GEOLOGY (GEOL)
GEOL 101 - PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: None
A study of the origin of minerals and rocks and the processes acting on and in the earth and their results as reflected in topography and earth structure. Three class sessions and one lab per week. Offered every fall.
Credit: 4
GEOL 102 - HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: None
A study of the record in the rocks, especially the fossil record and the events of the earth's formation through geological time. Three class sessions and one lab per week. This course may also count toward a degree in biology. Offered every even spring.
Credit: 4
GEOL 103 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Prerequisite: None
Analysis of climatic elements and controls leading to an improved understanding of climatic types and their world distribution, followed by a study of the physical and cultural features within the major climatic regions, especially as these features relate to climatic conditions. The climatic regions form the framework for building up general geographic knowledge. Although memorization of geographic facts (including place names) is not stressed, the students are expected to improve greatly their knowledge of such facts. Special offering, contact department.
Credit: 3
GEOL 209 - NATURAL DISASTERS: VOLCANOES AND EARTHQUAKES
Prerequisite: None
What are natural disasters and how can science reduce the damage done by events such as earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions? This course will examine these events and how scientists determine why and attempt to predict when and where natural disasters are most likely to occur, as well as identify what steps endangered communities can take in order to avoid or minimize the danger posed by these natural processes. Meets Core credit for natural sciences. Student who are required or elect to take GEOL 101 for their major or minor cannot enroll in this class for credit toward their major or minor.
Credit: 3
GEOL 210 - NATURAL DISASTERS: SEVERE WEATHER
Prerequisite: None
What are natural disasters, and how can science reduce the damage done by events such as severe weather and flooding? This course will examine these events and how scientists attempt to predict when and where natural disasters are most likely to occur, as well as identify what steps endangered communities can take in order to avoid or minimize the danger posed by these natural processes. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.
Credit: 3
GEOL 211 - DISCOVERING THE ICE AGE
Prerequisite: None
How was the Ice Age discovered? This class will examine how 19th century scientists used stones, bones, and landforms to bring about a revolution in our understanding of earth history. It will also examine the scientific evidence upon which current models of the Pleistocene Ice Age are built, as well as how ice, sediment, and rock cores are providing us with new insights into past and future ice ages. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.
Credit: 3
GEOL 212 - ARCHEOLOGY & HUMAN ANTIQUITY
Prerequisite: None
Where did humans come from? How far back in time can we trace the human lineage? The question of human antiquity is a topic of universal interest and speculation. Archaeology is a discipline that seeks to answer this question. This class will critically examine some of the scientific techniques archaeologists have used, discoveries they have made, and conclusions they have reached about human antiquity. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.
Credit: 3
GEOL 213 - ASTEROIDS, COMETS, AND CATASTROPHISM
Prerequisite: None
How has the discovery of giant impact craters changed our understanding of earth history? This class will examine the scientific evidence for repeated asteroid and comet collisions with the earth, the catastrophic effect of these collisions, and the re-emergence of catastrophism as a viable paradigm in modern scientific theories. Meets Core credit for natural sciences.
Credit: 3
GEOL 275 - TOPICS IN REGIONAL GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: None
A study of various topics relevant to annual field trips conducted by the department, generally 10-14 days in May.
Credit: 1-8
GEOL 297 - INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY AND FIELD RESEARCH
Prerequisite: Soph or junior standing
This course will introduce the student to scientific research in the laboratory or field through individual instruction under the direction of a Geology faculty member. Graded S/U. Offered each semester.
Credit: 1
GEOL 309 - GEOMORPHOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101
The interpretation of landscapes and landforms; their origin, evolution and relation to erosion, structure and rock characteristics. Three lectures and one lab per week. Offered every odd fall.
Credit: 4
GEOL 311 - MINERALOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101
A course that includes the elements of crystallography, crystal chemistry and descriptive mineralogy of the important or common minerals. Three class sessions and one lab per week.
