1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
GS 102 The Dynamic Earth Lab
0c-2l-1sh
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS101
Introduces students to the techniques geologists use to study the earth and reconstruct its past. Labs cover minerals, rocks, map interpretation, fossil identification. Includes field trips during the scheduled lab period.
GS 103 Oceans and Atmospheres
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
The earth’s oceans and atmosphere play a crucial role in determining the pace and extent of changes occurring to our global environment. This course will examine the composition and character of these components and their interaction with other major components of the earth system.
GS 104 Oceans and Atmospheres Lab
0c-2l-1sh
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS103
Introduces students to the techniques oceanographers and meteorologists use to study the earth’s oceans and atmospheres and reconstruct their evolution. Labs cover seawater processes, oceanic circulation, marine life, atmospheric structure, and weather.
GS 105 Exploring the Universe
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Examines the history of time, the reasons for the seasons, the characteristics of the planets, moons, stars, and galaxies, and the history and future of space exploration.
GS 106 Exploring the Universe Lab
0c-2l-1sh
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS105
Introduces students to the techniques astronomers use to study the celestial sphere. Constellations, seasons, motions of Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, characteristics of stars and galaxies. Includes two observations which will be held at night.
GS 111 Earth Science for Educators I
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
An in-depth treatment of introductory oceanography and geology designed specifically for Secondary Science Education majors. Focuses on fundamentals of the earth’s physical processes and history and on the ocean’s dynamics, chemistry, and tectonics.
GS 112 Earth Science for Educators I Lab
0c-3l-1sh
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS111
Lab experiences in various aspects of oceanography and geology, designed to provide concepts and skills for future teaching to Secondary Education majors. Includes field trip(s).
GS 113 Earth Science for Educators II
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
An in-depth treatment of introductory meteorology and astronomy designed specifically for Secondary Science Education majors. Focuses on atmospheric processes and climate change and on the earth’s place in the solar system and universe.
GS 114 Earth Science for Educators II Lab
0c-3l-1sh
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS113
Use of the weather station and planetarium highlights a series of exercises designed to aid Secondary Science Education majors in developing concepts and laboratory skills for future teaching.
GS 121 Physical Geology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: Geoscience majors/minors, any Science or Science Education majors/minors; Anthropology, Geography/Regional Planning majors, or permission of instructor
Introduction to the science of the earth, including physical properties of its interior and crust; its tectonic and surface processes; and the complex geologic interactions which shape and modify our planet. Designed to prepare students for upper-level geology classes.
GS 122 Physical Geology Laboratory
0c-3l-1sh
Prerequisites: Geoscience majors/minors, any Science or Science Education majors/minors; Anthropology, Geography/Regional Planning majors, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS121
Selected problems in rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic mapping techniques, geologic landforms and deformation structures. Designed to prepare students for upper-level geology classes. Includes field trips.
GS 131 Historical Geology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: Geoscience majors/minors, any Science or Science Education majors/minors; Anthropology, Geography/Regional Planning majors, or permission of instructor
Introduction to history of the earth, including the fossil record and the history of biologic evolution; the growth and tectonic interactions of oceans and continents; and the physical evolution of the earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Designed to prepare students for upper-level geology classes.
GS 132 Historical Geology Laboratory
0c-3l-1sh
Prerequisites: GS121/122, Geoscience majors/minors, any Science or Science Education majors/minors; Anthropology, Geography/Regional Planning majors, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: Enrollment in GS131
Selected problems in stratigraphic analysis, paleontology, and structural geology; designed to prepare students for upper-level geology classes. Includes field trips.
GS 141 Introduction to Ocean Science
3c-0l-3sh
Introduction to physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes in oceanography and the interactions among them. Impact of exploitation of the oceans, coastal areas, marine, physical, and living resources on the environment and on humankind. Includes field trips which may involve a fee and may occur on weekends.
GS 150 Geology of National Parks
3c-0l-3sh
A study of geological processes and earth history as documented by the classical geological features of U.S. and Canadian national parks. Includes Badlands, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Great Smokies, Gros Morne, Mammoth Cave, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and others. Not open to Geoscience majors or minors.
GS 151 The Age of Dinosaurs
3c-0l-3sh
A thorough introduction to dinosaurs and the world they inhabited. Topics include the most current theories regarding dinosaurian biology (behavior, metabolism, evolution), ecology (greenhouse climate, associated plants and animals), and extinction (asteroid impact, volcanism, climate change). Not open to Geoscience majors and minors.
GS 221 Physical Resources of the Earth
3c-0l-3sh
Introduction to mineral, energy, and water resources of the earth; genesis of ore depositions; exploration, exploitation, and utilization of resources; impact of exploitation of resources on the environment and on humankind. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 281 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
GS 310 Environmental Geology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: 8sh in geology or permission
The application of geologic information to the accommodation and reduction of natural hazards, to land-use planning, and to the utilization of earth materials. Includes field trips which occur on weekends.
GS 321 Mineralogy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS121 or CH111
Concerned with properties of minerals; introduction to crystallography and chemistry of crystals, followed by a determination of minerals and their probable genesis. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 322 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS321
Concerned with a description of igneous and metamorphic rock character based upon mineral components and physical relationship between mineral components of a rock. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 325 Structural Geology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: GS131 and 132/133 or permission of instructor
Study of primary structures, contacts, rock mechanics, joints, faults, folds, foliation, and lineation. Includes work with geologic maps and structure sections. Brunton compass, orthographic and stereographic projections. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 326 Field Geology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS325
Principles and techniques of field geology with emphasis on developing field skills using Brunton compass, aerial photographs, topographic maps, altimeter, Jacob staff, and rock color charts. Field projects involve techniques of field note-taking, measuring and describing stratigraphic sections, geologic field mapping and analysis, construction of geologic maps and structure sections, and report writing. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 327 Geomorphology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: GS121, 131
A study of the origin of the earth’s land forms, including relationship of geologic structure to landform types and role of geomorphic processes in landscape development.
