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Geoscience is the study of our planet, its rocks, oceans and atmosphere. Many people find a deep personal satisfaction in better understanding our planet and its history, but there are also important practical applications. Geoscientists use their expertise to monitor changes in the environment, to predict and evaluate how human activities may contribute to environmental change, and to manage Earth's resources. The study of geoscience provides strong preparation for a variety of careers in government, industry and academia, including environmental consulting, natural resource management, environmental law, petroleum exploration, science teaching, science journalism, and research in geology, oceanography, climatology and meteorology.
The geoscience department offers courses in geology, Earth history, geochemistry, oceanography, meteorology, environmental geology, hydrology and paleontology. In addition to taking formal courses, most geoscience students undertake undergraduate research during their junior and/or senior year. Our instruction and research are strongly augmented by field data, some of which are acquired on the Colleges' 65-foot research vessel, The William Scandling.
The department offers two disciplinary majors, a B.A. and B.S., and a disciplinary minor. Courses in other departments designed for non-majors that do not count toward a major in that department cannot normally be counted toward a geoscience degree. Only those courses in which a student has obtained a grade of C- or better will be credited toward a geoscience major or minor. Only two courses transferred from another institution may count toward the major unless the student has previously been matriculated at another institution. Credit/no credit options cannot be used for departmental or cognate courses counted for the major or minor.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (B.A.)
disciplinary, 12 courses
GEO 170 and ENV 170; two courses from the "Fluid Earth" courses, two courses from the "Solid Earth" courses; two additional geoscience courses; CHEM 110; MATH 130; and two additional courses in geoscience, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics or physics. Only two 100-level geoscience courses can count toward the B.A.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (B.S.)
GEO 170 and ENV 170; two courses from the "Fluid Earth" courses, two courses from the "Solid Earth" courses; three additional geoscience courses; CHEM 110; CHEM 280; MATH 130; MATH 131; PHYS 140 or PHYS 150; and one additional course in geoscience, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics or physics. Only two 100-level geoscience courses can count toward the B.S.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR
Four geoscience courses where ENV 170 may substitute for a geoscience course; and one additional course in geoscience, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics or physics. Only two 100-level geoscience courses can count toward the minor.
Fluid Earth Courses
GEO 210 Environmental Hydrology
GEO 260 Meteorology
GEO 270 Paleoclimatology
GEO 280 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
GEO 330 Limnology
GEO 360 Applied Climatology
Solid Earth Courses
GEO 220 Geomorphology
GEO 230 Problems in Earth History
GEO 240 Mineralogy
GEO 290 Paleontology
GEO 320 Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
GEO 340 Petrology
GEO 370 Structural Geology
Crosslisted Courses
ENV 170 The Fluid Earth
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
140 Intro to Environmental Geology Understanding the risks associated with natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, droughts and floods, and conversely sustainably managing important resources such as energy, minerals, wetlands, coastal areas and fresh water supplies demands an understanding of fundamental geologic principles, materials and processes.
150 Geoscience Topics These courses introduce the Earth sciences through in-depth exploration of a particular scientific question or geoscience related issue. In-class laboratory exercises and mandatory field trips and/or occasional labs outside of regular class meetings provide exposure to scientific inquiry and methodology. These courses allow students with a general interest in science or science students early in their careers to experience scientific inquiry.