Credit: 4
GEOL 312 - IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 311
Analysis of the principal igneous and metamorphic rocks; their origin, structure and physical and chemical composition. Three class sessions and one lab per week.
Credit: 4
GEOL 313 - SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY
Prerequisite: GEOL 102
An introduction to the features found in sedimentary rocks and the principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy emphasizing interpretation, correlation, and use in assessing the geologic history of the earth. Three class sessions and one laboratory period per week.
Credit: 4
GEOL 324 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
Prerequisite: None
This course covers the fundamental principles of geographic information systems (GIS), which is the merging of cartography, statistical analysis, and database technology into computer-based systems that capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data for a wide variety of applications and purposes, but with the goal of informed decision-making. Students will learn how to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze spatial information, edit data in maps, and present the results of all these operations, primarily applying these to geological and environmental systems. BIO/EVS/GEOL credit.
Credit: 4
GEOL 350 - SCIENCE AS A CULTURAL FORCE
Prerequisite: See CHEM 350 for course description.
Credit: 3
GEOL 401 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101
A study of the geometrical relationships of rock bodies of the earth, their orientation, distribution and bearing on the theories concerned with the origin and development of major land- scape features, the continents and the ocean basins. Three class sessions and one lab per week. Offered every odd spring.
Credit: 4
GEOL 402 - ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 311
This course is an introduction to the general geologic and economic features that are important to the discovery, production, and reclamation of commercial concentrations of non-hydrocarbon mineral resources, i.e., metallic and industrial mineral commodities. It also includes the importance of mineral resources to the global economy, mineral evaluation, and risk analysis and the environmental impact of extraction and processing. The course deals with mineral resources in many countries. While the course does not have a laboratory component, materials and techniques are covered in the classroom setting or as outside components.
Credit: 3
GEOL 403 - ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101, CHEM 104, approval of department chair
A quantitative introduction to the distribution and migration of chemical species within the earth in space, and in time, with emphasis on understanding standing the principle chemical control on element distribution. Major chemical systems are investigated within the lithosphere and hydrosphere Three lectures and one two-hour lab per week. This course may be used to satisfy elective hours for chemistry majors.
Credit: 4
GEOL 405 - PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 313
This course is an introduction to petroleum geology that provides a basic understanding of the geologic origin, migration, and location of hydrocarbon deposits and the concepts and methods in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development. Laboratory exercises supplement lectures and offer practical experience with methods, especially core and geophysical log and survey analysis and interpretation, subsurface mapping, volumetric calculations, and risk analysis and environmental impact.
Credit: 4
GEOL 429 - FIELD GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 311 and additional courses from the following are recommended: GEOL 309, 312, 313, 314, and 401
Field analysis and interpretation of the regional geology at several field camp locations. The work includes an introduction to field techniques and geological mapping on aerial photographs and topographic base maps.
Credit: 1-8
GEOL 476 - ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Prerequisite: 30 hours of science courses (MATH, BIO, CHEM, EVS, GEOL, PHYS)
A detailed examination of the scientific dimensions of selected environmental issues, with discussion of the economic, policy, and ethical aspects of those problems and with emphasis on global and international perspectives. Case studies will include many examples from other countries, as well as national and regional issues in the U.S. Required for all EVS majors. Biology and Geology majors (but not EVS/Biology or EVS/Geology majors) may use this course as a biology or geology elective. BIO/EVS/GEOL credit.
Credit: 3
GEOL 493 - INTERNSHIP
Prerequisite: See CHEM 493 for course description.
Credit: 1-4
GEOL 497 - LABORATORY AND FIELD RESEARCH
Prerequisite: See CHEM 497 for course description.
Credit: 1-3
GEOL 550 - GEOLOGY OF OHIO
Prerequisite:
An in-depth study of Ohio's 260 million year (Ma) subsurface (bedrock) geology and recent surface (geomorphic) geologic record. Students will spend one week in the classroom and laboratory and one week doing fieldwork at sites across Ohio.
Credit: 3