A. Colosimo, Instructor, Geosciences

MWF 9-9:50 am, Bldg 11 Rm. 306, 4 Credit Hours

Office: 8-436

Phone: 292-2421 or X2421 on campus

Tarbuck and Lutgens, Earth, An Introduction to Physical Geology, 9^{th edition}

This is a survey course of the physical processes that shape the Earth and Earth’s interior. Students will better understand the role of geologic processes in landscape evolution, regional planning, and hazard assessment, as well as resource exploration. Physical Geology lab is a necessary co-requisite with this course.

Attendance will be taken each day, per college requirements. When life happens outside of the classroom I expect that you contact me when you will be unable to attend class, either by phone or email. Three late arrivals or early departures will count as one absence. You may be withdrawn from the course if you exceed six (6) absences throughout the semester. Still, course withdrawal is YOUR responsibility. See your student handbook for procedures for withdrawing without penalty (W), for health reasons (WH), and for obtaining and incomplete (I).

If you come to class AFTER a quiz is distributed, you are ineligible to take the quiz! If you know in advance that you will be absent, please let me know as soon as possible, so that accommodations may be made.

Submission of homework via email will result in a 10% reduction in grade.

Students should avoid being disruptive to others by turning off cell phones prior to class and refraining from personal discussions until class has ended. Distractions caused by cell phones may result in a pop quiz!

The best way to earn good grades is to actively listen and care about the material being discussed in class! Grades will be calculated from three hourly examinations, quizzes, in-class assignments, labs, and a cumulative final exam.

Approximate point distribution is as follows:

3 non-cumulative exams: 300 pts

Quizzes/In class work 200 pts

Lab Exercises 250 pts

Perfect Score 900 pts

Each hourly exam will be given in class and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short essay questions. Exams will only cover material covered in class. This means that not all information from the text will be covered, and alternative information presented will be on an exam. Makeups will only be given with a legitimate, verifiable excuse, and will likely be a series of essay questions. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor about a makeup within 48 hours.

Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Quizzes will be announced the class before it is to be given, along with material to be covered. Quizzes will occur at the beginning of class, so punctuality is essential!

In-class exercises will include group and individual assignments. Class work is to be turned in at the beginning of the following class, unless stated by the instructor. Late class work will be penalized 25 % per class for lateness. Homework submitted via email will be penalized 10%. Students are ineligible to receive credit for an assignment if it has already been returned to the class. If you miss a class assignment, you must contact me within 24 hours of its distribution or you will receive a zero on the assignment.

A 100-93 C 76-73

A- 92-90 C- 72-70

B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67

B 86-83 D 66-63

B- 82-80 D- 62-60

C+ 79-77 F <60

Monroe Community College has a number of Learning Centers at Brighton (for example, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Writing, the Electronic Learning Center, Natural Science, etc.) and at Damon (for example, the Integrated Learning Center, Electronic Learning Center, etc.). Learning centers are staffed with instructional personnel and may be equipped with computers and software to assist students.

It is recommended that students use the Learning Centers to get additional help with concepts learned in the classroom and with their homework. The Natural Science Education Center (NSEC) may be particularly useful for this course, and is located in building 9, room 129. I am available for review in the NSEC Mondays from 12- 1 pm for lecture and laboratory questions.

Class cancellation information is available daily on the web or through the telephone. Go to the MCC website and under the "Quick Links" window on the homepage, click on "Class Cancellations." Additionally, class cancellation information is available by dialing 292-2066. Press "1" for the Brighton Campus and "2" for the Damon Campus. If possible, please use the web as there could be delays in the voice recordings based on the number of cancellations.

In the academic process, it is assumed that intellectual honesty and integrity are basic responsibilities of any students. However, faculty members should accept their correlative responsibility to regulate academic work and to conduct examination procedures in such a manner as not to invite violations of academic honesty. Such violations consist mainly of cheating and plagiarism. Plagiarism and exam cheating are serious breaches of student’s code of conduct and if discovered will result in an F for the course and other penalties (see student handbook).

Definition: Cheating is defined as the unauthorized use or exchange of information by students or others for the purpose of achieving unfair advantage in the classroom or examining process. Plagiarism is defined as offering the work of someone else as one’s own. The language or ideas thus taken from another may range from isolated formulas, sentences or paragraphs, speeches, or the writing of other students. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials that are taken from another, verbatim or in paraphrase, is guilty of plagiarism. Any form of plagiarism is essentially an act of cheating.

The College provides appropriate accommodations for students who have documented disabilities, which limit major activities, such as visual or hearing impairment, orthopedic or mobility problems, emotional problems, chronic health problems, and learning disabilities. Services may include specialized placement testing, early registration, sign language, note takers, special testing arrangements, etc. Students who request accommodations must indicate on their college applications that they have a disability. Students must be able to document any disability for which the College provides assistance. Other sources for assistance include Student Services and the Counseling Office. See your student handbook for the complete set of guidelines.

Much course material can be accessed on the school’s M-drive from any on-campus computer. A convenient place to access this network drive is from the Electronic Learning Center (on the first floor of Building 11, room 106). Sign in to the learning center with your student ID or social security number, sit at a computer, and open the Courses folder on the desktop. Navigate to the GEO folder, then Colosimo, then 101 Physical Geology. On this drive, you will find copies of the course information sheet as well as powerpoints shown in class.

Last day to drop: 9/22/08

Last day to withdraw: 11/22/08

Thanksgiving Break 11/27- 11/30/08

Last day of classes: 12/12/08

Exam period ends: 12/18/08