300

Comprehensive treatment of maps and map making. Includes the history of maps and their construction from ancient times to present, including affect on history and politics. Also entails essential elements of maps, their construction by manual and computer means, and how they are used to express information. Lecture and lab. Can be taken as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) elective.

Introduction to short and long term physical, chemical and dynamic states of the atmosphere, measurement of meteorological parameters, weather systems and forecasting. Special emphasis is placed on regional climates, climatic change and potential societal economic effects of climatic change.

The course will cover theory, geological occurrence, and identification of the common earth materials, which includes subjects on minerals, rocks, and natural resources (e.g. fossil fuels and gemstones). Lecture and lab along with a field trip to an adjacent area. Laboratory assignments contain a brief introduction to the petrographic microscope and thin section identification, but mostly emphasize hand specimen identification. A presentation on any aspects related to earth materials is required for students.

Participants are exposed to issues of regional Historical Geology during a seven-day field trip (Summer Session I). Students observe the record of multiple mountain-building episodes and basin evolution through a series of roadcut, stream, and quarry exposures. Aspects of the geologic record including cross-cutting relationships, biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental inference are used at stops to reconstruct the regional geology puzzle. Knowledge of structural geology is recommended but is not essential. The course applies principles learned in GEO 210, but it aLso supplements information in GEO 345, GEO 370, and GEO 400. Students attend several orientation classes during the spring semester in preparation for the field course. During the course, students keep notes and prepare a field diary containing information from field stops. The course grade is based on the notebook turned in upon completion of the course. Offered in years when GEO 461 is not offered.

Study of geomorphic processes, relating topographic features to underlying rocks and structures and to processes of erosion, deposition, and earth movements. Lectures and laboratory supplemented by short field trips and field research. A day-long field trip over the weekend may be required.

The course links the many time frames and events of geodynamics ranging from continental drift to earthquake hazards. The subject is presented from several viewpoints, including the history of science, spatial and temporal distribution of hazards and resources, and impacts on culture. Learning activities include small group discussions, computer manipulation of spatial data, reading from historical writings of scholars such as Lyell and Darwin, and review of cultural impacts through paintings and films. Prerequisite: Any introductory science course.

Emphasis on how problems dealing with the shape, mass, structure, composition, and tectonic history of the Earth can be resolved using such methods of geophysics as gravity, magnetics, and seismology. Lectures, laboratory, and field work lead to several written papers.

An introduction to stellar astronomy with emphasis on what is currently known about the life history of stars, the structure of galaxies - with emphasis on our own Milky Way Galaxy - and nebulae, and black holes and quasars, and dark matter. Includes a historical overview of the study of stellar astronomy as well as considerations of the origin and ultimate fate of the universe, and the origin of life in the universe. Must have completed the Natural Sciences category of the College Core Curriculum.

Scope, literature, and history of geochemistry. Principles and applications of geochemistry, including the elements; isotope geology; thermodynamics; water chemistry; crystal chemistry; organic geochemistry; geochemistry of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks.

This course, with a focus on invertebrate paleontology, focuses on the ways we can learn from fossils. Concepts covered include stratigraphy, evolution, and the basic taxonomy of common fossil forming groups. The lab will introduce students to the concepts in a hands-on manner.

An interdisciplinary synthesis of perspectives on the Earth's resources. A broad range of resources will be discussed in the context of population growth, the global commons, resource management, sustainable development, and environmental policy. The course will focus on the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of resources such as minerals, vegetation, animals, soils and landforms, atmosphere and climate, and water.

Theoretical aspects of stress and strain as applied to natural rock systems; description and origin of rock structures in Earth's crust. Laboratory work stresses structural interpretation of geologic maps. Field work supplements lectures and laboratory. Students are required to complete a paper on some aspect of structural geology; part of the revision processes will include peer review.