Courses in the Department of Geological Sciences are focused on the latest concepts in Earth and environmental science with the goal of training the next generation. Introductory courses are typically in large lecture settings with an independent, smaller laboratory course. All remaining class sizes range from 20 to 50 students, most of which involve a hands-on laboratory component. Field trips occur commonly in laboratory periods and/or during weekends. The capstone course is a 4-week-long field-skills class that takes place in the western US in the early summer of students’ junior or senior years. Many geology students have opportunities to work in a hands-on research environment supervised by faculty and graduate students.
Geology (GLY)
Geology
126 Cooke HallNorth Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-3050
Beata Csatho
Chair
Chair
Jason Briner
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Director of Undergraduate Studies
The Learning Environment
About Our Facilities
A variety of teaching and research equipment is available to students enrolled in the geology program. A computer facility within the departmental space is used during many laboratory sections. Our earth materials classroom contains modular student work spaces with state-of-the-art microscopes and other equipment commonly used for mineralogy, petrology and geological specimen preparation, and a sedimentary laboratory is fully stocked with research-grade equipment for analyzing a variety of material properties. A variety of field equipment is available for student use on class field trips and at the summer field school. An abundance of research-grade equipment in faculty labs is available to students working closely with faculty and graduate students.
About Our Faculty
There are fourteen full-time faculty members and usually one or two part-time instructors in the department. We also have numerous adjunct, research and emeritus professors. Faculty members have extensive research experience and well-established international reputations. Dr. Charles E. Mitchell received the Milton Plesur Teaching Award, which is presented by the UB Student Association and he has also received the rank of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.
Faculty List Directory
Please visit the Geology department website for additional information about our faculty.
GLY Courses
- GLY 101LEC Natural Hazards Lecture
This Scientific Literacy and Inquiry course explores the solid Earth and ways that ongoing, natural processes act to harm people and property. The course aims to put geological hazards in a broader context by examining the latest science at the micro (e.g., minerals), human (e.g., why tsunamis are such efficient and massive killers) and global (e.g., global effects of asteroid impacts or super volcano eruptions) scales. We will examine the history of scientific discovery and thought about natural hazards and global catastrophes on both human and geologic timescales. We will use case studies and debates to clarify science vs. pseudo-science, current controversies, and how natural (as well as some human-induced) hazards affect us in Western New York. Completing all three courses, GLY 101LEC, GLY 102LEC and GLY 105LAB, would fulfill the Scientific Inquiry and Literacy Requirement as well as the Natural Sciences General Education requirement.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 102LEC Climate Change Lecture
This Scientific Literacy and Inquiry course offers an interdisciplinary discussion of both natural and human-induced global environmental and climate change at various scales (space and time). Provides a comprehensive description of how advances in the physical, biological, and geological sciences are being integrated to understand the interplay between the Earths components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere). Topics include glaciers, basic oceanography and atmospheric science, natural hazards, natural resources, and Earth system cycles (such as weather, climate change, and atmospheric pollution). Completing all three courses, GLY 101LEC, GLY 102LEC and GLY 105LAB, would fulfill the Scientific Inquiry and Literacy Requirement as well as the Natural Sciences General Education requirement.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 103LEC Geology for Engineers Lecture
This course introduces engineers and others to the Earth system, by examining the latest science at the micro (e.g., minerals), human (e.g., why earthquakes are such efficient and massive killers) and global (e.g., water cycle) scales. We examine the use of scientific hypothesis testing and implications for understanding Earth materials and natural hazards. We use case studies to clarify science vs. pseudo-science, current controversies, and how natural (as well as some human-induced) hazards affect us.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 105LAB Natural Hazards and Climate Change:Past, Present, Future Laboratory
