What This Document Is
This is a course syllabus overview for GEOL 200: Geology for Environmental Scientists at West Virginia University. It’s a foundational document outlining the expectations, policies, and structure of the course. It serves as a contract between the instructor and students, detailing how the course will operate throughout the semester. The syllabus provides a high-level view of the course’s objectives and how student performance will be evaluated.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for any student enrolled – or considering enrollment – in GEOL 200. It’s crucial to review this *before* the course begins to understand the workload, grading breakdown, and required materials. Environmental Science students, and those with a general interest in the geological underpinnings of environmental issues, will find this particularly useful. Understanding the course policies upfront can help students succeed and avoid potential misunderstandings regarding assignments, attendance, and academic expectations.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides a broad overview but does not contain the detailed lecture content, specific assignment instructions, or in-depth explanations of geological concepts. It doesn’t include the actual readings, lab exercises, or quiz/exam questions. It’s a roadmap, not the journey itself. The specific topics covered within each unit are not detailed here, and the syllabus is subject to minor adjustments at the instructor’s discretion.
What This Document Provides
* Instructor contact information and office hours.
* A description of the course’s credit hour breakdown (lecture vs. lab).
* Information regarding required textbooks and online resources.
* Policies on class attendance and excused absences.
* Details about required field trips, including dates and potential make-up work.
* A breakdown of how final grades will be calculated.
* A late work submission policy.
* Clearly stated educational goals and learning objectives for the course.
* A statement regarding the university’s commitment to social justice.
