ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY - GEOL 406/506

This is the web section of Geology 406/506 which is offered during fall semesters as a regular course on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello, and sometimes in Idaho Falls and other locations via closed circuit television.

This course is intended to provide a background of concepts and processes that allow us to make meaningful assessment of problems related to human interactions with nature. Term projects are expected to include such assessments, whether positive or negative. Lectures and web modules will be guided, but not limited to, topics in the text.

On-campus students will be expected to discuss current events in class and participate in a field trip. Class participation is strongly encouraged. Internet students will have projects based on internet sites and their local areas to complete instead of field trips and in-class discussions.  Web students should contact Dr. Hughes, hughscot@isu.edu for further information.

Prerequisites: Junior, Senior or Graduate Student Level: Geol-101 Physical Geology, OR Special Instructor Permission.

Introductory geology courses from other institutions may be equivalent to GEOL 101, but students should check with the instructor to be sure.

If you have registered for this web class please do the following:

1. Notify the instructor by email.

2. Arrange for an exam proctor.

3. Begin the modules listed. DO AT LEAST ONE PER WEEK TO FINISH BY THE END OF THE SEMESTER ! ! ! Submit module tasks and assignments by email. Always include your full name and date in the text, and identify yourself and the assignment in the filename for attached documents (such as: Smith-mod1.doc).

NOTE ! ! ! Some materials in this course will not function without having certain plug-ins installed on your computer. Make sure you have a recent version of Netscape, Mozilla, or Internet Explorer, etc. A recent version of Adope PDF reader. If you would like you can also visit this page of updates and plug-ins.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A proctor is necessary for all non-local web students. Select from one of the instructional centers associated with ISU or one that is appropriate to you and the instructor. Submit this information early in the term.   CONTACT Dr. Hughes to arrange for a proctor if necessary.

There will be 2 one-hour exams during the semester, and a comprehensive final exam during Final Exam Week. Web Students will normally have exams administered by their proctor; however, with the instructor's permission, local students may take them on campus during the regularly scheduled in-class exam times

If you have not registered, and wish to, follow the appropriate instructions for you or contact ISU Outreach for information. They can help answer questions and direct you to the approriate place for registration.

....NON-ISU Students: You may Register Online (with appropriate credentials).

....Undergraduates (GEOL 406) follow procedure for Non-Degree-Seeking Students.

....Graduates (GEOL 506) follow procedure for Graduate studies.

QUICK REVIEW OF AQUIFER BASICS

QUICK REVIEW OF GROUNDWATER FLOW

QUICK REVIEW OF FLOW NETS

QUICK REVIEW OF CONTAMINANT PLUMES

These document are in PDF format

ALSO OFFERED HERE IS A GLOSSARY OF TERMS IN PDF FORMAT.

TERM PAPER PROJECTS

All Students:

Anything in the realm of Environmental Geology that interests you is fair game. Remember, a short paper in which the subject matter is treated concisely is better than a long, rambling discourse of mismatched ideas and quotations. Quotations are okay if kept to a minimum. But be careful; do not use quotations as authoritarian arguments without sufficient scientific backing and referencing. Submit your paper digitally as a Word attachment, or on plain white paper with a cover sheet (title, name, class, etc.), stapled or clipped together (No fancy plastic covers, please).

Undergraduates (406)

Paper will be fairly short, about 8 printed pages (double spaced; total includes figures, tables, references, etc.), on any subject dealing with geology and the environment. Organization must follow a suitable outline and references must be cited properly. A typical outline will include an introduction (including statement of problem), main body (with subheadings, figures and tables if necessary), discussion, and summary and/or conclusions.

The rationale for doing a paper is to demonstrate an increased amount of knowledge in your chosen subject, above what you would have known had you not taken this course. The paper should demonstrate a knowledge of scientific and/or environmental principles that pertain to your subject. Check with the professor for ideas or if you are uncertain of the appropriateness of your topic. We will discuss various topics for papers in class, but don't wait until then to begin conjuring up some good ideas.

Graduates (506)

Follow the same guidelines as for the undergraduate paper except produce a longer (~20 pages), research-oriented paper that includes an abstract, and, if possible, a 15-20 minute presentation of the essential components of your research. Subject may be any environmental problem that has a geological aspect. The paper may stem from a literature/information search (e.g. collection of data, opinions, or documentation of problem and solution), or it may deal with a specific environmental problem which presents data you collected. Either way, synthesis of information and data assessment are critical.