To find courses offered in an upcoming term: go to the The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences course database and select Geology from the Arts & Sciences menu.

Key
CG: core course for geology major
CEG: core course for environmental geology major
CES: core course for environmental studies major
EG: elective course for geology major
EEG: elective course for environmental geology major
EES: elective course for environmental studies major

GEOL 0030: The Atmosphere, Oceans, and Climate, 3.0 - Faculty

Warming of the climate system is now evident from observations of increases in surface air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of glaciers and ice caps, and shrinking Arctic sea ice extent. Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures is very likely due to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations associated with human activities (e.g., agriculture, industry, and land-use changes). Nonetheless, considerable debate surrounds the establishment of greenhouse gas emission limits, and informed government, corporate, and individual action to mitigate the extent and impact of warming has been limited. Improving our knowledge of the Earth's climate system and past climate changes is therefore a matter of urgency. This course will examine the atmospheric and oceanic interactions that determine the nature of the global climate system. Specifically, the course will explore the origin, evolution, and structure of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere, radiative and non-radiative components of the Earth's energy balance, global, synoptic, and mesoscale atmospheric circulation patterns, and surface and deep ocean currents. The course will also consider records of past climate, evidence for recent warming, climate change projections, and climate change policy.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites. [CES]

GEOL 0040: Physical Geology, 3.0 - Jones

This class and its associated laboratory (GEOL 0055) are required for geology majors and recommended for civil and petroleum engineering students, and other science and engineering majors needing an introductory course in geology. The aim is to provide students with the fundamentals of geology. Topics covered are: (1) the description and origin of earth materials (minerals and rocks), (2) internal processes (i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes), (3) surface processes (i.e. erosion, deposition), (4) structural features of the earth, (5) resources. There is a required two-day field trip that will cost approximately $50. This course can be taken by itself or as a sequence with GEOL 0060 or ASTRON 0111.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0055: Geology Laboratory, 2.0 - Jones

This lab provides a hands-on survey of the fundamentals of physical geology. We introduce the identification and interpretation of rocks and minerals. We use topographic maps, air photos, and satellite images to analyze and understand a variety of dynamic systems, including rivers, groundwater, glaciers, sea coasts, and deserts. Finally, we examine geologic time, structural geology, geologic maps, and plate tectonics. Connections are drawn whenever possible between people, resources, and the natural Earth systems. There is a required day-long Sunday field trip to examine local geological and environmental features. This class stands alone but is best taken concurrently with or following GEOL 0040, GEOL 0800, GEOL 0820, or GEOL 0860.

Offered every fall and spring term. Combined lecture/lab 2 hours. Required one-day weekend field trip. No prerequisites. Corequisites: GEOL 0800 or GEOL 0820 or GEOL 0860. [CG CEG CES]

GEOL 0060: History of the Earth, 3.0 - Jones

Historical geology focuses on the long-term evolution of the Earth. The course begins with the formation of the Earth, traces the origin and growth of the continents, and looks at the interaction between life, the Earth's atmosphere, and global climate. It continues with a strong focus on the many forces and geologic events that have shaped North America. Finally, major episodes in the history of life are summarized. The associated lab and homework exercises emphasize a variety of techniques geologists use to unravel the mysteries of the past. This course plus GEOL 1020 fulfills one "W" requirement.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055. [CG CEG EES]

GEOL 0800: Geology, 3.0 - Jones, Stewart

Geology is the study of how the Earth works. This class covers the classification and origin of basic rocks and minerals; examines the role of plate tectonics in shaping the Earth and producing such hazards as earthquakes and volcanoes; and examines the forces that shape beaches and rivers and sometimes threaten our lives and property. We also survey the evidence for changing climate and the future of such resources as groundwater, fossil fuels, and ores.

