Curriculum

Geology

111.PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY(1 course)
Geology is the scientific study of the earth. This is an introductory course in geology and emphasizes earth systems; those processes that operate and have operated upon and within the earth to give it its present character. The course emphasizes Plate Tectonics as a unifying theory to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains, continents, ocean basins, and crustal composition. In addition, the course examines the role of surface processes such as erosion and deposition by water, ice, and wind in the sculpting of the earth's surface. In both lab and field work the course emphasizes problem solving in geology and familiarizes the student with minerals, rocks, topographic maps, and geologic maps. LAB, Fall and Spring semesters.

112.EVOLUTION OF THE EARTH(1 course)
This course is a second course in geology covering the geological evolution of the earth and the history of life. This course examines the theories, the types of information, and the methods that earth scientists use to approach complicated histories and unrepeated events. Topics include the origin and age of the earth and the adequacy of Plate Tectonics as an explanation of the nature of the seafloor, continents and mountain chains. The fossil record will be used as data for an outline of the major events in the history of life. The diversification of life in the seas, the transition onto land, and the radiation of vertebrates will be examined in light of Darwinian and competing theories. Prerequisite: GEO-111 or permission of the instructor. QUANT. Fall and Spring semesters.

246.GEOMORPHOLOGY(1 course)
The study of the earth's surface and the processes that shape it. Processes discussed include those associated with weathering, streams, glaciers, ground ice, ground water, wind, oceans, tectonism, and volcanism. The laboratory is research oriented and consists of learning basic tools (maps and photos) and applying these to several field research problems. Prerequisite: GEO-111. Fall semester.

259. EARTH RESOURCES (1 course)
An introduction to the geology of mineral and energy resources. Focus will be on the geological processes that form these deposits. Economic considerations involved in the development and exploitation of these deposits as well as the environmental concerns associated with the extraction of these deposits will also be addressed. Prerequisites: GEO-111 and high school chemistry. Fall semester, odd years.

371.MINERALOGY(1 course)
Elementary crystallography and crystal chemistry; physical and chemical properties of minerals; elementary phase diagrams. Emphasis is on the common rock forming minerals. Two 2-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: High school or college chemistry, or concurrent enrollment. Spring semester.

374.SEDIMENTOLOGY/STRATIGRAPHY(1 course)
An introduction to the study of sediments and stratigraphy. Topics include sediment sources, weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition. The course will also include a thorough look at global depositional environments. Traditional concepts of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, aqueous geochemistry, diagenesis, and radiometric dating will be studied, as well as the newer fields of basin analysis and sequence stratigraphy. Prerequisites: GEO-111, GEO-112, and GEO-371. Spring semester.