GY403L Structural Geology Laboratory Syllabus 
Dr. David Allison

I. Laboratory Course
	GY403L Structural Geology Laboratory
II. Laboratory Description
	The study of field and office techniques that are useful for classifying and quantifying geological structures.
III. Laboratory Objectives
	Upon completion of this laboratory section the student will be familiar with field and office methods that are used as the basis of constructing accurate geologic maps. The student will be introduced to stereographic projections, and to statistical analysis of structural orientation data.  Laboratory methods for detecting and analyzing a wide variety of geologic structures  will comprise the majority of the laboratory course.
IV. Laboratory Topics
	The following laboratory topics will be covered sequentially during the semester:

WEEK 1:	Apparent Dip and Three-Point Problems
WEEK 2:	Stereographic Projection Problems I
WEEK 3:	Stereographic Projection Problems II
WEEK 4:	Contoured Stereonets
WEEK 5:	Campus Geologic Map Exercise
WEEK 6:	Tannehill State Park Geologic Map & Cross-section
	(near Tuscaloosa AL; tent-camping S-Su)
WEEK 7:	Thickness and Depth Problems
WEEK 8:	Outcrop Prediction
WEEK 9:	Structural Contours
WEEK 10:	Stress Analysis
WEEK 11:	Spring break (generally 3rd week in March)
WEEK 12:	Strain Analysis
WEEK 13:	Fault Displacement Vectors
WEEK 14:	Down-plunge Fold Projections
WEEK 15:	Review for Lab Practical
WEEK 16:	Lab Practical Exam
LAB PRACTICAL EXAM: Scheduled for last lab meeting.

V. Text

Structural Geology Laboratory Manual by David T. Allison, 2nd Edition

VI. Procedures for Assessing Student Performance

You will be required to obtain certain materials to complete the laboratory assignments. A list of required lab tools and supplies follows:

Required Tools & Supplies

1. Drawing pencils (3 or 4H).
2. Engineers Scale (English Units).
3. Protractor (clear plastic).
4. Colored Pencils: red, green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, black, and heliotrope(purple).
5. 8.5" x 11" smooth, hard surface drawing paper, suitable for use with a rapidograph. 
6. 8.5 x 11 tracing paper.
7. Drafting tape.
8. 2 triangles (30-60-90 ). Try to find the type with the beveled edge.
9. A compass for drawing circles. You do not have to get an expensive engineering compass, any type will do.
10. Rapidograph Set (Technical Drafting Pens) - at least two sizes  (0 and 2).
11. Eraser
12. Two Notebooks, 3-ring binder type.

Optional Tools

1. Drafting Board - these can be very handy if you want to work on your labs at home.
2. Field notebook for the field mapping exercise.
3. Clipboard for field mapping exercise.
4. USB “Jump drive” for storing applications and data.

Exam & Assignment Percentages

The percentage weightings for exams and assignments are as follows:

LABORATORY GRADE PERCENTAGES
Average of lab assignments: 50% of Lab grade
Lab Practical exam: 50% of Lab grade

Lab Assignment Page Format

Page size is letter (8.5" x 11"). Use this format for each problem unless otherwise instructed. In some cases a scale or north arrow may not be required.

Exercise Number  Problem Number Scale (is applicable) Numerical Answers:	North Arrow (if applicable)
Center problem on page	Center problem on page
	Lower Right Corner:      Name (printed)      Date Due

A 3-hole punch binder notebook will be required for the lab problems. Having your problem sets together in one place will aid you in this course and in the future. Notebooks will be kept according to the below guidelines. Failure to use guidelines will result in the deduction of points:

1. Exercise assignment sheet(s) for the week will precede all problems for that week.
2. Labs must be done on lineless paper and entered into the notebook (i.e. use a 3-hole punch).
3. Only one problem or portion of a problem per page. 
4. Problems must be labeled on every page as shown below:
5. ASSIGNED SCALE MUST BE USED. Failure to comply will result in no credit for that problem.
6. All problems should be done in black ink with a rapidograph, unless otherwise instructed.
7. Neatness and accuracy go together. Accuracy required for full credit will be determined by problem difficulty and by scale. Neatness will account for 10% of each lab assignment.
8. Some problems will require a written portion outlining the procedures used to solve the problem. The written portion should be placed in the bottom third of the problem construction, or it should be entered beginning at the top of a separate sheet.

 Exercises assigned in lab will be due at the beginning of the next laboratory period unless otherwise announced. Since I always go over the answers to the previous assigned lab at the beginning of class, there is no possibility of turning in a "late" lab. 
The lab period will be devoted to a review of previous assignments and instruction on and demonstrations of new problem material. All assignments are to be done as independent work. I encourage you to discuss the principles involved with your classmates. However, if you depend on your fellow class members too heavily you will have great difficulty with the laboratory final examination. Because this examination composes a large proportion of your laboratory grade, it is unlikely that you can pass the laboratory if you rely heavily on your classmates, or old labs from former students, for answers to weekly assignments. It is very important that, if you are having problems, you should seek the instructor or laboratory assistant for assistance. Most principles involved with a given lab are built upon those learned in previous labs, so you cannot afford to fall behind in this class.

 Students should note that there is a required Friday-Sunday field trip for the laboratory during the 5th week of class. Everyone goes- no exceptions! This field exercise will be one of the few times prior to a summer field course that you will have a firsthand opportunity to learn the art and science of geological field mapping. I strongly suggest that you make the most of the opportunity by approaching the problem with an open mind and a "can-do" attitude.
A second required field trip to the Llano uplift is required during the 12th week of class. Many of the structures discussed in class will be demonstrated during this field trip. 

The University of South Alabama provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please see me if you have special needs. 

VII. Instructors for the Course

Instructor: David Allison 
Office: Room 344 LSCB 
Office Hours: Will be posted on office door

This course is usually provided a student assistant for the laboratory whose main function is to assist students completing the laboratory exercises, and to assist the instructor in grading. The student assistant, if available, will be announced during the first lab. It is recommended that students take advantage of the knowledge available from the laboratory teaching assistant.

VIII. Bibliography

Davis, George H., and Reynolds, Stephen J., 1996, Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, 2nd ed. : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, New York, 776p.

NOTE TO GEOLOGY MAJORS: Every semester the Geology/Geography Department designates a specific week as advising week. This is the period designated for you and your advisor to meet and discuss your progress and future courses. Please take advantage of this designated time- your advisor may refuse to advise you at other times. Be aware that you should meet with your advisor every quarter so that the departmental secretary can mark you from the registration "hold" list. It is your responsibility to make an appointment with your advisor, and to make sure that he/she marks you off of the registration "hold" list after you have been advised. If you are on the hold list you will not be able to register with phone registration. You can check with the departmental secretary each semester to determine the dates of advising week.

dallison@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
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