SYLLABUS

Course title and number Physical Geology Geol 104

Term Spring 2023
MWF 1:50-2:40 pm Halb 104
Meeting times and Labs Tues 8:00-10:50 am Halb 013
locations Tues 2:20-5:10 pm Halb 013
Thurs 2:20-5:10 pm Halb 013

SPRING SEMESTER GUIDELINES

• All Students, Faculty and Staff of Texas A&M University are required to follow COVID-19 safety
protocols if you are symptomatic, test positive, or are exposed to someone who has tested
positive (see https://covid.tamu.edu/messages/fall-2022-covid-guidelines.html)

• Free vaccines, boosters, and testing remain available on campus (see link above)

Course Description and Prerequisites

This course addresses the physical and chemical nature of the Earth and dynamic processes that shape
it. Important topics include plate tectonics, the nature and structure of the Earth’s interior, materials it is
made of, the Earth's age and evolution, earthquakes, volcanism, erosion and deposition. This course is
designed for majors in geology and petroleum engineering.

Learning Outcomes or Course Objectives

In addition to learning about fundamental processes that shape the Earth and applications that benefit
society, this course is designed to illustrate the scientific method and to help students develop critical
thinking skills. Lectures provide theory and principles, while laboratory periods provide exercises and
problem solving based on principles. A passing grade in lab is required to pass this course.

Instructor Information
Andreas Kronenberg
Name Andreas Kronenberg
Telephone number 845-0132
Email address kronenberg@geo.tamu.edu
Office hours MF 2:50 pm (or arrange alternative time)
Office location Halb 154

Textbooks and/or Resource Materials

Earth: Portrait of a Planet, by Stephen Marshak

Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 12th edition, AGI - NAGT, Vincent Cronin
 Grading Policies
Lecture content is tested by examinations (2 Midterms and a Final), whereas Labs are evaluated by
graded exercises. Grading of lecture exams is on a curve, where high and low grades are awarded
according to their relationship to the mean score of the exam. The course grade will depend on all
lecture exams and the laboratory score with equal weighting:

Laboratory 25%
Midterm Exam 1 25%
Midterm Exam 2 25%
Final Exam 25%

Exams that are missed for a reason officially approved by the University regulations must be made
up within 2 days of the student's return to class. Any questions concerning the grade on an exam or lab
exercise must be submitted within one week of the date the graded exam or lab is returned. For
additional information visit http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07.

Course Topics, Calendar of Activities, Exam Dates

Week Topic Required Reading

1 Jan 18 - 20 the Universe, Solar System Prelude, Chs. 1, 2

and Earth, How it all began

2 Jan 23 – Feb 3 Plate Tectonics, a Unifying Chs. 3, 4

Theory

4 Feb 6 - 17 Earth Materials, Minerals Append A-2, Ch. 5

Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks Interludes A, C, Chs. 6, 9

6 Feb. 20 - 22 Weathering and Sedimentary Interlude B, Chs. 7, 14

Rocks

Feb 24 HOUR EXAM

7 Feb 27 - Mar 6 Sedimentary Rocks, Surficial Chs. 16, 17, 18

Processes, the Dynamic Shore,
Sediment Transport, Sediments
to Rock

8 Mar 8 - 10 The Geotherm and Ch. 8

Metamorphic Rocks

Mar 13 - 17 SPRING BREAK

9 Mar 20 - 27 Reading the Rock Record Interlude E, Chs. 12, 13

10 Mar 29 – Apr 3 Structure, Tectonics, and Ch. 11

Earthquakes

Apr 5 HOUR EXAM

 Course Topics, Exam Dates (cont)

Week Topic Required Reading

12 Apr 10 - 19 Earthquakes, Properties of Ch. 10, Interlude D

Plates and the Earth’s Interior

13 Apr 21 - 28 Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate Review Ch. 18,

Chs. 20, 22, 23

15 May 1, 2 Planetary Geology

May 8 FINAL EXAM

3:30 - 5:30 pm

Cell Phones, Websites, or Electronic Devices not used for Exams

Use of electronic devices, including any cell phones, calculators, tablets, or computers not required to
take an exam, is not permitted during any exam of this course. Access to websites is not permitted
during the exam.

Plagiarism Policy

As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one’s own the ideas, words, writings, etc.,
which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the
work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person.
Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues
without which research cannot be safely communicated.

If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M
University Student Rules, http://student-rules.tamu.edu/, under the section “Scholastic Dishonesty.”

