Earth Science
Earth Science Courses
The list below offers a representative sample of the courses you can expect in the study of earth science at 91传媒. From theoretical foundations to practical experiences, these courses provide a full range of educational opportunities at various levels of mastery. For more information about current course offerings or registration details, please consult the Office of the Registrar.
Course Description
An investigation of the theory of plate tectonics and how it explains the distribution of earthquake and volcanic activity throughout the world. Destructive historical earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are examined with consideration of the impact of these disasters on human populations. Advances in the prediction of earthquake and volcanic activity also are evaluated. May include lab some semesters.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Study of the geologic history of America via the National Park System. The course focuses on origin and evolution of landforms in various national parks and the geologic processes that created and sculpted them. Park features serve as a point of departure for interdisciplinary discussions on society's impact on the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. May include lab some semesters.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An introduction to the materials that make up the earth and the interplay between constructive and destructive processes that shape the earth, including plate tectonics. Laboratories include mineral and rock identification, field trips, and topographic map interpretation.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An introduction to the materials that make up the earth and the interplay between constructive and destructive processes that shape the earth, including plate tectonics. Laboratories include mineral and rock identification, field trips, and topographic map interpretation. This course will encourage the understanding of quantitative and mathematical concepts, representational formats, and methodologies of geosciences; the evaluation of quantitative evidence and arguments; the use of quantitative information to make decisions; and the use of problem-solving, laboratory experiments, and projects for deeper learning.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An introduction to the Earth's atmosphere through the study of weather, climate and climate change. Topics covered include atmospheric composition, structure and function, weather phenomena and climate, and natural and human-induced climate change. Global societal responses to rapid climate change are also discussed.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An introduction to the study of environmental science. Topics include matter, energy, ecosystems, human populations, natural resources, and the impact of human activity on the natural environment. Special attention is given to current environmental problems including air and water pollution, acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change, deforestation, and species extinctions.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Faculty-led domestic and international study and service courses on a theme related to geosciences that provide students opportunities to explore and experience other cultures, learn in new environments, develop skills not readily acquired elsewhere, and deepen their understanding of the global community. Curricular offerings earn .5 course credit and count toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement; co-curricular offerings do not carry academic credit but do count toward the Extended Studies requirement.
Credits
0.5 course
Course Description
An on-campus course related to the geosciences offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.
Credits
0.5 course
Course Description
An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences.聽This course will encourage the understanding of quantitative and mathematical concepts, representational formats, and methodologies of geosciences; the evaluation of quantitative evidence and arguments; the use of quantitative information to make decisions; and the use of problem-solving, laboratory experiments, and projects for deeper learning. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An introduction to energy resources and the environmental impacts of their use, particularly in relation to climate change. The course not only examines the importance of nonrenewable fossil fuels in modern industrialized societies, but also explores the potential economic costs and societal impacts of transitioning to renewable and sustainable sources of energy. In addition, given that climate change is the most significant global impact of our energy use, participants will consider human and natural climate-change agents, the evidence for climate change, and projections for climate change in the future.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An introduction to energy resources and the environmental impacts of their use, particularly in relation to climate change. The course not only examines the importance of nonrenewable fossil fuels in modern industrialized societies, but also explores the potential economic costs and societal impacts of transitioning to renewable and sustainable sources of energy. In addition, given that climate change is the most significant global impact of our energy use, participants will consider human and natural climate-change agents, the evidence for climate change, and projections for climate change in the future.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Credits
1 course
Course Description
G. Geography. S. Geology. A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geology or geography. Open only to first-year students.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
G. Geography. S. Geology. A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geology or geography. Open only to first-year students.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications. Emphasis on cartographic concepts, strengths and limitations of different GIS data formats, spatial statistics, and spatial analysis. Students use a variety of specialized GIS tools to solve spatial problems and map spatial phenomena.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An introduction to earth history and the methods that geologists use to interpret the rock record and the fossil record. The origin and evolution of the earth and life through time are examined with emphasis on the interrelationships of earth history, evolution and plate tectonics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. A. West Virginia B. Utah C. Nevada D. California E. Other. An introduction to field geology through intensive study of a geologic province. Students collect and interpret geologic data, construct geologic maps and cross sections, and read published professional papers in order to interpret the tectonic, stratigraphic and geologic history of a province. Topics include the Valley and Ridge Province in West Virginia, the Colorado Plateau Province in Utah, and the Basin and Range Province in Nevada. A week-long field trip to the geologic province is required during spring break. A course fee covers field trip expenses. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. A. West Virginia B. Utah C. Nevada D. California E. Other. An introduction to field geology through intensive study of a geologic province. Students collect and interpret geologic data, construct geologic maps and cross sections, and read published professional papers in order to interpret the tectonic, stratigraphic and geologic history of a province. Topics include the Valley and Ridge Province in West Virginia, the Colorado Plateau Province in Utah, and the Basin and Range Province in Nevada. A week-long field trip to the geologic province is required during spring break. A course fee covers field trip expenses. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. A. West Virginia B. Utah C. Nevada D. California E. Other. An introduction to field geology through intensive study of a geologic province. Students collect and interpret geologic data, construct geologic maps and cross sections, and read published professional papers in order to interpret the tectonic, stratigraphic and geologic history of a province. This course will encourage the logical development of argument, clear and precise diction, and a coherent prose style; the development of expository writing skills as they apply to geology; and the responsible, appropriate, and effective use of sources and special or technical language. Topics include the Valley and Ridge Province in West Virginia, the Colorado Plateau Province in Utah, and the Basin and Range Province in Nevada. A week-long field trip to the geologic province is required during spring break. A course fee covers field trip expenses.聽May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An intermediate examination of the processes that influence the physical and chemical nature of the Earth's surface with special attention given to the influence of human actions on the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Students learn how the risks from natural hazards are assessed and minimized; understand the consequences of natural resource extraction; and consider the sources, transportation, fate, and remediation of waste and pollution in the environment. Real-world examples emphasize the importance of these topics for solving environmental problems.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110 or permission of instructor.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. A qualitative and quantitative study of the physical, chemical and optical properties of minerals. The physical properties of minerals are studied through the identification of hand samples and geometric analysis of crystal models. Mineral chemistry is studied using literature sources and laboratory work. The optical properties of minerals are examined using the petrographic microscope.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. A qualitative and quantitative study of the physical, chemical and optical properties of minerals. The physical properties of minerals are studied through the identification of hand samples and geometric analysis of crystal models. Mineral chemistry is studied using literature sources and laboratory work. The optical properties of minerals are examined using the petrographic microscope.聽
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. Detailed study of the formation, transportation, and deposition of sediments, and criteria for inferring the geologic history of sedimentary rocks. The application of facies models in recognizing and interpreting ancient depositional systems is emphasized.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. Analysis and interpretation of topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross sections. Course focuses on the relationship of map patterns to tectonic, geomorphic, hydrogeologic and climatic processes that shape and influence landform development. Involves some work with Google Earth and Adobe Illustrator software packages.
