Surficial
Processes
GEOL 2150
Spring Semester 2005
syllabus
in pdf
Course
Description
This course will focus on the processes operating at the surface of
the earth that result in the degradation of existing rock masses and
the movement of material across the surface of the earth to other locations.
Thus we will examine processes that cause the generation of moveable
material, processes of erosion, transport and deposition within different
environments on the earth's surface. Key elements of the course include
Weathering, Mass Movements, Hydrologic Processes (including rivers and
seas, water currents and waves), Aeolian Processes (wind), and Glacial
and Periglacial Processes. Modifiers of the fundamental physical and
chemical processes, such as the role of organisms, tectonic activity
and global change will show how changes in the rate at which processes
act can be altered.
Learning objectives – students will be able to understand the
basic processes and their controlling factors which generate and move
sediments on the surface of the earth, identify the likely processes
operating under given sets of environmental conditions, and evaluate
the role of biotic factors in influencing the rate and magnitude of
abiotic surface processes.
Attendance
Policy
Lectures are 11 - 11.50 am Monday and Wednesday
Labs are 1 pm to 3.50 pm on Mondays.
On some occasions Monday lab and Wednesday lecture may be switched –
advance notice will be provided.
At least once during the course the lecture and lab period on Monday
will be combined to enable a class field trip (students with Noon classes
will need to miss their class for that one week).
Attendance
is required. If you cannot attend class or lab for some reason, call/e-mail
the instructor/teaching assistant and explain why. The instructor will
make every effort to make materials for missed classes available but
assessments will cover all aspects of class content, including class
discussions that cannot be made up. For missed lab assignments, one
make-up period will be offered at the end of the semester. Students
should note that most of the labs require extensive preparation of materials
and supplies, and that this will likely be their only opportunity to
make up on missed lab classes.
Learning
Resources
Text: D. J. Easterbrook. 1999. Surface Processes and Landforms. Prentice
Hall. 2nd Ed.
Assigned papers will be provided via Blackboard.
Materials
Labs will require use of pencils, rulers (including cm/mm scale) and
calculators. Students are expected to be equipped with these items during
lab classes. Many lab classes will be conducted outside and students
should come to class prepared to work out side (e.g., appropriate footwear
and rain gear). Any additional gear needed for field trips will be discussed
in advance.
Assignments
and Grading
See
class schedule for expected timing of assignment due dates and exams.
The
course will be evaluated using the lab exercises, two tests during semester,
class participation and a short exercise and final exams as follows:
· Laboratory exercises (including the field trip exercise) will
be graded out of 30 points. Ten labs are scheduled and the student's
top 9 grades will be averaged to contribute to the final grade.
· Class participation, including answering questions on assigned
readings, will count for 5 points.
· A short take-home test will be set early in the semester covering
specific class activities.
· Two formal tests will be conducted on material covered to date
during the semester. These will each count for 15% of the final class
grade.
· The final exam will count for 30% of the final class grade.
During
semester tests will consist of short answers (e.g., a few sentences)
and some evaluative questions of ~ half a page in length. The final
exam will include these formats as well as extended discussions (up
to 1-2 pages). The final exam will be comprehensive, e.g., will cover
all course material covered in both lectures and labs and readings.
Statement
on Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is fundamental to the process of learning and evaluating
academic performance. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Academic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following: cheating,
plagiarism, tampering with academic records and examinations, falsifying
identity, and being an accessory to acts of academic dishonesty. Refer
to the UNO Judicial Code for further information. The Code is available
online at http://www.uno.edu/~stlf/policy%20Manual/judicial_code_pt2.htm.
Accommodations
for Students with Disabilities
Students who qualify for services will receive the academic modifications
for which they are legally entitled. It is the responsibility of the
student to register with the Office of Disability Services (UC 260)
each semester and follow their procedures for obtaining assistance.
Classroom
Conduct
Try to be in class on time. Please do not come five, ten, or twenty
minutes late. There is no excuse for repeatedly arriving late. Parking
is often a hassle; allow enough time for it. Cell phones should be turned
off before class begins.
