Course Descriptions

GEO 101 - Physical Geology-GR
What controls the locations of volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains? Where does our drinking water originate? What forces shape landscapes to create caves, glaciers, and landslides? What natural resources are used to create the technology we love and the resources we need? How does this impact people, both locally and globally? This course answers these questions and more while investigating plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and the Earth as a system. Two field trips [in person or virtually] to study local geology are incorporated into lab each semester. 4 Credits.

GEO 102 - Historical Geology
Historical Geology is the study of the history of Earth and life through time. It addresses the Earth's origin, evolution, changes in the distribution of lands and seas, growth and destruction of mountains, succession of animals and plants through time, and the developmental history of the solar system. 4 Credits.

Prerequisite: GEO 101 or permission of instructor.

GEO 103 - Great Mysteries of the Earth
How do you sort fact from fiction? What evidence reliably supports the existence of legendary creatures, geologic cataclysms, or the role of humans in modern climate change? Through the investigation of alleged unexplainable phenomena, this course examines arguments supporting unresolved mysteries and key geologic insights. By exploring case studies, students will learn to recognize bias, evaluate sources of information, and critique the underlying evidence of extraordinary claims. 3 Credits.

GEO 105 - Astronomy
An introduction to general astronomy. Topics include: solar system, stellar energy, stellar evolution, galaxies, the universe and constellation identification. Three class hours. NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science and (Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEO 105 and GEO 115 are successfully completed. GEO 115 may be taken concurrently or in a later semester, but will not have satisfied the SUNY-NSCI requirement until both GEO 115 and GEO 105 are successfully completed 3 Credits.

GEO 106 - Introduction to Oceanography
An introductory course which will survey ocean sciences. Geological, chemical, physical, and biological processes and interrelationships will be examined. 3 Credits.

GEO 108 - Dangerous Earth
An introduction to the destructive power of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanos, hurricanes, tornadoes and related phenomena. The origin and occurrence of such hazards will be examined. Recent disasters as well as catastrophic events in the Earth's past will be utilized as case studies. Methods of prediction and strategies for minimizing loss of life and property will be emphasized. 3 Credits.

GEO 109 - General Astronomy
This introductory astronomy course includes topics such as the solar system, planetary geology, stellar evolution, celestial models, and constellation identification. Students will gain valuable experience in observational techniques and data analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the cosmos and the scientific methods used in astronomy. This course is ideal for anyone interested in the wonders of the universe and the tools used to explore it. 4 Credits.

GEO 115 - Introductory Astronomy Laboratory
This course explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, GE0 105. Exercises involve use of telescopes, observation of stars and constellations, stellar spectra, Hubble red-shift, astrophotography, and computer based exercises. Three laboratory hours. NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science (and Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEO 105 and GEO 115 are successfully completed. 1 Credit.

Co-requisite: GEO 105.

GEO 116 - Special Topics in Geosciences
This course is designed to address specific topics of interest in the geosciences. Examples of potential course offerings could include volcanology, mineralogy, climate change, or the study of a particular geographic region. Topics may change from semester to semester based on faculty and student interest. Primarily lecture format, but field experiences may be included. 1-3 Credits.

GEO 200 - Geology of the National Parks
This lecture and laboratory course explores the geological processes and earth history responsible for the development of the iconic landscapes found within the National Parks System, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Great Smokies, Mammoth Cave, Shenandoah, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion National Parks, and others. 4 Credits.

Prerequisite: GEO 101 or permission of instructor.

GEO 210 - Environmental Geology
This lecture and laboratory course will center around an in-depth discussion about the environment as related to resources, wastes, pollution, and geologic hazards. The consequences of use and misuse of our geologic environment will be stressed and explored in more depth in weekly laboratories. Course offered Spring of even years. 4 Credits.

Prerequisite: GEO 101

GEO 290 - Independent Study
See the Department Chairperson. Variable Credit.

GEO 295 - Field Studies in Geology
This course is designed for students who wish to study a specific geologic topic or locality in a focused, hands-on, field setting. A portion of the course work is completed during traditional weekly meetings on-campus, prior to the required travel to the field locality. The remaining portion of the course work is completed in the field at a local or distant location depending upon the title and focus of the course for a given semester. Students will make field observations, create sketches, record data, complete individual and group projects, and construct a field notebook detailing all aspects of their field experience. The course title will have a sub-title attached to it for any given semester identifying the field setting for that semester. For example, "Field Studies in Geology: Yellowstone Supervolcano and Geologic Landscapes of the West". Successful completion of GEO 101 (or equivalent introductory physical geology course) is recommended. Instructor approval is required for course registration. Additional fees for travel, lodging, food, and other field expenses will apply. 4 Credits.

Prerequisites: One Geology or Geography class preferred; permission of the instructor(s) required