This Scientific Literacy and Inquiry lab course aims to put Earth science in a broader context by examining the latest science at the micro, human (e.g., climate change impacts and mitigation) and global (e.g., global warming) scales. It is designed to develop skills in map-reading, problem-solving, and to foster hands-on learning of the interactions between Earth processes, the environment, and humans. We will apply the scientific method and foster student analysis of scientific data and models to evaluate leading concepts in Earth science. Finally, through case studies and debates, it will discuss science vs. pseudo-science, current controversies, and how earth science affects our everyday lives. Must be taken concurrently with GLY 101LEC or GLY 102LEC. Completing all three courses, GLY 101LEC, GLY 102LEC and GLY 105LAB, would fulfill the Scientific Inquiry and Literacy Requirement as well as the Natural Sciences General Education requirement.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Corequisites: GLY 101 or GLY 102 or GLY 103
Other Requisites: Pre-requisites OR
- GLY 108LEC Geology of the National Parks Lecture
Explores the beauty of some of our nation's most spectacular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Acadia. Examines the fundamental geologic principles that allow understanding of how these unique landscapes were formed and how they change through time. Also examines how people affect the parks and how science enters into national policy decisions about their future.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
- GLY 137LEC The Dinosaurs Lecture
Explores dinosaurs as a biological group: their origin, anatomy, life habits, evolution, and extinction. Evaluates revolutionary new ideas on their physiology, behavior, and significance in the history of life. Uses dinosaurs to exemplify important evolutionary phenomena. There may be visits to the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 198SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The one credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps transition to UB through an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 198 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the UB seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- GLY 199SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The three credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps students with common learning outcomes focused on fundamental expectations for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and oral communication, and learning at a university, all within topic focused subject matter. The Seminars provide students with an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 199 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the first year seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- GLY 205LLB Earth Materials Lecture
Overview of mineralogy and petrology (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic). Introduction to mechanical and transport properties (heat, including material flow, and porous media flow), and practical applications and economic resources of Earth materials.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Other Requisites: Pre-Reqs: PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117Co-Reqs: CHE 101 or CHE 107
- GLY 206LEC Geological Mapping Techniques and Communication. Lecture
Introduces geological maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns, which are the primary tools for conveying information in the earth sciences. Covers basic map-reading skills, mapmaking and cross-section construction and interpretation. Emphasizes written communication through a combination of informal and formal writing assignments; an oral presentation is required. Final projects will be included in the student's e-portfolio. Fulfills the Communication Literacy 2 requirement.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: GLY 101 or GLY 102 And (completion of Communication Literacy 1 or completion of Writing Skills 1 (ENG 101 or placement into ENG 201))
- GLY 305LLB Mineralogy Lecture
Presents the fundamental principles of mineralogy, including mineral chemistry, mineral identification, phase diagrams, mineral structures, and elementary crystallography. Emphasizes environmentally important minerals. Requires lab.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: (GLY 101 or GLY 102) and (CHE 101 or CHE 107).
