Syllabus

Instructor: Dr. Arpita Nandi

Room: 204B

Email : nandi@etsu.edu

Office hours: Mon, Wed 1:30 to 2:30 pm or by appointment

Class time:

MWF 8:15 – 9:10 am and MW 9:20- 10:15 am.

Monday will be reserved for lab.

Required textbook:

Essentials of Physical Geology,  5^th Ed. R. Wicander  and J.S Monroe.

Course goal:

This class will cover the basic concepts of physical geology, emphasizing surficial and deep earth processes, including rock formation, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, formation of landscapes, and crustal deformation.

Attendance and participation:

Class attendance is mandatory for both lecture and laboratory and will be monitored by class roll. Five unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.  Random pop-quizzes (with no make-ups) may be used to reward attendance. 

All laboratory assignments will be due before the start of the next lab class, no exceptions. 

Field trips:

There will be a visit to the Gray Fossil Site in lieu of one lab.  This trip is required and material presented during the site visit will be included on an exam.  A second, optional EXTRA CREDIT (5%) field trip that visits road-cuts along I-26 will be offered on a weekend.  You will be asked to sign an ETSU Liability Waiver for this trip.

Exams and Grading:

2 midterm exams (50-point): 15% each

Final exam (comprehensive 100-point): 25%

Laboratory assignments: 15%

Laboratory exam: 15%  

In class presentation: 10 %

Class participation: 5%

Make up exams are at the sole discretion of the instructor.  The instructor should be informed of an impending absence before an exam.  All make up exams will consist of essay questions. Information about in-class presentation will be provided in due time.

Academic dishonesty:

For the purposes of this class, academic dishonesty is defined to include: cheating on exams, plagiarism (know what this means), or turning in someone else's work as your own. Academic dishonesty shall result in a failing grade.

Students with Disabilities

In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course; please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

Schedule of lectures