Earth: Dynamic Planet!

Geology-102 Lecture: Fall 2021 (4 credits)

This is a science course that explores our planet, Earth (structure, origin, history, resources, environment, and climate). 51-102 fulfills the USP "Explore" course requirement.

Section: B09C (Afternoon) (all the cool people)

Instructor: Dr. Eric Hiatt Office: Harrington Hall 214 E-mail: hiatt@uwosh.edu Phone: (920) 424-7167 Web site: http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/hiatt/ Research Information: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Hiatt Publications: Google Scholar More Research: https://uwosh.academia.edu/EricHiatt General Background: Eric Hiatt's Background       Class Schedule: Lectures in-person: M, W, F: 1:50-2:50 in Halsey 109     Office hours: On Collaborate Ultra 10:30-11:30 AM Monday & Wed., 3:15-4:00 PM M, W, & F and by appointment (email)

Important Dates:
First Lecture: Wednesday, Sept. 8.
Last day to add without instructor signature: Sept. 14
Last Day to Add with Instructor’s Signature: Tuesday, October 5
Early Alert: Wednesday, October 6 - Tuesday, October 12
Last day to drop without Late Drop Appeal: October 22
(here is a link to the Registrar's Drop-Add form)
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
Last day of semester: Friday, December 17
Graduation: Saturday, December 18

Things to consider before dropping a course. Information on repeating a course.

Covid-19 Pandemic Requirements: All faculty, staff, students, and guests to the University are required to wear a face covering (properly) while inside University buildings, including classrooms.

UWO Campus Covid mask policy:

“All students are required to wear an appropriate mask that covers their mouth and nose when they’re in the classroom. They must also adhere to additional expectations communicated by the instructor or posted in the classroom. Note: UWO procedure dictates that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an instructor cannot begin class until all students are wearing a mask properly. If a student is non-compliant with the masking policy and refuses to leave the classroom promptly when requested, the instructor is required to cancel class. Students responsible for class cancellation for these reasons will be referred to the Dean of Students office, and the student will be unable to attend class until they meet with the Dean of Students. The student may be dropped from the class by the Dean of Students."

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What is a university education? A university is not like high school, a community college, or a technical school. The purpose of a university is to: 1) discover and develop new knowledge (in science and the arts), and 2) to bring knowledge to society through scientific publications and teaching. You will often hear your experience at UW Oshkosh described as a liberal arts education, which is a term that attempts to encapsulate the university experience but is, in fact, only part of the larger university experience in science. At a university, you should learn how to problem solve, to think critically, explore fields and areas of interest, learn about cultures, and society -- in addition to learning general aspects and specifics of a range of topics within your major. At a university, you are given many opportunities to learn from experts in various fields of study, and to explore the world of knowledge -- take advantage of these opportunities!

Assessment (Grades): Your course grade will be based on three lecture exams (50%), your lab grade (30%), and in-class** and homework exercises (20%). Note: you must attend the lab to pass the course, and you must pass the laboratory portion of the course to receive a passing grade in the overall course.

Again Note that you must attend lab to pass the lab portion of the course, and you must receive a passing grade in the laboratory to receive a passing grade in the overall course. Also: you must show respect to fellow students and instructors in this course (Lecture and Lab). Rude, disruptive, and disrespectful behavior, including talking during lecture, text messaging, treating others disrespectfully, and cheating will not be tolerated and can result in a lowered course grade or possible removal from the course.  A portion of your course grade comes from participation (questions and sketches in lecture and labs); to receive full credit for participation you must not only show up, but also be productive and respectful. Please acknowledge that you have read this and a brief summary of the meaning of grades in this course by printing, signing and handing in this course agreement,

**In-Class exercises will include written answers to questions, and interpretive sketches based on photos shown to the class and lecture homework assignments. Due to the size of the class, you should make a copy of your homework before you hand it in because it could be an extended time before you receive your homework assignment back. You are welcome to stop by during office hours to pick up your assignment if you wish.

Homeworks will include online chapter summary questions using the required online system (textbook and learning system), which can be accessed directly on Canvas. The assignments are due at the times to be specified. The assignments will help you keep up with the reading and course.

This course fulfills the USP - Explore course requirement.

Grade scale: 93% and up = A; 90-92 = A-; 87-89 = B+; 83-86 = B; 80-82 = B-; 77-79 = C+; 73-76 = C; 69-72 =C-; 66-68 = D+; 63-65 = D; 60-62 = D-; <60% = F

Meaning of letter grades:

A = Awesome, outstanding, understands almost all of the required material and completed all assignments, did not miss class. Was engaged, focused, and actively worked. Reads textbook and other materials, and studies outside class.
B = Better, strong understanding of material. Was engaged and worked, reads textbook and studies outside class.
C = Good, understands most of material, but may not have been an active participant.
D = Danger, only understands a little more than half the material. Possibly missed classes, may not have been engaged, and probably didn't complete assignments. Texting, Snapchat? Not engaged in class?
F = Failure to understand about less than half of the required material. May have missed classes, may not have been engaged. Texting? Facebook? Snapchat? TikTok? Other priorities?


Exams: The lecture exams will be weighted equally, can cover material from lab.  You will receive your exam results within 10 days after completing the exam.

Special Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with disabilities. Please contact Disability Services (424-3100 (voice) or 424-1319 (TTY)) or visit their web site at http://www.uwosh.edu/dean/disabilities.htm for the University’s accommodation request form and documentation requirements. Information related to an individual’s accommodation request will be kept confidential.

Academic Integrity: The Wisconsin Administrative Code states: “Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others academic endeavors.” (§ UWS 14.01) Plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are serious offenses with severe penalties. See the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Academic Misconduct Code for definitions of academic misconduct and details about procedures, sanctions, and other relevant information. Specific questions about the provisions in the Student Discipline Code should be directed to the Dean of Students Office. If you do not understand this statement, please see me as soon as possible.

Goals of this course (Learning Outcomes): Geology is the scientific study and exploration of the Earth, including its origins, history and structure, as well as its environment and climate. This Physical Geology course is designed to explore Earth and give you an understanding of how the planet works. Goals include: 1) what causes earthquakes, 2) how old is the Earth and how we know, 3) how has Earth evolved into the world that we see today, 4) the nature, limitations, and benefits associated with extracting natural resources, such as petroleum, 5) you will learn how minerals are used to build society and some of the associated health and environmental impacts, 6) the geologic history of Wisconsin, and 7) how geopolitics play a role in international relationships and the global economy. For all of these reasons, study of Physical Geology is part of a well-rounded university education. More than this, it is your responsibility as an educated member of a democracy to have a basic understanding of how the world works, as well as an understanding of social, political, and societal aspects of natural resources.

How to succeed in this course: Attendance in the in-person lecture is important for success, and completing the labs is an absolute requirement. The general rule for work outside of class is one to three hours spent reading, doing homeworks, and studying for each credit hour. Preview the lecture textbook chapters ahead of time, and especially read your lab manual chapter before your lab meets each week.

Physical Geology Lecture Schedule: Fall 2021

Here is a list of resources to review writing, grammar, math, chemistry, geology, biology, and other sciences.

Important Dates:
First Lecture: Wednesday, Sept. 8.
Last day to add without instructor signature: Sept. 14
Last Day to Add with Instructor’s Signature: Tuesday, October 5
Early Alert: Wednesday, October 6 - Tuesday, October 12
Last day to drop without Late Drop Appeal: October 22
(here is a link to the Registrar's Drop-Add form)
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
Last day of semester: Friday, December 17
Graduation: Saturday, December 18