29 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 106Global Environment-With 2-Hr Lab4
This course focuses on the whole environment, from the center of the Earth's core to the top of its atmosphere. We examine the scientific aspects of processes thought to be responsible for global change, with emphasis on interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Topics include the history of global change from the formation of the Earth to the present, the magnitude and rate of change, the processes of plate tectonics and the physical environment as driving mechanisms for change, global catastrophes as catalysts for change, and human intervention and how it affects the rate and magnitude of change.
This course focuses on the origin, composition, and structure of Earth. Covers the rock cycle, identification of common minerals and rocks, formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, fundamentals of earth’s structure, determination of rock ages, plate tectonics, volcanism, basics of seismic activity, earth resources, and local geology.
This course is a general survey of the role geology plays in the environmental sciences. A description of the major geologic hazards; earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, flooding, erosion, etc. An introduction to hydrogeology from the point of view of water use problems. A discussion of energy, mineral and soil resources. Problems of air, soil, and water pollution.
This non-lab course is intended for both introductory-level science students and science majors. The course covers the complex physical, chemical, and biological interactions involving Earth's oceans using an "Earth Systems" approach. Topics will be covered through a mixture of lecture, in-class exercises, and student presentations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1) develop simple models of Earth systems; 2) evaluate the relationships between physical, chemical, and biological components of the Ocean System; 3) predict how natural disturbances and human impact will affect the system; and 4) be able to evaluate and critique ocean-related news stories from a scientific perspective.
This course covers the structure and dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere. Topics include the development and prediction of weather systems, thermodynamics of atmospheric stability, and dynamics of global climate change. Students will learn to use the Hartwick College weather station to collect and analyze atmospheric data and use these data along with forward atmospheric modeling programs (NCAR, NWS) to construct forecasts.
This course covers the geology, chemistry, and physics of the sun, planets, meteorites and moons of our solar system. The course focuses on the origin and evolution of the solar system and the geologic development of the planets and their moons. Hands-on lab activities (some of them outdoors) explore the size of the solar system, the role of plate tectonics and volcanism in the development of moons and planets, and the possibility of discovering life on other worlds.
A history of Earth since its origin. Topics include the origin and development of the continents, the origin and evolution of life, the appearance of evolution of man, and major climate changes and their effects on man.
Earth's soils are critical to feeding the world and protecting our environment. Through lectures, discussion sessions, and in-class projects, this course examines the important physical, chemical, and biological processes in the formation of soils, as well as the critical interactions between bedrock and soil minerals, water, microbial communities and biofilms, and the plants and animals that occupy the soil. Cross listed as ENSS 209.
This course will examine the physical and anthropogenic geographical aspects of global environmental change, focusing on natural variations of the environment over time, the impact of human activities on the Earth's systems, and the projection of future environmental changes. Offered in January Terms. Cross listed as ENSS 212.
This course is designed to introduce students to the regional geology of various parts of the United States. It is linked to the Annual National Conference of the Geological Society of America, thus, each year the location of the field trip varies.
This non-lab course will cover scientific investigative techniques involving trace evidence collection and analyses of Earth materials. During the duration of the course students will be trained on how to analyze geologic evidence (soil samples, rock fragments, and mineral paint pigments) and maintain a chain of custody in an effort to solve hypothetical criminal cases. Students in this course will use petrographic microscopic, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analyses, along with Ground Penetrating Radar to collect evidence and then present this evidence in a courtroom setting. In addition to the hands-on analyses, students will study case files where geologic evidence was used to solve real crimes to learn how these data were applied and the forensic tools used to obtain this evidence. Offered alternate years.
This is a required course for all those students planning to take GEOL 275 - Off-campus Field Studies during a January or June Term. The course will: 1) introduce all students to the basic scientific concepts to be encountered /used during the GEOL 275 course trip, 2) give students a basic understanding of human culture and history as it relates to the region explored, and 3) prepare students for the logistics of course travel and day-to-day life.
