Class Location & Time (for lecture): Lander Auditorium (Hutchison 140), M/W/F 9:00-9:50AM
Instructor: Prof. Carmala Garzione (Carmie)
Office phone: 273-4572, Hutchison 210
Office hours: Mondays 4:00-5:00PM; Friday 10:00AM-1:00PM
Teaching Assistants: Anna Wendt & Dave Auerbach
Undergraduate TAs: Julia Voronov and Kendra Williams
Introduction
EES 101 is a 4-credit lab and lecture course intended to introduce you to the fundamental principles of Earth Systems science. We will start the semester with a brief introduction to the observations that shed light on the formation of the universe and the solar system. We will then discuss the geologic evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics and how Earth differs from other planets in our solar system. Throughout the rest of the semester, we will view the physical interactions between different realms on Earth, including the interior (core and mantle), the outer shell (termed lithosphere), oceans, and the atmosphere. We will explore the dynamic processes operating on Earth and how these processes have been recorded and have varied over the geologic history. During the last third of the semester, we will discuss geologic problems that have a particular relevance to humans, such as energy and mineral resources, water resources, climate, and global change.
Lecture attendance: Mandatory.
Exams
Two lecture exams (each 15% of total grade) and a (non-cumulative) final exam (20% of total grade) are scheduled. All exams are a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Unannounced quizzes may be scheduled.
Field Trips
One required field trip is scheduled for the following dates. We will run three local field trips near Le Roy, NY with up to 18 students per trip. The field trip is mandatory, so mark your calendars now. The write-up for this field trip will be 10% of your total grade in the class. To avoid scheduling conflicts, we have schedule three different 4 hour trips. Times are decided on a “first come, first serve” basis, so please sign up immediately if you have a scheduling conflict. Click here for more information about the field trip.
Laboratory
The lab grade (40% of final grade) will be based upon your performance on a series of exercises during the lab session, and on take-home projects. The breakdown of individual lab projects and exams is given with the lab schedule.
Grades
Final grades will be based on lab exercises and take-home projects (40%), lecture exams (50%), and field trip reports (10%). See last page for a breakdown of lab grades.
Lab 40%
Lecture Midterm I 15%
Lecture Midterm II 15%
Final Exam 20%
Field Trip 10%
Missed Days/Assignments
If you miss lecture, a lab, or an assignment, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to take care of making them up. Contact the professor or a TA about getting caught up. We are here to help you learn, but we are definietly not here to baby-sit you.
Reading Assignments
Required readings are from Marshak (2005), Earth – Portrait of a Planet (available in the bookstore). A schedule of reading assignments is given on p. 3, along with the list of lecture topics. You should skim the assigned chapters before coming to class and then reread them carefully and critically after the lecture. Please keep up with the reading as it will help you prepare for laboratory exercises and lecture exams.