GEOL-110 - Earth Science with Lab - Tina White

Introduction

Hello!  I'm glad you've chosen this course as you complete your time here at COC and hope that you learn things helpful to you in your personal and future professional lives ~ and have an enjoyable time doing so!

A bit about me:  I was a Political Science undergrad, but realized my passion for the geosciences after a 5-day field trip to Death Valley.  Unfortunately, it was only 6 weeks before graduation, so in the end I spent years working in local government... all the while taking classes at colleges and universities, going on field trips here in the US and around the world, and collecting rocks (way too many rocks).  I eventually started graduate school at CSUN, completed my Master's degree, and started a 2nd career teaching part-time.  I enjoy the subject, the students, even the challenges, and I hope you enjoy learning with me! 

Course Description

Each week we will cover a new topic in the earth sciences including minerals & rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, water (sources, behavior, and quality), seasons, weather, and a number of other interesting things about our Earth.

What to Expect in this Course

In terms of the time commitment for the Lecture portion of the class, it is expected that you will spend 9 hours each week on preparation and participation, including reviewing online lectures and related materials, completing Discussions and any other assignments, studying for quizzes & exams, completion of the term project, and communicating with your classmates as appropriate.

The Lab portion of the class consists of 3 hours in class for an introductory lecture on the topic of the Lab assignment(s) and your completion thereof.  It is expected that you will study for the Lab exams out-of-class.

Here is the “typical weekly schedule” for the class:

• Monday 7:00 a.m.:  New Module opens in Canvas, including reading assignments and a Discussion assignment; there will occasionally also be other assignments.
• Monday morning – Wednesday evening:  This is when you should review all of the above materials to be prepared for the Lab class meeting.
• Wednesday 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.:  Lab class meets; lab exercises will usually be due by the end of class.
• Thursday 11:59 p.m.:  Initial Discussion posts due in Canvas
• Sunday 11:59 p.m.:  Discussion responses and any other Lecture assignments due in Canvas.

It will serve you best to check your COC email and Canvas early on Monday and again on Wednesday before we meet at a minimum.

Types of Assessments

Throughout the course you will be responsible for weekly discussion assignments, weekly reading quizzes, occasional other assignments, online lecture exams, weekly lab exercises, in-class lab exams, and a term project.

Textbook Information

Zero-cost online textbook chapters will be included in the weekly Canvas Modules.

Other Relevant Course Information

There will be a mandatory check-in assignment due on Tuesday, August 25th at 11:59 p.m.  Any student failing to complete/submit that assignment will be dropped from the class on Wednesday, August 26th.

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: 08/22/2026 Sub#: 2089 Sub ID: 219248