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Geosciences
Chair of the Department of Geosciences: Richard H. Lindemann
Associate Professor: Richard H. Lindemann
Assistant Professor: Kyle K. Nichols
Lecturer: Katharine Cartwright
Senior Teaching Associate: Kimberly Marsella
By its very nature geology has a broad perspective, one that
permits an undergraduate program in geology to provide not
only for the needs of the student preparing for a career in
professional geology, but also for students interested in
such diverse fields as marine science, environmental preservation,
physical geography, and the environmental aspects of archeological
research.
Geoscience is the study of planet Earth, its materials, the processes
that act upon them, and the history of the planet and its life forms
since its origin. The mission of Skidmore's geosciences program is to
apply the understanding of Earth processes to contemporary issues such
as Earth resources, land-use planning, and global change. The
program's curriculum includes ocean and atmospheric sciences, Earth
surface processes, and the history of global change. Our courses are
designed for students with a general interest in the geosciences as
well as for students planning to pursue a graduate degree. We
accomplish this mission by providing an environment in which students
acquire sound scientific problem-solving, research, and communication
skills. Geoscience students obtain a strong foundation for lifelong
learning, professional development in the geosciences, and enhanced
career opportunities in other fields that require a broadly based
background in this discipline. A liberal arts degree in geosciences
prepares a student for a number of professional activities related to
resource management, climatology, oceanography, hydrology, Earth
hazards, land-use planning, and environmental consulting. Our
department contributes to the broader mission of the college by
providing courses that enhance student awareness of, and appreciation
for, Earth's dynamic systems and the scientific methodologies by which
they are understood. Our program complements and is complemented by
Environmental Studies in additional to other natural sciences.
THE GEOLOGY MAJOR: The major, which leads to a bachelor of
arts degree, entails eleven required courses. The requirements
include GE101, 102, 201, 202, 204, 304, 310, 315, 316,
a field geology course (GE309, Field Techniques, or a summer field course approved by the
department), and a capstone project consisting of GE371 or 372 Independent Study
research project that will focus on the geologic interest of the student. Additional elective courses
to consider including in the geology major are GE207 and 399.
The student who is going to go on to graduate school will
have to take MA111 and 113, CH105 and 106, and PY207 and 208.
Others should consider strengthening their program by taking
these courses or integrating the geology major with a minor
in a cognate discipline.
THE GEOLOGY MINOR: The geology minor includes six geology
courses. At least two of these six courses must be at the
200 level and at least two at the 300 level.
THE GEOSCIENCES MAJOR
Students majoring in geosciences are required to:
GE304,
377 and two additional 300-level courses, excludingGE399
One additional GE course at the 200- or 300-level, excludingGE399
In cooperation with the advisor, a student majoring in geosciences
should construct a program to include a broad knowledge of the
geosciences in general, as well as specific knowledge of one area of
geosciences in greater depth.
GE371is strongly recommended for
students who intend to pursue graduate studies or a career in the
field.
HONORS: To be recommended for honors in geosciences, students must
meet the college requirements of a grade-point average of 3.0 and a
3.5 in the major. Students must also earn at least an A- in GE 371
thereby demonstrating superior accomplishment in the major.
THE GEOSCIENCES MINOR: The geosciences minor includes six GE courses.
At least two of these six courses must be at the 200-level and at
least two at the 300-level.
GE 101. EARTH
SYSTEMS SCIENCE 4
An introduction to Earth's dynamic systems and geologic processes.
The planet is studied from its deep interior to its oceanic,
surficial, and atmospheric components to develop a scientific
understanding of Earth as a holistic environmental system,
of which the biosphere, including humanity, is one component.
Within this context, course topics such as rocks and minerals,
mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, oceans, glaciers,
and deserts are examined from the perspective of the interactions
between geologic processes and humans. Three hours of lecture
and two hours of lab a week. Prerequisite: QR1. (Fulfills QR2 requirement; qualifies
as a natural science laboratory course for breadth requirement.)
R. Lindemann, K. Marsella
GE 102.
