Syllabus
for Lab Methods in Environmental Geology
(Geosciences 3215)
-Spring,
2007
Instructor
- Dr. Richard Schofield, Professor of Geology
Instructor’s
office - Room 224,
Required
textbook:
Investigations
in Environmental Geology by Foley, McKenzie, and Utgard (1999) - second edition
(bring each time for class)
What
to bring to class:
Course
requirements: Attend all classes and actively participate in them-keep
good notes on all activities. Also, to complete a mid-term and final exam on
the course work.
Course
objectives--to learn about environmental problems as they relate to geology..
Assignments:
Below
is a list of the assignments that we will cover in Investigations in Environmental
Geology:
Geologic Time
Earth Systems and Geologic Processes
Maps - includes basic information like map names,
defining position on a map and determing map distances
Types
of maps:
A.contour maps
1.topographic contour maps
2.water table contour maps
B.geologic maps
C.soil maps – a special lab exercise is included on
local soils
Aerial Photos
Satellite Images
Measurements
Basic Calculations and Conversions
Graphs
Section
II Geologic Hazards
Introduction
Volcanic Activity – video on
volcanic hazards – convincing (leaders of) people that there is “a problem”
Earthquakes
Landslides
Subsidence
River Floods
Coastal Hazards – video on a recent hurricane event
Section
III Water Resources and Contamination
Introduction in text
City of
Trip to the
Trip to the
Trip to portions of the Brazos River
System
Mid-term exam
Trip to the new Southside Abilene Water Treatment
Plant and portions of the Colorado River system including
Groundwater Hydrology
Water Quality Data and Pollution
Sources
Surface Water Contamination from
Industrial Waste
Surface Water Contamination from Resource
Extraction
Groundwater Contamination from Waste Disposal Ponds
Groundwater Overdraft and Saltwater Intrusion
Section
IV Geologic Resources
-
field trip to the BFI Sanitary Landfill
Section
V Geology and Planning
Introduction
Geologic Environment in Land-Use
Planning:
Final Exam
Execution
of the Course:
In
the lab manual (Foley,et.al.) and your
notebook keep a record of the correct answers/solutions which the class comes
up with. Why? The lab manual can be used on the mid-term and the final exams
and also, as a record of the work that you did in the course for future
reference. Because of how we are doing things wait until we do the lab
exercises as a group before you write anything in you lab manual. If you want
to do the lab exercises ahead of time do them on scratch paper. For other
activities like field trips, videos a small notebook might be most useful.
Attendance
policy - You should attend each class.
Grades
Determination:
33%
mid-term exam
33%
final exam
33%
overall impression
Grading
scale:
A 92
A- 88
B+ 84
B 80
B- 76
C+ 72
C 68
C- 64
D 54
F below 54
Attendance and Make-Up Policy for Dr. Schofield
Usually class attendance and grades show a close
correlation so try to attend all classes if possible. Attendance at labs and
lecture exams is required and students should be there unless there is a valid
excuse. Those who miss my labs or lecture exams make extra work for me. Please
do not miss them if at all possible.
Labs – Come to your scheduled lab each week but if
you do miss it try to attend an alternative lab for the week. If you do miss a
weekly lab completely then you need to make it up ASAP. Check with me about how
to make it up. If you do not make it up
you get a zero for that lab. Also, the lab must be made up in a reasonable
period of time.
Lecture and Final Exams - if you miss an exam for any reason then I want a typewritten note
explaining why you missed it. A hand-written note from a dean, coach, or doctor
that you give me can substitute for this. If you do not give me this
note when you do make up the exam I reserve the right to deduct points from
your exam. Also, if you miss an exam for a non-valid reason I reserve the right
to deduct points from that exam. Employment during exams is not an excuse to
miss exams nor is " personal business"!
Missed
exams should be made up ASAP (within four days of your return to school) and if
delayed too long may result in your being dropped from the course.
McMurry University abides
by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no
otherwise qualified student shall be denied the benefits of an education
“solely by reason of a handicap”. If you have a documented disability that may
impact your performance in this class and for which you may require
accommodations, you must be registered with and provide documentation of your
disability to the Disability Services Office, located in Old Main, Room 102.
For more information, contact James Greer at 793-4880 or jgreer@mcm.edu