Full Syllabus for GEOL 1340 Fall 2021 PDF

Preview

Summary

Full Syllabus for GEOL 1340 Fall 2021
Full Syllabus for GEOL 1340 Fall 2021
Full Syllabus for GEOL 1340 Fall 2021...

Description

INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SYSTEMS (GEOL 1340): ASYNCHRONOUS Semester: Fall, 2021 Instructor: Dr. Jennifer N. Lytwyn Meetings via Microsoft Teams: Tuesdays 1:00pm

Sections: 14331 & 14430 Office: Room 227-D, S&R-1 E-mail: [email protected].

Course Schedule Dates Aug. 21 Aug. 23-28 Aug. 29 – Sept. 2 Sept. 3-7 Sept. 8-11

Topics

Module

Orientation 1:00pm via Microsoft Teams 1_Essentials of Geography Mod. 1 2_Solar Energy and Seasons Mod. 2 2_Earth’s Atmosphere 3_Atmospheric Energy and Global Temp.

Mod. 2 Mod. 3

Lectures Assignments (Optional) 1a, 1b, 1c 2a, 2b 2c, 2d 3a, 3b

#1 in Module 3: Due Sept. 12 Sept. 11, 13 Take Exam #1 (Modules 1-3) on your home computer either 9/11 (1:00 pm), or 9/13 (7:30 pm). Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser. Sept. 13-18 4_Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation Mod. 4 4a, 4b, 4c #2 in Module 4: Due Sept. 19 Sept. 19-25 5_Atmospheric Water and Weather Mod. 5 5a, 5b, 5c #3 in Module 5: Due Sept. 26 Sept. 26 – 6_Water Resources Mod. 6 6a, 6b #4 in Module 6: Oct. 2 Due Oct. 3 Oct. 3-9 7_Climatic Regions & Climate Change Mod. 7 7_8 #5 in Module 7: Due Oct. 10 Oct. 9, 11 Take Exam #2 (Modules 4-7) on your home computer either 10/9 (1:00 pm), or 10/11 (7:30 pm). Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser. Oct. 11 Last day to sign up for Group Project Oct. 11-16 9_Earth’s Internal Energy and Structure Mod. 9 9a (2) Oct. 17-22 9_ Plate Tectonics Mod. 9 9b (2) #6 in Module 9 Due Oct. 24 Oct. 23-27 9_Minerals and Rocks Mod. 9 9c, 9d #7 in Module 9 (2) Due Oct. 31 Oct. 28 – 10_Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanism Mod. 10 10a, 10b, #8 in Module 10 Nov. 2 10c Due Nov. 7 Nov. 3-6 11_Weathering, Karst Landscapes, Mod. 11 11a, 11b Mass Movement Nov. 6, 8 Take Exam #3 (Modules 9-11) on your home computer either 11/6 (1:00 pm), or 11/8 (7:30 pm). Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser. Nov. 8-13 13_The Oceans and Coastal Systems Mod. 13 13a, 13b Nov. 14-20 14_Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes Mod.14, 14a, 14b, #9 in Module 14 14c Due Nov. 21

1

Dates

Topics

Module

Lectures Assignments (Optional) Nov. 20 Take make-up Exams 1-3 on your computer at 1:00 pm. Make-up exams are restricted to those who had valid excuses for missing an exam and have received my permission to make it up (see makeup policy below). Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser. You cannot retake an exam. Nov. 21 Extra Credit Group Project Due Nov. 22-25 15_Geography of Soils Mod. 15 15 Nov. 26–30 16_Ecosystem Essentials Mod. 16 16a, 16b Dec. 1-4 17_Terrestrial Biomes Mod. 17 17 #10 in Module 17 Due Dec. 5 Dec. 11, 13 Take Exam #4 (Modules 13-17) on your home computer either 12/11 (1:00 pm), or 12/13 (7:30 pm). Requires Respondus Lockdown Browser.