Offered every term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0802: Geology of the National Parks, 3.0 - Jones

Many of the U.S. and Canadian National Parks are showcases of geology. The student will learn to interpret regional geological history by examining the rock layers exposed within various park areas. The geological development of the North American continent will be developed in the framework of plate tectonic theory and of the physical geological processes that have shaped the landscape into the spectacular scenery of the parks.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0820: Natural Disasters, 3.0 - Ramsey

The geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric processes that impact the human environment in catastrophic ways are examined in this course. Natural Disasters focuses on how normal Earth processes can concentrate energy to deal devastating blows to humans and their structures. Topics covered include, energy cycles, plate tectonics, and focused studies of the following hazards: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, landslides, climate change and mass extinctions. Students will get hands on experience and must sign up for a weekly recitation. And those students interested in this subject may count this course as credit toward other related courses and majors in Geology and Planetary Science.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0860: Environmental Geology, 3.0 - Capo

This course takes an integrated Earth systems approach to understanding our planet and its resources. We will investigate geologic processes and hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, weather hazards), geologic resources (water, soil, minerals, energy) and the local and global ramifications of human interaction with the Earth (e.g., air, soil and water pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change). GEOL 0860 also serves as an introductory course for three majors in the Department of Geology and Planetary Science. Students may concurrently take GEOL 0055 (Geology Laboratory - 2 credits) to allow entry to other environmentally related courses in Geology.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0870: The Planets, 3.0 -Faculty

A survey of our solar system designed for students without technical or mathematical backgrounds. This course examines the historical development of knowledge of our place in the universe, the various bodies that make up the planetary system, including planets, satellites, asteroids and comets, how they were formed, and the factors that control the nature of their surfaces and atmospheres. Of special interest are the effects of these concepts on our understanding of our own home, the Earth. Extensive use will be made of results from manned and unmanned spacecraft. This course can be taken by itself or as a sequence (in either order) with GEOL 0800 or ASTRON 0089.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites.

GEOL 0871: Intelligent Life in the Universe, 3.0 - Jones

"Either we are alone or we are not; either way is mind-boggling" (Dubridge). The purpose of this course is to give students a sufficient scientific background for an informed discussion of whether intelligent creatures are likely to exist elsewhere in the Universe, where such creatures might be found, what they might be like, and how we might contact them. Like the newly created field of astrobiology, this course unites a wide range of topics to address these questions. We will examine the origin of the Universe, the formation of the Solar System, the history of the Earth, the origin and evolution of life and intelligent life on Earth, and the problems associated with trying to contact and communicate with life located across the vast distances of space. By the end of this class you not only will have an informed appreciation of the probability of finding intelligent life elsewhere, but also a sound knowledge of the many surprising twists and turns that led to human life on Planet Earth.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. No prerequisites.

GEOL 1001: Mineralogy, 4.0 - Stewart

Physics and chemistry of minerals. Includes physical properties, crystal chemistry, crystal structure and symmetry, mineral identification using a petrographic microscope, and the processes of mineral formation and breakdown. A required course for Geology and Environmental Geology majors.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 and CHEM 0110. [CG CEG EES]

GEOL 1003: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, 4.0 - Faculty

A lecture and laboratory course concerned with a study of the origin, occurrence, identification, and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The primary purpose of the course is to familiarize the student with the physical and chemical processes that control the formation of the main rock types. The main lecture topics are the distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the contrasting geological environments in which the principal rock types form, physical and chemical properties of the earth's crust and mantle, origin of magmas, and crystallization processes of silicate melts.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 4 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 1001. [CG EEG]

GEOL 1015: Colloquium, 1.0 - Faculty

Geology colloquium is open to undergraduate students in geology and planetary science. It is a formalization of the seminar series with weekly guest speakers from industry, academia and government. Each seminar will focus on a different research topic in earth sciences describing on-going projects of interest to students. The course may be taken multiple times.

