Geology (GEOL)

A study of geological processes causing global change and their impact on human thought. The relationship between some geological processes and life on the Earth is also considered. Not available for major or minor credit in geology. May be used for general education credit.

A systematic study of earth materials and the internal and external processes that affect earth structure and landforms. Topics include the genesis/properties of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and the agents of change that drive surface processes and land form development. The laboratory and lecture portions of GEOL 110 must be taken concurrently. May be used for general education credit.

This laboratory course is designed to complement and supplement the GEOL 110 course. The laboratory and lecture portions must be taken concurrently. May be used for general education credit.

This course explores cycles, trends and abrupt events in the Earth system. Analyses of the geologic record and global climate models provide perspective for understanding paleoclimate and future climate changes, including global warming. Current hypotheses for causes of climate change are evaluated, including plate tectonics, orbital cyclicity, variations in the sun's strength and human activities. The two reoccurring questions of this class are: What are Earth's climate stories? How do we know? May be used for general education credit.

In this course students will explore interactions between Earth's climate and humans through the framework of Earth systems science. Students will work with data and models to learn about the components of the climate system, climate change in the past and projections for climate in the future. In addition, students will examine the important roles that the cycling of carbon, water and energy have in the Earth's climate system. May be used for general education credit.

As an introductory experience in the Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science, students will be inculcated in the philosophy of geosciences as an interdisciplinary medium for extending classical science viewpoints to complex earth systems. Students will study the geosciences as distinct among sciences, establishing relevance and value of earth science literacy in professional and personal settings.

A problem-based study of earth materials and the processes that affect earth structure and landforms. Topics include plate tectonics, the genesis/properties of rocks and minerals, and agents of change that drive surface processes and landform development. Quantitative problem-solving skills will be applied to case studies that address 3D visualization and time-based processes, such as earth materials, solid earth and surface processes, natural hazards and engineering applications. May be used for general education credit.

An introduction to the oceanography of coastal environs including barrier islands, estuaries and tidal marshes. The physical, geological and biochemical characteristics of coastal waters will be discussed in the context of the economic and social pressures brought to bear on these areas by an increasing global population. Cannot receive credit for both GEOL 211 and GEOL 401. May be used for general education credit.

An introduction to the evidence, methods and assumptions used by scientists to unravel the Earth's origin and history. Emphasis on rock analysis/interpretation, modern and ancient processes of mountain building, origin and evolution of life and the history of the North American continent.

A comprehensive study of minerals, including crystallography, mineral chemistry, x-ray diffraction, mineral optics with thin section recognition using petrographic microscope and hand specimen identification of both silicate and non-silicate minerals.

This course prepares students for independent research by providing them the fundamental skills in literature searches, writing, critical reading and communication in the geosciences. Must take prior to senior year.

Igneous and metamorphic processes are explained using crystallization theory, phase diagrams, thermodynamics and geochemistry. The laboratory study of rocks, their chemical and mineralogical signatures, and their geologic origins will be explored.

Earth science content is blended with a systems approach to provide pre-service teachers with an understanding of how the Earth works, as well as strategies for teaching it. Major content themes include reconstructing the geologic history of the mid-Atlantic, exploring the interaction of living things and the environment, and predicting how matter and energy circulate in the earth system.

This is a course about sedimentary rocks in hand sample and thin section. With the polarizing microscope, students will study thin sections of outcrop and core samples. They will identify common minerals, textures and fabrics. They will identify the four components of all sedimentary rocks (framework grains, cements, matrix, pore types) and will make qualitative and quantitative measurements at a fundamentally different scale than is possible with just a field study of sedimentary rocks.

This course surveys currently developing ideas in planetology including origin of the planets, meteorites and planetary interiors. Also included are geologic processes and land forms on the moon and terrestrial planets, their modification under various planetary environments, and analogies to familiar earth land forms. Includes laboratory.

Focuses on a selected environmental realm. The course will examine the interface between human activities and environmental systems. It will address the impacts of social, economic and political activities on the environment. A-Atmosphere (air pollution); B-Biosphere (vegetation/wildlife); C-Hydrosphere (water); D-Lithosphere (geologic hazards/land issues).

This course will focus on specific environmental problems that arise from mineral resources exploitation or utilization either (or both) in generating the problem or restoring it. Emphasis will be given to mineral characterization and use, environmental aspects of mine extraction, weathering reactions on buildings, artifacts, and monuments that constitute collective cultural heritage. The relationship between minerals and human health will be studied as a special case where the environment includes the human body itself. Ethical implications on mineral extraction will be considered from the point of view of environmental protection. Examples will be provided of analytical, experimental approaches applied to characterize mineral resources.

A survey of the science of weather including weather forecasting, weather maps and related atmospheric processes. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspects of meteorology and the interrelationships of atmospheric phenomena with land masses and the world ocean.

This course is a study of the origin and distribution of sedimentary rocks within a tectonic and climatic framework. Laboratory and field exercises explore sedimentation, sedimentary petrology, facies analysis, weathering and stratigraphy with the goal of discerning Earth's records of past environments and climates.

The evolution and ecological structure of the biosphere from the origin of life to the present, emphasizing the evolution and paleobiology of animal life as shown by the fossil record. Lectures discuss methods used to interpret the fossil record and cover topics such as phylogeny and systematics, functional morphology, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, evolution and extinction. Laboratories focus on the major groups of invertebrates that are common in the geologic record.

Study of chemical theory and reactions important in natural water systems. The role of atmospheric, geologic and biological inputs in determining the geochemistry of streams, rivers and oceans.

This course is designed to help students master practical geospatial skills helpful for an entry-level job or graduate school in the geosciences.

