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Introduction
Students majoring in Geology will be preparing themselves to take an active role in the utilization of the earth’s resources while protecting its fragile environment. Course work involves hands-on use of modern laboratory equipment and extensive projects out in the field. The faculty combine the use of small class sizes and abundant travel opportunities with a commitment to involving students in ongoing geological projects that involve both local and far-ranging locales.
Locally the emphasis is on the ice age deposits and modern coastal processes on the shores of Lake Erie, the folded sedimentary rocks of the Appalachian Mountains, and the igneous and metamorphic rocks of nearby Canada.
Far-ranging projects include work with soils from the American southwest, igneous rocks from Nevada and Arizona, beaver pond sediments from Yellowstone National Park, describing vertebrate and invertebrate fossil remains, and planetary mapping of Mars and Venus.
Mission Statement
Geology is the science of the Earth – how it was made, what comprises it, and how it operates. These are all concepts critical to understand in order to survive on this Earth and to be responsible and successful stewards of the resources we harvest from it. In essence, geology touches on the most fundamental of concepts that are often times overlooked, but are required to know in order to be able to live in a sustainable fashion on our home planet.
Without an understanding of geology, there would be a populace who would not understand the fine line between humans and the Earth. Specifically, events such as flooding, earthquakes, and landslides (events that affect humans with negative consequences on an everyday basis) could not be addressed and mitigated without the knowledge of geology; nor could the necessary and responsible extraction and management of natural resources from the Earth happen without knowledge of how and where they occur.
Hence, the mission of the Mercyhurst University Geology Department is to educate and train students in the Earth Sciences so that they are reflectively aware of the natural environment in which they live and are globally responsible of the Earth and its resources. Central in this mission is a commitment to experiential learning through rigorous laboratory exercises, hands-on field experiences, participation in faculty-student collaborative research projects and travel courses, and the opportunity to attend and participate in professional conferences.
Learning Outcomes:
The Geology Department has identified eight broad learning outcomes that all geology majors should meet before they earn their degree. Upon completion of the Geology curriculum, a geology major should be able to:
The curricula are designed with three primary objectives:
Many of our graduates have secured entry-level positions in the government and private sectors upon graduation; many other graduates from the Mercyhurst geology program have secured full-ride funding from a variety of graduate programs. Thus, we believe our curriculum prepares our students well for a geology career after Mercyhurst.
The Department of Geology also maintains special relationships with the Environmental Science program as well as the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology. Students with interests in geology and either of these two programs are strongly encouraged to participate in joint activities between the programs and to discuss possible cross-over opportunities.
Geology Requirements
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.
To be recommended for graduation, students must earn at least a 2.5 GPA in their Geology courses and earn a grade of at least C in any Geology class completed to fulfill a degree requirement. Students must earn at least a grade of D in each cognate. Students have the option of completing a concentration in Geoarchaeology, Planetary Geology, Paleontology, Environmental Geology, or Earth and Space Science Education. Earth and Space Science Education is designed for students seeking an Earth and Space Science certification and M.S. in secondary Education via Mercyhurst’s 4+1 master’s program in secondary education.
The other concentrations take advantage of the specialized research strengths, facilities and course offerings available at Mercyhurst. These concentrations typically require four to five courses in addition to the regular geology major curriculum and are designed to provide the student with a more in-depth understanding of a specific aspect of geology. Although an area of concentration is not required as part of the geology major, the concentrations do provide students an avenue to become more specialized in an area of geology, which could make them more competitive for graduate school and/or future employment in that area.
Geology Minor
Geology Major Core Courses:
GEOL 100/102 Physical Geology & Lab 4 credits
Four additional geology courses with at least three numbered 200 or higher are required. SCI 225 Oceanography may count towards the geology minor.
Paleontology Minor
This minor is designed for the non-geology major who is interested in the area of paleontology and who would like to develop additional training with fossils and related systems. This minor would help prepare students for additional study in paleontology in graduate school or for employment with museums.
Paleontology Minor Required Courses:
BIO 146/147 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Ogranisms & Lab 4 credits
GEOL 100/102 Physical Geology & Lab 4 credits
GEOL 110/111 Historical Geology & Lab 4 credits
GEOL 240/241 Paleontology & Lab 4 credits
GEOL 342/343 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy & Lab 4 credits
and
BIO 230/231 Invertebrate Zoology & Lab 4 credits
or
BIO 320/321 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy & Lab 4 credits
Students are introduced to the basic materials of the Earth and the processes that shape them/it. The course covers plate tectonics (including volcanic activity and earthquakes) as well as surface-related processes of weathering and erosion, glaciation, and ground and surface water. Students are engaged in active discussion and hands-on exercises during the course of the semester.
GEOL_102
A hands-on approach to further exploring and understanding topics covered in GEOL 100.
GEOL_100
An introduction to the evolution of life on Earth, from sea creatures to dinosaurs and beyond. Topics include the birth, evolution, and future death of the earth, movement of the continents, extinction events, cataclysmic geological events, and structure and composition of the Earth. Emphasis placed on the history of life as told by fossils preserved in the Earth's crust. Development of Earth's geological time scale will also be discussed.