- GLY 308LR Intro to Geochemistry Lecture
This course provides an introduction to the many ways that chemistry allows us to interpret geologic processes. It is designed to employ basic concepts introduced in a general chemistry course to geologic problems. It provides a survey of different geochemistry sub-disciplines and introduces concepts in support of upper level geology courses.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Other Requisites: Pre-Reqs: MTH 121 or MTH 141, and GLY 101 or GLY 102, and CHE 101 or CHE 107
- GLY 309LEC Ecology Lecture
Processes that control the abundance and distribution of organisms in their natural environments; emphasizing population, community and evolutionary ecology. This course is the same as BIO 309, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BIO 200 or GLY 315 or Engineering and Applied Sciences Bachelor - Environmental Engineering
- GLY 310LLB Ecological Methods Laboratory
Field exercises to illustrate major concepts of modern ecology, and the techniques and procedures used in ecological research. This course is the same as BIO 310, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Corequisites: GLY 309 or BIO 309
Other Requisites: Pre- or
- GLY 312LLB Surface Processes and Hydrology Lecture
Acquaints students with near-surface geomorphic and hydrologic processes, their interpretation, and their role in shaping landforms. Studies the occurrence and movement of water on and within the earth including basic hydrostatics, hydrology, hydrogeology and open-channel flow hydraulics. Introduces quantitative and computer-based methods of analysis in geomorphology, hydrology and environmental geology. Requires labs and field trips.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: (GLY 101 or GLY 102 or GEO 106) and (MTH 121 or MTH 141) and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117)
- GLY 315LLB Sedimentary Geology & Paleontology Lecture
Introduction to the types and origins of sedimentary rocks and their depositional environments, stratigraphic orientation, fossil content, and relationship to geologic time. Requires labs and field trip.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: (GLY 101 or GLY 102) and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117)
Corequisites: GLY 305 recommended
- GLY 325LLB Geophysics Lecture
Introduces the fundamental concepts required to understand the scientific basis for plate tectonics, including deep Earth structure and theories of mantle convection. Describes major whole-Earth geophysical techniques (active-source seismology, earthquake seismology, gravity, magnetics, heat flow, resistivity and EM measurements). Uses general examples as well as specific case studies to support current tectonic theories. Practical application and hands-on use of seismic, gravity, magnetic instrumentation and shallow radar take place in labs. Requires labs.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: (MTH 121 or MTH 141 or higher) and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 PHY 117 or higher) and (GLY 101 or GLY 102)
- GLY 326LLB Structural Geology/ Global Tectonics Lecture
Introduces students to the description, classification and interpretation of geological structures, including faults, folds and joints. Describes these structures in terms of their tectonic setting (extensional, strike-slip, contractional). In labs, introduces practical techniques for structural analysis.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: (GLY 101 or GLY 102) and (GLY 106 or GLY 206) and (MTH 121 or MTH 141) and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117)
- GLY 400LLB Stratigraphy and Paleobiology Lecture
Presents tools and concepts employed in the collection and analysis of data from the stratigraphic and fossil records. Topics will include sequence stratigraphy, biozonation, timescale formation, paleobiology and biogeography of several major invertebrate groups and methods for comparing and analyzing shape. Requires substantial quantitative and written work.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 315 or permission of instructor
- GLY 405LLB Economic Geology Lecture
This course will describe the nature and origin of the raw materials that sustain modern life styles and developed societies. Lectures will emphasize the formation of economic deposits of metallic and non-metallic minerals, methods of mineral exploration and exploitation, and the environmental consequences of utilizing mineral resources. The laboratory will focus on identification of ore and associated gangue minerals using microscopic and macroscopic methods.
- GLY 407LEC Geological Field Training Lecture
Applied field methods in geology. Geologic field trips and mapping from a mobile base in the western United States. Mapping projects include surficial deposits in Colorado and areas of increasingly complex sedimentary structure in Utah and Wyoming. This course is conducted outdoors and requires walking over difficult terrain and some exposure to the elements.
Credits: 6
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Summer
- GLY 409LEC Advanced Ecology Lecture
Advanced course in the foundations of ecology emphasizing population and community ecology. Supplements lectures on basic ecological principles and models with discussions of both current and historically important issues. This course is the same as BIO 407 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 309 or BIO 309 or GLY 411 or BIO 338
- GLY 411LEC Marine Ecology Lecture
Surveys tropical marine ecosystems, with an emphasis on coral reef communities. Examines processes controlling abundance and distribution of marine taxa using primary literature. This course is the same as BIO 411, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: BIO 309 or GLY 309 or GLY 315 or BIO 338
- GLY 412LAB Field Course in Tropical Marine Ecology Laboratory
An intensive two week field course in the Bahamas focusing on coral reef communities. Combining lectures, fieldwork, and laboratory analyses, students conduct in depth studies of Caribbean marine habitats.
Credits: 2
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Summer
Prerequisites: GLY 411 or BIO 411 or GLY 309 or BIO 309, or GLY 315 or BIO 338.
