Course Equipment and Supplies

Required: Computer with internet access, pen, pencil, eraser and notebook. 

Laboratory

Attending all lab sessions is important. Please read the assigned pages in your lab manual before class so that you can complete the exercise in the allotted time. Lab exercises will be due one week after they are assigned, unless otherwise noted by the instructor.  
 

Open Lab:

• The lab will be open for your use for studying during select times. During rock and mineral identification labs, the lab will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 - 2:30 (and later upon request). During the rest of the semester, the lab will be available upon request between 1:30 - 4:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional times may be available throughout the week and on Fridays, upon request.

Assessment and Grading

Exams: There will be four lecture exams that will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and matching questions. Exams are closed book. 

Quizzes: Quizzes will be administered in class. Quizzes will cover the material covered in class that week, as well as cumulative material from previous lectures. Your lowest three quiz grades will be dropped. No makeup quizzes will be allowed.

Labs: Labs will be submitted on Blackboard. You will have at least one week to submit labs. Labs will be due Sunday night. Feedback will be provided on labs via Blackboard autograding or instructor feedback. You will be allowed to submit labs two times, prior to the due date. For labs that are not auto-graded, if you submit them by Thursday night before the due date, I will grade and provide feedback so you can submit a second attempt before the deadline.

Lab Tests: Four lab tests will cover the material from lab exercises. Questions will refer to samples of Earth materials, maps and photographs, as well as short-answer questions about terminology and methodology. 

Grading

Your final course average will be calculated as follows:

Exams 47% 400 points (100 points each)

Quizzes 6% 50 points (10 points each)

Writing Assignment 5% 40 points 

Lab Exercises 12% 100 points (5-6 points each)

Lab tests 30% 260 points (65 points each)

Total 100% 850 points

You must notify your professor of any mistakes or disagreements in scoring within one week after a corrected exam, test, quiz or lab assignment has been returned. I do not round for any reason. The following scale will be used to determine your course grade: 

765 - 850 points A

680 - 764 points B

595 - 679 points C

510 - 594 points D

Below 510 points F

Extra Credit

Extra credit questions may be offered on exams or lab tests. Beyond this, no extra credit assignments will be available. 

Course Policies

Attendance

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Withdrawals

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27, 2026.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed Exam or Late Work

If you need an extension on an assignment, please discuss with me prior to the deadline. Late assignments will not be accepted without prior approval from me. With the exception of the final exam, if you need to miss an exam or lab test, you must let me know prior to the exam/lab test time. If I am aware you need to miss the exam, you will be permitted to take a makeup exam with no penalty. If the exam/lab test date has passed without communication, you will be permitted to take the exam for half credit as a take home exam (With the exception of rock/mineral ID lab test, for which there will be no take home permitted). No extensions will be given for the final exam.

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances, which is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.     Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.     The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.     The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.     Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Studying

Science courses, especially those with lab and field exercises, generally require a different approach to studying than other courses. In this course you will be asked to conceptualize things in three dimensions, understand complex concepts, and learn a whole new vocabulary for describing your planet. You will improve your performance if you:

• read each textbook chapter and review the chapter summary
• take notes 
• learn the key terms and concepts in assigned chapters

Many students underestimate the amount of time needed to pass this course. At a minimum, you should spend 2 hours outside of class studying for every hour in class. 

Etiquette

Please be on time and notify the professor if you have to arrive late or leave early. Please ask questions by raising your hand. As a common courtesy, do not interrupt the professor or classmates when they are speaking. If you need to use your cell phone, please leave the room to do so. 

Academic Honesty

All work submitted for a grade is expected to be your own. Acts of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero on that assignment or exam, and a requirement to redo the work. Failure to redo the work will result in a withdrawal from the course or failure of the class. If a student is involved in acts of academic dishonesty multiple times, they will be reported to the college and dropped from the course. Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process 

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)

Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal human input. Examples: ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.

