GEO - Geosciences

The geology of many of America's most visited parks, including the geologic features, the processes which formed them, the chronology of events that led to the rocks, structures, and landscapes of the natural treasures, and the environmental problems that now threaten the parks. Lectures, videos, small-group discussions, use of the Internet, in-class quizzes and exams. Small-group preparation and presentation on a geologically significant national monument or park. Not open to students who have passed GEO 165 Geology I. Students may take GEO 169 General Geology Lab as a co-requisite to expand their knowledge of minerals, rocks, fossils, and topographic and geologic map reading and interpretation.

This course will introduce students to the Geosciences program at SUNY Fredonia. Throughout the semester, students will meet other Geosciences majors and the department faculty, including an introduction to faculty areas of specialization and research. Students will learn about local geology through lecture and field trips, as well as what they will be exposed to over the next four years with regard to coursework, research possibilities, job prospects, and graduate school. The seminar will provide students with networking opportunities as they make their way through demanding program requirements.

An introduction to the field of geography, with particular emphasis on the driving physical forces and processes that shape the earth's surface. The impact on human activities and patterns will be examined. A spatial approach will be used to study the nature and character of physical space including measurements, relations, locations, and the distribution of phenomena. The course will meet twice a week in a traditional classroom setting and once a week in a laboratory setting, which will include occasional field trips to explore the local area in an effort to observe how landforms, vegetation and microclimate vary over short distances.

The course provides an introduction to the history of life on Earth with emphasis on the five mass extinctions throughout geologic times and the sixth mass extinction occurring today.

Examines the development of severe and unusual weather phenomena including floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes and other tropical storms, blizzards, and electrical storms. The frequency and geographic occurrence of these events is considered in terms of current climatic models.

The course centers on life in the Mesozoic era of geological time, when dinosaurs rule the earth. In addition to discussing the different types of dinosaurs and their ecological roles, the role of climatic and catastrophic extinction in shaping this unique time in geologic history is explored. Topics also include the evolution of dinosaurs and their relationship to modern birds, the controversy over "warm-blooded" versus "cold-blooded" metabolism, and the ultimate extinction of the dinosaurs leading to the age of mammals.

A review of modern ideas of crustal movement, the origin of volcanoes and earthquakes, the continents and their history of breakup, drifting and collisions to create mountain belts, and the ocean basins and their formation by seafloor spreading. The course covers the evolution in thought of the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.

The course is an introduction to basic principles relating to present understanding of biological evolution. Evolution is a major scientific paradigm that underlies both theoretical and practical research in the life sciences, and it has strong interdisciplinary support from biology and other branches of science. The course explores the development of evolutionary ideas from early concepts up to the modern synthesis. Topics include: origin of life, geologic record and geologic time, inheritance and Darwinian selection, patterns of evolution, macroevolution, and modern opposition to evolutionary science. Lecture format.

Much of earth history can be explored by the study of New York State geology. The course explores - among other things - the evolution of life in vast marine basins, the uplift of lofty mountains during the Appalachian Orogeny, followed by the more recent advance of Pleistocene ice sheets that covered the state until about 10,000 years ago. Students should come away with a better understanding and appreciation for the rich geological history of their home state.

One of the series of five-week introductory courses exploring topics in the geological sciences. The Great Ice Age topic explores the interesting history and effects of glacial periods on Earth, with parallels to current interest in, and observations on, global climate change. This course provides one credit in the category of CCC Natural Sciences.

A mini-course that examines earthquakes as an example of natural hazards. Topics include history of earthquake science, quake causes, prediction, risk assessment, engineering response, and response of culture such as artistic renderings of quakes.

The course deals with the science of volcanology. Topics include the types of magmas (molten rock) and rocks that produce the different kinds of volcanoes, physical and chemical controls on eruptions, and hazards and benefits of volcanoes. Scientific study and the effect of volcanism on human beings are discussed in the context of major historical eruptions.

Historical and scientific treatment of the solar system. Emphasis on the development of astronomical thought from ancient times to the flowering of modern concepts of planetary origins and evolution. Problem sets deal with analysis of classical and modern concepts, including mathematical solutions. High school math through Math III suggested, but not required.