Offered every fall and spring term. Lecture 1 hour. No Prerequisites. [CG CEG]

GEOL 1020: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 4.0 - Jones

Sedimentology is the study of the erosion, transport, and deposition of sediment in rivers, deltas, beaches, and many other sedimentary environments.  Our understanding of modern deposits is used to recognize their ancient equivalents in the sedimentary record.  Near the end of the semester we will use the principles of sequence stratigraphy to understand how long-term changes in sea level and sediment supply act to shape regional-scale sedimentary systems.  The labs will reinforce the lectures with a focus on identifying and interpreting sedimentary rocks and structures and on applying the basic methods of stratigraphy to particular problems.  There are several required field trips.  This course is required for geology majors and is useful for archaeologists, geographers, environmental scientists, land planners, and civil and petroleum engineers. This class meets 1/2 of an A&S "W" (writing) requirement in geology. About 8 to 10 pages of writing and rewriting are required. The other half of the "W" requirement will be met in GEOL 0060.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055. Cross-listed with ANTH 1520. [CG CEG EES]

GEOL 1051: Groundwater Geology, 4.0 - Bain

This course serves as an introduction to physical and chemical processes controlling movement and composition of groundwater. The course will emphasize both theoretical (e.g., derivation of governing equations from first principals) and practical aspects (e.g., tools for characterizing groundwater contamination) of groundwater. Most of the class will be devoted toward physical process in geologic context, with the remainder devoted to geochemical aspects of groundwater quality. Whenever possible, class examples and problems will focus on regionally important facets of groundwater, ranging from fractured bedrock flow to coal mine hydrology to urban sewer-groundwater cross-connections.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 and CHEM 0110 and MATH 0220 or consent of instructor. [CEG EG EES]

GEOL 1052: Paleoclimates, 3.0 - Abbott

The goal of this course is to present an overview of the methods used to reconstruct the earth's climate history and the techniques used to determine the timing of environmental changes. Paleoclimate data from proxy records, such as ice cores or tree rings, provides a longer perspective on climatic variability than is possible from instrumental or historical records. Particular emphasis will be given to the climatic changes during the late Cenozoic - the time of the ice ages. Topics to be discussed will include: paleoclimatic reconstruction, climate and climatic variation, dating methods, ice cores, marine sediments and corals, lake sediments, spelothems, soils, pollen analysis, dendrochronology, documentary data, and paleoclimate models.

Offered alternate years during spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 0800, 0820, or 0860. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1055: Environmental Ethics, Science and Public Policy, 3.0 - McCord/Jones

This course examines the interrelationships among environmental science, ethics, and policy. It covers such topics as origin and development of the environmental movement, environmental values and attitudes, enactment and mechanics of environmental regulations and statutes, environmental economics and politics, and future environmental scenarios. The various socio-economic, legal, and political implications will be scrutinized within the context of specific case studies of environmental/ecological concern, ranging from local to global.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours. No Prerequisites. . [CES]

GEOL 1056: UHC Environmental Ethics, Science and Public Policy, 3.0 - McCord/Jones

This course examines the interrelationships among environmental science, ethics, and policy. It covers such topics as origin and development of the environmental movement, environmental values and attitudes, enactment and mechanics of environmental regulations and statutes, environmental economics and politics, and future environmental scenarios. The various socio-economic, legal, and political implications will be scrutinized within the context of specific case studies of environmental/ecological concern, ranging from local to global.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: MIN CUM GPS 3.25 . [CES]

GEOL 1060: Geomorphology, 4.0 - Abbott

A lecture and laboratory course involving examination of terrestrial landforms and the surficial processes which shape them. Fluvial, Coastal, Aeolian, Glacial and Volcanic settings will be examined with emphasis on landforms that have developed in the last 10,000 years of earth history. This course is of particular interest to those majoring in geology, anthropology and engineering.

Offered alternate years during spring term. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory 1 hour. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1100: Structural Geology, 4.0 - McQuarrie

An introduction to basic geologic structures, including the development of folds, faults, joints, and foliation. The use of these structures in geologic mapping, and their interpretation in terms of structural geometry will be covered. The concepts of stress and strain will also be introduced. These basic concepts will be integrated into a study of the evolution of mountain belts.

