41 courses with the subject GEOL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
GEOL 101Environmental Geology1.00
Many geologic processes and events have a significant impact on human societies. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and floods all threaten lives and property and societies rely on water, mineral, climate, and energy resources to thrive. Similarly, society has many impacts on the Earth system through water and air pollution and climate change. This course examines the complex interplay between human activities and the environment through a multi-disciplinary approach, with the goal of applying science to better manage natural hazard risk, understand and mitigate future climate change, and use water, mineral and energy resources more sustainably. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Restrictions: This course cannot be taken during the same semester as another GEOL course with a course number less than 150. Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Required corequisite to GEOL 101. Labs are field-based as much as possible and are designed, not only to build a deeper understanding of the course material, but also to provide hands-on experience with some of the scientific techniques geologists use to study the environment. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Focuses on Earth and its complex and life-sustaining resources, within an integrated framework including the terrestrial realm, the atmosphere, and the hydrosphere (freshwater, oceans, and glacial ice). Students develop a deeper understanding of the physical, chemical, biological and human interactions that determine the past, present and future states of Earth. Places a strong emphasis on the societal impacts of earth system science and provides a fundamental basis for understanding the world in which we seek to live sustainably. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Restrictions: This course cannot be taken during the same semester as another GEOL course with a course number less than 150. Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges or Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None
Traces the history of the Earth from the origin of the solar system to the present. Students also consider the origin and evolution of the Earth's crust and interior; plate tectonics and mountain building; absolute age dating; the origin of the hydrosphere and atmosphere; earthquakes and volcanism. The results of recent planetary exploration are incorporated into an examination of the origin of the solar system. How Earth came to be a habitable planet and how humans can play a role in preserving that habitability is also explored. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Restrictions: This course cannot be taken during the same semester as another GEOL course with a
GEOL 120The Geology of America's Parks (Extended Study)0.50
Designed to introduce students to geological processes, materials, and basic field techniques using sites at National Parks in the United States and Canada. Major goals include developing a facility with basic field methods used in geology and other natural sciences, promoting understanding of how regional geological history and active modern processes shape landscapes, and exploring the impacts of human interactions with the natural world. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: Only First-year, Sophomore Area of Inquiry: None Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
A study of the major contemporary concepts of biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. The nature and origin of ocean basins by global plate tectonics, sea water chemistry, oceanic circulation, life in the sea, and biological productivity, are all discussed. The role of human impacts and environmental change, including ocean warming and acidification, sea level rise, marine pollution, and resource exploration are stressed throughout the course. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Restrictions: This course cannot be taken during the same semester as another GEOL course with a course number less than 150. Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges and The Process of Writing Core Component: None
Explores our planet's 4.5-billion year history and how geologists unearth the past through examination of minerals, rocks, and fossils. Earth's evolution is a natural experiment that cannot be reproduced, and students make use of primary observational and interpretative tools that geologists use to understand the past. Age-dating techniques, plate tectonics and origin of continental crust, mountain building events, and evolution of Earth's landscape, atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere are examined in the context of the geological evolution of North America.
Required corequisite to GEOL 190. Laboratory sessions focus on providing a familiarization with common rocks, minerals, and fossils, and geologic field techniques, with an emphasis on how these materials and techniques are used to understand Earth and its history. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Rocks and minerals are the stuff of which planets are composed. They are the source of nutrients that sustain all life on this planet, and the materials from which civilizations are built. Students come to understand the physical and chemical nature of minerals, and gain a familiarity with the most common minerals found on Earth. Other important topics covered include how and when Earth's materials were formed, and how their physical and chemical behaviors both control and tell us about major processes on the planet. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None
Required corequisite to GEOL 201. Labs introduce a variety of techniques used to study and identify minerals, including working with minerals in hand specimen, under the microscope, and using x-ray analysis. Hands-on activities build a deeper understanding of crystal structures and optics, and a familiarity with the most common minerals that compose the Earth and influence geologic processes and the quality of life on our planet.
Considers the fossil record of marine life from its origin to the present, emphasizing the evolution of invertebrate animals and marine environments through time. In class, lab, and in the field, students investigate a diversity of ecological and evolutionary questions through direct observation of fossil specimens, statistical analyses of paleontological datasets, and discussion of recently published scientific articles. Additional topics include mass extinctions and recoveries, morphological evolution, phylogenetics, paleoecology, paleontological approaches in conservation biology, and the history and ethics of fossil collecting.
One GEOL or BIOL course Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges or Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None Click here for Course Offerings by term
Corequisite
GEOL 215L
GEOL 215LPaleontology of Marine Life Lab0.25
Required corequisite to GEOL 215. Lab and field exercises emphasize hands-on learning about the principles of paleontology, paleontological techniques, and the major groups of fossil-forming marine invertebrate animals. Local fieldtrips engage students in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the remains of organisms that lived in Madison County more than 300 million years ago. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
A detailed study of modern sedimentary environments and their use in interpreting ancient sedimentary rocks. The chemical and physical processes leading to weathering, erosion, transport, deposition, and lithification of sediments are considered. Interpretation of local Paleozoic, Pleistocene, and Holocene sediments is carried out through field study projects. Economic aspects of sedimentary rocks, such as the occurrence of oil, natural gas, and coal, are discussed.
