Department of Earth Sciences

Introduction to geological principlesthe development of the earth's surface; the nature and effects of changes on the earth's surface; the origin and recognition of minerals and rocks; field and laboratory study of minerals, rocks, topographic maps. Laboratories frequently taught by graduate teaching assistants.,LA, NL2, NL, T)

A study of the practical aspects of geology that relate natural processes to man's environment; topics include Environmental Impact Statements, soil properties, ground stability, erosion controls, seismic hazards, solid waste disposal, and surface runoff and flooding.,LA, IE, TQ) Prerequisite: GEOL 120.

An introduction to theories about the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory emphasizes identification of rock samples, including their mineralogy and texture.,LA) rerequisite: GEOL 120.

An overview of Earth's history, including accounts of changes in life through time, combined with an exploration of the techniques that are used to read and interpret geologic history. Laboratory and field exercises illustrate events in Earth's history, introduce techniques for reading geologic history, and provide opportunities for students to engage in geologic inquiry. Writing in the discipline is emphasized through laboratory reports, field trip reports, and research papers.,LA, CW, NL) Prerequisite: GEOL 120

An introduction to basic map and air photo interpretation, simple geologic cross sections, topographic and structural contouring, stratigraphic correlation, and elementary field geology. Emphasis on laboratory exercises and campus field exercises. Includes one all-day field exercise. rerequisite: GEOL 120 and SoS.

An overview of the basic geologic, engineering, economic, and environmental factors controlling the availability of mineral resources. Topics will include metallic and non-metallic ores, energy resources, construction and industrial minerals. Examination of the environmental consequences of exploration and development of mineral deposits. Discussion of global mineral reserves and resources. Cross-listed as ENVS 230.,LA, T, IE) Prerequisite: GEOL 120.

Systematic crystallography and mineralogy, basic principles of crystal chemistry, correlated laboratory experiences in crystal study, and identification of mineral specimens.,LA) rerequisite: GEOL 120.

Theory and techniques of optical crystallography of minerals using both oil immersion and thin-section methods; physical and chemical properties, origin, and occurrence of silicate minerals.,LA) Prerequisite: GEOL 242 or permission of instrctor.

Individual studies under faculty supervision. Admission by consent of department chair and instructor involved.,LA) Prerequisites: SoS and prior course(s) in GEOL.

An introduction to the morphology, taxonomy, and ecology of fossil invertebrates, field collecting, and laboratory techniques. ,LA)Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or BIOL112.

An introduction to common structural featuresfolds, faults, foliations, lineations, unconformities, geologic contactstheir geometry and origin. Examination of basic concepts of stress and strain; laboratory application of basic geometric techniques used in structural analysis, including orthographic and stereographic projection, construction of cross-sections, and interpretation of structure from geological maps.,LA) Prerequisites: GEOL 220, 222; PHYS103-104 or 203-204 suggested, but not required.

An introduction to the application of geological principles to geotechnical problems such as slope stability, behaviors of foundations in soil and rock, site selection and characterization for engineering works, and resource extraction. Prerequisites: GEOL 220 and PHYS 103 or 203.

Multi-week summer field trip instruction and project work; consideration of geologic principles and concepts of rock formation, mountain building, geologic history, and landform interpretation. Travel and camping costs shared by students.,LA) rerequisites: GEOL 120 and permission of instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 333.

A study of the major geological and ecological processes that have created various coastal environments. How these processes are affected by natural and human forces to modify the environments. Expected length of course: about three weeks. Travel and camping costs are shared by students. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3 s.h. of college-level eology and permission of instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 338.

rinciples of sedimentary geology, including stratigraphy and sedimentology. Identification, classification, and correlation of rock units. Also includes use of fossils in interpretation, geophysical methods of correlation, the concepts of facies, basin analysis, interpretation of depositional environments and history.,LA) rerequisites: GEOL 220, 222.

The study of surface processes and landforms, their origin and development, systems in equilibrium, effects of climate, and underlying rock structures.,LA, CW) Prerequisite: GEOL 220.

The study of glaciers, their formation, movement, and physical characteristics; the effects of glaciation on a regional scale, with attention to erosional and depositional features in northeastern U.S. Depositional landforms, and their environments of accumulation and stratigraphic characteristics, are emphasized.,LA, C) rerequisite: GEOL 370.

The application of physical principles to the investigation of the earth. Field work includes the use of the magnetometer, gravimeter, seismometer, and resistivity unit.,LA, TQ) Prerequisites: GEOL 120, MTH 173, PHYS 103 or 203.

Investigation of the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on the flow of surface and ground water; geologic aspects of fluid flow and water supply; hydrologic problems, including pollution, water quality, economics, and water law. Includes independent laboratory work in open-channel and ground-water flow.,LA, TQ) Prerequisites: JrS, GEOL 120.

Techniques for measurement and analysis of the components of the hydrologic cycle, with application to land use, environmental geology, and water supply. Topics include water-budget studies, hydrograph analysis, flood prediction, land-use and water-supply management, and legal and economic aspects of watershed management.,LA, TQ) Prerequisite: GEOL 382.

Chemical aspects of the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on the interaction of surface and ground water with their geologic environment. Topics include interpretation of dissolved components in water, their sources, equilibria, interactions, and their effect on water quality. Laboratories and a term project involve water sampling, analysis, and interpretation.,LA, TQ) Prerequisites: JrS, GEOL 120 and CHEM 112.

Use of quantitative techniques to solve problems in water supply, water management, and hydrologic aspects of geology. Emphasis is on measurement and interpretation of hydrologic variables in ground and surface water. Topics include the prediction of aquifer and well yield, numerical and analog flow models, open-channel hydraulics, pipe flow, and water power.,LA, TQ) Prerequisites: GEOL 382 and MATH 173.

An introduction to numerical and computer methods in groundwater hydrology. Course topics include finite-difference and finite-element techniques, use of professional-level software, field and laboratory methods for obtaining the data needed for aquifer analysis, interpretation of models, how to avoid misinterpreting them, and how to present the data in written and oral form. Field work includes surveying, water-well inventories, geologic interpretation, and pumping tests. Laboratory work includes interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections, computer modeling of various aquifer types, and graphical presentation of results.,LA, TQ) Prerequisites: GEOL 382 and MATH 173.

Selected topics of current geological interest not found in other courses. Subject matter varies each time course is offered, reflecting new developments in the field and changing interests of students and staff. Intended for geology majors.,LA) Prerequisites: JrS and prior courses in GEOL.

Students are placed with an appropriate organization or agency for applied work experience. Requirements and credits vary with individual internships. Prerequisite: passage of CWE.

Seminar discussion of ongoing undergraduate research projects. Peer review and commentary on research progress on a weekly basis. Seminar participants will be required to share the results of their research with the department in a public forum. Enrollment by permission of instructor. Prerequisites: 1) Declared major in Earth Sciences Department. 2) Students must be engaged in research under the supervision of a faculty mentor mentors need not be the same as the course instructor). Students who enroll in this seminar may also be eligible for independent study credit in association with their research projects.

Individual studies under faculty supervision. Admission by consent of department chair and instructor involved.,LA) Prerequisites: JrS and prior course(s) in GEOL.


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