Descriptions from the 2007-08 Course Catalog
Please check the Class Schedule for classes offered this year.
GEOL 110
Introductory Geology
An introduction to the study of the Earth, examining the interdependent global systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, tectosphere) that set Earth apart from its planetary neighbors. Emphasis is also placed on human participation in and perturbation of these systems. One lab per week. 6 units.
GEOL 120
The Discovery of Deep Time and the Development of the Geologic Time Scale
The recognition of the antiquity of the Earth and the construction of the geologic time scale are among the great scientific achievements of the past two centuries. Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection grew out of his slowly acquired sense of the immensity of geologic time. This course traces the intellectual history of the concept of Deep Time from the late 18th-century work of Scotsman James Hutton, gentleman farmer and geologic visionary, through the laborious process of calibrating the geologic time scale, a task that continues today. The class will visit museum collections and geologic sites that were central in the development of modern geological thinking. 6 units. Offered at the London Centre
GEOL 150
Environmental Science
Presents principles of biology, chemistry, and geology that relate to such environmental issues as resource limitation, pollution, and environmental degradation. Designed to foster understanding of scientific measures of environmental quality. Four class meetings per week, including one discussion session. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 150.
GEOL 160
The Ice Ages
This course focuses on the dynamic environment of the ice age periods in Earth history. Emphasis on the historical discovery of the ice ages, their possible causes, and their global effects on ecosystems on land and in the sea. One-day field trip to local glacial deposits. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 160.
GEOL 210
History of the Earth and Life
A study of the physical, chemical, and organic evolution of the Earth since its origin 4.5 billion years ago, with emphasis on times of change and crisis. The course also examines the evolution of ideas about Earth’s history, illustrating how science and culture are inherently entangled. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 230. Prerequisite: GEOL 110
GEOL 213
Geology and Health
A course investigating the links between geology and health, considering topics such as asbestos, natural and anthropogenic water contamination, and cycling of trace elements as both contaminants and necessary nutrients. Designed to illuminate the link between the seemingly disparate fields of geology and the health of life on earth. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 202. Prerequisite: GEOL 110
GEOL 214
Weather, Climate, and Climate Change
A study of basic meteorologic principles and climate patterns. These phenomena will be discussed in relation to evidence of past climate change and implications of global warming on future climate. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 235. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or 150
GEOL 220
Remote Sensing of the Environment
Fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation and the interaction of radiation with matter are introduced as the basis of remote sensing. Interpretation and manipulation of remotely sensed images are used to demonstrate the wealth of information remote sensing provides. Applications and case studies from geology, environmental science, ecology, agronomy, and urban planning will be explored. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 237. Prerequisite: GEOL 110; high school physics recommended
GEOL 240
Chemistry of the Earth: Low-Temperature Environments
A detailed introduction to properties of geologically and environmentally important minerals. Emphasis is placed on mineral properties, tools of mineral identification, mineral associations, and chemical reactivity of minerals in earth surface and near-surface environments. One lab per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 240. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and CHEM 115
GEOL 245
Mineralogical Analysis
This course serves as an introduction to mineralogical analyses. Students will utilize a variety of analytical techniques including Polarized Light Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy to study crystallography and mineral chemistry. Students will use these tools to analyze a variety of geological samples including rocks, soils, and sediments. 3 units. Prerequisite: GEOL 240
GEOL 250
Chemistry of the Earth: High-Temperature Environments
Introduction to the chemical processes that form igneous and metamorphic rocks, with emphasis on how mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic clues can be used to gather information about Earth’s early history and its inaccessible interior. One lab per week. 6 units. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and CHEM 115; GEOL 240
GEOL 260
Introduction to Paleobiology
An organismal and systems approach to the study of the marine and terrestrial fossil record. The course will focus on diversification and extinction of biotas in the context of the environmental history of Earth. Weekly laboratory and one weekend field trip to Björklunden. 6 units. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or BIOL 110
GEOL 320
Principles of Paleontology
A reading course on topics in current and classic paleontological research. Evolutionary trends and their recognition in the fossil record, morphological convergence, and paleoecology. One meeting per week. 3 units. Prerequisite: GEOL 260 (strongly recommended) or GEOL 210 or BIOL 235 (with consent of instructor)
GEOL 340
Advanced Geochemistry
Overview of the chemistry of geological processes in aqueous environments. Includes review of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, phase equilibria, mineral solubility, redox reactions, and stable isotopes with geologic examples. One lab per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 330. Prerequisite: GEOL 240 and CHEM 115, or consent of instructor; CHEM 116 recommended
GEOL 350
Islands and Isolation
This course examines islands and the situation of isolation across the fields of geology, evolutionary biology, and human geography. Topics include island formation, dynamics of isolated natural and human populations, and the historical importance of islands in the study of natural history. The course includes laboratories and field trips. 6 units. Also listed as Biology 350, Environmental Studies 350. Prerequisite: Any of the following: ANTH 120, ANTH 140, BIOL 235, BIOL 245, GEOL 210, GEOL 260, or permission of instructor
GEOL 360
Physics of the Earth: Surface Environments
This course studies the movement of water, solute, and sediment through the landscape and the resulting properties and distribution of surficial earth materials and landforms. Topics include weathering; soil development; runoff; mass movement; river, glacial, and coastal processes; and deposition in sedimentary environments. One lab per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 335. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and 240 or consent of instructor; PHYS 120 or 150 recommended
GEOL 370
Physics of the Earth: Sub-Surface Processes
Introduction to the study of the mechanics of Earth’s crust and mantle, including mountain-building processes, seismicity and faulting, mantle convection, interpretation of deformed rocks. Four-day field trip late in term. One lab per week. 6 units.