The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity. GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning. GAI can be used for initial research and idea generation. It is not to be used for final submissions of assignments and taking exams. If this course requires submission of a research paper, GAI cannot be used for generating images, maps and diagrams. GAI can be used as a research tool but cannot be used for the final identification of rocks, minerals, fossils or wildlife. Students using GAI must use proper citations. GAI can be inaccurate, and students should verify content. The ACC Library Services AI Guide provides information on how to properly cite using AI and techniques for use. Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content. Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review. Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

GAI Data Privacy and Security: In accordance with our dedication to privacy and security, students are advised to refrain from sharing any sensitive or personally identifiable information on GAI platforms. Given that content inputted into or generated by these platforms may become accessible to the platform’s operators, caution is advised. Always ensure your data is clean, accurate, and does not include personal information before interacting with these technologies.

GAI Bias, Discrimination, and Falsehood: Students are cautioned that GAI may inadvertently produce biased or inaccurate content. It is incumbent upon the student to critically evaluate and verify the information provided by these platforms. Relying on unverified GAI content for academic work is unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action

GAI Academic Honesty: Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and others, are rapidly evolving technologies that have great potential in all realms of human endeavor, including teaching and learning. They also pose serious challenges, particularly with regard to academic integrity. At Austin Community College, the use of these tools in coursework, like any others, is subject to the same standards outlined in the college’s Academic Integrity policy.

Presenting AI-generated content as your own without proper attribution is considered a violation of academic integrity. All work you submit must reflect your own understanding and effort. If you use generative AI to help with your work, you must clearly acknowledge how and where it was used. Intellectual honesty is essential to a fair and supportive academic environment.

If there is any doubt, consult with your instructor before using AI tools.

Required Textbooks

This class uses First Day Access. The books are available via Blackboard for all students. You may opt out of First Day Access and purchase the textbook if you wish. 

Lutgens and Tarbuck, 2018. Essentials of Geology (13th edition): Pearson, New York, NY, ISBN 978-0-13-444662-2

Ludman, Allan, and Marshak, Stephen, 2025. Laboratory manual for introductory geology (fifth edition): New York, W. W. Norton & Company,  ISBN 978-1-324-10071-3.

GEOL 1403 Course Schedule MW RRC

****Schedule changes may occur during the semester and will be announced in class*****

Rationale

As the world's population grows and expands, humans are placing a greater demand on earth resources, encountering geologic hazards more frequently, and are causing a rapid change in the world's climate. College-educated consumers, voters, and decision-makers need to understand the scope and impact of these changes and the limitations that science and technology have in reducing their negative effects. This course provides a basic understanding of geology and the methods used by geologists for studying Earth. Students learn critical thinking and empirical reasoning skills that can be applied to any career or pursuit.

Prerequisites 

Reading and math proficiency as proven by a passing score on appropriate assessment tests or by exemption through transcripted hours from another college or other approved means. One year of high school science is also required.

Objectives

• Learn to read, interpret, and comprehend scientific information 
• Review basic concepts of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geography as applied to geology
• Learn to make scientific observations and ask meaningful questions about the Earth
• Develop the ability to identify and interpret Earth materials, processes and features
• Understand how geoscientists investigate Earth systems 
• Conduct academic inquiry in a safe and professional manner

Outcomes

   Course-Level - upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• describe the scientific method and apply it in a geological context 
• describe Earth's major systems and explain how they interact 
• identify common rocks and minerals and interpret how they form 
• describe and interpret the development of landforms and geologic structures 
• construct and interpret geologic and topographic maps, cross-sections, and topographic profiles 
• describe the major sources of water, soil, and sediment pollution, and methods for their management 
• explain the theory of plate tectonics and its relationship to Earth processes, features, and landforms 

    Program-Level - as an Associate of Science in Geology required course, students will be able 

     to:

• describe and explain processes and features within the Earth, particularly with regard to plate tectonics and the resulting geologic structures
• describe and explain processes operating on the surface of the Earth and the resulting landforms and features
• identify common rocks and minerals
• interpret and construct topographic maps, and geologic maps and cross-sections

   General Education - as a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will 

     demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking - gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information
• Interpersonal Skills - interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning  - applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.