Geology 110 - Introductory Geology
(4 semester hours)
D. Miller
This course provides students with a topical view of Physical Geology and how it relates to the human race. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry, geological processes, and geological issues. Much of the material we will treat consists of items covered by the media and is intended to give students practical knowledge that they can apply to everyday life and to other disciplines. A Math Placement score of 22 or above is strongly recommended, as many lab exercises incorporate basic math skills. This course has both lecture and lab periods that each student must attend. The lab manual fee of $5.00 is billed directly. Note the required Saturday field trip to Ohio Caverns and Cedar Bog April 16.
Geology 111 - Introductory Geology: Earthquakes and Volcanoes
(4 semester hours)
Kathi Bladh
This course focuses on the geology of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. A geologic understanding of these hazards, by means of class study of such topics as the products of deadly eruptions and how earth materials respond to earthquake shaking, allows educated citizens to make informed decisions in order to lessen damage and loss of life caused by these hazards. $15.00 will be added to tuition bill to pay for class books. This amount covers the textbook and lab manual (no other book is required). The course has two one-hour lectures and a one two-hour lab per week. Attendance at both hours of lab is required. Math placement of 22 or above recommended.
Geology 150 - Physical Geology
(5 semester hours)
C. Ormand
Geology 150 is a comprehensive introduction to the science of geology. The course is recommended for students who are interested in the possibility of a geology major or minor, other science majors, or any student who desires a more comprehensive treatment of geology. Concepts and topics include: (1) the structure and constitution of the earth, (2) internal and surficial processes, (3) recent research concerning the nature and origin of the continents and ocean basins, and (4) methodology, experimentation, and observations used by geologists in attempting to understand the physical and biological evolution of Earth in time. Videos, 35 mm slides, demonstrations, and field trips augment the course. The lab includes an introduction to minerals and rocks, topographic maps, and geologic maps. Departmental lab manual costs $8 and is billed directly. Math placement 22 or above strongly recommended
Geology 260 - Sedimentology
(5 semester hours)
M. Zaleha
This course is a process-based approach to the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The first part of the course will investigate the physical processes of sediment erosion, transport, and deposition. These principles will then be applied to the study of modern depositional environments and processes as they relate to the interpretation of ancient deposits. Emphasis will be on siliciclastic and carbonate depositional environments and rocks. The course will conclude with brief treatments of stratigraphy, basin analysis, and sedimentological/tectonic/eustatic/ climatic interactions. Labs include flume work, identification of important sedimentary structures, lab and field methods, and field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 150.
Geology 320 – Structural Geology
(5 semester hours)
C. Ormand
Structural geology is the study of the processes and products of deformation in the earth’s crust. We will study deformation processes that range from brittle failure (faulting) to ductile flow (folding, stretching of rock, and the development of foliation) and that range in scale from mineral crystals to mountain belts. You will learn how much of the stress in the earth’s crust is related to plate tectonics. Laboratory exercises will focus on techniques of structural analysis, including the interpretation of structures seen in the field. A four day field trip is required. Prerequisite: Geology 150 or permission of the instructor. Math Placement 22 or above required
Geology 411 - Sedimentary Petrography
(3 semester hours)
M. Zaleha
Detailed microscopic and hand sample study of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on the identification and origin of features in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks. Prerequisite Geology 230 (or concurrent enrollment) and Geology 260. Alternate years.
