Courses of Instruction (Undergraduate)
Definitive course listings are published before each semester. Courses listed here carry 4 credit hours unless otherwise noted. Following are some of the recent or planned offerings.
101. Introduction to Geological Sciences. Website
This introductory geology class provides a broad overview of the earth sciences, from planetary evolution to the interplay of geology and climate. The course is a prerequisite for all undergraduate majors who are considering careers in the earth and environmental sciences, while also satisfying science requirements for other undergraduate majors. We will introduce the class with the unifying framework for Earth Science: plate tectonics. Throughout the semester we will look at the physical interactions between different realms on Earth, including the interior (core and mantle), the outer shell (termed lithosphere), oceans and atmosphere. We will explore the dynamic processes operating on Earth and how these processes have been recorded and have varied over the geologic history. During the last third of the semester, we will discuss geologic problems that have a particular relevance to humans, such as energy and mineral resources, water resources, climate and global change. Students are required to enroll in a lab section and are required to attend one field trip. (Fall)
102Q. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Mountain Ranges in California: A Field Quest.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or permission of instructor.
Understanding how the Earth works starts with an appreciation of geological processes in action. To observe these dynamic processessuch as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain formation, Earth scientists must travel to areas of geological youth, such as California. In this Quest, students are introduced to active geology through readings and discussion sections in preparation for a field excursion to California. Students will learn how to examine critically ideas on how Earth science systems work and how active processes affect society. (Spring)
103. Introduction to Environmental Science.
An introduction to the natural, physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that shape conditions at the Earth's surface, their interrelationships, and the modification of these processes by human activity. Students will learn to critically analyze scientific hypotheses and the data on which they are founded.. Exercises in the field and laboratory reinforce basic concepts introduced in the lecture, and introduce students to some basic methods of environmental research. The content of this course is similar to that of the AP environmental science curriculum. (Spring)
104Q. Environmental Quest in the Field and Laboratory.
In this quest, small groups of students (about 4 per group; maximum of 12) conduct an environmental investigation of an actual field site in the Rochester area. Through a series of experiments involving field mapping, sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, students attempt to achieve an understanding of a specific environmental problem. The coordination of the laboratory experiments allows students to build on skills learned in previous sessions and to recognize the linkages among a variety of investigative approaches. The semester culminates with the presentation of the results in a departmental forum.
106. Meteorites and Impact Craters.
An introduction to the geology of the solar system from the perspectives of earth science and the fascinating world of meteorites, asteroids, comets, and impact craters. Special emphasis is on the meteorite evidence for our understanding of planetary formation, the role of impacts and mass extinction, and the origin of the moon.
119. Energy and Mineral Resources. Website
Mineral deposits; the geologic processes related to their formation, geologic setting, distribution, and use. Formation of fossil fuels. Technical principles of today's major energy sources, their availability and future potential. Alternative energy sources (e.g., solar energy, geothermal energy). Environmental and economic consequences of energy use.
Note: Juniors and Seniors in the natural sciences and engineering are required to enroll in EES 219. (Spring)
201. Evolution of the Earth.
Historical geology encompasses the (1) dynamic history of the physical earth: the development of land forms, rise and fall of ancient seas, movements of continents, etc., and (2) the evolution of historical geology such as paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochronology, and plate tectonics, and a chronological survey of earth and life history, emphasizing the evolution of North America. (Spring)
202Q. Plate Tectonics and Active Geologic Processes in California.
Understanding how the Earth works with an appreciation of geological processes in action. To observe these dynamic processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain formation, Earth scientis must travel to areas of geological youth, such as California. In this course, students are introduced to active geology through readings and discussion sections in preparation for a field excurstion to California. Students will learn to examine critically ideas on how Earth science systems work and how active processes affect society. This course is the complement to EES 102Q, and is intended for geology and environmental science majors.
203. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Website
Prerequisites: EES 101 and 201.
Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover or underlie much of the Earth's surface. In them are recorded both evidence of the processes responsible for shaping the planetary surface and the record of life. Sedimentary rocks contain enormous volumes of water; solid and fluid hydrocarbons, as well as other natural resources. Sediments and sedimentary rocks are very important to our way of life, and they are fascinating in and of themselves. This course describes and classifies sedimentary rocks towards understanding the processes that shape them and the environments in which they form. (Fall)
204. Mineralogy.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or permission of instructor.
Lectures discuss the physical and chemical principles governing the properties and formation of minerals. There are three major divisions of the subject matter: (a) geometric and optical crystallography; (b) crystal chemistry and properties of minerals, and (c) occurrence, origins, and pressure-temperature stabilities of the major rock-forming minerals. Laboratories are devoted to exercises in crystallography, X-ray diffraction, optical mineralogy and hand-specimen mineral identification. (Spring)
205. Geophysics.
Prerequisites: MTH 141/161, PHY 114 or equivalent, EES 101.
Introduction to geophysical methods and their application to Earth structure from surface to core. Topics will include seismology and Earth structure, gravitational field, geochronology and age of Earth, heat generation and heat flow, heat production, radioactivity and mantle convection, magnetic field, paleomagnetism, bending and deformation of continental and oceanic plates, geophysical methods applied to archeology and environmental studies. (Fall)
206. Petrology and Geochemistry.
Prerequisite: EES 101.
Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examinations of the major rock types in the laboratory.
207. Principles of Paleontology.
Prerequisite: EES 101 and EES 201 or permission of instructor.
This course is designed to introduce the basic principles of paleontology- the study of fossil organisms in the geological record. Topics to be covered include: taphonomy and the processes of fossilization, principles of evolution as evidenced by the fossil record, taxonomy and the recognition and naming of fossil species, biostratigraphy as a means of dating a rock and/or learning about ancient environments, geochemistry of fossils as a means to understand ancient habitats and behaviors. This course will include an overview of important fossil groups with hands-on experience and a field trip. (Fall)
208. Structural Geology.
Prerequisites: EES 101, 201 or permission of instructor.
Recognition and interpretation of geologic structures. Topics include geometric analysis of faults, folds, joints, and rock fabrics; an introduction to stress analysis, theories of brittle failure, finite strain analysis, ductile deformation, application to geotectonics. Laboratory work concerned with structural analysis. (Fall)
211. Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards: Living on an Active Planet.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or permission of instructor.
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are violent manifestations of plate tectonics, the movement of the relatively rigid plates forming the Earth's outer shell. This course focuses on the causative mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanoes, hazard mitigation and forecasting, and insights into planetary processes gained from their study. The final third of the course examines particular events on Earth, with implications for planetary evolution in general. (Spring)
214. Environmental Geology.
Prerequisite: EES 101.
Examines the geological processes that shape our surface environment. Topics focus on the interactions between natural processes (e.g., volcanic eruptions; earthquakes; glaciers; fluvial, coastal, and groundwater systems) and the changing human environment. (Fall)
215. Environmental and Applied Geophysics.
Prerequisites: EES 101, MTH 142/162.
This course aims to image the internal structure of the oceans and continents using geophysical methods. Topics include physical processes occurring within Earth's plates, including solar and internal energy sources, movement of fluids in the oceans and plates. Geophysical methods used to detect these processes and to constrain physical properties, including seismic, electro-magnetic, gravity as measured from surface, subsurface and satellites. Laboratory examples include environmental site remediation, hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, archeological remote sensing, tsunami detection, and groundwater exploration.
217. Physical and Chemical Hydrology. Website
Prerequisite: EES 101.
This course provides a foundation in both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the dynamic interaction between water and geologic media. The first part of the course outlines the formation of water, atmospheric processes, and the hydrologic cycle. The second part focuses on the theory of, and geologic controls on, groundwater flow. The third and final part of the course deals with natural groundwater geochemistry and environmental contamination. (Spring)
218. The Chemistry of Global Change.
Prerequisites: CHM 131-132 or 151-152, MTH 162, Recommended: EES 101 and 103; MTH 163.
A quantitative survey of the processes controlling environmental conditions at the Earth's surface today, how they have changed with time, and how they are expected to change in the future. The course emphasizes the chemical composition of the atmosphere and oceans, and the chemical, biological, and geological processes that affect this composition. Specific topics include greenhouse gases and global warming; photochemistry and stratospheric ozone; geochemical cycles and feedbacks; the effects of human activities; and the methods used to study the chemical evolution of the atmosphere and oceans through time. (Fall)
219. Energy and Mineral Resources.
Same as EES 119, but with more emphasis on science background in separate readings and discussion section. Intended for students in sciences and engineering. (Spring)
241. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.
