Geology 110 Series:  The Geology 110 series is a series of introductory courses in physical geology that address disciplinary or topical interests of the instructors teaching them or current issues of interest to faculty or students.   These courses are intended for the non-science student.   Any one of these courses will count as credit toward the major and serve as prerequisite for upper level courses with the successful completion of Geology 151 (Physical Geology Lab Practicum).

110B. Introductory Geology. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science student. Emphasis on concepts and methodology of the science of geology and its application to problems of human concern about the earth. A score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended. Every year.

111B. Volcanoes and Earthquakes. 4 semester hours.

This course focuses on the geology of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.  A geologic understanding of these hazards, by means of class study of such topics as volcanic eruption products and how the type of ground beneath buildings affects the severity of earthquake shaking, allows educated citizens to make informed decisions that can lessen damage and loss of life caused by these geologic hazards.  A score of 22 of the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended.  Every year.

112B. The Hydrologic Cycle. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science student.   Study of concepts and methodology related to the hydrologic cycle, the role of water in shaping Earth's surface and shallow subsurface, and its significance to humans and the environment.   A minimum score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended.   Every year.

113B. Ohio Geology. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science student.   Treats the geologic history of Ohio , from ancient oceans, rivers, and swamps preserved in sedimentary rocks, to massive glaciers that sculpted the landscape.  Every year.

114B. Geology of the National Parks. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science student.   Focuses on understanding geologic processes and interpreting geologic history through case studies of several National Parks.   Math Placement score of 22 or above strongly recommended.   Offered subject to demand and availability of an instructor .

115B. Topics in Physical Geology. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science student.   Study of selected topics related to physical geology.   Topics covered vary according to disciplinary interests of the instructor or current issues in physical geology.   Offered subject to demand and availability of an instructor.

116N.  Time Earth. 4 semester hours.

Intended for the non-science major.  This course explores significant processes and events in Earth's history, including plate tectonics, the origins of the planet and life, mass extinctions, and glaciations.  Every year.  No prerequisites

150B. Physical Geology. 5 semester hours.

Treatment of geologic processes acting on and within the earth and the physical laws that govern them. Intended for science and geology students and anyone else interested in a more comprehensive treatment of the subject. A score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended. Every year.

151. Physical Geology Lab Practicum. 1 semester hour.

Laboratory portion of Geology 150.   Available for students who have completed a course in the Geology 110 series (Geology 110-115) and wish to take advanced geology courses or major in Geology or Earth Science.   Students who have completed Geology 160 and wish to major in Geology or Earth Science are also required to take this course.   Prerequisites: Geology 160 or one course from the Geology 110 Series, and permission of the Department Chair.   A score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is strongly recommended.   Will meet for one 3-hour lab per week.   Offered subject to demand and availability of an instructor .

160B. Environmental Geology. 5 semester hours.

Introduction to applied geology for science and non-science students. The geologic basis for natural processes that are hazardous to humans and cause environmental problems associated with use of the natural or modified environment is discussed. Topics include flooding, mass wasting, soil erosion, water supply use, and pollution and waste disposal. Every year.

Note:  Students may not enroll in more than one of the following introductory geology courses:   Geol 110-115, Geol 150, or Geol 160.   Any one of these courses may serve as an introductory course for the major or as a prerequisite for upper-level courses, but for those students who have taken Geol 110-115 or 160 and intend to major, Geol 151, a one credit lab experience, is required.

170B. Geology of the Critical Zone. 5 semester hours.

A transdisciplinary examination of Earth's critical zone, the intersection between the geosphere, the biosphere, and the hydrosphere.  Humans greatly alter processes in this zone of important biogeochemical interactions.  This course will be of interest to students wanting to explore natural environmental processes as well as those altered by humans (e.g., pristine vs. polluted, short- and long-term controls on carbonclimate cycles).  This course is for sciences majors and includes a laboratory component.

230. Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy. 5 semester hours.

Study of the common minerals, in hand-sample and through the polarizing light microscope, with emphasis on mineral identification in rock classification and interpretation of the origin of rocks.  The course offers students an introduction to a hands-on technique used in geology for the gathering of mineral and rock data (the use of polarizing microscope). Prerequisites: Geology 150 (Physical Geology), or Geology 110 (Introductory Geology). Alternate years.

240. Process Geomorphology. 5 semester hours.

Study of the origin and evolution of earth surface processes and their associated landforms. Topographic map and air photo interpretation and field trips illustrate process-form relationships as well as demonstrate techniques used by geomorphologists to analyze these relationships. Prerequisites: Geology 150 and 210 or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

260. Sedimentology. 5 semester hours.

The study of sediments and sedimentary rocks.   Comprehensive treatment of sedimentary processes, modern environments where those processes operate, and application to the interpretation of ancient environments as preserved in the rock record.   Required for geology majors and highly recommended for students interested in marine science.   Prerequisites:   Geology 150, 160, or one course from the Geol 110 Series in combination with Geology 151.   Every year.

