TEXTS

• Keller, Edward A., Introduction to Environmental Geology, current ed. (feel free to use the previous edition if you can find it)

ORGANIZATION

• LECTURES will cover topics from the text and be presented as PowerPoint summaries. You should refer to the topics, figures, and diagrams in the textbook.
• CLASS DISCUSSION will take place in class and lab.
• LAB EXERCISES are assigned to reinforce lecture topics. The laboratory is a closed lab and while you may work on assignments at your own pace, you should complete your assignments prior to leaving the lab. I will be available in the lab to guide you through the assignments and answer your questions. You are encouraged to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.

REQUIREMENTS

• TEXT: You are expected to read the text. We will not be able to cover all of the material in the text during lecture and seminar. If you read the text prior to attending class, you will be able to ask me for clarification about things you don't understand
• LABS: Lab assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule.
• TERM PROJECT: You will be required to apply the concepts learned in the class by researching a term project discussing the environmental geology of the area in which you live. Do not panic, the main requirement will be for you to observe and interpret your surroundings. The project will be presented a term paper accompanied by a brief, in-class presentation (you may use the document camera, a poster, Power Point, or a web page). The reports will be based on field work and research and should describe the environmental geology of the area in which you live. The specific minimum requirements and grading method are described on a separate page.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material in the text, lectures, and labs. The exams will be short answer & essay. All exams are take home exams and are posted in Brightspace and on the Class Schedule.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.
• READ THIS OUTLINE AND REFER TO IT DAILY. This handout includes lab assignments, reading assignments, exam dates and a study guide. You are responsible for the material covered in this outline. Not knowing that there is an exam will not excuse you from having to take it.

POLICIES

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should notify me prior to missing class (in person, by voice mail, or by e-mail).
• WITHDRAWAL: I may withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion.
  
  • Active Pursuit - IVCC policy requires the withdrawal of students who are not actively pursuing a course
    • assessed at 10th Day of Semester AND Mid-Term
    • based on class participation and/or submission of work
  • I may withdraw you for any of the following reasons:
    • lack of participation in class
    • failure to submit two homework assignments
  • The last day to withdraw is November 5.
  • If you want to ensure withdrawal, you should request it. Failure to request a withdrawal or complete the course may result in a grade of "F"
  • You have the ability to initiate a withdrawal from classes. By completing the form in the Records Office or through the form located within IVCC Self Service, you are authorizing IVCC to remove you from the course. Entering your student ID number serves as your electronic signature. IVCC has the right to rescind a withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty or at the instructor's discretion. You should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for insurance purposes and for financial aid. It is highly recommended that you meet with your instructor or with a counselor before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the best course of action for you.
• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be made up within one week and will be essay or oral exams. You must notify me prior to missing the exam.
  • Quizzes cannot me made up, one quiz can be dropped.
  • Labs must be turned in prior to the date indicated on the schedule. One point will be subtracted for each day late. Labs turned in after one week will not be accepted.
  • Late exams and labs will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
  • Nothing except the final project may be turned in after Monday, December 8.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and homework with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words. If you engage in Academic Dishonesty, your grade may be lowered or you may be given a zero on the assignment in question. In addition, you may be required to have a conference with me (and, in some cases, the Division Dean). IVCC’s Student Code of Conduct should be consulted for details and definitions.
  • Informal citations are required on Exams.
    • If you are using information from the textbook; indicate the page number
    • If you are using information from your class notes; indicate so
    • If you are using other sources, you should indicate the source
    • Format examples: "According to [source], [followed by the information]" OR "[information] [followed by source in parentheses]"
    • Failure to include this citations will result in a reduction of up to 20% of the grade on each question.
  • CONTACT ME: If you have conflicts, concerns, scheduling problems, study difficulties, test anxiety, a learning disability, or anything else that may interfere with your success in this class or if you have questions about the college, geology, your career path, or just about anything else, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. I will do my best to help you.
  • PLEASE NOTE: All students will be responsible for checking their IVCC email. All electronic college correspondence will only be sent to the IVCC email. For information on accessing this account, go to https://www.ivcc.edu/studenthelpdesk/.
  • The student handbook and the college catalog should be reviewed to become familiar with all IVCC policies.
  • ACCOMODATIONS: This course is designed to support diversity of learners. My hope is to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. If you want to discuss your learning experience, please talk to me as early in the term as possible. If you know you have, or suspect you have, ADHD, a learning disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, sensory deficit like low vision/blindness or hearing loss/deafness, or psychiatric disability (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, and others) that limits your ability to fully access and/or participate in this course, please contact the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity in C-211. Tina Hardy (tina_hardy@ivcc.edu, 224-0284) can help determine what type of services and supports are offered.

GRADE
(subject to change)

• Grammar & Spelling are worth 10% of all assignments and exams. Answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. All words should be correctly spelled. If you need help you should ask me, an English instructor, or the The Tutoring & Writing Center (in ASC) for assistance.

EXTRA CREDIT: click here for ideas

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Ask questions.
• Take notes.
• Read the assigned chapters prior to attending class.
• Work on the lab assignments prior to seminar.
• Follow the study guide and be sure you know the answers to the questions.
• Ask questions about the material. Talk to other students and to me.
• Stop by my office.
• Get to know some of your classmates and work on labs and the study guide with them.
• Visit me in the lab.
• Ask more questions.
• Type all assignments (required).
• Use proper English and spelling on all assignments (worth 10% of all homework).
• Put a lot of time and thought into your report (worth about 1/3 of your final grade).
• Don't rush through the labs, you are expected to spend at least 2 hours per week working in the lab.
• Seek assistance at the The Tutoring & Writing Center (in ASC).