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The geology of many of America's most visited parks, including the geologic features, the processes which formed them, the chronology of events that led to the rocks, structures, and landscapes of the natural treasures, and the environmental problems that now threaten the parks. Lectures, videos, small-group discussions, use of the Internet, in-class quizzes and exams. Small-group preparation and presentation on a geologically significant national monument or park. Not open to students who have passed GEO 165 Planet Earth. Students may take GEO 169 General Geology Lab as a co-requisite to expand their knowledge of minerals, rocks, fossils, and topographic and geologic map reading and interpretation.

This course will introduce students to the Geosciences program at SUNY Fredonia. Throughout the semester, students will meet other Geosciences majors and the department faculty, including an introduction to faculty areas of specialization and research. Students will learn about local geology through lecture and field trips, as well as what they will be exposed to over the next four years with regard to coursework, research possibilities, job prospects, and graduate school. The seminar will provide students with networking opportunities as they make their way through demanding program requirements.

An introduction to the field of geography, with particular emphasis on the driving physical forces and processes that shape the earth's surface. The impact on human activities and patterns will be examined. A spatial approach will be used to study the nature and character of physical space including measurements, relations, locations, and the distribution of phenomena. The course will meet twice a week in a traditional classroom setting and once a week in a laboratory setting, which will include occasional field trips to explore the local area in an effort to observe how landforms, vegetation and microclimate vary over short distances.

The course provides an introduction to the history of life on Earth with emphasis on the five mass extinctions throughout geologic times and the sixth mass extinction occurring today.

Examines the development of severe and unusual weather phenomena including floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes and other tropical storms, blizzards, and electrical storms. The frequency and geographic occurrence of these events is considered in terms of current climatic models.

The course centers on life in the Mesozoic era of geological time, when dinosaurs rule the earth. In addition to discussing the different types of dinosaurs and their ecological roles, the role of climatic and catastrophic extinction in shaping this unique time in geologic history is explored. Topics also include the evolution of dinosaurs and their relationship to modern birds, the controversy over "warm-blooded" versus "cold-blooded" metabolism, and the ultimate extinction of the dinosaurs leading to the age of mammals.

A review of modern ideas of crustal movement, the origin of volcanoes and earthquakes, the continents and their history of breakup, drifting and collisions to create mountain belts, and the ocean basins and their formation by seafloor spreading. The course covers the evolution in thought of the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.

The course is an introduction to basic principles relating to present understanding of biological evolution. Evolution is a major scientific paradigm that underlies both theoretical and practical research in the life sciences, and it has strong interdisciplinary support from biology and other branches of science. The course explores the development of evolutionary ideas from early concepts up to the modern synthesis. Topics include: origin of life, geologic record and geologic time, inheritance and Darwinian selection, patterns of evolution, macroevolution, and modern opposition to evolutionary science. Lecture format.

Much of earth history can be explored by the study of New York State geology. The course explores - among other things - the evolution of life in vast marine basins, the uplift of lofty mountains during the Appalachian Orogeny, followed by the more recent advance of Pleistocene ice sheets that covered the state until about 10,000 years ago. Students should come away with a better understanding and appreciation for the rich geological history of their home state.

One of the series of five-week introductory courses exploring topics in the geological sciences. The Great Ice Age topic explores the interesting history and effects of glacial periods on Earth, with parallels to current interest in, and observations on, global climate change.

A mini-course that examines earthquakes as an example of natural hazards. Topics include history of earthquake science, quake causes, prediction, risk assessment, engineering response, and response of culture such as artistic renderings of quakes.

The course deals with the science of volcanology. Topics include the types of magmas (molten rock) and rocks that produce the different kinds of volcanoes, physical and chemical controls on eruptions, and hazards and benefits of volcanoes. Scientific study and the effect of volcanism on human beings are discussed in the context of major historical eruptions.

Historical and scientific treatment of the solar system. Emphasis on the development of astronomical thought from ancient times to the flowering of modern concepts of planetary origins and evolution. Problem sets deal with analysis of classical and modern concepts, including mathematical solutions. High school math through Math III suggested, but not required.

Examines the progression of scientific thought in the Western world from Paleolithic cultures, through Mesopotamia, Greek, and European civilizations. Emphasis on classic works of philosophers, mystics, and scientists and their contribution toward molding the nature and practice of modern-day science. Lecture format with formal group discussions, videos, and periodic question sets. One major research paper required.

Planet Earth formed as a ball of fire, but now is 70% water. Where did all this water come from? How does it shape our world? This course dives into these questions. We consider the chemical and physical properties of sea water, and how these waters circulate. The oceans represent the heart of our Blue Planet and their effects - waves, tides, shoreline processes, marine biology, and economic impact - play a critical role in our future.

Explore the large and small scale processes that shape and reshape our dynamic planet Earth. This course introduces students to the many features and phenomena that help us understand Earth’s geologic history and its future. From the integral role that minerals and rocks play to the wide range of internal and external processes operating on Earth, students gain a heightened awareness of natural resources, climate change and geologic hazards as society makes its way through the 21st century. Lectures and group discussion. High school background in earth sciences not required. Majors and minors in the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, including Childhood Education Science/Geoscience Concentration majors, should take GEO 169 Planet Earth Lab as a corequisite.

Laboratory introduction to topographic and geologic maps, and earth materials (minerals, rocks and fossils). Exercises include use of these tools to recognize and interpret geological processes, history and structure.

The course investigates ancient and modern water supplies, studies surface and underground watersheds, evaluates risks to water quantity, quality and distribution systems, reviews water law and regulation, and reflects on the role of water resources in war and terror, food and transport, scenery and beauty.

Introduction to the transitory and long-term physical, chemical, and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement of weather factors, weather forecasting, regional climates, climatic change, weather and climate modification, and practical aspects and applications of weather and climate.