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Geology
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 broader 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 sciences
such as AP biology, calculus, chemistry, or physics toward
a geology major. Students seeking advanced placement for
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 (Introduction to Earth Science)
has no prerequisite, provides an overview of the whole of
earth science which 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 2002-2003, these are scheduled to include GEOL 111 (Glaciology,
Ice Ages, and Climate Change), GEOL 115 (Coral Reefs: Biology,
Geology and Politics), GEOL 117 (Meteorite Impacts in Space
and Time), GEOL 119 (Volcanoes and Earthquakes), and GEOL
161 (Marine Sciences). 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 (Introduction to Earth Science), or
if they have already taken either GEOL 160 (Physical Geology)
or GEOL 162 (Environmental Geology). In order to enroll
in 300-level geology courses, students must complete at
least one of the 200-level courses. 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 or as follows:
1. One introductory
lab course in geology; this can be either GEOL 120, GEOL
160, or GEOL 162 and should be taken in a student's first
or second year.
2. Five of
the 200 to 300 level geology courses as follows:
Mineralogy (GEOL 201)
Evolution of the Earth (GEOL 204)
EITHER Earth Surface Processes (GEOL 212) OR Groundwater
Hydrogeology (GEOL 242)
EITHER Paleontology (GEOL 320) OR Sedimentary Geology (GEOL
330)
EITHER Structural Geology (GEOL 340) OR Igneous and Metamorphic
Petrology (GEOL 361)
3. Two elective
geology courses as follows:
ANY 200- to 300-level course(s) whether or not they are
listed above
EITHER Marine Science (GEOL 161) OR Modern mapping and Analysis
(GEOL 190)
4. Several
additional courses in cognate Natural Sciences and Mathematics
as follows: introductory Chemistry, either CHEM 101 and
CHEM 102 or the equivalent (e.g. CHEM 103), plus 8 additional
hours at the introductory and/or advanced level(s) selected
from courses that count towards one or more of the following
majors: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics,
and/or Physics
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
are neither required for nor count towards 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 course work that includes an introductory
lab 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 the
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 Student Academic
Affairs. 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 course work 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 NOLS programs for geology credit.
Winter
Term.
The Department offers one group project each Winter Term
centered on an extended geologic field trip. In recent years
faculty and students have traveled to the Virgin Islands,
southern California, and New Mexico. Although most participants
in these projects are geology majors, non-majors also participate
on a space-available basis. The Geology faculty who are
available to sponsor individual Winter Term projects in
2003 and their primary areas of expertise are as follows:
Mr.
Castro:
igneous petrology and volcanology; structural geology; rheology.
Mr. Hubbard:
environmental science ; geomorphology and surface processes;
clastic and carbonate sedimentology; marine geology; physical
oceanography; mapping and field methods. Mr.
Simonson:
sedimentary and Precambrian geology; hydrogeology; environmental
science; meteorite impacts; geology in Australia, Canada,
Latin America, and South Africa.
Mr. Wojtal:
structural geology and tectonics; continuum mechanics; computer
applications in earth sciences; geophysics; and meteorology
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Courses
of General Interest (for non-majors)
111. Glaciology,
Ice Ages, and Climate Change 3 hours
3NS,
QPh
First Semester.
Glaciers respond to climate changes by growing or shrinking.
The resulting advances and retreats of ice sculpt the earth's
surface and deposit rock debris. Moreover, the ice in glaciers
contains a detailed record of climate changes. This course
uses glacier dynamics and glacial geology as a point of entry
to examine the factors that control climate change, to determine
how climate changed in the past, and to predict how climate
may respond to natural and anthropogenic changes in the global
environment. To earn quantitative proficiency, students must
complete six short problems sets. Enrollment Limit:
50.
115. Coral
Reefs: Biology, Geology and Politics 3 hours
3NS
First Semester.
The course provides a broad overview of both modern and fossil
reefs. It starts with modern coral reefs, focusing on how
they form, how they function as part of a larger system and
what controls their present distribution. The early emphasis
is more biological in nature. It examines processes on spatial
scales of millimeters to hundreds of kilometers - over timeframes
ranging from minutes to lifetimes. The second part shifts
to viewing reefs over a longer temporal scale (i.e., millions
to hundreds of millions of years), using modern models to
understand how ancient reefs formed and changed naturally
through geological time. Finally, we will examine recent changes
in modern reefs, using the backdrop of natural processes to
understand how growing human population and increased exploitation
of natural resources have changed the environment in which
today's coral reefs struggle to survive. To a limited extent,
we will discuss where science fits into societal perceptions
and the policy-making apparatus. However, the larger goal
is to begin to understand the most diverse marine system on
the planet, how we depend on it, how we are impacting it and
what we might do to become better global citizens. Enrollment
Limit:
50.