GEOL 111
A hands-on approach to the topics explored and discussed in GEOL 110.
GEOL 110
Overview of the chemical and physical properties of the material constituents of the Earth and terrestrial planets with an emphasis on rocks and the minerals they contain. Topics include mineral structure and composition, bonding, optical properties, mineral and rock chemistry, and structure and composition of the earth. The role of minerals in our environment is also discussed as appropriate.
GEOL 100
GEOL_212
A hands-on approach to understanding the topics explored and discussed in GEOL 211.
GEOL_211
This course touches upon the description, classification, and genetic interpretation of rocks. Special emphasis will be placed on igneous and metamorphic rocks, but sedimentary rocks will also be reviewed to help place the other two rock groups into their appropriate geologic context.
GEOL-100 GEOL-211
GEOL_214
A hands-on approach to understanding the topics explored and discussed in GEOL 310.
GEOL_213
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.
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.
BIO 143
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.
BIO 143
Before registering for Capstone courses students must complete GEOL 100 and GEOL 102 and get permission of the instructor.
This is a professional development course that will explore various career pathways open to someone with a geology background. Strategies for applying to graduate school, searching for employment, and applying/interviewing for jobs/internships will be discussed and practiced.
* ANTH 390 Research and Design May be Substituted for GEOL 410
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.
This entry-level course introduces students to basic design theories and skills. Students create a variety of exercises and a portfolio of professional works to better understand design. Theoretical exercises, typography projects, readings, and client projects introduce students to lifelong design issues and tasks. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, and Dimension are utilized in this course.
ART-128
Short Title : COMP VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
Active Term : Spring Term / Even Years
Course Code : BIO 320
Course Description :
A comparative study of the organ systems of the vertebrate animals from an evolutionary and developmental perspective.
Prerequisites :
BIO-146
Corequisites :
BIO 321
Short Title : COMP VERTEBRATE ANAT LAB
Active Term : Spring Term / Even Years
Course Code : BIO 321
Course Description :
The detailed dissection of representative vertebrates.
Corequisites :
BIO 320
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
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
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
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
Short Title : PALEONTOLOGY LAB
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : GEOL 241
Course Description : An in-depth examination of fossils from diverse localities and preservational modes, including evolutionary and taxonomic problems stressing identification and interpretation. Field experiences are anticipated.
Corequisites : GEOL 240
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
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
Short Title : MEGAFAUNA:LRG MAML ICE AGE
Active Term : Randomly / Randomly
Course Code : GEOL 313
Course Description :
A study of the Ice Age megafauna, while primarily paleontological in nature, also offers an opportunity to consider archaeological issues (evidence of interaction between these animals and ancient humans), and to expose the students to rudimentary skeletal anatomy. In considering competing hypotheses that seek to explain the megafaunal extinctions, it also portrays the scientific method in action.
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.
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
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
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.
Short Title : OCEANOGRAPHY
Active Term : Randomly / Randomly
Course Code : SCI 225
One additional math course and either PHYS 102/106 or an additional course in mathematics/computer systems or the natural sciences is required. For the B.A. degree in geology, an additional course in the natural sciences or computer systems may be substituted for CHEM 131/132. Subject to department chair approval.
This course has been designed for students who wish to take calculus or physics, but who are not prepared for college calculus based on our mathematics placement score and department recommendation. This course is a one semester replacement for the two semester combination of College Algebra and Trigonometry and Functions. Topics will include fundamental concepts of college algebra, pre-calculus, and a preparation for calculus. More specifically, the topics will include factoring, integer and rational exponents, simplifying algebraic expressions, function notation, polynomial and rational functions. While many of the topics covered are similar to those in typical college pre-calculus courses, there is more theoretical coverage and emphasis, a faster pace is maintained, a greater depth of understanding is required and additional material on applications is taught.
ALEKS MATH Placement score of at least 50.
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.
MATH 112 OR MATH 118 OR MATH 170
PHYS 103
This course examines the methods, goals, and substantive results of contemporary anthropological archaeology. An emphasis on the archaeological techniques and concepts archaeologists use for making sense of the past are stressed, and numerous case studies are presented which explore past human practice from the development of human culture through to contemporary society, with a particular focus on humanity's unique relationship with material culture and the environment.
ANTH 131
This laboratory course provides the student basic exposure to contemporary archaeological field methods from both a theoretical and hands-on perspective. Topics include: archaeological survey techniques; mapping; excavation procedures; screening and data retrieval; field and lab processing; and documentation.
ANTH 130
This course is designed to expose students to the full spectrum of field methods now in use in contemporary anthropological archaeology. The rationale, technical details, and expected results of a wide array of field methods are presented in the context of the location, characterization, and full scale data recovery of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.
ANTH 130
ANTH 225
A Corequisite of ANTH 224, this course will provide hands on experience with the field methods now in use in contemporary anthropological archaeology.
ANTH 224
