Lectures: Monday & Wednesday 14:30-15:45 Room 4M47

Laboratories: Tuesday and THursday, Room 4CM42

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to geomorphology, the study of landforms and landscapes on the surface of the Earth. Processes of geologic (mountain building, volcanism, etc.) and geomorphic change (weathering, erosion and deposition by water, ice and wind) will be surveyed.  

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of the various earth systems and an appreciation of physical geography. This course serves a number of purposes: firstly, it introduces physical geography to those students intending to major in geography; secondly, it serves as a core course in Environmental Studies, and; thirdly, it provides a partial science requirement for Arts students.

GRADING PROCEDURE:

SENATE REGULATIONS:  Students are expected to conduct themselves according to the standards and regulations set out by the University of Winnipeg. The University Senate draws your particular attention to the following regulations published in the 2008-09 General Calendar: Grading (Regulation VII-3); Student Discipline (Regulations VII-7a Academic Misconduct & VII-7b Non- Academic Misconduct); Senate and Grade Appeals (Regulations VII-8 & VII-9).

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students with documented disabilities who require academic accommodations for tests / exams (e.g., private space) or during lectures / labs (e.g., access to volunteer note-takers) are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Disability Services (DS), at 786-9771 to discuss appropriate options. Specific information about DS is available on-line at http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/services-disability. All information about disabilities is confidential.

Other IMPORTANT DATES:

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION: The following table outlines the topics to be discussed during the lectures. The order of presentation is subject to change as circumstances dictate.

TEXTBOOK: Canadian Geosystems (2^nd edition); Christopherson and Byrne

LABORATORY PROCEDURES

1) OBJECTIVES

Laboratories are considered an integral and inseparable part of this Geography course and will be taught as such.  The lab sessions are designed to give students practical experience in solving problems in physical geography.  The exercises complement the theoretical information presented during the lectures, where emphasis is placed on the scientific explanation of phenomena rather than the descriptive aspects.  In some cases examples from labs will be discussed in class..

2) LABORATORY FORMAT

Each lab session will include some explanation of the exercise under consideration.  Students will be given time to complete the material required in the assignment.  During the lab session questions pertaining to both the lab and class material are encouraged.  Students should try to complete each of the lab assignments during the lab time when an instructor or demonstrator will be available throughout the lab session.

3) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

Satisfactory performance in Earth Science involves the successful completion of all facets of the course.  The following points outline the responsibilities of the student with respect to the lab portion of this course.

1. There are no formal prerequisites for this course.  Students are expected to possess entry-level mathematical skills, and basic scientific knowledge and language skills.  They are also expected to be familiar with metric and standard measurements of all types and should understand how to convert from one system to the other.

2. Refer to the University Calendar, for information regarding attendance.  It is expected that students will attend the labs regularly and promptly.  Material pertinent to the course will be covered in the labs.

3. Students should have introductory knowledge of the subject matter being considered in the lab session and should have read the appropriate assignment before attending the session. 

4. A lab demonstrator will correct lab exercises completed and handed in within the prescribed time. An answer sheet will be posted, after the labs are returned.  Make sure the labs are readable, and that numeric answers include the proper units of measurement.

5. Students are expected to follow the University guidelines on academic conduct in the labs (see course outline).

6. Students are expected to provide their own pens, pencils, rulers, calculators, etc., for each lab.  Maps, air photos and any other equipment provided by the Geography Department must not be removed from the lab rooms.

4) LAB MANUAL

1.  All students require a copy of the Introductory Earth Science Laboratory Manual. 

2. Please read the exercise before each lab session.

3.  Laboratory sessions are normally held every week, but this sometimes varies.  Check the notice board in the lab room for announcements. 

4. Manuals will be available for sale January 5^th through 9^th, watch for notices in the Geography Department.  ($20.00)

5) GRADING PROCEDURES

1. The labs will be checked, if they are handed in, but there is no grade attached to completed labs.  Students should keep the corrected labs with the readings, for future reference.

2. Valid University of Winnipeg Student cards may be required to write the lab exams and must be produced before entering the examination centre.  Failure to produce the card may result in a mark of “0”.

3.  Students are responsible for familiarising themselves with University policies.  Proof of absence from tests for legitimate reasons must be supported by the appropriate documentation.  Holiday travel is not an acceptable reason for absence.

6) LABORATORY INSTRUCTOR

Geri Sweet

4cm32B, 786 9237, ga.sweet@uwinnipeg.ca