2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Department of Geoscience
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
| GEOS 333 Soils and Soil Geochemistry | |
| GEOS 226 Forensic Geology | |
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Examines the constant changes that affect the rocky surface of our planet. From volcanic eruptions and catastrophic earthquakes to the slow drift of continents and passage of ice ages, earth processes have shaped the history of life and altered the development of human civilization.
GEOS 102 The Dynamic Earth Lab
0c-2l-1cr
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: GEOS 101
Introduces 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.
GEOS 103 Oceans and Atmospheres
3c-0l-3cr
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. Examines the composition and character of these components and their interaction with other major components of the earth system.
GEOS 104 Oceans and Atmospheres Lab
0c-2l-1cr
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: GEOS 103
Introduces 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.
GEOS 105 Exploring the Universe
3c-0l-3cr
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.
GEOS 106 Exploring the Universe Lab
0c-2l-1cr
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
Corequisite: GEOS 105
Introduces 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 are held at night.
GEOS 111 Earth Science for Educators I
3c-0l-3cr
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.
GEOS 112 Earth Science for Educators I Lab
0c-3l-1cr
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
Corequisite: GEOS 111
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).
GEOS 113 Earth Science for Educators II
3c-0l-3cr
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.
GEOS 114 Earth Science for Educators II Lab
0c-3l-1cr
Prerequisite: Natural Science/Science Education majors only
Corequisite: GEOS 113
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.
3c-0l-3cr
Corequisite: GEOS 122
A semi-quantitative introduction to the earth sciences, including the physical properties of the earth’s interior and crust, plate tectonics, surface processes, and the complex geologic interactions that shape and modify our planet. Designed to prepare students for upper-level coursework in geology, physical geography, and anthropology.
GEOS 122 Physical Geology Laboratory
0c-3l-1cr
Corequisite: GEOS 121
Selected problems in rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic mapping techniques, geologic landforms, and deformation structures. Designed to prepare students for upper-level coursework in geology, physical geography, and anthropology. Includes field trips.
GEOS 123 Applied Mathematics in the Geosciences
1c-0l-1cr
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MATH 121 or 123, or instructor permission
For Geoscience majors enrolled in either MATH 121 or 123. Applications of the calculus to problems in geochemistry and geophysics. Topics involve Geoscience applications of limits, differentiation, Taylor series, exponential functions, integration, and advanced topics.
3c-0l-3cr
Corequisite: GEOS 132
An introduction to the history of Earth, including the fossil record and the history of biologic evolution. Topics also include the growth and tectonic interactions of oceans and continents and the physical evolution of the earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Designed to prepare majors and minors for upper-level geology classes.
GEOS 132 Historical Geology Laboratory
0c-3l-1cr
Corequisite: GEOS 131
Selected problems in stratigraphic analysis, paleontology, and structural geology; designed to prepare students for upper-level geology classes. Includes field trips.
GEOS 141 Introduction to Ocean Science
3c-0l-3cr
Introduces 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.
GEOS 150 Geology of National Parks
3c-0l-3cr
Studies 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.
3c-0l-3cr
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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 121
Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 111 or 113, or instructor permission
An introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry, optical properties, and mineral associations and phase equilibria. Emphasizes minerals pertinent to geology, Earth resources, and technology. Laboratory topics emphasize mineral identification in hand specimen, use of the petrographic microscope, and x-ray diffraction techniques. Includes field trips, which may occur on weekends.
GEOS 221 Physical Resources of the Earth
3c-0l-3cr
An 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.
GEOS 226 Forensic Geology
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: No Geoscience majors/minors
An introduction to the use of geological information in criminal investigation. Emphasizes the use of geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, and soil characteristics in tracing the origins and history of criminal evidence as well as the development of new techniques for authenticating artifacts and art.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics 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.
GEOS 310 Environmental Geology
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: 8cr 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.
