GEO 1119 Marine Resources	4 QH
Provides a qualitative and quantitative survey of renewable and nonrenewable resources from the sea. Aspects covered include offshore oil and gas utilization, marine minerals, tidal power, and coastal zone recreational resources, including polluted beaches and artificial fishing reefs. (Core Category II)
GEO 1120 Physical Oceanography	4 QH
Provides a description of the physical properties and composition of seawater, waves, tides, and ocean currents. Discusses how these properties are measured by oceanographers and how they influence the earth's environment and climate. (Core Category II)
GEO 1121 Biological Oceanography	4 QH
Covers the productivity of animal and plant life in the various zones of the ocean and the growing economic importance of the oceans as a source of food for the expanding world population. (Core Category II)
GEO 1122 New England Fishery Resources	4 QH
Provides an overview of the fisheries industry of New England. Emphasizes environmental factors controlling the distribution, quality, and abundance of fisheries resources. Discusses the methods and the effects of direct human utilization of the resource as well as the indirect effects of pollution and habitat modification. (Core Category II)
GEO 1128 Geology of Oceans and Coasts	4 QH
Examines the relationship between the form of the ocean basins and their margins and the major processes forming them. Emphasizes local landforms, including New England beaches, spits, barrier islands, and the continental shelf. (Core Category II)
GEO 1140 Environmental Geology	4 QH
Discusses how geologic processes acting at the Earth's surface interact with the human environment. Topics include river and ocean flooding, coastal erosion, landslides, land-use planning, and waste disposal. (Core Category VI)
GEO 1141 Geological Hazards and Resources	4 QH
Discusses how geologic processes originating deep inside the Earth interact with the human environment. Topics include global crystal movements, volcanic and earthquake hazards, mineral resources, coal and oil, geothermal energy, resource management, and disposal of radioactive wastes. (Core Category II)
GEO 1154 Planetary Astronomy	4 QH
Focuses on astronomy of the solar system. Topics include description of the planets and other objects, with discussion of how our understanding has evolved from the days of naked-eye observation to the present era of interplanetary probes. (Core Category V)
GEO 1158 Weather and Climate	4 QH
Discusses the patterns and processes that combine to produce our daily weather and how weather integrates over time to define climate. Identifies natural and man-made causes of climate change.
GEO 1208 Age of Dinosaurs	4 QH
Focuses on major physical and biological events of the Mesozoic Era of Earth history. Draws on evidence from the sedimentary rock record to provide a basis for interpretations of Mesozoic life, climates, mountain building, and paleogeography. Demonstrates principles of evolution and extinction through dinosaur paleobiology and history.
GEO 1212 Physical Geology	4 QH
Offers a systematic study of the materials composing the Earth. Emphasizes the processes that form, transport, alter, and destroy rock, as well as the nature and development of landscape. (Core Category II)
GEO 1213 Physical Geology Laboratory	1 QH
Optional lab for GEO 1212. Exercises pertain to mineral and rock identification and topographic and geologic map interpretation. Required for geology majors. Prereq. GEO 1212; may be taken concurrently.
GEO 1222 Historical Geology	4 QH
Traces the physical and biological history of the Earth through geologic time. Major topics are the origin and evolution of life, mountain building, and continental drift. (Core Category II)
GEO 1223 Historical Geology Laboratory	1 QH
Studies fossil representatives of major invertebrate phyla, application of fossils to studies of rock sequences, interpretation of geologic history from geologic maps and sedimentary rocks. Prereq. GEO 1222; may be taken concurrently.
GEO 1250 Advanced General Geology	4 QH
Offers an introduction to new and advanced concepts, theories, and hypotheses in geology through discussions, research papers, and individual projects. Prereq. GEO 1212 and GEO 1222.
GEO 1308 Petrology	5 QH
Studies the hand specimen and field identification of the common igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Considers the modes of origin and important properties of common rock types. Prereq. GEO 1212, GEO 1213, GEO 1310.
GEO 1310 Descriptive Mineralogy	5 QH
Provides a study of mineralogy, including crystallography and physical, chemical, and descriptive mineralogy of the common rock-forming minerals. Prereq. Two quarters of chemistry.
