Graduate Geology Courses

Graduate Courses

GEL 508 Structural Geology (A)

$30 Course fee required: Prerequisites: GEL302, ESC350 and ESC391 or instructor's permission. Covers the principles of mechanical behavior of rocks during deformation, theories of origin of major and minor rock structures (folds, faults, rock cleavage, etc.) and their relationships to each other. Also covers plate tectonics models for some major crustal structures. Emphasizes laboratory techniques of analyzing and solving three-dimensional problems gathering structural data in the field. Requires a weekend field trip and report. 4 Cr. Even Spring.

GEL 509 Structural Geology (A)

Covers the principles of the mechanical behavior of rocks during deformation: theories of origin of major and minor rock structures (fold, faults, rock cleavage, etc.) and their relationships to each other: and the plate tectonics models for some major crustal structures. Emphasizes techniques of analyzing and solving three dimensional problems, and gathering structural data in the field. Requires a weekend field trip and report. Graduate level requires: • Writing assignment - Article Review: Pick a journal article in geosciences but NOT in structural geology and analyze and discuss how methods in structural geology play the key role in the research • Writing assignment - Research Design and proposal: Formulate a geoscience question and propose a research project that uses methods in structural geology to answer the question • Project - Geologic history of an actual geographic area: Study an actual geologic map, construct cross sections for the area, and compose the detailed geologic history of the area. Then, compare the proposed history with the published information on the area. • Activities - Digital tools/software for structural geology: Learn how to use digital tools/software commonly used in the related industries or in academia Course is required course for Geology majors, and an elective course for Geology minors and Earth Science majors and minors. Swing course with GEL 409. 4 Cr.

GEL 511 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (A)

$30 Course fee required: Prerequisites: GEL302, ESC350 and ESC391 or instructor's permission. Covers the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of sedimentary materials; sedimentary environments and geologic time; and the application of stratigraphic principles to a variety of problems involving sedimentary rocks in the geologic record. Employs techniques and instruments used in stratigraphy and sedimentology. Requires a weekend field trip and report. 4 Cr.

GEL 515 Geomorphology (A)

$15 Course fee required: Prerequisites: GEL201, ESC350 and ESC391 or instructor's permission. Explores surface features of Earth and their origin. Emphasizes processes, both internal and external, which interact to produce land forms. Stresses analytical approach formulations of valid inferences based on accurate observations. 4 Cr. Odd Fall.

GEL 518 Geomorphology and Surficial Processes (A)

Empasizes processes that influence the Earth's critical zone, both internal and external, which interact to produce landforms. Stresses n analytical approach to the formulation of valid inferences based on accurage observations. Requires two Saturday field trips. 3 Cr.

GEL 520 Economic Geology (A)

Covers the application of geologic principles to investigations of earth materials as used for economic or industrial purposes. The course will use a project based approach to study deposits of economic significance including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, industrial minerals and fossil fuels. 3 Cr.

GEL 550 Low Temperature Geochemistry (A)

$15 Course fee required: Prerequisites GEL201 & CHM206. Applies basic chemical principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium to the investigation of common processes in the Earth's critical zone ranging from carbonate equilibrium to surface reactions on soil minerals and the role of microorganisms in geochemical reactions. This studio style course will emphasize the bridge between theory and practice. 3 Cr.

GEL 557 Geochemistry (A)

Applies basic chemical principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium to the investigation of common geologic problems ranging from the crystallization of silicate melts to surface reactions on soil minerals. Focuses on application of good laboratory practices to wet chemical and instrumental techniques involving geologic materials. 4 Cr. Even Spring.

GEL 560 Hydrogeology (A)

This course is required for the Water Resources major, and is an elective for the Geology and Earth Science majors. Studies groundwater occurrence, movement, and use, and its place in the hydrologic cycle. Examines the origin of aquifers, use and effects of wells, and water quality and other groundwater problems. This studio style course will emphasize the bridge between theory and practice, and use a project-based learning approach. 3 Cr.

GEL 562 Groundwater (A)

Studies groundwater, its occurrence, movement and use, and its place in the hydrologic cycle. Examines the origin of aquifers, use and effects of wells, and water quality and groundwater problems. Laboratory focuses on practical application of principles to solving hydrogeologic problems. 4 Cr. Odd Spring.

GEL 590 Geology Field Camp (A)

Geology field camp is an upper-level capstone course that provides the opportunity to integrate geoscience knowledge and skills and develop 4-dimensional problem solving in the field. 3-6 Cr. Summer.

GEL 592 Field Geology of New York State (A)

Provides general overview of the geology of New York State to earth science majors and science education graduate students. A series of six field trips are designed to enhance knowledge of the geologic events that shaped New York State. The course provides an understanding of the geologic features and processes that shaped the landscape of New York State. 3 Cr. Summer.

GEL 599 Independent Study in Geology (A)

Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor prior to registration. 1-3 Cr. By Arrangement.