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Frequently asked questions about physical geology lab

Where is my lab?
Exact directions to your classroom.Enter the Science building (abbreviated SC, if you don't see "SC" on the room numbers, you are in the wrong building). Usually you will enter from the front of the building, through glass doors on either side of the front of the building (not seen in this picture). Go UP three half-flights of stairs to the (clearly marked) second floor, and walk all the way down the hall to your right. You will be facing room SC237. If you lab is in SC238, you need to go to the next room to the left. If you do not know which room your lab is in, check your course schedule (during work hours, labs are generally held in BOTH rooms.

When is my lab, who is my lab TA?
Read the course schedule provided to you by the Registrar. You MUST have your lab time and room number, or no one will be able to help you. If you have lost this information, contact the Registrar, or your advisor. With your room number and lab time in hand, go to the lab schedule to find the name of your TA and access the page for your TA. You can then access information such as office hours, contact information, and even read your syllabus.

What should I bring to lab, what should I do before lab?
Before lab, you should always read the appropriate chapter in the lab manual (see the syllabus on your TA’s page for a schedule of topics and chapters to be covered). You should bring the following materials TO EVERY LAB CLASS: two pencils, a small ruler, a calculator, and your lab manual.

How should I behave in class?
You should always arrive before class begins; if you should happen to arrive late, enter QUIETLY and take a seat as quickly as possible. If you must leave during class, please do so quietly and discretely. You should make every effort to attend ALL lab periods; if you must be absent, please attempt to contact you instructor (see below). Please treat your TA as you would any other instructor at Texas Tech. Speak and act respectfully and with civility. Do not talk while your instructor is lecturing, pay attention to what he has to say (it will usually be of some help in completing your assignments), and ask questions in a polite manner. Do NOT read, do homework for other classes, or work on lab assignments while you TA is lecturing. Wait patiently for help in class; try to understand that you TA is only one person and cannot be everywhere at once. Your TA is under no obligation to tolerate rude or disruptive behavior. Hold your complaints until you have a chance to speak privately with your TA (before or after class is fine), and phrase them in a constructive manner. Do NOT speak during examinations, do not disrupt examinations, and NEVER cheat.

What should I do if I cannot be in lab?
If you cannot attend a lab session for any reason, you should make a good-faith effort to contact your instructor and inform them WELL IN ADVANCE of the class date you will miss. You may call the graduate student telephone number (742-3132) and leave a message (this telephone is answered by graduate students, and they are under no obligation to assist you, so be polite!). Most graduate students maintain a busy schedule of teaching, classes, and research, and they may not receive you message for some time. Many TAs provide their e-mail address to students, and this is often the fastest means of getting in touch with them. Note, however, that contacting your TA does NOT absolve you of your attendance requirements (see your syllabus); your TA may accept or reject even excused absences at his discretion, and is not required to provide you with the opportunity to make up lost assignments.

What should disabled students do?
Students who require special consideration due to a disabling condition should notify their TA as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements may be made in a timely manner. Such students should be prepared to present verification of their disabled status within a reasonable timeframe. Students with special needs should contact the PASS Center in West Hall (TTU Campus Map).

When will I be tested, what lab are we doing this week, etc.?
Go to your lab TA's page and access the syllabus for your section. If you do not know the name of your TA, with your room number and lab time in hand, go to the lab schedule to find the name of your TA.

Is my grade in this lab combined with my lecture grade?
No. Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 1101) is a completely separate course from your Physical Geology Lecture (GEOL 1303). This is necessary in order to provide you with as many scheduling opportunities as possible, as well as to accommodate the large number of lecture sections. Your experience in each class is completely independent of the other, and you will be graded accordingly.

Why isn't my lab covering the same topics as my lecture in the same order and at the same time?
Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 1101) is a completely separate course from your Physical Geology Lecture (GEOL 1303). This is necessary in order to provide you with as many scheduling opportunities as possible, as well as to accommodate the large number of lecture sections. Coordination of the two classes would unduly restrict the freedom of the lecture instructors to peruse the most effective means to educate you.

Why is my buddy's lab easier than mine?
In any instance in which the same course is taught by different instructors, there will be differences in the manner in which the course is taught. While the laboratory supervisor does exercise some quality control over the labs, to ensure that students are receiving adequate instruction, it is not his job to dictate how your lab will be taught. If you have a specific complaint about the way your class is being taught, you may certainly address this through the proper channels (see below).

What can I do to get an A?
The most important steps to getting an A are COMING TO CLASS and READING THE MANUAL BEFORE CLASS. Once in class, it is critical that you LISTEN TO YOUR TA, as his help is critical to correctly completing your assignments. If you are unclear on the theoretical or practical aspects of your assignment, it is important that you ASK QUESTIONS of your TA. If you have additional questions, your TA has OFFICE HOURS. YOU pay them to be in their office at that time, and they will be more than willing to help you. If you feel you need more help, your TA of the head TA may be able to recommend an appropriate tutor. Notice that, in every case, it is YOUR REPONSIBILITY to make sure you are getting the most out of this course.

What can I do if I have a problem with my TA?
Often, students who feel they have a problem with their class and their TA are best served by reading the advice on how to get an A above. However, should you feel that you have an honest problem with the way your lab course is being run, you should follow the following steps. Note that your lecture instructor will NOT be able to help you, as they (with the exception of the laboratory supervisor) are not involved in the running of the labs, and it is unethical for them to interfere with another instructor’s class.

If you have a problem with your class, you should:

I am not a geology major, how am I expected to understand this?
You are not expected to understand it, not immediately. This course is designed to teach you, which requires that you maintain an open mind and try to learn. If you cannot do this, you are NOT expected to understand the material at all. If you are having trouble, read the advice on how to get an A above.