Department: GEOL Geology

CodeNameDescription
EVS274Climate Change SeminarA seminar course that examines the science of climate change, both in terms of natural cycles, as well as man's place in the accelerated changes we are now witnessing. Part of this discussion will include national and international political response...
GEOL101Physical GeologyA study of the origin of minerals and rocks and the processes acting on and in the earth and their results as reflected in topography and earth structure. Three class sessions and one lab per week. Offered every fall.
GEOL101LPhysical Geology LabNo Description Set
GEOL102Historical GeologyA study of the record in the rocks, especially the fossil record and the events of the earth's formation through geological time. Three class sessions and one lab per week. This course may also count toward a degree in biology. Offered every even spr...
GEOL103Physical Geography and the EnvironmentAnalysis of climatic elements and controls leading to an improved understanding of climatic types and their world distribution, followed by a study of the physical and cultural features within the major climatic regions, especially as these features...
GEOL107Earth Materials, Processes, and HistoryA study of the origin of minerals and rocks and the processes acting on, and in, the Earth. This class connects the physical planet with a more detailed look at Earth history, as defined by the fossil record. The entirety of the rock record helps us...
GEOL209Natural Disasters: Volcanoes and EarthquakesWhat are natural disasters and how can science reduce the damage done by events such as earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions? This course will examine these events and how scientists determine why and attempt to predict when and where natural...
GEOL210Natural Disasters: Severe WeatherWhat are natural disasters, and how can science reduce the damage done by events such as severe weather and flooding? This course will examine these events and how scientists attempt to predict when and where natural disasters are most likely to occu...
GEOL211Discovering the Ice AgeHow was the Ice Age discovered? This class will examine how 19th century scientists used stones, bones, and landforms to bring about a revolution in our understanding of earth history. It will also examine the scientific evidence upon which current m...
GEOL211LDiscovering the Ice Age LabHow was the Ice Age discovered? This class will examine how 19th century scientists used stones, bones, and landforms to bring about a revolution in our understanding of earth history. It will also examine the scientific evidence upon which current...
GEOL212Archeology and Human AntiquityWhere did humans come from? How far back in time can we trace the human lineage? The question of human antiquity is a topic of universal interest and speculation. Archaeology is a discipline that seeks to answer this question. This class will critica...
GEOL213Asteroids, Comets, and CatastrophismHow has the discovery of giant impact craters changed our understanding of earth history? This class will examine the scientific evidence for repeated asteroid and comet collisions with the earth, the catastrophic effect of these collisions, and the...
GEOL215Introduction to HydrogeologyAn introduction to the study of water resources, from the oceans to freshwater aquifers and surface waters. The class will include an introduction to analytical and sampling techniques, the chemistry and physics of water, analyses of groundwater and...
GEOL274Climate Change SeminarA seminar course that examines the science of climate change, both in terms of natural cycles, as well as man's place in the accelerated changes we are now witnessing. Part of this discussion will include national and international political response...
GEOL275Topics in Regional GeologyA study of various topics relevant to annual field trips conducted by the department, generally 10-14 days in May.
GEOL297Introduction to Laboratory and Field ResearchThis course will introduce the student to scientific research in the laboratory or field through individual instruction under the direction of a Geology faculty member. Graded S/U. Offered each semester.
GEOL309GeomorphologyThe interpretation of landscapes and landforms; their origin, evolution and relation to erosion, structure and rock characteristics. Three lectures and one lab per week. Offered every odd fall.
GEOL309LGeomorphology LabThe interpretation of landscapes and landforms; their origin, evolution and relation to erosion, structure and rock characteristics. Three lectures and one lab per week. Offered every odd fall.
GEOL311MineralogyA course that includes the elements of crystallography, crystal chemistry and descriptive mineralogy of the important or common minerals. Three class sessions and one lab per week.
GEOL312Igneous and Metamorphic PetrologyAnalysis of the principal igneous and metamorphic rocks; their origin, structure and physical and chemical composition. Three class sessions and one lab per week.
GEOL313Sedimentary Petrology and StratigraphyAn introduction to the features found in sedimentary rocks and the principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy emphasizing interpretation, correlation, and use in assessing the geologic history of the earth. Three class sessions and one laboratory p...
GEOL324Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsThis course covers the fundamental principles of geographic information systems (GIS), which is the merging of cartography, statistical analysis, and database technology into computer-based systems that capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, an...
GEOL350Science As a Cultural ForceAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon soc...
GEOL350AScience As a Cultural Force: the Making Of the BombAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon so...
GEOL350BScience As a Cultural Force: the Tobacco WarsAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon so...
GEOL350CScience As a Cultural Force: Science and Human NatureAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon so...
GEOL350DScience As a Cultural Force: Evolution - For and AgainstAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon so...
GEOL350EScience As a Cultural Force: Science and RationalityAn inquiry into the nature of the scientific method in relation to human culture and its use in gaining and applying new knowledge. This course constitutes a substantial interdisciplinary investigation of the impact of science and technology upon so...
GEOL401Structural GeologyA study of the geometrical relationships of rock bodies of the earth, their orientation, distribution and bearing on the theories concerned with the origin and development of major land- scape features, the continents and the ocean basins. Three clas...
GEOL402Natural Resources GeologyThis course is an introduction to the general geologic occurrence of natural resources: water; fossil fuels; nuclear fuels; metallic and non-metallic mineral resources; industrial gases. From exploration to development, transport, manufacture, use an...
GEOL403GeochemistryA quantitative introduction to the distribution and migration of chemical species within the earth in space, and in time, with emphasis on understanding standing the principle chemical control on element distribution. Major chemical systems are inves...
GEOL405Petroleum GeologyThis course is an introduction to petroleum geology that provides a basic understanding of the geologic origin, migration, and location of hydrocarbon deposits and the concepts and methods in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development. Lab...
GEOL429Field GeologyField analysis and interpretation of the regional geology at several field camp locations. The work includes an introduction to field techniques and geological mapping on aerial photographs and topographic base maps.
GEOL476Issues in Environmental ScienceA detailed examination of the scientific dimensions of selected environmental issues, with discussion of the economic, policy, and ethical aspects of those problems and with emphasis on global and international perspectives. Case studies will include...
GEOL493InternshipAn internship in a laboratory and/or field setting applicable to the discipline will be completed under the supervision by a qualified professional(s). Documentation of 50 clock hours per credit hour, typically over six consecutive weeks (minimum) is...
GEOL497Laboratory and Field ResearchLaboratory research performed under faculty supervision. This course allows undergraduate students the opportunity to become involved in original research projects directed by Chemistry/Geology faculty members. Repeatable up to 8 hours.
GEOL498Independent StudyNo Description Set
GEOLELCTGeology ElectiveNo Description Set