41 courses with the subject GEO, 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.
GEO 106Introduction to Oceanography1.0
Course The oceans cover 71% of the planet, 97% of the earth's available water, and 50% of the planet's species, but more than 95% of the ocean remains unexplored. This course covers physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. The course involves an examination of plate tectonics, ocean currents and the forces driving them, the role of the oceans in climate change, coastal processes and sea level change, biological productivity, and the ocean fishing industries. CC: SCLB, GNPS ISP: ENS, STS
Course Global climate change is the defining environmental issue of our time. The impacts of climate change disproportionally affect populations who have contributed the least to atmospheric greenhouse gas loading. This course will review the basis for the overwhelming scientific consensus that ongoing warming is not natural; topics include: the radiation balance of Earth, the role of greenhouse gases on Earth's surface temperature, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and natural oscillators in the climate system. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding natural climatic variability. Students will prepare and submit policy briefs to policy makers at the federal, state, and/or local level that outline ways to mitigate and/or adapt to climate change. Preference given to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO-109L CC: SET, GNPS ISP: ENS, STS
Course Examination of Earth materials and processes: How our dynamic planet works including plate tectonics, geologic age determination, processes that form the rocks we see at the Earth's surface, development of the stunning variety of landscapes we see, and other topics of contemporary interest including floods, underground water resources, coastal erosion, earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and climate change. Prerequisite(s): Preference given to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO 110L CC: SCLB, GNPS, WAC ISP: ENS, STS
Preference given to first and second year students.
Corequisite
GEO 110L CQ: SCLB, GNPS, WAC ISP: ENS, STS
GEO 112Environmental Geology1.0
Course The increasing interplay between the environment and human activity has profound effects on our landscape and society. This course focuses on anthropogenic issues such as climate change, soil and groundwater contamination, traditional petroleum resource extraction and dependence, mineral and water resources, and alterative sources of energy. To understand how humans have perturbed the natural environment, it is critical to understand geologic principles and processes. The course also explores natural disasters including earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, landslides, floods, and coastal erosion and their effects on different segments of society, as the impacts of natural disasters are affected by various socio-economic factors. Prerequisite(s): Preference given to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO 112L CC: SCLB, GNPS ISP: ENS, STS
Course An introduction to the geologic processes causing floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and other natural hazards and how hazards affect people and society. The course will include discussion of major events in the geologic and historical record as well as future hazard potential. We will assess the risks humans face in different regions, including local hazards, our contribution to geologic hazards, and how we can minimize and cope with future events. Prerequisite(s): Preference given to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO 117L CC: SCLB, GNPS, WAC ISP: ENS, STS
Preference given to first and second year students.
Corequisite
GEO 117L CQ: SCLB, GNPS, WAC ISP: ENS, STS
GEO 120The Story of Earth and Life1.0
Course An investigation of Earth's dynamic history and evolutionary changes over the past 4.5 billion years. Topics include impacts of climate change, the evolution of life, major changes in the nature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans, and for major mountain building events that have affected the continents as well as the evolutionary development of plant and animal life as recorded in the geologic record. Specific topics include the origin of life, mass extinctions of dinosaurs and other organisms, paleoclimate, and the geologic history of New York State. The link between geology, chemical cycles and life is highlighted, as is the relation of past biogeochemical changes to current global environmental change. Field trips during lab investigate local geologic history and the course may require a weekend field trip. Prerequisite(s): Preference given to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO 120L CC: SCLB, GNPS, SET ISP: ENS, STS Core astronomy courses: Take one of the following:
Preference given to first and second year students.
