Field Methods
GEOL-4931 CRN-2052 Spring-2015
Scheduled Lecture: Lecture (9:30-10:45 Mon. and Wed.); Lab (2:00-3:50 Thurs.) Roney 203
Text: Coe, A.L. (Editor), 2010, Geological Field Techniques, Wiley-Blackwell Publishers, United Kingdom, 323 pages.
Instructor: Dr. Tom Weiland e-mail: Thomas.Weiland@gsw.edu Phone: 931-2327
Office Hours: 11:00 AM -12:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday and by Appointment
Tentative Lecture Schedule
Class Subject Readings
Wednesday, Jan. 14.......... Pre-Test and Introduction.............................. Chapter 1
Monday, Jan. 19................. Holiday
Wednesday, Jan. 21.......... Basic Equipment............................................. Chapter 2 (R.Quiz)
Monday, Jan. 26................. Basic Equipment............................................. Chapter 2
Wednesday, Jan. 28.......... Basic Equipment............................................. Chapter 2
Monday, Feb.2.................... Field Observations and Notebooks.............. Chapters 3 + 4 (R.Quiz)
Wednesday, Feb. 4............ Field Observations and Notebooks.............. Chapters 3 + 4
Monday, Feb. 9................... Field Observations and Notebooks.............. Chapters 3 + 4
Wednesday, Feb 11........... Data Interpretation and Report Writing........ Handouts
Monday, Feb.16.................. Data Interpretation and Report Writing........ Handouts
Wednesday, Feb. 18.......... Paleontological Data...................................... Chapter 5 (R.Quiz)
Monday, Feb. 23................. Paleontological Data...................................... Chapter 5
Wednesday, Feb. 25.......... Sediments and Sedimentary Rx................... Chapter 6 (R.Quiz)
Monday, March 2................ Sediments and Sedimentary Rx................... Chapter 6
Wednesday, March 4......... Sediments and Sedimentary Rx................... Chapter 6
Monday, March 9 .............. Midterm Lecture Test.................................... Chapters 1-6
Wednesday, March 11 ...... Igneous Rocks................................................. Chapter 7
Monday, March 16.............. Spring Break
Wednesday, March 18....... Spring Break
Monday, March 23.............. Igneous Rocks................................................. Chapter 7 (R.Quiz)
Wednesday, March 25....... Igneous Rocks ................................................ Chapter 7
Monday, March 30.............. Igneous Rocks................................................. Chapter 7
Wednesday, April 1............ Rock Structures............................................... Chapter 8 (R.Quiz)
Monday, April 6................... Rock Structures............................................... Chapter 8
Wednesday, April 8............ Metamorphic Rocks........................................ Chapter 9 (R.Quiz)
Monday, April 13................. Metamorphic Rocks........................................ Chapter 9
Wednesday, April 15.......... Metamorphic Rocks........................................ Chapter 9
Monday, April 20................. Geologic Maps................................................. Chapter 10 (R.Quiz)
Wednesday, April 22.......... Geologic Maps................................................. Chapter 10
Monday, April 27................. Water Quality Analysis................................... Handouts
Wednesday, April 29.......... Water Quality Analysis................................... Handouts
Monday, May 4th (10:30 AM- 12:30 PM)….Comprehensive Lecture Final….Chapters 1 to 10
Tentative Lab Schedule
Lab Day Subject
Jan. 15.......................... Pace and Compass Techniques
Jan. 22.......................... Brunton Triangulation and Distance Calculations
Jan. 29.......................... Transit Mapping
Feb. 5........................... GPS Mapping
Feb. 12......................... Sediment Descriptions – GSW Bowen Property
Feb. 19......................... Outcrop Description – GSW Well Samples
Feb. 26......................... GSW Lake Project Report Preparation
March 5........................ Outcrop Descriptions – Location TBD
March 12...................... Outcrop Descriptions – Location TBD
March 19...................... Spring Break
March 26...................... Igneous Rock Descriptions
April 9-12..................... Blue Ridge/Valley and Ridge Field Trip
April 16......................... Stream, Lake and Groundwater Analysis
April 23......................... Stream, Lake and Groundwater Analysis
Needed Equipment
Field Notebook; Small Clear Protractor; 6" Ruler; 2 or 3 Mechanical Pencils; Eraser; Hand Lens;
Rock Hammer; Permanent Marker Pen; Three-Ring Binder and Small Backpack or Bookbag
Course Objectives
· Provide training and background information on the most useful techniques and equipment used in the collection of geologic data
· Provide a basic understanding of the theoretical basis for modern field techniques
· Improve data interpretation and technical writing skills.
Grading
Weekly Field Notes and Reports (4% each)............48%
Lecture Tests (midterm and final – 18% each).......36%
Field Project.....................................................................12%
Reading Quizzes (1% each)…………………………...8%
104%
Attendance and Other Class Policies
11) All students at Georgia Southwestern State University are to abide by published rules outlining academic honesty. Please review the “Policy on Academic Integrity” from the GSW Undergraduate Bulletin that can be found at the following URL: https://gsw.edu/campus-life/resourcesinformation/studenthandbook/academic-information#ACADEMIC-INTEGRITY-POLICY In addition, it is possible that this course will involve the use of plagiarism-prevention technology. For example, you may be required to submit written assignments on-line through a plagiarism-prevention service or to allow me to submit copies of your writing to such a service. The written assignments may then be retained by the service for the sole purpose of checking for plagiarized content in future student submissions.
2) A student requesting classroom accommodations or modifications due to a documented disability must notify me within the first two weeks of the semester. The student must also contact and register with the Office of Disability Services located in Room 101 of Sanford Hall. Their phone number is 229-931-2661.
3) Attendance is required for both lecture, lab and field trips. If you miss any exam or activity, you must have a valid excuse to make it up. Failure to provide an adequate excuse within one week of the absence will result in a grade of zero on the exam. Anyone arriving late for a lecture test after someone has already completed the test and left the classroom, will not be allowed to take the test unless a valid and appropriate excuse is provided.
4) Come to class prepared to learn. You should not be talking with your neighbor during class unless it is necessary for an activity. Pay attention and take notes as appropriate. All electronic devices must be turned off before class begins. You will be asked to leave class if your phone rings, you are texting messages, you repeatedly talk during lecture or if you are disruptive in any manner. If there is a special situation where you need to receive and respond to cell phone messages, you must see me before class for permission.
5) Labs and associated field notes will be collected and graded each week. Ten percent (10%) will be deducted from you grade for each day the lab is late. Missed labs must be made up by the student on their own time.
6) Course information will occasionally be sent to your GSW student email account
(Radar address). It is important that you check and maintain this email account.