GEOL 225LSedimentology and Surficial Processes Lab0.25
Required corequisite to GEOL 225. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 302L
Mountain ranges, rifting continents and earthquakes show that the Earth is constantly deforming. Serves as an introduction to the principles of structural geology and geophysics, and explores the physical processes deforming Earth's surface and interior and driving plate tectonics. Students will examine how and why deformation occurs, and what lines of evidence we use to study deformation on all scales, from the microscopic to global. The course will cover tectonic processes, brittle and ductile deformation mechanisms, earthquakes and seismic waves, and solid Earth properties. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning and The Process of Writing Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 305
Required corequisite of GEOL 235. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None
GEOL 253LEnvironmental Geochemistry and Analysis Lab0.25
Required corequisite to GEOL 253 . There is no separation between lab and class, they are fully integrated; work on projects is the primary focus of the entire course. Occasional day-long sampling and field trips. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 203L
Opportunity for individual study in areas not covered by formal course offerings, under the guidance of a member of the faculty. Credits: variable Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Deals with the origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Petrology and melting of the mantle are examined, and the origin and differentiation of magmas in different tectonic settings are explored. Metamorphic rocks are examined using mineral assemblages, metamorphic facies, and thermobarometry with the goal of understanding the crustal history of mountain building. These topics are unified by concepts of plate tectonics. May include a weekend field trip. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning and The Process of Writing Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 202
Explores the fundamental chemical principles that govern how our planet came to be what it is today. In particular, focus is on how to use chemistry as a tool to understand major geological processes, from the formation of the planet to processes that are particularly important to environmental quality, and thus to humans. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges or Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None
GEOL 308Rivers: Resources, Politics, and Environmental Change1.0
An interdisciplinary exploration of the relationships between rivers, their hydrological and climatological processes, and the political dynamics influencing management policies. Students delve into geology/natural sciences topics, including basin-scale hydrology, surface-water/ground-water interactions, and hydrological response to climate change. Students examine how these processes interact with political/social science topics, including conflict management and learning in collaborative governance, the politics of policy analysis, and the role of science and technical information in policymaking, highlighting the impact of river management on ecosystems and communities. Crosslisted: ENST 308 Major/Minor Restrictions: Only Environmental Studies, Environmental Geology, Environmental Geography, Environmental Biology, Environmental Economics, Geology Majors and Minors Class Restriction: No Sophomore, No First-year Area of Inquiry: None Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Near-surface features of the Earth display a stunning variety of structures and compositions. These features give insight in the geology of a region, and can also be important in the fields of environmental studies, engineering, and archaeology. Many subsurface structures are not visible at the surface, but can be illuminated using geophysical measurements and modeling. In this course, students will learn the science behind several geophysical techniques, including gravity surveying, reflection and refraction seismology, GPS monitoring, and electric and magnetic methods. Two weekend field days are required. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Recommended: One semester of calculus Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning and The Process of Writing Core Component: None
An investigation into how to "put the dead to work" to better understand the responses of species to current and future environmental change. Examines the ecological and evolutionary responses of species to changing environments in the past as preserved in fossil, archeological, and historical records. Because all of these records are incomplete, a primary focus is how incomplete and/or biased sampling can be addressed in paleontological and historical analyses. Additional topics include extinction risk, shifting baselines, environmental proxies, anthropogenic environmental change, and quantitative methods. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges and The Process of Writing Core Component: None
A five-week summer field program introduces the basic field techniques used in geologic mapping. Students prepare geologic maps and stratigraphic sections in assigned map areas and develop geological histories, focusing on igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes. The course consists of field work in such locations as Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning and The Process of Writing Core Component: None
GEOL 325Evolution of Form and Function in Biomineralizing Marine Animals1.0
Students will explore the form and function of biomineralizing skeletons through mathematical and physical modeling and analysis of marine species alive today and preserved in the fossil record. From atoms to ecosystems, students will consider how organisms build their skeletons and the variety of skeletal compositions and shapes that have evolved throughout Earth history. Research-based modules and student-led discussion of the primary literature will explore the ways in which environmental conditions, including near-term climate projections, affect biominerals and ecological interactions. Crosslisted: PHYS 325 Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges or Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None
In this project-based course, students design interactive, curricular science resources for P-12 students, focused on the Galápagos Islands as a venue/case study for place-based learning. Coursework presents interactive methods and theories for teaching science, integrating concepts from environmental science, geology, biology, conservation science, chemistry, physics, and math. Participants expand their abilities to think creatively and critically about teaching science, work in collaborative teams, use digital media for educational purposes, learn human-centered approaches for designing curricular activities, and enhance their confidence in knowledge generation through a lens of inclusive STEM. Note: The course is intended for future STEM teachers and STEM majors interested in exploring innovative ways to teach science and reach diverse audiences effectively. Crosslisted: EDUC 333 Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Provide opportunities for students to apply and expand on what they learned during the semester, including interactive instructional methods and theories for teaching science; students also integrate concepts from environmental science, geology, biology, conservation science, chemistry, physics, and math as they are relevant in the Galápagos into their projects. Participants expand their world view, allowing them to unlock greater abilities to think creatively and critically about teaching science, work in collaborative teams, use digital media for educational purposes, learn human-centered approaches for designing curricular activities, and enhance their confidence in knowledge generation through a lens of inclusive STEM. Crosslisted: EDUC 333E Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: None Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
