Logistics
Course Description
“Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice”. Will Durant “Through geology, we understand our identity. It is sad that geology is sometimes regarded as a ‘dry’ science, for it underlies everything. Geology is a kind of unconscious mind for the world”. Richard Fortey ——————————————————————————— This course serves as an introduction to the earth …
Instructor
Alexander Glass, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer in Geology and Climate Division of Earth and Climate Sciences Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University E-mail: alex.glass@duke.edu Office Hours: Mondays 2-4pm, and by appointment, over Zoom (in person by request) Teaching Philosophy Statement Short Biography I was born in and spent my childhood in Hildesheim, Germany before moving to …
Teaching Assistant
Tian Xu Ph.D. Student in Earth and Climate Sciences Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Office Location: Grainger Hall 5120 Office Hours: 2-3:30pm E-mail: tian.xu@duke.edu I am a 4th-year PhD student in ECS, working with professor Shineng Hu. I hold a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences and have a background in climate dynamics. My recent …
Optional Textbook
Our optional textbook is Essentials of Geology: 6th or 7th Edition (Norton Publisher) by well-known geologist and award-winning earth science educator Stephen Marshak. If you chose to purchase a new book, please purchase an e-book version through the Norton Publishing Site. You do not need to purchase access to Smartworks etc. Used paper copies, or …
Grading Scheme
PLEASE NOTE: Canvas has a built-in function that tries to calculate your grade based on your current performance. Disregard ANY and ALL calculations or totals that this algorithm throws at you. We are NOT using it and it is not setup to calculate accurate grades or totals. It is severely limited and cumbersome to setup …
Attendance and Missing Class
Attendance and Missing Class: Attendance in ECS 101 is MANDATORY beginning on January 22nd, 2026. First, my lecture slides are text-poor, which means that without hearing what I say about each slide, you will NOT be able to reconstruct this information purely from the slide. Second, the review quizzes are not by themselves sufficiently comprehensive …
Other Course Policies
In-class Announcements: You are responsible for using your official DUKE e-mail account to receive information and communicate with the instructor and TA. Be sure to check your Duke e-mail at least once a day for possible announcements in ECS 101. Announcement e-mails will come through Canvas and will be archived under the Announcement tab on …
Missing an Exam
Important Information on Exam Policy: Sometimes students aren’t well while taking an exam and do poorly. I have had multiple requests to retake exams. Know that once you take an exam, you cannot retake said exam. If you are not well physically or emotionally, consider a short-term illness form and a meeting with your academic …
Disability Accommodations
Disability Accommodation: Students with disabilities seeking special accommodations must contact the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) to obtain appropriate support. We can only offer accommodations after we received your official SDAO office letter. Exams (SDAO accommodations): If you are eligible to receive SDAO accommodations for exams, you MUST make reservations at the Testing Center to take your exam. Exams MUST be scheduled there …
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