Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
Course Prerequisites
Graduate student in the HWS program. Prior courses in general chemistry (Chemistry I and II).
Course Materials
- Environmental Applications of Geochemical Modeling. Chen Zhu and Greg Anderson. ISBN 9780511606274.
- Groundwater geochemistry. A practical guide to modeling of natural and contaminated aquatic systems. Merkel, B. J., Planer-Friedrich, B., & Nordstrom, D. K. ISBN 3-540-24195-7
- Access the textbook by copying and pasting the title in the OU Libraries search function. This will lead you to the publisher’s website where you can access downloadable PDF files of the textbook.
- In addition to the assigned text, assigned papers and other references will be made available through the course Canvas site. This course will utilize real-world data sets from a variety of geologic settings that will be available through Canvas
Links to Software Sites
Please download as soon as possible to ensure your computer is compatible with the software. Also, download any user manuals and familiarize yourself with the historical context of the software.
Learning Activities and Assessment
Your grade will be based off of weekly assignments and a final project. The grade for the live session will be based on 1). Attendance and; 2). Participation in discussions. The weekly assignments will consist of an overview of the assignment, instructions, and questions to answer. The Final Project is a group (number pre group based on total enrollment) project that will include a written summary and a presentation at the last live session.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly assignments | 50% | |
| Live Session Participation | 20% | |
| Final Project | 30% | |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%,
C = 70 -79%
D = 60-69%
F = < 59%
Course Components
Weekly Assignments
Weekly assignments will be assigned for most weeks in this course and will be due by noon on the following Wednesday. It is very important that you follow the instructions on how to submit your assignment.
Live Sessions
Live Sessions will take place every Wednesday night. For each live session, questions and/or discussion topics will be provided in each Module. It is important to complete and submit your assignment as we will generally cover assignment material (or similar material). Your grade will include both participating in live sessions and submitting a summary of what was discussed.
Final Project
The Final Project is a culmination of all the topics covered in this course where everyone will work as groups to model a system. Final group presentations will occur during the final live session for the semester and grading rubric will be provided beforehand.
Course Policies
Communication
Primary avenue of communication outside of Live Sessions will be through email or Canvas (includes Discussion Board).
Late Policy
Unless pre-arranged, a 10% reduction per day will be applied towards late assignments.
Make-up and Absence Policy
It will be expected that students communicate with their instructor regarding any possible absences or late-submission of assignments.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.
Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|