Courses Offered in Geological Science

This course will help students to develop scientific literacy through exploration of a variety of topics in earth science such as climate and climate change, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, oceans, plate tectonics, water resources, mineral resources, rocks and energy. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course exposes students to scientific inquiry and develops scientific literacy through an exploration of Earth and its 4.6 billion year history. Topics covered include the origin and evolution of the planet as well as its climate, atmosphere, oceans, and life forms. Students will use modern scientific methods and analytical skills to interpret geologic samples, structures, data, and maps in the context of Earth history. A focus will be placed on the relevance of past Earth events in light of future environmental conditions. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

Investigates the broad-scale features and dynamics of the Earth’s oceans. The course is roughly divided amongst the four main disciplines of oceanography: marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography (i.e., circulation), and marine biology. Students will learn that there is much overlap and interdependence between these disciplines. Specific topics include seafloor spreading, marine sediments, salinity, biogeochemical cycles, ocean structure, currents, waves, tides, primary production, marine ecology, marine life, global warming, and marine pollution. Laboratory will provide active, hands-on experiential learning opportunities to complement each topic presented in lecture. Three lecture hours and one two-hour laboratory per week..

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course will introduce students to fundamental concepts and processes in geology including geologic hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and sinkholes), environmental issues (such as climate change and groundwater use), and other geologic processes (such as plate tectonics, mass extinction, and origin of life). These topics will be discussed in order to evaluate the appropriateness and accuracy of geology portrayed in movies. Geologic issues that impact society will be explored in-depth. This course is 3 lecture hours per week and will include time outside of lecture to watch movie clips from the required movies.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

Is fresh water a sustainable resource? This course introduces students to the science of water resource sustainability. Using the process of scientific inquiry students will develop hypotheses and methods of testing these hypotheses associated with the hydrologic cycle at the watershed scale with a focus on the question of sustainability, particularly in light of the impact of climate change. Students will measure, analyze, and interpret data on precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater flow, flooding events, and water quality including natural
and human induced impacts on water quality, as well as estuarine environments where fresh water mixes with seawater. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

Students will explore the geologic processes responsible for creating the unique landscapes preserved in the National Parks System, and how protection of these lands benefits society. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

This course considers the origin and evolution of our solar system through methods of scientific inquiry and reasoning. The composition, surficial and internal geologic processes that shape and form the planets and satellites of our solar system are considered. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

This course will examine how geological processes and civilization is interconnected and explore the interdependency of humans and their environment. We will look at specific geological processes, such as earthquakes, climate change (droughts and floods), volcanic eruptions, and various Earth resources (minerals, water, soil), and delve into their influence on ancient (and modern) societies’ history, culture, and economic development. Using both Earth’s archive written in rocks and historical records, we’ll decipher how dependent societies to their physical environment.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

The Age of Dinosaurs will expose students to scientific inquiry focusing on current scientific theories and controversies surrounding the evolution and extinction of dinosaurs. The course will emphasize the analysis and interpretation of geological and paleontological data and information as a way of introducing students to earth system history, plate tectonics, surface geology, sedimentary processes, fossilization, evolution, and related topics so that the geological and evolutionary processes that have affected the dinosaurs can be explored.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

How does the Earth work? Why are the Rocky Mountains in the western U.S.? Why is Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park? Could there be volcanoes on the east coast? Could there be tsunamis? The answers to those questions and more are answered in this course which takes a web-enhanced, project-oriented approach to the study of the Earth. Open only to Honors students or students with at least a GPA of 3.5, not open to students who have received credit for GLS100. Three lecture hours and two hours of laboratory per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course exposes students to scientific inquiry through an exploration of the fascinating and ever-changing evolution of Earth and its inhabitants. The scientific methods and analytical skills used to interpret the history of our planet will be practiced in class and lab through the use of interactive exercises and assignments that utilize geological resources such as real-world data, state of the art analytical equipment, and internet resources. Students will be given the opportunity for independent research of past geologic events, class presentations, and the chance to learn from one another. In laboratory, students will work with ancient rocks and fossils and geological maps to uncover the past. One weekend field trip required. Three lecture hours and two hours of laboratory per week. Open only to Honors students. Not open to students who have received credit for GLS102..

