The Geology Department offers a broad selection of courses aimed at both majors and non-majors. These courses reflect the diversity of modern earth science, covering subjects that range from the nature of environments at the dawn of earth's history to human effects on today's earth, from tiny crystals to gigantic tectonic plates, and from the deepest parts of the oceans to asteroids in outer space. We offer a major program that prepares students for graduate school or a career in earth sciences but is also intended for students who seek a broad understanding of earth systems through scientific study en route to careers in teaching, environmental fields, or other areas. Many students incorporate geology into a double major following procedures outlined elsewhere in this catalog.

Advanced Placement. Students may count Advanced Placement credit earned in biology, calculus, chemistry, or physics toward a Geology major; credit is granted in accord with the standards of the department in which the AP credit is earned. Students seeking to place out of introductory Geology courses on the basis of secondary-school courses in geology need to pass a placement examination administered by the department.

Course Sequence Suggestions. The department offers a variety of introductory courses in the earth sciences. GEOL 120 (Earth's Environments) has no prerequisite, provides an overview of the whole of earth science that includes field trips to local sites, and is a good first course for students who see geology as a potential major. This course, offered in both the spring and fall semesters, is also suitable for students who are interested in related fields such as environmental studies, oceanography, and evolutionary biology and are seeking hands-on experience with maps and earth materials. The department also offers a variety of topical introductory courses with no prerequisites intended for non-specialists and non-scientists. In 2005-2006, these are scheduled to include GEOL 111 (Glaciology, Ice Ages, and Climate Change), GEOL/ASTR 117 (Meteorite Impacts in Space and Time), and GEOL 128 (Headlines from the History of Life). These courses require no training in science or mathematics beyond the high-school level.

A substantial number of non-majors also enroll in upper-level geology courses. Students can enroll in any of the 200-level classes after taking GEOL 120 (whether entitled Introduction to Earth Science or Earth's Environments). In order to enroll in 300-level geology courses, students must complete at least one 200-level course. Students can progress from any of the 200-level courses into any of the 300-level courses with the exception of GEOL 361 (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology) which has the specific prerequisite of GEOL 201 (Mineralogy).

Major. The requirements for a geology major are:

1. GEOL 120 which should be taken in a student's first or second year.

2. Five upper-level geology courses as follows:

a. Mineralogy (GEOL 201);

b. Evolution of the Earth (GEOL 204);

c. EITHER Earth Surface Processes (GEOL 212) OR Groundwater Hydrogeology (GEOL 242);

d. EITHER Paleontology (GEOL 320) OR Sedimentary Geology (GEOL 330).

e. One of the following courses: Structural Geology (GEOL 340) or
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (GEOL 361).

3. Any two elective geology courses selected from the following list (N.B. - students cannot count both GEOL 161 and GEOL 190 toward the geology major):
a. Marine Science (GEOL 161);

b. Modern Mapping and Analysis (GEOL 190);

c. one or two 3- or 4-credit hour 200- or 300-level geology course(s) not already taken.

4. The following additional courses in cognate Natural Sciences and Mathematics:

a. introductory Chemistry, either CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 or the equivalent (e.g. CHEM 103), and

b. eight additional hours at the introductory and/or advanced level(s) selected from courses that count toward the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and/or Physics majors, and/or PHYS 103 and 104.

Prospective geology majors should discuss their major program with a member of the Geology Department as early as possible in order to identify the courses that best serve their needs. Advanced electives (400-level courses) and independent research in geology are also available, but such courses neither are required nor count toward the Geology major. After taking an introductory laboratory course, a student can complete a Geology major in four semesters, although a less compact schedule is preferable.

Students pursuing a professional career in earth science usually take more than the minimum number of courses required for the Geology major. In particular, most Geology graduate programs require at least two semesters of college-level mathematics, many graduate programs require introductory Physics, and employers find computer skills attractive. We also urge majors to take a summer course in field geology. Students with interests in environmental policy and/or resource development who are considering geology as part of a pre-law program should consult with both the Geology department chair and with a member of the Pre-law Advisory Committee.

Minor. Students may obtain a minor in Geology by completing at least 15 hours of coursework that includes an introductory laboratory course (GEOL 120, GEOL 160 or GEOL 162) and a minimum of three courses at the 200 and 300 levels. Students interested in minoring should consult with the Chair of Geology as departmental approval is required to minor in geology.

Honors. Outstanding students may participate in the Honors Program in Geology. Honors students carry out a program of independent geological research under the supervision of an individual faculty member during their senior year. Any student interested in doing Honors research should discuss this with a member of the department in her or his junior year. In order to be accepted into the Honors Program, a student must submit a written proposal to the department. Other guidelines for the Honors Program are set forth elsewhere in this catalog. The Geology Department also offers other avenues for independent research in addition to Honors.