This course examines deformation-related structures within Earth's crust, and the mechanical principles involved in their formation. Students explore the feedback(s) between tectonics, structural geology and climate. This course includes a lecture and a laboratory component, with two to three field trips throughout the semester.

This course addresses the natural relationship between minerals and the rocks they make up. Using the concept of mineralizing environments, illustrated by classic examples, students will investigate minerals through the processes of mineral genesis and associated rock types. This approach provides insight and predictive value for natural conditions in which specific minerals and rocks occur. Not acceptable for B.S. in geology.

The interrelationships among climate, landscapes, soils and bedrock geology are examined using the mid-Atlantic region as a conceptual laboratory. Course instruction includes lecture, laboratory and field trip meetings. The processes of rock weathering and erosion and soil formation are reinvestigated. Topographic maps and aerial photography are examined for landforms and landscape evolution.

A study of mineral genesis. Emphasis is directed toward mineralogical environments, mineral associations and the geology/mineralogy of classical localities. An appreciation of mineral value and aesthetics is incorporated throughout the course.

Examination of how stratigraphic, structural and tectonic principles control the character and distribution of rocks. Study of principles, regional patterns in sedimentary rocks and stresses that deform rocks are explored in laboratory and field exercises. Topics and techniques are discussed within the framework of the 1.2 billion-year geologic history of the VA region and its connection with tectonic processes throughout the rest of the world.

Advanced concepts in structural geology (analyses of rheology, stress & strain, deformation fabrics, and chronologic constraints) applied to the tectonic evolution of orogens and basins. This will include exploration of the mechanisms controlling the stratigraphic record (auto- and allogenic mechanisms and sequence theory) of basins, as well as methods of dating the stratigraphic record (biofacies and biostratigraphy, geochronology and chronostratigraphy, and magneto and chemostratigraphy).

An elective course for science majors. A study of the basic theories and techniques of laboratory methods and instrumentation. Implementation and application of techniques to geological problems.

Topics in geology at the advanced level. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Topics selected may determine prerequisites. Students should consult the instructor prior to enrolling in the course.

Field Geology is the capstone course for geology majors. Students learn to recognize and interpret a wide variety of rocks and structures, as well as geomorphic, hydrologic, and other geologic features. Methods of mapmaking, data recording, and report preparation are emphasized. Projects from one to five days' duration are conducted in regions where igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, surficial deposits, and karst features are well-exposed.

This course explores the geology and ecology of the shallow-water marine environment by examining the preeminent modern example, the Bahamas platform. The Bahamas provide an excellent model for understanding modern and ancient carbonate and reef deposits and a variety of terrestrial/aquatic habitats. Biological processes are responsible for many of the geological features of the Bahamas, so the course considers the biology/ecology of marine organisms in addition to geological topics.

A comprehensive study of the world's oceans and the interrelationships among physical, chemical, biological and geological oceanography for pre- and in-service teachers. Special emphases on Virginia coastal oceanography, the National Ocean Literacy Principles and the integration of pedagogy applicable to K-12 instruction. Includes a field trip to the Virginia coast. Credit may not be earned in both GEOL 211 and GEOL 401.

A study of the origin and evolution of the vertebrates. Emphasis will be on understanding how the processes of Earth evolution and biological evolution have interacted through time to produce a coherent picture of vertebrate history.

Investigate the methodologies and data used to reconstruct Earth's climate history. Emphasis will be placed on the marine sediment records of the Cenozoic through detailed lecture, lab activities and course-based original research. Case studies include the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum, the glaciation of Antarctica, Milankovitch cyclicity and Northern Hemisphere glaciation.

Study of the applications of geology to engineering practice. Topics include soil mechanics, foundations, engineering classification of soils, slope stability and mineral aggregates.

The origin, distribution, and chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil are introduced. Processes responsible for soil properties are emphasized. Field trips highlight the stainability of soils, their distribution across the Shenandoah Valley and their role in biogeochemical cycles.

This course provides a survey of geophysical methods, with joint attention on near-surface and solid earth applications. Topics include seismology, heat flow, gravity, magnetism, electrical methods, ground penetrating radar and geophysical aspects of plate tectonics. Labs focus on practical experience with data acquisition, reduction and interpretation and are a combination of field, classroom and computational activities.

This course focuses on collection of geophysical data in the field and interpretation, analysis and technical reporting afterward. Case studies discussed include applications to geology, archaeology and engineering. Students will get hands-on experience with geophysical equipment and an understanding of how and where these tools can be applied. Topics include ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, magnetism, seismic refraction and location (GPS and/or total station) data.

Basic concepts of subsurface water as a part of the hydrologic cycle. Topics include storativity and permeability in porous media, principles of flow, computer applications, groundwater exploration, and mapping and environmental aspects of groundwater.

As a capstone experience, this course serves as an opportunity for students to view issues of the Earth system from an Earth-based perspective. Building on previous course work in the major (physical geology, meteorology, oceanography, etc.), students will investigate such issues as global warming, population and sustainable development and environmental ethics. Particular emphasis is placed upon the Earth's perspective from a historical viewpoint.

An introduction to the mathematical methods and statistical techniques that are employed by scientists in the disciplines of geochemistry, geophysics, hydrology and the petroleum/mineral industry. The course provides the quantitative skills necessary to manipulate geological data.

Provides advanced instruction in literature research to meet the BA Earth Science and BS Geology research requirements. Activities include the identification of a literature-based research problem, literature research techniques, critical reading and discussion, and the preparation of individual review papers on each student's research topic.

Student conducts a research or applied project in geology outside of the university. Requires an approved proposal prior to registration and a final report at the culmination of the project.

This course provides an undergraduate work-based research or internship course in one of the fields of geology. It is open to advanced students who have adequate preparation.