Allegheny College: Geology Catalogue

Geology is the study of the Earth--the materials that make it up, the processes that shape it, the record of ancient and modern environments, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. Like other sciences, geology is based upon observation and problem solving. Unlike most sciences, however, it is an outdoor science with the Earth as its laboratory. It is also an interdisciplinary science, utilizing principles of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to unravel the mysteries of Earth and other planets. By studying geology, you develop an understanding of earth processes; an understanding of the interactions between the solid earth (lithosphere), the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere; you also learn to appreciate the place and role of humanity living on the Earth today as well as within the context of geologic time.

Geology has both theoretical and applied aspects. The study of geology provides the knowledge needed to answer fundamental questions about how our planet works. In addition, the knowledge of the Earth gained through geology serves humanity by helping to better understand the past, manage the present, and predict the future. As stresses due to increased population and resource development have increased rapidly in the past few decades, so has the recognized need for geologists with a special understanding of how the Earth operates. Environmental geology is the application of geologic principles and knowledge to a wide spectrum of topics defined by possible interactions between humanity and the physical Earth. Geologic principles have been applied to problems of the environment since the birth of geology. Some topics studied within environmental geology are water resources and contamination, river processes and flooding, groundwater, coastal processes, impact of climatic change, hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanoes, energy and mineral resources, and land use.

Major programs offered within the Department of Geology meet specific professional objectives as well as the broad objectives of a liberal arts college. The department offers three programs that are designed to meet different objectives: Bachelor of Science in Geology, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology, and Bachelor of Arts with a major in Geology. The Bachelor of Science program in Geology is designed to prepare students for graduate study in all aspects of geology or for employment as professional geologists. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology is designed to prepare the student for graduate study involving Earth-surface processes or for employment as an environmental geologist. The Bachelor of Arts program can be arranged to accommodate other objectives such as teaching earth science at the secondary level, preparing for graduate programs in law or business, or entry into a career field.

The Major

At graduation, Geology majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in departmental courses and in those courses in other departments required for a Geology major. All required courses and electives taken at Allegheny on a letter grade basis are included in the calculation, with the exception of repeated courses for which only the most recent grade counts. Majors need to secure the permission of the department chair to take required courses on a Credit/No Credit basis.

Bachelor of Science degree in Geology
The successful completion of Geology 108 or 110, 120, 230 or FSGeo 201, 250, 310, 410, 420, 430, 580, and 600 or 610 and 620; Chemistry 110 and 112; Physics 101 and 102 or 110 and 112; and Mathematics 160 and 170. The department recommends that, where possible, students elect additional science courses in support of the major; Mathematics 210, Physics 292, Biology 077, Geology 400, Computer Science 111, and a course in statistics such as Biology 385 or Psychology 206 are suggested.

Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geology
The successful completion of Geology 108 or 110, 120, 230 or FSGeo 201, 250, 310, 400, 410, 430, 580, and 600 or 610 and 620; Environmental Science 346, 347 or 430; Chemistry 110 and 112; Mathematics 160 and 170; Physics 101 or 110. The department recommends that, where possible, students elect additional science courses in support of the major: Biology 077, Mathematics 210, Computer Science 111, Physics 102, Geology 420, and a course in statistics such as Biology 385 or Psychology 206.

Bachelor of Arts degree
The successful completion of Geology 108 or 110, 120, 230 or FSGeo 201, 250, 580, and 600 or 610 and 620; an additional three courses in Geology from 310 through 430; Environmental Science 110; Chemistry 110; Physics 065; and one of the following courses: Mathematics 159, Biology 385 or Psychology 206. The specific program of electives in Geology and the supporting sciences must be approved by the department at the beginning of the junior year. Modification of the above mentioned programs can be arranged with the approval of the department.

The Minor

The Department of Geology requires the successful completion of Geology 108 or 110, 120, and any three courses from Geology 230 or FSGeo 201, 250, 310, 400, 410, 420, and 430 for a minor program. Two of Geology 301, 302, 303 or 304 may be substituted for one of the four courses with permission of the department. Geology courses from the Duke Marine Program may substitute for some courses with consent of the department. Students are urged to consult the departmental faculty in planning a minor program in Geology.

Off-Campus Study in Marine Geology
Students who are eligible (at least 3.0 GPA and approval of Director of International Programs and Services) can participate in our cooperative program with the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina. Students receive Allegheny grades and credit for Geology major and minor requirements. Contact the Director of International Programs and Services in Reis Hall for more information on this program.

Application of geological principles towards underprocesses emphasizing interactions between humanitphysical earth. Designed as an introduction to gecourse will include basis concepts of earth materiminerals), earth structure, and surficial environmwill include water resources and contamination, laplanning, natural hazards such as earthquakes, volslides and floods, energy and economic resources, environmental regulations and policies. Laboratorwork, one period. May not be taken after successfof Geology 110."