Examines the progression of scientific thought in the Western world from Paleolithic cultures, through Mesopotamia, Greek, and European civilizations. Emphasis on classic works of philosophers, mystics, and scientists and their contribution toward molding the nature and practice of modern-day science. Lecture format with formal group discussions, videos, and periodic question sets. One major research paper required.

Origin of the oceans, chemical and physical properties of sea water, circulation of the oceans, waves, tides, shoreline processes, marine biology, and the productivity of the ocean.

Introduction to earth materials (minerals, rocks, soils); Earth's interior structure; geological processes in operation on and beneath the surface of the earth and their effects (weathering, erosion, deformation and geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, ocean basins, running water, ground water, glaciers, winds and deserts, coasts and shorelines); techniques of dating geological events. Lectures, group discussion. High school background in earth sciences not required. Geosciences majors and minors, including Childhood Education Science/Geoscience Concentration majors, should take GEO 169 General Geology Lab as a corequisite.

Laboratory introduction to topographic and geologic maps, and earth materials (minerals, rocks and fossils). Exercises include use of these tools to recognize and interpret geological processes, history and structure.

The course investigates ancient and modern water supplies, studies surface and underground watersheds, evaluates risks to water quantity, quality and distribution systems, reviews water law and regulation, and reflects on the role of water resources in war and terror, food and transport, scenery and beauty.

Introduction to the transitory and long-term physical, chemical, and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement of weather factors, weather forecasting, regional climates, climatic change, weather and climate modification, and practical aspects and applications of weather and climate.

Physical history of the earth in relationship to orderly development of life throughout geological time. Lecture format.

Theory, geological occurrence, and identification of the common minerals and rocks. A well-written report, critiqued and returned for revision, is required. Laboratory work includes a brief introduction to the petrographic microscope, but mostly emphasizes hand specimen identification. Two-day field trip to the Thousand Islands/Laurentian lowlands of New York State, or to Bancroft, Ontario mineral localities.

Comprehensive treatment of maps and map making. Includes the history of maps and their construction from ancient times to present, including affect on history and politics. Also entails essential elements of maps, their construction by manual and computer means, and how they are used to express information. Lecture and lab. Can be taken as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) elective.

Introduction to short and long term physical, chemical and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement of meteorological parameters, weather systems and forecasting. Special emphasis is placed on regional climates, climatic change and potential societal economic effects of climatic change.

Participants are exposed to issues of regional Historical Geology during a seven-day field trip (Summer Session I). Students observe the record of multiple mountain-building episodes and basin evolution through a series of roadcut, stream, and quarry exposures. Aspects of the geologic record including cross-cutting relationships, biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental inference are used at stops to reconstruct the regional geology puzzle. Knowledge of structural geology is recommended but is not essential. The course applies principles learned in GEO 210, but it aLso supplements information in GEO 345, GEO 370, and GEO 400. Students attend several orientation classes during the spring semester in preparation for the field course. During the course, students keep notes and prepare a field diary containing information from field stops. The course grade is based on the notebook turned in upon completion of the course. Offered in years when GEO 461 is not offered.

Study of geomorphic processes, relating topographic features to underlying rocks and structures and to processes of erosion, deposition, and earth movements. Lectures and laboratory supplemented by field work. Library research leads to a written term paper.

The course links the many time frames and events of geodynamics ranging from continental drift to earthquake hazards. The subject is presented from several viewpoints, including the history of science, spatial and temporal distribution of hazards and resources, and impacts on culture. Learning activities include small group discussions, computer manipulation of spatial data, reading from historical writings of scholars such as Lyell and Darwin, and review of cultural impacts through paintings and films. Prerequisite: Any introductory science course.

Emphasis on how problems dealing with the shape, mass, structure, composition, and tectonic history of the Earth can be resolved using such methods of geophysics as gravity, magnetics, and seismology. Lectures, laboratory, and field work lead to several written papers.