THE HISTORY OF EARTH, LIFE, AND GLOBAL CHANGE
4 Introduction to the deep time
history of biospheric responses to changes in Earth's climatologic
and geologic systems. The course draws upon geologic principles
and theories to explore the planet's origin and the processes
that perpetually modify the global environment. Topics also
include the origin of life, the causes and consequences of
major environmental crises in Earth's history, and the role
of humanity as an agent of global change. Three hours of lecture,
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
R. Lindemann, K. Cartwright GE 104. DINOSAURS:
EVOLUTION TO EXTINCTION 4
Investigation into recent scientific theories about dinosaurs
in an attempt to answer: who were they? how did they live?
where did they live? how did they become extinct? what significance
was their death to our own evolution? Topics include: dinosaur
death, burial, and preservation; evolution, ecology, and extinction;
and dinosaur myths in the media. K.
Cartwright GE 112. OCEANOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
4
Introduction to the interaction of physical, chemical and
biological processes operative in the great water bodies that
cover nearly three-quarters of the earth's surface. Three
hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural
sciences requirement; fulfills QR2 requirement.)
K. Cartwright GE 201. MINERALOGY 4 Fundamentals of crystallography, crystal chemistry, and systematic
mineralogy with the study of mineral associations, occurrences,
genesis, and phase relationships; hand sample identification,
introductory optical mineralogy, and thin section identification
of minerals. Prerequisites: GE101
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab per week. The Department GE 202. IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY 4 Petrology and petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks;
origin, crystallization, and differentiation of magmas; metamorphism,
metamorphic facies and the factors controlling metamorphism.
The study of rocks in hand sample and thin section. Intermediate
optical mineralogy. Prerequisite: GE201. Three
hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. The Department GE 204. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY 4 The recognition, origin, and interpretation of the various
structures present in the earth's crust. Study of structure
is directed toward reconstruction of stresses involved in
ancient periods of tectonism. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: GE101
or 207 or permission of instructor. Offered 2004-05 and alternate
years. The Department GE 207. ENVIRONMENTAL
GEOLOGY 4 Investigation of Earth's environments as viewed through the study of surficial and crustal geologic processes. Emphasis is on natural and anthropogenic phenomena including earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, climate change, soil erosion, pollution, waste management, and energy resources. Laboratories and field trips highlight geologic perspectives on the environment. Three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. K. Nichols GE 208. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES 4 A survey of the origin, distribution, and exploitation of energy
(e.g., petroleum, methane, coal, uranium) and mineral (e.g., metal, gem, agricultural fertilizer)
resources throughout the world. The dependence of industrialized nations upon Earth's energy and
mineral resources is at the root of many national economies as well as many of the major
environmental and geopolitical conflicts of our time. Future economic and population growth are
certain to multiply demands for Earth resources, a fact that urges that there be an educated
citizenry capable of making databased decisions regarding their availability and utilization.
Related topics include shrinking resource reserves, environmental degradation, and the relative
merits of various resource strategies. Prerequisites:GE101
or 102
or 207. R. Lindemann GE 211.
CLIMATOLOGY 4
Introduction to the basic components of Earth's climate system:
the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
The course nvestigates the basic physical processes that determine
climate and the links among the components of the climate
system, including the hydrologic and carbon cycles and their
roles in climate, climate stability, and global change. Topics
also include climate patterns and forecasting climate, as
well as their applications and human impacts. Three hours of
lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences
requirement). K. Cartwright GE 216. SEDIMENTOLOGY 4
The scientific study of sedimentary bodies and the processes by which
they form. Emphasis is placed on the actualistic application of
Holocene models to the recognition and interpretation of ancient
depositional environments. Field and laboratory work include the
description, classification, and interpretation in outcrop, hand
specimen and thin section. Prerequisite:GE102 or
GE112.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. R. Lindemann GE 251. SPECIAL
TOPICS IN GEOSCIENCE 3
A variety of topics at the intermediate level, available to students
with an interest in geosciences. Some sample topics are: geochemistry,
planetary geology, global tectonics, petroleum geology, and global
bioevents. Specific choice of topics will depend on student interest
and background. May be repeated multiple times for credit with
different topics, pending department approval. Prerequisites: prior
geoscience course and permission of the department. The Department GE 301. HYDROGEOLOGIC
SYSTEMS 3
An advanced course on the physical processes of water transport
and accumulation in surface and shallow subsurface environments,
as well as environmental impacts on water quality. The first
half of the course covers scientific principles of the hydrologic
cycle, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration,
groundwater flow, and surface runoff. The second half of the
course examines the impacts of agriculture, urban development,
and human population growth on both the quantity and quality
of water in the hydrologic cycle. Throughout the course, scientific
principles are illustrated by real-world case studies of water
management issues. Prerequisite:GE101
or 207.