The study of Earth properties and the dynamics of systems to provide a basic understanding of the reenvironments, and evolution of our planet. The couconsider Earth materials, interior structure of thEarth surface processes, landform development, envgeology, and physical evolution of the Earth. Specwill include minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, basins, continents, river and groundwater systems,volcanism, and earthquakes. Laboratory or field woperiod."

The study of Earth history and large-scale processes affecting our planet's evolution and present-day dynamics. Principles and techniques for system analysis are applied to the lithological, paleontological, and geochemical records to develop an understanding of atmosphere evolution, tectonic history, paleogeography, long-term environmental change, and biological evolution. Modern natural systems, laboratory projects involving rock suites and fossils, and models are used to demonstrate analytical approaches and aspects of Earth history. Laboratory one period. Prerequisite: Geology 108or 110. Students who have taken FSGEO 201 prior to Fall 2006 may not take Geology 120."

A basic course in weather prediction and phenomenawill be placed on modern forecasting methods, unusphenomena, and weather lore."

Special topics, primarily for freshmen and sophomores, offered only once."

Principles and field methods in geology and envirogeology. Activities include analysis and interprettopographic maps, geologic maps, and aerial photoghydrogeologic exploration and samples, shallow-levgeophysics, analysis of geologic maps, and descripclassification of rocks and common structures. Majminors may substitute a summer field course at an geologic field camp with permission of the departmwork or laboratory, one period. May include a multtrip."

An examination of the origin and composition of Earth's crustal systems. Mineralogy, chemistry, and textures of rocks are studied through hand sample and microscopic analysis. Topics include basics of crystallography, optical properties of minerals, and use of the polarizing microscope, with an emphasis on the interpretation of igneous,metamorphic and sedimentary rock associations in relation to tectonic settings. Laboratory, one period. May include a multi-day field trip. Prerequisites: Geology 108 or 110. Geology 120 is strongly recommended. Offered alternate years."

An examination of geomorphology, sedimentology, anenvironmental problems of modern coastal zones witemphasis upon physical processes of the environmencrucial link between understanding modern process-relationships and meaningful analysis of the rock demonstrated throughout the course. Field trip: Bacoast of Georgia."

A central theme is crustal dynamics of orogenic befocusing upon the interrelationship between tectonsedimentation in modern and ancient foreland settiEvolution of the modern Taiwan orogenic belt-forelcouple at the Eurasian-Philippine plate boundary iinsight to understanding paleodynamics of our own system. Field trip: Virginia/West Virginia.

An examination of the dependency between ancient dsystems and present environmental geologic concernAppalachian Plateau (Kentucky region) as a case exInitial focus will be upon deltaic and carbonate sprocesses and their genetic link to tectonics, paland paleo-sea level. The distribution of resultantstrata is then linked to present landforms, enviroresources (coal, oil, and gas, groundwater), geohaengineering practices, and land use. Field trip: Kancient delta systems and karst terrain."

Modern and Ancient Geologic Processes in the WhiteMountains An exploration of the relationship between geologic processes and the plate tectonics model as recorded in the rock record of north-central New Hampshire. Students examine: (1) evidence of sedimentation, metamorphism, deformation and magmatism in Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks; and (2) how these rocks can be used to interpret the tectonic history of the region. Dominant geologicprocesses of the more recent Cenozoic Era (glaciation, rock/land slides, and acid rain neutralization) are also examined and discussed. Mandatory course field trip: White Mountains, NH.Credit: Two semester hours."

A study of the surface of the Earth, processes thaand principles governing their operation. Includedcourse is the study of processes and landforms assweathering, streams, glaciers, coasts, and groundwLaboratories emphasize field investigations, map aphotograph interpretation, and physical and computLaboratory or field trip, one period."

An examination of climate change on Earth at a variety of scales and the implications of global climate change (both past and future) from a scientific perspective. The course is divided into two seven-week units. The first unit focuseson evidence in the geologic record that provides a history of climate change on Earth over the last2 billion years. The second unit focuses on the record of changing atmospheric gas concentrations (e.g. greenhouse gases) during the last 150 years and examines the methods that scientists use to predict and address future climate change. A day-long field trip may be involved. Prerequisites: Geo 110 or Geo 108 or ES 210.

Principles of groundwater flow and physical properties of aquifers. The course combines both theoretical and applied approaches to the study of groundwater. Topics include: well constructionand installation, characterization of subsurface hydraulic properties, groundwater flow, and contaminant transport processes. Course may involve a multi-day field trip. Laboratory, fieldwork, or recitation, one period. Prerequisites: Geology 108 or 110; Math 170; Geology 230 strongly recommended."