Prerequisites: EES 101, 204, 240 or permission of instructor.
Lectures cover an overview of igneous and metamorphic petrology. Origin and distribution of the major igneous-metamorphic rocks in the light of experimental and theoretical multicomponent phase-equilibria studies are the major topics of the lectures. Trace element distribution and isotopes as petrogenetic tracers in the evaluation of the crust-mantle system also are covered in the lectures. Laboratories are devoted to description, identification, and significance of mineral assemblages in these rocks as observed in hand-specimens and under the petrographic microscope. (Spring)
248. High-Temperature Geochemistry.
Prerequisites: EES 101, CHM 103.
An introduction to the principles of geochemistry. The first portion of the course is devoted to basics, especially thermodynamics and isotope (both stable and radio-) geochemistry. The middle portion of the course deals with high-temperature processes and crystallization. The last part of the course covers lower temperature processes including weathering, sediment diagenesis, and element cycling through the lithosphere. (Fall)
251. Intro. to Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems.
Prerequisites: MTH 141-143 or MTH 161-163.
Students will learn the basic principles of satellite, airborne, and other remote sensing data acquisition systems, and the processing and interpretation of acquired data sets. Case studies and computer-based practicals will focus on visible to near-infrared, thermal and radar imaging of continents and seafloor. Course material will include a review of geographic coordinate systems and projections for georeferencing remotely sensed data as a basis for Geographic Information Systems analysis. Assessment is through computer-based practicals and short-answer mid-term exam. (Spring)
252. Marine Geology.
Prerequisite: EES 101.
This course provides a comprehensive review of modern marine geology with an emphasis on the deep sea. Areas identified by the international ocean drilling community as of high research priority are discussed, including new techniques used to study such problems. Four subject areas are discussed: the lithosphere, tectonics, ocean history and sedimentary geochemistry and physical processes. (Spring)
253. Geodynamics.
Prerequisite: EES 201 or permission of instructor.
Processes that create and modify Earth and the terrestrial planets are examined using an "earth engineering" approach. Emphasis is placed on plate tectonics, with discussion of current research in mantle convection. The final third of the course focuses on active plate tectonic boundaries, and evidence for plate tectonics on Mars and Venus. (Fall)
255. Planetary Science: Geologic Evolution and Planetary Habitability.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or EES 201 strongly recommended.
This course will focus on geologic and geophysical studies of planets (interiors and surfaces), and the conditions that led to the origin of life. We will start with initial conditions, defined here as the formation of Earth and the Moon-forming event, and trace development of the planet from cooling of the magma ocean onwards. We next consider how our planetary neighbors (Venus and Mars) evolved, as well as key satellites in the solar system that may harbor life, or provide insight into early conditions on Earth. (Fall)
256. Paleomagnetism and Global Plate Tectonics.
Prerequisite: EES 101.
The basic paleomagnetic methods used to determine absolute plate motions are reviewed. Applications include the potential cause and effect relationship between changes in absolute plate motions, mantle plume volcanism, orogeny, and climate change. (Alternate Springs)
257. Topics in Advanced Seismology.
Prerequisites: PHY 122 or equivalent, EES 205.
This course examines wave propagation in the Earth, and introduces helioseismology. Classes focus on theory of waveform modeling, moment tensor inversions, low frequency earthquakes and related topics. Laboratory work focuses on Matlab-based programming. (Spring)
258. Hotspots and Plate Motions.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or equivalent.
The course provides a basic understanding of hotspot models, hotspot fixity, and the relationships between hotspots, mantle plumes, true polar wander, and plate motions. Hypothesis development and testing are discussed, as are the basic elements of grantsmanship. (Spring)
259. Seminar in Paleomagnetism.
Prerequisite: EES 101 or permission of instructor.
Current topics in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism are explored through literature reviews and modeling studies. Topics range from the history of plate tectonics to biogenic magnetism. An introduction to basic concepts in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism is included.
264. Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions Using Light Stable Isotopes.