Corequisites: Must enroll in GLY 412 or BIO 412 LEC and LAB in the same term.
- GLY 412LEC Field Course in Tropical Marine Ecology Lecture
An intensive two week field course in the Bahamas focusing on coral reef communities. Combining lectures, fieldwork, and laboratory analyses, students conduct in depth studies of Caribbean marine habitats. This course is the same as BIO 412 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Summer
Prerequisites: GLY 411 or BIO 411 or GLY 309 or BIO 309, or GLY 315 or BIO 338.
Corequisites: Must enroll in GLY 412 or BIO 412 LEC and LAB in the same term.
- GLY 414LLB Hydrogeology Lecture
Examines the occurrence and movement of water in the shallow subsurface, and its importance to water resource development and environmental pollution. Uses basic quantitative techniques for the prediction of water flow through porous and fractured geologic media. Laboratory includes hands-on experience with aquifer testing methods using wells located on campus. Primarily for students interested in the fields of hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental geology, and environmental and geotechnical engineering.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Corequisites: GLY 312 or CIE 354, or permission of instructor.
Other Requisites: Pre- or
- GLY 415LLB Clay Mineralogy Lecture
Clay minerals are the most abundant minerals at the surface of the earth. As such, they are of extreme importance in understanding environmental problems. In addition, clay minerals have interesting and useful properties that give them important technological value. This course examines the structure and chemistry of clay minerals and attempts to relate these to their properties, both geological and technological. Clay minerals are difficult to study because they typically occur as fine-grained materials and exhibit a wide range of defects.
- GLY 417LEC Forensic Stable Isotopes Lecture
Stable isotopes are a tool commonly used to solve environmental, geological, and criminological mysteries. Small differences in atomic mass among stable (non-radioactive) isotopes of the same element can give rise to differences in partitioning within the environment. This course explores how isotopes fractionate and how this behavior can be used to investigate complex processes and solve mysteries. This course will provide a comprehensive knowledge base to apply the interpretation of stable isotope data to research questions across a range of disciplines.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
Prerequisites: (CHE 101 or CHE 105 or CHE 107) AND (GLY 101 or GLY 102 or GEO 101).
- GLY 419LLB Environmental Geophysics Lecture
Introduces the theoretical background and methods of application for several noninvasive near-surface geophysical imaging techniques, including seismic reflection/refraction, microgravity, magnetics, electromagnetics, resistivity, induced polarization (IP), and ground-penetrating radar. Laboratory provides hands-on experience with the commonest environmental geophysics techniques (i.e., resistivity, IP, GPR, and electromagnetics). The labs will cover discussions of experimental design, data acquisition, processing and interpretation. The demonstrations will involve both numerical and field-scale experiments.
- GLY 423LEC The Hidden Planet: Volcanic Plumbing Lecture
Examines the generation, rise, storage, and eventual eruption of magma on Earth and other solid bodies in the solar system (particularly Mars and the Moon). Presents different magmatic compositions and their behaviors, as well as effects of environmental conditions on magma dynamics.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 431 or permission of instructor
- GLY 424LEC Extraterrestrial Volcanism Lecture
Examines volcanic deposits on solid bodies throughout the solar system, including the Moon, Mars, Venus, Io and Europa. Emphasizes understanding how different environments affect the mechanics and subsequent deposits of volcanic eruptions.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 431 or permission of instructor
- GLY 427LLB Statistics & Modeling of Geologic Data Lecture
Computer modeling of complex processes is becoming more important in a number of geological areas, such as risk assessment, movement of toxic contaminants in an aquifer, crystallization of magmas, and impact cratering. Students develop knowledge of the processes whereby a geological problem is reduced to a mathematical model, the model is translated into a computer program, and the program is utilized to produce numerical and graphical results. The course assumes that students have a good familiarity with digital computers. Any mathematical complexities are explained as the course progresses.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 428LEC Geological Hazards and Risk Lecture
Discusses disasters that may include those related to volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, windstorms, tsunamis, river floods, and hazardous waste storage. Topics include models of geological phenomena, consequences of hazards, and risk assessment. Case studies analyzed for each phenomenon. A detailed case study focusing on expert elicitation is discussed.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 315 and GLY 326 and GLY 312
- GLY 429LEC Analysis of Geologic Data Lecture
Problems encountered in working with large data sets, formulating statistical hypotheses, and interpreting the analysis in terms of the geologic problem. Includes data from petrology, sedimentation, mineralogy, geophysics, and paleontology.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: MTH 121 or MTH 141 or higher
- GLY 431LEC Volcanology Lecture
Examines the distribution, tectonic setting, and morphology of volcanoes. Includes investigations into effusive and explosive eruptions, emplacement of eruptive products, and eruption mechanisms.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: GLY 315 and GLY 306 and GLY 326 and PHY 101
- GLY 432LLB Colonial Paleobiology Lecture
Examines the morphology, ecology and evolutionary history of colonial invertebrates (hemichordates (including graptolites), bryozoans, cnidarians).
