Trinity

Western University
Undergraduate Course Syllabus
Course Number: Geology 109
Course Name: Introduction to Physical Geology
Semester and Year: Fall 2015

Instructor: Terry Neufeldt
Contact Information: terry.neufeldt@twu.ca 604-513-2121 ext. 3532
Office Hours: NEU 126: Monday and Wednesday 2:30-3:30 or as posted
Co-requisites or Pre-requisites: none
Semester Hours: 3 semester hours, lab science credit

Course Description:
An introduction to the materials and processes of the physical Earth: rocks and minerals, earth
structure and composition, plate tectonics, volcanology, seismology, crustal deformation,
weathering and erosion, slope movement, sedimentation, wind and water processes, glaciation,
and geologic time. Earth materials and processes are studied in the laboratory and in the field.
This course is an Environmental Studies core requirement and it fulfills the core laboratory
science requirement. There are no required prerequisites.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Under each of the seven TWU Student Learning Outcomes (April 2015) listed below, relevant
activities and outcomes of this course are identified. As an introductory course in the field of
Geology, the main emphasis is on the first two SLOs.
1. Knowledge and its application
Students learn the basic vocabulary of geological sciences.
Students learn the processes that have formed and continue to form the interior of the
earth.
Students learn the surface processes that shape the surface of the earth and create the
landforms that surround us.
Students learn some the basic minerals and rocks that make up the earth.
Students learn about earth resources and the environment.

2. Cognitive complexity
Students learn to view the surface features of the earth and interpret the historical
processes that have been involved.
Students learn to identify rocks and the processes of formation by interpreting physical
properties of the rocks and the mineral constituents.
Students learn to make field observations and interpret the landforms.
Students learn to identify natural hazards in the environment.
Students learn to assess the information needed to direct decision making regarding
resource use and environmental stewardship.
3. Aesthetic expression and interpretation
Students appreciate the beauty and complexity of the physical creation.
4. Inter- and intra-personal wellness
Students work together in the lab and on the field trip to encourage and support each
others understanding and interpretation of the material at hand.
5. Spiritual formation
Students are introduced to the connection between the creation and the Creator.
Students are encouraged to develop a sense of awe regarding the beauty and
complexity of Gods creation.
Students are challenged to become active in their roles as stewards of creation.
6. Social responsibility and global engagement
Students learn the balance been personal and societal responsibility in terms of
resource use and care for the environment.
7. Leadership
Students learn to support and encourage others in the in developing skills in the lab.
Students will learn to appreciate the difficult choices that arise in leadership making
decisions that affect others and future generations regarding community planning,
resource use and environmental stewardship.

Required Texts and Materials:

Fletcher, Charles. et al. 2014, Introduction to Physical Geology, The Science of the Earth,
Canadian Edition. John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd, ISBN 978-1-118-30082-4
Additional resource: Physical Geology, Open textbook. www.openbccampus.ca

Course Activities/Requirements:
There will be 2 mid-term exams and a final exam for the lecture portion of the course that will
be a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions (including diagrams) evaluating the
understanding of concepts and the ability to use the appropriate language of Geology. The lab
portion of the course will be assessed by rock and mineral identification tests as well as a field
trip report. There will be a short (4-5 page) essay assignment that will require application of a
concept of the course to living in the physical creation. There will be a required Saturday field
trip.(see instructor regarding conflicts with dates).

Course Evaluation:
The SLOs described above are intended to be evident throughout the evaluation process with major
emphasis in specific areas.
Final Exam




35%
SLO 1, 2, 6
Mid- term Exams (2 x 10)


20%

1, 2, 6

Application Essay



10%

1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Field trip report



10%

1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Lab Tests (2 x 10)



20%

1, 2
Class participation



5%


7

Course Policies:
Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes on a regular basis. The TWU attendance policy allows for
the barring of students from the final exam if 25% of class time is missed. Students must achieve a
minimum 50% grade for each of the laboratory and lecture portions of the course in order to
achieve credit for the course.

Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism at TWU

One of the core values of Trinity Western University is the integration of academic excellence with
high standards of personal, moral, and spiritual integrity. The University considers it a serious
offence when an individual attempts to gain unearned academic credit. It is the students
responsibility to be informed about what constitutes academic dishonesty. For details on this, and
on identifying and avoiding plagiarism go to the University Homepage > Academics > Academic
Calendar > Academic Information > Academic Policies > Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Campus Closure and Class Cancellation Policy

In the event of extreme weather conditions or other emergency situations go to the University
Homepage > Campus Notification (in the page footer) > Class cancellation policy.

University Standard Grading System

The Standard Grading System can be found at the University Homepage > Academics > Academic
Calendar > Academic Information > Grading Practices University Homepage > Academics >
Academic Calendar > Academic Information > Grading Practices.

Students with a Disability

Students with a disability who need assistance are encouraged to contact the Equity of Access Office
upon admission to TWU to discuss their specific needs. All disabilities must be recently documented
by an appropriately certified professional and include the educational impact of the disability along
with recommended accommodations. Within the first two weeks of the semester, students must
meet with their professors to agree on accommodations appropriate to each class. Students should
follow the steps detailed by the Equity of Access Office outlined in the Student Life section of the
University Calendar.

Course Outline: Topics and dates subject to possible modification.

September 9: Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Geology
14: Chapter 1/2 - Geology/Solar System

16: Chapter 4 - Minerals

21: Chapter 3 - Plate Tectonics, Video - Birth of a Theory

23: Chapter 5 - Igneous Rock

28: Chapter 6 - Volcanoes

30: Chapter 7 - Weathering
October 5: Chapter 8 - Sedimentary Rock

7: Chapter 9 - Metamorphic Rock

14: Mid-Term 1
19: Chapter 10 - Geologic Resources

21: Chapter 11 - Mountain Building

24: Possible Field Trip Date

26: Chapter 12 - Earthquakes, Video - Quake hunters

28: Chapter 13 Geologic Time, Video - Geotime
November 2: Chapter 14 - Earths History

4: Chapter 15 - The Geology of Canada, Video - Where Terranes Collide

9: Mid Term 2

16: Chapter 16 - Global Warming
18: Chapter 17 - Glaciers and Paleoclimatology
23: Chapter 18 - Mass Wasting
25: Chapter 19 - Surface Water, Chapter 20 - Ground Water
30: Chapter 21 - Deserts and Wind
December 2: Chapter 22 - Coastal Geology, Chapter 23 - Marine Geology

7: Summary Review, Applied Concept Essay Due

Final Exam -TBA


Lab schedule:
September 9: No Lab

16: Introduction to Mineral Identification

23: Mineral Identification

30: Mineral Identification
October 7: Lab Test - Mineral Identification

14: Rock Classification and Identification

21: Rock Identification

28: Rock Identification
November 4: Lab Test - Rock Identification

18: Earthquakes and Geologic Time: Relative Dating

25: Geologic Time: Earth Processes
December 2: No lab