K. Nichols GE 304. GEOMORPHOLOGY
4
Analysis of the geologic and climatic factors that control
the evolution of topography. Lab study is concentrated on
the physical character of the United States and on the geologic
configurations which determine landform distribution and therefore
are the basis for physical subdivision. Two hours of lecture,
three hours of lab a week. Prerequisite:GE101
or 207.
Offered in 2006–07 and alternate years. K. Nichols GE 309. FIELD
TECHNIQUES 4
An advanced course in the techniques used for field mapping.
The course concentrates on the instruments of mapping and
how to use them, including pace and compass, altimeter, plane
table and alidade, topographic map and air photo base. In
addition there is the study of some basic subsurface geologic
techniques such as structural contour maps, isopach maps,
and well log analysis and correlation. Two hours of lecture,
three hours of lab, and one hour of discussion per week.
K. Nichols GE 310. PALEOBIOLOGY
4
An advanced study of the morphology, taxonomy, and evolution
of fossil organisms; the major events in the 3.6 billion-year
history of Earth's biota; and the processes of fossil preservation/destruction.
The ecology of fossil organisms, reconstruction of paleo-environments
and paleocommunities, as well as the forcing mechanisms that
perpetually alter Earth's marine and terrestrial environments
are emphasized throughout. Laboratory and field work provide
firsthand experience in the application of the fundamental
concepts and principles of paleobiology to the observation,
analysis, and interpretation of ancient life forms. Offered
2004-05 and alternate years. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab per week. Prerequisite:GE102.
R. Lindemann GE 311. PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
3
An advanced course that examines the history of Earth's climate,
the physical processes that influence it and their interaction,
as well as controlling mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on biogeochemical
cycles, atmospheric and oceanic chemistry and circulation
patterns through time, the influences of volcanic aerosols
and asteroid impacts on climate, icehouse and greenhouse cycles,
and the climates of the Phanerozoic. Prerequisites:GE101
or 102
or 211
or permission of instructor. K. Cartwright GE 315. SEDIMENTOLOGY 4 Introduction to terrigenous clastic, carbonate and evaporite
sedimentary rocks. Topics include weathering, erosion, transport
and deposition of particle systems. Emphasis on Holocene depositional
models and their use in recognition of ancient sedimentary
environments. Prerequisite: GE102.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Offered
2005–06 and alternate years. R. Lindemann GE 316. STRATIGRAPHY
4
Study of lithologic and biologic units of sedimentary strata,
their classification, correlation, and use in environmental
and geographic reconstructions. Emphasis placed on the respective
roles of organisms, geosynclines and tectonic events in the
development of continents and sedimentary basins. Prerequisite:
GE315216.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Offered
2005–06 and alternate years. R. Lindemann GE 351, 352. SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGYADVANCED
TOPICS IN GEOSCIENCES 3 Advanced topics in geology offered
to either small groups of students or on an individual basis,
allowing the student to study in depth areas of the science
which are not offered on a regular basis. Specific topics
will vary each time the course is taught and might include
hydrology, glaciology, micropaleontology, or computer applications
in geology. Prerequisite: permission of department. The Department GE 371, 372.
INDEPENDENT STUDY 3
Advanced research in the geosciences, generated and designed
by the student in consultation with and under the supervision
of a member of the department. Although the ideal research
project includes suitably balanced literature, field, laboratory,
and interpretive components, the requirements of individual
topics may dictate a focus on one or more of these aspects
of conducting scientific research. Research results will include
a written report submitted to the faculty supervisor and an
oral presentation to the department. Prerequisite:
departmental approval of a written research proposal. The Department GE 377 SENIOR SEMINAR IN GEOSCIENCES 1
A one-credit seminar designed to incorporate critical skills acquired
throughout the student's undergraduate geosciences experience. In this
course students will be part of a team that synthesizes and interprets
primary date taken from the literature. During the first part of the
seminar, student teams will participate in discussions of current
geosciences literature selected within each faculty members'
discipline, whereas for the rest of the course students are
responsible for choosing literature according to their own interests,
and leading discussions based on those texts. The Department GE 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN GEOLOGY 3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced subject level for juniors
and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience
in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department
approval, students may extend their educational experiences
by working on specialized research projects with outside professional
earth scientists. Must be taken S/U.
The Department
