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Core courses are identified as lab science or allied science by color. GEOL 0101: Physical Geology with Laboratory (4) A broad introductory survey of geology that focuses on the role of plate tectonic theory in providing a fundamental understanding of the Earth as a global system. The course also provides students with an introduction to scientific methodology and to the multifaceted interactions between science, technology and society. Topics to be covered include the minerals and rocks that make up the Earth's crust, the processes of weathering and erosion that shape the Earth's surface, the internal structure of the Earth, geological hazards, and energy and mineral resources. The laboratory portion of the course provides a "hands-on" introduction to the practical aspects of physical geology, including the identification of minerals and rocks, the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and the development of landforms. The course includes several field trips that involve additional time commitments (on weekends or beyond the normal ending time for the laboratory). Students may receive credit for either GEOL 0101 or GEOL 0102, but not for both. (usually offered every semester) GEOL 0102: Physical Geology (3) A broad introductory survey of geology that focuses on the role of plate tectonic theory in providing a fundamental understanding of the Earth as a global system. The course also provides students with an introduction to scientific methodology and to the multifaceted interactions between science, technology and society. Topics to be covered include the minerals and rocks that make up the Earth's crust, the processes of weathering and erosion that shape the Earth's surface, the internal structure of the Earth, geological hazards, and energy and mineral resources. Students may receive credit for either GEOL 0101 or GEOL 0102, but not for both. (usually offered every semester) GEOL 0106: Historical Geology (3) A survey of Earth history (with an emphasis on North America) and on the scientific principles on which that history has been based. The course also provides students with an introduction to scientific methodology and to the multifaceted interactions between science, technology and society. Topics to be covered include the interpretation of sedimentary rock sequences in terms of depositional environments, the history of life on Earth as inferred from the fossil record, and a synthesis of Earth history in terms of plate tectonics. (usually offered spring semester) GEOL 0124: Geologic Hazards (3) The Earth is a dynamic planet, whose surface is constantly being modified by the internal processes associated with plate tectonics and by the external processes associated with the hydrologic cycle. Those processes make the Earth an interesting, but sometimes dangerous place to live. This course will explore the factors that shape the Earth's surface by investigating the potential hazards associated with those processes (including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, and climate change) and human attempts to predict, prepare for and respond to such events. (usually offered fall semester) GEOL 0239: Special Topics in Geology (1) Offers students a chance to pursue topics in geology at a level beyond that of the introductory survey courses. One or more topics will serve as a focus for the course each semester. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Prerequisite: GEOL 0101 or GEOL 0106 or permission of instructor. (offered occasionally) GEOL 0347: Integrated Physical Science: Geology (3) Examines current topics in geology, with an emphasis on the application of basic principles of chemistry and physics to those topics. Both conceptual and quantitative approaches to the subject will be explored. Topics may include seismology, radioactive dating, paleoclimatology, environmental geochemistry, Earth's magnetic field, energy resources, the Cambrian explosion, mass extinctions, glaciology, or geomorphology. Prerequisites: GEOL 0101 and one semester each of college-level chemistry and physics. (usually offered in alternate fall semesters, including F08) GEOL 0398: Internship (2-15) Offers students the opportunity to explore employment opportunities in geology by completing a paid or unpaid internship in a business, non-profit organization, or governmental setting. Each credit of internship should correspond to approximately 40 hours of work. Students will be required to keep a log of their activities during the internship and to complete a reflective paper on their experience at its conclusion. Prerequisite: Open to General Science majors with junior or senior standing, or by permission of the instructor. (offered on demand) GEOL 0399: Independent Study (1-3) Independent study, under the supervision of a faculty member, in an area of geology beyond that covered by departmental courses. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (offered on demand) |
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