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course is an experiential-based and writing intensive course that focuses on the role of structure, lithology and process in the evolution of landscapes.  Field and lab geomorphology experiences will focus on geology, forensic, environmental, and sustainability applications. Three lecture hours and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite:  One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory courses, or permission of Department Chairperson, and Written Communications Level I course.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Communication-Level II

Introduction to the geology and geophysics of the oceans emphasizing mechanisms and processes operating in the marine realm. A broad spectrum of marine geology subjects will be covered including the structure, geophysics, rocks, sediments, microfossils, stratigraphy, and history of the ocean basins and margins. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course addresses minerals and rocks of Earth. Students will investigate mineral properties and occurrences, hand specimen and optical properties of igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks as well as the basic concepts and principles related to the genesis and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their relation to plate tectonics and magmatic processes. Activities include mineral and rock classification and identification using hand specimens, thin and polished sections, as well as interpretations of phase, discrimination and other types of descriptive diagrams in a project-oriented, experiential format. Three lecture hours per week and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory courses, or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

Forensic Geology offers a "hands-on" approach that applies geoforensic and related scientific skills to solving crimes. Students will learn how scientific inquiry is applied in forensic investigations through a series of class and laboratory exercises, and by analyzing details from actual criminal cases. Topics covered focus on ,but are not limited to, the use of geologic material and techniques to solve crimes, such as rocks and minerals, soil, fossils, isotopes, maps, and satellite imagery. The importance of developing critical thinking skills are emphasized throughout the course. Two two-hour sessions of integrated lecture and related activities per week plus two hours of work outside of classroom.
Co-requisite or Prerequisite: GLS100 or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

Forensic science has many applications in a variety of fields; it can be used to investigate ancient civilizations, atomic nuclear blasts and other artifacts. The primary use of forensic science is within crime scene investigation and evidence analyses. Microscopic techniques are vital to multiple areas within forensic science as they have numerous applications, including identification of trace evidence such as materials fragments, fibers, hairs, fingerprints that are left at the crime scene, on a victim or suspect. This class will focus on different instrumental techniques (e.g. petrographic microscope, XRF, SEM, EMPA) that can be used to investigate micro-scale Earth materials. Students will be introduced to theoretical concepts and practical applications of modern investigative techniques. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course, or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course will expose forensic geology and other interested students to scientific inquiry focusing on the study of sediments, soils, and microfossils and their relevance to forensic science.  Emphasis will be placed upon how forensic scientists collect, analyze, and interpret sedimentological, soil, and micropaleontological data relevant to crime scene investigations and the collection of useful trace evidence. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: at least one 100-level GLS course or permission of the Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course addresses minerals and rocks of Earth. Students will investigate mineral properties and occurrences, hand specimen and optical properties of igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks as well as the basic concepts and principles related to the genesis and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks and their relation to plate tectonics and magmatic processes. Activities include mineral and rock classification and identification using hand specimens, thin and polished sections, as well as interpretations of phase, discrimination and other types of descriptive diagrams in a project-oriented, experiential format. Three lecture hours per week and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory courses, or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

Introduction to the fossil record. Emphasis is on the description and classification of fossils and use of paleontological data to understand the principles of paleoecology, evolution, and biostratigraphy. Three lecture hours and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO101 or BIO103, GLS201 or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

Introduction to the properties of sediments, sedimentary rocks, sedimentary rock sequences, and the principles of stratigraphic correlation. Emphasis is on examining the dynamics of recent sedimentary environments to establish what sediments would look like in the stratigraphic record. In laboratory, students are introduced to techniques of sediment analysis and the classification and identification of sedimentary rocks. Three lecture hours and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites: Two Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory courses or permission of Department Chairperson. GLS210 recommended.