Access and Participation A. Access Requirements: Computer equipped with a webcam and microphone along with good internet connection are required for this course. The University of Houston is committed to student success, and provides information to optimize the online learning experience through our PowerOn website. Please visit this website for a comprehensive set of resources, tools, and tips including: obtaining access to the internet, AccessUH, and Blackboard; requesting a laptop through the Laptop Loaner Program; using your smartphone as a webcam; and downloading Microsoft Office 365 at no cost. For questions or assistance contact [email protected]. Let me know if you have any problems. B. Weekly Meetings: We will meet digitally Tuesdays at 1:00 pm (exact dates TBA) via Microsoft Teams (attendance optional) to discuss upcoming events and review the topics covered in the assigned Learning Module(s) for that week. Each meeting will be recorded for later viewing for those unable to participate. To access Teams, log into AccessUH and select the Microsoft 365 option, then select Teams from the menu. Note that you can download the app on your desktop. Let me know if you are unable to access this course in Teams. C. Recording of Class: Students may not record all or part of class, livestream all or part of class, or make/distribute screen captures, without advanced written consent of the instructor. If you have or think you may have a disability such that you need to record class-related activities, please contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES. If you have an accommodation to record class-related activities, those recordings may not be shared with any other student, whether in this course or not, or with any other person or on any other platform. Classes may be recorded by the instructor. Students may use instructor’s recordings for their own studying and notetaking. Instructor’s recordings are not authorized to be shared with anyone without the prior written approval of the instructor. Failure to comply with requirements regarding recordings will result in a disciplinary referral to the Dean of Students Office and may result in disciplinary action.

2

D. Excused Absence Policy: Regular class attendance, participation, and engagement in coursework are important contributors to student success. Absences may be excused as provided in the University of Houston Undergraduate Excused Absence Policy and Graduate Excused Absence Policy for reasons including: medical illness of student or close relative, death of a close family member, legal or government proceeding that a student is obligated to attend, recognized professional and educational activities where the student is presenting, and University-sponsored activity or athletic competition. Under these policies, students with excused absences will be provided with an opportunity to make up any quiz, exam or other work that contributes to the course grade or a satisfactory alternative. Please read the full policy for details regarding reasons for excused absences, the approval process, and extended absences. Additional policies address absences related to military service, religious holy days, pregnancy and related conditions, and disability. E. Dropping the Course: Wednesday, September 8, is the last day to drop this class without receiving a grade. Thursday, November 4, is the last day to withdraw from this class. F. Syllabus Changes: Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please note that the instructor may need to make modifications to the course syllabus and may do so at any time. Notice of such changes will be announced as quickly as possible through (specify how students will be notified of changes).

Learning Resources A. The Textbook is Elemental Geosystems, 9th Edition, by Christopherson and Birkeland, published by Pearson Education, Inc. (2019). You will also need to purchase an Access Code online for ‘My Lab Mastering’ if you plan to do the optional assignments. If you choose not to do the assignments, then you will not need an access code. Option A: The bookstore has the paperback textbook. ISBN: 9780134817446, for $130.95. You might also have the option to rent the textbook. The optional access code will need to be purchased separately online (see Option D below). The next three options (B, C, and D) are available online via the Pearson Mastering link on Blackboard: Option B: Paperback textbook + access code, ISBN 9780135165133: $140.95 Option C: Loose leaf text + access code, ISBN 9780135165126: $109.95 net Option D: Digital access to the textbook (eText) with or without the access code: Both eText + access code: $78.95 Access code only: $45.95. From within Mastering, you can request a print uprade for $45 to obtain a loose leaf copy of the text. Ground Shipping is free.

3

B. Gaining Access to Mastering: If you wish to purchase the eText and optional access code via the Pearson Mastering link on Blackboard, then read the document ‘Getting Started_MyLabMastering’ in the Welcome folder on Blackboard. Since the Mastering course is paired with Blackboard, no key or CourseID is required. Simply click on the Pearson Mastering button on the left menu, then select any course link from the Mastering platform. You will then be given the option to purchase the access code with or without the eText. PURCHASE AND REGISTER THE ACCESS CODE BEFORE THE END OF THE TRIAL PERIOD. Otherwise you’ll encounter problems when trying to register the access code after the trial period has ended. C. Geoscience Learning Center: See the GLC slide posted in the Welcome folder on Blackboard for hours of operation and other information. You can also communicate with the TAs at the GLC digitally via Microsoft Teams during regular GLC hours for help. The link to the GLC website is posted on the Course Content page on Blackboard.

