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Pennsylvania Western University · Courses

GEOL

26 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 1078Current Questions in Science3

The course will explore current and sometimes controversial topics in science. Topics will vary, and will be related to the natural science discipline prefix including concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, meteorology and climate science, geography, and mathematics.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 1178Discovering Physical Sciences3

The course will explore the basic principles of physical science which describe the world we live in and the universe that surrounds us. Topics will vary related to the physical science discipline prefix including concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, meteorology and climate science, geography, and mathematics.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 1278Discovering Environmental Sciences3

The course will explore and apply scientific principles that describe and explain interesting current topics in the environmental sciences. Topics will be related to the environmental science discipline prefix including concepts in biology, meteorology and climate science, geology, geography, chemistry and physics.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 1500Dynamic Earth4

This course is a scientific study of Earth’s geologic systems. The course includes the origin and identification of minerals and rocks, geologic time, examination of Earth systems, cycles and processes, and causes and consequences of geologic phenomena, especially those related to environmental issues, hazards, and resources.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 1600Ocean Science3

This course examines the world ocean from an Earth System perspective, providing an overview of ocean science. Topics discussed include geological, physical, chemical and biological oceanography and the role oceans play in global atmospheric circulation and the Earth’s climate system.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 1700Geology of Our Nation’s Parks3

The iconic scenery preserved in our National Parks is frequently related to underlying geologic processes. This course explores the fundamental principles of geology and earth history using our National Parks as examples. Emphasis is placed on the role of plate tectonics in the geologic evolution and history of each park.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 2010Principles of Earth History4

This course studies scientific principles of the origin and evolution of the Earth, atmosphere, oceans, and life through time. It emphasizes concepts and methods employed to interpret the geologic record, including those related to the geologic time scale, rock-forming processes, plate tectonics, evolution, and the fossil and stratigraphic record.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3010Professional Development for Earth and Environmental Sciences1

This course develops the students’ understanding of career opportunities and expectations in Environment Science and allied natural sciences. Students learn about the range of career tracks, as well as Graduate school opportunities. They develop resumes, learn about networking and prepare for professional licensure, where appropriate.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 3030Hydrology3

Hydrology is the science of water within a geologic systems framework. The course covers the hydrologic cycle, the occurrence and movement of atmospheric, surface, and ground waters. Conditions are explored quantitatively, assessing mass and energy balance, and qualitatively with respect to human interaction and influences.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3100Applied Soil Science3

This applied course presents soil science for student considering careers in the environmental and geotechnical sectors. Basic concepts include soil composition and genesis; physical, chemical, and biological properties; soil water; classification and mapping; conservation and management practices; fertility and productivity; and engineering.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3200Landscapes and Surface Processes3

Focusing on the intersection of atmospheric, hydrologic, and geologic spheres of Earth, the course takes a systems approach to observing and interpreting the land surface and transient processes, including human changes to the land. Exploration and analysis of temporal and spatial variations are related to human development, climate, hazards, and resource exploitation, including economic implications.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3250Environmental Data Analysis3

This course seeks to develop students’ discipline-specific quantitative skills. Topics related to science literacy and data analysis are framed in an environmental science context with a focus on interdisciplinary applications. Students will use mathematical concepts, along with computational and graphical techniques to analyze Earth systems to develop and communicate practical solutions.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500 and ATMS 1100
GEOL 3310Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology4

An overview of the fundamentals of mineralogy with application towards the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is given to identification and classification systems and an understanding of formation processes and tectonic settings. Macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical analyses are applied using hand samples and thin sections.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3500Geochemistry3

This course is designed for students pursuing environmental and geological careers. Participants will explore the relationships between natural chemical processes and environmental issues through focus on essential geochemical principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, aqueous geochemistry, acid-base chemistry, and groundwater redox conditions.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 3600Geophysics3

This course covers the collection, processing, and interpretation of several types of geophysical data for both environmental and economic purposes. Emphasis is placed on the application of geophysical techniques to real world problems.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3700Applied Environmental Geosciences3

Environmental problems and issues associated with the interaction between the natural environment and human resource demands is evaluated. Emphasis is placed on scientific data and evidence-based practices in determining environmental impacts of human activities and prospects for exploration, exploitation, and remediation. Focus is placed on air and water, energy, and mineral resources.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 3900Independent Study in Geology1

1 TO 3 This is a capstone course for students who are engaged in research with a faculty mentor in the Geosciences. This course exposes students to the methods of both primary and library research, and includes the formulation of a research problem, literature searching and review, research design, execution, data analysis, and presentation.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
GEOL 3995Special Topics in Geology3-4

This course focuses on a contemporary issue of interest in Geology and related fields of study. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, synthesis of core principles, and application of foundational geologic understanding to complex questions. Course content varies, but could include paleontology, geotechnical engineering, volcanology, plate tectonics, planetary geology, national parks, etc.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 4000PASSHE Geology Field Course4

The PASSHE Geology Field Experience permits students to apply their knowledge and skills to the investigation of Pennsylvania’s geology. Students will collect and analyze field-based geologic and environmental data at select locations throughout Pennsylvania. Field-based modules are taught by experts from across the state system.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 4030Groundwater Hydrology3

This course is designed as a follow-up course to Hydrology. Students will study and apply the principles governing the movement and occurrence of water in the subsurface. Emphasis is placed on the physics and engineering principles as they relate to groundwater for water supplies as well as related to contamination issues.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 3030
GEOL 4100Field Methods in Geology3

This course provides students with knowledge of geologic problems encountered in fieldwork and the techniques utilized to solve those problems. The student will gain experience with geologic and topographic maps, field description of rocks, and use of geologic instruments with emphasis towards techniques utilized in early career applications.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 2010
GEOL 4200Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4

A study of the origin, transport, and deposition of sediments and sedimentary rocks, their analysis by physical and chemical methods, and their interpretation as indicators of past events and ancient environments in the history of the Earth.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 2010
GEOL 4300Structural Geology4

This course focuses on the products and processes of rock deformation. It examines the description, geometry, kinematics, mechanics, and tectonics of structures and involves the study of stress and strain, rheology, brittle and ductile deformation, non-tectonic structures, joints, faults, folds, foliations, lineations, and shear zones.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 2010
GEOL 4600Watershed Evaluation and Management3

The course builds off environmental and land use principles of lower courses in hydrology and environmental science. Focus is on delineation, mass balance, human impacts, and environmental health and water quality of watersheds. They learn regulatory principles and practical applications of water routing and sustainable land management practices.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 3030
GEOL 4700Regional Geology Field Experience3

This is a traveling course that explores the large-scale relationships of bedrock and surficial geology as well as climate, hydrologic, and environmental systems. The trips range from 10-21 days and travel to destinations including such places as the Great Lakes, New England, SE Coastal Plain, Desert Southwest, Rocky Mts, and the West Coast.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 1500
GEOL 4950Geology Internship1

1 TO 15 The Geology Internship provides practical experience with an approved agency or facility involved in activities pertaining to geographic fields of study.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credit Hours
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.pennwest.edu

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