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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 (Earth's Environments) 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 2003-2004, these are scheduled to include GEOL 115 (Coral Reefs: Biology, Geology and Politics), GEOL 128 (Headlines in the History of Life), 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 (whether entitled Introduction to Earth Science or Earth's Environments), 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 are: 1. One introductory laboratory 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. The following five 200- to 300-level geology courses: 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 selected from: (i) any 200- or 300-level geology course not already taken; (ii) in addition EITHER Marine Science (GEOL 161), OR Modern Mapping and Analysis (GEOL 190) may be counted as an elective. 4. The following additional courses in cognate Natural Sciences and Mathematics: (i) introductory Chemistry, either CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 or the equivalent (e.g. CHEM 103), and (ii) eight additional hours at the introductory and/or advanced level(s) selected from courses that count toward 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 neither are required 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 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 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 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 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 National Outdoor Leadership School (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, New Mexico, and Japan. Although most participants in these projects are geology majors, non-majors also participate on a space-available basis. The Geology faculty who are tentatively available to sponsor individual Winter Term projects in 2004 and their primary areas of expertise are as follows: Mr. Hubbard: environmental science; geomorphology and surface processes; clastic and carbonate sedimentology; marine geology; physical oceanography; mapping and field methods. Ms. Hubbard: paleontology, evolution, modern and ancient marine ecosystems, and environmental science. Ms. Moore: coastal processes and geology; geomorphology; geologic and environmental applications of geographic information systems 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.
111. Glaciology, Ice Ages, and Climate Change 3 hours 3NS, QPh Next offered in 2004-2005. 115. Coral Reefs: Biology, Geology and Politics 3 hours 3NS First Semester. The course provides an overview of modern and fossil reefs. The development of modern coral reefs over timeframes of minutes to lifetimes is compared to a geologic view of reefs developed millions to hundreds of millions of years ago. We also examine recent changes in modern reefs, using the backdrop of natural processes to understand how increased exploitation of natural resources has changed the environment in which today's coral reefs struggle to survive. Enrollment Limit: 25 per section. Mr. Hubbard 117. Meteorite Impacts in Space and Time 1 hour 1NS Next offered in 2004-2005. 119. Volcanoes and Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest 3 hours 3NS Next offered in 2004-2005. 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 origin of life, the life history of dinosaurs and their extinction, and the evolution of mammals, including humans. Did asteroids wipe out the dinosaurs? How do major adaptations such as flight evolve? What conditions allowed for life to evolve on earth in the first place? Enrollment Limit: 80. Ms. Parsons-Hubbard FYSP 169. Coasts in Crisis 3 hours 3NS, WRi First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Enrollment Limit: 14. Ms. Moore 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. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal.
120. Earth's Environments 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. Simonson 161. Marine Science 3 hours 3NS First 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
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 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. Mr. Wojtal 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. Ms. Parsons-Hubbard 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, river valleys, deserts, high latitude terrain and coastlines as well as the surficial processes that continue to shape these landscapes including weathering, dissolution, wind, mass wasting, glaciers and waves. Lectures, laboratories and field trips will emphasize an integration of the descriptive, quantitative and interpretive aspects of geomorphology. Prerequisite: GEOL 120, 160 or162 or consent of the instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24. Ms. Moore 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: 26. Mr. Simonson 250. Beaches and Coasts 4 hours 4NS Second Semester. Today's coastlines represent 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. We start with modern depositional systems and use these to understand their ancient counterparts. We also discuss growing environmental pressures on today's coastlines. Lectures are complemented by lab exercises and field trips to modern coastal areas and classic ancient deposits. Prerequisite: GEOL 120, 160, or 162. Enrollment Limit: 20. Mr. Hubbard 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 individual research project required. Prerequisite: Any 200-level geology course or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 20. Ms. Parsons-Hubbard 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: 12. Mr. Simonson 340. Structural Geology 4 hours 4NS, QPf Second 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. Mr. Wojtal 361. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 4 hours 4NS Next offered in 2004-2005.
440. Advanced Structural Geology 3 hours 3NS First 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 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. 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. Hubbard, Ms. Moore, Ms. Parsons-Hubbard, Mr. Simonson, and Mr. Wojtal |
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