Course Catalog 2007-2008
Associate Professor David P. Hawkins, Chair
Professor Tod A. Frolking; Associate Professors David C. Greene, David P. Hawkins; Assistant Professor David H. Goodwin; Assistant Professor Johanna M. Kieniewicz; Academic Secretary Jude Hall
Geosciences investigate the Earth in the broadest sense; how it formed, how it evolved and continues to evolve, how Earth systems interact to produce the environment in which we live, and how present and future changes may affect the habitability of Earth. The central goal of the department is to educate students about the nature and history of the Earth, the processes that shape the Earth, and the impacts those processes have on human populations.
An understanding of the Earth is an important component of global citizenship. Many critical environmental issues face humanity, including global climate change, water shortages, loss of arable land, natural hazards such as earthquakes and flooding, and the availability of petroleum and other energy resources. Citizens and professionals with training in the geosciences will contribute to solving these and other problems, while increasing opportunities for humans to live sustainably on the Earth.
The department provides non-majors with a basic knowledge of the Earth and an understanding of Earth processes that will serve their needs as future citizens and community leaders. Geoscience majors and minors develop a strong background in the geosciences in preparation for employment opportunities in fields such as environmental science, geotechnical engineering, exploration for natural resources, geologic research, environmental law, and earth science teaching. Many geoscience graduates continue their training in graduate school; others enter the work force directly.
There are two possible paths to the bachelor's degree in Geoscience: a Bachelor of Science in anticipation of advanced study in the Geosciences, or a Bachelor of Arts for those who seek a less specialized course of study. Earning a B.A. degree does not preclude a professional career in the Geosciences, although admission to some graduate programs may require completion of additional science and mathematics courses.
A student may graduate with a B.S. degree by taking an introductory geoscience course (GEOS 110, 111, 112, 114, or a FYS 102 taught by Geoscience faculty); the five core courses (GEOS 210, 211, 300, 311, 314); three additional Geoscience courses of 200-level or above; and a geoscience field course (GEOS 400). Required additional science courses are CHEM 121 plus three courses from CHEM 122, BIOL 150, and either 201 or 202, MATH 123-124, and PHYS 121-122 or 126-127. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in the geosciences are advised to take additional science courses beyond this minimum requirement.
Students seeking a B.A. degree must take an introductory course (see above), the five core courses and three additional Geoscience courses of 200-level or above. One course from Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Astronomy, or Mathematics may be substituted for a Geoscience elective.
Both B.S. and B.A. students are required to pass a comprehensive exam, normally administered during the senior year.
Note that most upper level geoscience courses are offered in alternate years. Therefore it is important that geoscience majors take the required 300-level core courses in the year in which they are offered.
To minor in the Geosciences, a student should take an introductory course (see above), GEOS 210, and four additional courses in the Geosciences.
Students with an interest in this program should consult with the Geoscience and Physics chairpersons no later than their sophomore year.
Students interested in this program should consult the Environmental Studies Minor requirements described elsewhere in this catalog.
Geography is a non-major field at Denison. A student wishing to pursue geography and related environmental/planning fields may follow the B.A. in Geosciences with a geography emphasis and a minor in a field such as Economics, Environmental Studies, History or Sociology/Anthropology; or develop an individually designed major in consultation with the Geoscience faculty. The curriculum is rich enough to allow geoscience majors to enter graduate schools of geography or regional and urban planning.
Abundant student research opportunities are available, including working with faculty in the field or laboratory, involvement with the Oak Ridge Science Semester described at www.orss.denison.edu, and a variety of summer internships. Student employment opportunities within the department include working as teaching and laboratory assistants, and assisting in developing and maintaining departmental collections.
The C.L. Herrick Geological Society is an active, student-run organization, which coordinates guest lectures and social events throughout the academic year. Also student-initiated and operated is The Denison Journal of Geoscience, an annual publication featuring articles on a wide range of geologic and geographic topics.
Safety glasses will be required for some field work and laboratory work.