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055. Corequisites: GEOL 1020 and GEOL 1003. [CG CEG]

GEOL 1200: UHC Paleontology, 3.0 - Lyon

"Nothing endures but change." We cannot understand the world we live in, nor any of a host of predicted future trends, without exploring the past. That's where paleontology comes in - the fossil record provides a wealth of insight into the evolution (and revolution) of life on earth. In this class we will explore both the methods and the limitations of using fossils to interpret past environments, ecologies, systematic relationships, and the events that have fundamentally reorganized the earth's biota. Short in-class labs will provide hands-on access to fossil specimens of plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. We'll also examine paleontology's role in society - its historical development, how and why it captures the public imagination, and its portrayal (and occasional abuse) in the news and popular media.

Offered once a year. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: MIN CUM GPS 3.25 .

GEOL 1201: Marine Paleoecology, 3.0 - Lyon

Dramatic extinction events, shifts in atmospheric and marine chemistry, paleoclimatic upheavals, competition for resources, and other factors have shaped marine life over 3.5 billion years of evolution, and without this context it is impossible to fully understand the oceans today. In this course we will examine the origins of life on earth, important patterns of evolution, paleoecology, and extinction of the major invertebrate groups, and the evolution of modern marine ecosystems. In-class lab time will focus on identifying invertebrate fossils and learning how to interpret their lifestyles, behaviors, and interactions with their environment and other organisms.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1240: Evolution of the Dinosaur, 3.0 - Lyon

The study of dinosaurs is an inherently interdisciplinary science, incorporating a variety of elements from the fields of geology and biology. Through the lens of these disciplines we will tackle the traditional questions about dinosaurs: what are they? How did they evolve? How diverse were they? What are their evolutionary relationships? Why are they extinct? Additionally, we will explore relatively new questions that recent innovations have permitted answers to as never before: are birds really dinosaurs? How do you discern the gender of an extinct animal? What color were the dinosaurs? Living dinosaurs: science fiction or distinct possibility? Given the somewhat fantastic nature of these very real animals, the influence of dinosaurs on pop culture will be woven throughout the course.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1309: Physiochemical and Geological Limnology, 3.0 - Faculty

This course will examine the physical, chemical, and geological aspects of inland waters (lakes, reservoirs, rivers, springs, and wetlands). Specifically, the course will examine the origin and evolution of lakes, the physicochemical properties of fresh and saline waters, watershed hydrology, and the biogeochemical cycling of major elements and nutrients. The course will also explore long-term impacts of human populations on aquatic systems, lake and reservoir management and restoration, and sediment records from lake sites.

Offered alternate years during Spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 0110 and either GEOL 0055 or GEOL 0800 or instructor's consent. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1313: Communication for Environmental Professionals, 3.0 - Collins

This course serves as a W-course for environmental studies. We will sample various tools and methods (typical "professional" tasks such as memos and letters, building into comprehensive assignments such as case studies), all while concentrating on how audience and purpose affect communication.

Offered every fall and spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Fulfills the "W" requirement for environmental studies majors. Prerequisites: Any ENGCMP Course and ENVGEO or ENVSTD or GEOL. [CES]

GEOL 1331: Health and Safety (HAZWOPER), 3.0-Kubeldis

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) is a 40-hour course that promotes awareness of safety and response plans for those who may work with chemical and other hazards in the work-site. Students will learn how hazardous materials are handled and identified; human responses to exposure; learn what to do in case of site emergencies; use appropriate safety methods and work practice controls; and understand labels that are used to alert personnel of danger involving hazardous material. (Many employers in environmental consulting firms and other industries require 40-hour OSHA training.) The course will count as an elective in the Environmental Studies major.

