Geosciences 2003-2005 Catalog Course Descriptions
GEO 099
Geosci Transfer Elective
Credits: .00 to 15.00
Used
for transfer course equivalents.
GEO 121
Landform Geography
Credits: 3.00
An introduction to
the field of geography, with particular emphasis on the driving physical forces
and processes that shape the earth's surface. The impact on human activities and
patterns will be examined. A spatial approach will be used to study the nature
and character of physical space including measurements, relations, locations,
and the distribution of phenomena. The course will meet twice a week in a
traditional classroom setting and once a week in a laboratory setting, which
will include occasional field trips to explore the local area in an effort to
observe how landforms, vegetation and microclimate vary over short distances.
GEO 140
Catastrophic Weather
Credits: 1.00
Examines the
development of severe and unusual weather phenomena including floods, tornadoes,
thunderstorms, hurricanes and other tropical storms, blizzards, and electrical
storms. The frequency and geographic occurrence of these events is considered in
terms of current climatic models.
GEO 141 Age
of Dinosaurs
Credits: 1.00
This course centers on life in the
Mesozoic era of geological time, when dinosaurs rule the earth. In addition to
discussing the different types of dinosaurs and their ecological roles, the role
of climatic and catastrophic extinction in shaping this unique time in geologic
history is explored. Topics also include the evolution of dinosaurs and their
relationship to modern birds, the controversy over "warm-blooded" versus
"cold-blooded" metabolism, and the ultimate extinction of the dinosaurs leading
to the age of mammals.
GEO 142
Drifting Continents
Credits: 1.00
A review of modern
ideas of crustal movement, the origin of volcanoes and earthquakes, the
continents and their history of breakup, drifting and collisions to create
mountain belts, and the ocean basins and their formation by seafloor spreading.
This course covers the evolution in thought of the theories of continental drift
and plate tectonics.
GEO 145
Geology of New York State
Credits: 1.00
Much of earth
history can be explored by the study of New York State geology. This course
explores--among other things--the evolution of life in vast marine basins, the
uplift of lofty mountains during the Appalachian Orogeny, followed by the more
recent advance of Pleistocene ice sheets that covered the state until about 10
thousand years ago. Students should come away with a better understanding and
appreciation for the rich geological history of their home state.
GEO 148
Trembling Earth
Credits: 1.00
A mini-course that
examines earthquakes as an example of natural hazards. Topics include history of
earthquake science, quake causes, prediction, risk assessment, engineering
response, and response of culture such as artistic renderings of quakes.
GEO 149
Volcanoes
Credits: 1.00
This course deals with the
science of volcanology. Topics include the types of magmas (molten rock) and
rocks that produce the different kinds of volcanoes, physical and chemical
controls on eruptions, and hazards and benefits of volcanoes. Scientific study
and the effect of volcanism on human beings are discussed in the context of
major historical eruptions.
GEO 150 Moons
and Planets
Credits: 3.00
Historical and scientific treatment
of the solar system. Emphasis on the development of astronomical thought from
ancient times to the flowering of modern concepts of planetary origins and
evolution. Problem sets deal with analysis of classical and modern concepts,
including mathematical solutions. High school math through Math III suggested,
but not required.
GEO 160
Oceanography
Credits: 3.00
Origin of the oceans,
chemical and physical properties of sea water, circulation of the oceans, waves,
tides, shoreline processes, marine biology, and the productivity of the ocean.
GEO 165
Geology I
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to earth
materials (minerals, rocks, soils); Earth's interior structure; geological
processes in operation on and beneath the surface of the earth and their effects
(weathering, erosion, deformation and geologic structures, earthquakes, plate
tectonics, ocean basins, running water, ground water, glaciers, winds and
deserts, coasts and shorelines); techniques of dating geological events.
Lectures, group discussion. High school background in earth sciences not
required. Geosciences majors and minors, including Childhood Education
Science/Geoscience Concentration majors, should take GEO 169 General Geology Lab
as a corequisite.
GEO 169
General Geology Lab
Credits: 1.00
Laboratory
introduction to topographic and geologic maps, and earth materials (minerals,
rocks and fossils). Exercises include use of these tools to recognize and
interpret geological processes, history and structure.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165
GEO 180
Weather and Climate
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to the
transitory and long-term physical, chemical, and dynamic states of the
atmosphere, measurement of weather factors, weather forecasting, regional
climates, climatic change, weather and climate modification, and practical
aspects and applications of weather and climate.
GEO 210
Geology II
Credits: 3.00
Physical history of the earth
in relationship to orderly development of life throughout geological time.