GEO 1311 Optical Crystallography	5 QH
Studies the theory and practical methods of optical crystallography, including the basic techniques for determining the optical constants of crystals using the polarizing microscope and immersion media. Prereq. GEO 1310.
GEO 1312 Petrography	5 QH
Covers description and identification of rocks and rock-forming minerals using thin-sections and the petrographic microscope; discussion of textural and mineralogic relationships. Prereq. GEO 1311.
GEO 1320 Field Geology	4 QH
Focuses on field techniques as a working guide for the approach, pursuit, and solution of geologic problems. Considers such techniques as geologic map construction, stratigraphic section measurement, and field rock description. Lab consists of field research at a quarry, roadcut, or other geologic exposure. Fulfills the College's experiential education requirement for geology majors. Prereq. GEO 1212.
GEO 1412 Geochemistry	4 QH
Offers an evaluation of chemical processes important in the various geologic environments and their effects on the development of the lithosphere. Prereq. Two quarters of chemistry.
GEO 1414 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology	5 QH
Covers the origin and distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks as interpreted from their chemistry, mineralogy, and field relationships. Lab includes field and petrographic analysis of rock suites. Prereq. GEO 1312.
GEO 1418 Structural Geology	5 QH
Covers the description and origin of large- and small-scale rock structures with emphasis on interpretation of the mechanics of deformation. Field and lab analyses of structural problems using maps, models, and rock specimens. Prereq. GEO 1212, GEO 1213 and GEO 1308.
GEO 1420 Geophysics	4 QH
Studies the basic techniques of reflection and refraction seismology, gravity, aeromagnetic, and heat-flow techniques and the information they provide on the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth's interior. Emphasizes the application of these techniques to the search for economic minerals in the Earth's crust. Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1424 Stratigraphy	5 QH
Offers a study of paleoenvironments and sedimentary-basin analysis based on sedimentary structures, stratigraphic sequences, and fossils. Emphasizes use of geologic sections, drill-cores, and well-logs. Includes lab interpretation of sedimentary rock suites, maps, and sections. Prereq. GEO 1222.
GEO 1428 Invertebrate Paleontology	5 QH
Surveys major invertebrate phyla preserved in the fossil record. Discusses micro- and macro-evolutionary principles with consideration of adaptive and functional morphology and the role of paleoenvironments. Lab involves description and classification of fossil invertebrates.
GEO 1430 Sedimentation and Sedimentary Environments	5 QH
Describes the physical processes of sedimentation and their role in the interpretation of modern and ancient sedimentary environments. Lab concentrates on the interpretation and description of the physical and textural properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1432 Sedimentary Petrology	5 QH
Covers origin, classification, and petrography of the major groups of sedimentary rocks. Discusses the environments of deposition of the nonclastic rocks. Lab concentrates on thin-section study of sedimentary rocks. Prereq. GEO 1311.
GEO 1435 Coastal Processes	5 QH
Examines the effect of coastal marine processes and the resultant coastal responses. Topics include the dynamics of waves and currents and the associated erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment, forming beaches, barrier islands, and cliffed structures. Prereq. GEO 1212.
GEO 1436 Marine Geology	4 QH
Compares the balance between major sedimentary and tectonic forces in ocean basins and margins to resulting ocean form. Topics include origin of continental shelves, shelf sedimentation and transport, deep-sea processes and sediments. Evaluates resource development of OCS oil, sand and gravel, and manganese nodules. Prereq. GEO 1212.
GEO 1438 Geology and Land-Use Planning	4 QH
Studies the causes and solutions of geologic environmental problems related to land use. Topics include the causes and prevention of land-use problems in areas of existing or potential landslides, subsidence, erosion, flooding, and groundwater pollution. Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1439 Glacial and Pleistocene Geology	4 QH
Covers the processes of ice movement and the characteristics and distribution of erosional and depositional structures associated with past and present glaciers; introduces Pleistocene chronology and correlations. Prereq. GEO 1222.
GEO 1440 Geomorphology	5 QH
Focuses on the origin and evolution of landscape features by processes operating at or near the Earth's surface. Prereq. GEO 1212.