Fundamentals of Earth Environment (GEOS-110). The study of earth surface processes and the diverse environments around the world. Topics covered include weather phenomena, the distribution of the world's climates, global patterns of vegetation and soils, and the study of landforms. Laboratory exercises include local field trips, the analysis of weather and climate data, as well as the interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photographs. Frolking. 4
Planet Earth (GEOS-111). An introduction to the study of the Earth: how it formed, how it evolved, how Earth Systems interact to produce the environment in which we live, and how present and future changes may effect the habitability of Earth. Laboratory exercises include learning to identify and interpret minerals and rocks, using aerial photographs and topographic maps to understand landscapes and landscape processes, and investigating geologic processes on local field trips. This course is designed as an introductory course in geology for both science and non-science majors. (Normally offered Fall and Spring semesters) Staff. 4
Special Topics in Geology (GEOS-112). Current Topics include: Rare Earth - Building a Habitable Planet. What does it take to build a planet that harbors intelligent life? Are habitable planets common in the Universe, or is Earth the only one? In this course we will examine the development of planet Earth in light of the hypothesis that conditions necessary for a habitable planet are extremely rare in the universe. While emphasizing geology, this examination will involve us in aspects of biology and paleontology, astronomy and astrogeology, philosophy and even theology. Laboratory exercises will allow hands-on investigation of rocks, fossils, geologic maps, and other data important to our understanding of the development of planet Earth. This course is designed as an introductory course in geology for both science and non-science majors. Fulfills the "R" Oral Communication requirement. Greene. 4
Special Topics in Geology (GEOS-114). Current Topics include: Climate Change - Cool Science on a Hot Topic. Global warming constitutes one of the most controversial issues you, and society at large, will face in the future. At the center of this debate lies the question, "Are we responsible for the recent increase in global temperature, or is this trend part of the natural variability in the climate system?" To evaluate these possibilities, we will examine the geologic record of climate change and the processes responsible for these variations. While the majority of our discussions will focus on geology, we will also touch on elements of oceanography, meteorology, biology, paleontology, as well as policy and politics. By the end of this course you will be able to make informed decisions about the climate change issues we are certain to face in the future. This course is designed as an introductory course in geology for both science and non-science majors. Fulfills the "Q" Quantitative requirement. (Goodwin). The Fire Within - Geology of Volcanic Eruptions. Volcanic eruptions are amongst the most powerful and spectacular of natural phenomena. Why do volcanoes erupt? Where on earth do volcanoes occur? Why are there no volcanoes in Ohio? How does molten lava form? Why do some volcanoes explode violently and others simply emit rivers of lava? How do eruptions affect our planet and local populations? How do scientists, local officials and the press deal with volcanic crises? This course addresses these and many other fundamental questions about our volcanically active planet. Through readings, lectures, still images, video footage, movies, and laboratory exercises, we will focus on the nature of volcanic eruptions, their products, and the hazards they pose both to human populations and to life on earth. Laboratory exercises will include the study of maps and aerial photographs, rocks & minerals, the nature of volcanic eruptions, the rock products of eruptions, the reconstructions of past eruptive events from the rock record, and an exploration of the complex issues related to managing volcanic crises. This course is designed as an introductory course in geology for both science and non-science majors. Goodwin, Hawkins. 4
Introductory Topics in Geography (GEOS-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Environmental Geology (GEOS-200). A broad survey of the geologic aspects of environmental issues, emphasizing human interactions with the geologic environment. Topics include geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides and flooding; global water supply and water quality issues, especially groundwater contamination and remediation; and global environmental change, with emphasis on climate change and global warming. Prerequisites: A 100-level course taught by Geoscience faculty. (Normally offered Spring Semester) Kieniewicz. 4
Story of the Earth (GEOS-210). A survey of the geologic history of planet Earth. Major topics include global cliimate history, paleogeography, history of life, and tectonic development and evolution of the North America continent. Lab exercises focus on description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and environments, and the history of biological evolution. Prerequisite: A 100-level course taught by Geoscience faculty. (Normally offered Spring Semester) Goodwin. 4
Materials of the Earth (GEOS-211). An introduction to the minerals and rocks that make up the Earth, and how those materials influence the processes that operate within and on the surface of the planet. Emphasis is placed on the geological, chemical and physical basis for understanding the composition and physical properties of minerals, magmas, rocks and soils, and the processes by which these materials form. Lab exercises are integrated with lecture during three two-hour-long class sessions per week. Prerequisite: A 100-level course taught by Geoscience faculty. (Normally offered Fall Semester) Hawkins. 4
Introduction to Environmental Mapping (GEOS-230). Approximately 80% of all data used by businesses and the U.S. government has a geographic component. This course is intended to introduce students to spatial analysis and environmental problem solving skills and tools using maps, aerial photography, global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS). Case studies will illustrate environmental applications and explore the ways in which these media have been used and misused. Students will learn how to read and interpret maps and aerial photography, calculate scales and errors, create thematic maps through attribute query, use basic GIS functions (such as buffers, unions, and splits), and conduct primary GIS analyses, such as site assessments and neighborhood analyses. This course will use ArcView for the GIS component and students should be comfortable using computers. (Normally offered Fall Semester) Staff. 4
