EARTH SC/ENVIR SC 2E03

Earth History

Calendar Description

Geological evolution of the Earth and paleontological evidence for the evolution of marine life, with emphasis on the geological history of North America.
Two lectures, one lab (three hours); one term Students enrolling in this course must purchase a field kit available through the School of Geography and Earth Sciences
Prerequisite: ENVIR SC 1G03 or ISCI 1A24
Antirequisite: GEO 2E03
Crosslist: EARTH SC 2E03, ENVIR SC 2e03
Not open to students with credit or registration in ISCI 2A18

Time/Term Offered: Term One, Fall 2012-13

Instructor: Dr. Ed Reinhardt
Room:General Science Building Rm. 231
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x27594
Email: ereinhar@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: by appointment

Teaching Assistant:

Danielle Simkus, GSB 323, simkusdn@mcmaster.ca
Shawn Kovacs GSB 301,  kovacs2@mcmaster.ca

Course Outline Avenue to Learn

 

Introduction:

The course will focus on the sedimentary and fossil record of the Phanerozoic which represents the last 542 million years of earth history.   The start of the Phanerozoic is demarcated by the marked increase in complexity and diversity of multicellular life on the planet (Cambrian Explosion of Life) which evolved through speciation and extinction events to what we have today.  We will examine the lead-up to the Cambrian explosion by examining early life forms in the Neoproterozoic and other important events in earth history (eg. extinction of the dinosaurs).  We will study the sedimentary and fossil record - we will examine the fidelity of that record, and its representation of earth history.  The course will emphasize the linkages with global climate and sea-level change and will focus on the Paleozoic record of southern Ontario which will be examined in both laboratory and field exercises. 

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:

    •      Sedimentary rock identification - siliciclastic and carbonates
    •      Sedimentary structure identification and environmental analysis
    •      Fossil identification and interpretation
    •      Stratigraphic logging and correlation of outcrop sections -- facies analysis
    •      Geological map reading

     

    Lecture/Labs:

    LECTURES:
    Th 15:30-16:20,  Tu 16:30-17:20 BSB/B135

    LABORATORIES (BSB/343):
    Lab 1     We 14:30 - 17:20
    Lab 2     Mo 14:30 - 17:20  
    Lab 3     Tu 08:30 - 11:20  
    Lab 4     Fr 14:30 - 17:20

    LABORATORIES:
    Assignments are due in your lab period of the stated week. Bring your Mineral ID kits to every laboratory period. ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN IN EACH LAB PERIOD.  YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE PRESENT FOR YOUR DESIGNATED LAB PERIOD.  IF YOU MISS THE LAB PERIOD IT WILL BE CONSIDERED MISSED WORK (SEE BELOW).  SAMPLES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN THE LAB PERIOD.

    Required Text Books/Course materials:

    Steven M. Stanley, Earth System History, 3rd edition, W.H. Freeman & Company, 551 pgs.

    GEOKIT:
    Mineral ID kits are mandatory for all laboratories and fieldtrips - they can be purchased from the Titles bookstore ($35.90).  Kit includes laboratory and field items for this, and future courses including fieldcamp.   If you do not have the kit, you will not be permitted on the trip.

    Evaluation:

    Labs 1 to 4: 3% each = 12%
    Labs 5, 6: 8% and 5%  = 13%
    Midterm 10% (in class Tues Oct 25th) - Format: Multiple Choice
    Lab Exam 15%  (week of Nov 18 in lab periods) - Format: Bell ringer and based on labs 1 to 5.
    Final Exam (note: exam is cumulative) 50% - Format: 1/2 Multiple Choice, 1/2 Short Answer

    Academic Dishonesty

    Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

    The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

    • Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

    • Improper collaboration in group work.

    • Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

    It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

    The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.