CSUN Geology 443L: Stratigraphy Syllabus

Prof. Richard Heermance

Lecture Tuesday/Thursday 12:30-1:45, Lab Thursday 2:00-4:45, Rm EH2302

Definition of Stratigraphy: “The science of rock strata”

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course will cover the theory and methods useful for interpreting layers of rock, called strata. Class lectures will be combined with paper reviews, field investigations, and in-class laboratory assignments where you will be introduced to a variety of methods applied to stratigraphic studies. The major objectives of the course are:

1) Interpret sedimentary environments from stratigraphic columns and field relationships.

2) Use different types of stratigraphy (litho–, chrono–, bio–stratigraphy, etc) to understand basin evolution.

3) Learn a variety of basin analysis techniques, including sequence stratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and subsidence analysis.

4) Improve ability to read and comprehend scientific literature.

GRADING*

Lecture (3 units)

·paper reviews (presentation included, lowest grade dropped)…….35%

·midterm exam……………………………………………………………20%

·final exam ………………………………………………………………..25%

·participation, quizzes, oral reports, attendance ……………………..20%

Lab

·labs & one-day field trips……… ………………………………………60%

·weekend field trip report ………………………………………………20%

·field/lab final…………………………………………………………….20%

* grading may be modified for graduate student participation

TEXTS AND MATERIALS

Required:

Boggs, S., 2006, Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy: New Jersey, Pearson Education, Inc., 662 p.

Other course reading will be distributed on the class website in pdf format.

Recommended:

Tucker, M.E., 2003, Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: West Sussex, John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., 234 p.

Miall, A. D., 2000, Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis, 3^rd Edition, Springer, 616pp

CLASS STRUCTURE

Learning will be accomplished through the combination of lecture, paper review, fieldwork, and laboratory work. Although the grades will be separated into two parts, the class and lab will be integrated to maximize time efficiency.

PAPER REVIEWS

Scientific advances occur due to individual and collaborative research that is presented in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Therefore, one aspect of this course will be the review of pertinent articles related to stratigraphy. Each article assigned will require a 1- page (maximum!) summary of the journal article The review should include the following:

1) The first paragraph should state the paper purpose and the hypothesis tested. How do the authors test their hypothesis?

2) Second paragraph should summarize the data and results of the research.

3) Third paragraph should state the implications of the research.

4) Last paragraph should be your own thoughts on the paper. What are the weaknesses, in your opinion?

5) Conclude the review by writing 2 questions about the paper? These questions should be based on what you think the problems may be with the author’s interpretation.

The one-page review should elucidate your understanding of the paper. The review will be graded on completeness and grammar. In addition, one or two students will be responsible for leading a discussion of the paper. These paper presentations will be informal in that you need NOT prepare a powerpoint or overheads, but you will be graded nonetheless on your ability to lead a discussion and walk the class through the paper.

LABS

Laboratory assignments will take place from 2-4:45 PM Thursdays. The class will meet EVERY WEEK unless you are told otherwise. Some labs will be combined with class time in order to maximize time for field trips. Lab write-ups are due on the Tuesday following the lab meeting at the beginning of class.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a critical and essential part of learning stratigraphy. There will be at least one weekend field trip as well as ~4 one-day trips to local areas. Dates and times will be determined at the start of each semester. All field trips are required.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Group work and discussion is strongly encouraged. All written assignments and exams, however, must be done entirely by each student unless otherwise instructed. Ideas that arise from collaboration should be individually evaluated in the write-up. Any data presented from outside readings should be clearly referenced. Honor code violations will result in automatic NO CREDIT.

GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Graduate students are encouraged to take this course in parallel with the undergraduates. However, graduate students will be required to complete some work in addition to that required of the undergraduates. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1) Graduate students will be required to review and turn in a written summary of at least one paper every week. These papers will include those assigned to the class, as well as papers selected by the graduate students that are related to their interests and concern stratigraphy.

2) The weekend field trip will require a more thorough write-up than that expected from the undergraduates. This write-up may include background research on the area, geologic mapping, sample collection, and inclusion of references.