280. Special Topics. 4 semester hours.

Special topics in geology chosen for their current or general interest. Open to any interested student. Some topics courses have prerequisites of Geology 110 or 150; others have none. Offered periodically. This course may be repeated for credit.

290N. Hazard Mitigation: Volcanoes and Earthquakes. 4 semester hours.

Environmental, interdisciplinary approach to volcanic and earthquake hazards (U.S. and world) and their mitigation (loss-reduction). Academic perspectives examined include geological, political, social, psychological and economic. Course is multi-cultural and global in focus for case studies. Critical analysis of readings and discussion are stressed. Writing intensive. No prerequisites. Open to all majors but designed especially for the non- (natural) science major. Alternate years.

291. Spatial Analysis in the Natural Sciences. 2semester hours.

A raster-based approach to problem solving, this course introduces the student to the utility and availability of raster data and the methods for incorporating and analyzing it relative to interdisciplinary problems, particulary in the natural sciences.   Prerequisite:   A 100-level course in biology, environmental studies, geology, or physical geography.   Alternate years.

292. Earth Materials Analysis. 2 semester hours.

An introduction to the three most widely used methods of instrumental analytical analysis of solid geologic materials (minerals, rocks, sediment, soils, fossils).   Physical theory of X-ray generation, interaction with solids, and detection by powder diffractometry is covered.   Physical theory of scanning electron microscopy and geologic applications, and physical theory of X-ray fluorescence and energy dispersive spectroscopy are also covered.   Laboratory experience includes standard sample preparation techniques. Prerequisites: Geology 230 Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy.   Alternate years.

315. Watershed Hydrology. 4 semester hours.

Study of surface and subsurface hydrology of small watersheds and the dual role of water as an agent of erosion, shaping the watershed and causing flooding, and as a resource.   A minimum score of 22 on the Math Placement Exam is required.   Prerequisite:   Geology 150, 160, or one course from the Geol 110 Series in combination with Geology 151.   Alternate years.

320. Structural Geology. 5 semester hours.

Study of rock deformation and related geologic structures. Review of modern geotectonic theory. Problem-solving-oriented laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: Geology 150 (or 110 and 250), 200 and 210.

340. Earth History. 5 semester hours.

The objectives of the course are to (1) develop the skills, and learn to use the tools with which to decipher Earth's history, and (2) learn the general history of Earth and its life forms (as preserved in the fossil record) with emphasis on North America .   Prerequisite: Geology 150, Geol 160 and 151, or one course from the Geol 110 Series and 151, and Geology 260.   Writing intensive.   Alternate years .

392.  Junior Seminar. 1 semester hour.

Required of all Geology majors during the spring semester of their junior year. The purpose of this course is to prepare students in the skills necessary for them to conduct their senior research and to produce a written proposal for that research. Prerequisite:  Junior standing.  Every year.

411. Sedimentary Petrography. 3 semester hours.

Detailed microscopic and hand sample study of sedimentary rocks.   Emphasis on the identification and origin of features in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks.   Prerequisite: Geology 230 (or concurrent enrollment) and Geology 260.   Alternate years.

412. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrography. 5 semester hours.

Introduction to phase diagrams and the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks emphasizing their origin, classification and identification.   Megascopic and microscopic techniques emphasized.   Prerequisites: Geology 230 and Chemistry 121.   Alternate years .

420. Economic Geology. 4 semester hours.

Study of the characteristics of major occurrences of natural resources (metals, non-metals and fuels) and analysis of scientific observations concerning the origin of these deposits. A wide variety of weekly laboratory exercises and outside readings complements lectures. Prerequisite: Geology 200.

460. Geology Seminar. 1-5 semester hours.

Exploration of topics beyond the scope of regularly offered courses or collaborative research experience. Prerequisite: permission of supervising instructor. Offered as the need arises. This course may be repeated for credit.

470. Field Seminar. 1-3 semester hours.

Off-campus geological field excursion involving travel to and study of a specific geologic province or region (e.g., Ozarks, Appalachian Mountains, Upper Michigan). Involves on-campus library research, oral presentations, report writing and preparation of the field guide. Prerequisite: Geology 150 or 110. Every year. This course may be repeated for credit.

490. Independent Study. Variable credit.

Individual research on a specialized topic or problem pertaining to some aspect of geology of special interest to the student. Prerequisite: Permission of supervising instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.

491. Internship. Variable credit.

Generally an off-campus work-study experience in a geological setting. Permission and approval must be granted by the Geology Department. This course may be repeated for credit.

492. Senior Seminar. 1 semester hour.

Required of all Geology majors during their senior year.  Each student works on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member.  The project culminates in a written thesis, a public poster presentation, and public oral presentation.  Each student registers for this course during both semesters, 0 creidts in the fall and 1 credit in the spring.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing and completion of Junior Seminar.  Every year.

499. Honors Thesis/Project. Variable credit.

Prerequisite: 3.50 GPA and permission of the Department Chair.