Courses in Geology that Satisfy the General Education Requirements
GEOLOGY 100 (4)—General Geology with Field Emphasis
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Same as Geology 101 with special emphasis on field study in the region
near
Fall and Spring
GEOLOGY
101 (4)—General Geology
The study of our physical environment and the processes shaping it.
The materials and structure of the Earth’s crust, the origin of the landforms,
the concept of geologic time, and the nature of the Earth’s interior are considered.
No credit for students who have completed Geology 100. Laboratory course. (GE5) Staff.
Winter
GEOLOGY
102 (3)—History and
Evolution of the Earth
An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of
the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include:
(1) the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; (2)
the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; (3) explanations
for the development of life; (4) organic evolution and interpretations of
“mass extinctions”; (5) the changing configuration of continental blocks and
ocean basins by continental drift, sea-floor spreading, and plate tectonics;
and (6) the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems. (GE5)
Greer.
Winter
GEOLOGY
104 (3)—Planetary Geology
Large scale geological features of the Earth are examined and compared
with surface features visible on images of other planets and planetary satellites
of the solar system. Features examined include those resulting from volcanism,
impact cratering, and structure; eolian,
fluvial, glacial and periglacial processes; and
mass movement. The composition of terrestrial and lunar rocks and extraterrestrial
objects is examined. Models of the origin and evolution of planets and their
satellites are discussed. (GE5) Connors.
Winter
GEOLOGY
108 (3)—Origin and Evolution of Life
A general survey of the science of paleontology summarizing the changing
character of the biosphere over the past four billion years as documented
by the fossil record. Major topics include the chemical origin of early
organisms; the Cambrian explosion of skeletonization
and the Paleozoic conquest of land; mass extinctions; the interplay between
the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere; and the use of the fossil record
for tracking the origin, development and physical distribution of ancient
continental blocks and ocean basins. Students desiring experience in recognition
and practical identification from the fossil record should register concurrently
for Geology 209. (GE5) Greer.
Winter 2003
GEOLOGY
135 (1)—Meteorology
A brief survey of weather and climate including the physical properties
of air, planetary circulation, storms, and weather forecasting. (GE5)
Connors, Spencer.
Winter
GEOLOGY
141 (3)—Global Climate Change
A study of Earth’s complex climate system and the impact of human
activities on future climates. Through readings, discussions, data
analyses and modeling exercises, the past and future changes in temperature,
ocean circulation, rainfall, storminess, biogeochemistry, glacial ice extent
and sea level are explored. The course includes the relationship of the science
of global change to the politics of mitigation. (GE5) Harbor.
Winter 2003 and alternate years
GEOLOGY
146 (3)—Geology of Natural Resources
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 101. Geology and geography of mineral, fuel, soil, and water resources.
Exploitation techniques, patterns of distribution and use, and environmental
aspects are considered. (GE5) Staff.
Winter 2003 and alternate years
GEOLOGY
150 (3)—Water Resources
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 101. A seminar examining the quality and quantity of water resources as a limiting factor for future generations. Issues include resource depletion, pollution, historical use and abuse, remediation, and habitat maintenance. Resource constraints are analyzed from a scientific perspective in order to understand or predict water resource problems and solutions. (GE5) Harbor.
Winter 2004and alternate years
GEOLOGY
160 (3)—Field Geology
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 101. An introduction to the study of geology in the field with special attention to the methods used by geologists to make, record, and interpret field observations. The course includes study of and field trips in the central Appalachian region. (GE5) Connors, Staff.
Spring
GEOLOGY
195 (1)—Selected Topics
Selected topical coverage of various subject areas in geology of particular
interest for reasons of timeliness, general interest, etc. The topic
selected will vary from year to year and be announced in advance of the registration
period. Impact and extinction of the dinosaurs, geology of natural resources,
computer applications in geology, climatology, and geologic consideration
in land use planning are among topics previously studied. May be repeated for a maximum of four degree credits with permission
and in different topics. (GE5) Staff.
Winter
GEOLOGY
201 (3)—Oceanography
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 101; Biology
111 or 112; Chemistry 110 or 111; or Physics 110 or 111. Introduction to physical oceanography and marine geology; tides, waves,
currents, and the interaction of oceans and atmosphere, submarine landscapes;
and sedimentary, volcanic, and tectonic activity in the ocean basins.
(GE5) Greer.
Winter
GEOLOGY
247 (4)—Geomorphology
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 101. Investigation of landforms from maps, aerial photographs, digital
data, and the analysis of the surficial processes by which they are formed.
Laboratory activities include identification and interpretation of topography,
field measurements of landscape form and process, and a required weekend field
trip. Laboratory course. (GE5) Harbor.
Fall