, and even summer field courses. Most geology majors also become involved in geological research with one of the faculty, which is a fantastic experience for graduate school or professional work.

Opportunities in Geology

Employment in the field of geology is available at many levels, and prospects these days are excellent. Employers include federal, state, and local government agencies, consulting and engineering firms, mining companies, schools at all levels and sizes, petroleum companies, software development firms, and even insurance and real estate companies. Employment prospects are currently excellent in the mining and petroleum industries, and remain steady in the fields of surface and groundwater geology, coastal geology, computer modeling and related programming, the petroleum industry, and teaching earth science in primary and secondary schools. See what our alums have done!

 

Understanding the origins and physical systems of the earth, ocean, and atmosphere (and those of other solid bodies in our solar system) are the ultimate goals of the earth sciences. Dwindling energy, mineral, and water resources, land use planning, hazardous waste disposal, the dynamics of weather and climate and their effect on people, and environmental protection are all modern challenges. Geological science is directly applicable to solutions of these problems. This is what makes geology the most exciting scientific field.

Labs

There will be five lab exercises. All but one will be field labs, weather permitting. Field labs will leave Union sharply at 1:55, from outside Olin Hall. Don’t be late! Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather, and bring a notebook. Most field labs will require 1 to 2 page write-ups, explained during the lab. These should concisely describe what you did, how you did it, your results, and your interpretation of the results in terms of the geology. All field trip write-ups must be computer printed. Write-ups must be handed in on the Friday following your lab. Completing AND UNDERSTANDING the readings will help you to finish the labs with a minimum of fuss.

Tests

There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final. Exams will be closed book and closed notes, and will contain mostly short answer questions (a copy of an old final exam is here). The exams will cover material from lectures, labs, and the textbook. As per Union College policy, failure to attend an exam will result in failure of the exam (see the Dean of Students in cases of extraordinary personal misfortune).

Grades

The exams will receive numerical scores and letter grades. All assignments, such as lab write-ups, will be graded on a simple 0 to 5 scale. This scale translates to letter grades approximately as follows: 5~A, 4~B+, 3~B-, 2~C, 1~F. Your final grade for the course will be based on your cumulative numerical scores. Because of this, even letter grades of 'F' will help if the score is >0. Nothing averages worse than a zero, so always turn in something! The final grade will be calculated approximately on the following basis:

 

Readings

You are responsible for keeping up with the reading. You should read the chapters as shown below by Friday of each week, and review topics as we come to them in different contexts during the term. What do you need to take away from the reading? At the very least you must understand what the pictures are showing, and why they are showing it.

 

Library

The Schaffer Library receives many excellent geological journals, including journals available on line. Geology is a nice monthly journal that specializes in short, 3 to 5 page, well written papers from a wide variety of geological subjects. Geology is found in the Library reading room, and in the journal stacks in the basement. Most geological books are cataloged under QE in the Library of Congress system, and are located in the Schaffer library basement. The library also has access to a wide variety of on-line reference search databases specializing in the sciences.

Reading, class attendance, turning in work

Many classes, especially on Fridays, will start with a mini-quiz. These will involve a projected image related to recent reading, and a question. On a note card write your name, the date, and an explanation of what you see on the slide. Two points will be given for handing the card in with a reasonable comment or explanation of the slide. One point will be awarded for handing in a card with an unreasonable answer. This means come to class and read the book! Most labs are in the field. These can't be made up if you miss them, unless there is space in the van on another day (usually there won't be). All assignments, including labs, will be due in class the Friday of the week an assignment is given. Can't make it Friday? Get it in earlier! If you have to miss a class, quiz, exam, or lab for some valid (e.g., medical) reason, let me and the Dean of Students office know beforehand to make alternative arrangements.

Extra help

For extra help there is always me, of course. I am generally available and I can always make appointments. I can even schedule weekly or more frequent appointments to give extra help to individuals or groups. In addition, please feel free to stop by Olin 322 and 332. Geology majors hanging out in those rooms are mostly harmless and can be a great help.

Academic misconduct

You will occasionally work in small groups, but all work that you hand in must be your own! No copying lab reports or computer-generated figures! This and all other forms of plagiarism, cheating, destruction of resource materials, and other forms of academic dishonesty will be referred immediately to the Dean of Students, as per Union College policy.

Learning or other disabilities

From the Union College Disability Handbook: "It is the policy of Union College to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request accommodations to complete your course requirements, please ... contact the Office of Student Support Services at 388-8785. No accommodations will be provided without a letter from the Office of Student Support Services."

 

They will notify me. Then talk to me, to make sure I am aware of (or remember) the issue so we can arrange things appropriately.