GEOLOGY 110B - Introduction to Geology
(4 credits)
Bladh, Kenneth
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 survey of physical geology and how geologic knowledge can influence the decisions we face as citizens. Students will gain an understanding of the nature and findings of the scientific study of earth materials, selected geologic processes and "deep time". Content areas will probably include minerals and rocks, geologic time, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, streams, shorelines and glaciers. Students will have input into the final selection of topics. A Math Placement score of 22 or above is strongly recommended, as some lab exercises incorporate basic math skills and quantitative reasoning.
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 115B - Topics in Physical Geology
(4 credits)
Staff
Intended for the non-science student. Study of selected topics related to physical geology. Topics covered vary according to disciplinary interests of the instructor or current issues in physical geology. Offered subject to demand and availability of an instructor.
GEOLOGY 150B - 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 and how geology affects our lives everyday. The course is recommended for students who are interested in the possibility of a geology major or minor, other science majors, or anyone who is interested in Earth processes and history. The course treats fundamentals of geology (such as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes and rocks), Earth's internal structure and processes as they relate to plate tectonics and earthquakes, and Earth's surface processes (such as landslides, river flooding, coastal erosion, glacial processes, and climate change). Labs include examination of various rock types and use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and geologic maps to evaluate the geologic history and risks of natural hazards of particular areas. Some field experiences are also included. 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 ll0B-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 270 - Field Seminar - Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
(3 credits)
Zaleha, Michael
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 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 492 - Senior Seminar
(1-4 credits) Ritter, John
Prerequisites: Open only to senior geology or earth science majors.
Required of all Geology majors during their senior year. Each student works on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The project culminates in a written thesis, a public poster presentation, and a public oral presentation. Each student registers for this course during both semesters, 0 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring. Taught every year.
