Earth Science

Minor Requirements

1. GEOL 121

   Geology and the Environment. 4. First-hand introduction to the materials the Earth is made of, as well as the forces that shape the Earth, and interactions between human activities and the environment. Many of the labs are done in the field. Fulfills natural science/mathematics and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Natural science/ mathematics and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019). Offered yearly in fall

   As published: “Geology and the Environment”

   or: GEOL 141 Oceanography
   4
2. Select two of the following:

   Not resolved to a course
   8
3. GEOL 122

   Historical Geology. 4. Historical account of discovery of geologic time and development of the theory of evolution; origin and development of the earth; geologic history of North America ? both life and lands. Emphasis in laboratory on interpretation of earth history and use of the Quaker Quadrangle. Offered yearly in spring. Fulfills natural science/mathematics requirement (1998 & 2019). Embodied and creative engagement and numeric/symbolic engagement requirements

   As published: “Historical Geology”
   2019
4. GEOL 223

   Hydrology. 4. This course is focused on the dynamic nature of the water cycle, and includes investigations on human reliance and impacts upon this vital resource. Course content will include investigation of both surface and ground water systems, including flow dynamics, precipitation, surface runoff, stream restoration, streamflow monitoring and data analysis, ground water geology, and basic well design. Laboratory included.Prerequisite: GEOL 121 or instructor permission and an understanding of algebra. Alternate years. Fulfills natural science /mathematics requirement (1998 2019). Numeric/symbolic engagement

   As published: “Hydrology”
   2019
5. GEOL 242

   Natural Science Seminars. (variable credits). 4. Studies of the biology, geology, ecology and natural history of different field areas, including the American Southwest, the Galapagos, East Africa, Brunnenburg, North Carolina and other areas. Includes a one- to three-week trip to the area being studied, depending on when the course is offered; trip includes research project. When course is offered for a minimum of 4 semester credits, the course will fulfill natural science/mathematics and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998); natural science/mathematics, evaluating systems and environments requirements, and embodied and creative engagement requirements

   As published: “Natural Science Seminars. (variable credits)”
   2019
6. GEOL 311

   Optical Mineralogy. 4. Principles of optical mineralogy, basic crystallography and crystal chemistry, rock-forming minerals and mineral formation and associations. Lab will focus on mineral identification in hand specimen and thin section. Alternate years in fall.Prerequisite: CHEM 111 (may be taken concurrently with instructor permission)

   As published: “Optical Mineralogy”
7. GEOL 312

   Petrology. 4. Introduction to the study of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Principles of classification, occurrence, phase equilibria, tectonic environments and origin/formation of rocks are emphasized in lectures. Labs emphasize description, classification and interpretation of textures and mineralogy in hand sample and in thin section. Alternate years in spring.Prerequisite: GEOL 311, CHEM 112 (may be taken concurrently with instructor permission)

   As published: “Petrology”
8. GEOL 340

   Images of the Earth: GIS and Remote Sensing. 4. Focuses on various ways to classify, represent and visualize the Earth's surface. Interpretation, creation and use of maps, aerial photographs and satellite images. Exploration, construction and use of geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer-based methods to create maps and visualize data. Application of knowledge and techniques to issues such as ecosystem management, environmental assessment, urban planning, geologic mapping, global change and archaeology. Can also count toward the CTIS major

   As published: “Images of the Earth: GIS and Remote Sensing”
9. GEOL 415

   Paleontology. 4. Study of fossils with major emphasis on invertebrates: classification and identification, principles of evolution and paleoecology; Earth history and the origin and history of life; application of paleontology to geologic problems, especially its use in stratigraphic studies. Includes a focus on scientific writing in geology. Offered in alternate years in fall.Prerequisite: GEOL 122 and another course in geology and/or biology and/or chemistry; Historical Perspectives or instructor permission

   As published: “Paleontology”
10. GEOL 450

    Special Topics. 8

    As published: “Special Topics”
11. Select one of the following:

    Not resolved to a course
    4
12. GEOL 335

    Structural Geology. 4. Study of the deformation of rocks of the earth?s crust: descriptive and theoretical treatment of folding, faulting, jointing, unconformities, diapirs, plutons and the structural features found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; introduction to geophysical methods; introduction to the field of tectonics. Offered in alternate years in spring.Prerequisite: two laboratory courses in geology, MATH 115, or instructor permission

    As published: “Structural Geology”
13. GEOL 416

    Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 4. Advanced study of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on sedimentary processes, grain size analysis, sedimentary structures and sedimentary petrography; the description, classification, correlation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks; principles of stratigraphic nomenclature; interpretation of tectonic conditions, depositional environments and paleogeography; advanced historical geology.Prerequisite: two semesters of laboratory courses in geology or related science or instructor permission. Offered in alternate years in spring

    As published: “Sedimentology and Stratigraphy”
14. IDS 472

    Environmental Planning. 4. 4.This course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply interdisciplinary methods and tools to assess the current status of environmentally sensitive areas; to protect natural resources, ecosystems and watersheds; and to study the management and preservation of existing green spaces. Students will also investigate current designs for the development of more sustainable communities, including urban planning strategies that relate to preservation and restoration of the environment. This course will integrate discussion of the scientific concepts that underlie environmental planning decisions, as well as local and federal policies relevant to planning issues. Students interested in closely related fields are encouraged toward in-depth study in these areas, including other scientific disciplines, economics, cultural impacts, policy and law, etc. The course will include a large, applied project that will give students the opportunity to integrate and apply their disciplinary expertise to a complex environmental issue.Prerequisite: two laboratory sciences or permission of instructor and a minimum 88 semester credits earned and completion of Historical Perspectives requirement. Fulfills interdisciplinary studies (IDS 400) requirement

    As published: “Environmental Planning”
    1998

Other advanced geology or geology-related IDS courses may also be approved