GLG 310 Structural Geology

Course information and logistics

"Geologic structures and the mechanical processes involved in their formation. Possible field trips. Prerequisites: GLG 101; MAT 270 or 290." -- ASU Bulletin

Prerequisites: I will be very strict on Geology majors about the calculus requirement.

Textbook: Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, by Davis and Reynolds (John Wiley and Sons, Inc.).

We will also use handouts from the following:

Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques (4th edition draft), by Ragan and Arrowsmith (John Wiley and Sons, Inc.)

Principles and Practice of Structural Geology (textbook draft), by Pollard and Johnson

Tectonics, by E. Moores and R. Twiss

My Philosophy: This is probably the most important course in geology that you will take. You will learn about the geometry, mechanics, and processes of rock deformation, as well as important graphical, computer, and field techniques that you will be expected to know in advanced geology courses.

University objectives:

Provide essential knowledge and training for the undergraduate Geology major.

Instructor 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 in 3-D, gain intuition about the processes and geometry of the deformation of rocks, and appreciate the utility of engineering approaches to geology.

Your Grade: Your grade in Geology 310 will be based upon a total of about 1500 points consisting of:

Two in-class examinations worth 100 points each: 100x2 = 200

A required final exam worth 200 points: 200x1 = 200

Approximately 5, in and out of class assignments*: 40x5 = 200

2 Field trip write ups (worth 100 points each): 100x2 = 200

14 Laboratory assignments (worth 50 points each): 50x13 = 650

*The in-class assignments cannot be made-up.

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 Jeri.

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 two 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. 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.

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 end of the laboratory period. Neatness will count!

Reading: Many students (including me) fall behind on their reading. If you don’t 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. I will occasionally give you specific pages to which you should pay particular attention, but when in doubt, read it.

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/structure.html

Please email me first with questions. Of course you may call or stop by my office, but I 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 me, or see me during my office hours.