Bryn Mawr College

Geology Courses
and the Geology Major

Read the Geology Major/Minor Requirements online, or download a printable .pdf file of Geology info from the 2009-10 College catalog, including information on the Geoarchaeology and Geochemistry concentrations in Geology.

For information on the Environmental Studies curriculum c onnect to Environmental Studies @ Bryn Mawr online, or download a printable .pdf copy of the ES concentration guidelines.

This page displays the schedule of Bryn Mawr courses for this academic year. It also displays descriptions of courses offered by the department during the last four academic years.

For information about courses offered by other Bryn Mawr departments and programs or about courses offered by Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, please consult the Tri-College Course Guide.

For information about the Academic Calendar, including the dates of first and second quarter courses, please visit the College's master calendar

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Spring 2012

COURSE	TITLE	SCHEDULE/ UNITS	MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR(S)
GEOL B102-001	Earth History	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 229	Elkins,L., Marenco,P.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T	Park 100
GEOL B102-002	Earth History	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 229	Elkins,L., Marenco,P.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 100
GEOL B102-003	Earth History	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 229	Elkins,L., Marenco,P.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH	Park 100
GEOL B204-001	Structural Geology	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF	Park 259	Weil,A.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 259
GEOL B205-001	Sedimentary Materials and Environments	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF	Park 259	Barber,D.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M	Park 259
GEOL B209-001	Natural Hazards	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF	Park 25	Elkins,L.
GEOL B302-001	Low-Temperature Geochemistry	Semester / 1	Lecture: 12:45 PM- 2:15 PM TTH	Park 200	Cull,S.
GEOL B328-001	Analysis of Geospatial Data Using GIS	Semester / 1	LEC: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM MW	Dalton Hall 2	Consiglio,D.
GEOL B336-001	Evolutionary Biology: Advanced topics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M	Park 259	Gardiner,S., Marenco,P.
GEOL B350-001	Advanced Topics in Geology: Planetary Science	Semester / 1	LEC: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Park 200	Cull,S.
GEOL B399-001	Senior Thesis	Semester / 1	Lecture: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 200	Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Independent Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA

Fall 2012

(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)

Spring 2013

(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)

GEOL B101 How the Earth Works Fall 2011 An introduction to the study of planet Earth--the materials of which it is made, the forces that shape its surface and interior, the relationship of geological processes to people, and the application of geological knowledge to the search for useful materials. Laboratory and fieldwork focus on learning the tools for geological investigations and applying them to the local area and selected areas around the world. Three lectures and one afternoon of laboratory or fieldwork a week. One required one-day field trip on a weekend. (Weil) (Elkins,L. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B102 Earth History Spring 2012 The history of the Earth from its beginning and the evolution of the living forms that have populated it. Three lectures, one afternoon of laboratory a week. A required two-day (Fri.-Sat.) field trip is taken in April. (Marenco) (Elkins,L., Marenco,P., Marenco,K. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B103 Earth Systems and the Environment Not offered 2011-12 This integrated approach to studying the Earth focuses on interactions among geology, oceanography, and biology. Also discussed are the consequences of population growth, industrial development, and human land use. Two lectures and one afternoon of laboratory or fieldwork per week. A required two-day (Fri.-Sat.) field trip is taken in April. (Marenco,K., Barber,D. -- Division II with Lab) Cross-listed as CITY B103

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GEOL B115 Living with Volcanoes Not offered 2011-12 This course explores how people have long lived alongside, in the shadow of, and at times directly on top of active volcanoes. Volcanic centers are hosts to sporadic and difficult-to-predict destructive and explosive activity, persistent and damaging passive degassing, valuable nutrient-rich soils, vibrant ecosystems, and important geothermal energy systems. The goals of this class are to examine the scientific basis for understanding volcanoes and predicting their behavior; to study the role of volcanoes in history and lore across human societies; and to examine our complicated relationship with them in the modern world. (Elkins,L. -- Division II: Natural Science)

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GEOL B120 Origin and Early Evolution of Life Not offered 2011-12 Where and how did life originate on Earth? What are the minimum conditions for life to arise, and persist, on any planet? Scientists are closer now than ever before to answering these intriguing questions. In this course, we will explore the fundamental requirements for life; critically examine many of the hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the origin of life on Earth; survey the fossil, geochemical, and molecular evidence for early life, from the earliest-known examples through the "Cambrian Explosion"; and propose means of identifying life and its effects elsewhere in the universe. Two lectures per week, plus a one-day fieldtrip. (Marenco,K.)

