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Drexel University · Courses

GEO

25 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 101Physical Geology4.0

This course is an introduction to geology emphasizing the role of plate tectonics. Topics include formation of minerals, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, depositional environments, and geological hazards. Labs focus on mineral and rock identification, map skills, and 3D visualization.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 102History of the Earth4.0

The history of the earth and the evolution of life on earth are examined. Geological and biological processes that allow us to reconstruct the past are emphasized. Topics include geologic time, plate tectonics, and the nature of the fossil record. Lab exercises include hands-on fossil identification and the use of fossils as tools to explore the history of the earth.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 103Introduction to Field Methods in Earth Science2.0

This is an introductory course in earth science that provides experience with the fundamental skills and methods for the field study of the earth and earth processes.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 111Natural Disasters3.0

This course is an overview of natural disasters and hazards. Students will learn the geology behind major natural disasters and how society best mitigates risk. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and floods. Students will review case studies of past (and any concurrent) natural disasters through journal articles and media coverage.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 201[WI] Earth Systems Processes3.0

Students will examine local and global environmental changes from an earth systems perspective. Important concepts include feed-back loops, tipping points, the "butterfly effect," and geological time. From a geological perspective, students will examine: natural and anthropogenic climate change; soil degradation; sea-level rise; plate tectonics; and natural hazards, such as coastal storms, levee breaks, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and more.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 205Dinosaurs and Their World3.0

An introduction to dinosaur paleontology, this course focuses on the scientific method as applied to dinosaur studies. Topics include dinosaur evolution, the history of dinosaur research, an overview of dinosaurs, and birds as living dinosaurs. This is suitable for all majors.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 207Introduction to Oceanography3.0

This course provides a topics-based approach to the field of Oceanography and its disciplines. Provides a solid understanding of the discipline of oceanography and a foundation to pursue further advanced topics in oceanography or to learn about how our planet works.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 215Mineralogy4.0

In this course, students will study mineralogy and optical mineralogy, with a focus on describing minerals within their geologic context. The foundations of mineralogy will be covered, including: crystallography, chemical bonding, controls on mineral structure, mineral stability, and crystal growth. Students will learn physical and chemical analytical methods to examine mineral composition and structure. Hand-sample identification will be emphasized in the laboratory component. In the field, students will learn to identify rock-forming minerals within the context of historical geological events.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 301Advanced Field Methods in Earth Science3.0

This skills course focuses on fundamental and commonly used geoscience field techniques. Students will learn surface and subsurface mapping, coring techniques and core analysis, remote sensing techniques, and sampling techniques. This course builds on GEO 103 and prepares students for advanced field studies.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 306Environmental Geology4.0

Students in this course will focus on interactions between humans and the geosphere. Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of natural and human-induced geohazards, from earthquakes and tsunamis to industrial pollution and anthropogenic climate change. Regional examples will be emphasized, such environmental industrial contamination and remediation efforts in the Delaware Valley and hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in Pennsylvania.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 309Geochemistry4.0

This course is a topics-based approach to the field of geochemistry with emphasis on aqueous systems, both marine and freshwater. Topics include: composition of the earth and oceans; chemical equilibrium; solubility; thermodynamics; oxidation-reduction reactions; organic geochemistry; isotope geochemistry; contaminant geochemistry; applications of geochemistry; consequences of weathering; composition of surface waters; geochemical modeling; and selected areas of interest.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 312Sedimentology and Stratigraphy3.5

This course focuses on clastic and carbonate depositional environments and processes, stratigraphic principles, the construction of the stratigraphic columns, and sedimentary basin analysis.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3.5
Credits (max)
3.5
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 320Invertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoecology3.5

This course focuses on the evolution, ecology, and environmental interactions of invertebrates with hard parts from the Cambrian period to today. Topics include paleoecology, paleodiversity, mass extinction, taphonomy, biostratigraphy, and taxonomy. Natural selection, functional morphology, extinction and adaption are emphasized.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3.5
Credits (max)
3.5
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 322Vertebrate Paleontology4.0