Prerequisite: GEOL 240 or consent of instructor
GEOL 425
Prehistoric Human-Environment Interactions
This course focuses on the interrelationships between prehistoric humans and their environment on a variety of temporal and geographic scales. Topics include the detection and analysis of prehistoric environmental degradation, the possible impacts of natural and anthropogenically induced environmental change on prehistoric humans, and the modern significance of such interrelationships. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 425. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or GEOL 150 or ENST 150 or ANTH 120
GEOL 430
Watershed Hydrology
An introduction to the basic components of the hydrologic cycle, focusing on surface water and groundwater systems. Measurement and analysis of hydrologic data are emphasized. Application to contemporary issues such as flooding, watershed development, and groundwater contamination will be discussed. One lab per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 430. Prerequisite: GEOL 110; PHYS 120 or 150 recommended
GEOL 520
Seminar in Selected Topics in Geology
An opportunity for students to read and analyze primary literature on significant topics in geology. 3 units. Prerequisite: Declared geology majors only
GEOL 550
Seminar in Field Geology
During spring break, winter break, or prior to Term I, students conduct field investigations at an area of geological complexity, such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Wyoming, Hawaii, the Florida Keys, southern Colorado, or Puerto Rico. May be repeated for credit. 3 units. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 and consent of instructor
GEOL 580
Junior Seminar in Geology
The goal of the Junior Seminar is to engage geology majors in the scientific process. The course begins with consideration of the history of geology as a discipline. We discuss modes of thinking that are shared with other scientific disciplines as well as those unique to the geosciences, and we read seminal papers that shaped the development of the field. With the guidance of a faculty member, each student identifies a topic to investigate in depth. Students lead discussions, prepare literature reviews and give final presentations on their topics. The topic a student explores in the junior seminar may be (but is not required to be) the same as the one studied intensively in the Senior Capstone course (GEOL 620). For some students, the junior seminar topic may also be linked to a research project to be continued over the summer and/or through the student’s senior year as an independent study or honors project. 3 units. Prerequisite: Declared geology major or minor and junior standing, or consent of instructor
GEOL 620
Senior Capstone in Geology
The goal of this course is to assist geology majors in becoming scientific practitioners. The course places emphasis on framing testable hypotheses, collecting and analyzing meaningful datasets, and developing models of geologic phenomena. Each student applies these skills to a particular project or problem in the earth sciences. 3 units. Prerequisite: Declared geology major or minor and senior standing, or consent of instructor
GEOL 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Geology
Advanced work, arranged and carried out in consultation with an instructor. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
GEOL 195, 395, 595, 695
Internship in the Geosciences
An opportunity for students to gain work experience in industry, government, or the non-profit sector. The academic component, supervised by a Lawrence instructor, includes readings, discussion with the instructor, and a formal presentation and written report, which can be used to satisfy the geology department’s senior seminar requirement. (Grades are based on this academic work.) Intended to be used for research that is later developed into an honors project. Applications for an internship must be submitted by the fifth week of the term preceding the proposed internship. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
GEOL 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Geology
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in geology
Impact Cratering
Gemology
GIS Modeling of Watersheds
Soils
Geologic Hazards
Geology of Mars
Dendroclimatology
Wetland Hydrology
Biogeochemical Cycles
Glaciology