Offered once a year. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1332: Management of Environmental and Non-Profit Organizations, 3.0-Allebach

It's true that a little enthusiasm goes a long way in the nonprofit world, but those who get involved need to have real skills if they're going to make a lasting impact. The goal of this course is to introduce students to nonprofit environmental organizations & issues, & to provide them with the tools to effectively participate in & organize environmental campaigns. The course covers the "inner workings" of environmental organizations & campaigns, what it takes to succeed, & why effectively communicating environmental issues at the grassroots level is so important & so difficult.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1333: Sustainability, 3.0-Allebach

Sustainability is a term that has many meanings, and we will cover most them in this class, from green rooftops to "green-washing". The class will feature guest speakers from the academic, governmental, nonprofit and business sectors to offer as many perspectives as possible on sustainability topics. The real focus of the class, though, is the development of new and the continuation of existing sustainability projects at the local and campus levels. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sustainability-oriented events and field trips

Offered every spring term. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1334: Environmental Policy, 3.0- DeMarco

Environmental Public Policy, 3.0 - Focus on environmental ethics and its application in real-world context, including the regulatory and policy interface in the public arena. Discusses ethics surrounding national and global environmental issues, consumer choices, and ongoing public debate.

Offered once a year. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1335: Environmental Issues: Air Quality, 3.0-Hopey

(non-writing section)

Pittsburgh has had a checkered past when it comes to air quality issues, and faces an uncertain future. Once known as "hell with the lid off" due to industrial emissions, Pittsburgh and its environs once had some of the worst air in the nation. In 1948, a noxious cloud killed 22 in nearby Donora and sickened thousands. But Pittsburgh also became one of the first American cities to pass legislation aimed at cleaning its air. Today it faces a new threat from emissions from coal-burning utilities in Ohio and West Virginia. This course is one in a series that focuses on the history, progress and current events of environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania that also have application throughout the region and U.S. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills. To accomplish this, the course will (1) focus on a single environmental issue, (2) structure individual classes around a single aspect of that issue, (3) feature guest lectures and presentations by government regulators and policymakers, interest groups, corporate leaders and experts.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1336: Environmental Issues: Air Quality, 3.0-Hopey

(writing section)

Pittsburgh has had a checkered past when it comes to air quality issues, and faces an uncertain future. Once known as "hell with the lid off" due to industrial emissions, Pittsburgh and its environs once had some of the worst air in the nation. In 1948, a noxious cloud killed 22 in nearby Donora and sickened thousands. But Pittsburgh also became one of the first American cities to pass legislation aimed at cleaning its air. Today it faces a new threat from emissions from coal-burning utilities in Ohio and West Virginia. This course is one in a series that focuses on the history, progress and current events of environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania that also have application throughout the region and U.S. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills. To accomplish this, the course will (1) focus on a single environmental issue, (2) structure individual classes around a single aspect of that issue, (3) feature guest lectures and presentations by government regulators and policymakers, interest groups, corporate leaders and experts.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1337: Environmental Issues: Water Quality, 3.0-Hopey

(non-writing section)

This course will focus on environmental issues related to water quality, including the effects of Marcellus Shale waste water on public and private drinking water supplies. The emphasis will be on southwestern Pennsylvania, but we'll look at the effects of Marcellus Shale industry operations on a state and regional basis too. Emphasis is placed on a balanced, in depth presentation of the issues that must be addressed to realistically solve modern environmental problems. This will be accomplished by (1) focusing on a single environmental issue of relevance to southwestern Pennsylvania (2) structuring weekly sessions around a single aspect of that issue, and (3) giving students an opportunity to learn about the issues from local professionals and community leaders active in these fields.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1338: Environmental Issues: Water Quality, 3.0-Hopey

(writing section)

This course will focus on environmental issues related to water quality, including the effects of Marcellus Shale waste water on public and private drinking water supplies. The emphasis will be on southwestern Pennsylvania, but we'll look at the effects of Marcellus Shale industry operations on a state and regional basis too. Emphasis is placed on a balanced, in depth presentation of the issues that must be addressed to realistically solve modern environmental problems. This will be accomplished by (1) focusing on a single environmental issue of relevance to southwestern Pennsylvania (2) structuring weekly sessions around a single aspect of that issue, and (3) giving students an opportunity to learn about the issues from local professionals and community leaders active in these fields.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1339: Environmental Issues: Mining and Gas Drilling Issues, 3.0-Hopey