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GEOL B125 Focus: Geology in Film Fall 2011 Geologic processes make for great film storylines, but filmmakers take great liberty with how they depict scientific "facts" and scientists. We will explore how and why filmmakers choose to deviate from science reality. We will study and view one film per week and discuss its issues from a geologist's perspective. This is a half semester Focus course. Prerequisite: Freshman standing. (Marenco,P.)

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GEOL B130 Focus: Life in the Hothouse - Earth's Future Climate Fall 2011 An overview of Earth's climate in the 22nd century (year 2100 and beyond) based on the current scientific consensus. In addition to describing the forecast conditions, we discuss the scientific basis for these predictions and their associated uncertainties, and how climate forecasts have been communicated to the public to date. This is a half semester Focus course. Prerequisite: Freshman standing. (Barber,D. -- Division II: Natural Science)

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GEOL B202 Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry Fall 2011 The crystal chemistry of representative minerals, descriptive and determinative mineralogy, as well as the relation between the physical properties of minerals and their structures and chemical compositions. The occurrence and petrography of typical mineral associations and rocks is also covered. Lecture three hours, laboratory at least three hours a week. One required field trip on a weekend. Prerequisite: introductory course in geology or chemistry (both recommended). (Cull) (Cull,S. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B203 Invertebrate Paleobiology Fall 2011 Biology, evolution, ecology, and morphology of the major marine invertebrate fossil groups. Lecture three hours and laboratory three hours a week. A semester-long research project culminating in a scientific manuscript will be based on material collected on a two-day trip to the Tertiary deposits of the Chesapeake Bay. (Marenco) (Marenco,P. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B204 Structural Geology Spring 2012 An introduction to the study of rock deformation in the Earth's lithosphere viewed from all scales - from the mi¬croscopic (atomic scale) to the macroscopic (continental scale). This class focuses on building a foundation of knowledge and understanding that will allow students to broaden their appreciation and understanding of the complexity of the Earth system and the links between geologic structures at all scales and plate tectonics. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory a week, plus weekend field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and MATH 101. (Weil) (Weil,A. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B205 Sedimentary Materials and Environments Spring 2012 An introduction to sediment transport, depositional processes, and stratigraphic analysis, with emphasis on interpretation of sedimentary sequences and the reconstruction of past environments. Three lectures and one lab a week, plus a weekend field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 101, 102, 103 or instructor permission. Recommended: GEOL 202 and 203. (Barber) (Barber,D. -- Division II with Lab)

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GEOL B206 Resources Not offered 2011-12 An examination of issues concerning the supply of energy and raw materials required by humanity. This includes an investigation of the geological framework that determines resource availability, and of the social, economic, and political considerations related to energy production and resource development. Two 90-minute lectures a week. Prerequisite: one year of college science (Barber,D. -- Division II: Natural Science)

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GEOL B209 Natural Hazards Spring 2012 A quantitative approach to understanding the earth processes that impact human societies. We consider the past, current, and future hazards presented by geologic processes, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, and hurricanes. The course includes discussion of the social, economic, and policy contexts within which natural geologic processes become hazards. Case studies are drawn from contemporary and ancient societies. Lecture three hours a week, with one day-long field trip. Prerequisite: one semester of college science or permission of instructor. (Elkins, Quantitative Skills) (Elkins,L. -- Division II and Quantitive) Cross-listed as CITY B210

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GEOL B230 The Science of Soils Not offered 2011-12 Physical, chemical, and biological processes within soil systems. Emphasis is on factors governing the physical properties, nutrient availability, and plant growth and production within soils. How to classify soils and to assess nutrient cycling and contaminant fate will be covered. Prerequisite: at least one introductory course in Geology, Biology or Chemistry. (Oze,C. -- Division II: Natural Science)

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GEOL B236 Evolution Fall 2011 A lecture/discussion course on the development of evolutionary thought, generally regarded as the most profound scientific event of the 19th century; its foundations in biology and geology; and the extent of its implications to many disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the nature of evolution in terms of process, product, patterns, historical development of the theory, and its applications to interpretations of organic history. Lecture three hours a week. (Gardiner,S., Marenco,P. -- Division II: Natural Science) Cross-listed as BIOL B236 Cross-listed as ANTH B236

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GEOL B250 Computational Methods in the Sciences Not offered 2011-12 A study of how and why modern computation methods are used in scientific inquiry. Students will learn basic principles of simulation-based programming through hands-on exercises. Content will focus on the development of population models, beginning with simple exponential growth and ending with spatially-explicit individual-based simulations. Students will design and implement a final project from their own disciplines. Six hours of combined lecture/lab per week. (Sears,M. -- Division II and Quantitive) Cross-listed as BIOL B250 Cross-listed as CMSC B250

