Course Syllabus
ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641
GEOL 1102L Historical Geology Lab
Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho
1 Credit
Instructor Information
Course Instructor: Kate Morrison
- Email: broo4823@vandals.uidaho.edu
- Office Hours: Contact me via email
- Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications.
Welcome, I want to introduce and tell you a little about myself. I graduated with my BS degree from University of Idaho in geology and earned my MSc from the University of Michigan in earth and environmental sciences. I am currently earning my PhD at the University of Idaho in geology/paleobotany. I look forward to being your instructor and hope you enjoy the content of this course. It integrates plate tectonics, the fossil record, climate, and major global events through geologic time.
Course Description
Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history. U of I Gen Ed: Natural and Applied Sciences
Companion Class: The three credit GEOL 1102 Lecture Course is not a required part of this class, but it is highly recommended that you take it with the lab. Sign up for the Geol 1102, if you haven't already. It will reinforce the major concepts that you will be expected to learn in the class.
Required Materials
There is no textbook required for the lab. However, if you would like to reference the book referred to in some of the lab assignments, you are welcome to do so. This textbook is utilized in the GEOL 1102 Lecture Course:
Optional Textbook
Stanley, Steven M. and John A. Luczaj. Earth System History, fourth edition, 2015.
- ISBN-10: 1-4292-5526-9
- ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-5526-4
Course Rules and Requirements
Read all the material and do all the assignments. Focus on the materials presented. Take responsibility for your actions and efforts, take responsibility for your education. I recommend that you spend, on average, at least 3 hours of study time on textbook reading, reviewing class notes, etc., for each class credit hour. There is additional time devoted to researching and writing papers, and to developing projects. You can ignore the reading assignments for the lecture course associated with each Lab in the chart above if you decide not to take the lecture course.
Schedule
There are 12 labs that you will need to complete during this class. Labs are worth 40 points each.
If you are taking GEOL 1102 while taking this course, please consult the following schedule. It will allow you to complete each lab during the appropriate lesson.
| Lesson (GEOL 1102) | Readings (GEOL 1102) | Labs/Assignments (GEOL 1102L) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ch. 1: Earth as a System, Ch. 8: The Theory of Plate Tectonics | Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and requirements in this class; order your book |
| 1 | Ch. 9 Continental Tectonics and Mountain Chains | Lab 1: Geologic Time Scale |
| 2 | Ch. 2 Rock-Forming Minerals and Rocks | Lab 2: Plate Tectonics and Paleogeography |
| 2 | Ch. 4 Environments and Life, Ch. 5: Sedimentary Environments | Lab 3: Minerals and Rocks |
| 3 | Ch. 6: Correlation and Dating of the Rock Record | Lab 4: Relative Dating and Biostratigraphy |
| 3 | Ch. 11 The Hadean and Archean Eons | Lab 5: Precambrian of Idaho and Absolute Dating |
| 3 | Ch. 12 Proterozoic | Lab 6: PC and Paleozoic Life Geohistory |
| 4 | Ch 3: Diversity of Life, Ch. 7: Evolution and the Fossil Record | Lab 7: Fossils! |
| 4 | Ch. 13: Early Paleozoic, Ch. 14: Middle Paleozoic | Lab 8: Sea Level Changes through Time and Paleography |
| 5 | Ch. 15: Late Paleozoic | Lab 9: Mesozoic History |
| 5 | Ch. 16: Early Mesozoic, Ch 17: Cretaceous | Lab 10: Climate Change using Fossil Plants |
| 6 | Ch. 18: The Paleogene World | Lab 11: Cenozoic History |
| 6 | Ch. 19 Late Cenozoic, Ch. 20, Glaciers and the Holocene | Lab 12: Geologic History of Idaho |
Grade Information
The course grade will be based upon the following considerations:
- 12 labs (40 pts each) = 480 pts
480 total points possible
Grading Scale
- A 90-100%
- B 80-89%
- C 70-79%
- D 69-69%
- F Below 60%
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
I expect my students to adhere to the highest academic standards of honesty and integrity. I assume students will do their own work. Plagiarism—passing off someone else's work as your own without citing the source—is not tolerated. This includes direct copying, rephrasing, summarizing, taking someone else's idea, and putting it in different words. Students must fully cite their sources—this is the best avenue for avoiding plagiarism issues. See the U of I Academic Honesty Student Policy.
AI Use Prohibited
As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—is not permitted in this course.
Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of unauthorized assistance and undermines the core learning objectives of the class. This course is intentionally designed to build foundational skills—such as critical analysis, discipline-specific reasoning, original writing, and independent problem-solving—that require your direct engagement. Using AI tools to generate or revise work may hinder the achievement of these objectives and may compromise the integrity of your academic development.
Any use of AI tools for coursework, unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a specific assignment, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in sanctions as outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all university policies regarding academic honesty and should consult the Student Code of Conduct for further guidance.
Learning Civility
It is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning. Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to schedule a meeting with me to discuss your concerns. Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885--6757), the University of Idaho (U of I) Counseling & Testing Center's confidential services (208-885-6716), the U of I Office of Equity and Diversity (208-885-2468), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).
Center for Disability Access & Resources (CDAR)
Center for Disability Access & Resources (CDAR) Students with disabilities needing accommodations to fully participate in this class should contact the U of I Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR). All accommodations must be approved through CDAR prior to being implemented. To learn more about the accommodation process, visit CDAR's website or call 208-885-6307.
Inclusivity Statement: I acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusion and how these attributes contribute to promoting a positive educational experience. I intend to facilitate a healthy, productive, and safe learning environment that welcomes diverse thoughts, perspectives, and experiences.
Vandal Food Pantry
The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked with food, grocery bags, and hygiene items. It is accessible during open building hours, and is open to all.
Green Dot Safety Program
The Vandal Green Dot program helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Learn more at UI's Green Dot Safety Program or greendot@uidaho.edu.
Additional Help and Resources
Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.
U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipu (Nez Perce). Join the U of I in acknowledging and extending gratitude to the indigenous people.