(non-writing sction)

This term's focus is on mining issues. Mining and oil and gas extraction has a long, important and sometimes dark history in Pennsylvania. Almost since the first black chunk was pried from the first mine, coal has been King in the Keystone State. It has fueled industries, heated homes, and powered trains and river tugs. It has been politically powerful. It has also colored streams, creeks and rivers orange and left them dead. It has scarred the rolling Allegheny hills, first with strip mines and now with "valley fills." How is mining's environmental legacy being addressed? How effective are current laws in regulating the industry? What's the latest, best, mining technique, and what is its public impact? What has been industry's response? What impacts, what's different and the same about the latest extractive industry in the state: Marcellus Shale natural gas development. Guest speakers from industry will be scheduled.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1340: Environmental Issues: Mining and Gas Drilling Issues, 3.0-Hopey

(writing section)

This term's focus is on mining issues. Mining and oil and gas extraction has a long, important and sometimes dark history in Pennsylvania. Almost since the first black chunk was pried from the first mine, coal has been King in the Keystone State. It has fueled industries, heated homes, and powered trains and river tugs. It has been politically powerful. It has also colored streams, creeks and rivers orange and left them dead. It has scarred the rolling Allegheny hills, first with strip mines and now with "valley fills." How is mining's environmental legacy being addressed? How effective are current laws in regulating the industry? What's the latest, best, mining technique, and what is its public impact? What has been industry's response? What impacts, what's different and the same about the latest extractive industry in the state: Marcellus Shale natural gas development. Guest speakers from industry will be scheduled.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1341: Environmental Issues: Parks & Forests, 3.0-Hopey

(non-writing section)

This course is one in a series that focuses on environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Forests are made up of trees."Timber" is what they yell when the trees are cut and fall. With maturing forests scraping the sky in Pennsylvania and other parts of the northeastern United States, and controversial restrictions on national forest timbering in the Pacific Northwest, there is tremendous pressure to cut the local hardwood forests. But unlike the turn of the century when all of Penn's Woods was clear-cut, there is a growing ethic that believes trees are more valuable growing than cut - for recreation and environmental reasons. This course on forest and parks issues is the fourth in a series that focuses on environmental and public policy issues in south western Pennsylvania. Through newspaper articles, field trips and guest speakers, the course will explore the issues and conflicts that abound in our wildlands and urban woods. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills through a number of short assignments based on readings and presentations of guest speakers.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1342: Environmental Issues: Parks & Forests, 3.0-Hopey

(writing section)

This course is one in a series that focuses on environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Forests are made up of trees."Timber" is what they yell when the trees are cut and fall. With maturing forests scraping the sky in Pennsylvania and other parts of the northeastern United States, and controversial restrictions on national forest timbering in the Pacific Northwest, there is tremendous pressure to cut the local hardwood forests. But unlike the turn of the century when all of Penn's Woods was clear-cut, there is a growing ethic that believes trees are more valuable growing than cut - for recreation and environmental reasons. This course on forest and parks issues is the fourth in a series that focuses on environmental and public policy issues in south western Pennsylvania. Through newspaper articles, field trips and guest speakers, the course will explore the issues and conflicts that abound in our wildlands and urban woods. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills through a number of short assignments based on readings and presentations of guest speakers.

Offered occasionally. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EES]

GEOL 1410: Exploration Geophysics, 3.0 - Harbert

Various geophysical techniques‑‑seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, and electro‑magnetic‑‑are frequently utilized in the exploration of the Earth's crust for mineral or petroleum deposits of economic value. The basic principles of these techniques, the interpretation of geophysical data, and their application to geology will be discussed in quantitative detail.

