Earthquakes and Volcanoes

460:201

        Instructor:

                Fara Lindsay

            office: 347 Wright Labs

                   phone: 445-2124

                   email: flindsay@rci

               

                        SUMMER 2007

           

        Syllabus Readings

 

 

Basic Information

This class will survey the basics of knowledge about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ways these natural processes affect human civilization. Some very general objectives, not necessarily in the order of their importance, are listed below.
-Develop a basic familiarity with modern understanding of the way our planet functions
-Learn about hazards earthquakes and volcanoes pose to the human civilization, and about means of mitigating them.
-Learn basic facts about volcanoes, earthquakes, and their connection to large scale processes within the Earth.
 
Besides specific objectives above, it is the intent of this class to familiarize the student with the broad concept of the scientific inquiry:
-what constitutes knowledge,
-how is it acquired,
-how is it verified,
-how is it applied.
 
There are no formal prerequisites for this class. Students are expected to have basic familiarity with mathematics, physics and chemistry on the high-school level, and to possess a certain level of computer literacy.

Image inspired by earthquakes in southern Italy, from the J. T Kozak Collection

 

Summer Session Specifics:

During the summer session of 2007, course 460:201 "Earthquakes and Volcanoes" will be offered in an online/on-campus hybrid form. The class will be taught largely through the online course management system (a web site supported by RutgersOnline system, http://rutgersonline.net). Students will receive all instructional information in the form of interactive web documents. Homework assignments will be disseminated and accepted for review and grading via the course web site. Because of this, an Internet connection of the broad-band kind (better then a dial-up) is essential for anyone intending to take this class.

A few live lectures and instructor-student interaction sessions will be arranged during the 8-week run of the course. These will take place on Busch campus, in Wright-Rieman Labs (Rm. 339 - W 2:00-4:00). Two tests will be given online, one mid-way through the class and one at the end.  Grades for the class will be formed by results of homework and test scores.

Students intending to register for the class should take a few steps that will ensure smooth registration for the class and problem-free access to class materials:

1) While registering for the class, provide a functional email address. Access codes for the class will go to this address.

2) Clear up outstanding issues with the registrar’s office. Problems of this sort prevent registration, and may hinder successful participation in the class.

3) Sort out technology issues beforehand. Establish a broadband internet connection. Visit the website http://rutgersonline.net and make sure your web browser is compatible with it.

4) Communicate with the instructor (flindsay@rci.rutgers.edu) if you have any doubts, questions etc….