GEOLOGY 110B - Introductory 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 April 16 for section 01.
GEOLOGY 111B – Volcanoes and Earthquakes
(4 credits)
Bladh, Katherine
Open to all students.
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 volcanic eruption products and how the type of ground beneath buildings affects the severity of earthquake shaking, allows educated citizens to make informed decisions that can lessen damage and loss of life caused by these geologic hazards. A score of 22 of the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended. Every year.
Students may complete an additional project, using foreign language skills, for one-credit CLAC credit. See Language Department course descriptions.
GEOLOGY 113B – Ohio Geology
(4 credits)
Zaleha, Michael
Intended for the non-science student.
Treats the geologic history of Ohio, from ancient oceans, rivers, and swamps preserved in sedimentary rocks, to massive glaciers that sculpted the landscape. Every year.
GEOLOGY 160B – Environmental Geology
(5 credits)
Ritter, John
Open 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 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 260 - Sedimentology
(5 credits)
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisite: Geology 150B or 160B or one course from the Geology 110B-115B Series in combination with Geology 151.
This course is a process-based approach to the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The first part of the course will investigate the physical processes of sediment erosion, transport, and deposition. These principles will then be applied to the study of modern depositional environments and processes as they relate to the interpretation of ancient deposits. Emphasis will be on siliciclastic and carbonate depositional environments and rocks. The course will conclude with brief treatments of stratigraphy, basin analysis, and sedimentological/tectonic/eustatic/ climatic interactions. Labs include flume work, identification of important sedimentary structures, lab and field methods, and field trips.
GEOLOGY 315 – Watershed Hydrology
(4 credits)
Ritter, John
Prerequisite: A minimum score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is required. Geology 150, 160, or one course from the Geology 110B-115B Series in combination with Geology 151.
Watershed Hydrology is designed to highlight methods used by hydrologists, hydrogeologists, and environmental scientists in their study of surface and subsurface hydrology of watersheds. The course will focus on watershed processes, including precipitation, infiltration, generation of runoff, groundwater flow and streamflow. We will also consider environmental impacts (e.g., climate change) and human impacts (e.g., watershed management, urban impacts, or changes in land use) on watershed hydrology. Class sessions will focus on both concepts and methodology for collecting, modeling, analyzing or displaying hydrologic data. The course will require significant field time, some of which will occur outside of class.
GEOLOGY 392 – Junior Seminar
(1 credit)
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisites: Open only to Geology majors with junior standing.
Required of all Geology majors during the spring semester of their junior year. The purpose of this course is to prepare students in the skills necessary for them to conduct their senior research and to produce a written proposal for that research. Every year.
GEOLOGY 411 – Sedimentary Petrography
(3 credits)
Zaleha, Michael
Prerequisites: 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 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.