GEOS 320 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: GEOS 131 and 321, or instructor permission
An introduction to the origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks based upon a plate tectonic framework. Topics include the evolution of Earth, the Moon, Mars, and other terrestrial planetary objects. Planetary evolution is examined through analysis of phase equilibria and the physics of magma transport. Laboratory topics emphasize quantitative methods in petrology and the identification and interpretation of rocks and rock textures in hand specimen and thin section. Includes field trips, which may occur on weekends.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: GEOS 131 and 132-133 or instructor permission
The 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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 325
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.
2c-3l-3cr
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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 131 or instructor permission
A study of the morphology, evolution, geologic significance, and paleoecology of fossil organisms. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: MATH 121-122, GEOS 121-122/123, 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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 111-112, GEOS 121-122/123, or permission
An 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.
GEOS 333 Soils and Soil Geochemistry
2c-31-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 220
An introduction to the formation, classification, and geochemistry of soils. Emphasizes geology, climate, hydrology, and plant-soil interactions to investigate soil evolution and fertility, nutrient dynamics, and the role of soils in the global carbon cycle. Laboratory topics include assessment of soil structure, mineralogy, chemistry, and fertility as well as quantitative treatment of carbon cycling in soils. Includes field trips which may occur on weekends.
GEOS 336 Geology of the Northern Rockies
var-3cr
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required; at least 14cr of GEOS courses recommended
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, taught in the Summer only)
GEOS 337 Geology of Newfoundland
var-3cr
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required; at least 14cr of GEOS courses recommended
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, taught in the Summer only)
GEOS 338 Geology of the American Southwest
var-3cr
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required; at least 14cr of GEOS courses recommended
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. (Three weeks, taught in Summer only)
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: MATH 121 and PHYS 111
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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: MATH 121 and PHYS 111
Fundamentals of astronomy, with emphasis on sun, stars, galaxies, the sidereal universe, and use of spectroscopy for gathering astronomical data.
GEOS 350 Operation of the Planetarium
var-1cr
Prerequisites: GEOS 110, 341, 342, or instructor permission
Acquaints students with methods of operation and repair of a Spitz A-3-P planetarium. Includes topics suitable for lectures to various age groups. Students write and present a demonstration program. Meets once a week with occasional evening observations.
GEOS 361 Physical Oceanography
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: MATH 121 and PHYS 111 or instructor permission
An 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).
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisites: PHYS 111-112 and a minimum of 20cr of geology
An 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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: One year of physical science or physics
An introduction to meteorological sciences; composition and structure of the atmosphere; radiation principles; elementary thermodynamics and heat balance.
GEOS 380 Research Methods in the Geosciences
2c-0l-2cr
Prerequisites: 75cr or instructor permission
For students enrolled in all majors within the Geoscience Department. Students learn the methods of research in the geosciences by working on a project of their choosing. Students define a problem, propose several hypotheses, collect data, and perform a quantitative analysis to test their hypotheses and propose a solution. Final results are submitted in professional manuscript form. As preparation, students examine various geoscience problems and data sets through the semester. Cannot be taken subsequent to GEOS 480.
GEOS 411 Sedimentary Petrology
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 321 or instructor permission
The 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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: GEOS 411 or instructor permission
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.
2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: Minimum 20cr 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.
GEOS 441 Carbonate Geology–Florida
var-3cr
Prerequisite: 17cr geology courses or written instructor permission
Two to three weeks of field study in Florida Keys. Conducted from base camp in Florida Keys and consists of both land and water work as the different carbonate environments in the Keys, Florida Bay, and the Atlantic reef tract are studied.
var-1cr
Prerequisites: GEOS 380, senior standing
For seniors majoring in some aspect of geoscience. The seminar 1) provides 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.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
The department’s intention is to use this course to schedule extended field trips and for teaching special courses which utilizes the specialties of the Geoscience faculty.
var-1-3cr
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.
GEOS 493 Geoscience Internship
var-1-12cr
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 credits 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 3cr may be applied toward major.
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