Class Syllabus, 2011

Geology 208: Geology of the Pacific Northwest (3540A) Rm: B262 & Beyond
Lecture/Lab: T Th 11:30 - 2:30, F 11:30 - 3:45 (additional field trip time TBA)
Instructor: Rob Viens Office: L200C
Phone: (425) 564-3158 E-Mail: rob.viens@bellevuecollege.edu

Office Hours:By appointment (Also available for questions by e-mail)
Class Web Site: http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/rv/208/

Required Texts:

  • Northwest Exposures: A Geologic Story of the Northwest (1995) by David Alt and Donald W. Hyndman.
  • Geology 208 Course Packet — Field Handbook, Lab Exercises, and Lecture Handouts (4th Edition (2011)) by Rob Viens

Optional Text:

  • The Restless Northwest (2002) by Hill Williams
  • Geology: A Self-Teaching Guide (2001) by Barbara Murck

Required Materials: Handlens and field notebook (available at the bookstore)

Day-by-Day Calendar (Including Field Trips) | Weekly Reading Assignments

Lecture: Attendance will not be taken; however, graded exercises, field trips, and discussions will be completed during every class time and the exams will be based on lecture material as well as readings from the text, so it is highly recommended that you do attend! The class web site lists the assigned reading from the textbook & lab manual - watch for updates throughout the quarter. It is in your best interest to complete the assigned readings before lecture. (I will also place a couple of Introductory Geology books on reserve at the library for optional readings.) Interaction, questions, discussions are encouraged and expected. Cell phones, talking in class, recurring late arrivals, and other disruptions are distracting to other students and the instructor and will not be tolerated during class time. Recurring problems will be reported to the Dean of Student Services and can result in suspension and/or loss of credit.

Technology: Please remember that class time - including field trip stops - are for class activities. Please remember to shut off cell phones (or put them on silent), do not us class time to text, and if you use a laptop, it should only be used for note taking or activities directly related to the material we are working on. Ringing cell phones, texting, and other uses of a laptop are distracting to others.

Grades:

Labs/Exercises

150

Field Trips

150

Final Project

100

Midterms/Final

150

Total

550 pts

Labs/Exercises: There will be at least one lab assignment per week plus several short take-home or in-class exercises for a total of 150 points. Assignments will be from handouts & the Course Packet. Each lab will be completed during the class period(s) by groups of 3 to 4 people. Each lab assignment is due in class at the end of class time unless I specifically say otherwise. Late labs will receive a zero. There are NO LAB MAKE-UPS and starting lab late will receive reduced credit – so arrive on time

Field Trips: At least six field trips will be offered during the quarter (5 Friday trips and 1 “weekend” trip). You are required to attend 5 trips. Note that at least one of these trips will take place (at least partly) outside of class time. (Everyone must attend the first trip, after that you will sign up for 4 more.) Your grade will be based on attending the trip, participating, asking questions, and any written assignments/exercises associated with the trip. (You may attend more than five trips as long as space is available.) I have listed potential times for longer field trips on the web site, however, we will discuss and deside on times on the first day of class.

Final Project: The final project gives you the chance to explore further an aspect of the geology of the northwest that interests you. At the end of the quarter each person will present their project to the rest of the class. (Details will be distributed separately.)

Exams: There will be two exams during the quarter. There are no makeup exams so please carefully note the dates. The second exam will occur week 6, and will be followed with a short take-home portion due week 7 (that covers the last lectures).

Communications: The class web site <http://scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/rv/208/ > is one of our main lines of communication outside of class. Reading assignments and the updated class calendar will be available on the site, and in addition I will post many of the assignments and lectures that are provided in class. Check the web site (and your email) regularly for updates, and feel free to contact me any time outside of class time by email if you have any questions.

Special Needs Students:  Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office, room B233-G (telephone 425.564.2498 or TTY 425.564.4110), to establish their eligibility for accommodation.  The DRC office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter. Students who require accommodation in class must review the DRC accommodation letter with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. Students with mobility challenges who may need assistance in case of an emergency situation or evacuation should register with Disability Resource Center, or review those needs with the instructor as well. The DRC web site is at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/drc/

Extra Credit, Make-ups, Incompletes: Opportunities for one or two extra credit assignments (including additional field trips) will be offered during the quarter. I do not allow any other type of extra credit, make-ups, or incompletes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All assignments are due on the dates assigned, and will receive reduced credit if turned in late.  Assignments will not receive any credit if turned in more than two days late.  All assignments should be typed.  Handwritten assignments will be returned for resubmittal

Science Division Policy on Cheating: You, the student, are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. If you cheat*, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust. If you cheat, the following actions will be taken:

1. You will receive a grade of "0" on the work (exam, assignment, lab, quiz, etc.), where the cheating occurred. This grade cannot be dropped.

2. A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Students. He may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.

If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal. (For a description of due process, see WAC 132H-120.)
*Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or assignments, glancing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, stealing, plagiarizing, and illicitly giving or receiving help on exams or assignments.

Back to Main Geology 208 Page / Bellevue College Home Page

Questions about the class or website: Contact the instructor, Rob Viens at rob.viens@bellevuecollege.edu

Last Updated Friday, June 24, 2011