FALL 2006
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Geology 112B – The Hydrologic Cycle and Landscape Development
4 credits
Ritter, John
Open to all students, except those who have previously taken Geology 110B-115B, 150B, or 160B. A math placement score of 22 or above is recommended.
This course will survey the hydrologic cycle, reservoirs and pathways of water in it, methods geologists use to study it, its role in shaping earth’s landscape, and environmental issues associated with it. The laboratory component of the course will concentrate on methodology, experimentation, and observations used by geologists in attempting to understand the hydrologic cycle and its impact on our earth. A $5 charge for the lab manual will be billed directly.
Geology 113B - Ohio Geology
4 credits
Zaleha, Michael
Open to all students, except those who have previously taken Geology 110B-115B, 150B, or 160B. A math placement score of 22 or above is recommended.
This General Education course is intended for the non-science major. The course treats the geologic history of Ohio, from ancient oceans, rivers, and swamps preserved in sedimentary rocks, to massive glaciers that sculpted the landscape. In order to understand the geology of Ohio, many fundamentals of geology, in general, also will be covered. Such topics include the identification and interpretation of igneous and sedimentary rocks, Earth structure and plate tectonics, paleontology and evolution, geologic time, and the use of topographic and geologic maps. However, the course format is flexible to allow for more in-depth exploration of topics that are of most interest to students. Numerous field experiences augment the course. Lab manual fee of $5 is billed directly.
Geology 150 - Physical Geology
5 credits
Zaleha, Michael
Open to all students, except those who have previously taken Geology 110B-115B or 160B. A Math placement score of 22 or above is recommended.
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 through time. Videos, slides, demonstrations and field trips augment the course. The lab includes an introduction to the use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and geologic maps. Lab manual fee of $5 is billed directly.
Geology 151 - Physical Geology Lab Practicum
1 credit
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisites: Geology 160 or one course from the Geol 110B-115B Series and permission of the Department Chair. A Math placement score of 22 or above is recommended.
This course is the lab portion of Geology 150. It is available for students who have completed a course in the Geology 110 series (Geol 110-115) and wish to take advanced geology courses or major in Geology or Earth
Science. Students who have completed Geology 160 and wish to major in Geology or Earth Science are also required to take this course. Will meet for one 3-hour lab per week.
Geology 230 - Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy
5 credits
Bladh, Katherine and Bladh, Kenneth
Prerequisites: Geology 150 OR one course from the Geology 110B-115B Series plus Geology 151 OR Geology 160 plus Geology 151 No college-level knowledge of chemistry is assumed. Relevant foundational concepts from chemistry and physics are developed by the instructors.
Geology 230 is an introduction to advanced techniques of mineral identification using stereoscopic and polarized-light microscopy. The first half of the course introduces students to crystallography, mineral physical properties and classification, crystal chemistry, and geological implications of crystal growth theory. The second half of the course introduces students to mineral identification using polarized-light microscopy. Mineral identification is then applied to the classification and textures of igneous rocks. This, together with relevant phase diagrams, is then used to interpret processes involved in igneous rock formation.
The laboratory provides hands-on experience applying advanced identification techniques to geologically important minerals.
Geology 290 - Hazard Mitigation: Volcanoes and Earthquakes
4 credits
Bladh, Katherine
No prerequisites. Open to Upperclassmen (and Freshmen by permission of instructor) of all majors (including geology).
Writing intensive . Fulfills general education natural world (N) non‑lab requirement. Upperclass competency in critical reading, writing and discussion are assumed. Environmental, multidisciplinary approach to volcanic and earthquake hazards. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis (orally and in writing) of readings and videos, discussion, journal entries, and collaborative (cross-disciplinary) student analysis of case studies and one oral report. Focus will be on effective communication of mitigation information and approaches across disciplinary lines (majors). Some use of the worldwide web. Customized textbook (approximately $20).
Geology 411 - Sedimentary Petrography 3 credits
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisite Geology 230 (or concurrent enrollment) and Geology 260.
Detailed microscopic and hand sample study of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on the identification and origin of features in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks. Alternate years.
Geology 470 - Field Seminar – Appalachian Mountains
3 credits
Zaleha, Michael and Ritter, John
Prerequisites: One course from the Geology 110B-115B Series, 150B, 160B, or equivalent and permission of the Geology Chairperson.
This course provides practical experience examining a wide variety of lithologies, landforms and geologic relations, such as unconformities, erosional surfaces, faults and folds in natural settings. Problem-solving exercises emphasize basic principles of geologic science. Students keep a daily field notebook during the trip and do a final project. Transportation, camping fees, and tents are provided. Will be graded CR/NC only. Requires a 6 day absence from campus. Enrollment priority given to Geology majors; open to Geology minors and others as space permits.
Geology 492 - Senior Seminar
1 credit
Ritter, John
Prerequisites: Open only to senior geology or earth science majors.
The purpose of this course is to encourage student reflection and integration of their course work in geology relative to the discipline of geology generally and the departmental learning goals specifically. The course will enable students to complete assembly and analysis of their senior assessment materials.