Corequisite
GEO 120L CQ: SCLB, GNPS, SET ISP: ENS, STS
GEO 160Environmental Challenges in the Mohawk Watershed1.0
Course This courses in an introductory course that investigates the complex intersection of surface-water hydrology and society. Specific modules address hydrology in a changing climate, water quality, dams and the Erie Canal, invasive species and pathways, municipal drinking water, floods, and river-proximal development: all environmental problems on the Mohawk related to water and hydrology in the watershed. While the Mohawk Watershed is of local and regional interest, the issues and problems addressed in this course are applicable nationwide. They deal with how a changing climate affects surface-water hydrology, how our national infrastructure and the built environment has been stressed due to age, damaging extreme events and pollution. We explore how our relationship with rivers is changing. This course is intended for all students at Union College, but it will be of special interest to those students interested in water, especially in the context of rivers, climate change, water infrastructure, and urban planning and development. Prerequisite(s): Preference is fiven to first and second year students. Corequisite(s): GEO 160L CC: SCLB, GNPS, GETS, WAC ISP: ENS
Course Processes operating on and near the Earth's surface are responsible for the development of landforms, and the evolution of these landforms through time. This course covers erosional and depositional processes of glaciers, rivers, hillslopes, and wind, and the geochemical reactions responsible for the formation of soils and caves. These topics are covered within the context of the geologic evolution of the Mohawk Valley since the end of the last Ice Age. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 202L CC: WAC Lecture/Lab Hours One lab per week. ISP: ENS
Course Modern limnology and the record of environmental change as recorded in the physical and chemical properties of lake water and lake sediments. Includes a term-long research project on two local lakes, and the interpretation of the proxy paleoenvironmental indicators contained in sediment cores from these lakes. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences or biology course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 203L ISP: ENS
Any 100 level GEO, CHM, BIO, PHY, ESC, or ENS course. ISP: ENS, STS
GEO 205Active Tectonics1.0
Course This course explores the dynamics of active plate boundaries and plate motions as revealed in plate margin deformation, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and metamorphism. Includes an introduction to stress and strain, deformation mechanisms, faults and folds, geochronology, and petrology of distinct rocks in convergent settings. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 ISP: ENS
Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 ISP: ENS
GEO 206Volcanology1.0
Course Volcanic eruptions showcase the beauty, complexity, and destructive forces of nature. This course tackles the questions of why volcanoes erupt (a fundamental question without universal agreement!), where they erupt, how they erupt, how we predict eruptions, and the effects of eruptions on societies. Case studies include famous eruptions such as Vesuvius, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and Mt. St. Helens, as well as some volcanoes being researched by Union faculty and students in the Caribbean, Pacific Northwest, and Mexico. Students learn the different ways that volcanoes are monitored (seismic, gas emissions, hydrothermal waters, deformation). The course highlights ongoing current volcanic activity and monitoring and students engage in multiple role-playing exercises using data to forecast eruptions and deal with a volcanic crisis. Students will become more proficient in science communication and how to convey information to the public through videos, infographics, and other forms of media. This course will include a spring break trip to Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. All students must meet basic term abroad requirements and submit an application. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 206L ISP: ENS
GEO 207Stable Isotopes in Environmental Science1.0
Course Stable isotopes have become a fundamental tool in many biogeoscientific studies, from reconstructing past climates to tracking animal migration or unraveling foodwebs and even to study the origin of life on Earth and possibly other planets. This course highlights the applications of stable isotopes in biological, ecological, environmental, archeological, and geological studies. Students learn the fundamentals of stable isotope biogeochemistry in order to understand the uses and limitations of this tool. This course starts with an introduction to the fundamentals of stable isotope geochemistry and then moves on to applied topics such as paleoceanography and paleoclimatology proxies, hydrology, sediments and sedimentary rocks, biogeochemical cycling, the global carbon cycle, photosynthesis, metabolism, ecology, organic matter degradation, pollution, and more. Prerequisite(s): Any geosciences, biology, or chemistry course or ENS 100 , or permission of the instructor. Corequisite(s): GEO 207L CC: WAC, GDQR, GNPS ISP: ENS
Any geosciences, biology, or chemistry course or ENS 100 , or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite
GEO 207L CQ: WAC, GDQR, GNPS ISP: ENS
GEO 208Paleontology, Paleobiology, and Paleoecology1.0
Course Nearly all species that have existed on Earth are now extinct and are only known through the fossil record. This course examines the evolution and history of life on Earth as interpreted from the fossil record. Topics include fossil preservation, taphonomy, ontogeny, diversity trajectories through geologic time, evolutionary mechanisms, extinction, paleobiology, paleoecology, and paleoclimate. Special emphasis will be placed on using fossils to interpret ancient environments as well as deciphering past climates. The course focuses on the fossil record of marine invertebrates, but major groups of vertebrates (such as dinosaurs) and plants are also covered. Cross-Listed: BIO 208 Prerequisite(s): Any geosciences or biology course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 208L CC: SCLB ISP: ENS