Offered every other year. Lecture 3 hours. No Prerequisite. [EG EEG]

GEOL 1445: GIS, GPS and Computer Methods, 3.0 - Harbert

The goal of this course is to gain expertise in the methods of Geographic Information Systems using the GeoTRANS and ArcGIS software packages on PC based workstations. No previous computer classes are required. Students will be graded on the basis of approximately 5 computer assignments, in-class exercises, a project, and final exam. This course is a core course for the GIS Certificate.

Offered every Fall term and in the Summer if there is student demand. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1446: Advanced Geographical Information Systems, 3.0 - Harbert

The goal of this course is to continue to gain expertise in ArcGIS, GeoTrans and software related to GPS process and computer workstations. Students will use GIS instruments to collect GIS data, import and export DEM and DLG data in a variety of format, be introduced to map projections, ModelBuilder models, and work with the TIN, grid, and network modules of ArcGIS on computer workstations.

Offered every Spring term. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 1445. [EG EEG]

GEOL 1460: Introduction to Remote Sensing, 3.0 - Ramsey

This course provides a foundation in the theory and techniques of remote sensing and geospatial data visualization spanning the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet to microwave wavelength region. Topics will include light/matter interaction, optics and sensor design, image analysis using commercial software, as well as current applications of remote sensing to science and engineering problems. The course and integrated image-processing laboratory are designed to provide you with an appreciation of current remote sensing issues, the geologic and human processes that impact remotely-gathered data, and how those processes can be measured using remote sensing.

Offered every fall term. Lecture 3 hours. No prerequisites. [EG EEG EES]

GEOL 1515: Environmental Geochemistry, 3.0 - Capo

This course explores the complex interactions of Earth's rock, water, air, and life systems that determine the chemical characteristics of our environment. We will examine the distribution, cycling, and transport of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and terrestrial environment on local and global scales. Topics will include water chemistry, organic and inorganic pollution and related toxicology, hazardous wastes, acid rain, acid mine drainage, photochemical smog, ozone depletion, and global climate change. A class project involves chemical analysis of student-provided water samples.

Offered every fall term. Lecture, 3 hours. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 and CHEM 0110 or permission of instructor. [CES EG EEG]

GEOL 1701: Geology of the Planets, 3.0 - Faculty

An introductory course in comparative planetology. The morphology and nature of the features found on the surfaces of the planets of our solar system will be examined, and the processes by which they were formed will be discussed, along with our present understanding of the reasons for the similarities and differences.

Offered alternate years during Fall. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055 or consent of instructor. [EG EEG]

GEOL 1900: Internship, 1.0-4.0 - Faculty

This course places the student in an "on-the-job" setting in which he/she receives practical experience in a supervised training environment. Students must receive permission (and number of credits) through advisor or faculty member.

Offered every terms. Off-site work and regular meetings with instructor. No prerequisites. Department Consent Required. [CES]

GEOL 1901: Independent Study, 1.0-4.0 - Faculty

This course permits undergraduates to explore specific topics in the geological sciences. The course is designed in a more flexible format than a directed study, stressing a higher degree of independent library research.

Offered every terms. No prerequisites. Department Consent Required. Regular meetings with instructor. No prerequisites.

GEOL 1903: Undergraduate Research, 1.0-4.0 - Faculty

This course provides the opportunity for undergraduates to obtain "hands on" experience in geology by actively inter-acting with faculty members on research projects.

Offered every term. Variable research hours and regular meetings with instructor. Department Consent Required. No prerequisites. [EG EEG]

GEOL 1960: Field Camp, 1.0-4.0 - Faculty

Field camp provides extensive exposure to the fundamental field methods used by Earth scientists. This field experience is necessary to most careers in geology and is a requirement for admission to most graduate programs. Attendance at any accredited field camp offering at least 4 semester units of credit is acceptable.

Offered through outside institutions, usually in the summer. Department Consent Required. Prerequisites variable, depending on program. [CG CEG CES]

Certain graduate-level courses (numbered 2000 and above) are open to undergraduates, with the permission of the instructor.