Course Syllabus

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Welcome to Geology 109: Introduction to Geology!

We are excited that you want to learn more about the earth, its history, its structures and mechanisms, and how the earth functions. There are many reasons to study geology. Here are a few that stand out:

 

  1. Natural resources: Geology plays a crucial role in the discovery, extraction, and management of natural resources such as minerals, oil, and gas. Understanding the geology of an area can help locate deposits of these resources and guide responsible and sustainable extraction.
  2. Environmental protection: Geologists are key players in efforts to protect the environment. By studying the earth's systems and processes, geologists can identify and mitigate natural hazards like landslides and floods, as well as human-caused environmental problems like pollution and climate change.
  3. Geohazards: Geology is critical in identifying and mitigating geohazards, such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Understanding the geology of an area can help predict the likelihood of such events and guide the development of safe building practices.
  4. Beauty: Earth's structures are beautiful! Studying the endless different patterns, forms, and colors of minerals and the varied, stunning landscapes of mountains, oceans, canyons, and deserts provides a lifetime of inspiration.

GEOL-109 fulfills the BYU-Idaho Natural Science requirement. However, there are quite a few classes you can take to fulfill this requirement, so we hope you are here to learn more about the earth, its beauty, and how it works and are not just trying to check off a graduation requirement or get a grade. 

In fact, we hope you won’t even think about your grade while working on this class and instead enjoy focusing on the many things on this earth that fill you with curiosity and wonder. While this class has grades (this is a BYUI requirement) it is designed to help you not worry about your grade and focus on learning. 

Learning activities are formatted as quizzes, but we don’t look at them that way. You can go through them as many times as you like, we give you feedback after each question, and they don’t count for that much of your grade. We encourage you to complete each learning activity at least once before reading the weekly reading because that will help you learn more from your reading. Then, complete the learning activity as many times after you have completed the reading until you are confident in your recall of the week’s important ideas. 

Since the learning activities have question banks, you will be going through a slightly different activity each time which will help you learn more. It’s important that you only read the textbook chapters once (note-taking is encouraged) but complete the learning activity more than twice because practicing recall is much more effective for learning than rereading material. 

The Vision of the Course

This 3-credit course examines the physical geology of the Lord's creations by using the national parks in the United States as case studies.  Through studying the national parks, students will learn fundamental concepts of physical geology and fulfill the goals of general education physical science courses at Brigham Young University - Idaho.

An important aspect of this course is that it serves as a general introduction to physical science, and that it partially fulfills general education requirements at BYUI. As such you will learn to:

  • Understand and explain science as an interactive process that is driven by empirical observation and experimentation, and appreciate the limits imposed on our comprehension and knowledge by sensory, physical, or technical constraints.
  • Apply scientific methods by quantitatively investigating and assessing situations extracted from ordinary experience or from societal or environmental problems related to modern science.

The goal of the class is to build a foundation of knowledge about geology and pair that with basic analytical skills so you can evaluate critical issues related to the environment and society throughout your life.  Basically I want you to become what I would call a Citizen Scientist and Environmental Steward!

Teaching Philosophy

The instructor will strive to help each student succeed in this course. The instructor represents one half of the learning team; students represent the other half. Effective learning requires coordination and communication that flows both ways.

The course is designed to help students enjoy learning, gain insight into Earth systems, and develop appreciation and respect for the Earth. The instructor is willing to help students in any way possible; however, this requires students to communicate their needs, questions, and concerns.

To succeed in this course, students are expected to be present, determined, and proactive. The ultimate goal of the course is to help students learn about how the Lord created the Earth and how that understanding can deepen appreciation of His plan and of humanity’s responsibility as stewards of His creations.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn the basic principles of geology that will prepare them to become a citizen scientist / disciple scholar that will allow the student to evaluate how basic geological principles impact their lives.  As part of this objective, these basic concepts should be evaluated.

