My Courses
111. Oceanography 4 Credits
A basic survey of the physical, chemical, and geologic character of the world's oceans. Topics include patterns of energy exchange, chemical cycles, geological environments within the sea, and evolution of ocean basins. Classroom 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours. Offered spring semester only.
260. Project in Geology 1-4 Credits
A course that provides a geological field or laboratory project on a topic chosen by mutual consent of the student and the instructor. A written report is required. Prerequisites: GL153 or GL156 and permission of the instructor.
261. Field Geology 4 Credits
A study of the techniques used in the measurement of large- and small-scale geologic structures. Emphasis is placed on field recognition of features such as bedding, cleavage, folds, and faults and their use in geologic mapping. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: GL153 or permission of the instructor. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
262. Structural Geology 4 Credits
A course that provides the analysis and interpretation of patterns in the structural features of the earth's crust. Topics include the genesis of tectonic features, analysis of strain in rocks, the interpretation of multiply-deformed rocks. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: GL261 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
263. Mineralogy 4 Credits
Introductory crystallography and crystal chemistry are used to explain the properties of minerals. Each of the major mineral groups is studied in the laboratory with a focus on developing competency in the identification of the ore minerals and the rock-forming minerals. Development of an understanding of mineral associations is emphasized and field trips allow opportunity to improve these skills. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: GL153 or permission of the instructor. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
264. Petrology 4 Credits
Following an introduction to optical identification of the rock-forming minerals using the polarizing microscope, the mineralogy and textures of common rocks are studied by means of thin sections. The genesis of these rocks is explained through a study of the physical and chemical systems they represent. Classroom 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: GL263. Offered spring of even-numbered years.
450. Directed Study in Geology 4 Credits
A capstone course in which there is preparation of a geological report based on a project of original research involving field, laboratory, or library study or some combination of these. Conference schedules will be determined by the nature of the project and the student's schedule. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered fall semesters as needed.
451. Geology Seminar 3 Credits
A capstone course for fourth-year students designed to review advanced geological concepts in a seminar format. The course also includes oral and poster presentations of senior research projects, and examination of codes of ethics in the geological sciences Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester as needed.