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GEOL B270 Geoarchaeology Not offered 2011-12 Societies in the past depended on our human ancestors' ability to interact with their environment. Geoarchaeology analyzes these interactions by combining archaeological and geological techniques to document human behavior while also reconstructing the past environment. Course meets twice weekly for lecture, discussion of readings and hands on exercises. Prerequisite: one course in anthropology, archaeology or geology. (Barber,D., Magee,P.) Cross-listed as ARCH B270 Cross-listed as ANTH B270

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GEOL B302 Low-Temperature Geochemistry Spring 2012 The geochemistry of Earth surface processes. Emphasis is on the chemistry of surface waters, atmosphere-water environmental chemistry, chemical evolution of natural waters, and pollution issues. Fundamental principles are applied to natural systems with particular focus on environmental chemistry. One required field trip on a weekend. Prerequisites: CHEM 103, 104 and GEOL 202 or two 200-level chemistry courses, or permission of instructor. (Cull). (Cull,S.)

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GEOL B304 Tectonics Not offered 2011-12 Plate tectonics and continental orogeny are reviewed in light of the geologic record in selected mountain ranges and certain geophysical data. Three hours of lecture and a problem session a week. Prerequisite: GEOL 204 or permission of instructor. (Weil,A.)

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GEOL B305 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Not offered 2011-12 The origin, mode of occurrence, and distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The focus is on the experimental and field evidence for interpreting rock associations and the interplay between igneous and metamorphic rock genesis and tectonics. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory or equivalent field work a week. Occasional weekend field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 202 and CHEM 101 or 103, and 104. (Elkins,L.)

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GEOL B310 Introduction to Geophysics Not offered 2011-12 An overview covering how geophysical observations of the Earth's magnetic field, gravity field, heat flow, radioactivity, and seismic waves provide a means to study plate tectonics. Also covered are the geophysical techniques used in mineral and energy resources exploration, and in the monitoring of groundwater, earthquakes and volcanoes. Three class hours a week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and PHYS 101, 102. (Weil,A.)

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GEOL B312 Quaternary Geology Not offered 2011-12 The Quaternary Period comprises the last 1.8 million years of Earth history, an interval dominated by climate fluctuations and the waxing and waning of large northern hemisphere ice sheets. This course covers the many types of geological evidence used to reconstruct Quaternary climate variability. Three class hours a week, including hands-on data analysis exercises. Prerequisite: GEOL 103 or 205, or permission of instructor. (Barber,D.)

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GEOL B314 Marine Geology Fall 2011 An introduction to the structure of ocean basins, and the marine sedimentary record. Includes an overview of physical, biological, and chemical oceanography, and modern coastal processes such as shoreline erosion. Meets twice weekly for a combination of lecture, discussion and hands-on exercises, including one day-long field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 101, 102 or 103, and 205, or permission of instructor. (Barber) (Barber,D.)

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GEOL B328 Analysis of Geospatial Data Using GIS Spring 2012 An introduction to analysis of geospatial data, theory, and the practice of geospatial reasoning. As part of this introduction students will gain experience in using one or more GIS software packages and be introduced to data gathering in the field by remote sensing. Each student is expected to undertake an independent project that uses the approaches and tools presented. (Consiglio,D.) Cross-listed as CITY B328 Cross-listed as ARCH B328 Cross-listed as BIOL B328

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GEOL B336 Evolutionary Biology: Advanced topics Spring 2012 (Gardiner,S., Marenco,P.) Cross-listed as BIOL B336 Cross-listed as ANTH B336

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GEOL B350 Advanced Topics in Geology
Section 001 (Spring 2012): Planetary Science
Section 002 (Spring 2011): Carbonate Petrography and Geochemistry Spring 2012 Principles geologic histories of the solid bodies in the Solar System: rocky planets, icy moons, asteroids, and comets. How and why these bodies vary in volcanism, tectonics, atmospheric dynamics, aqueous environments, and other planetary processes. Students will read and discuss primary literature, and examine data from on-going NASA planetary missions. Prerequisites: advanced standing in geology, astronomy, or physics, or permission of the instructor. (Cull) (Cull,S., Marenco,P.)

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GEOL B399 Senior Thesis An independent project in the field, laboratory, or library culminating in a written report and oral presentation. Required for all geology majors in the spring semester of the senior year. (Barber) (Barber,D., Weil,A.)

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GEOL B403 Independent Research (Barber,D., Marenco,P., Cull,S.)

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