Credits: 4.00

The study of the processes by which deformation of the earth occurs, and the interpretation of the structures produced by these processes-from submicroscopic to global scales. Three lecture hours and three hours of laboratory per week; occasional local and/or regional field trips (may be during the school week or weekends) may be required.
Prerequisites: Two Geological Sciences 100-level lab courses, MAT150 or equivalent, or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

Volcanology is the study of volcanoes, magma, lava, types of eruptions and other geological processes that can both benefit and have negative impacts on society. The study of volcanology is broad and comprises the study of any volcanic territory independently of their age and location including but not limited to monitoring active volcanoes. This course will cover the fundamental themes of the origin and evolution of magmas, their chemical and physical characteristics, and their relationship to different type of eruptions and volcanoes. Students will be introduced to theoretical concepts, will be introduced to modern investigative techniques and experience igneous rocks in the field. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

This course covers the occurrence, origin, and exploitation of ore minerals, petroleum, coal and other economic materials. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course is intended to serve as a core in the basics of surface and groundwater hydrology for environmental science majors. Students taking this course should gain a useful understanding of hydrologic theory and some basic skills used in hydrologic data gathering and analysis. Problem solving, short in-class activities and laboratory projects related to lecture material will enhance the student's understanding of hydrologic concepts. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course and MAT150, or permission of department chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

This course is an applied approach to environmental problems. We will focus on New England by expanding on preexisting theoretical knowledge with field trips and projects which emphasize local materials, i.e. glacial deposits, harbor sediments, crystalline rocks, and local problems. This is a lab and field oriented course intended to sharpen theory with practice. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week. Field trips required, 1 weekend and several to local sites.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course will examine petrochronology that links geological time and specific environmental conditions during rock-forming processes. We will look at theoretical and experimental aspects of wide arrays of chronometers and their practical applications. Using detailed characterization of microtextures in rocks, we will learn modern quantitative approaches to calculate pressure and temperature conditions during metamorphism. Combining chronometers and petrologic analysis, we will decipher how Pressure-Temperature-time-Deformation paths of rocks can help us better understand various geological processes in Earth. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course, or permission of Department Chairperson

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Quantitative Reasoning

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of modern subsurface geophysical methods currently used to help solve forensic, environmental, and sustainability problems. Methods covered include seismic refraction and reflection, magnetic, electrical resistivity, electromagnetics, and ground-penetrating radar surveys. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week; occasional local field trips (may be during the school week or weekends) may be required. 
Prerequisite: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00

This course covers the application of geological field methods including mapping, environmental geophysics, and stratigraphic interpretation to the production of geological maps and technical reports. Several projects stress environmental applications. This course is field based and requires the student to work outdoors at various sites in the Northeast. Additional fee required for field expenses.
Prerequisites: Two Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory courses and one other upper division (200-300-400) Geology course or permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course covers the application of geological field methods including mapping, structural interpretation, and stratigraphic section measurement and interpretation to the production of geological maps. This course is field based and requires the student to work outdoors at various sites in the Yellowstone Plateau of Montana/Wyoming. Additional fee required for field expenses.
Prerequisites: GLS470 and GLS341, or permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

An academic work program under the auspices of various business, non-profit or governmental organizations in areas directly related to the student’s area of academic interest in Forensic Geoscience. The student will gain practical field and/or laboratory experience. The internship must be coordinated by a faculty member working in conjunction with the chosen organization. Open only to Junior and Senior Forensic Geoscience majors. 
Prerequisite: GLS235 or Permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course requires the completion of a substantial research project on a geologic problem or topic under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. Methods of research, organization, preparation, and presentation of data will be discussed, and the objective is a completed technical report and presentation by the student. The course fulfills the W-III core requirement. Open only to Senior Geological Sciences majors by permission of Department Chairperson. Prerequisites: Written Communications Level II

Credits: 3.00 - 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

This course is a continuation of GLS 500 for those students who wish to further pursue their geologic research, particularly in anticipation of publication.
Prerequisites: GLS500. Written Communications Level II (W-II).

Credits: 3.00 - 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

This course examines the theory and practice of geophysical methods currently used to help solve environmental problems. Methods include seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic, ground-penetrating radar, and radioactivity surveys (Radon). A research paper, case analysis, or individual field project, and a brief presentation are also required.
Prerequisites: GLS100 and PHS211 or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 4.00