Geol 2001 Syllabus

The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary!

Course Description: Origin, distribution, and consequences of consuming Earth's resources (metallic, nonmetallic, soil, and groundwater). Topics include fossil fuels, alternative energy sources, use of minerals, waste disposal, and contaminants in the environment. PREREQUISITE: None

The course also requires students to conduct a research project, write a research paper, and participate in debating an environmental issue.

For the course assignments and requirements: see "Geologic Resources & Environments" on
my website, and then select "Lectures"

For Grading Policy go to my website and select Geologic Resources & Environment > Grading System

Grading Scheme:

Method of Teaching: The course emphasizes the impact of geological processes and hazards on humans, and the human influence on geologic resources and processes. This interaction has led to many socio-economic issues that directly relate to the course. To more effectively expose the students to these important environmental issues, the course is taught through class lectures, 3 exams, 9 Hazard City practical assignments, several student-managed debate sessions, mandatory writing of research paper, and optional presentation of the research paper. The list of the debates is available on the website.

Lectures - Students are responsible for learning all my Powerpoint Lecture Notes, and the Summaries and Outlines listed on the Schedule of classes.

To see and use the content of the "Lectures" and "Grades" pages, you need the Microsoft Word and Excel. You also need the latest versions of the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape browser, otherwise you may not be able to fully/efficiently use the website!.

University Policies

1.  According to the Georgia State University undergraduate catalog, class attendance is expected; failure to attend classes regularly may result in poor course performance.  The university requires instructors to verify attendance early in the term.  Failure to attend classes may result in you not appearing on the Verification Roll and being dropped from the class.  Please see section 1334 of the catalog at http://www.gsu.edu/es/catalogs_courses.html, and click on the appropriate catalog link to read about attendance policy (posted as a .pdf file).

2.  All students should be familiar with the university’s course withdrawal procedures.  These can be found in section 1332 of the undergraduate catalog.

3.  All students are required to be familiar with the Academic Honesty policy of the university and to comply with the policy.  This can be found in section 1380 of the undergraduate catalog.

4.  Each student must have access to an on-line computer and  is responsible for reading all messages sent to his/her university email address, and any other assignments that require the use of a computer.  Class changes and/or updates may be conveyed via email, in which case the student is considered to have been informed.  The student is required to check this university email box regularly.

5.  Accommodations for students with disabilities:
Georgia State University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Students with disabilities who seek academic accommodations must first take appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services located in Suite 230 of the New Student Center.