GEO 1441 Geographical Information Systems	4 QH
Offers an introduction to GIS, the computer hardware, software, and personnel, used to input, store, analyze, and display spatial data. Studies its application to geological mapping and data analysis. Introduces students to GIS concepts and to practical issues of manipulating GIS software through exercises. Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1442 Environmental Planning	4 QH
Examines aspects of surface runoff from geomorphic and hydrologic perspectives. Develops methods for description and calculation of major river and drainage basin processes and applies the results to the planning process. Examines human modification of these systems, including urbanization, dams, and channelization, and applies this information to an understanding of regulatory processes. (Core Category VI) Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1446 Hydrogeology	4 QH
Covers origin, distribution, and flow of groundwater in permeable sediments and bedrock; hydrological and geological characteristics of aquifers; regional flow systems emphasizing rock structure, stratigraphy, and other aspects of the geological environment; principles of hydrogeology mapping and analysis; and introduction to well design and well hydraulics. Prereq. GEO 1212, MTH 1107 or 1123, or permission of instructor.
GEO 1447 Groundwater Modeling	4 QH
Uses computers to solve problems in the flow of groundwater. Develops concepts of groundwater flow. Uses the finite-difference method to model steady-state and transient flow. Programs are supplied by the instructor so programming skill is not a prerequisite. Prereq. Introductory calculus.
GEO 1448 Groundwater Geochemistry	4 QH
Investigates important geological processes (formation of soil, ore deposits, caves, sinkholes) that occur when groundwater interacts with rock or soil, modifying groundwater chemistry and affecting water quality. Examines groundwater contamination and dispersion, isotope tracer studies, field sampling, and analytical methods. Prereq. Two quarters of chemistry.
GEO 1449 Engineering Geology	4 QH
An interdisciplinary study of how geology is applied to engineering projects. Studies the application of geologic thought and geophysical methods to site selection and planning of human- constructed features such as foundations, landfills, highways, dams, tunnels, power plants, and mines. Prereq. GEO 1212 or permission of instructor.
GEO 1450 Geology Seminar	4 QH
Offers in-depth study, on an individual or small-group basis, of a selected geologic topic. Requires both oral and written presentations. Prereq. Major in geology or senior status.
GEO 1455 Geologic Field Seminar	4 QH
Offers intensive classroom study of an aspect of geology associated with a particular field setting during the first half of the course, followed by an intensive field investigation during the second half. Examples include carbonate petrology and reef ecology, followed by field studies in the Bahamas; glacial geology and volcanology, followed by field studies in Iceland; and stratigraphy of the U.S. Southwest, followed by field studies in the Grand Canyon. Prereq. Permission of instructor.
GEO 1712 Physical Geology (Honors)	4 QH
Honors equivalent of GEO 1212. (Core Category II)
GEO 1722 Historical Geology (Honors)	4 QH
Honors equivalent of GEO 1222. (Core Category II)
GEO 1754 Planetary Astronomy (Honors)	4 QH
Honors equivalent of GEO 1154. (Core Category V)
GEO 1816, GEO 1817 Undergraduate Research	4 QH each
Offers independent research on a selected topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Fulfills the College's experiential education requirement for geology majors. Open only to juniors and seniors majoring in geology, with the recommendation of the supervising faculty member and of the department.
GEO 1820, GEO 1821 Directed Study	4 QH each
Offers independent study of a specific topic not normally contained in the regular course offerings, but within the area of competence of a faculty member. Fulfills the College's experiential education requirement for geology majors. Open to all students with the recommendation of a faculty member and departmental approval.
GEO 1824, GEO 1825 Special Studies	1 QH each
Offers independent study of a specific topic. Fulfills the College's experiential education requirement for geology majors. Open to all students with the recommendation of a faculty member and departmental approval.
GEO 1830, GEO 1831, GEO 1832, GEO 1833	4 QH each
Junior/Senior Honors Project
For details, contact the honors office.
GEO 1888, 1889 Experiential Education Directed Study	4 QH each
Draws upon the student's approved experiential activity and integrates it with study in the academic major. Restricted to those students who are using it to fulfill their experiential education requirement.

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