Apply Now Request Information Schedule a Visit

BS Geology

Program Codes: BSGEOL
Bachelor of Science

The Department of Geology offers courses leading to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Geology. Students seeking a degree in Geology are required to take core Geology courses plus two additional electives. Students must also complete a senior capstone experience, which requires three courses. There are an additional 6 cognate courses in math, physics,,and chemistry. The required coursework in these subjects depends on whether a student pursues a B.A. or B.S. degree. Students who expect to attend graduate school after graduation are strongly encouraged to pursue the B.S. degree.

REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39
Geology Major Core Courses:
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 100
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
The significance of the rocks and minerals that form the earth; the plate tectonic processes that have built the continents and ocean basins; and the forces that shape them into their characteristic landscapes in the process of their creation and destruction. The basic understanding of earth processes for environmental reasoning and/or archaeological studies is emphasized.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 22.5
Corequisites:
GEOL_102
x
GEOL 100
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
3
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 102
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
A hands-on approach to studying the geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape the Earth.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 7.5
Corequisites:
GEOL_100
x
GEOL 102
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LAB
1
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 110
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

An introduction to the evolution of life on Earth, from sea creatures to dinosaurs. Topics include the birth and future death of the earth, movement of the continents, the impact of asteroids and comets on life and landforms with associated extinction events, structure and composition of the Earth. Emphasis placed on the history of life as told by fossils preserved in the Earth's crust. Corequisite: GEOL 111. 

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

GEOL_111

x
GEOL 110
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
3
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 111
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
A hands-on approach to studying the geological history of the Earth;special emphasis will be placed on laboratory and field studies.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 7.5
Corequisites:
GEOL_110
x
GEOL 111
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY LAB
1
MINERALOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 211
Course Group(s):
UPPER-LEVEL GEO, FIELD STUDIES AND TRAVEL
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Description, classification, and genetic interpretations of minerals.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL 100
Corequisites:
GEOL_212
x
GEOL 211
MINERALOGY
3
MINERALOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 212
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
A study of elementary crystallography and an examination of common minerals.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 7.5
Corequisites:
GEOL_211
x
GEOL 212
MINERALOGY LAB
1
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 215
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
A study of the earth's landforms, their classification, origin and the forces of wind, waves, streams, glaciers and gravity that have caused our present landscapes and are causing them to change. Soil development and interpretation is also covered.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL 100
Corequisites:
GEOL_216
x
GEOL 215
GEOMORPHOLOGY
3
GEOMORPHOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 216
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
An in-depth and hands-on approach to studying geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape the Earth; field-based exercises will be implemented when possible.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_215
x
GEOL 216
GEOMORPHOLOGY LAB
1
PETROLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 310
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Description, classification and genetic interpretations of minerals.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL-100 GEOL-211
Corequisites:
GEOL_214
x
GEOL 310
PETROLOGY
3
PETROLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 311
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
A study of the texture and composition of rocks, both hand specimens and thin sections. Laboratory work may include the preparation of thin sections.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_213
x
GEOL 311
PETROLOGY LAB
1
SEDIMENTOLOGY&STRATIGRAPHY
Course Code:
GEOL 342
Course Group(s):
UPPER-LEVEL GEO, FIELD STUDIES AND TRAVEL
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
An introduction to processes and environments of sedimentation and the principles employed in the examination of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Hand specimens and sequences will be studied for characteristics and origins.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:
GEOL 343
x
GEOL 342
SEDIMENTOLOGY&STRATIGRAPHY
3
SEDIMENTOLOGY & STRATIGRAPHY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 343
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
An introduction to processes and environments of sedimentation and the principles employed in the examination of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Hand specimens and sequences will be studied for characteristics and origins.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL 342
x
GEOL 343
SEDIMENTOLOGY & STRATIGRAPHY LAB
1
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 350
Course Group(s):
UPPER-LEVEL GEO, FIELD STUDIES AND TRAVEL
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Identification and interpretation of structural geologic features including the construction and use of structural maps and cross-sections.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:
GEOL_251
x
GEOL 350
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
3
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 351
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
A laboratory approach to studying deformation of the Earth.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_250
x
GEOL 351
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY LAB
1

Two additional geology elective courses numbered 200 or above are required. It is strongly recommended that students interested in Geoarchaeology for graduate studies and/or a career, take both GEOL 215/216 and GEOL 430/431. Students considering graduate school are strongly recommended to pursue the B.S. degree.

CELLULAR&MOLECULAR BIO
Course Code:
BIO 142
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL, CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 143

x
__ __
ELECTIVE
3
CELLULAR&MOLECULAR BIO
Course Code:
BIO 142
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL, CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 143

x
__ __
ELECTIVE
3
Geology Major Capstone Courses

Before registering for Capstone courses students must complete GEOL 100 and GEOL 102 and get permission of the instructor.

