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 in this department 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 Course Guides page.

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

Spring 2013

COURSE	TITLE	SCHEDULE/ UNITS	MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR(S)
GEOL B102-001	Earth: Life of a Planet	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 25	Elkins,L., Marenco,K.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH	Park 100
GEOL B102-002	Earth: Life of a Planet	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 25	Elkins,L., Marenco,K.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM F	Park 100
GEOL B103-001	Earth Systems and the Environment	Semester / 1	Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH	Park 25	Barber,D., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M	Park 100
GEOL B103-002	Earth Systems and the Environment	Semester / 1	Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH	Park 25	Barber,D., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T	Park 100
GEOL B103-003	Earth Systems and the Environment	Semester / 1	Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH	Park 25	Barber,D., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 100
GEOL B120-001	Focus: Origin of Life	First Half / 0.5	Lecture: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM MWF	Park 200	Marenco,K.
GEOL B204-001	Structural Geology	Semester / 1	Lab/Lec: 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	Lab/Lec: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 259	Barber,D.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T	Park 300
GEOL B270-001	Geoarchaeology	Semester / 1	Lecture: 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM MW	Carpenter Library 21	Barber,D., Magee,P.
GEOL B305-001	Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Park 200	Cull,S.
GEOL B350-001	Advanced Topics in Geology: Geology of the Appalachia	Semester / 1	LEC: 12:45 PM- 2:15 PM TTH	Park 259	Weil,A.
GEOL B399-001	Senior Capstone Seminar	Semester / 1	Lecture: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 200	Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA

Fall 2013

COURSE	TITLE	SCHEDULE/ UNITS	MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR(S)
GEOL B101-001	How the Earth Works	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF	Thomas Hall 110	Cull,S., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T	Park 100
GEOL B101-002	How the Earth Works	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF	Thomas Hall 110	Cull,S., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 100
GEOL B101-003	How the Earth Works	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF	Thomas Hall 110	Cull,S., Elkins,L.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH	Park 100
GEOL B202-001	Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF	Park 200	Cull,S.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M	Park 200
GEOL B203-001	Invertebrate Paleobiology	Semester / 1	Lab/Lec: 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM TTH	Park 259	Marenco,K.
			Laboratory: 2:30 PM- 4:00 PM TTH	Park 300
GEOL B206-001	Energy Resources and Sustainability	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Park 100	Barber,D.
GEOL B209-001	Natural Hazards	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 100	Elkins,L.
GEOL B310-001	Introduction to Geophysics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF	Park 259	Weil,A.
GEOL B350-001	Advanced Topics in Geology: Carbonate Petrology	Semester / 1	LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 200	Marenco,P.
GEOL B350-002	Advanced Topics in Geology: Sea Level Change	Semester / 1	LEC: 2:15 PM- 3:45 PM TTH	Park 200	Barber,D.
GEOL B399-001	Senior Capstone Seminar	Semester / 1	Lecture: Date/Time TBA		Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA

Spring 2014

COURSE	TITLE	SCHEDULE/ UNITS	MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR(S)
GEOL B102-001	Earth: Life of a Planet	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 25	Elkins,L., Marenco,P.
			Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W	Park 100
GEOL B102-002	Earth: Life of a Planet	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF	Park 25	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 B236-001	Evolution	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Park 25	Davis,G.
GEOL B301-001	High-Temperature Geochemistry	Semester / 1	Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T	Park 200	Elkins,L.
GEOL B350-001	Advanced Topics in Geology: Reefs through Time	Semester / 1	Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M	Park 259	Marenco,P.
GEOL B350-002	Advanced Topics in Geology: Petrotectonics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF	Park 259	Cull,S., Weil,A.
GEOL B399-001	Senior Capstone Seminar	Semester / 1	Lecture: Date/Time TBA		Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA
GEOL B403-001	Supervised Research	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA

2013-14 Catalog Data

GEOL B101 How the Earth Works Fall 2013 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. Division II with Lab Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B102 Earth: Life of a Planet Spring 2014 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 (Sat-Sun) field trip is taken in April. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI)

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GEOL B103 Earth Systems and the Environment Not offered 2013-14 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) Cross-listed as CITY B103 Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B115 Focus: Living with Volcanoes Not offered 2013-14 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. Three hours per week. Division II: Natural Science

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GEOL B120 Focus: Origin of Life Not offered 2013-14 Where and how did life originate on Earth? What are the minimum conditions for life to arise, and persist, on any planet? 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, and propose means of identifying life and its effects elsewhere in the universe. Three hours per week.

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GEOL B125 Focus: Geology in Film Not offered 2013-14 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.

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GEOL B130 Focus: Life in the Hothouse - Earth's Future Climate Not offered 2013-14 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. Division II: Natural Science Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B202 Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry Fall 2013 The crystal chemistry of representative minerals as well as the relationship between the physical properties of minerals and their structures and chemical compositions. Emphasis is placed on mineral identification and interpretation. 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). Division II with Lab Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI)

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GEOL B203 Invertebrate Paleobiology Fall 2013 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. Division II with Lab Scientific Investigation (SI) Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B204 Structural Geology Spring 2014 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. Division II with Lab Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

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GEOL B205 Sedimentary Materials and Environments Not offered 2013-14 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. Division II with Lab

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GEOL B206 Energy Resources and Sustainability Fall 2013 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. Division II: Natural Science Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B209 Natural Hazards Fall 2013 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. Prerequisite: one semester of college science or permission of instructor. Division II and Quantitive Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Cross-listed as CITY B210 Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B236 Evolution Spring 2014 A lecture/discussion course on the development of evolutionary biology. This course will cover the history of evolutionary theory, population genetics, molecular and developmental evolution, paleontology, and phylogenetic analysis. Lecture three hours a week. Division II: Natural Science Scientific Investigation (SI) Cross-listed as BIOL B236 Cross-listed as ANTH B236

