GGEOL 102. Environment Earth
A study of geological processes causing global change and their impact on human thought. The relationship between some geological processes and life on the Earth is also considered. Not available for major or minor credit in geology. Prerequisite: GSCI 101. Formerly GSCI 102. Students may not receive credit for both GGEOL 102 and GSCI 102.
GEOL 110. Physical Geology
A systematic study of earth materials and the internal and external processes that affect earth structure and landforms. Topics include the genesis/properties of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics and the agents of change that drive surface processes and land form development.
GGEOL 115. Earth Systems and Climate Change.
This course explores cycles, trends and abrupt events in the Earth system. Analyses of the geologic record and global climate models provide perspective for understanding paleoclimate and future climate changes, including global warning. Current hypotheses for causes of climate change are evaluated, including plate tectonics, orbital cyclicity, variations in the sun's strength and human activities. The two reoccuring questions of this class are: What are Earth's climate stories? How do we know? Formerly GSCI 115.
GEOL 130. Quantitative Geology.
An introduction to quantitative techniques used in descriptive and predictive aspects of the earth and environmental sciences, with emphasis on algorithmic approaches. The focus is on pragmatic application of mathematical methods to geologic problems, considering requirements, uses and limitations. Automatic computation is stressed.
GEOL 167. History & Philosophy of the Geosciences.
As an introductory experience in the Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science, students will be inculcated in the philosophy of geosciences as an interdisciplinary medium for extending classical science viewpoints to complex earth systems. Students will study the geosciences as distinct among sciences, establishing relevance and value of earth science literacy in professional and personal settings.
GEOL 200. Evolutionary Systems
An investment of a theoretical principle behind evolutionary systems of all types based on mathematical modeling in chaos, complexity theory and artificial life studies with extensive computer experimentation and examples drawn from physical, chemical, biological, economic and social systems. The purpose is to explore what is common and universal to all evolutionary processes.
GEOL 211. Introduction to Oceanography.
An introduction to the oceanography of coastal environs including barrier islands, estuaries and tidal marshes. The physical, geological and biochemical characteristics of coastal waters will be discussed in the context of the economic and social pressures brought to bear on these areas by an increasing global population.
GEOL 220. Genetic Mineralogy
A study of mineral genesis. Emphasis is directed toward mineralogical environments, mineral associations and the geology/mineralogy of classical localities. An appreciation of mineral value and aesthetics is incorporated throughout the course.
GEOL 230. Evolution of Earth
An introduction to the evidence, methods and assumptions used by scientists to unravel the Earth's origin and history. Emphasis on rock analysis/interpretation, modern and ancient processes of mountain building, origin and evolution of life and the history of the North American continent. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or permission of instructor.
GEOL 272. Planetary Geology.
A survey of currently developing ideas in planetology including origin of the planets, meteorites and planetary interiors. Also included are geologic processes and land forms on the moon and terrestrial planets, their modification under various planetary environments and analogies to familiar earth land forms. Prerequisite: GGEOL 102 or GEOL 110.
GEOL 280. Mineralogy
A comprehensive study of minerals including: crystallography, mineral chemistry, x-ray diffraction, mineral optics with thin section recognition using petrographic microscope, and hand specimen identification of both silicate and non-silicate minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 110.
GEOL 290. Optical Mineralogy
A study of the optical properties of minerals and mineral identification with the petrographic microscope. Prerequisite: GEOL 280.
GEOL 291. Writing and Communicating in the Geosciences
This course prepares students for independent research by providing them the fundamental skills in literature searches, writing, critical reading, and communication in the geosciences. Prerequisite: GEOL 110, GGEOL 102, or GGEOL 115. Must take prior to senior year.
GEOL 300. Introduction to Petrology
Igneous and metamorphic processes explained using crystallization theory, phase diagrams, thermodynamics and geochemistry; laboratory study of rocks, their chemical and mineralogical signatures, and their geologic origins. Prerequisite: GEOL 280 and CHEM 131, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 301. Earth Sciences for Teachers.
Earth science content is blended with a systems approach to provide pre-service teachers with an understanding of how the Earth works, as well as strategies for teaching it. Major content themes include reconstructing the geologic history of the mid-Atlantic, exploring the interaction of living things and the environment, and predicting how matter and energy circulate in the earth system.
GEOL/GEOG 310 A-D. Environmental Impact.
Focuses on a selected environmental realm. The course will examine the interface between human activities and environmental systems. It will address the impacts of social, economic and political activities on the environment. GEOL/GEOG 310 A-Atmosphere (air pollution); B-Biosphere (vegetation/wildlife); C-Hydrosphere (water); D-Lithosphere (geologic hazards/land issues).
