Course Detail

Geology 105 Environmental Geology-Resources

GEOL 105 IS Sec 2, University of Mississippi
[See UM Catalog for Description]

3 credit hours

Instructor Information:

Dr. Inoka Widanagamage

Instructor name:
Dr. Inoka Widanagamage

Instructor Information:
My research goals intersect among trace metal geochemistry/isotope geochemistry and bio-geochemistry of environments. My goal as a scientist is to investigate how the microbial world affects and drives metal cycling in both modern and ancient environments. My overarching research interests revolve around the interactions between microbial communities, their geochemical environments and the resulting modifications of the rock substrate and other aspects in environmental geochemistry.

Office: 118 D Carrier Hall
E-mail: ihwidana@olemiss.edu

Contact Information:

If you have questions concerning the content of the course, you may contact the instructor directly using the Email Your Instructor link in the Lessons or Content page. NOTE: Whenever sending email, please be sure to indicate your course title and number in the subject line. You can expect a response within 72 hours, although it may be longer on weekends. Many instructors reply within 24 hours.

For lesson or test administration issues, please

The University of Mississippi
Division of Outreach and Continuing Education
iStudy
P. O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677

contact the iStudy department:

Phone: (662) 915-7313, toll-free (877) 915-7313
Fax: (662) 915-8826
E-mail: istudy@olemiss.edu

Course Description

This course introduces you to basic concepts and principles of physical and environmental geology, focusing on Earth's materials and processes. The course will provide you with information on natural resources such as minerals, water, soils, and petroleum, and on natural hazards such as earth quakes, volcanic eruptions and floods. Special attention will be given to understanding the relationships between natural resources and pollution, where you will learn how to address environmental issues scientifically. Also, you will have a better understanding of environmental management as it is related to geologic environment in areas such as waste management, environmental health, medical geology, global change, and environmental assessment.

Textbook Information:

Textbook information will be provided upon enrollment in your iStudy course.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you will have the ability to:

  1. Understand the significance of natural resources such as minerals-rocks, soils, water
  2. Understand the importance of natural hazards
  3. Identify environmental problems and potential solutions
  4. Identify environmental health issues.
  5. Understand the global climate change and effects

Course Outline:

This course consists of 12 instructional lessons.

You MUST take the syllabus quiz within 2 weeks of enrolling or you will be dropped from the course. NOTE: you must pass the Syllabus and Orientation Quiz for the course materials to appear on the Lessons page.
LESSON Reading Assignments Due for Grades Pacing guide to complete the course in a semester
Start Here *You MUST complete the syllabus quiz as soon as you have access to your Blackboard course. This is mandatory to verify your attendance.*NOTE: you must pass the Syllabus and Orientation Quiz for the course materials to appear on the Lessons page. Syllabus Quiz  
0 Introduction Discussion board Week 1
1 Chapter 1: Philosophy and Fundamental Concepts Lesson assignment and quiz
 Week 2
2 Chapter 2: Plate Tectonics Lesson assignment and quiz
 Week 3 
3 Chapter 3: Minerals and Rocks Lesson assignment and quiz Week 4
Proctored Course Exam 1 Covers chapters 1-3 To be completed
before proceeding		 End of Week 4 
4 Chapter 6: Earthquakes Lesson quiz Week 5 
5 Chapter 5: Natural Hazards
Chapter 7: Tsunamis
Chapter 8: Volcanoes		 Lesson assignment and quiz Week 6 
Proctored Course Exam 2 Covers chapters 4-8 To be completed
before proceeding		 Week 7 
6 Chapter 9: Rivers and Flooding Lesson quiz Week 8 
MIDPOINT OF COURSE If you are a semester student, you are encouraged to reach the midpoint of your course by the date specified in your information.
If you are a Flex UM student, you CANNOT WITHDRAW from this course after the lesson has been submitted.		 All lesson assignments or exams needed to reach the midpoint of the course The exact date semester students are encouraged to reach the midpoint is specified in your information.
7 Chapter 10: Mass Wasting Lesson assignment  Week 9
8 Chapter 11: Coastal Erosion
Chapter 12: Impact of Extraterrestrial Objects		 Lesson quiz  Week 10
Course Exam 3 Covers chapters 9-12 To be completed
before proceeding		 End of Week 10 
9 Chapter 13: Water Resources Lesson quiz Week 11 
10 Chapter 14: Water Pollution Lesson quiz Week 11
11 Chapter 15: Mineral Resources and the Environment Lesson quiz Week 12 
12 Chapter 16: Energy Resources
Chapter 17: Soil and Environment		 Lesson quiz Week 13
Proctored
Final Exam		 Comprehensive exam from all chapters All course work must be submitted before taking the final exam.  Week 14

Grading:

GRADING SCALE:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
Below 59% = F

GRADING INFORMATION:
The grading format is as follows:
Assignments 10%
Quizzes 10%
Course Exams + Final Exam 80% (Lowest Course Exam grade will be dropped) 

FAILURE TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE COURSE.

You must submit the lessons required to take the course exam(s). Lessons required but not submitted will receive a grade of zero. For the final exam, all coursework must be submitted and graded.