Related Programs. The Department of Geology encourages students who are interested in fields not covered in depth in Oberlin courses to attend off-campus programs. We especially recommend participation in programs where students get the opportunity to study different types of geological processes in the field. Many excellent institutions offer semester and summer programs in geology; a list is available in the department office or in the Office of the Dean of Studies. Integrating a semester of off-campus study into a Geology major requires advanced planning, so students considering this possibility should consult with a department member as early as possible.

Transfer of Credit. The department grants major credit for students who do off-campus coursework that is comparable to Oberlin's offerings, but students must consult with and receive prior approval from the Geology Chair in order to guarantee earning credit. The department generally does NOT approve work done as part of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) programs for geology credit.

111. Glaciology, Ice Ages, and Climate Change
3 hours, 3NS, QPh
Second Semester.
Changing climate causes glaciers to grow or shrink. Advancing ice sculpts Earth's surface, whereas retreating ice deposits rock debris. Moreover, the ice in glaciers contains a detailed record of climate changes. This course uses glacier dynamics and glacial geology to examine the factors that control climate change, to determine how climate changed in the past, and to analyze natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. To earn quantitative proficiency, students must complete six problems sets. Enrollment Limit: 60.
Mr. Wojtal

115. Coral Reefs: Biology, Geology and Politics
3 hours, 3NS
Next offered in 2006-2007.

117. Meteorite Impacts in Space and Time
1 hour, 1NS
Second Semester. Second Module.
This course examines where and why impacts take place and what happens when they do. Enormous amounts of energy are released when meteorites, asteroids, comets, and planets collide at "cosmic velocities." Serious collisions create impact craters, which occur in abundance throughout the solar system. Topics will include: Did an asteroid kill all the dinosaurs? Do meteorites from Mars contain evidence of extraterrestrial life? Could a large impact end human civilization? Identical to ASTR 117. Enrollment Limit: 50.
Mr. Simonson

128. Headlines from the History of Life
1 hour, 1NS
Second Semester. First Module.
The history of life is punctuated by major changes and governed by diverse processes, and these are reflected in the fossil record. Topics include: the life and demise of the dinosaurs, evolutionary patterns in the fossil record, causes and consequences of mass extinction, and the evolution of mammals, including humans. Did dinosaurs have feathers? How do major adaptations such as flight evolve? Why do human beings have big brains? Enrollment Limit: 150.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard

FYSP 169. Coasts in Crisis
4 hours, 4NS, WRi
Next offered in 2006-2007.

199. Independent Study in Geology
1-2 hours, 1-2NS
First and Second Semester.
An opportunity for interested students to pursue a geological interest not covered by formal courses. Students must consult with a member of the department before registering. Consent of instructor required. Sponsored by Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Wojtal, and Staff.

120. Earth's Environments
4 hours, 4NS
First and Second Semester.
A survey of internal and surficial features of the Earth emphasizing the unifying theory of plate tectonics and the study of geologic hazards and Earth resources. Earth materials and processes are studied firsthand in lab and on local field trips. This course is intended for both non-majors and prospective geology majors. Students must enroll in lecture section plus one lab section in the same semester. No prerequisites, but high-school chemistry recommended. Note: May not be taken for credit in addition to either GEOL 160 or GEOL 162. Enrollment Limit: 48.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, Mr. Wojtal, Staff

161. Marine Science
3 hours, 3NS
First Semester.
An investigation of geological, physical, chemical and biological processes operating in the oceans and ocean basins, emphasizing interactions among them. We examine marine geology, plate tectonics, ocean circulation, sea water chemistry, waves, tides and coastal processes in the modern oceans. We also explore the geologic history of ocean basins. The final third of the course covers marine life, including plankton, coral reefs, deep sea life, and marine mammals, and explores human interactions with the oceans. Enrollment Limit: 60.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Wojtal

188. Modern Field Techniques
2 hours, 2NS
Second Semester. Second Module.
This course will examine techniques for measuring and representing Earth's surface and consider how those techniques can be applied to practical problems in earth and environmental sciences. Students will learn elementary cartography, the theory behind both traditional surveying and mapping techniques, and the theory behind modern surveying techniques that utilize laser telemetry and global positioning systems (GPS). Students will, in exercises, make maps using both traditional and modern surveying techniques and GPS. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Mr. Wojtal

