GEOLOGY CORE COURSES

Take the following courses:

GL-100A  Environmental Geology

Student perceptions of what constitutes geology have shifted. Contemporary students need to be made aware that geology IS the study of the physical environment of the earth and that a central part of what geologists do entails an exploration of how humans and the built environment both affect and are affected by the earth's physical/environmental system. While our previous title and description for this course, Introduction to Physical Geology, carried these implicit understandings, we find it important now to draw students' attention explicitly to the environmental character of our study of Earth.

3 CreditsN 

GL-204 History of Earth

This course examines the history of the planet Earth since its origin to the present day and the methods that geologists use to uncover that history. The course includes specific consideration of the social context of geosciences, and ways that art and science have contributed to human understanding of Earth.

4 CreditsN, WK-SPPre-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

GL-210 Minerals

This course explores the building blocks of the Earth: minerals. Students will master mineral identification in hand-specimen and by optical microscope methods to conduct scientific inquiry. Emphasis is placed on mineral classification, crystal structure, chemical composition, physical properties, and stability. We also investigate the role of minerals in society and public policy. A lab fee is assessed.

4 CreditsN, WK-SPPre-req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.

GL-300 Petrography

The petrographic examination of rocks in hand specimen and under the microscope. Identification of the principal types of igneous and metamorphic rocks and discussion of their chemical and mineralogical characteristics and tectonic setting is emphasized. Note: one laboratory per week, one or two major field trips are required, and a special fee is assessed.

4 CreditsNPrerequisite: GL210.

GL-310 Structural Geology

The study of the deformation of the earth's crust. Field relationships, form, symmetry, and geometry of earth structures are stressed. Concepts of kinematic and dynamic analysis are presented so students are better prepared to interpret the origin of earth structures.

4 CreditsNPrerequisite: GL-100A or GL-204 or GL-240

GL-389 Geology Professional Seminar

Provides guidance and preparation to Junior class level Geology students in relation to their post-Juniata plans. Topics include resume writing, strategies involved in a job or graduate school search, preparation for credentialing exams, preparation for interviews, and networking. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

1 Credit  

GL-240 Geological Field Methods I

This course is an introduction to the geology of the Appalachians through teaching geologic methods in the field. The course will focus on developing field practice and using the information collected in the field to construct a scientific document. The course is composed of 8 local fieldtrips and 1 extended fieldtrip as well as many classroom exercises.

4 CreditsN, CW, CTGISPrerequisite: GL100A. Note: A special course fee is assessed.

MA-130 Calculus I

An introduction to calculus including differentiation and integration of elementary functions of a single variable, limits, tangents, rates of change, maxima and minima, area, volume, and other applications. Integrates the use of computer algebra systems, and graphical, algebraic and numerical thinking.

4 CreditsN, QM


CHEMISTRY REQUIREMENT

Complete one of the following options below:

OPTION 1:

GL-126 Environmental Geochemistry

This course will introduce fundamental geologic process through a geochemical lens. Basic geochemical reactions involving water-rock interactions at both high and low temperatures will be considered. The class will focus on the environmental problems in atmosphere and continents. 

3 CreditsN 

CH-142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I

An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course begins a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include energy, reactions, atomic structure, elemental properties, bonding, and molecular properties.

3 CreditsNCorequisite CH143

CH-143 Integrated Chem Principles I Lab

This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers.

1 CreditsN, QSCH142 is a corequisite of this course. A lab fee is associated with this course.


OPTION 2:

CH-142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I

An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course begins a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include energy, reactions, atomic structure, elemental properties, bonding, and molecular properties.

3 CreditsNCorequisite CH143

CH-143 Integrated Chem Principles I Lab

This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers.

1 CreditsN, QSCH142 is a corequisite of this course. A lab fee is associated with this course.

CH-144 Integrated Chemistry Principles II

An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course completes a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include thermodynamics, equilibrium reactions, acid/base and redox reactions, kinetics and nuclear reactions.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: CH-142

CH-145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab

This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers.

1 CreditN, QSPrerequisite: CH-143. A lab fee is associated with this course.


ADVANCED ELECTIVES

Take 12 credits from the following courses: (Students cannot count more than 6 credits of GL-450 towards the Geology POE)

GL-305 Hydrogeology

The study of the natural occurrence of water. Topics include: the hydrologic cycle, precipitation, stream flow, soil moisture, ground water occurrence, aquifer flow and testing chemical characteristics, contamination, development and management of ground-water resources. Note: Includes a field experience and a special fee is assessed.

3 CreditsN 

GL-304 Paleobiology of Invertebrates

Basic principles of paleontology and functional morphology of extant and extinct invertebrates are covered. These include identifying fossils and understanding their morphology and preservation in order to interpret ancient environments.

4 CreditsN 

GL-307 Geophysics

This course is an introduction to how geophysical data can be used to address academic and applied problems in geology. Emphasis is placed on the concepts behind acquiring geophysical data and use of the information for interpretation. Seismology, magnetism, heat and gravity are the main concepts covered.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: GL202. MA130 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite. There are two field trips run over the weekend where students get to use the equipment in the field and reduce the data. A special fee is assessed.

