GEO GEOLOGY (School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences)
101. Physical Geology - 3-2-4
Introductory study of the materials, structure and surface features
of the earth; the processes responsible for their development; the
physical and chemical processes that operate to modify them; the concept
of geologic time; and the application of geologic knowledge to human
environmental and resource problems. Lab including field trips to local
geological sites and exercises in mapping, identification of rock types
and soil analysis.
102. Historical Geology - 3-2-4
Introduction to earth history; the origins of earth, life on earth
and subsequent abiotic and biotic evolution; the development of the
sedimentary and stratigraphic record of earth's history, the geologic
time-scale; the concept of continental drift and past climates; as well
as the interrelationship between the chemical, biological and geological
systems over time.
150. Geology of the Bahamas - 2-3-4
A field-oriented course to examine the biology and geology
associated with modern and ancient reef environments and the natural
history of their surrounding coastal areas. Investigation of the diverse
carbonate sediment-producing modern environments typical of the Bahamas
and exploration of a variety of shallow subtidal environments, coral
reefs, lagoons, beaches, dunes and salt water lakes. Emphasis on human
impacts on this fragile ecosystem and the role that reefs play in global
systems change will also be explored. Open to all students. May be used
as a general-education course. Enrollment in GEO 150 precludes future
enrollment in GEO 350 when GEO 350 is held at the same site.
151. Geology of National Parks - 2-3-4
An introduction to the basic physical and historical geology of
America's national parks. An appreciation and awareness of the natural
world as represented in the national park system from the formation of
the physical landscape to the geographic and historical settings of
these areas. Open to all students. May be used as a general-education
course. Enrollment in GEO 151 precludes future enrollment in GEO 350
when GEO 350 is held at the same site.
152. Geology of Iceland - 2-3-4
A field-oriented course that will expose Berry College students to
geologic features that are unseen in Georgia and are only scarcely seen
in other parts of the United States, including: geothermal springs,
glaciers, extensional rift systems, dynamic fault zones,
glacial/fluvial/lacustrine sequence stratigraphy, volcanoes (strato,
cinder, and composite types), and volcanic features (pillow and
pahoehoe lavas, pyroclastic debris). This course requires a
week of intense in-class preparatory study that will be followed by a
two-week guided field study of Iceland. Open to all
students. May be used as a general-education course. Enrollment of
GEO 152 precludes future enrollment in GEO 350 when GEO 350 is held at
the same site.
320. Environmental Geology - 3-3-4
Introduction to the interrelationships between various elements of
the earth's environment and human activity. Application of geological
and geochemical concepts to the study of the earth's near-surface
environment. Topics include water supply and pollution, geologic
hazards, land-use planning, soil contamination, environmental management
and global climate change-global warming and ozone depletion. Field
trips and laboratories included. PR: GEO 101. CR: MAT 111 and CHM 108 or
CI.
350. Advanced Topics in Geology - 1 to 4 hours
Advanced topics of interest in the earth sciences. These might
include topics which focus on an interdisciplinary approach or which are
not currently available in the departmental curriculum. Enrollment in
GEO 350 precludes future enrollment in GEO 150 or 151 when GEO 150 or
151 is held at the same site. PR: GEO 101.
360. Geomorphology - 3-3-4
This course will focus on the erosional and depositional processes
operating at the earth's surface and landforms resulting from these
processes. Topics covered include weathering, slope and fluvial
processes within drainage basins, and glacial environments. Two
mandatory weekend field trips. PR: GEO 101.
420. Hydrology - 3-2-4
Emphasis on the major principles of surface and groundwater
hydrology and their application to contemporary hydrologic problems. The
study of the occurrence, movement and exploitation of water in geologic
materials. Topics include a thorough exploration of the hydrologic
cycle, river flow and flooding, groundwater chemistry, the relationship
of geology to groundwater occurrence, basin-wide groundwater development
and groundwater contamination. PR: GEO 101 and 320 or CHM 109 or CI.
482. Coastal Marine Geology - 2-2-3
(Summer course taught at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.)
A study of inshore and nearshore geological processes, sedimentation
patterns and landform development, providing basic and advanced
information on the complex nature of the coastline and its structural
features. Students will learn barrier island zonation, structure and
formation in the classroom and through visits to barrier islands of the
northern Gulf of Mexico. PR: Six hours of GEO.
496. Academic Internship - 3-6 hours variable
Problem-oriented experiences on specific academic projects
relating to the individual student's program of study, planned in
consultation with the student's advisor. Departmental approval required;
no more than four credit hours may be applied to the geology minor as
an elective. PR: See general provision for academic internships in this
catalog.
498. Directed Study - 1 to 4 hours
Individual research or directed investigation of a geologic topic approved by the instructor.