Hydrodynamics, sediment transport, depositional products, environmental systems, and stratigraphicanalysis. Topics inclue sedimentary fabric, primary sedimentary structures, facies analysis, stratigraphic sequences, and mineralogy/sediment- ary rock type related to basin type and tectonic setting. Laboratory sessions include: wave tank, flume, and bedform analysis; hand-specimens of sedimentary structures; barrier-island core analysis; field examination of modern and ancient deposits; and, body trace fossil analysis in context of sandstone and carbonate settings. Laboratory, one period. Prerequisites: Geology 108 or 110, 120 and 250 or permission of the instructor."

A study of rock deformation and tectonics of the Earth with an emphasis on geometric analysis and origin of secondary structures at microscopic-, outcrop-, and global-scales. The concepts of stress, strain, and material behavior are applied throughout the course. Topics include folding, fault systems, deformation mechanisms, kinematic analysis, interpretation of geologic maps and cross-sections, graphical and computer solutions of problems including the use of stereograms, and case studies of structural associations in mountain belts. Laboratory or field trip, one period. May include a multi-day field trip. Prerequisites: Geology 120 or FSGeo 201, or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years."

An examination of the chemical character and behavior of the near-surface environment. Studentsstudy analytical methods to characterize the chemistry of precipitation, surface/ground water, soils, and rocks. We examine the dominant chemicalreactions between gas, liquid and solid phases on Earth and identify the products of these react- ions. Course material is examined in the context of global geochemical cycling. Laboratory work, field work, or recitation, one period. Prerequisites: Chem 111 and 115 or Chem 101 102. Geo 250 is strongly suggested."

The experience will involve participation in conduhydrogeologic investigations and the preparation ogroundwater-resource reports. The student must concredit.

An internship in environmental education working wand/or adults at a local educational facility, sucFrench Creek Outdoor Learning Center. This facilicollaborative effort of the Frrench Creek Project,school districts, the Crawford County Development and Allegheny's College/Schools Collaborative; as Superfund site, the Outdoor Learning Center offersopportunities for exploration and interpretation oecology and geology. The Center's mission is to pPennsylvania's premier streams while exploring theenvironmental cleanup and management. Interns at environmental education sites participate in reseacurriculum development, environmental education, prelations, and office communications. Prerequisitapproval of the supervisor at the internship site."

The intern becomes familiar with the operation of Wildlife Refuge and participates in a research proto wildlife management and conservation biology. be eligible, the student must develop a project prconsultation with the liaison and refuge manager. will normally involve field or interpretive projecculminate in a project report, pamphlet, or brochusubmitted to both the liaison and refuge manager."

An intership with the local water authority to design and execute a project relating to water supply issues. Examples of potential projects include research on water consumption patterns on the campus or in the community; mapping of the water distribution system using a Geographic Information System (GIS); development of water conservation and education materials for adults and/or primary schoolchildren; creation of a web site for water customers; designing and implement-ing water conservation programs on the campus or in the community; economic analysis of water- supply operations. Prerequisites: Approval from liaison. Students who wish to work on technical aspects of ground water as a part of the intershipmust have completed Geo 400.

Environmental Consulting Internship with O'Brien and Gere, Inc. An internship in hydrogeology and environmental remediation. Interns particiapte in the collectionand analysis of field data to understand environmental conditions, such as ground water flow and conteminant transport, for reports, and presentations to clients and regulatory agencies. Safety training, typically including 40-hour OSHA training, is part of the internship experience. Interns are expected to maintain a journal and to submit their journal and a final report on their experience to the liaison. The internship is typically taken during the summer in the Philadelphia, PA area; compensation for living expenses is provided. Prerequisites: Declaration of major or minor in geology, completion of Geology 230, and approval from liaison. Completionof Geology 400 is strongly recommended. Liaison: Professor Cole. Credit: Two semester hours."

For one-time internships, the expectations of the supervisor and the faculty member must be negotiatadvance. A critical function of these negotiationthat the student's experiences are directly relevaacademic content. All one-time/infrequent internspreapproved by the department and by the Dean of t"

Seminar discussions on selected topics in geology preparation for the development of senior researchStudents will analyze the literature, write a papeliterature review and synthesis, present a seminara tentative research proposal for the Senior Projeof all junior majors in geology. Includes a five tfield trip."

The first semester of a two-semester research project. Students are evaulated on their proposals and presentations at the preliminary meeting, progress made during the semester, and presentation at the final meeting of the semester.Credit: Two or four semester hours. Prerequisite: Geology 580."

The final semester of a two-semester research project. Students are evaluated on their continued research efforts oral defenses and written theses. Credit: Two or four semester hours. Prerequisite: Geology 600.

Students are evaluated on their proposal and presentation at the beginning of the semester, research effort during the semester, and oral defense and written thesis at the end of the semester. The project must be completed during the semester of enrollment. Prerequisite: Geology 580."

Geology

The Major

The Minor

Sophomore Seminars