Geology (GEOL)

An exploration of significant questions and integrative concepts in Geology, their grounding in the process of scientific discovery and application, and their broader relevance to society. Designed for first-year students. Although topics vary, the courses also seek to improve students’ communication skills beyond the written word.

An investigation of the major features of the earth and its materials and the interaction of the geologic processes active on the surface and in the interior of the earth. Topics include volcanoes, rivers, glaciers, earthquakes, natural resources, and global change. The lab course, GEOL 160, is optional.

Earth’s Environmental Systems: Physical Geography. Introduction to the interactions between the earth’s environmental systems – the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and solid earth. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the environment and the human condition. The lab course, GEOL 160, is optional.

An exploration of a specific topic in Geology. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

Investigating the Earth through exercises involving observations and interpretations of maps, minerals and rocks, groundwater and streams, coastal processes, and earthquakes. Field trips and laptop computer are required.  This course may be taken concurrently or after taking GEOL 101 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 150W.  

In this course, we’ll use dinosaurs and the Mesozoic world to explore concepts of geologic time, extinction, climate change, evolution, and plate tectonics. Emphasis will also be placed on how science works and major discoveries in dinosaur paleontology.

An investigation of planetary bodies in the Solar System. Topics include celestial mechanics, the formation of planets and satellites, planetary surfaces, and planetary atmospheres.

An introduction to Earth's climate system and the causes of climate variability on different geologic timescales. This course will also cover recent climate changes with lessons focused on the influence of anthropogenic activity and predictions about future climate trends and their potential impacts on society.

The geology and landscapes of Virginia are remarkably diverse. In this course, we will investigate the geological processes that shape the distinctive landscapes, watersheds, bedrock, and fossils of Virginia. The course is hands-on with specific modules that require observation, data collection, hypothesis testing, and critical thinking, both in the field and lab. The focus on Virginia’s geological evolution will be used to introduce a wide-range of earth science topics and skills: these include earth materials, deep time, tectonic processes, surface processes, climate, and sea-level change. Although activities will focus on Virginia, the concepts learned can be applied anywhere on the Earth.

The application of geology toward understanding the connections between human activities and the environment. Topics include climate change, flooding and water pollution, coastal processes, and natural hazard prediction.

The physical geology of the continental margins and ocean basins. Evolution of the ocean basins, oceanic circulation patterns, marine environment, and human impact are stressed.

Field techniques and their application in the study of the geology and geologic history of selected regions.

Field techniques and their application to solve geological and environmental problems. Topics include GPS surveying, topographic surveying, bedrock and surficial mapping, and introduction to geophysical methods. Required Spring Break field project. Offered in alternate years.

This team-taught course will combine biologic and hydrologic approaches to explore the interactions between the physical, biological, and chemical processes active in watersheds. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how interactions between these processes control water quality and biologic diversity, and how anthropogenic activities modify these processes.

Quantitative investigation of the major components of the hydrologic cycle and their interactions, including atmospheric water, surface water, and groundwater.

This course examines the chemical interactions among water, rock, and biota. We will investigate the basic inorganic and organic chemistry of nutrients, metals, and carbon. Topics covered include weathering, oceanic and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles and heavymetal deposition.

A quantitative investigation of processes that act to shape the Earth's surface. Explores the links between surface processes, tectonics, and climate; the mechanics and rates of landscape processes and evolution; and the movement of water on and near the surface.

An introduction to the structures, compositions, characteristic features, and uses of the most common minerals. This course will emphasize the fundamental role that minerals play as the building blocks of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

An introduction to the origin and interpretation of sediments, fossils, and sedimentary rocks with a focus on depositional environments, paleoclimates, and the use of sediments, fossils, and sedimentary rocks in the interpretation of earth history.

An introduction to the internal structure of the earth and its dynamics. Geological and geophysical characteristics of the earth are used to understand tectonic processes. Examines major earth structures and investigates the physics of deformation.

This course investigates evidence for changes in Earth’s climate system over geologic timescales and the methods used to reconstruct past climate. Information archived in geologic records from the global oceans, terrestrial landscapes, and ice sheets will be examined to explore how past climate and oceanographic changes relate to climate forcing and feedback mechanisms, and how they help contextualize present and projected future climate trends.

The taxonomy of fossil organisms and the role of fossils in the study of organic evolution and the time relations of rock sequences. The laboratory stresses invertebrate morphology and quantitative measurement of local marine fossils.

Mineral and rock genesis in the igneous and metamorphic environments. A study of hand specimens and thin sections, structures, textures, and areal distribution.

Earth Science can be a powerful tool to understand and mitigate the impacts of environmental injustice. We will analyze how the workings of power and privilege in the U.S. have led to Black, Latinx, and Native American communities being disproportionately affected by environmental problems such as pollution, water scarcity, extreme heat, and sea-level rise. We will also explore how geoscientists and community leaders can work together to solve environmental challenges. For Earth Science to truly be a tool for environmental justice, we also need a diverse and inclusive geoscience community. We will discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and strategies for overcoming the barriers that currently exist.

Students will develop a formal research proposal for a senior research or Honors project in consultation with their research advisor. Students will give an oral presentation to the class describing their research proposal. Class work will include discussion of research sources and questions, training in research techniques, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Enrollment is restricted to geology majors, normally in their junior year.

Advanced study of topics not routinely covered by existing courses. Subjects, prerequisites and instructor will vary from year to year.

A program for geology majors who wish to pursue independent study of a problem or topic in geology.

Advanced seminar in topics in Sedimentology.

Advanced seminar in topics in Structural Geology.

Advanced seminar in topics in Paleobiology.

Advanced seminar in topics in Geochemistry.

Advanced seminar in topics in Hydrology.

Advanced seminar.

Independent senior research study, culminating in a written paper and a formal presentation in the Spring semester. Project topics can include research, education, outreach, and science communication.

Independent senior research study, culminating in a written thesis and a formal presentation.

The requirements of Honors study in geology include a program of research accompanied by readings from the original literature, the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in geology, and the preparation and presentation of an Honors essay based on the student’s reading and research. Note: For College provisions governing the Admission to Honors, see the Department Honors section of the catalog under Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree.

The requirements of Honors study in geology include a program of research accompanied by readings from the original literature, the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination in geology, and the preparation and presentation of an Honors essay based on the student’s reading and research. Note: For College provisions governing the Admission to Honors, see the Department Honors section of the catalog under Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree.

An externship is a form of experiential learning in which a student observes and, where appropriate, participates in a professional work environment to gain practical insight into a specific career field. Externships provide opportunities to develop applied experience and build professional connections. This course is designed for students seeking practical career exposure in geology and environmental science through a short-term (1–4 week) work-based experience with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private companies, or educational institutions, including museums.