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical structure of the earth and how plate tectonics form major geologic features (faults, folds, domes, basins, etc.).
  2. Explain how mineral properties are used to identify minerals and explain the processes and resulting textures and mineralogy of major rock types.
  3. Recognize the roles and functions of the tectonic and hydrologic cycles as they pertain to shaping the earth.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and the importance of both relative and radiometric dating techniques.
  5. Use observational skills to identify topographic features in the world around them and describe the geologic processes that formed them.

Required Resources

  • Free textbook
  • Laptop / Desktop Computer
  • Phone with a camera, or a digital camera

 

Learning and Assessment Activities

1) Learning Activities: This course is intentionally designed to emphasize learning. While grades are required by BYU–Idaho policy, the structure of the course is intended to reduce grade anxiety and support meaningful learning.

  • Learning activities are formatted as quizzes for delivery purposes, but they function as practice and feedback tools, not high-stakes assessments.

  • Students may complete learning activities multiple times and receive feedback after each attempt.

Students are encouraged to complete each learning activity once before reading the assigned material to preview key concepts. After completing the reading, students should return to the learning activity multiple times until they feel confident in their understanding.

2) There will be 6 exams during the term. The exams can be challenging; however, study the big ideas and study the quizzes/assignments and you will do well.

3) There will be multiple other online assignments that will aid you in understanding the online content.  These assignments include sketching activities, gigapan / lab activities, multiple interactive discussion boards, and potential field /research activities..

 

Grading

93-100% =               A             (Demonstrates a mastery! of the learning objectives)

90-92.9%=               A-

87-89.9%=               B+

83-86.8%=               B             (Demonstrates a functional level of the learning objectives)

80-82.9%=               B-

77-79.9%=               C+

73-76.9%=               C             (Demonstrates basic achievement of learning objectives)

70-72.9%=               C-

67-69.9%=               D+

63-66.9%=               D             (met some learning objectives, has significant deficits)

60-62.9%=               D-

0-59.9%=                 F              (failure to demonstrate an understanding of learning objectives)

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.

Final marks are earned based on the total percentage calculated in Canvas. The instructor does not round grades up or down. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades throughout the semester and addressing any discrepancies prior to the end of the course.

Requests for grade changes that are not supported by earned work will not be granted. Maintaining fairness and integrity in grading is essential to the learning environment.

Dropped Score Policy (Non-Exam Assignments)
Everyone experiences occasional difficult days or weeks due to illness, personal obligations, technology issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. To acknowledge this reality and to support consistent learning without allowing a single setback to disproportionately affect a student’s grade, each assignment category and learning activity (excluding exams) will include one dropped score at the end of the semester.

The dropped score will be applied automatically to the lowest grade within each category. This policy is designed to provide built-in flexibility and fairness rather than replace sustained engagement. As a result, individual requests for extensions, make-ups, or exceptions for these assignment types will generally not be granted, since this flexibility is already accounted for in the grading structure.

Students are encouraged to use this policy responsibly and not to rely on it as a substitute for regular participation and timely completion of coursework. Exams are excluded from this policy due to their cumulative and time-bound nature.

Missed Exams
If you anticipate missing an exam or have missed an exam due to illness, emergencies, or other serious circumstances, you must communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. While exams are not eligible for dropped scores, the instructor will make a reasonable effort to work with students who communicate promptly and appropriately.

Make-up exams or alternative arrangements are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances and the timing of communication. Failure to notify the instructor in a timely manner may result in a score of zero for the missed exam.

Late Work Policy

    • Assignments may be submitted late with a 10% penalty per day late (including weekends).

    • Each student begins the semester with 4 days of late-penalty reduction.

    • Each devotional attendance may earn up to 2 additional days of late-penalty reduction.

    • Late-reduction days reduce penalties, not due dates.

    • Assignments more than 2 weeks late will not be accepted even with reductions without instructor approval.

