MINERAL AREA COLLEGE

 

FALL  2011 COURSE SYLLABUS

 

COURSE TITLE: PHS 2420AA01 EARTH SCIENCE I

 

CLASS HOUR: AA01  (MWF 9:00-9:50)

 

Dept Chair: Brian Scheidt

 

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Scheidt

Office #212B AS Building

Office Telephone 573-518-2314

Email: bscheidt@mineralarea.edu

Office Hours M-F 10:00-10:50

 

Text: Tarbuck and Lutgens: Earth Science 13th Ed., Prentice-Hall New Jersey, 2011.

 

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. Students will develop the technical vocabulary necessary to understand and correctly use terminology specific to the earth sciences.
  2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts of geology and oceanography by correctly answering a majority multiple choice questions and essay questions presented on exams and quizzes.
  3. Students will become aware of the scientific method and how it applies to earth studies.
  4. Students will develop an awareness of the geologic time lines concerning geology and oceanography.
  5. Students will develop an awareness of the significance of the earth sciences with regards to society both past and present and with interaction between humans and the environment.

 

 

LEARNING EXPERINCES

  1. Students are expected to participate in lectures and discussions.  In order to do so students shall complete reading assignments prior to class time.
  2. Students will be familiar with and able to identify and describe common rocks and minerals.
  3. Students will have an opportunity to view various visual materials designed to clarify concepts and to enhance understanding of key concepts of the earth sciences.

 

 

GRADING

              There will be a test after each unit in the textbook.  Each will consist of multiple choice, short answer and/or short essay questions.  Tests of equal value will be given during the semester.  In addition to the tests throughout the semester, there will also be a comprehensive final.  No make-up exams will be given.  Your lowest non-final test score will be dropped.  The final cannot be dropped.

 

              Quizzes are usually unannounced and offered in the first or the last few minutes of class.  If you are late to class or miss class you will not be able to make the quiz up. 

 

***Cell phones use in class is not permitted.  In accordance to school policy, if you use a cell phone (texting or talking) you will be counted absent that day.

 

Grading will be based on total points from the lecture quizzes and tests

 

Tests      (Including the final)      =                          75%

Quizzes                                         =                          25%

 

 

GRADE SCALE

              A= 90-100%     B=80- 89%        C=70-79%         D=60-69%        F=<60%

 

AMERICANS with DISABILITES ACT of 1990

If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need any test or course material provided in an alternative format, notify your instructor immediately.  Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your needs.

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE

              It is college policy that a student will be dropped for non-attendance after two weeks of consecutive absence.  A student may also be dropped for “excessive absences.”  Two weeks of classes (other than excused school activities) at any time during the semester will be considered excessive and the student will be dropped.  The instructor will have the final authority to drop any student for excessive absence or conduct disruptive to the class.  Students are expected to arrive on time for class every two times a student will arrive late will count as one absence.  If a student misses more than two weeks of class they may be dropped from class. 

 

WITHDRAWAL

              A student who wishes to withdraw from class must complete a Drop Slip available in the Main Office.  Failure to do so may result in a failing grade for the course rather than a drop for non-attendance.  If a student wishes to withdraw from all classes for any reason, a Withdrawal from School form, available in the Student Service Office must be completed.

 

DISHONESTY POLICY

If any student conducts themselves inappropriately as indicated by the board policy manual (cheating, plagiarism, forgery, etc.) the student will receive a failing grade in the class and the student will additionally the case may be submitted to the Committee on Student Conduct and Welfare.

 

HONORS

              This class is offered for honors.  If you would like more information about honors, see me. (Brian Scheidt)