The Course in Blackboard A. Blackboard Learn: Although we use Microsoft Teams for weekly meetings, the main forum for this class is Blackboard Learn. Log in via AccessUH at https://accessuh.uh.edu/login.php. If you are a first-time user of Blackboard, then follow the posted instructions. Note that you must be officially registered for this course in order to gain access in Blackboard. Become familiar with the course in Blackboard by browsing through the various features displayed on the Course Content (home) page. Open the folder labeled Welcome to access the syllabus and other important information. After familiarizing yourself with the course in Blackboard, take the Syllabus Acknowledgement Quiz posted in the Exams folder for 5 points extra credit on Exam 1. Note that you must first download and install the Respondus Lockdown Browser (see below) before you can take the quiz. B. Learning Modules: The materials for this course are contained within learning modules in Blackboard. The schedule above lists the assigned dates for each module. Module numbers correspond to chapter numbers in the textbook. When opening a module, a list of tasks will appear in the left menu. Begin at the top of the module and work your way down by reading the assigned chapter(s) and watching the lectures. Each module also contains the lecture slides as pdf files. I recommend printing the lecture slides and adding your own notes while watching the lectures. The annotated slides will be your study guide for upcoming exams. You will also find optional assignments in appropriate modules (see Assignments below). C. Communication: My office location, phone number, and UH e-mail are noted on the top of this syllabus. We will mostly communicate through Blackboard: • Important reminders and notices will be posted at the top of the Course Content (home) page. You should see these important messages when entering the course in Blackboard. • Become familiar with the Messages Tool located on the menu bar to the left of the Course Content page. The Messages Tool is like e-mail except that you can only send and receive messages from the instructor and students in the class. DO NOT USE THE MESSAGES TOOL FOR MASS MAILINGS TO EVERYONE IN CLASS. Use the

4

•

Messages Tool only for private communication with me or individual students in the class. You can also post messages in the Discussions Tool located on the left menu of the Course Content (home) page. USE THE DISCUSSIONS TO POST MESSAGES INTENDED FOR EVERYONE IN CLASS. Messages posted in the Discussions will be visible to everyone in the class. Open the Discussions Tool and select the appropriate topic to post your message. Start by selecting the Introductions topic, click the Create Message button, and enter your name in the Subject textbox. Then type a little about yourself and afterwards post your message for all to see. Note that you can also Reply to other posted messages. Check all topics in the Discussions Folder every two or three days for important reminders and other information that I will occasionally post. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP UP WITH ALL COMMUNICATIONS POSTED IN THE DISCUSSIONS.

Student Evaluation: Exams A. Exams: There will be four exams (Exams 1-4), each worth 25% of your total grade. Exam 4 will count as the final exam and will only pertain to material covered after Exam 3. You must take all four exams. No exam will be dropped. B. Taking Exams with Respondus: Take the exams as scheduled on your home computer equipped with webcam and microphone using the Respondus Lockdown Browser. The instructions and link for downloading the Respondus Lockdown Browser are at https://uh.edu/blackboard/downloads/Learn_LockdownBrowser_student_guide.pdf . The Respondus Monitor records the entire testing session on the student's webcam and uses software to detect possible cheating behaviors (for example, looking at a phone or other computer, talking to another person in the room, having another person take the test). After students have completed an exam, Monitor provides a visual rating of how likely it is that the student has displayed questionable behavior. Ratings that indicate a high likelihood of cheating behavior prompts the instructor to go into the student's session recording and look at time-stamped thumbnails of suspicious behavior. C. Exam Rules: I will be monitoring incoming messages during an exam, so let me know via email if you are encountering problems or have any questions. You are NOT PERMITTED to use a book, notes, slides, internet, nor any other information source while taking an exam. Communicating with others via GroupMe, phone, messaging, or any other method during an exam is STRICTLY PROHIBITED regardless of whether questions and answers are shared. DO NOT take screenshots of exam questions for any reason. I have access to your exam questions and do not need a screenshot, only the question number. Note that you are also required via university policy to report any incident of cheating regardless of whether you were involved. Violators will be penalized in accordance with university policy. The link to the UH policy for academic honesty is provided at the end of this syllabus.

