Course information and logistics
"GLG 362 Geomorphology. (3) N
Land forms and processes which create and modify them. Laboratory and
field study of physiographic features. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, possible
weekend field
trips. Prerequisite: GLG 101. Pre- or corequisite: GLG 310. " -- ASU
Bulletin
Instructor:
Ramón Arrowsmith
PSF 640
Office hours: 12-1 Mondays (or by appt.)
Office #: 965-3541
Email (preferred): ramon.arrowsmith@asu.edu
Teaching Assistant:
Jeri J. Young
PSF 481
Office hours: TBA
Office #: 965-4053
Email (preferred): jeri.young@asu.edu
Classroom: PS H450
Tuesday and Thursday lecture 4:40-5:55pm Tuesday Lab: 1:40-4:30
GLG362 (undergraduate students) line #: 89153
GLG598 (graduate students--who will have additional class assignments) line #: 98893
Textbook: (will be supplemented significantly by handouts): Process Geomorphology, Ritter, Kochel, Miller, 4th edition, William C. Brown Pubs., 2002.
My Philosophy: This class should provide you insight and tools to interpret the landscape. We are directly affected by earth surface processes. You will learn about these processes and the resultant landforms, as well as important graphical, computer, and field techniques that you may find useful in advanced geology courses, your own research, or in the geotechnical and environmental profession.
Objectives: This course is partially a typical review of knowledge, but also it is a presentation of techniques. I hope that you will be able to visualize and measure the landscape, gain intuition about surficial processes and landforms, and appreciate the utility of engineering approaches to geology.
Your Grade: Your grade in Geology 362/598 will be based upon a total of approximately 1400 points consisting of:
Two in-class examinations worth 100 points each: 100x2 = 200
A required final project worth 200 points: 200x1 = 200
approximately 20, very short, in and out of class assignments
(worth 10 points each)*: 10x20 = 200
3 Field trip write ups (worth 100 points each) 100x3 = 300
10 Laboratory assignments (worth 50 points each) 10x150 = 500
*The in-class assignments cannot be made-up.
For the graduate students taking the course, in addition to my higher expectations for your performance, you will be expected to present a half hour discussion of a paper or papers relevant to our class and your own research during a laboratory period. This will be graded and be worth 100 points. The approximately 10 minute presentation will be oral and be followed by a discussion moderated by you. I will also expect a ~5 page illustrated write up to be handed out to the class at the time of your presentation. We will select the papers together.
Grades will not be assigned on a curve. There is not a predetermined number of As, Bs, or Cs. You are competing against my expectations, not your classmates. I have different expectations for any graduate students taking this course. I will occasionally post point totals so you can see how you are doing. The way to get a good grade in this course is consistent productivity. Don't miss any assignments, and keep up with the lectures, the labs, and the reading. If you have questions or difficulties, see me or Lee.
Make-up exams: I strongly discourage missing an exam. If you miss an hour exam due to an excused (OK'd by me beforehand) absence, then I MAY permit you to make it up. Missing a test due to an unexcused absence will result in a zero for that test.
Field trip write ups: Our three Saturday field trips will highlight aspects of the lecture and labs and you will be required to submit a write up and drawings for both. I will provide details before the trips.
Final project: Instead of a final exam, you will be required to submit a final project. I expect a significant effort of original research on a geomorphic process or problem of your choice. This may (should) be tied to research for your thesis or work or other project if possible. Your project should be based upon original library, field or experimental research. Your write up must be reviewed by two of your classmates before turning it in. These persons should write comments, corrections, and suggestions on a draft of your paper, and then sign the bottom and include their ID#s. You should then incorporate their suggestions (at least those that are valid) into your final paper and drawings. You will turn in the reviewed draft with classmates reviews and the final draft. One of the best ways to learn is to edit someone else's writing.
In order to help you to make progress on this project, I have established the following milestones for you:
Final project topic due: October 8
General outline and sample text (~3 pages) and illustration for final project due: 11/7
Laboratory assignments: The technique side of this course will be presented and practiced in the Lab. Each lab will have an assignment that will generally be due at the beginning of lab the next week. Neatness will count!
Reading: Many students (including me) fall behind on their reading. If you donít read it now, you never will. Therefore, the syllabus indicates the reading that I will expect that you will have done by that lecture, and you will be tested on both exams and in-class quizzes to motivate your reading. The lectures will not simply recite the reading, but will build on it, so you must keep up with the reading.
Internet: One of the techniques that I expect you learn in this course is the utility of the Internet for exchanging information. I will post many handouts and supplemental information to the course web pages at:
http://www.public.asu.edu/~arrows/geomorph/geomorphology.html
Please email us first with questions. Of course you may call or stop
by our offices, but we encourage you to try the Internet first.
Note: Any student who feels that he or she may need accommodations for any sort of physical or learning disability, please speak to me after class, make an appointment to see Ramon or Jeri, or see us during our office hours.