201. Mineralogy and Optical Crystallography
4 hours, 4NS, QPf
First Semester.
Lectures cover the principles of crystallography, crystal chemistry and crystal physics, the composition and structure of rock forming minerals, and the mode of occurrence and associations of minerals. Laboratories include identification of minerals in hand specimens, theory and use of the petrographic microscope for the identification of minerals, and theory and use of x-ray diffraction for the identification of minerals. Prerequisites: GEOL 120, 160 or 162 and CHEM 101 or CHEM 103, or consent of instructor.
Staff

204. Evolution of the Earth
4 hours, 4NS
First Semester.
This course examines major events and processes of Earth history, including the growth of continents, mountain belts and ocean basins, terrane accretion, sea level changes, and climatic changes in the context of plate tectonics. We also explore the evolution of life as an integral part of the history of Earth. Lectures and labs emphasize principles and techniques used to reconstruct Earth history. Two field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 120, 160 or 162, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 28.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard

212. Earth Surface Processes
4 hours, 4NS
Next offered in 2006-2007.

242. Groundwater Hydrogeology
4 hours, 4NS
Second Semester.
An introduction to groundwater movement and quality emphasizing its use and abuse by humans. Topics covered include: predicting groundwater flow patterns, interactions with surface water, well drilling and pumping, groundwater contamination and remediation, and groundwater regions of the United States. Lab activities include a pump test on water wells at the Jones farm and a weekend field trip to Niagara Falls. Prerequisites: Knowledge of algebra, basic chemistry and GEOL 120, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24.
Mr. Simonson

250. Beaches and Coasts
4 hours, 4NS
Next offered in 2006-2007.

320. Paleontology
4 hours, 4NS
Second Semester.
A comprehensive examination of the history of life, presented within the context of evolutionary theory and with an emphasis on invertebrate organisms. Topics include evolutionary patterns and process, taphonomy, functional morphology, paleoecology, biostratigraphy, biogeography, and extinction. Laboratory exercises explore the morphology and systematics of the major invertebrate fossil groups and the use of paleontological data in solving paleoecologic and geologic problems. Weekend field trip and term paper required. Prerequisite: Any 200-level geology course or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 28.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard

330. Sedimentary Geology
4 hours, 4NS
First Semester.
A survey of the sedimentary deposits that provide most of the energy, water, and mineral resources used by humans. Topics covered include patterns of sediment accumulation in modern environments from desert dunes to the deep seafloor and how loose dirt becomes rock solid. Sedimentary materials are studied firsthand in hand samples, with microscopes, and via a series of local field trips plus a weekend trip to the Appalachians. Prerequisite: Any 200-level geology course or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Mr. Simonson

340. Structural Geology
4 hours, 4NS, QPf
First Semester.
The measurable deformation that occurs within Earth's crust produces a variety of rock structures. Lectures examine rock structures, analyze the factors that control how rocks deform, discuss the role of rock deformation in tectonics, and discuss interpretations of the deformation patterns in the context of plate tectonics. Labs and problem sets emphasize techniques for observing, analyzing, and interpreting map patterns, outcrops, hand samples, and thin sections of deformed rocks. Prerequisite: Any 200-level geology course or consent of instructor.
Mr. Wojtal

361. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
4 hours, 4NS
Second Semester.
This course will emphasize the concepts and methods of igneous and metamorphic petrology, including the use of the petrographic microscope for the determination of minerals and the interpretation of rock textures. Topics to be covered include: interpretation of phase diagrams; classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks; origins and differentiation of magmas; rock associations in the geotectonic cycle, especially the spatial and temporal development of igneous and metamorphic terrains. Prerequisite: GEOL 201.
Staff

440. Advanced Structural Geology
3 hours, 3NS
Second Semester.
An analysis of the development of geologic structures using recent advances in theoretical and experimental rock mechanics. Topics will be chosen by class preference, but might include: material properties and analysis of deformation mechanisms, finite strain analysis, mechanics of rock deformation, or mechanics of plate movement. Prerequisite: GEOL 340.
Mr. Wojtal

501. Research in Geology
2-3 hours, 2-3NS
First and Second Semester.
Independent or faculty-sponsored research. Students should select a topic and make other necessary arrangements in consultation with an individual faculty member. Consent of instructor required. Sponsored by Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, Mr. Wojtal, and Staff.

503. Honors
2-5 hours, 2-5NS
First and Second Semester.
Consent of instructor required. Sponsored by Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, Mr. Wojtal, and Staff.

995. Private Reading
1-3 hours, 1-3NS
First and Second Semester.
Consent of instructor required. Sponsored by Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, Mr. Wojtal, and Staff.