5

D. Exam Format: The ~50 multiple-choice questions will be randomly selected from a test bank, so everyone will have a mix of different questions and the same questions in different order. The exam will be timed and automatically submitted after 60 minutes. E. Special Accommodations: Students with special accommodations with the CSD for extended test time will need to contact me individually no later than the week before Exam 1. F. Make-up Policy: The date and time for making up Exams 1-3 are indicated in the course schedule. YOU CAN ONLY MAKE UP AN EXAM BY CONTACTING ME WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE MISSED EXAM AND PRESENTING VALID DOCUMENTATION UPON REQUEST PROVING THAT MISSING THE EXAM WAS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL. Those who miss two exams must also present documentation proving that the second missed exam was unavoidable and beyond the control of the student. You will not be permitted to make up an exam without prior approval as described above. NOBODY WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE UP THREE EXAMS. G. Policy on Grades of I (Incomplete): If you miss one exam and are unable to make it up before the end of the semester, I will consider giving you an incomplete. You must first prove that the missed exam was due to circumstances beyond your control. You will then have one year to make up the exam. If you do not make up the exam in one year’s time, the incomplete will automatically be changed to an ‘F’. Note that you must have taken three of the four exams and have a reasonable chance of passing the course in order to receive an incomplete. DO NOT ASSUME THAT COMPLETING THREE OF FOUR EXAMS BY THE END OF THE SEMESTER WILL AUTOMATICALLY EARN YOU AN INCOMPLETE. If you cannot complete one exam by the end of the semester, you must contact me within 24 hours of the exam deadline with a valid excuse. I will then decide whether your reason for missing the exam warrants an incomplete. Failure to contact me about a missed exam will result in a zero for that exam, which will then be averaged with your other three exam scores for a final letter grade. See the UH Student Handbook for more information regarding incompletes.

Extra Credit Assignments (Optional) The assignments in Mastering are optional but provide an opportunity to add additional points to your average of four exams. You will need to purchase an access code from the publisher in order to do the assignments. See the document ‘Getting Started_MyLabMastering’ posted in the Welcome folder. Assignments and due dates are listed on the course schedule and are accessed via links in the Learning Modules on Blackboard. DO YOUR OWN WORK. SANCTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED FOR PLAGIARISM AS OUTLINED IN THE UH POLICY ON ACADEMIC HONESTY. After submitting your answers, your score will be recorded in the grade book on Blackboard. Late submissions will not receive credit. IMPORTANT: AFTER SUBMITTING AN ASSIGNMENT, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE GRADE BOOK TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SCORE WAS PROPERLY RECORDED. I do not keep track of assignment scores, so let me know immediately if the score was not properly recorded. Note that there is often a time lag between assignment submission and the score appearing in the grade book, so wait an hour or so before checking. The average of your ten (10)

6

assignment scores will then be calculated at the end of the semester and points equal to the (average assignment score * 0.1) will be added to the average of your four exams. Missed or past-due assignments will be assigned zeros and included in the average.

Extra Credit Group Project (Optional) Group Project (3% Extra Credit): The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board encourages teamwork in courses offered by state universities. In order to comply with this recommendation, extra credit will be awarded to those participating in group projects. Participation in a group project is optional. If you are interested in being part of a group project, then read the accompanying document Instructions For Group Project located in the Welcome Folder on the Course Content (home) page of Blackboard Learn. Members of successful projects with have their final course average (average of the four exams) increased by three percent. See the instructions for more information. You can only receive credit for one project.

Student Evaluation: Final Grade Your final grade will be based on the average of four exams in addition to the optional assignments and group project as follows: Final Score = (average of the four exams) + (0.1 x average of assignments) + (group project) You are only required to take the four exams. If you choose not to do the assignments or group project, then your final score will simply be the average of four exams. A course Letter Grade will be assigned to your Final Score as follows: (A) >90, (B) 80-89, (C) 70-79, (D) 60-69, (F)...