Course Offerings in Geology

This course is an introduction to the paleontology of dinosaurs. The evolution, systematics, origin, history of their discovery, and current topics concerning dinosaurs are discussed. This course does not satisfy major, concomitant, or specialization requirements for Secondary Education and/or Liberal Arts and Science majors. 
Prerequisites: None

An introduction to the study of the earth, physical geology includes the study of the formation of common rocks and minerals, of the structure of the surface of the earth, and of geological processes that create the surface landscape. Human considerations such as energy, mineral deposits, and environmental hazards are also examined. Laboratory work includes the study of rocks and minerals and the study of topographic maps and landforms. This course does not satisfy major, concomitant, or specialization requirements for Secondary Education Science and/or Liberal Arts Science Majors.
Prerequisites: None

This course is an introduction to the study of historical and physical geologic principles as illustrated in the National Parks and Monuments of the U.S. The Earth's history, geological surface, and subsurface processes and the genesis of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are examined. This course does not satisfy major, concomitant, or specialization requirements for Secondary Education and/or Liberal Arts and Science majors. 
Prerequisites: None

This course is an introduction to the study of hydrology, geology, and scientific principles from the perspective of water as a natural resource. Both surface and subsurface hydrogeological processes are examined in an example-oriented teaching method that incorporates an evaluation of the political and environmental ramifications of each situation. This course does not satisfy major, concomitant, or specialization requirements for Secondary Education and/or Liberal Arts and Sciences majors.

Prerequisites: None

An introduction to earth processes, physical geology includes the study of the formation of common rocks, minerals, and economic mineral deposits, the structure of the earth's interior, and geological processes that create the surface landscape. Human and environmental hazards are also examined. Laboratory work includes the study of rocks, minerals, topographic maps, landforms, and geologic maps. Field trips may also be required.
Prerequisites: (Students are expected to have had adequate high school preparation in algebra, trigonometry, and chemistry). Required of majors in the Earth-Space Sciences.

An introduction to the geological and biological evolution of the earth, historical geology traces the history of the earth as recorded in the rock record. The scientific methods by which geologists interpret earth history are introduced. Field trips may be required. Required of majors in the Earth-Space Sciences. Offered Spring Semester.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology 

An introductory course designed to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans and to the methods and techniques of this rapidly expanding field. Emphasis is placed on lab and at-sea assignments which focus the students' attention on the interrelationship and unity of oceanography, and its relation to other environmental sciences.
Prerequisites: None

Methods of geological survey involving field practice, interpretation of selected areas, and preparation of maps and reports. Lectures and laboratories.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology and GEL 102 Historical Geology

This course examines the physics of processes that break the solid rock into transportable materials and the physical and chemical mechanisms behind the movement and deposition of that material on planetary surfaces. Using quantitative analysis, laboratory, remote sensing, field experiments, and qualitative assessment, this course links the physical and chemical weathering of planetary surfaces, including the fundamentals of fluid flow, sediment transport, erosion, and deposition to processes ranging from microscopic to mountain building. A laboratory course, planetary surface processes focuses on collecting and using actual data sets and applying them to the sedimentary, tectonic, and atmospheric history of a planet.

Prerequisites: GEL 102 or PHY 100 or permission of the instructor

A study of the relationship between man and his geological habitat. Problems that society faces in using the earth are examined, including case histories of natural disasters and human interactions with earth materials. Geochemical cycles, geological materials, and land use will be examined as they relate to environmental quality.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology

An introduction to the structure and chemistry of minerals allows the development of an understanding of how minerals form and why they have specific physical and chemical properties. Laboratory work emphasizes a wide variety of practical techniques for the identification of minerals both in the lab and in the field.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology and facility with General Chemistry and Trigonometry

A practical introduction to the basic concepts underlying electron beam analysis of materials, emphasizing signals generated by scanning electron microscopes, including secondary electron, backscatter electron, scanning transmitted electron, and cathodoluminescence imaging, as well as energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Topics include sample preparation, basic SEM operation, strategies for ameliorating complications in data collection, and brief introduction to emerging analytical methods such as electron backscatter diffractometry, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and focused ion beam microscopy.
Prerequisites: Any 100 level Natural Science course (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics)

This course is a study of invertebrate and lower vertebrate life as revealed in the fossil record. The invertebrate phyla are used to illustrate evolutionary patterns, speciation, and the use of fossils in stratigraphy. The invertebrates and lower vertebrates are treated systematically. Chief emphasis is on organic hard parts. Fossils are collected in the field, then prepared and identified in the laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEL 102 Historical Geology

A course to familiarize students with the dynamic marine environment and field work on board small research vessels, to instruct in the use and application of standard oceanographic instruments and sampling devices, and to promote and encourage independent research through the initial stages of a scientific project.
Prerequisites: GEL/MAR 110 Introduction to Marine Sciences or consent of the instructor

All metals, many raw chemicals, and other materials in our daily lives, including glass, ceramic, aggregate, and cement, are won from the earth by mining mineral deposits.  Economic geology is the study of how these mineral deposits form within the earth and how we explore for them.  This course in economic geology will investigate both the processes that form mineral deposits and practical exploration strategies currently used in the industry.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology

Structural geology studies the way rocks deform on scales ranging from the microscopic to plate tectonics. This course investigates how rocks fold, fracture, and even flow. This knowledge leads to an understanding of how mountain ranges form, where natural resources occur, where groundwater pollutants migrate, and what controls ground stability in construction. The course also explores the history of the earth from a plate tectonics perspective. Projects include both laboratory studies and mapping exercises of deformed rocks in the field.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology and GEL 102 Historical Geology

This course introduces the fundamentals of geochemistry in the context of igneous and metamorphic petrology. Understanding the basic principles of the chemical processes within the earth sets the stage for investigations of how magmas form and crystallize, and how pressure, temperature, and fluid-rock interaction change rock mineralogy and texture. Understanding the environments in which rocks form leads to the development of models of geologic processes that form these kinds of rocks. Laboratory work focuses on the practical application of these concepts to mapping rocks in the field and studies of rock suites from all over the globe using petrographic microscopes. 
Prerequisites: GEL 220 Mineralogy, CHM 100 General Chemistry I

The basic composition, transport, diagenesis, and distribution of sediments are introduced along with the principles governing the classification, correlation, and interpretation of stratified rocks are presented by means of lectures, laboratory exercises, and field trips. Laboratory exercises demonstrate procedures used in analyzing and presenting stratigraphic data. Field trips are employed to introduce the student to stratigraphic principles and local stratigraphic problems. 
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology, and either GEL 102 Historical Geology, GEL/MAR 366 Marine Geology, or permission of instructor

The study of earthquake seismology and the basic geophysical methods such as gravity, magnetics, seismic refraction, seismic reflection, electrical resistivity, and electro-logging. The laboratory exercises and field work using portable geophysical equipment will familiarize the students with the various methods used to collect and interpret geophysical data. (This course is also offered under the MAR 358 designation.)
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology or GEL/MAR 110 Introduction to Marine Sciences and PHY 040/042 or PHY 100/102

This course deals with the study of the subsurface waters of the Earth, their occurrence, circulation and distribution, their chemical and physical properties and their relation to the geologic environment. The laboratory exercises and fieldwork will familiarize students with various methods used to collect and interpret hydrological data.
Prerequisites: Two semesters of Geology/Marine Science and PHY 40 or PHY 100 are prerequisites. PHY 42 or 102 are co-requisites for which you must be enrolled to take PRIOR to adding this course to your schedule.

A study of the structural and sedimentary environments of the continental shelf, slopes, and ocean basins. The crustal structure of the earth and its relation to the sedimentary record and geologic history of the ocean is examined. Sampling and laboratory procedures used by the marine geologist are introduced.
Prerequisites: GEL 100 Physical Geology, or MAR 110 Introduction to Marine Sciences, or consent of instructor

This course involves field, laboratory, and library research on a topic of geological nature. The work will be supervised by a faculty member and the research topic will be acceptable to both the supervising faculty member and the student. The combined credit total for Research in Geology I and II are up to 6 semester hours. 
Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of geology courses and consent of the instructor

This course allows a student to continue working on a project which was started in GEL 368 or to investigate a new topic. The work will be supervised by a faculty member and the research topic will be acceptable to both the supervising faculty member and the student. The combined credit total for Research in Geology I and II are up to 6 semester hours. 
Prerequisites: GEL 368 Research in Geology I and consent of the instructor

Through individualized instruction or in small group seminars, the student will study a timely or specialized topic in Geology. The most appropriate media of instruction will be chosen to meet the specific goals of student and instructor, and these may include faculty and guest lectures, discussion, problem sets, completion of a review paper, student oral presentations, field trips, and student projects which do not fall into the category of laboratory research. 
Prerequisites: Prior to registration, the student must arrange for a faculty supervisor and obtain the permission of the Department Chairperson. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 total hours credit.

The PASSHE Geology Field Experience is an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills to the investigation of Pennsylvania’s unique and varied geology. Students will work independently and in groups during a 5-week immersive, field-based course, to collect, analyze, and interpret field data and to develop scientific reports and presentations. Fundamental skills in Geology, such as lithologic and stratigraphic descriptions, surficial and bedrock mapping, and geophysical and environmental analyses, will be developed. The course is offered throughout Pennsylvania at select locations with field-based modules taught by experts from across the state system.
Prerequisites: One prior Geology class, application to participate, and permission of instructors

Readings and discussions in the area of the individual student's interest in preparation for the comprehensive examination in Geology. Required of all Liberal Arts students majoring in Geology.
Prerequisites: Many

Supervised, practical work experience in laboratory and/or field situations. Students interested in developing an individualized vocationally oriented program which may assist in future career options may structure a work-study experience with the cooperating agency or organization. A proposal outlining the work-study experience should be submitted to the student's supervising faculty member and the department chairperson. Clock hours will be determined by the cooperating agency or organization. Semester hour credit will be based upon the proposal and scheduled clock hours, but a maximum of 4 credits may be applied toward Arts and Sciences electives. Additional credit cannot be applied to the 128 credit hour graduation requirements.
Prerequisites: Junior and Senior standing and approval of department head