160 Weather and Climate The influence of weather and climate affect our daily activities, our leisure hours, transportation, commerce, agriculture, and nearly every aspect of our lives. This course will introduce many of the fundamental aspects of the atmosphere needed to understand severe weather and factors influencing climate, such as the thermal and moisture properties of the atmosphere, the Jet stream, large-scale pressure systems and fronts. Using these fundamentals, students will then explore a variety of severe weather types such as hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, ice storms, and floods, to develop an understanding of the elements of weather and climate that are most important to society. (Laird, Annually)
170 The Solid Earth This course explores the form and function of the solid Earth, using plate tectonics as its central theme. From this framework, students explore rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, the rise and fall of mountains, the origin and fate of sediments, the structure of our landscape, and geologic time. Students discuss geological resources such as minerals, petroleum and energy. The course emphasizes how humans interact with Earth processes and, in some cases, alter them. Approximately one third of the laboratory work is in the field and one mandatory weekend field trip may be required. No prerequisites; however, this course is a prerequisite for many geoscience courses. (Arens, Kendrick or McKinney, offered each semester)
210 Environmental Hydrology “All the rivers run into the ocean; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” (Ecclesiastes 1:7-8). Hydrology is the study of water at or near the surface of the Earth. Modern society’s demand for water from surface and groundwater sources to feed industrial, agricultural, municipal, recreational and other uses typically outstrips the supply, which has become increasingly more scarce due to the environmental degradation of existing water resources by the disposal of wastes. Thus no other discipline in the geological sciences has experienced such an explosion of interest and growth in recent years. This course investigates the physical properties of water, the hydrologic cycle, surface and groundwater processes, water quality issues, and other environmental concerns focusing on the quantitative aspects of hydrology. Project-based laboratories are mostly done in the field and analyzing/modeling data in the lab. Prerequisites: CHEM 280, GEO 170 and ENV 170, or permission of instructor. (Staff, Spring, offered occasionally)
220 Geomorphology We live on the thin surface of the earth, which is the interface between the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Geomorphology is the study of how these "spheres" interact and form the landscapes we see around us. Through both descriptive and quantitative analysis, we will assess the scales and rates at which surface processes occur. Exploring the connection between modern processes and modern deposits is essential to deciphering the geologic record. We will explore the link between process, landform and deposit. We will evaluate fluvial, glacial, slope, eolian, weathering, and karst processes and the landforms that they produce and the deposits that are left behind. An understanding of surficial processes is critical to understanding the interaction of humans and their environment. Weekend field trips will be required. Prerequisites: Geo 170 & Env 170. (Curtin, Fall, offered alternate years)
230 Problems in Earth History This course develops the methods by which the Earth’s history is deciphered. It looks at tectonics, sedimentary rocks and their structures, fossils and the fossil record, organic evolution, climate evolution, and various ways of delineating geologic time, using careful analysis of key moments from Earth's past. Laboratory work is centered on analysis of maps, structures, facies, and stratigraphy. Students will read and write extensively in the primary scientific literature. The culminating activity is an individual research project. Mandatory weekend field trips are required. Prerequisite: GEO 170 or permission of the instructor. (Arens, Fall, offered annually)
240 Mineralogy Mineralogy is the study of the structure, chemistry, and origin of minerals. Since minerals are the basic components of all rocks and sediments and are commonly in chemical equilibrium with natural waters, an understanding of minerals is crucial to many fields in geoscience. This course introduces students to the chemical and physical properties of minerals, their occurrence in rocks, and their economic uses. It also familiarizes students with some of the most important minerals and the techniques used in their identification and characterization. Techniques covered include crystallographic, X-ray, spectroscopic, and optical microscopy. Laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 170 and CHEM 110 (or concurrent enrollment). (McKinney, offered annually)
260 Meteorology This course examines the fundamental processes responsible for the characteristics and development of weather systems. Students explore the characteristics and circulations of the atmosphere by examining topics such as atmospheric radiation and physics, thermodynamics, and dynamics. Additional topics covered in the course include the use of radar and satellite systems and several aspects of weather forecasting. Prerequisite: GEO 160, MATH 130, and PHYS 140 or PHYS 150; or permission of instructor. (Laird, offered annually)