FIELD METHODS IN GEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 455
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
An overview of field techniques used in geology with an emphasis on how to operate independently in the field. An emphasis is placed on geologic mapping, but measuring and describing stratigraphic sections, using topographic and related maps, and the uses of other field-focused equipment will also be reviewed. Typically offered during summer.
Credit:
3 - 6
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Field
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL 100
x
GEOL 455
FIELD METHODS IN GEOLOGY
3 - 6
APPROVED FIELD SCHOOL
Course Code:
GEOL
Credit:
3-6
x
GEOL
APPROVED FIELD SCHOOL
3-6

(may be substituted for GEOL 455)

SEMINAR AND RESEARCH
Course Code:
GEOL 410
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
Special topics in geology may be pursued on an advanced level, often involving an extensive literature search with accompanying oral and written reports. Students have the opportunity to choose, develop and complete an original research problem followed by preparation of a report suitable for publication. Consent of instructor. 1-4 credits.
Credit:
1 - 4
Instruction methods:
Project
Total hours: 5
x
GEOL 410
SEMINAR AND RESEARCH
1 - 4

* ANTH 390 Research and Design May be Substituted for GEOL 410

SENIOR THESIS
Course Code:
GEOL 490
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Project
Total hours: 45
x
GEOL 490
SENIOR THESIS
3
Geology Major Elective Courses:

Subject to department chair approval, one course numbered 200 or above in mathematics/computer systems or the natural sciences may count as one geology elective course. Students pursuing the Earth and Space Science concentration may count either SCI 118/119 Astronomy and Lab or GEOL 203/204 Voyages to the Terrestrial Planets and Lab as one of their two elective Geology courses.

TYPOGRAPHIC FOUNDATIONS
Course Code:
ART 220
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This entry-level course introduces students to basic design theories and skills. Students create a variety of exercises and a sample file of professional works to better understand design. Theoretical exercises, typography projects and readings introduce students to lifelong design issues and tasks. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are utilized in this course.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Studio
Total hours: 22.5
Prerequisites:

ART-100,ART-128

x
__ __
GEOLOGY MAJOR ELECTIVES
3
VOYAGES TO TERRESTRIAL PLANETS

Short Title : VOYAGES TO TERREST PLANETS

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 203

Course Description : An examination of the inner solar system including its origin and the history of its exploration. Special attention will focus on the processes that have shaped and modified inner solar system objects and the future of human and robotic exploration of these bodies.

Corequisites :

GEOL 204

  • Credit : 3
x
SCIENCE ON DISPLAY & LAB

Short Title : SCIENCE ON DISPLAY & LAB

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 225

Course Description : This course examines science through natural history museums. Basic concepts include the role of museums in education, natural history collection management and legal practices. Special emphasis will be placed on geology,gemstones, paleontology,archaeology/ancient art,conchology and osteology. Students will apply principles covered in class to evaluate exhibits and collections in public and private situations.

Corequisites : GEOL 226

  • Credit : 4
x
PALEOCLIMATOLOGY:SCI GLOBAL WARMING

Short Title : PALEOCLIMATLGY:SCI GLB WRM

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 235

Course Description : Paleoclimatology deals with the characteristics of Earth's climate in the past. This course will explore how and why Earth's climate has changed over time and the implications of that change. A hands-on approach will be taken where students will be out in the field collecting climate-related data and will discuss the techniques used in studying past climates. Earth's changing climate over the past 10,000 years will also be emphasized.

Corequisites : GEOL 236

  • Credit : 3
x
PALEONTOLOGY

Short Title : PALEONTOLOGY

Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years

Course Code : GEOL 240

Course Description : A broad survey of fossil invertebrates, vertebrates and plants. Direct examination of actual specimens to familiarize the student with morphology and characteristics of common as well as rarely seen fossils. Special topics will address exceptional preservation, extinction, paleopathology and data retrieval from the fossil record.

Prerequisites : GEOL-100 or GEOL-110

Corequisites : GEOL 241

  • Credit : 3
x
HYDROGEOLOGY

Short Title : HYDROGEOLOGY

Active Term : Spring Term / Even Years

Course Code : GEOL 302

Course Description : An introduction to the origin, occurrence, regimen and utilization of the ground water sector of the hydrological cycle; the geological influences and chemical aspects of ground water, location, evaluation, and influence of man.

Corequisites : GEOL_261

  • Credit : 3
x
SOILS

Short Title : SOILS

Active Term : Fall Term / Even Years

Course Code : GEOL 306

Course Description : The study of the processes and environmental conditions that result in the formation of soils; the relationships among climate, rock type, and time duration that cause soils to possess different chemical and physical properties; and the various schemes and the nomenclature by which soils are classified.

Corequisites : GEOL_307

  • Credit : 3
x
DENDROCHRONOLOGY

Short Title : DENDROCHRONOLOGY

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 370

Course Description :

Dendrochronology deals with time as recorded by tree rings. Information extracted from tree rings can subsequently be used to make predictions about past climate and paleo-environmental conditions, geologic and anthropological events, and even fire cycles. This class will present the fundamental principles of how to conduct dendrochronologic studies and will emphasize the techniques of collecting and interpreting tree ring data. Applications of dendrochronology will also be explored.