Academic Integrity

For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Texas A&M University students are responsible for authenticating all work submitted to an instructor. If
asked, students must be able to produce proof that the item submitted is indeed the work of that student.
Students must keep appropriate records at all times. The inability to authenticate one’s work, should the
instructor request it, may be sufficient grounds to initiate an academic misconduct case” (Section
20.1.2.3, Student Rule 20).

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Texas A&M University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all
students. If you experience barriers to your education due to a disability or think you may have a
disability, please contact Disability Resources in the Student Services Building or at (979) 845-1637 or
visit disability.tamu.edu. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to attentional, learning, mental
health, sensory, physical, or chronic health conditions. All students are encouraged to discuss their
disability related needs with Disability Resources and their instructors as soon as possible.
 Title IX and Statement on Limits to Confidentiality

Texas A&M University is committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe and productive for all.
University policies and federal and state laws prohibit gender-based discrimination and sexual
harassment, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and
stalking.

With the exception of some medical and mental health providers, all university employees (including full
and part-time faculty, staff, paid graduate assistants, student workers, etc.) are Mandatory Reporters and
must report to the Title IX Office if the employee experiences, observes, or becomes aware of an incident
that meets the following conditions (see University Rule 08.01.01.M1):

• The incident is reasonably believed to be discrimination or harassment.

• The incident is alleged to have been committed by or against a person who, at the time of the
incident, was (1) a student enrolled at the University or (2) an employee of the University.

Mandatory Reporters must file a report regardless of how the information comes to their attention –
including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class
discussion, email, text, or social media post. Although Mandatory Reporters must file a report, in most
instances, you will be able to control how the report is handled, including whether or not to pursue a
formal investigation. The University’s goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available
to you and to ensure access to the resources you need.

Students wishing to discuss concerns in a confidential setting are encouraged to make an appointment
with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Students can learn more about filing a report, accessing supportive resources, and navigating the Title IX
investigation and resolution process on the University’s Title IX webpage.

Statement on Mental Health and Wellness

Texas A&M University recognizes that mental health and wellness are critical factors that influence a
student’s academic success and overall wellbeing. Students are encouraged to engage in proper self-
care by utilizing the resources and services available from Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).
Students who need someone to talk to can call the TAMU Helpline (979-845-2700) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00
a.m. weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. 24-hour emergency help is also available through the
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Current COVID-19 Safety Measures

Campus Safety Measures

“While Texas A&M does not require you to be vaccinated or to wear masks, you are strongly
encouraged to do your part to keep Aggieland safe by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask while in public
indoor settings and frequently washing your hands. These actions are known to be effective in reducing
the spread of COVID-19” (TAMU President Banks, Aug 5, 2021)

“To help protect Aggieland and stop the spread of COVID-19, Texas A&M University urges students to be
vaccinated and to wear masks in classrooms and all other academic facilities on campus, including
labs. Doing so exemplifies the Aggie Core Values of respect, leadership, integrity, and selfless
service by putting community concerns above individual preferences. COVID-19 vaccines and
masking — regardless of vaccination status — have been shown to be safe and effective at reducing
spread to others, infection, hospitalization, and death.” (TAMU Faculty Senate, Aug 18, 2021)
Best Practices

• Self-monitoring is recommended for Students, Faculty and Staff of Texas A&M, in alignment with
recommendations of the US CDC. Students who have a fever or exhibit symptoms of
COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days, and contact the instructor by email or zoom
to determine how they can participate in class remotely for the quarantine period.

• Face Coverings are recommended for Students, Faculty, and Staff of Texas A&M (Face
coverings (cloth face covering, surgical mask, etc.) are recommended when individuals are in
non-private spaces including classrooms, teaching laboratories, common spaces such as lobbies
and hallways, public study spaces, libraries, academic resource and support offices, and outdoor
spaces where 6 feet of physical distancing is difficult to reliably maintain. Description of face
coverings and additional guidance are provided in the Face Covering policy and Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) available on the Provost website.

• Physical Distancing—Physical distancing recommended between all individuals on campus,

including students, instructors, staff, and others in course and course-related activities.

Personal Illness and Quarantine

Students required to quarantine with mild symptoms of COVID must contact the instructor to arrange
means of keeping up with the course while maintaining isolation from other students or staff. Students
required to quarantine with serious COVID symptoms must contact the instructor to arrange means of
catching up with the course, when the student is able to study again.

Students experiencing personal injury or Illness that is too severe for the student to attend class qualify
for an excused absence (See Student Rule 7, Section 7.2.2.). To receive an excused absence, students
must comply with the documentation and notification guidelines outlined in Student Rule 7.