OFFICE: S232D. Official office hours may vary from semester to semester, but for the Fall 2005 semester they are Tuesday and Thursday, 2:20-3:20 p.m., and Wednesday, 1:10-2:10 p.m. Other times may be scheduled by appointment or you can drop by to see if I am free. Voice mail messages may be left at (609) 896-5330. Email messages may be sent to husch@rider.edu. Please use your official Rider email address for all email communications.
TEXT: Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, Fifth Edition, by Norris Jones and Charles Jones. Supplemental readings, materials, or handouts may be assigned as required (TBA). Links to web sites with interesting and relevant geological information are available through the Department of Geological and Marine Sciences web site and the lab manual web site.
OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION: This lab course introduces students to the origin, identification, and significance of geologic materials and processes. Hands-on and inquiry-based experiences with topographic and geologic maps, mineral and rock specimens, and GPS and other data collection techniques are emphasized, along with field trip and in-lab observations, measurements, and interpertations. Final grades are based on the uncurved average of the individual laboratory exercises (75%; lowest lab exercise grade will be dropped), combined with the lab final exercise (15%) and participation in lab discusssions and field trips (10%). Attendance is required. No extra-credit projects are allowed. Unless otherwise instructed, all assignments are due no later than noon the following day. Late assignments may be penalized 10% per day. General grade averages are: >90, A range; 80-89, B range; 70-79, C range; 60-69, D range; <60, F range. All work turned in is to be your own unless collaboration is specifically authorized by the instructor. The highest standards of academic conduct and integrity are expected and will be strictly enforced (see Statement of Academic Responsibility). If required, the instructor's permission for withdrawal will be given only for valid and exceptional circumstances.
| WEEK | TOPIC | READING |
| 1 | NO SCHEDULED LAB MEETING (Nap time!) | |
| 2 | Introduction to lab; Topographic maps and on-campus GPS mapping trip (Just where in the hell are we?) | Chap 6 |
| 3 | Stream features, processes, and field trip (Ok, everybody jump in the water!) | Chap 8 |
| 4 | Mineral properties and identification (Cleavage has nothing to do with implants) | Chaps 1-2 |
| 5 | Igneous rocks (Don't always take them for granite) | Chap 3 |
| 6 | Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks (Husch must be full of schist!) | Chaps 4-5 |
| 7 | Soil investigations and on-campus field trip with Dr. Sun (You mean he actually digs this stuff!?) | TBA |
| 8 | Rock Interpretation Field Trip (Every outcrop tells a story, or you got to make love to the rocks!) | TBA |
| 9 | Earthquakes (Let's rock and roll!) | Chap 16 |
| 10 | Geologic time and age dating (That which is on the bottom is always the oldest...well almost always) | Chap 13 |
| 11 | Geologic structures (We all have our faults!) | Chap 14 |
| 12 | THANKSGIVING BREAK: NO SCHEDULED LAB | |
| 13 | Geologic maps and lab final exercise review and practice (Putting it all together) | Chap 15 |
| 14 | LAB FINAL EXERCISE ("Your mission, should you decide to accept it...") | Review Chaps 3-5, 13-15 |
Note: Course schedule may change slightly due to unforeseen circumstances, class interest and progress, and/or faculty incompetence.