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
- GLY 433LEC Volcanic Rocks Lecture
Selected topics related to the genesis, field description, eruption mechanism, and emplacement process of volcanic rocks. Coursework includes theoretical and practical applications including quantitative analysis of data.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 306 or permission of instructor
- GLY 434LEC Methods in Volcanology Lecture
This course will introduce the methods most commonly used by volcanologists in monitoring and studying active volcanoes (including geophysical methods: field observations of eruptions; remote sensing and geological mapping). Through a series of case studies, it will illustrate how such data are used to build a picture of how volcanoes work. (LEC, 3)
- GLY 440LLB Vertebrate Paleontology and Osteology Lecture
Surveys the fossil record of vertebrate animals in order to understand their evolutionary history and the evidences used to reconstruct that history. Expects prior experience in basic paleontology or evolutionary biology.
Credits: 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 443LAB Marine Geology Laboratory
Explores igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic geology and geophysics of ocean basins in light of modern plate tectonic theories. Uses real data to allow understanding of the assumptions and the 'knowns' in marine geology.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 443LEC Marine Geology Lecture
Explores igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic geology and geophysics of ocean basins in light of modern plate tectonic theories. Uses real data to allow understanding of the assumptions and the 'knowns' in marine geology.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 215 and GLY 306 and GLY 326 and GLY 305
- GLY 444LLB Surfaces of Geomaterials Lecture
Describes the theory of surface and interfacial thermodynamic properties, how these properties are experimentally determined, the basis for computations of surface and interfacial free energies, and how the surface properties of minerals can be related to their chemical composition and crystal structures. Gives particular emphasis to those minerals that naturally occur in a colloidal form (the clay minerals), as well as to other geological materials, such as volcanic ash, that can occur in colloidal sizes.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 445LAB Glacial Geology Lab Laboratory
The laboratory consists of map and aerial photograph, computer, and field exercises.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Corequisites: GLY 312
Other Requisites: Pre- or
- GLY 445LEC Glacial Geology Lecture
Explores the spectacular landscapes created by glaciers and ice sheets. The course provides students with knowledge to understand present and past glacier and ice sheet processes, based on the most up-to-date findings and state-of-the-art techniques. Students get hands-on experience by studying the rich ice sheet history of the Buffalo area. This lecture and lab combination provides students with a comprehensive knowledge base with which they can interpret glacier processes and history from a variety of landform assemblages and surficial sediments found across the northern United States.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Corequisites: GLY 312
Other Requisites: Pre- or
- GLY 447LLB Glaciology Lecture
This course covers the fundamentals of glaciology. It gives students a basic understanding of the main cryospheric processes with a focus on glacier and ice sheet dynamics and the key surface and subsurface processes that control ice motion. It provides insight into the responses of glaciers to climate change and explores the challenges of predicting glacier and ice sheet dynamics, mass loss, and related sea level rise. Throughout the labs, the participants will be engaged in rigorous hands-on exercises that will introduce them to the use of remote sensing observations for monitoring glacier and ice sheet changes and to investigate the forces causing these changes.