An introduction to stellar astronomy with emphasis on what is currently known about the life history of stars, the structure of galaxies - with emphasis on our own Milky Way Galaxy - and nebulae, and black holes and quasars, and dark matter. Includes a historical overview of the study of stellar astronomy as well as considerations of the origin and ultimate fate of the universe, and the origin of life in the universe. Must have completed the Natural Sciences category of the College Core Curriculum.

Principles of paleontology; biologic relationships of fossil organisms, particularly ancient invertebrates. Emphasizes evolutionary principles and trends. Field work supplements lecture and laboratory.

An interdisciplinary synthesis of perspectives on the Earth's resources. A broad range of resources will be discussed in the context of population growth, the global commons, resource management, sustainable development, and environmental policy. The course will focus on the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of resources such as minerals, vegetation, animals, soils and landforms, atmosphere and climate, and water.

Theoretical aspects of stress and strain as applied to natural rock systems; description and origin of rock structures in Earth's crust. Laboratory work stresses structural interpretation of geologic maps. Field work supplements lectures and laboratory. Students are required to complete a paper on some aspect of structural geology; part of the revision processes will include peer review.

Principles of stratigraphy with examples of stratigraphic successions from various sedimentary basins around the world. Course emphasizes techniques of basin analysis and mechanisms of basin formation. The writing and peer review of abstracts are stressed in the course. In addition, students are required to submit a written report describing their results of a field stratigraphic study of the Devonian section of western New York.

Independent study and research in areas beyond formal courses. Permission of department.

An introduction to descriptive crystallography and to chemical, physical, deteminative and descriptive mineralogy. Areas covered include: crystal symmetry, classification, morphology, crystal chemistry, physical properties, geologic occurrence, significance, and characteristic properties of minerals. Lectures and laboratory supplemented with one field trip.

Lecture emphasis on problems and hypotheses involved with the origin of rocks. Laboratory stresses use of the petrographic microscope for identification, description, and analysis of rock materials. A well-written research paper, which may include computer, lab, and library research, is required. Course includes a weekend trip to study classic rock terrains in the Adirondack Mountains.

Scope, literature, and history of geochemistry. Principles and applications of geochemistry, including the elements; isotope geology; thermodynamics; water chemistry; crystal chemistry; organic geochemistry; geochemistry of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Lab work emphasizes instrumental methods of analysis.

Approved work-training experience with state or federal agency, museum, or industrial firm. Permission of department.

Hydrologic problems are analyzed by organizing information into a water budget and then quantifying the variables in the water budget equation. Common hydrologic variables include precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, stream flow, infiltration and groundwater. Groundwater is emphasized. Lectures supplemented by field work, lab measurements, and computer modeling.

Students serve as laboratory assistants under supervision of faculty member. Four hours of work per week expected for each hour of credit elected; may be taken more than once. Does not count toward major requirements. Permission of the chairperson.

Individual student presentation of two 20-minute seminars pertaining to the geology and geologic evolution of different provinces of the North American continent. Students are required to prepare an abstract and bibliography of their presentations. Permission of department.

Two-week geologic mapping course immediately following end of spring semester (Summer Session I). Held at Catskill, N.Y.

Research leading to a comprehensive report reviewed and evaluated by faculty. Open to B.S. Geology majors in Honors Track only. Permission of department/enrollment in B.S. Geology Honors track.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

Special area of geosciences not covered by regular courses.

This is a field based course. While it includes some classroom training as topics are introduced, the majority of instruction will occur at various sites across Chautauqua County. General areas of instruction will include geologic stratigraphy, rocks and minerals, water processes (fluvial and lacustrine), soils and groundwater, glacial geology, meteorology, and astronomy.

Independent study of topics not covered in regular graduate course offerings and pertinent to student's program of study or future career.

Special areas of problems in advanced geosciences not covered by regular graduate courses.

Independent research and study in current geoscientific problems based on laboratory and field research or current literature.

Independent research and study in current geoscientific problems based on laboratory and field research or current literature.

Thesis research projects in an area of the geosciences.