Field courses include study of the geology, geography, and natural history of destinations such as the Bahamas, Hawaii, west Texas, and southern California. All aspects of Earth Science may be covered during these trips including surficial geology, geomorphology, sedimentology, petrology, mineralogy, structural geology, climatology, hydrology, and geochemistry. These trip-based courses offer exceptional opportunities to practice field techniques in all areas of geology.
This course examines in detail Earth's modern surface environments and landforms. The course focuses on how wind, water, glacial ice and climate trends affect surface environments, topography and the subsurface (including soil interactions). In addition, there is considerable discussion of geological engineering problems associated with erosion and unstable slopes. The course addresses the needs of the student preparing for a career in the environmental sciences. Offered alternate years.
This course covers details of plate tectonics; the single most important theory to be established in the geological sciences in the past 50 years. The course will be conducted in a seminar style with limited lecture and maximum individual participation. We will investigate most of the major topics in tectonics by examining specific modern and ancient examples. There will be a strong component of regional geology in this course, yet many of the regions will be unfamiliar to most students. Some of the readings are designed with undergraduates in mind. Other readings are directed at research geologists and will take some extra effort. In the process, students will gain experience in analyzing and critiquing scientific arguments and writing styles. Offered alternate years.
The course covers the geological and physical aspects of hydrology. Study of the hydrologic budget, hydraulics and material properties of geologic materials are integrated to develop the concepts of groundwater formation and movement. Groundwater contaminant transport and treatment are introduced. Use of practical problem-solving techniques with quantitative methods is stressed. Offered alternate years.
Physical properties, chemical properties, crystal structure, and geological occurrences of minerals. Introduction to optical properties of minerals and modern techniques of identifying and analyzing mineral chemistry, structure, and surface properties. Offered alternate years.
The origin, classification and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis on tectonic settings and processes by which various rock types form, and the study of origins and evolution of rock suites through observation, chemical analysis, basic thermodynamics and phase diagrams. Laboratory emphasizes thin section and hand sample petrography. Offered alternate years.
Rocks and minerals are a critical component in all Earth systems. As such, a study of these Earth materials provides a necessary foundation for work in geology and the other environmental sciences. We will learn about the chemical makeup, physical properties, and origins of these Earth materials, with a special focus on major rock-forming minerals, and natural assemblages or associations. We will also explore economic resources and their impacts on the environment. This course is required for geology majors and is highly recommended for both ENSS and ENCH majors.
Teaches the field techniques for collecting geologic data using Brunton compass, GPS, and surveying equipment. Covers an introduction to field data management and manipulation. Most lectures and labs will be held outdoors.
This course introduceS and familiarize the students with data analytics and methods of environmental analysis and assessment, including soil, water, and atmospheric measurements, which can be used to support decision making and the development of policies and regulations at local, regional, national, and global scales. Throughout the course, students develop experience in planning and conducting investigational/ research work; using analytical data, processing, and interpreting data from hands-on projects. Cross listed as ENCH 330.
This course is intended for junior geology majors in the process of organizing and beginning their thesis research projects. The course develops skills to analyze, synthesize, and critique scientific papers in order to complete a literature review of a chosen research topic of the student. Participants practice scientific writing, improve on crafting structured and logical arguments, develop precise, clear, and fluent scientific communication, and learn proper citations and reference ethics. Students also design their research projects, write thesis research proposals, and practice professional presentations. Permission from the instructor of the course is required.
Covers the dynamics and deformation of the Earth with emphasis on Tectonic processes responsible for mountain building. Students learn techniques used to study and interpret deformed rocks both in the field and in the laboratory.
This course samples many aspects of geochemistry including biogeochemical cycles, aqueous geochemistry, carbonate systems (such as surface waters and caves), oxidation-reduction equilibria (such as acid mine drainage), weathering and isotope geochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of thermodynamic principles. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 121, CHEM 107, 108, or CHEM 109, or permission of instructor. GEOL 107 or 109 and MATH 233 recommended.
The laboratory introduces basic procedures in low temperature (aqueous, atmospheric and soil) geochemistry. It focuses on both field and laboratory aspects of geochemical monitoring. Corequisite: GEOL 416
