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GEOLOGY GEOL 226 Science on Display Lab A laboratory approach taken as a co-requisite to GEOL 225. This lab section will involve field trips to examine science displays in the greater-Erie area. Co-requisite GEOL 225. 1 credit.
processing data. Typically offered during summer. Instructor Permission. Prerequisite: GEOL 100. 3 credits.
GEOL 260. Hydrogeology An introduction to the origin, occurrence, regimen and utilization of the ground water sector of the hydrological GEOL 235. Paleoclimatology cycle; the geological influences and chemical aspects Paleoclimatology deals with the characteristics of Earth’s of ground water, location, evaluation, and influence of climate in the past. This course will explore how and why man. Prerequisites: GEOL 100, GEOL 110. Corequisite: Earth’s climate has changed over time and the implica- GEOL 261. 3 credits. tions of that change. A hands-on approach will be taken where students will be out in the field collecting climate- GEOL 261. Hydrogeology Lab related data and will discuss the techniques used in Laboratory and field work taken as a corequisite to GEOL studying past climates. Earth’s changing climate over the 260. Corequisite: GEOL 260. 1 credit. past 10,000 years will also be emphasized. Co-requisite GEOL 236. 3 credits. GEOL 299. Geologic Excursions Instructor-led geology field trip. Previous destinations GEOL 236. Paleoclimatology Lab included northern Arizona, northern California, the A laboratory approach taken as a co-requisite to GEOL Smoky Mountains and southern Utah. 0 credits. 235. Co-requisite GEOL 235. 1 credit. GEOL 306. Soils GEOL 240. Paleontology The study of the processes and environmental A broad survey of fossil invertebrates, vertebrates and conditions that result in the formation of soils; the plants. Direct examination of actual specimens to relationships among climate, rock type, and time familiarize the student with morphology and character- duration that cause soils to possess different chemical istics of common as well as rarely seen fossils. Special and physical properties; and the various schemes and topics will address exceptional preservation, extinction, the nomenclature by which soils are classified. paleopathology and data retrieval from the fossil record. Prerequisite: GEOL 100. Corequisite: GEOL 307. 3 credits. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: GEOL 100, GEOL 110, BIO 146. Corequisite: GEOL 241. 3 credits. GEOL 307. Soils Lab The analysis and interpretation of soils maps; the field GEOL 241. Paleontology Lab descriptions of general soil features; the recording of site An in-depth examination of fossils from diverse and profile data; and soil sampling methods. localities and preservational modes, including Corequisite: GEOL 306. 1 credit. evolutionary and taxonomic problems stressing identification and interpretation. Field experiences are GEOL/ANTH 370. Dendrochronology anticipated. Corequisite: GEOL 240. 1 credit. Dendrochronology deals with time as recorded by tree rings. Information extracted from tree rings can GEOL 242. Sedimentology & Stratigraphy subsequently be used to make predictions about past An introduction to processes and environments of climate and paleo-environmental conditions, geologic sedimentation and the principles employed in the and anthropological events and even fire cycles. This examination of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Hand class will present the fundamental principles of how to specimens and sequences will be studied for conduct dendrochronologic studies and will emphasize characteristics and origins. Prerequisite: GEOL 100. the techniques of collecting and interpreting tree ring Corequisite: GEOL 246. 3 credits. data. Applications of dendrochronology will also be explored. 3 credits. GEOL 243. Sedimentology & Stratigraphy Lab A laboratory approach taken as a corequisite to GEOL 380. Principles of Remote Sensing Sedimentation. Corequisite: GEOL 245. 1 credit. This course will address the theories and fundamentals of acquiring, processing, and interpreting remotely GEOL 250. Structural Geology sensed datasets. Special attention will be paid to Identification and interpretation of structural geologic geological, archaeological, environmental, and urban features including the construction and use of structural applications of remotely sensed data collected through maps and cross-sections. Prerequisite: GEOL 100. both air and space-borne platforms. 3 credits. Corequisite: GEOL 251. 3 credits. GEOL 410. Seminar and Research GEOL 251. Structural Geology Lab Special topics in geology may be pursued on an A laboratory approach taken as a corequisite to GEOL advanced level, often involving an extensive literature 250. Corequisite: GEOL 250. 1 credit. search with accompanying oral and written reports. Students have the opportunity to choose, develop, and GEOL 255. Field Methods in Geology complete an original research problem followed by Introduction to the use of field equipment including preparation of a report suitable for publication. Consent Brunton compasses, surveying and mapping of professor. 1-4 credits. instruments, geophysical instruments, including the field seismometer and GIS applications used in
GEOLOGY GEOL/ANTH 430. Geoarchaeology Geoarchaeology (archaeology) examines in detail the interface which exists between the fields of geology and the anthropological sub-discipline of archaeology. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student not only with the history of the interrelationship between these academic specialties but also to document and illustrate the range of geological techniques which are useful to the contemporary archaeologist. More specifically, via lectures and laboratory work, this course will detail how geological methods may be employed in the location, excavation, and interpretation of archaeological sites and materials. Prerequisites: GEOL 100, GEOL 245, GEOL 247. Corequisite: GEOL 431. 3 credits. GEOL 431. Geoarchaeology Lab Field and laboratory exercises will emphasize landform analysis. Sample processing and analysis will be performed in the laboratory. Corequisite: GEOL/ANTH 430. 1 credit. GEOL 440. Introduction to GIS This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems, providing students with a basic knowledge of its theory, and main practical applications, with stress on basic GIS software logics, usage and applications. The student will learn the usage of ESRI’s ArcGIS 9, with examples from different fields. At completion of the course, students will be able to collect, create and view geographic information data from preexisting sources as well as produce their own maps and calculate basic descriptive spatial statistics such as measurements of dispersion and central location. Corequisite: GEOL 441. 3 credits. GEOL 441. Introduction to GIS Lab Computer laboratory work taken as a corequisite to GEOL 440. Corequisite: GEOL 440. 1 credit. GEOL 490. Senior Thesis Prerequisite: ANTH 390 and Permission from Instructor. 3 credits.
2013-2014 Mercyhurst University Course Catalog • www.mercyhurst.edu