World Regional Geography (GEOS-250). Modern geography explores the complex linkages between the natural world and the human or "built" environment. In this course, we study these relationships from a regional viewpoint. Excluding Anglo America, we tour the world's regions examining the diversity of landscapes, the distributions of natural resources, and the patterns of agricultural land use and industrial development. From London to Lhasa we chart the growing interdependence of the world economy and the stark contrasts in resource availability and allocation between the developed and less-developed nations. This course provides a fundamental understanding of people's material relationships with each other and the Earth. Frolking. 4
Geography of North America (GEOS-252). A regional geographic study of North America, focusing on climate, landforms, and natural resources as they relate to patterns of human settlement, land use, transportation and economic activity. (Not offered 2007-2008) Frolking. 4
Weather and Climate (GEOS-260). The central goal of this course is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the Earth's atmosphere and climate system. Our study will involve a range of scales from dew drops to downpours, from light breezes to raging typhoons. We begin with solar and earth-atmosphere energy budgets, move on to air pressure and wind, to large-scale global circulation. We then study clouds, precipitation and the complexities of mid-latitude weather and weather forecasting. Next we examine the modern patterns of global climates and the causes and effects of past climate changes. Finally, given our understanding of atmospheric processes, we can beter analyze our present predicament of rapid, human-induced, global warming. Frolking. 4
Global Tectonics (GEOS-280). A study of geologic and tectonic processes at the global scale. Major topics include plate tectonic theory and development, topography and geology of the sea floor, plate geometries and processes at plate margins, volcanic arcs, collisional orogenies and mountain building, and the influence of tectonic processes on earth history. Prerequisite: 210 or 211 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered Spring Semester in alternate years. Not offered 2007-2008.) Greene. 4
Intermediate Topics in Geography (GEOS-299). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Geomorphology (GEOS-300). The systematic study of earth surface processes and landform development in tropical, temperate, arid and polar environments. Both classic models of landscape evolution and recent process studies will be analyzed. Particular emphasis will be given to the glacial and temperate environments of the north-central United States during the late Quaternary. Prerequisites: 200 or consent. (Normally offered Fall Semester in alternate years; not offered 2007-2008) Frolking. 4
Hydrogeology (GEOS-305). A systematic study of groundwater flow, groundwater resources and groundwater pollution. Emphasis will be placed on geologic materials and the dynamics of water movement, well hydraulics, regional groundwater systems, the basics of groundwater chemistry, and groundwater contamination. Prerequisites: 200 or 300 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered Spring Semester in alternate years) Frolking. 4
Structure of the Earth (GEOS-311). Study of the deformation of the Earth's crust. How and why rocks deform; geometry and interpretation of folds, faults, and rock fabrics; regional tectonics and mountain building. Labs emphasize interpretations of geologic structures in hand specimens, outcrops and geologic maps; and includes opportunities for geologic field mapping and a weekend field trip to the Appalachian fold and thrust belt. Prerequisite: 210 or 211 or consent of instructor. Greene. 4
Petrology of the Earth (GEOS-312). An examination of the processes that produce igneous and metamorphic rocks and how the thermal and physical architecture of the earth controls those processes. The course emphasizes the reasoning and approaches used to understand rock-forming processes, including field geology, petrography, theoretical modeling, geochemical modeling and experimental petrology. The course culminates with an integrative analysis of the petrologic processes that operate at convergent plate boundaries. (Normally offered Spring Semester in alternate years) Hawkins. 4
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (GEOS-314). This course is an introduction to sedimentary processes and sedimentary rocks. The course will cover three major areas: (1) physical sedimentology (how sedimentary rocks are formed); (2) depositional systems (where sedimentary rocks are formed and how they differ from place to place); and (3) stratigraphy (how sedimentary rocks are used to solve geological problems). Labs will expose students to sedimentary rocks under the microscope, in hand sample, and in the field. Prerequisite: 210. (Normally offered Fall Semester in alternate years. Goodwin. 4
Biodiversity Through Time (GEOS-315). An introduction to the study of fossil invertebrates with emphasis on preservation, taphonomy, diversity trajectories through geologic time, evolutionary mechanisms, extinction, paleobiology and paleoecology. Special emphasis will be placed on using fossils to interpret ancient depositional environments. Labs will introduce the student to the major invertebrate phyla commonly preserved in the geologic rock record. Prerequisite: 210. (Normally offered Fall Semester in alternate years; not offered 2007-2008) Goodwin. 4
Advanced GIS Analysis (GEOS-351). Using ArcView and ArcGIS software, students will explore advanced applications of GIS in environmental assessments, natural and physical science applications, and spatial problem solving. Topics will include surface analyses, terrain modeling, network analysis, and 3-D simulations. The course will focus on case study analysis/discussions, applied problem solving assignments, and two independent projects. Prerequisite: GEOS 230 or consent of instructor. Staff. 4
Directed Study (GEOS-361). Individual readings and laboratory work in a student's field of interest within the Geosciences. Staff. 1-4
Directed Study (GEOS-362). Individual readings and laboratory work in a student's field of interest within the Geosciences. Staff. 1-4
Independent Study (GEOS-363). Staff. 1-4
Independent Study (GEOS-364). Staff. 1-4
Advanced Topics in Geoscience (GEOS-399). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. Staff. 1-4
Field Course (GEOS-400). A B.S. major in Geosciences must register for an approved summer field course offered by any one of a number of universities. Upon the successful completion of the course, the student receives credit transferable to their record at Denison. Staff. 4-8
Selected Topics in Geoscience (GEOS-401). An advanced seminar or problem-oriented course which involves a semester-long investigation of such topics as field techniques in geosciences, advanced structural geology, geochemistry, or geomorphology. Staff. 2-4
Selected Topic in Geography (GEOS-402). An advanced seminar or problem-oriented course which involves a semester-long investigation of a global perspective in such issues as ocean resources and territorial rights, population growth, and food needs. Prerequisite: A 200-level course or permission of instructor. Staff. 2-4
Senior Research (GEOS-451). Staff. 4
Senior Research (GEOS-452). Staff. 4