Course Climate is fundamentally relevant to modern and ancient societies. Global warming is occurring today, and whether it is driven by human activities (e.g., CO2, CH4 emissions) or by natural climate cycles can only be determined by understanding natural climatic variability. Fortunately, there are many tools, and natural climatic records that can provide us with information on past climate (e.g. tree rings, ice cores from glaciers, and sediment cores from lakes and oceans). Obtaining, documenting and interpreting these records is the field of paleoclimatology, and it is the focus of this course. Past climate variability is used to highlight possible scenarios of future climate change. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 209L CC: SCLB ISP: ENS
Course Groundwater accounts for 97% of the available freshwater on Earth and serves as a vital resource that supports the economies and ecosystems of the world - including providing much of the irrigation water that grows our food, supplying drinking water to over 2 billion people, and sustaining surface water bodies and groundwater dependent ecosystems. With the world's groundwater resources threatened by intensive groundwater pumping, environmental and climate change, and the release of contaminants into the environment, there is a pressing need to better understand and manage this resource. Groundwater hydrology is a highly interdisciplinary field that brings together the geologic and environmental sciences with engineering. This course will begin by exploring the environmental and geologic factors that influence the occurrence and movement of groundwater. We will then delve into the physical laws the govern groundwater flow and learn how to model these flows. Later in the course we will cover the role of groundwater in a range of geologic and ecological processes. We will also cover engineering applications of groundwater such as the hydraulics of pumping wells, land subsidence, and the movement of contaminants within aquifers. Students will leave this course with the fundamental knowledge needed to begin answering the scientific and engineering challenges related to our groundwater resources. Cross-Listed: ENS 210 Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 210L CC: GDQR, GETS, GNPS ISP: ENS
Course Mineral science is foundational for other geology and environmental science courses, as well as many other scientific disciplines that encounter crystalline solids. This class provides students with a solid understanding of minerals, which are the building blocks of all rocks on this and every other planet, and provide most of our industrial resources, many building materials and precious gems. A successful student leaving this class will be able to identify most common minerals when they occur "in the wild" and be familiar with their internal structure and crystal chemistry. The practical use of state-of-the- art analytical techniques common to the study of solid materials is emphasized to elucidate the links between internal crystalline structure and macroscopic physical properties. Students will use the scanning electron microscope, the x-ray diffractometer and the polarizing light microscope. In addition to learning the fundamentals of mineral science, students will gain appreciation for the beauty and symmetry present in the natural world. Prerequisite(s): CHM 101 or equivalent and any 100-level geosciences course. Corequisite(s):
Course The transformation of snow to ice, the mass balance of glaciers, types of glaciers, and the processes that control glacier sliding, erosion, and deposition. Includes techniques commonly employed to date Quaternary deposits and an examination of the geologic record of the Ice Ages as recorded in glaciers, glacial deposits, and marine and lake sediments of the Quaternary period. Weekly labs document the geologic record of the last glaciation in exposures in the southern Adirondacks, central Hudson Valley, eastern Mohawk Valley, and northern Schoharie Valley. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level geosciences course, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite(s): GEO 300L ISP: ENS
Any geosciences course, or ENS 100 or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite
GEO 300L ISP: ENS
GEO 302Geochemical Systems and Modeling1.0
Course Investigation of the Earth as a chemical system and using chemical tools to understand geologic processes. Topics include origin of the elements, formation and differentiation of the Earth, igneous processes, radioactive isotopes and radiometric dating, and geochemistry of near-surface waters and the oceans. Work includes theory, sample collection, sample preparation, chemical analysis using in-house equipment, and computer modeling of the using the acquired data. Includes readings and discussions of the contemporary geochemical literature. Prerequisite(s): CHM 101 or equivalent Corequisite(s): GEO 302L ISP: ENS
GEO 303Earthquakes and the study of the Earth’s Interior1.0
Course In this course students will learn about the various geophysical methods used to probe the Earth's interior. With a heavy focus on earthquakes and seismology, the course explores the question of how we learn about the Earth beneath our feet. Through the hands-on use of modern geophysical field equipment we will explore the deep and shallow structure of the whole earth. We will learn about finding geological resources and about the physical explanations for plate tectonics. We will also examine how radioactivity and heat flow within the earth can tell us about our warming climate. A common thread throughout the course is computer modeling, data acquisition, signal processing and associated uncertainties. By the end of the course, students will have a familiarity with the differences between the many geophysical surveying methods and the different cases in which they could be employed. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences or physics course or ENS 100 Corequisite(s): GEO 303L ISP: ENS