This course focuses on the evolution of vertebrates from the Cambrian Period to today. Topics include cartilaginous and bony fishes, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, birds, and mammals. Natural selection, cladistics, functional morphology, adaptation and extinction are emphasized.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 325Structural Geology5.0

Students in this course will explore the physical and geometric structures within the earth's crust and the ways in which these structures reflect natural history. Mapping techniques and methods of describing stress and strain in rocks will be covered, while emphasizing visualization of three-dimensional relationships. Students will learn practical analytical techniques and foundational field skill. This course is at the heart of field geology and will prepare students for a successful summer field camp experience.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
5
Credits (max)
5
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 342Geomorphology4.0

Students in this course will learn how landscapes originate and develop over time, through an integrative approach that covers all of the major constructional and erosional processes. The fundamentals of sediment entrainment, transport, and deposition will be applied to landform evolution. Students will learn about the importance of geomorphology in environmental geology.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 346Coastal Geology4.0

This course will furnish an understanding of the tectonic framework, hydrographic regime, climatic setting, and geological components that determine the morphology and behavior of coastlines. The response of coasts to changes in sea level, sediment supply, and human development will be examined. Fundamental geomorphic processes, such as wave-driven currents and tidal dynamics, will be covered.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 348Oceanography4.0

This course provides a topics-based approach to the field of oceanography with special emphasis on marine geology and geochemistry. Provides a solid understanding of the discipline of oceanography and a foundation to pursue further advanced topics in oceanography.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 350Volcanology3.0

Volcanology is a study of the origin, properties, and processes involved in the formation and eruption of volcanoes. The student taking this course will be introduced to the various types of volcanism on Earth and in the Solar System, methods of volcano monitoring, and human and environmental impacts of volcanic eruptions.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 375Field Camp3.0

This is a one-week field course designed to prepare students for successful careers in the geosciences. Course emphasizes scientific methodology and traditional techniques that provide a strong foundation for the broad range of modern technologies used by today’s industry, academic, government and private workforces. Students learn to collect field observations and measurements, compile detailed rock descriptions, measure stratigraphic sections, and construct geologic maps and cross sections. This course is repeatable for credit.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Repeatable
Can be repeated 2 times for 9 credits Prerequisites: GEO 101 [Min Grade: D] and GEO 103 [Min Grade: D]
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 401Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology5.0

Students in this course will explore the processes that control the genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with emphasis on igneous processes. In the laboratory portion of the course students will learn identification and classification of petrographic specimens. Students will gain hand-on experience identifying igneous and metamorphic rocks in the field.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
5
Credits (max)
5
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 412Geology of Groundwater4.0

Students in this course will learn the theoretical basis and practical techniques of hydrogeology. The significance of groundwater for ecosystem health, including human well-being, will be emphasized. Students will learn commonly used industrial techniques, such as hydrograph analyses, borehole measurements, and stream gauge techniques and will gain hands-on experience assessing hydrogeology in the field.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 418Geophysics4.0

Students in this course will learn geophysical concepts and practical (and marketable) skills for using geophysical techniques in the field. Students will gain hands-on experience in seismic profiling, borehole logging and other techniques important in environmental consulting and the energy industry.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 444Plate Tectonics3.0

Plate tectonics is one of the Earth Sciences' foundational theories, underlying much of our understanding on the origin and distribution of volcanoes, earthquakes, ocean basins, and mountain chains. This course discusses vector analysis approaches as they apply to plate tectonics theory, plate rotation poles, analysis of triple-junction stability, mantle flow, plate motion reconstructions, and the driving forces of plate tectonics.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu
GEO 497Research0.0-12.0

Students pursue a specific area of research in geoscience under the direction of a geoscience faculty member. Faculty permission required.

Subject
GEO
Credits (min)
0
Credits (max)
12
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Repeatable
Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.drexel.edu

Source: Drexel University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59