270 Paleoclimatology Paleoclimatology is the study of climate prior to the period of instrumentation. Understanding how and why climate changes is important for interpreting the geologic record and evaluating contemporary climate change. After an overview of Earth’s modern ocean-atmosphere system and energy balance is presented, dating methods and techniques for reconstructing past climates are discussed. Field and lab projects may include working with existing paleoclimate datasets in addition to collecting and interpreting archives of climate change such as tree rings, bog and lake cores, and speleothems from the local area. Note: There are required weekend field trips. Prerequisites GEO 170 and ENV 170; or permission of instructor. (Curtin, offered annually)
280 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry Aqueous fluids are the agents of geologic change. They initiate and control many geologic processes because they are ubiquitous, mobile and chemically reactive. Chemical interaction between fluids and rock, soil, or aerosols have a direct bearing on topics such as acid deposition, drinking water quality, acid mine drainage, and the chemical evolution of the hydrologic cycle. Students examine the chemical and geological processes that govern the concentration levels of dissolved substances in aqueous systems. Projects completed during lecture and lab will emphasize the collection and analysis of surface or near surface waters and the interpretation and presentation of data. Note: There will be required weekend field trips. Prerequisites: GEO 170 and ENV 170, CHEM 280 or by permission of the instructor. (Curtin, Spring, offered alternate years)
290 Paleontology This course examines the fossil record from the perspective of the questions that can be asked of it. How do fossils contribute to understanding patterns of evolution? What large-scale patterns of biological diversity are seen only from the vantage point of fossils? How does form give clues to function? What can be learned about Earth’s past climates and environments from fossils? How do fossils tell time in the geologic record? The class answers these questions through a detailed study of the fossils themselves. (Arens or Kendrick, offered alternate years)
320 Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks Sediments and sedimentary rocks are the most common of the geologic materials on the Earth’s surface. Found in them are many of the raw materials used in our industrial society, the record of life in the past and the record of ancient environmental change. Laboratories involve the description, classification, correlation, and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Weekend field trips required. Prerequisite: GEO 170, GEO 230, or permission of the instructor. (Curtin, offered alternate years)
330 Limnology Limnology is the study of lakes from a chemical, biological, physical, and geological perspective. Topics include the thermal structure of lakes, lake optics, dissolved gases, biological nutrients, trace elements, plankton populations, food-chain dynamics, estuaries, and the origin and nature of lake basins. Freshwater and marine systems are contrasted, with Seneca Lake serving as an example of the former. The roles of planktonic life, input from rivers, and thermal stratification on the chemistry of Seneca Lake are explored. Special emphasis is placed on biological nutrient dynamics and environmental concerns. Weekly laboratories and a few weekend day-trips are conducted on Seneca Lake aboard The William Scandling, and selected Finger Lakes aboard the JB Snow. Prerequisites: CHEM 280, GEO 170 and ENV 170, or permission of instructor (Halfman, Fall, offered annually)
340 Petrology Petrology deals with the description, classification, and origin of rocks. Although the subject encompasses all classes of rocks, this course focuses principally on igneous and metamorphic rocks. Topics include the mineralogical and chemical makeup of the common rock types, crystal growth, and equilibrium in magmatic and metamorphic environments, the application of experimental studies to the interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the origin of magmas. Laboratory work emphasizes the systematic description of rocks in hand specimen and thin section, and the interpretation of origin from mineralogy and texture. Laboratory and one extended field trip. Prerequisite: GEO 240. CHEM 280 is also recommended. (McKinney, offered alternate years)
360 Applied Climatology Climatology is the study of the modern variations in climate and the parameters important for this variability. Understanding the modern climate is critically linked to all areas of Geoscience and provides an important bridge between the study of weather (Meteorology) and past climates (Paleoclimatology).This course examines the physical characteristics, processes and controlling mechanisms of Earth's climate system and the patterns of its change across both space and time. Fundamentals of Earth's atmosphere will be covered with a focus on global climate, and regional climates. Students will develop and strengthen analytical skills through building or enhancing a foundation in statistics; analyze and interpret climate data; and examine the relationship of climatic conditions to physical, biological, and human environments. Prerequisite: GEO 160 (Severe Weather) or ENV 170. (Laird, Fall, offered alternate years)
370 Structural Geology Structural geology is the study of the deformed rocks that mark areas of present or past crustal movement, chiefly the Earth’s mountain belts. Its basic tasks are the recognition, representation, and genetic interpretation of a variety of rock structures. These structures range from microscopically deformed mineral grains to entire mountain belts. Major goals of the course include the visualization of rock geometries and structures from maps and cross sections, and the interpretation of these structures in terms of rock deformation processes. Field observations and mapping of deformed rocks constitute an important part of the course. Laboratory with two extended field trips. Prerequisite: GEO 170. (McKinney, offered alternate years)
450 Independent Study
495 Honors