Any 100-level geosciences or physics course or ENS 100
Corequisite
GEO 303L ISP: ENS
GEO 305Global Biogeochemical Cycles1.0
Course Biology, geology and chemistry are intricately linked to form the world around us. Biogeochemical cycles set the stage for life on Earth. This course explores the carbon, nitrogen, water, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles in the critical zone and oceans. The critical zone is the terrestrial layer that extends from the bedrock to the top of vegetation, and this course continues into estuaries and the open ocean. We investigate how biological (e.g., primary production, respiration), anthropogenic (e.g., urbanization, pollution) and geological processes (e.g., tectonics, rock weathering) influence the critical zone and oceans, and in turn how these cycles influence life and climate. Field studies focus on tropical marine biogeochemistry of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, lagoons and estuaries. Course includes a required week-long field trip to a remote field station in Panama. There are additional costs associated with field trip expenses, but students can apply for travel assistance. All students must meet basic term abroad requirements and submit an application. This course is open to all students, but preference will be given to those with a declared major in geosciences, environmental science, chemistry, or biology. Cross-Listed: BIO 235 Corequisite(s): GEO 305L Prereq/Corequisite(s): Take a course from either BIO, CHM, GEO or ENS 100 . CC: WAC, WAC-R ISP: ENS
Course In Structural Geology we study the geometry and dynamics of deformed rocks, using detailed descriptions and kinematic analysis of field sites. If we wish to understand the formation of mountain belts, or their climatically controlled destruction, the relationship of one rock unit to another, or one mineral grain to the next is of fundamental importance. Students will acquire the tools necessary to describe and understand the geometry and dynamics of deformed rocks and the larger-scale orogenies they are a part of, with a practical focus on field work to understand the structural evolution of eastern New York. We will explore stress and strain, folding, faulting, cleavage formation, map interpretation, and the relationships between plate tectonic settings and crustal structure. There is a major emphasis on developing and sharpening of multi-dimensional reasoning skills. Students will also gain experience writing scientific reports which integrate observational data, field measurements, and the existing literature. In addition to several local field trips during lab, the course includes a weekend trip to explore key localities from the Taconic Orogeny in Massachusetts and Vermont. Prerequisite(s): Any geosciences course numbered 200 or higher, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite(s): GEO 307L
Any geosciences course numbered 200 or higher, or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite
GEO 307L
GEO 320Petrology of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks1.0
Course Petrology is the study of rocks and the conditions under which they form and evolve. This course will explore how the processes of melting and subsequent crystallization creates igneous rocks in different tectonic environments and how heat, pressure, and strain create metamorphic rocks. Emphasis will be on integrating different types of data (e.g. field observations, mineral assemblages, whole-rock geochemistry, mineral compositions) to understand the origin and evolution of rocks in igneous and metamorphic systems. Students will examine and characterize minerals, textures, and compositions of rocks in thin sections using a polarizing microscope, scanning electron microscope, and laser ablation inductively-coupled mass spectrometer. Rock sample suites studied could include those from Iceland, Montserrat, Mexico, New England, the Stillwater Complex (MT), and Dutchess County, NY. The course includes local field trips to see outcrops and collect samples on 2-3 weekend days to the Adirondacks, Catskills, and/or Vermont and Massachusetts. Prerequisite(s): GEO 220 Corequisite(s): GEO 320L ISP: ENS • Any Geosciences mini-term. Energy and Environmental Physics
Course This course is a mini-term abroad. The field study of earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, and other hazards where tectonic plates collide and mountains form. Field studies focus on understanding the science behind geologic hazards that lead to catastrophic events and subsequent loss of life. Fieldwork is aimed at recognizing hazards, understanding the processes behind the hazards, and to see the role that society plays in mitigating these hazards. The study area alternates around the Pacific Rim between locations that include Peru (June), Alaska (June), and New Zealand (December). Fieldwork is preceded by organizational sessions on campus to prepare for field projects. Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 ISP: ENS
Any 100-level geosciences course or ENS 100 ISP: ENS
GEO 405Geosciences Senior Seminar1.0
Course Senior capstone course required of all geosciences majors that integrates concepts from all disciplines of geology and requires students to engage in scientific discussions. The course covers current developments in the geosciences as reported in the primary literature. Students will critically read, present, and discuss recently-published articles. Students will also give oral presentations of their original thesis research. To improve their presentation skills, students will do extensive peer review and self-assessment. Prerequisite(s): Geosciences major and senior standing CC: WS
Course Units: 1.0 A program of independent study in a particular area of geology, not available through regular courses, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
