Geology - Earth Science (GEO)

Associate Professor Berger

A minor in geology provides students with a broad introduction to geology, including several comprehensive field experiences. Students will also acquire a proficiency in at least two subfields. Courses in Geology are also integral to the Environmental Science Program (see Biological and Environmental Science). Environmental Science majors in the Geology track may not also minor in Geology.

Geology Minor: 18-19 semester hours in Geology including 101, 101L, 201, 305 (2 hours), 306 (2 hours) and any two of the following (seven or more hours): 309, 320, 321, 352, 355.

101. Physical Geology (3 sem. hrs.). Comprehensive introductory course covering geological concepts including Earth materials and the processes that affect them. Survey of minerals, rocks, structures, plate tectonics, climatic processes, Earth history, and economic resources. Students electing this course to meet their General Education requirement for laboratory science must take both GEO 101 and GEO 101L in the same semester. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall and Spring)

101L. Laboratory Studies in Physical Geology (1 sem. hr.). This course is the lab complement to GEO 101 Physical Geology. The weekly exercises allow students to more fully explore important concepts discussed in lecture and provide first-hand experience in Earth materials and how geologist use them. The laboratory must be taken concurrently with GEO 101. One 2-hour lab each week. (Fall and Spring)

103. Introduction to Earth Science (4 sem. hrs.). Comprehensive one-semester course for the liberal arts student desiring a reasonable knowledge of the principles of earth science. No previous background in science is assumed. Major topics include physical and historical geology, astronomy, meteorology and oceanography. Three lectures and one 2-hour laboratory period each week. (Spring only)

104. Geology of National Parks (3 sem. hrs.). Study of geological materials and processes responsible for the formation and evolution of landscapes found in the nation’s parks and monuments. Survey of parks from each U.S. physiographic province. Students electing this course to meet their General Education requirement for laboratory science must take both GEO 104 and GEO 104L in the same semester. (Spring of odd-even years)

104L. Laboratory Studies of National Park Geology (1 sem. hr.). This course is the lab complement to GEO 104 Geology of National Parks. The weekly exercises allow students to more fully explore important concepts discussed in lecture and provide first-hand experience in topographic and geologic map-reading. The laboratory must be taken concurrently with GEO 104. One 2-hour lab each week. (Spring of odd-even years)

113. Natural Resources (3 sem. hrs.). A one-semester course for the liberal arts student desiring an introduction to world resources. No previous science background is assumed. Topics will include renewable and non-renewable energy sources, water, non-fuel minerals, economic and political issues and environmental issues.

116. Weather and You (3 sem. hrs.). A study of local and worldwide weather. Topics include atmospheric measurements, weather observation, weather prediction, global energy budgets, climate patterns, climate change, and the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of planet earth concerning the atmosphere (e.g. the greenhouse effect and ozone layer depletion).

201. Environmental Geology (3 sem. hrs.). Study of the relationships between humans, environment and geology. Ecosystems, geologic hazards, pollution, energy sources and the human interactions with the environment are stressed. Previous course in geology is recommended.

305, 306. Regional Field Geology (1-2 sem. hrs.). Geology is studied by living and working in the natural environment. Students will complete exercises, record observations, and make presentations in the field. Travel and field studies will emphasize physiographic regions dissimilar to Ohio. Participation during a field excursion earns one hour, while design and completion of advanced studies can be pursued for an additional credit. Prerequisites: one Geology course and permission of the instructor. Fee required for participation.

309. Geomorphology (4 sem. hrs.). Surficial earth processes including weathering, erosion and soil formation are examined to develop an understanding of landscape evolution within the context of climate. The course will be lecture-based with a field component. Course fee required for transportation. Preprequisite: GEO 101, 101L. Students with credit for GEO 211 will not also receive credit for 309. (Fall of odd-even years)

320, 321. Problems in Geology (1-3 sem. hrs.). For students with special interests in independent study beyond the scope of existing courses or who wish to make use of Heidelberg’s special resources, including library, museum, and surrounding geological terrain. Potential topics for study include earth history, mineralogy, petrology, and paleontology. Prerequisites: one GEO course and permission of the instructor.

352. Hydrology (4 sem. hrs.). This course will review the fundamental characteristics of precipitation, surface water movement and groundwater movement. Laboratories will include introduction to hydrological measurement techniques and statistical characterization of hydrologic phenomena. Three recitation periods and one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEO 101, 101L, MTH 222, and PHY 101 (PHY may be taken concurrently). (Spring of odd-even years)

355. Sedimentology and Geochemistry (4 sem. hrs.). Introduces students to the dynamics of sedimentation and the geology of sedimentary basins in the context of water-rock interaction. Through lectures, laboratory, and computer learning, students will study the processes of weathering, deposition, diagnosis and their associated transport processes. Three recitation periods and one 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEO 101, 101L, CHM 111 and 112. (Fall of even-odd years)