Attend devotional: Attendance at devotional is not required for this course. However, devotional can be a valuable opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection, and perspective, especially in demanding academic and professional programs.  I encourage you to attend devotional when you are able.  Attendance can be virtually (watch live or after the fact - up to the Sat evening of the week it was given) or in person.

Late-work penalty reduction

  • Each devotional attendance may provide up to 2 days of late-penalty reduction on a single assignment (caveat: exams and debates are excluded - i.e. you can not apply these to the exams or debates)

  • Late reductions reduce penalties, not due dates

  • Late-reduction days may be applied to any eligible assignment unless stated otherwise in Canvas (i.e. exams and debates). Reductions may be stacked (e.g., multiple devotionals) up to 7 days worth (i.e. use multiple reductions) on one assignment but can not be duplicated to be used on multiple assignments.

  • Reductions must be used during the semester

Devotional attendance is offered as a support, not a requirement. Students are encouraged to participate prayerfully and voluntarily, not simply for academic benefit. 

For each devotional write a quick 150 - 250 reflection on how it may impact your life.  The goal is to use the information not just treat it as a homework assignment.

 

 BYUI Policies and Resources

All university policies, student rights, and responsibilities codes are enforced, including no tolerance for plagiarism (e.g., no copy and pasting answers from the internet and no copying your buddy’s answers) and other forms of cheating. First Minor Violation will result in a failing grade for that assignment 2nd and/or Major Violations will be reported to the University and may result in an F for the entire class. Refer to the Student Honor Office page: https://www.byui.edu/student-honor-office/academic-honestyLinks to an external site.

Students who need accommodations because of a disability should contact the BYUI Accessibility ServicesLinks to an external site., located in 181 Manwaring Center. To schedule an appointment, or speak with a counselor, drop by or call their office at (208) 496-9210.

AI Syllabus Statement: AI programs are not a replacement for your human creativity, originality, and critical thinking. Writing, thinking, and researching are crafts that you must develop over time to develop your own individual voice.  At the same time, you should learn how to use AI and in what instances AI can be helpful to you. 

“‘Light and truth’ are a scriptural definition of intelligence,” Elder Gong saidLinks to an external site., speaking of Doctrine and Covenants 93:36. “While generative artificial intelligence may be quick to offer information, it can never replace revelation or generate truth. If something does not feel right or is inconsistent with what you know is true, seek to discern before believing.”

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini, DALL-e, Copilot, Claude, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

    • Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
    • Fine tuning your research questions;
    • Finding information on your topic;
    • Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
    • Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

    • Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts/responses assigned to you or content that you put into a Teams/Canvas chat.
    • Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
    • Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic honesty.

Any student work submitted using AI tools should clearly indicate what work is the student’s work and what part is generated by the AI. In such cases, no more than 25% of the student work should be generated by AI. If any part of this is confusing or uncertain, please reach out to me for a conversation before submitting your work.

Withdrawal Policy

If you do not wish to take this course or find that you are unable to continue, you should officially withdraw by the deadline stated in the current semester BYUI Student Timetable. https://www.byui.edu/academic-deadlines/Links to an external site.

You can officially withdraw from a course by dropping it through the online registration system or the campus registration desk by the listed date. If you officially withdraw from a course by the "Last Day to Drop and Not Show on Transcript," the course will not appear on your academic transcripts. If you officially withdraw from a course by the "Last Day to Withdraw," a "W" will appear on your transcripts. Although your GPA will not be affected — a "W" will indicate that you chose to withdraw. If you fail to complete the course and do not drop it before the "Last Day to Withdraw," a "UW" or "F" (a failing grade) will appear on your transcripts.

Withdrawing from a course may impact your financial aid status. For more information, see: BYUI Financial Aid.

 

Fair Use Disclaimer

This course is for educational purposes only.

Fair Use

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Fair Use Definition

Fair use is a doctrine in United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching or scholarship. It provides for the legal, non-licensed citation or incorporation of copyrighted material in another author’s work under a four-factor balancing test.

 

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Course Summary:

Course Summary
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