Geo 3003: Geohazards  DESCRIPTION: Geohazards explores the nature of earthquakes and volcanoes, emphasizing how society evaluates and confronts the dangers posed by these natural phenomena. Students will not only develop an understanding of the scientific basis and technical issues of geologic hazards associated with earthquakes and volcanoes, but also will develop a global perspective on the nature and fundamental causes of these phenomena. To gain a local perspective on specific events, case studies of recent and past earthquakes and volcanic eruptions will be discussed, focusing on both the geological context of the hazard and its impact on society and individuals. Public policy issues and citizen responsibilities related to hazard prediction, volcanic and seismic risk analysis, and long-term planning to mitigate human and economic loss will be examined.

Course fulfills requirements for Environmental Geosciences  Minor Program

3 CREDITS. NO PREREQUISITES. Satisfies the CITIZEN/PUBLIC ETHICS and ENVIRONMENT Designated Themes of the Liberal Education Requirements.

SPRING 2008

LECTURES:T Th 11:15 - 12:25, 110 Pillsbury Hall

INSTRUCTORS:

TEACHING ASSISTANT:
 

TEXT:       Bruce A. Bolt Earthquakes, 5th Edition
                  R.V. Fisher et al. Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change

EXAMINATIONS: There will be three exams. Exams will consist of short answer, multiple choice and simple numerical problem solving questions. There will be no final exam but the third exam will be cumulative. Students are expected to take the exams at the indicated times. Exceptions will be made only for legitimate excuses or for conflicts that you anticipate and inform us about during the first week of class.

The  exams are scheduled for February 21, April 3, and May 8 during the regular class period.

HAZARD & ETHICS EXERCISE: A questionnaire at the beginning of the semester will test your general knowledge and perceptions of natural hazards. Towards the end of the semester, the questionnaire will be returned back to you and you will now either justify or defend your answers or indicate why you think your answers are incorrect. The purpose of this exercise is to examine some of the ethical implications related to natural hazards and as a measure of how the student views/knowledge base have been affected by the course. Due May 6.

INTERNET ASSIGNMENT: This assignment involves keeping a log of global seismic and volcanic activity throughout the semester. Due April 17 ( Click here for details)

GRADING:

• Exam  I, II- (20% each ),  40%
• Exam III - 25%
• Hazard Perception and Hazard Ethics Exercise - 10%
• Internet Assignment -10%
• Poster Presentation - 15%

For those taking the course on an S/N basis, an S grade will be considered equivalent to a C- grade or better

• A achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.
• B achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.
• C achievement that meets course requirements in every respect.
• D achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet course requirements.
• S achievement that is satisfactory---equivalent to a C- or better.
• F (or N) represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I.
• I (incomplete) assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: It is University policy to provide on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with special needs are encourage to contact us during the first week of class to discuss your individual needs for accommodations.