GEOLOGY 110B - Introduction to Geology
(4 credits)
Miller, David
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 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. Note the required Saturday field trip to Ohio Caverns and Cedar Bog September 27.
GEOLOGY 111B - Volcanoes and Earthquakes
(4 credits)
Bladh, Katherine
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.
Intended for non-science majors. Fulfills General Education requirement for natural science with a lab. 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 one two-hour lab per week. Attendance at both hours of lab is required.
GEOLOGY 112B - The Hydrologic Cycle
(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 $5.00 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.
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.
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.
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 and energy dispersive spectroscopy. 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. All students will attend the same weekly lab the first half of the course. During the second half of the course students should attend the one of two lab sections for which they have enrolled.
Geology 470 - Field Seminar: Kentucky
(3 credits)
Ritter, John and
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisites: Geology 110 or 150 or equivalent and permission of the Geology Chairperson.
This course provides practical field experience examining Mississippian rocks and stratigraphy, and the geologic controls on the evolution of karst landscapes and associated surface and subsurface hydrology. Problem-solving exercises emphasize basic principles of geologic science. Students keep a daily field notebook during the trip and present a final report at the Fall Student Research Poster Session. Transportation, camping fees, food, and tents are provided. Enrollment priority given to Geology majors; open to Geology minors and others as space permits. Will be graded CR/NC only. Requires a 4-6 day absenc from campus.
Geology 492 - Senior Seminar
(1 credit)
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisites: Open only to senior Geology or Earth Science majors.
This course is an intensive study of a selected problem in geology. The project involves student research guided by a faculty member, and also significant field, laboratory, and/or office time to complete the project.