Distribution Area
Science and Math
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. Genesis, classification and identification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. These rock groups are studied through the use of hand samples, rock and mineral chemistry, computers and petrographic analysis. Laboratory exercises include field trips to examine and interpret outcrops in Indiana and adjacent states.
Prerequisites
GEOS 280.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics applied to geological problems, with special emphasis on aqueous geochemistry. Students learn field collection techniques, sample analysis, and methods of presenting geochemical data.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110, CHEM 130, and CHEM 170; or permission of the instructor.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. Recognition, description and origin of structural features that form the architectural framework of the upper crust. Geometric (shape), kinematic (motion) and dynamic (mechanical) development of structural features is emphasized. Fieldwork and applied laboratory work with computers facilitate analyses of structures over a wide range in scale.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. An investigation of the occurrence and movement of water within the hydrologic cycle. Special attention is given to water quality and water supply concerns. Lab and field work develop skills to apply course concepts to real world problems.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110. MATH 135 proficiency recommended.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Includes laboratory. Application of geophysical techniques to solving problems in geology, with emphasis on their applicability in environmental and exploration investigations. Course provides basic theory, field methods and interpretation techniques for seismic refraction/reflection, magnetic, gravitational, and electrical methods of geophysical prospecting. Outdoor work required.
Prerequisites
GEOS 110 or permission of instructor. MATH 135 proficiency and PHYS 120 recommended.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences.
Prerequisites
Sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Students read, present and discuss research papers in the geosciences.
Prerequisites
A departmental major and senior standing.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Topical investigation using primary geological literature sources, including written analyses and oral presentations.
Prerequisites
Permission of chair of the department.
Credits
0.5 course
Course Description
Topical investigation using primary geological literature sources, including written analyses and oral presentations.聽This course will help students develop the presentation of logical arguments and refutation; the ability to distinguish and identify important substantive arguments; the ability to skillfully analyze, evaluate, and integrate supporting material; the selection and implementation of effective presentation style; the ability to adapt the manner of delivery to specific audiences and situations; the demonstration of critical listening skills; the demonstration of effective and reflective listening; and the knowledge of the ethical obligations of speakers, discussants, and listeners.
Prerequisites
Permission of chair of the department.
Credits
0.5 course
Course Description
Advanced problems in geology, including written analyses and/or oral presentations.
Prerequisites
Permission of chair of the department.
Credits
0.5 course
Course Description
Original research in geology, including a written thesis and an oral defense.
Prerequisites
Permission of chair of the department.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Interdisciplinary, discussion-based seminars that provide students with a foundation in the theory and methods of the social sciences. These interdisciplinary seminars offer students opportunities via discussion and/or writing to explore implications, connections, and other perspectives (e.g., philosophy, ethics, law, arts, policy, history, politics, medicine/health, the other sciences, etc.). By design they explicitly connect two areas of the 91传媒 curriculum, i.e., two disciplines within the CLAS, the CLAS with the SBL, or the CLAS with the Creative School. This course will encourage the logical development of argument, clear and precise diction, and a coherent prose style; the development of expository writing skills as they apply to multiple disciplines; and the responsible, appropriate, and effective use of sources and special or technical language. These courses are open to all 91传媒 students, although priority is given to students enrolled in the Honor Scholar Program. Students in the Honor Scholar Program take one course each in AH, SM, and SS; each of these courses can be used to fulfill 91传媒's distribution requirements. May not be taken Pass/Fail.
Distribution Area
Social Science
Credits
1 course
Contact Us
Geology and Environmental Geoscience
Leveraging the resources of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Earth science major and minor at 91传媒 are housed in the Department of Geology and Environmental Geoscience. This department fosters a community based on mutual respect and understanding that values the open exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives from all.
Hope Sutherlin
- hopesutherlin@depauw.edu
- (765) 658-4654
-
2 East Hanna Street Room 282
Greencastle, IN 46135