- GLY 453LEC Quaternary Dating and Paleoclimate Lecture
Explores the Earth's large swings in climate over the past 2 million years, how they are documented, the various dating techniques used to place them into a chronological framework, and the implications for how the Earth's climate system operates. Focuses on marine sediment, ice core, and terrestrial archives of glacial and interglacial cycles, abrupt climate change, past warm periods analogous to our future world, and techniques used to date these records.
- GLY 454LEC Topics: Planetary Geosciences Lecture
Students learn about the processes involved in the formation of the Solar System, and the generation and evolution of planetary surfaces. Primary data, collected by past and present spacecraft and landers is used to demonstrate how geologic processes are both similar and distinct throughout the Solar System.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 325 OR GLY 431 OR Permission of Instructor
- GLY 458LEC Macroevolution Lecture
Principal issues of macroevolutionary theory (i.e., issues at the species level and above, which are manifest on the scale of geological time) and hones analytical skills as preparation for undertaking graduate research. Evolutionary theory is an interdisciplinary topic that draws on information from ecology, population biology, systematics, anthropology, and paleobiology, and the course presumes prior study of evolutionary aspects of at least one of these areas as preparation.
- GLY 462LLB Aqueous Geochemistry Lecture
Presents the chemical principles governing natural water chemistry and the behavior of anthropogenic pollutants. Emphasizes topics such as the evolution of groundwater chemistry, thermodynamics of water-rock interactions at low temperatures, and prediction of pollutant fate in aquatic systems.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: (GLY 101 or GLY 102 or GEO 101) and (CHE 102 or CHE 108) and (MTH 122 or MTH 142)
- GLY 464LLB Advanced Environmental Hydrogeology II Lecture
Studies multi-phase flow in contaminant hydrogeology. Topics include physics and chemistry of multiple phases, modeling of multi-phase flow and transport, and remediation on nonaqueous phase liquids. LEC/LAB
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- GLY 465LLB Environmental and Geological Remote Sensing Lecture
Covers the fundamentals of remote sensing, extraction of geological, biophysical, or land use/land cover information from remote sensing data, and provides guidance as to how remote sensing data can be used to solve real world environmental and geological problems. Throughout the course the participants will be engaged in rigorous hands-on exercises that will introduce them to digital image processing techniques as well. The participants will learn how to extract and integrate lithologic and environmental information from a wide range of remote sensing data, digital elevation models, and maps.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117 or higher) AND (MTH 121 or MTH 141 or higher)
- GLY 470LEC Advanced Geofluids and Geomechanics Lecture
Bridges the gap between more traditional descriptive techniques introduced in introductory courses, and more advanced quantitative methods used in modern research. Primarily, the course introduces the students to quantitative tools and techniques for the analysis of geologic fluids, features, structures and processes.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Other Requisites: Pre-Reqs: (MTH 121 or MTH 141) and (PHY 101 or PHY 107 or PHY 117), and GLY 315 and GLY 326 or permission of instructor.
- GLY 473LEC Geophysical Dta Analysis and Inverse Methods Lecture
In applied sciences such as geophysics, quantitative analyses are essential tools to study time or space varying signals. The aim of this course is to teach students exploratory data analysis (EDA) techniques and various modern inverse methods. Exploratory data analysis helps analyze geophysical data for the purpose of formulating hypotheses worth testing and implementing the tools of conventional statistics for testing hypotheses; while inverse methods help reduce data to obtain useful information about the physical world on the basis of interferences drawn from observations. Topics will include graphing/visualization, data smoothing, data fitting, univariate/multivariate analyses, inverse modeling, data mining, model evaluation, and uncertainty quantification. The students will obtain experience in the application of these methods through a series of theoretical and computing based exercises. It is preferred to have a background in linear algebra, calculus, and geophysics.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
- GLY 477LEC Advanced Physical Volcanology Lecture
Calculus-based course that provides students with the capability to analyze natural fluid dynamical processes. Topics include rheology of surficial materials, hydrostatics and aerostatics, equations of motion for fluid dynamics including Navier-Stokes equation, open-channel flow, kinematic waves, hydraulic jumps, advection-diffusion, dynamical and geometric similarity. Extensive use of computational tools to analyze flows and to organize fluid dynamical data.