GEOL 320. Meteorology.
A survey of the science of weather including weather forecasting, weather maps and related atmospheric processes. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspects of meteorology and the interrelationships of atmospheric phenomena with land masses and the world ocean.
GEOL 340. Soils and Land Use
The origin, distribution and properties of soils are emphasized in the lecture, laboratory and field. These aspects are used to determine the value of various soil types for such uses as agriculture, forestry, recreation, urban development and structural foundations. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and CHEM 131.
GEOL/BIO 350. Invertebrate Paleontology
The history of nonvertebrate life from its origin, through evolving biogeochemical cycles, origin of eukaryotes and multicellularity, evolutionary records of all major groups and theoretical issues such as major group origins, adaptive radiation patterns, extinctions, functional adaptations and paleoecology. Prerequisite: GEOL 230, BIO 114 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL/CHEM 355. Geochemistry of Natural Waters.
Study of chemical theory and reactions important in natural water systems. The role of atmospheric, geologic and biological inputs in determining the geochemistry of streams, rivers and oceans. Prerequisites: CHEM 131 and CHEM 132 or equivalent.
GEOL 364. Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis
Lecture emphasizes application of sedimentologic and stratigraphic principles to identify and interpret depositional systems and examines how eustasy (sequence theory) and local tectonics influence the distribution of depositional systems under different plate tectonic regimes. Lab emphasizes critical field observation, application of theory to stratigraphic analysis and writing scientific papers. Prerequisite: GEOL 230.
GEOL 365. Structural Geology
Major and minor structures of the Earth's crust. Mechanical principles involved in folding, faulting, jointing and penecontemporaneous structures. The causes and results of mountain building processes. Preparation and interpretation
of geologic maps. Prerequisite: GEOL 110; GEOL 230 recommended.
GEOL 367. Genesis of Solid Earth Materials
This course addresses the natural relationship between minerals and the rocks they make up. Using the concept of mineralizing environments, illustrated by classic examples, students will investigate minerals through the processes of mineral genesis and associated rock types. This approach provides insight and predictive value for natural conditions in which specific minerals and rocks occur. Not acceptable for B.S. in geology. Prerequisite: GEOL 110.
GEOL 377. Earth Surface Processes
The interrelationships among climate, landscapes, soils and bedrock geology are examined using the mid-Atlantic region as a conceptual laboratory. Course instruction includes lecture, laboratory and field trip meetings. The processes of rock weathering and erosion and soil formation are reinvestigated. Topographic maps and aerial photography are examined for landforms and landscape evolution.
GEOL 390. Laboratory Techniques in Geology
An elective course for science majors. A study of the basic theories and techniques of laboratory methods and instrumentation. Implementation and application of techniques to geological problems. Prerequisites: GEOL 280 and permission of the instructor.
GEOL/MATS 395. Geologic Perspectives in Materials Science and Engineering.
A one-semester course which emphasizes the commonalities between the geological sciences and materials science. Course includes topics from mineralogy, crystallography, petrology and structural geology which are also important in metallurgy and ceramics. Prerequisites: An introductory course in any physical science or integrated science and technology (GEOL 110, CHEM 131, PHYS 140 or ISAT 141) and at least one additional advanced course in the major.
GEOL/MATS 396. X-ray Characterization of Solid Materials.
Covers fundamental principles and theory behind two powerful, X-ray based, technologies: X-ray Diffraction and Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDS). Students will collect and analyze data from a single crystal Gandolfi X-ray camera, automated powder diffraction system (focusing goniometer), and EDAX system (EDS). Prerequisite: GEOL 280, MATS/CHEM/PHYS 275 or ISAT 300.
GEOL 399. Field Geology.
Field methods include use of Brunton compass, telescopic alidade and plane table, and compass traversing. A synthesis of geologic concepts and principles leading to the construction and interpretation of geologic and topographic
maps. Prerequisites: GEOL 364 and GEOL 365 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL/BIO 400. Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas.
This course explores the geology and ecology of the shallow-water marine environment by examining the preeminent modern example, the Bahamas platform. The Bahamas provide an excellent model for understanding modern and ancient carbonate and reef deposits and a variety of terrestrial/aquatic habitats. Biological processes are responsible for many of the geological features of the Bahamas, so the course considers the biology/ecology of marine organisms in addition to geological topics. Prerequisite: GEOL 110, GEOL 211 or a 200-level GEOL or BIO course; At least four hours of additional lab science, at least sophomore status, and permission of the instructor.
