GEOGRAPHY 1113K Lab – Fall 2008

Introduction to Landforms

Laboratory Sections A, B, C, D, and E

Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences

Valdosta State University

Instructor: Dr. Donald Thieme                        Meeting Times: M W F 9:00-10:50 PM, NH 1042

   T R 8:00-9:50 PM, NH 1042

 

Office: 2046 Nevins Hall         Office Hours: 10:00-11:50 T R, 2:00-3:50 W or by appointment

Email: dmthieme@valdosta.edu        Phone: 333-5752

Web Site: http://www.valdosta.edu/~dmthieme

Textbook

Brevik, Eric C., Can Denizman, Clint Barineau, Mark S. Groszos, Judith L. Grable, Michael G. Noll, Edward E. Chatelain, and Paul Vincent, 2005, Laboratory Manual for Introduction to Landforms. 2nd Edition. Pearson Education, Boston, MA.

 

Grading

Students do not receive a separate grade for the laboratory; laboratory grades will be factored into the final course grade as outlined in the class syllabus.

 

There will be 250 points possible in the laboratory during the course of the semester. Ten lab exercises worth 10 points each will be graded, for a total of 100 points. You can only get credit for doing a lab exercise if you are in lab the day it is done; there are no make-ups on lab exercises unless your absence is for a university related activity. Lab exercises are due at the end of the lab period in which they are assigned. Successfully completing and handing in a lab exercise will net you 10 points each. We will complete 12 lab exercises during the semester and you may drop two of them. These drops are intended to cover emergencies, so use them wisely. Do not skip two of the first four labs and then come looking to make up a lab because you got sick during week 9. We will have a lab midterm during the 5th lab period that is based on labs done during the second and third meetings, making the second and third lab periods poor times to skip. Any student who attends and turns in all 12 labs will receive 5 extra credit points added to their final lab grade.

 

In addition to lab exercises, we will have two lab tests during the semester. The first test is worth 50 points and covers basic skills needed to read topographic maps and aerial photographs. The second test is worth 100 points and will cover landform interpretation. The tests are based on material learned during the lab exercises. Shortly after each lab, I will post an answer key for that lab. It is up to each individual student to check their lab exercise answers against the answer key to insure correct answers to use in studying for my tests.

 

Needed Materials

Every student should bring their lab manual, textbook, graph paper, and a pencil with eraser to lab every week. These items will be essential. I WILL NOT ACCEPT LABS DONE IN INK! A calculator, ruler, colored pencils, and protractor will also prove useful during many of our labs.

Lab Schedule

Week

Topics

Reading

August 18-22

No Lab

 

August 25-29

Common Rocks and Minerals

Chapter 1

September 1-5

Reading Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos

Chapter 2

September 8-12

Topographic Maps and Map Location

Chapters 3,4

September 15-19

Test #1: Topo Maps and Aerial Photos

 

September 22-26

Volcanic and Plutonic Landforms                                                                          

Chapter 6

Sept. 29-Oct. 3

Karst and Groundwater

Chapter 7

October 6-10

Fluvial Processes and Landforms, Start Stream Table

Chapters 8, 9

October 13-17

Fall Break, No Lab

 

October 20-24

Eolian Landforms

Chapter 11

October 27-31

Coastal Processes and Landforms

Chapter 12

November 3-7

Glaciers and Glacial Landforms

Chapter 13

November 10-14

Soil Surveys and Their Use

Chapter 14

November 17-21

Structural Control of Landforms, End Stream Table

Chapter 10

November 24-28

Thanksgiving week, No Lab

 

December 1-5

Lab Final, Intepreting Landforms on Topographic Maps

 

Policies for Attendance, Students with Disabilities, Classroom Conduct, Academic Honesty, and Equal Opportunity will be discussed during the first lab meeting . These policies are in the course syllabus posted online at: http://www.valdosta.edu/~dmthieme/Syllabi/1113_Syllabus.htm