GS 330 Paleontology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS131 or permission of instructor
Study of the morphology, evolution, geologic significance, and paleoecology of fossil organisms. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 331 Hydrogeology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: MA121-122, GS121-122/123, or permission
An overview of groundwater geology, including flow equations, graphical solutions to flow problems, and computer modeling of flow systems, as well as the geotechnical and social implications of groundwater utilization. Includes field trips which occur on weekends.
GS 332 Geochemistry
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: CH111-112, GS121-122/123, or permission
Introduction to low-temperature chemistry of the earth’s surface and near-surface; includes discussions of chemical activity, solution chemistry, organic geochemistry, trace elements, isotopes, and the chemistry of natural waters.
GS 336 Geology of the Northern Rockies
var-3sh
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A field study of the major geologic features and relationships involved in the development of the northern Rocky Mountains. National Park and Monument areas of South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana are included among the areas investigated. (three weeks, summer only)
GS 337 Geology of Newfoundland
var-3sh
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
A field course designed to utilize the exceptional and diverse geologic features of Newfoundland for instruction of departmental majors and minors in tectonic analysis utilizing sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and paleontologic observations. (three weeks, summer only)
GS 338 Geology of the American Southwest
var-3sh
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A field study of the major geologic features and relationships exposed in the American Southwest, including the Colorado Plateau, the Rio Grande Rift, Death Valley, and parts of the Southern Rocky Mountains. (3 weeks, summer only)
GS 341 Solar System
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: MA121 and PY111
Fundamentals of astronomy, with emphasis on observational methods, mechanics, and origin of the solar system and spatial relationship of the solar system to the other members of the universe.
GS 342 Stellar Astronomy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: MA121 and PY111
Fundamentals of astronomy, with emphasis on sun, stars, galaxies, the sidereal universe, and use of spectroscopy for gathering astronomical data.
GS 350 Operation of the Planetarium
var-1sh
Prerequisites: GS110, 341, 342, or permission of instructor
Designed to acquaint the student with methods of operation and repair of a Spitz A-3-P planetarium. Content includes topics suitable for lectures to various age groups. Student will write and present a demonstration program. Meets once a week with occasional evening observations.
GS 361 Physical Oceanography
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: MA121 and PY111 or permission of instructor
Introduction to physical, chemical, geological, and biological nature of ocean: topography, submarine geology, and bottom deposits. Includes field trip(s) which may occur on weekend(s).
GS 362 Plate Tectonics
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: PY111-112 and a minimum of 20sh of geology
Introduction to formal theory of plate tectonics. Topics include magnetic anomalies, first motion studies, thermal structures of the plates, kinematics, crustal generation, sea floor spreading, collision, and subduction deformation. Prior to 1988 was titled Marine Geology and Plate Tectonics.
GS 371 Meteorology I
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: One year of physical science or physics
Introduction to meteorological sciences; composition and structure of the atmosphere; radiation principles; elementary thermodynamics and heat balance.
GS 380 Research Techniques in Geoscience
2c-0l-2sh
Prerequisite: Second-semester junior standing (75 credits or permission of instructor)
For students majoring in some aspect of geoscience. Teaches students the techniques of geoscience research: defining a project; doing background research; proposing multiple working hypotheses and collecting evidence pertaining to each. Students will then write up their research in both abstract and professional manuscript format. Cannot be taken subsequent to GS480.
GS 411 Sedimentary Petrology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS321 or permission of instructor
Study of sediments and sedimentary rocks with emphasis on interpreting ancient environments of deposition utilizing sieve analysis, hand lens, and petrographic microscope. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 412 Stratigraphy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: GS411 or permission of instructor
Principles and processes involved in development and description of stratified rock sequences, principles and problems of correlation, and selected stratigraphic problems. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 440 Subsurface Geology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: Minimum 20 credit hours of geology
An introduction to the geology of petroleum, its origin, migration, entrapment, and production. Lab is designed to provide practical experience in subsurface mapping techniques and the use and evaluation of geophysical logging devices. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GS 441 Carbonate Geology-Florida
var-3sh
Prerequisite: 17sh geology courses or written permission of instructor
Two to three weeks of field study in Florida Keys. Course will be conducted from base camp in Florida Keys and will consist of both land and water work as the different carbonate environments in the Keys, Florida Bay, and the Atlantic reef tract are studied.
GS 480 Geoscience Seminar
var-1sh
For seniors majoring in some aspect of geoscience. The seminar (1) provides the student with an opportunity to prepare, formally present, and defend a scientific paper based either on his/her own research or on a topic chosen with the approval of instructor and (2) provides opportunity to discuss topics presented by other students, faculty, or guests.
GS 481 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
It is the department’s intention to use this course to schedule extended field trips and for teaching special courses which will utilize the specialties of the Geoscience faculty.
GS 482 Independent Study
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and provost's office
Independent study provides the student with an opportunity to use library, laboratory, or field research in an area which is of interest under the supervision of a designated faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.
GS 493 Geoscience Internship
var-1-12sh
Summer or semester work experience with cooperating firms or agencies. May be scheduled only after consultation with advisor and chairperson. Requirements include up to three on-site consultations, depending on credit hours and location’s site; completion of up to three oral progress reports; and submission of a detailed work diary. Restricted to junior and senior department majors; only three credits may be applied toward major.
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