- GLY 478LEC Advanced Field Methods Lecture
Teaches students to map, analyze, evaluate and interpret field data related to complex geological stratigraphy and structures, natural hazards, and Quaternary deposits. Students study the relationship of their geological work to cultural activities, particularly the exploitation of solid-earth resources and risk assessment. The course consists of in-depth mapping exercises in the field coupled with lectures.
Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 480LEC Geological Evolution of North America: Tectonics and Appalachians Lecture
Provides students with a familiarity of the elements that support the concepts inherent in plate tectonics. Demonstrates the application of tectonics to the geological history of eastern North America, primarily the Appalachians. Illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of geological synthesis through in-depth studies of classic areas in the Appalachians. Involves an optional spring field trip to the central and southern Appalachians.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: GLY 315 and GLY 306 and GLY 326 and GLY 305
- GLY 481LEC Geological Evolution of North America: Western Cordillera Lecture
Provides students with a basic familiarity of geology of the western cordillera of North America. Illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of geologic syntheses through in-depth studies of this complex mountain range that extends from Mexico to Alaska. Emphasizes the genesis and emplacement of igneous rocks, major deformational episodes, the cause of earthquakes, mechanism of faults, origin of volcanoes, source of mineral deposits, and major sedimentation stages.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 493SEM Pegrum Colloquium Seminar
Familiarizes senior geology students with a broad range of topics that are of current interest to professional geologists. The course also acquaints students with professional presentations. The course consists of a weekly colloquium presented by a researcher active in a field of present import. Preceding the colloquium, readings from scientific journals introduce students to the topic to be discussed.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 495TUT Undergraduate Supervised Teaching Tutorial
Undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) positions are available for certain geology courses to those students who have completed the course or its equivalent with a grade of A-, achieved junior status, and earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students must apply for UTA positions with the appropriate instructor.
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Pass/Not Pass (PNP)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 496TUT Geological Sciences Internship Tutorial
The Geological Sciences undergraduate internship program allows students to experience geologic challenges, first-hand, in an industry, teaching or research setting. Students in the program will tackle geological issues in a real-life context, giving them a chance to apply knowledge that was gained in a more formalized, classroom setting.
Credits: 1 - 6
Grading: Pass/Not Pass (PNP)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- GLY 497TUT Departmental Honors Senior Thesis Tutorial
Accepted seniors pursue a specialized, independent study leading to an Honors Thesis. The Department of Geology requires maintenance of a 3.25 or higher GPA, two adjacent semesters of Honors Thesis coursework (3 credits each), and a writing product (term paper, senior thesis) as a result of the effort.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 498TUT Undergraduate Research Tutorial
Students collaborate with faculty research mentors on an ongoing project in a faculty member's laboratory or conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. This experience provides students with an inquiry based learning opportunity and engages them as active learners in a research setting.
Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- GLY 499TUT Independent Study Tutorial
Selection and study of topics not offered as regular courses.
Credits: 1 - 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Complementary Programs
- Geography BA
- Geological Sciences Minor
- Computer Science BA
- Anthropology Minor
- Environmental Geosciences BS
- Physics Minor
- Chemistry Minor
- Geological Sciences BA
- Geography Minor
- Biological Sciences Minor
- Computer Science Minor
- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Minor - Environmental Studies Concentration
- Geological Sciences BS
- Geological Sciences BA/MA
- Mathematics Minor