Prerequisites:

• Required: **To enroll in this class, you must have already completed or be concurrently enrolled in the lecture course: see Physical Geology Lecture.
• Advisory: Completion of Geometry and Algebra 2 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in college-level English.

Want to add the class and it's already full? Review my add policies.
 

In this course we will cover a range of geologic topics and skills, including map interpretation and development (topographic and geologic), structural geology (cross-sections and 3D models), minerals and rocks, geologic time, geologic history, and San Francisco geology. The class has been designed to maximize your interaction with the material and inspire your respect and stewardship for the local environment.
(GEOL 10L Official Course Outline)

Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

• Investigate geologic phenomena through a variety of scientific inquiry techniques.
• Analyze and evaluate geologic data.
• Apply scientific principles, theories, or models to predict and explain the behavior of geologic phenomena.

As your instructor, I am committed to finding the most effective ways to engage you with the material and help you to learn. My class formats and teaching methodologies are all designed to help you build your understanding of the material and kick it around and ask questions of me and your fellow students so you can strengthen it.

Through reading material (lab manual + online resources), you will begin the process each week of learning the new material. During the lab, you will refine and strengthen that understanding as you explore the lab topic and materials.

Whether you're taking the class in person or online, learning the material is ultimately up to you and how much time and effort you put in (preparation and practice). I will help and guide you, but I can't simply make you learn. If you're struggling, reach out. I want to help. Welcome!

IS THIS THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU?

Let's review some of the basic logistics of this course, and then you'll know whether you're ready for a General-Education science laboratory.

1. Is this your first science course? Student with the best chance of success in this class are those with a strong background in math and English (it is advised that you have completed Algebra 2 and Geometry and have completed or be co-enrolled in college-level English).
2. Are you comfortable with technology? During this semester, you will need:
   • Solid internet connection and access to YouTube (any browser, most devices) to access tutorials.
   • A camera (phone camera works fine!), so you can upload photos of some of your work.
   • Google Mail, Docs, and Photos so you can share photos with your fellow students.
   • CANVAS to complete assignments and take some quizzes/exams.
3. Do you have enough time in your schedule? The weekly workload for this class is, on average, 6.25 hours/week for 16 weeks, broken down, generally as follows:
   1. Review lab tutorials and preparing for lab (~1 hr/week)
   2. Completing and correcting the lab assignments. (~4 hr/week)
   3. Review and practice completed lab for wrap-up assignments and exams. (1 hr/week).

General Education science laboratories are not easy. They really do require consistent effort. Your best chance of success is to have positive and regular engagement with me and your fellow students in class and to keep on task (meeting deadlines and keeping up each week). As your instructor, I will do my best to provide you these opportunities. It will be up to you to step up and engage! I look forward to meeting all of you and having you meet each other.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding class format or content, remember your resources are the tutorials, CANVAS, the lab manual, me, and each other.

• CCSFMail (student Google Mail accounts) instructions and access to many CCSF technology services can be found at MyCCSF.
  If you have forgotten your password, log into your myRAM account and find the CCSF Mail password reset under your profile.
• CANVAS: You are welcome to login early to view the class in CANVAS (available only if you are registered and only after college loads classes a few weeks before semester starts). However, you cannot upload assignments in CANVAS until the first official day class starts.

CCSF Support Services:

• Disabled Students Programs/Services (DSPS) -- Rosenberg Library, Room 323, on the Ocean Campus. Telephone: 415-452-5481 (V) 415-452-5451 (TDD) -- DSPS is the campus office responsible for verifying disability-related need for academic accommodations, assessing that need, and planning accommodations in cooperation with students and instructors as needed and consistent with course requirements. Students who need academic accommodations should request them from the DSPS.
• Counseling Department (Note: Counselor Anastasia Fiandaca is a good counseling resource if you aren't already working with a good counselor. She is especially experienced with environmental courses and programs and this class in particular. Phone: 415-239-3824)
• Learning Assistance Resource Center -- R207 -- 415.452.5502
• Student Services
• CANVAS support

READY TO GET STARTED?

If you are registered, then sign in to CANVAS for Week 1 details and requirements. The class will be available at least a week before the semester starts.