117. Meteorite
Impacts in Space and Time 1 hour
1NS
Second Semester.
First Module. This course is an exploration of where and why
impacts take place and what happens in the aftermath. As Comet
Shoemaker-Levy 9 demonstrated when it plowed into Jupiter
in 1994, enormous amounts of energy are released when meteorites,
asteroids, comets, and planets collide. Such collisions are
commonplace on a geological time scale; impact craters are
ubiquitous throughout the solar system. Questions addressed
will include: Did a giant rock from space kill off the dinosaurs?
Was the moon created when a Mars-size body struck the Earth?
Do meteorites from Mars contain evidence of extraterrestrial
life? Could a large impact end human civilization? Identical
to ASTR 117. Enrollment Limit:
60.
119. Volcanoes
and Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest 3 hours
3NS
First Semester.
The Pacific Northwest lies in an area of active tectonics.
It is located at the boundary of two plates, the North American
plate and the Juan de Fuca plate. This plate boundary, or
subduction zone, is responsible for creation of the Cascade
volcanoes and, indirectly, for earthquakes such as the 1993
Woodburn and Klamath Falls, OR, events. In this class we will
learn why the movement of tectonic plates gives rise to particular
types of earthquakes and volcanoes. We'll study the processes
that lead to the rock failure that generates earthquakes,
and to the upward migration of magma that forms volcanoes.
We'll read about historic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,
and learn to apply observations on past events to develop
models for future activity. And finally, I hope that through
this process you'll discover something about how science is
done, and how scientific knowledge can help you to better
appreciate the world around you. Enrollment Limit:
50.
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 Mr. Castro, Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard,
Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal.
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Introductory
Courses (for Nonmajors and Prospective Majors)
120. Introduction
to Earth Science 4 hours
4NS
First and
Second Semester. A survey of the internal and external features
of the solid earth and the processes that created them,
emphasizing the unifying theory of plate tectonics and their
relationship to current environmental problems such as the
formation and utilization of Earth's natural resources,
waste management and pollution. Labs are devoted to studying
earth materials, landforms, and interactions between humans
and the earth's surface. Local trips during lab time provide
the opportunity to observe these features in the field.
This course is intended for both non-majors and prospective
geology majors. All students must enroll in the lecture
section plus one lab section in the same semester. No prerequisites,
but high-school chemistry recommended. Note: This
course may not be taken for credit in addition to either
GEOL 160 or GEOL 162. Enrollment Limit: 48 per semester,
24 per lab section.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard,
Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Mr. Castro
161. Marine
Science 3 hours
3NS
Second Semester.
An investigation of the geological, physical, chemical and
biological processes operating in the oceans and ocean basins,
emphasizing the interactions among them. We examine marine
geology, plate tectonics, ocean bathymetry and circulation,
sea water chemistry, waves, tides and coastal processes
in the modern oceans. We also explore the geologic history
of the 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 world's oceans. Enrollment Limit:
60.
Ms. Parsons-Hubbard,
Mr. Wojtal
190. Modern
Geologic/Geographic Mapping and Analysis 4 hours
4NS
Second Semester.
This course will examine techniques for mapping and analyzing
Earth's surface. We will begin by considering traditional
mapping and surveying techniques and then examine how technological
advances like global positioning systems (GPS) and laser
telemetry enhance map making. In laboratories during this
part of the course, students will learn how to generate
maps using traditional and recent surveying techniques.
We will also consider methods for analyzing Earth's surface,
focusing on geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool
for geographic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOL 120,
160, or 162, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit:
15.
Ms. Moore,
Mr. Wojtal
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Intermediate
and Advanced Courses
201. Mineralogy
and Optical Crystallography 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
First Semester.
Lectures cover the basic 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 specimen, 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.
204. Evolution
of the Earth 4 hours
4NS
First
Semester. This course examines the major events and processes
of earth history, such as the growth of continents, mountain
belts and ocean basins, accretion of terranes, sea level
changes, and climatic changes in the context of plate tectonics.
