TEACHING
Teaching Experience –Missouri University of Science and Technology
GeE 50 Geology for Engineers. 3 unit lower division mandatory course for civil, environmental, geological, mining, metallurgical and ceramic engineering majors. Two hours lecture and 3 hours lab/discussion per week, and one all-day field trip (through Spring Semester 2002). I try to focus each lecture on a particular aspect of geology and how it relates to or impacts engineered works. The course includes numerous anecdotes to natural disasters and engineering failures to illustrate points. I use colored chalk on board, color slides, videos and PowerPoint to illustrate key points. Invite students to provide e-mail feedback. Conclude each lecture 5 minutes before ending time to force questions. Began every lecture with 5 minutes going over questions that had come in on e-mail, phone, note, or office visit. Learn my students’ names by taking photos of them holding name cards, then memorizing. Try to show lots of things that are unique and interesting, things they never would have been exposed to elsewhere. I offered to teach a double size course in Spring 2002, combining what had previously been two lecture sections into one, to save my department money. My enrollments have increased each semester: 57 students in Spring 2002; 85 students in Spring 2003; 96 students in Spring 2004; 70 students in Spring 2005; 96 students in Spring 2006; 99 students in Spring 2007, and 96 students in Spring 2008. http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge50/
GeE 101 Engineering Critique of Earth Science in Cinema. This course was initially offered in spring 2004 (with T. M. Whitworth and L. M. Gersch). This course introduces principles of engineering and science through critiques of the technical plausibility of earth and environmental aspects of eight popular films. Each viewing was preceded by a technical overview and introduction, which are followed by a discussion which critiques the technical and scientific plausibility of the various themes profiled in the film. Grades were based on written critiques and participation in class discussion. 13 students in Spring 2004.
GeE 110 Principles of Geological Engineering. During the fall and spring semesters I deliver one or two one-hour lectures in the freshman seminar. This is usually a topic of general interest intended to broaden scope of student’s understanding about range of activities in which geological engineers routinely work.
GeE 301 Development of Flood Control Engineering in the United States. This course was developed to serve the interests of Army engineering officers from Fort Leonard Wood enrolled in our MS degree program. The course is intended to familiarize geologists, geographers, planners, civil and geological engineers with the fundamental principles of flood control engineering, as it evolved in the United States from the mid-19th Century, onward, with particular emphasis on the Corps of Engineers role in effecting a national program of flood control and riverine navigation. Course website. http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge301/
GeE 310 Senior Seminar in Geological Engineering. During fall and spring semesters I provide two one-hour lectures on a more specific topic in geological engineering, usually related to site characterization, engineering failures or professional practice and registration issues. I address these topics because I don’t believe the students will hear this information in any other venue. Course coordinator for GeE 310 during fall 2008.
GeE 341 Engineering Geology and Geotechnics. This is a required upper division 3-unit course which presents the fundamental principles, procedures and techniques employed in engineering geologic site characterization and providing geotechnical input for design of engineered structures. Emphasis is placed on the differences between soil and rock mechanics and between surface and subsurface flow. Students are also exposed to the fundamentals of geotechnical report preparation and are required to prepare three different kinds of reports using standard form and phraseology they will expect to see in industry. Useful reference materials, selected reading assignments, and background materials for written assignments are posted on the course website http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge341 . Enrollments have been as follows: 31 students in Fall 2001; 14 students in Fall 2002; 21 students in Fall 2003; 11 students in Fall 2004, 18 students in Fall 2005; 9 students in Fall 2006, 26 students in fall 2007 (including distance learners), 26 students in Fall 2008 (incl. distance learners).
GeE 342 Military Geology. This course was developed by myself to serve the interests of Army engineer officers from Fort Leonard Wood enrolled in our MS degree program; for scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey involved in the National Map and Homeland Security and scientists at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis. The course is intended to familiarize geologists, geographers, planners, civil and geological engineers with the fundamental principles of physical geology, geohydrology and geomorphology as applied to military and national security problems, such as fortifications, core infrastructure, water resources, environmental security, combat engineering and post-conflict reconstruction requirements. Reading assignments and more than 70 Powerpoint lectures are posted on the course website http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge342 Enrollments have been: 6 students in spring 2002; 11 students in fall 2002; 7 students in Spring 2003; 10 students in Fall 2003; 8 students in Spring 2004; 7 students in Summer 2004; 9 students for USGS offering in Summer 2004; 7 students in Fall 2004; 14 students in Spring 2005; 12 students in Fall 2005; 8 students in Spring 2006; 6 students in Summer 2006; 4 students in Spring 2007; 6 students in Summer 2007, 12 students in Fall 2007, and 21 students in Fall 2008.
GEO 372 Geological Field Studies. 2 unit course intended to be intensive field study of selected regions of geological interest. This course is built on a 7 to 10 day field trip during the spring semester break or after final exams at the end of a semester. Topics for student reports, suggested equipment list, final road log and selected photos of the Spring 2005 field trip are posted at http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/geo372/ Prerequisites GEO 51 or GeE 50. 15 students in Spring 2005.
GeE 441 Advanced Engineering Geology and Geotechnics II. 3-unit graduate course presenting advance-level lecture topics, focused on geotechnical practice. The course centers on presenting applicable minimum standards of practice established by laws and codes, with emphasis on applicable standards-of-care, which vary from place to place. Fundamentals of earthwork excavation and grading standards are presented, including excavation methods, soil compaction, surface drainage and erosion control, slope face treatment, subsurface drainage, and input for design of earth retention structures. Each of these topics are presented along with the variations of local practice, which evolve from experience and geographic location. The concept of geotechnical baseline reports, contract language and industry standard limitation of liability clauses are also introduced. Evolution of standard sampling techniques for soil and rock exploration and testing are discussed and current standards emphasized, with handouts posted on the course website http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/umrcourses/ge441
Enrollments: 14 students in Spring 2004 (divided evenly between civil engineering and geological engineering); 8 students in Spring 2005; 7 students in Spring 2006; and 6 students in Spring 2007.
Student Evaluations of Teaching - Missouri S&T