SUNY Orange

Physical Geology 36110 - Syllabus

Instructor: Lawrence O'Brien
Office: Horton Hall 3-A
Phone: (845) 341-4570
Hours Schedule hours on the office door or anytime I am free
Email: lobrien@sunyorange.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Physical geology is a study of geologic processes and features with emphasis on plate tectonics.  Topics include the origin of magma, volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, sediments, metamorphism, rivers, glaciers and groundwater.  Laboratory studies include mineral and rock identification and topographic map reading.  One field trip is normally taken.

TEXT AND MATERIALS:

Text Book: Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 8th ed., 2005, E.J. Tarbuck and F.K. Lautgens, Prentice-Hall, 711 pages, $106.75, ISBN 0-13-114865-6

Lab Manual:     Instructor prepared sheets.  I will pass them out as you need them.

Lab Book:        Rocks, Minerals, Gems, 2001, H.S. Zim and P.R. Shaffer, St. Martin’s Pr., 160 pages, $6.95, ISBN 1-58238-132-1

Materials:         Optional-small hand lens.  A calculator will be useful for some topics in the lab.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAMS:

This is a laboratory science course, which can be taken as a General Education elective. It is a required as Geology Major and recommended for Civil Engineering.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student who successfully completes this course will

  • Identify 30 minerals and to know their compositions and uses.
  • Identify 30 rocks and to know their compositions and origins.
  • Identify major tectonic plates and terms relating to plate techtonics.
  • Identify and/or draw plutonic features.
  • Read topographic maps and construct topographic profiles.
  • Read and understand articles written about geologic topics.
  • Enjoy learning.

GRADING SYSTEM:

Grades will be based on at least two lecture tests, at least two lab tests, one comprehensive final exam, and 10 to 15 lab/homework/library assignments.  Scoring is on a point basis with tests worth 100-130 point and labs averaging about 30 points each.  The course work normally totals about 1000 points.  If you fail to turn in as few as four assignments you will receive an automatic “F” grade.  Late lab/homework assignments receive half credit.  Late assignments will not be accepted if they are more than three weeks late.  No assignments will be accepted after the last day of normal classes without previous permission from the instructor.  Your grade may be lowered for missing assignments or unexcused absences.

Perfect attendance is your responsibility.  Never miss a class or lab.  I consider even one absence to be excessive.  The official school policy is stated in the college catalog.

SUPPORT SERVICES:

Tutoring services are available in the Library. There are services available for students with disabilities. Any such conditions should be communicated privately to the instructor on the first day of class so that any necessary special arrangements or accommodations can be made.

Topics: (A more detailed outline is found in the .PDF file)

  1. Plate Tectonics: An Overview
  2. Mineralogy
  3. Magmas: Origin and Crystallization
  4. Plutonic Forms and Features
  5. Volcanism
  6. Weathering Processes and Products
  7. Sedimentary Processes and Products
  8. Metamorphism
  9. Groundwater
  10. Running Water
  11. Glaciers and Glaciation
  12. Wind and Deserts
  13. Earthquakes (Seismology)
  14. The Earth's Interior; Isostasy
  15. Economic Geology: Metals, Nonmetals, Fuel