Gls210 01 Geomorphology
Laboratory Syllabus - Fall 2010

General Information

• Instructor: Dr. Lindley Hanson, Ph.D.
• Office: MH 331E
• Phone: 978-542-6701
• Email:  lhanson@salemstate.edu (REF:GLS210)
• Office hrs: T 12:30-2:00 and TR 12:30-2:00 or by appointment (see schedule)
• Hours: Lecture MWF 12:30-1:20 / Lab L21 (M 1:30-4:20)

Requirements

1. GEOS Lab Manual: Exercises in Geomorphology (Prentice Hall Custom Lab Manual)
2. Composition book (Quad ruled is best.)
3. Laptop in good working order. No excuses.  If you have a virus or other problem take it to IT immediately. Bring it to class and lab everyday.
4. For Lab: Laptop, Colored pencils, #2 pencils, cm ruler

Goals and Objectives

Goals for the lab are the same as those for the course.  Performance based objective are presented in each lab, some of which are listed below:

Objectives

Performance will be based on the ability to:

• Measure lengths, area, volume, and density and make linear conversions
• Identify and describe processes of weathering, mass wasting and erosion
• Locate and identify features on contour maps, DEMs, and satellite imagery
• Work with map scales and calculate vertical exaggeration
• Use data from contour maps to construct profiles and cross sections, define drainage basins, and determine morphometric parameters such as slope and river channel gradients, sinuosity ratio,  stream order and magnitude, elongation ratio, and drainage density
• Use Google Earth, ImageJ and Excel to measure and graph data
• Identify basic tectonic structures and their influence on drainage patterns
• Recognize features related to ancient and recent faulting
• Identify and classify elements of a fluvial system and processes shaping it
• identify hydrologic divides and infer the direction of surface and groundwater flow from maps
• Evaluate geomorphic parameters that influence flooding
• Identify elements of a slope and locate regions of instability
• Identify volcanic features and relate them to magma composition and behavior and hazard potential
• Identify and interpret features in an arid landscape
• Differentiate continental and alpine glaciated landscapes
• Differentiate between constructional and destructional landscapes
• Identify glacial deposits and landforms in the field and from maps and photos
• Relate glacial deposits to land use, stream flow, and groundwater resources
• Infer lithology, structure, and process from bedrock landforms
• Identify karst features in varying tectonic and climatic regions
• Construct annotated concept sketches of features seen in the field, and on maps and air photography
• Write accurate field summaries and draw informative concept sketches

The above objectives will be assessed through quizzes, notebook content, labs, and final exam.

Schedule of labs

The approximate list of lab topics is outlined below.  An adjustment in the number and order of labs may be necessary depending on weather and/or unforeseen events.

* Laptop required for lab

Grade Evaluation (35% of Final Grade)

Your lab grade is based on the criteria listed below.  Everyone who attends and actively participates in each lab should get 40 points.  Any lab missed must be made up on your own or during another lab period within one week. Any unexcused (i.e. medical, jury duty, etc) lab missed will result in a 5 points grade reduction.  Each lab will start with a quiz based on material covered from the previous lab, and readings assigned for current lab preparation.  You will be held accountable for all preparation and material covered. You will have 20 to 30 minutes to complete the quiz.  Late arrivals will not get extra time to complete a quiz.

LAB GRADE

Make up policy

Labs: If you miss a lab you can either make it up during the other lab or on your own.  It must be completed before your next lab period. Lab manual exercises will be reviewed in class and checked for completion and accuracy. Other labs will be turned in for grading. Lab calculations and notes will also be check when you turn in your notebook. The lab grade is based on participation, assessment of assignments and follow-up quizzes. You must have all assigned laboratory exercises completed by the end of the semester.  For each lab missing 5 points will be deducted from your total lab grade.  Submitted labs must conform to the SSC's writing policy (see lecture syllabus) and be in word.doc format.

Quizzes: Unless I am contacted and makeup arrangements are made before or during the day of a quiz you will not be able to make it up.

In case school closes for any reason we will continue the course online.  Check the course moodle site for instructions. You will read the text and website material and continue to take the online quizzes. You will be assigned labs from your lab manual and other resources. 

Changes to the syllabus:

This is a very ambitious schedule of field trips and assignments. Changes may be necessary due to extenuating circumstances, such as illness or inclement weather or budgetary restrictions.  Changes will be posted on WebCT and announced in class.

Laptop Policy

Laptops in the classroom are to be used only for classroom activies, referencing, and taking notes.  Anyone caught during class time using their computer for social networking, shopping, or browsing for materials unrelated to course activities will be dismissed and will have three points deducted from their final grade.

General Rule

You are responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on in class, whether or not your are present. Set up a network of classmates who can take notes and cover for you when you are sick. Classmates can be an incredible resource, use them. Work together, study together, complain together, and learn together. But, if you work together on labs, make sure that you personally understand the material.

Salem State College is committed to non-discrimination of handicapped persons as specified in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973. Students who qualify as handicapped persons under the definition of this act should notify the instructor at the beginning of the course so that reasonable modifications in course requirements can be taken.