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GEOL B250 Computational Methods in the Sciences Not offered 2013-14 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. Division II and Quantitive Quantitative Methods (QM) Quantitative Readiness Required (QR) Scientific Investigation (SI) Cross-listed as BIOL B250 Cross-listed as CMSC B250 Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B270 Geoarchaeology Not offered 2013-14 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. Inquiry into the Past (IP) Scientific Investigation (SI) Cross-listed as ARCH B270 Cross-listed as ANTH B270

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GEOL B298 Applied Environmental Science Seminar Not offered 2013-14 This project-oriented seminar aims to foster student skills in research, analysis and synthesis of information in the interdisciplinary field of applied environmental science, with a specific focus on renewable energy. Students will conduct research on alternative energy options that could potentially be implemented at Bryn Mawr. Advanced standing (Junior/Seniors); Co-Enrollment with CHEM B206 required. Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

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GEOL B301 High-Temperature Geochemistry Spring 2014 Principles and theory of various aspects of geochemistry including elementary thermodynamics and phase diagrams, an introduction to isotopes, and the applications of chemistry to the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Three lectures per week augmented by occasional fieldwork. Prerequisites: GEOL B202, CHEM B101 or B103 and B104 or consent of the instructor.

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GEOL B302 Low-Temperature Geochemistry Not offered 2013-14 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 permission of instructor. Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B304 Tectonics Not offered 2013-14 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.

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GEOL B305 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Not offered 2013-14 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 lecture hours weekly. Occasional weekend field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 202.

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GEOL B310 Introduction to Geophysics Fall 2013 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.

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GEOL B314 Marine Geology Not offered 2013-14 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. Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B328 Analysis of Geospatial Data Using GIS Not offered 2013-14 Analysis of geospatial data, theory, and the practice of geospatial reasoning. Cross-listed as CITY B328 Cross-listed as BIOL B328 Counts toward Environmental Studies

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GEOL B350 Advanced Topics in Geology
Section 001 (Fall 2012): Acid Mine Drainage (Praxis II)
Section 001 (Fall 2013): Carbonate Petrology
Section 001 (Spring 2013): Geology of the Appalachia
Section 001 (Spring 2014): Reefs through Time
Section 002 (Spring 2014): Petrotectonics
Section 002 (Fall 2013): Sea Level Change Fall 2013, Spring 2014 This is a topics course. Course content varies. Recent topics include Carbonate Petrology, Appalachian Geology, Advanced Evolution, The Snowball Controversy, and Climate Change.
Current topic description: Students will learn how to study ancient marine environments using geochemical records preserved in carbonate rocks. Students will develop skills to understand the history of carbonate rocks including their formation and subsequent alteration. Students will use advance laboratory techniques and equipment on actual research samples. Class time will consist primarily of lab with minimal lecture.
Current topic description: Investigation into the patterns, causes and impacts of sea-level variability on timescales ranging from millions of years to hours. Students will read and discuss classic and current journal papers on the topic, work with data and take field trips to coastal sites. Prerequisites: Advanced standing in the geology major; e.g., 2 or more GEOL courses at 20-level or above.
Current topic description: Through reading and dicussion of the primary literature, students will explore the history of reefs from the earliest microbial reefs to modern coral reefs. We will cover the environmental conditions that lead to reef building as well as the organisms that build and live in them. We will also explore challenges to modern reef ecosystems and discuss the future of reefs. Prerequisites Geo 203 and 205.
Current topic description: This course introduces topics that intersect the disciplines of petrology & tectonics (PetroTectonics), e.g. mantle and lithosphere evolution, crustal growth processes, and the structure and mechanics of collisional and extensional orogens. A wide range of concepts will be covered that integrate mantle and lithospheric processes into global plate tectonic framework. Prerequisites Geo 202 and 204.

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GEOL B399 Senior Capstone Seminar A capstone seminar course required for all Geology majors. All Geology seniors will be required to participate in this two-semester seminar that meets weekly for 1.5 hours for a total of 1.0 credit (0.5 credits per semester). Enrollment required in two half-credit course, one in the fall and one in the spring semester of the senior year. The focus of the seminar will be to integrate the student's major curriculum into open peer-led discussions on cutting edge research in the many diverse fields of Geology, to discuss the impact and relevance of Geology to modern society, and to work on oral and written communication skills.

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GEOL B403 Supervised Research At the discretion of the department faculty, rising seniors may undertake an independent thesis project in addition to mandatory full participation in the senior capstone seminar. This student thesis is conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor(s). The undertaking of a thesis is modeled after a Master's thesis project, which is scaled down for the different time frame (one year versus two years) and educational level of a senior undergraduate student. The thesis project plan is initially developed, and agreed upon by conference between the supervising faculty member(s) and the student. Most of the research is conducted independently by the student. The advisor serves as a source of ideas concerning scientific literature, methodologies, and financial support. The advisor may visit and inspect the research sites, laboratory or model, and offer advice on how the research should be conducted or modified.

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GEOL B403 Supervised Research At the discretion of the department faculty, rising seniors may undertake an independent thesis project in addition to mandatory full participation in the senior capstone seminar. This student thesis is conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor(s). The undertaking of a thesis is modeled after a Master's thesis project, which is scaled down for the different time frame (one year versus two years) and educational level of a senior undergraduate student. The thesis project plan is initially developed, and agreed upon by conference between the supervising faculty member(s) and the student. Most of the research is conducted independently by the student. The advisor serves as a source of ideas concerning scientific literature, methodologies, and financial support. The advisor may visit and inspect the research sites, laboratory or model, and offer advice on how the research should be conducted or modified.

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