Geology 100
Fall 2014
Introduction
This course will get you thinking like a field geologist. Most of the labs are designed to help you along this journey by getting you outside to bang on rocks, muck around in rivers, and learn how to ask questions that can be answered using careful observation, collection and interpretation of data, and experimentation. You’ll find quickly that there is rarely a right answer in geology but there are often several possible answers with perhaps a good answer and an even better answer among them. In the process of going outside each week, you’ll learn a great deal about the geology of the Northfield area as well as basic field geology skills.Learning goals
Much of your success in this course will be measured on your ability to think like a scientist rather than your ability to recall facts (although a moderate amount of recollection of concepts and terms is necessary, too).Text
Reynolds, Johnson, Kelly, Morin & Carter, 2008. Exploring Geology, McGraw Hill. Any version of the text is probably okay although the exact assignments might vary.Grading
This is the likely breakdown for grading - subject to change depending on weather and timing. For more information about each category, continue reading below this list.- 40% - Exams
- 10% - Field practical
- 10% - Class and field trip participation
- 20% - Laboratory exercises
- 20% - GeoBook
Exams and field practical
There will be at least two exams – one around mid-term break and another near the end of the term. There may also be a lab practical involving indoor and outdoor components (but this may be weather dependent).Field trips
There are two all-day required field trips for this course: Sunday October 5th and Sunday November 2nd.There is also optional field trip with the entire geology department over mid-term break. The trip leaves on Saturday October 11th and returns on Wednesday the 15th. If you are at all considering geology as a possible major, be brave and sign-up for the trip.
Laboratory exercises
Labs will be focused on the local geology in SE Minnesota. We will often go outside, so you'll need to dress appropriately (sturdy shoes, no flip-flops).Your main writing assignments for this course are based on our lab activities, so be neat and thorough in your write-ups. The format for the write-ups is meant to mimic the textbook - you'll use an 11x17 inch sheet of paper to ask and answer a question. You should combine text and images in order to address the question. The images could be maps, cross-sections, cartoons, sketches, etc. The audience for this assignment is your fellow classmates, but consider including enough information that your parents might even be able to follow along.