We explore the evolution of life in the perspective of the
dramatic paleogeographic and paleoclimatologic changes that
have taken place on the earth through its history. 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.
212. Earth
Surface Processes 4 hours
4NS
First
Semester. In this course we will examine the evolution of
Earth's surface, with a focus on the geomorphic processes
that shape the landscape we see today. We will discuss the
tectonic, erosional and climatic forces that give rise to
mountains, deserts, river valleys, and coastlines as well
as the surficial processes that continue to shape these
landscapes including weathering, dissolution, wind, mass
wasting, glaciers and shoreline processes. Lectures, laboratories
and field trips will emphasize an integration of the descriptive,
quantitative and interpretive aspects of geomorphology.
Prerequisite: GEOL 120, 160, or 162 or consent of
the instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24.
242. Groundwater
Hydrogeology 4 hours
4NS
Second
Semester. An introduction to the principles controlling
the flow of groundwater and both its quantity and quality.
Topics covered will include groundwater flow dynamics, related
aspects of surface water hydrology, well drilling and hydraulics,
contaminant transport and remediation, and how groundwater
varies from region to region throughout the United States.
Student activities will include problem sets, field tests
conducted on nearby water wells, and a weekend field trip
to Niagara Falls. Prerequisites: Knowledge of algebra
and either GEOL 120, 160, or 162, or consent of instructor.
Intro CHEM course recommended. Enrollment Limit: 24.
250. Beaches
and Coasts 4 hours
4NS
Second
Semester. Today's coastlines provide a dramatic physical
and biotic transition from land to sea. Their ancient counterparts
provide a rich record of past environments and changes in
local and global processes. This course offers a broad overview
of coastal dynamics and the various depositional systems
that result. It starts with a discussion of modern ocean/lake
processes, sediment transport, and coastal deposition. We
will then use the models developed from present-day beaches
and nearshore deposits to understand ancient coastal systems
preserved in the rock record. Finally, we will examine the
growing pressure placed on today's coastline by growing
population and human exploitation. Lectures are complemented
by lab exercises and field trips to modern coastal areas
and classic fossil localities in Ohio, Kentucky and West
Virginia. Prerequisite: GEOL 120, 160, or 162.
Enrollment Limit: 20.
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 taphonomy, phylogenetic
inference, functional morphology, paleoecology, biostratigraphy,
biogeography, evolutionary patterns and processes, and extinction.
Laboratory exercises will explore the morphology and systematics
of the major invertebrate fossil groups, the use of paleontological
data in solving paleoecologic and geologic problems, and
will emphasize discussion of scientific literature. Weekend
field trip and term paper required. Prerequisite:
Any 200-level geology course or consent of instructor. Enrollment
Limit:
28.
330. Sedimentary
Geology 4 hours
4NS
First Semester.
Sedimentary deposits provide vast quantities of the energy,
water, and mineral resources required by modern human societies.
We will study the processes of sediment formation in modern
environments ranging from desert dunes to the deep sea,
as well as how loose sediments are converted to solid rocks.
Emphasis will be placed on how prehistoric environmental
conditions can be deduced from sedimentary strata. Labs
focus on the study of sedimentary materials and include
a series of field trips to local sites and a weekend field
trip to the Appalachians. Prerequisite: Any 200-level
geology course or consent of instructor. Enrollment
Limit: 24.
340. Structural
Geology 4 hours
4NS,
QPf
First Semester.
The measurable deformation that occurs within the earth's
crust produces a variety of rock structures. Lectures examine
rock structures, analyze the factors that control how rocks
deform, and discuss the global setting and importance of
rock deformation. Labs emphasize the observation and interpretation
of hand samples of rock structures and map patterns of deformed
rocks. Prerequisite: Any 200-level geology course
or consent of instructor.
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.
Mr. Castro
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Independent
Work
426. Research
Colloquium 1 hour
1NS
Students
and faculty will meet most weeks to hear and discuss presentations
by faculty, students, and invited speakers. This course
may be repeated for credit in successive semesters. Prerequisite:
one 200-level course in Geology. Grade option: CR/NE.
Mr. Simonson
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.
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 Mr. Castro, Mr. Hubbard,
Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal.
503. Honors 2-5
hours
2-5NS
First and Second
Semester. Consent of instructor required. Sponsored
by Mr. Castro, Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard,
Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal.
995. Private
Reading 1-3 hours
1-3NS
First and
Second Semester. Consent of instructor required. Sponsored
by Mr. Castro, Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard,
Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal
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