Geology

INSTRUCTOR

Jennifer L. Houghton. B.A., College of Wooster; Ph.D. University of Minnesota. (Geology and Geophysics.)

The Environmental Science minor is described in the section on Interdisciplinary Study.

COURSE OFFERINGS

111. Earth System Science.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F7.
Introduction to the composition and structure of the earth and processes that create modern landscapes. Topics include plate tectonics, the formation of minerals and rocks, weathering, erosion, and crustal deformation. Emphasis is placed on the geology of National Parks as case studies and the methods used to acquire geological knowledge. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week, plus optional week-end field trips to nearby National Parks. (Course offered every year, scheduled for spring of 2011-2012.)

116. Global Environmental Change.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F7.
A survey of the underlying scientific basis of the issues involved in global environmental change: greenhouse warming, biogeochemical cycles, ozone depletion, sea-level rise, fresh-water, energy resources, and toxic-waste concerns. The laboratory portion of the course involves some computer modeling of relevant global systems. (Course offered in alternate years, scheduled for 2012-2013.)

214. Environmental Hydrogeology.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F7.
A study of the application of geologic principles to understand the natural and anthropogenic forces on the water cycle. Emphasis is placed on learning methods to monitor watersheds. Local environmental topics will be analyzed spatially using GIS (geographic information system). Lab will incorporate field measurements applied to local environmental problems. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. (Course offered in alternate years, scheduled for fall of 2011-2012).