Lecture format.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165
GEO 215
Minerals and Rocks
Credits: 4.00
Theory, geological
occurrence, and identification of the common minerals and rocks. A well-written
report, critiqued and returned for revision, is required. Laboratory work
includes a brief introduction to the petrographic microscope, but mostly
emphasizes hand specimen identification. Two-day field trip to the Thousand
Islands/Laurentian lowlands of New York State, or to Bancroft, Ontario mineral
localities.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165
GEO 301
Cartography
Credits: 4.00
Comprehensive treatment of
maps and map making. Includes the history of maps and their construction from
ancient times to present, including affect on history and politics. Also entails
essential elements of maps, their construction by manual and computer means, and
how they are used to express information. Lecture and lab. Can be taken as GIS
elective.
GEO 311
Global Climate
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to short and
long term physical, chemical and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement
of meteorological parameters, weather systems and forecasting. Special emphasis
is placed on regional climates, climatic change and potential societal economic
effects of climatic change. Prerequisite: Any introductory science course.
GEO 329
Regional Field Geology
Credits: 2.00
Participants are
exposed to issues of regional Historical Geology during a seven-day field trip
(Summer I). Students observe the record of multiple mountain-building episodes
and basin evolution through a series of roadcut, stream, and quarry exposures.
Aspects of the geologic record including cross-cutting relationships,
biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental inference are used at stops to
reconstruct the regional geology puzzle. Knowledge of structural geology is
recommended but is not essential. This course applies principles learned in GEO
210, but it also supplements information in GEO 345, GEO 370, and GEO 400.
Students attend several orientation classes during the Spring semester in
preparation for the field course. During the course, students keep notes and
prepare a field diary containing information from field stops. The course grade
is based on the notebook turned in upon completion of the course. Offered in
years when GEO 461 is not offered.
Pre-requisites: GEO 210
GEO 330
Geomorphology
Credits: 4.00
Study of geomorphic
processes, relating topographic features to underlying rocks and structures and
to processes of erosion, deposition, and earth movements. Lectures and
laboratory supplemented by field work. Library research leads to a written term
paper.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165 and GEO 169
GEO 331
Restless Earth
Credits: 3.00
This course links the
many time frames and events of geodynamics ranging from continental drift to
earthquake hazards. The subject is presented from several viewpoints, including
the history of science, spatial and temporal distribution of hazards and
resources, and impacts on culture. Learning activities include small group
discussions, computer manipulation of spatial data, reading from historical
writings of scholars such as Lyell and Darwin, and review of cultural impacts
through paintings and films. Prerequisite: Any introductory science course.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165
GEO 335
Geophysics
Credits: 4.00
Emphasis on how problems
dealing with the shape, mass, structure, composition, and tectonic history of
the Earth can be resolved using such methods of geophysics as gravity,
magnetics, and seismology. Lectures, laboratory, and field work lead to several
written papers.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165 and GEO 169
GEO 341 Stars
and Galaxies
Credits: 3.00
An introduction to stellar
astronomy with emphasis on what is currently known about the life history of
stars, the structure of galaxies - with emphasis on our own Milky Way Galaxy -
and nebulae. and black holes and quasars, and dark matter. Included a historical
overview of the study of stellar astronomy as well as considerations of the
origin and ultimate fate of the universe, and the origin of the life in the
universe. Must have completed the Natural Science category of the CCC.
GEO 345
Paleontology
Credits: 4.00
Principles of paleontology;
biologic relationships of fossil organisms, particularly ancient invertebrates.
Emphasizes evolutionary principles and trends. Field work supplements lecture
and laboratory.
Pre-requisites: GEO 210
GEO 359
Vanishing Earth Resources
Credits: 3.00
An
interdisciplinary synthesis of perspectives on the Earth's resources. A broad
range of resources will be discussed in the context of population growth, the
global commons, resource management, sustainable development, and environmental
policy. The course will focus on the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of
resources such as minerals, vegetation, animals, soils and landforms, atmosphere
and climate, and water.
Pre-requisites: GEO 121 or GEO 165
GEO 370
Structural Geology
Credits: 4.00
Theoretical aspects
of stress and strain as applied to natural rock systems; description and origin
of rock structures in Earth's crust. Laboratory work stresses structural
interpretation of geologic maps. Field work supplements lectures and laboratory.