The geologic materials nearest the Earth's surface are those that interact with the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. This course explores the nature of surficial geologic materials and processes by using geographic information system (GIS) tools and hydrological modeling software. Major topics are landform development, chemical weathering, soil development and quality, and surface and groundwater hydrology. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Recommended: A previous earth science or geology course is recommended. Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 210
Required corequisite to GEOL 335. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None
Our fascination with volcanoes stems primarily from their awesome powers of destruction, yet their constructive role in shaping our landscape, atmosphere, and oceans has been crucial in Earth's history. This course explores the fundamental concepts of volcanology, from the geological, chemical, and physical processes that generate volcanoes to the implications of volcanic activity on humankind. Through case studies, this course examines the tectonic environments that generate volcanoes and what they tell us about Earth's internal processes; eruptive styles and volcanic forms; volcanic rocks; properties and generation of magmas; features of lava and pyroclastic flows; and volcanic hazards, including their prediction and mitigation. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges or Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning Core Component: None
Required corequisite to GEOL 360. Activities in the lab are widely varied, from learning important field techniques for understanding the eruptive history of volcanoes to exploring the physical principles behind volcanic behavior. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: None Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 220L
Focuses on the digital analysis of geologic data. The complexity of natural systems - including geomorphology, plate tectonics, and climate systems - benefit from computer-assisted manipulation of large- scale datasets. Covers application of GIS and Matlab to geologic datasets, access and use of public data sources, digital analysis of large datasets, and modeling of natural geological systems. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Opportunity for individual study in areas not covered by formal course offerings, under the guidance of a member of the faculty. Credits: variable Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Analyzes large-scale structures of the Earth's crust and interior. There is particular emphasis on the interpretation of modern and ancient orogenic belts in terms of plate tectonics models. Includes discussion of the details of plate boundary structures and plate interactions, evolution of the Earth's lithosphere through geologic time, and the use of isotopes in geological investigations. Student presentations are required. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
Focuses on how the Earth's processes such as volcanism, plate motion, and mantle dynamics are studied by geologists. Through a seminar-style approach, students consider the techniques used to understand the solid Earth, with emphasis on volcanic and plate tectonic systems. Methods studied may include (a) volcanic systems: gas, plume, and thermal monitoring for prediction of eruptions, lava chemistry, heat flow, geochronology, field observations, and lava flow dynamics; (b) plate tectonics: earthquake observations, ground deformation, and gravity; (c) planetary geology: remote sensing, spectroscopy, and plume sampling. Each technique is examined in the context of a specific case study (e.g., Mount Pinatubo, Hawaii, Yellowstone, Los Angeles fault zones, Venus, and the moons of Jupiter) through readings and discussions of current geological literature. Experts currently working in the field are often consulted as resources. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Students engaged in senior or honors research are required to register for this course designed to guide them in the proper preparation of a research paper or honors thesis. Students are instructed in research techniques, including library research, statistical analysis, and other approaches commonly used in the geosciences. Other matters addressed in this seminar include the format of the research paper or honors thesis, techniques of scientific writing, and how to prepare an oral presentation. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning and The Process of Writing Core Component: None
Earth's climate has fluctuated widely in the past, between warm periods and ice ages, and times of great drought versus wetter intervals. The planet currently faces abrupt climate change resulting from human- induced environmental modification. Paleoclimatology, the study of past climates and environments of the Earth, provides a long-term perspective on the nature of global climate variability that is critical for evaluating the sensitivity of the Earth system to past, present, and future changes. This course provides students with an overview of paleoclimatology by examining the use of proxy records such as marine and lake sediment sequences, ice cores, tree rings, corals, and historical data to reconstruct past climatic conditions. Dating methods are introduced, and seminal publications in paleoclimatology are reviewed in tandem with current research papers addressing outstanding questions in paleoclimatology. Throughout, students critically analyze their current understanding of past climates and environments, and identify promising directions for future research. Topics include abrupt climate change, human evolution and climate, biosphere-climate interactions, and paleoclimate modeling. Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: Confronting Collective Challenges and The Process of Writing Core Component: None Formerly: GEOL 350
An advanced seminar within the Earth and Environmental Geosciences. Faculty teach in the areas of their expertise on a rotating basis. Topics may include particular geologic settings and processes, or analytical techniques.
Opportunity for individual study in areas not covered by formal course offerings, under the guidance of a member of the faculty. Credits: variable Major/Minor Restrictions: None Class Restriction: None Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics Liberal Arts Practices: None Core Component: None
