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
Lab Instructors: Leonette Cox, Johanna Smith, Dave Auerbach
Workshop leaders: Jen Burger & Austen Erickson (Monday), Jia Carroll & Annaliese Kjolhede (Tuesday), Liz Baker & Alyssa Cowell (Wednesday), Kate Watts & Jack O'Connor (Thursday)
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 work (40%), lecture exams (50%), and field trip reports (10%). Complete breakdown: