DYNAMICS OF THE EARTH
Geol 100
Course Outline
Vic Camp
Room: CG 212
Lecture: MWF 11:00 to 11:50
OFFICE HOURS: Rm. CG 225. MF 12:00 -12:50 pm, W 9:00-9:50 am, or by appointment
E-MAIL: vcamp@geology.sdsu.edu
TEXT: Monroe and Wicander – Physical Geology, 2nd edition
Course Description: The constantly evolving earth has been shaped by a variety of mechanisms and processes. An understanding of these, through the study of geology, gives us an appreciation of our dynamic planet and a more knowledgeable perspective of our fragile environment. The purpose of this course is to study the history of the earth and the interaction of earth processes such as the growth of minerals, the formation of rocks, mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, and coastal processes.
Guidelines: The assigned chapters should be read carefully before each class. You are
encouraged to ask questions at any time -- during, before or after class. Good study habits include taking accurate and comprehensive lecture notes. Your attendance and participation in class will definitely help your understanding of the subject and improve your performance on the exams. The course will cover a lot of material at a relatively rapid pace, so it is important to not fall behind in the reading material.
Evaluation: You must purchase the large, red Parscore scantron form F-288 for thefirst exam only; for the remaining exams, bring the normal-size Parscore scantron form F-289. There will be four, equally weighted exams, including the final exam, which is comprehensive. There are no make-up exams. The final grade will be curved and assigned on the basis of 400 points, the total of the four exams.
PRELIMINARY CLASS SCHEDULE
(Changes may be made to this schedule as necessary)
DATETOPICS
Jan. 25/27/29 Chapters 1 and 2 – Introduction to Geology / Minerals
Feb. 1/3/5 Chapters 2 and 3 – Minerals / Igneous Activity
Feb. 8/10/12 Chapters 3 and 4 -- Igneous Rocks / Volcanism
Feb. 15/17/19 Chapters 4 and 5 -- Volcanism / Weathering, Erosion and Soil
Feb. 22EXAM 1
Feb. 24/26 Chapter 6 – Sedimentary Rocks
March 1/3/5 Chapters 7 and 8 -- Metamorphic Rocks / Geologic time
March 8/10/12 Chapters 8 and 9 -- Geologic Time / Earthquakes
March 15/17/19 Chapter 9 -- Earthquakes
March 22/24/26 Chapter 10 – Interior of the Earth
March 29 - April 2 SPRING BREAK!!
April 5/7 Chapter 11 – The Sea Floor
April 9EXAM 2
April 12/14/16 Chapter 12 – Plate Tectonics
April 19/21/23 Chapters 13 and 14 – Deformation / Mountain Building
April 26/28/30 Chapters 14 and 19 – Mountain Building / Shorelines
May 3/5/7 Chapters 19 and 15 – Shorelines / Running Water
May 10 Chapter 15 – Running Water
May 12 EXAM 3
May 19 FINAL EXAM (10:30 - 12:30)