GEOL 401. Oceanography for Teachers
A comprehensive study of the world's oceans and the interrelationships among physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography for pre- and in-service teachers. Special emphases on Virginia coastal oceanogrpahy, the National Ocean Literacy Principles, and the integration of pedagogy applicable to K-12 instruction. Includes a field trip to the VA coast. Credit may not be earned in both GEOL 211 and GEOL 401.
GEOL/BIO 405. Vertebrate Paleontology
A study of the origin and evolution of the vertebrates. Emphasis will be on understanding how the processes of earth evolution and biological evolution have interacted through time to produce a coherent picture of vertebrate history. Prerequisite: GEOL 230, BIO 124 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 410. Engineering Geology
Study of the applications of geology to engineering practice. Topics include soil mechanics, foundations, engineering classification of soils, slope stability and mineral aggregates. Prerequisites: GEOL 340 and either MATH 205 or MATH 235 or equivalent.
GEOL 415. Geological Evolution of North America.
A systematic survey of the tectonic evolution of the North American continent and the corresponding evolution of depositional basins and paleoenvironments. Prerequisites: GEOL 364 and GEOL 365 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 440. Geophysics
A survey of geophysical methods, with joint attention on near-surface and solid earth applications. Topics include seismology, heat flow, gravity, magnetism, electrical methods, ground penetrating radar, and geophysical aspects of plate tectonics. Labs focus on practical experience with data acquisition, reduction, and interpretation and are a combination of field, classroom, and computational activities. Prerequisites: GEOL110 or PHYS 140-150 or PHYS 240-250 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 442. Field Geophysics
This course focuses on collection of geophysical data in the field and interpretation, analysis, and technical reporting afterwards. Case studies discussed include applications to geology, archaeology, and engineering. Students will get hands-on experience with geophysical equipment and an understanding of how and where these tools can be applied. Topics include Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity, Magnetism, Seismic Refraction, and Total Station Data. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 of GEOL 210 or ANTH 197 or consent of instructor.
GEOL 444. Topics in Geophysics.
An in-depth investigation into selected aspects of geophysics. Topics will be chosen by the instructor and students and may vary from year to year. Some common candidate issues include earthquake seismology, field survey planning and execution, geophysical interpretation theory, and the geophysical underpinnings of plate tectonic theory. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
GEOL 460. Hydrogeology
Basic concepts of subsurface water as a part of the hydrologic cycle. Topics include storativity and permeability in porous media, principles of flow, computer applications, groundwater exploration, and mapping and environmental aspects of groundwater. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and two semesters of calculus or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 467. Stratigraphy, Structure and Tectonics
Examination of how stratigraphic, structural and tectonic principles control the character and distribution of rocks. Practical study of principles, regional patterns in sedimentary rocks and stresses the deform rocks are explored in laboratory and field exercises. Topics and techniques are discussed within the framework of the 1.2 billion year geologic history of the Virginia region and its connection with the tectonic processes through the rest of the world. Not acceptable for B.S. in geology. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and GEOL 230.
GEOL 477. Contemporary Issues in the Geosciences.
As a capstone experience, this course serves as an opportunity for students to view issues of the Earth system from an Earth-based perspective. Building on previous course work in the major (physical geology, meteorology, oceanography, etc.), students will investigate such issues as global warming, population and sustainable development and environmental ethics. Particular emphasis is placed upon the Earth's perspective from a historical viewpoint. Prerequisites: GEOL 211, GEOL 320, GEOL 367 and GEOL 377.
GEOL 489. Quantitative Methods in Geology
An introduction to the mathematical methods and statistical techniques that are employed by scientists in the disciplines of geochemistry, geophysics, hydrology and the petroleum/mineral industry. The course provides the quantitative skills necessary to manipulate geological data.
GEOL 491. Geological Literature Research.
Provides instruction in the definition of a geological problem, sources and strategies for a literature search and the preparation of both written and oral reports. Prerequisites: Geology major and permission of the instructor.
GEOL 494. Internship in Geology.
Student conducts a research or applied project in geology outside of the university. Requires an approved proposal prior to registration and a final report at the culmination of the project. Prerequisites: Minimum of eight credit hours in geology and a geology GPA of 2.5 or higher.
GEOL 497. Problems in Geology.
An undergraduate research course in one of the fields of geology. Open to advanced students who have adequate preparation. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
GEOL 499. Honors in Geology.
Three semester sequence. Prerequisite: 3.25 GPA or higher.