Santa Monica College Earth Science

WINTER session 2020

Professor: Dr. Alessandro Grippo, Ph.D.
 
geol 4 - physical geology (with lab)Last Updated  •  January 5, 2020

1310 - GEOL 4, PHYSICAL GEOLOGY with Lab

This is a general education class that introduces students to the basic concepts of geology. After an analysis of the foundations of the Theory of Plate Tectonics, we will quickly move on towards a physical/chemical approach to the subject, with the purpose of letting the students understand the reasons why minerals and rocks form, last, break down, melt, change. We will then move on to the analysis of the physical environments where rocks form. The course will include a discussion on geological time and on the interpretation of sedimentary depositional environments.

The class consists of two parts: lecture and lab. You need to pass both parts in order to pass the class.

The class is accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology. Still, during such an intense, fast-paced session as this 6-weeks Winter course, you will need to pay constant attention to the materials discussed in class and spend a considerable amount of time to work with the class materials.

The class pace is intensive (more than four hours a day, for four days a week), and you can not afford to be absent or miss work. Absences will effectively compromise your overall grasp and understanding of the subject.



Syllabus:
Click here for a .pdf copy of the Syllabus

Class Hours:
Lecture: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 08:00 - 10:05, Drescher Hall 128
Lab: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:15 - 12:20, Drescher Hall 128

Office Hours:
After class: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12:25 - 12:40, Drescher Hall 132/134

Textbooks:
Lecture: C. C. Plummer and D. H. Carlson, Physical Geology, 15th edition (2008), McGraw Hill.
Lab: V. S. Cronin, Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 11th edition
I would strongly recommend using a brand new copy of the current lab manual edition.

Both books are essential. You can also check these books' details and compare Amazon's prices on this page.


Other Class Materials:
For the lab part of this class you will also need to buy a 2x2 glass. The glass can be bought at the SMC bookstore for a few dollars. You will need your own, personal glass for lab exercises and tests. You will not be allowed to borrow one during a test. If, at the end of the winter session, you feel that you will not need your glass anymore, please consider donating it to the Department of Earth Science. All other lab materials (magnets, hydrochloric acid bottles, streak plates, etc.) will be provided by the College.

Exams:
1 - Thursday, January 16, 2020: study guide (not yet available)
2 - Monday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 29, 2020: study guide (not yet available)
3 - Monday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 5, 2020: study guide (not yet available)
4 - Monday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 12, 2020: study guide (not yet available)


Los Angeles, CA
© Alessandro Grippo, since 1994


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