  • Credit : 3
x
PRIN OF REMOTE SENSING

Short Title : PRIN OF REMOTE SENSING

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 380

Course Description : This course will address the theories and fundamentals of acquiring, processing and interpreting remotely sensed datasets. Special attention will be paid to geological, archaeological, environmental and urban applications of remotely sensed data collected through both air and space-borne platforms.

Corequisites : GEOL 381

  • Credit : 3
x
GEOARCHAEOLOGY

Short Title : GEOARCHAEOLOGY

Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years

Course Code : GEOL 430

Course Description : Geoarchaeology (archaeogeology) examines in detail the interface which exists between the fields of geology and the anthropological sub discipline of archaeology. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student not only with the history of the interrelationship between these academic specialties but also to document and illustrate the range of geological techniques which are useful to the contemporary archaeologist. More specifically, via lectures and laboratory work, this course will detail how geological methods may be employed in the location, excavation, and interpretation of archaeological sites and materials.

Prerequisites : GEOL-100

Corequisites : GEOL_431

  • Credit : 3
x
INTRODUCTION TO GIS

Short Title : INTRO TO GIS

Active Term : Spring Term / All Years

Course Code : GEOL 440

Course Description : This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems, providing students with a basic knowledge of its theory, and main practical applications, with stress on basic GIS software logics, usage and applications. The student will learn the usage of ESRI's ArcGIS 9, with examples from different fields. At completion of the course, students will be able to collect, create and view geographic information data from preexisting sources as well as produce their own maps and calculate basic descriptive spatial statistics such as measurements of dispersion and central location. Corequisite: GEOL 441. 3 credits.

  • Credit : 3
x
OCEANOGRAPHY

Short Title : OCEANOGRAPHY

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : SCI 225

  • Credit : 4
x
Click here to see this course group.
B.S. Cognate Courses:

One additional math course beyond MATH 118 and either PHYS 102/106 or an additional course in mathematics/computer systems or natural sciences are required. Subject to department chair approval. Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to take MATH 171 Calculus II.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
Course Code:
CHEM 121
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
First of two-course sequence that provides an introduction to general chemistry required for science majors. Emphasizes quantitative chemical principles. Prerequisite: Chemical background equivalent to one year of high school chemistry and MATH 111 or mathematical equivalent to two years of high school algebra.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:
CHEM 122
x
CHEM 121
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
3
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
Course Code:
CHEM 122
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
Experimental work corequisite to General Chemistry I.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 7.5
Corequisites:
CHEM 121
x
CHEM 122
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
1
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
Course Code:
CHEM 131
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
Continuation of General Chemistry I. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 132. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
CHEM 121
Corequisites:
CHEM 132
x
CHEM 131
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
3
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LAB
Course Code:
CHEM 132
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
Continuation of General Chemistry I. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 132. 3 credits.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Prerequisites:
CHEM 121
Corequisites:
CHEM 222
x
CHEM 132
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LAB
1
CALCULUS I
Course Code:
MATH 170
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 76. 4 credits.

Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 170
CALCULUS I
4
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I
Course Code:
PHYS 101
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is an algebra-based physics course designed both for students with science majors and as a laboratory science course in the core curriculum. A working knowledge of algebra and the basics of trigonometry are required. The major topics that will be covered include: Newtonian mechanics, circular motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion and Fluid mechanics. Though concepts of physics will be discussed in detail, the focus of the course will be problem-solving techniques.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

MATH 112 OR MATH 118 OR MATH 170

Corequisites:

PHYS 103

x
PHYS 101
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I
3
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I LAB
Course Code:
PHYS 103
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Laboratory experience to accompany Principles of Physics I.

Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:

PHYS 101

x
PHYS 103
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I LAB
1
Menu
Degrees & Certificates
A-Z By Department By Area of Interest
Course Descriptions
By Course Code (A-Z) By Department
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Mercyhurst University
Campus and Buildings Introduction Mission and Values Notice of Non-Discrimination The North East Campus
Academic Affairs
Academic Calendar and Credit Hours Academic Honesty Academic Standards and Grades Academic Transcripts Class Attendance Class Standing and Student Status Competency Requirements Cooperative Academic Agreements Graduation Requirements Internships and Off-Campus Learning Experiences Nontraditional College Credit Privacy: FERPA and HIPAA Reach Curriculum Registration Policies and Procedures Transfer Credits Examination Credit Student Grievance Policy
Academic Services and Support
Academic Success Center at North East Campus Career Development Center Learning Differences and Academic Accommodations Mercyhurst Honors Program Perkins - North East Campus Prestigious Awards The Testing, Tutoring, and Writing Centers University Libraries Academic Support
Admissions
Admissions Decisions Confirmation Deposit Adult Enrollment Campus Visits International Students North East Admissions Transfer Policy
Student Financial Services
Financial Aid Awarding Policies State Grants, Scholarships and Other Programs Tuition and Fees Tuition and Fees - North East Campus
Student Life
ADA Accommodations Athletics Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) Campus Involvement Center Campus Ministry Counseling Center Health Center Veterans’ Resources Mercyhurst Student Government North East Student Life Police and Safety Services Residence Life Student Handbook Student Conduct Code Community Engagement