Students are required to complete a paper on some aspect of structural geology;
part of the revision processes will include peer review.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165 and GEO 169
GEO 400
Stratigraphy
Credits: 4.00
Principles of stratigraphy
with examples of stratigraphic successions from various sedimentary basins
around the world. Course emphasizes techniques of basin analysis and mechanisms
of basin formation. The writing and peer review of abstracts are stressed in the
course. In addition, students are required to submit a written report describing
their results of a field stratigraphic study of the Devonian section of western
New York.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165, GEO 169, and GEO 210
GEO 410
Directed Study
Credits: 1.00 to 3.00
Independent study
and research in areas beyond formal courses. Permission of department.
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science - Secondary Educ
Geochemistry
Earth
Science
Geology
Geophysics
GEO 411
Mineralogy
Credits: 4.00
An introduction to
descriptive crystallography and to chemical, physical, determinative and
descriptive mineralogy. Areas covered include: crystal symmetry, classification,
morphology, crystal chemistry, physical properties, geologic occurrence,
significance, and characteristic properties of minerals. Lectures and laboratory
supplemented with one field trip.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 115 and GEO
165
GEO 421 - Petrology
Credits: 4.00
Lecture emphasis on problems and hypotheses involved with the origin of
rocks. Laboratory stresses use of the petrographic microscope for
identification, description, and analysis of rock materials. A well-written
research paper, which may include computer, lab, and library research, is
required. Course includes a weekend trip to study classic rock terrains in the
Adirondack Mountains.
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the
following Major(s):
Earth Science - Secondary Educ
Geochemistry
Earth
Science
Geology
Geophysics
Earth Science - Adolescence Ed
Childhood
Ed:Earth Sci 7-9 Ext
Pre-requisites: GEO 411
GEO 431
Geochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Scope, literature, and
history of geochemistry. Principles and applications of geochemistry, including
the elements; isotope geology; thermodynamics; water chemistry; crystal
chemistry; organic geochemistry; geochemistry of sedimentary, igneous and
metamorphic rocks. Lab work emphasizes instrumental methods of analysis.
Pre-requisites: GEO 411
GEO 445 - Geosciences Internship
Credits:
1.00 to 15.00
Approved work-training experience with state or federal
agency, museum, or industrial firm. Permission of department.
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science - Secondary Educ
Geochemistry
Earth
Science
Geology
Geophysics
GEO 450 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.00
Hydrologic problems are analyzed by organizing information into a water
budget and then quantifying the variables in the water budget equation. Common
hydrologic variables include precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, stream
flow, infiltration and groundwater. Groundwater is emphasized. Lectures
supplemented by field work, lab measurements, and computer modeling.
Pre-requisites: GEO 165, GEO 330, and GEO 169
GEO 455 - Lab Supervision in Geosciences
Credits: 1.00
Students serve as laboratory assistants under
supervision of faculty member. Four hours of work per week expected for each
hour of credit elected; may be taken more than once. Does not count toward major
requirements. Permission of the chairperson.
Restrictions: Must be
enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science - Secondary
Educ
Geochemistry
Earth Science
Geology
Geophysics
GEO 459 - Seminar in Geosciences
Credits:
1.00
Individual student presentation of two 20-minute seminars
pertaining to the geology and geologic evolution of different provinces of the
North American continent. Students are required to prepare an abstract and
bibliography of their presentations. Permission of department.
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science - Secondary Educ
Geochemistry
Earth
Science
Geology
Geophysics
Earth Science - Adolescence Ed
Childhood
Ed: Earth Sci 7-9 Ext
GEO 461 Field
Geology
Credits: 3.00
Two-week geologic mapping course
immediately following end of Spring semester (Summer I). Held at Catskill, NY.
Pre-requisites: GEO 370
GEO 471
Senior Thesis
Credits: 3.00
Research leading to a
comprehensive report reviewed and evaluated by faculty. Open to B.S. Geology
majors in Honors Track only. Permission of department/enrollment in B.S. Geology
Honors track.
GEO 480 489
Special Topics in Geoscience
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
Special
area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.
Must be enrolled in one
of the following Level(s): Graduate
GEO 580 589
Special Topics in Adv Geo
Credits: 3.00
Special areas of
problems in advanced geosciences not covered by regular graduate courses.
GEO 590 Independent Study
Credits:
3.00
Independent study of topics not covered in regular graduate course
offerings and pertinent to student's program of study or future career.
Other: 3.00
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the
following Level(s): Graduate
GEO 610 and 615 Independent Research
Credits:
3.00
Independent research and study in current geoscientific problems
based on laboratory and field research or current literature.
Restrictions: Must be
enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
GEO 690
Thesis Research
Credits: 1.00 to 3.00
Thesis research
projects in an area of the Geosciences.
Other: 1.00 to 3.00
