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Geol 101 - Physical Geology - Jessica Seemayer

Course:Physical Geology
Professor:Jessica Seemayer
Email:jessica.seemayer@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
Course Length:
  • 5 Week

Introduction

Jessica Seemayer at the Grand Canyon

My name is Jessica Seemayer. I have a BS in Geology and a MS in Environmental Hydrogeology (it's just a fancy way to say ground water movement). I love to go hiking and just generally being outdoors, so naturally geology and oceanography topics are a perfect fit. I have been working as an instructor since 2015 teaching all topics from Geology, to Earth Science, to Environmental Geology and Oceanography.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to Physical Geology lecture and lab; 4.0 unit UC and CSU transferable course. It features the study and interpretation of the basic features of the exterior and interior of the Earth’s crust, the materials of which those features are composed, and the geologic processes which produced them. It includes specific consideration of minerals, rocks, volcanic activity, running water and erosion, soils, ground water, mass wasting, glaciations, coastlines, wind activity, deserts, plate tectonics, mountains, faults and earthquakes, metamorphism, geologic time and more. 

What to Expect in this Course

Online Lecture: Each week I will assign between 2 and 4 topics of readings and videos, with accompanying quizzes on each topic. You will be required to participate in the discussions with your classmates each week. There is one midterm exam which covers the first half and the final that covers the second half of the course work. You will need to check in to the Canvas shell multiple times each week and have reliable access to the internet. All information, readings, assignments, and exams will be posted on the course Canvas shell.

In person Lab: We will meet in person several times each week and complete 1-2 labs each class meeting. There is no time for make up assignments so you must attend class to complete the lab work for that day. The lab portion will have one midterm and one final exam based on the lab assignments. 

Types of Assessments

  • Lecture Assessments
    • Online timed exams
    • Discussion boards
    • Weekly quizzes
  • Lab Assessments
    • Lab assignments using minerals, rocks, and maps
      • In person exams.

Textbook Information

This is a ZTC course, I will assign weekly readings from various (free) online sources along with videos to watch that enhance the reading content. Lab material will be provided to complete the assignments in class.

Other Relevant Course Information

You will need to remain active in the class and participate in the discussion boards and complete the assignments each week online. Since this is a short term course we will cover multiple chapters/ topics each week. 

You will also need to attend lab class each meeting to complete the lab work, there will be no lab work completed outside of lab time.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 04/02/2024 Sub#: 1734