DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY
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 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 240 - Process Geomorphology
5 credits
Ritter, John
Prerequisites: Geology 150, 160, or Geol 110B-115B with permission of instructor
The objective of Process Geomorphology is to introduce students to the study of earth surface processes and landforms. The course will focus on the processes and landforms of local drainage basins and streams, their hydrology and development. Topics will include chemical and physical weathering processes and soils, field and lab description of soils, soil stratigraphy, and taxonomy; drainage basin hydrology, networks, and evolution, and stream reach hydrology and hydraulics, channel pattern, and evolution. Each student will be responsible for developing a research project and poster presentation based on one of the topical areas as it pertains to the course focus.
Geology 340 - Earth History
5 credits
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisite: Geology 260
The objectives of the course are to (1) develop the skills, and learn to use the tools with which to decipher Earth’s history, and (2) learn the general history of Earth and its life forms (as preserved in the fossil record) with emphasis on the North American continent. Students will learn to look at outcrops and geologic maps and interpret the geologic history of a particular area. Students will develop the ability to conjure up an image of a particular setting given a place and geologic time period. Slides and field trips augment the course.
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 5 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.