GL-401 Sedimentology

Focuses on the origin of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Included are sedimentary processes, depositional environments, post-depositional influences and sedimentary rock classification. Principles and methods of study including petrographic analysis are emphasized. Note: one laboratory per week, field trips are required, including a weekend trip, and a special fee is assessed.

4 CreditsNPrerequisite: GL202.

GL-405 Principles of Stratigraphy

Includes the description of sedimentary rocks in the stratigraphic column, methods of correlation, interpretation of the origin of rock units and the historical and philosophical development of the geologic time scale. Note: one laboratory per week, field trips are required and a special fee is assessed.

4 CreditsCW, NPrerequisite: GL-204.

GL-450 Geological Research

The field or laboratory investigation of a specific geologic problem. Methodology and principles of interpretation are necessary for the successful completion of the course and a final report must be submitted. Student's specific research topic will be the title of the course on the student's transcript. May be completed multiple times for credit. 

1-6 CreditsNPrerequisite: permission of Geology faculty member.

MA-230 Calculus II

Expands the treatment of two-space using polar and parametric equations. Emphasizes multivariable calculus, including vectors in three dimensions, curves and surfaces in space, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and applications.

4 CreditsN, QMPrerequisite: MA130

PC-211  Environmental Physics

An introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC211. Individual experiment will focus on natural processes and environmental technologies using physical concepts from mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, electromagnetic radiation, atomic spectra, fluid flow, atmospheric processes, sound waves and radioactivity. Note: A special fee is assessed. 

1 CreditNCorequisites: PC211.

PC-211L Environmental Physics Lab

An introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC211. Individual experiment will focus on natural processes and environmental technologies using physical concepts from mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, electromagnetic radiation, atomic spectra, fluid flow, atmospheric processes, sound waves and radioactivity. Note: A special fee is assessed.

1 CreditsNCorequisites: PC211.

PC-200 General Physics I

An algebra-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics (including periodic motion, fluid static's and dynamics), heat and thermodynamics, molecular theory and wave motion (including acoustics). Note: A working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required. 

3 CreditsN, QMCorequisite: PC-200L.

PC-200L  General Physics Lab I

An introductory algebra-based laboratory experience designed to accompany PC200. The individual experiments will involve topics in mechanics, energy, sound, and waves. Labs Involve computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: A special fee is assessed. 

1 CreditNCorequisites: PC200.

PC-201 General Physics II

An algebra-based introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Additional topics may include atoms and molecules, nuclear physics, relativity and solid state physics. Note: a working knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required. 

3 CreditsN, QMCorequisite: PC-201L. Prerequisite: PC-200.

PC-201L  General Physics Lab II

An algebra-based introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC201. The individual experiments will involve topics in circuits, light and optics, and nuclear physics. Involves computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: A special fee is assessed. 

1 CreditNCorequisite: PC201.

BI-305 Biostatistics

This course deals centrally with quantitative and statistical methodology in the biological sciences. It includes experimental design and the conventions of generating, analyzing, interpreting and presenting biological data. Counts as a math course for graduate and professional school requirements.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisites: BI106 or ESS100

MA-220 Introduction to Probability & Statistics

An introduction to the basic ideas and techniques of probability theory and to selected topics in statistics, such as sampling theory, confidence intervals, and linear regression.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisite: MA130


CAPSTONE

Students must complete GL-405, GL-440 or GL-450 as a capstone experience. Completion of a second capstone course may be applied towards the Advanced Electives requirement.

GL-405 Principles of Stratigraphy

Includes the description of sedimentary rocks in the stratigraphic column, methods of correlation, interpretation of the origin of rock units and the historical and philosophical development of the geologic time scale. Note: one laboratory per week, field trips are required and a special fee is assessed.

4 CreditsCW, NPrerequisite: GL-204.

GL-450 Geological Research

The field or laboratory investigation of a specific geologic problem. Methodology and principles of interpretation are necessary for the successful completion of the course and a final report must be submitted. Student's specific research topic will be the title of the course on the student's transcript. May be completed multiple times for credit. 

1-6 CreditsNPrerequisite: permission of Geology faculty member.

GL-440 Geological Field Methods II

The course covers advanced geologic mapping of the Appalachians. It will focus on constructing geologic maps and cross-sections to develop an understanding of the rock record, geologic time, and the processes by which geologists reconstruct ancient tectonic and sedimentary events. The course is field based.

4 Credits Prerequisites: GL 240. Note: A special course fee will be applied.


NOTE: Students with Geology POEs must include at least 21 credit hours at the 300/400 level from the lists above.  Curricular substitutions: PC 202/PC 203 may substitute for PC 200/PC 201


POE Credit Total = 49-51

Students must complete at least 18 credits at the 300/400-level.  Any course exception must be approved by the advisor and/or department chair.