GEOLOGY 120 - 002 - ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

Fall Semester 2011, TTh - 2:00 - 3:15 pm - DeLoach Hall 114

COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Dr. Lewis Abrams

Office: DeLoach Hall 119 & Center for Marine Science 1328

Phone: 962-2350

Email: abramsl@uncw.edu

Office Hours: 10:00 - 11:00 am, 3:15 - 4:30 pm (T, Th) (or by appointment)

Web Page: http://www.uncw.edu/people/abramsl/

Department of Geology and Geography http://www.uncwil.edu/earsci/

Textbook: Introduction to Environmental Geology (4th edition) by Edward Keller

Course Description: GLY 120. Environmental Geology (3) Introduction to the relationships between man and his geologic environment. Concerned with the problems that people have in using the earth and the reaction of the earth to that use. Emphasis is placed on earth processes, Water and energy resources, and properties of rocks and surficial deposits insofar as they are important to or affect human activities.

Course Goals:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between man and his geologic environment.
• Be able to describe the properties of rocks and surficial deposits.
• Demonstrate an understanding of water and energy resources.

University Studies Learning Outcomes for this course (Scientific Approaches to the Natural World)
The student will:
SAN 1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic scientific principles, theories, and laws as well as an awareness of the changing nature of science.
SAN 2. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific hypotheses and theories using rigorous methods (including statistical and mathematical techniques).
SAN 3. Demonstrate the ability to write and speak critically about the essential questions addressed by the natural sciences, using the conventions and language of one of those disciplines.

Course-specific Learning Outcomes. [University Studies learning outcomes designated as SAN-1,-2, -3] At the conclusion of this course, each student should demonstrate through both objective and subjective means:

[SAN-1,-2] a basic understanding of: 1) geological and applicable engineering processes related to natural hazards including volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and mass movements, floods, coastal storms and processes; 2) hydrogeologic principles and characteristics of fluid motion and behavior in the ground; and 3) soil processes;

[SAN-1,-2] an ability to identify, describe, and quantify natural geologic processes and human activities related to exploration, development, and production of water, energy, mineral, and rock resources

[SAN-1,-2,-3] an ability to evaluate the effect of human activities on the basic geologic processes and the effect of basic geologic processes on human activities using relevant data and analytical methods;

[SAN-1,-2,-3] an ability to discern good scientific assessments and predictions related to environmental geology from poor assessments and predictions and articulate these differences using facts and reasoning (and, thus, be prepared to make informed decisions concerning the environment, geology, and human activities - including a good site for your house, well, and/or septic tank! )

Academic Honor Code: The University's Honor Code is enforced in this class. Please do your own work. Complete details of the Code are in the current Student Handbook.

Grading: Grades will be based on :

The three (3) highest grades from four (4) one-hour partial exams (100 pts each). In other words, you are allowed to miss one (1) of the four exams for any reason without penalty. Total possible exam score = 300 points.

One (1) typed “case history” report concerning any subject covered in the textbook. Model your report after the Case History sections presented in the text. Report must be three (3) pages of text (double space) and include a list of at least two references (not including class textbook) and a figure showing the geographic location. Internet and/or newspaper articles are acceptable for the two required references. Reports are due in Class no later than Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 (15 pts = 5% of total Grade). Total possible course grade = 315 points.

Exams will cover information presented in lecture and in the textbook. The format for the exams will be multiple choice, true/false, and short answer.

There will be no make up exams. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled exams, this will be the one exam (out of three) that will be dropped. -THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS

Course letter grades will be assigned as follows:

 CHECK EXAM SCORES HERE

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

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