GEOLOGY 110B - Introductory Geology 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.
(4 credits)
Miller, David
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 April 12.
GEOLOGY 111B – Volcanoes and EarthquakesOpen 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 CycleOpen 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 160B – Environmental GeologyOpen to all students, except those who have previously taken Geology 110B-115B, or 150B. A Math placement score of 22 or above is recommended.
Environmental Geology is intended as an introduction to applied geology for both science and non-science students. The primary objective of the course is to understand human interaction with the physical environment. We will study natural hazards, such as flooding, mass wasting, and coastal erosion, and natural resources, such as groundwater and wetlands. Labs will focus on techniques used by geologists to study natural hazards and problems associated with natural resources and to develop mitigation strategies. Geology 160 counts as an introductory course for the geology major and minor, the environmental studies minor, and the marine science minor.
GEOLOGY 291 – Spatial Analysis in the Natural SciencesPrerequisites: A 100-level course in geology, geography, or biology.
This course focuses on raster datasets and their use in GIS-based spatial analysis and modeling in the natural sciences. Raster datasets, including digital elevation models and satellite imagery, and their derivatives, such as slope or aspect models and land cover interpretations, are a critical part of studies in the natural sciences. This course is intended to introduce students to the utility and availability to raster data and the methods for incorporating it into research problems.
GEOLOGY 460 – Geology Seminar: Buck Creek AssessmentPrerequisites: Geology 110-115B, Geology 150B, or Geology 160B and permission of the instructor.
The objective of this seminar will be to collect baseline data on Buck Creek associated with several lowhead dams. The lowhead dams will be modified over the coming years for recreational purposes. Data related to sediment size distribution, cross-section and stage-discharge relation, and water quality will be collected in order to assess the impact of modifications on channel morphology and water quality. This will be a half-semester course and will involve field time outside of the scheduled class times. It is open to students who have completed an introductory course in geology. Permission of the instructor is required.