Prerequisites: EES 101 or 103. Open to juniors and seniors.
This class focuses on techniques used in environmental reconstructions to address questions related to paleoclimate, paleotemperature, paleovegetation, and paleoelevation. The course examines the use of stable isotopes in paleoenvironmental reconstructions with particular emphasis on O, C, and to a lesser extent H and N isotopes. The course starts with a thorough introduction of the geological framework of the environments of interest and the processes of light isotope fractionation. This is followed by "emphasis areas" that highlight the basics and latest developments in a variety of environmental systems, including the oceans, rivers, ice, lakes, soils, and fossils. (Fall)
269. Stable Isotopes in Geochemistry.
Prerequisites: EES 248, 467, or permission of instructor.
This course examines the distribution of the stable isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in biological sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous processes. (Spring)
270. Vertebrate Paleontology.
Prerequisite: EES 207
This course will cover the fossil record of vertebrate animals. Topics to be covered include: The origin of vertebrates, phylogenetic relationships among modern vertebrates, introductory osteology and comparative anatomy of vertebrates, the advent of bone, the transition to land, the origin of flight in vertebrates, the warm-blooded vs cold-blooded controversy in dinosaurs, the relationship between birds and dinosaurs, hominid evolution and the origin of man. Readings from the current scientific literature will be used.
272. Advanced Principles of Paleontology.
A continuation of EES 207, but with an increased emphasis on broad-scale concepts and applications of paleontology. Topics covered include principles of biostratigraphy, biogeography, paleoclimatology, and evolutionary paleontology. Seminars focus on case studies that illustrate particular principles. Course builds on fundamental knowledge of invertebrate paleontology.
274. Seminar in Paleoceanography.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Credit: 2 hours. Topics of discussion include the history of deep-water formation and surface circulation, geochronology, stratigraphy, and ocean chemistry and the results from deep-sea drilling in general.
275. Seminar on Extinction in Earth's History.
Prerequisite: EES 207.
Extinction is a hot-button topic these days. This couse will explore the various forms of extinction including: Background extinction, mass extinction, and pseudo-extinction. We will discuss how our interpretation of extinction is affected by geological processes and our fundamental understanding of what a 'species' is. Part of the class will focus on the 'big five' mass extinctions, but we will also discuss other problems related to extinction such as Lazarus taxa, 'living fossils' and the Signor-Lipps effect. Readings and student-lead discussions from the current scientific literature will be used.
283. Sedimentary Basin Analysis.
Prerequisite: EES 203.
By determining how sedimentary basins develop and fill, we better understand the tectonic and eustatic controls on subsidence and surficial processes. Basin classification schemes, flexural and thermal subsidence, isostasy, sequence stratigraphy, and techniques used to characterize sedimentary basin evolution are discussed.
285. Structure and Tectonics of Mountain Belts.
Prerequisite: EES 208 or equivalent.
Orogeny and its relationship to plate tectonics. Structural style and tectonic history of mountain belts with special reference to the Appalachians and Cordilleras. Homework assignments involve drawings and interpreting cross-sections through mountain belts. Field trip to the Appalachians to look at typical structures of mountain belts. (Spring)
286. Seminar in Sedimentology and Tectonics.
Prerequisite: EES 101; EES 203 recommended.
Interpreting the lithofacies and chemistry of sedimentary rocks to understand paleoenvironment; impact of tectonics on climate. Topics vary each semester. Classwork will involve readings, presentations, and discussions of classic and current literature. (Spring)
288. Geometry and Mechanics of Thrust Faults.
Geometry of thrust faults and thrust belts. Mechanics of thrust motion and thrust emplacement. Homework assignments and readings on current literature in thrust mechanics and geometry. (Spring)
298. Introduction to Research Methods.
A basic introduction to research in the earth and environmental sciences is provided in one of the laboratories that comprise the department's Center for Analytical Geosciences.
299. Field Geology.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
This course covers the essential geologic and geophysical approaches to field stratigraphy, mapping, and structural interpretation. The coursework is based on observations made during a substantial field excursion (usually six weeks long). Additional credit may be earned by laboratory analysis of samples collected during the field excursion.
318W. Environmental Decisions.
Analysis of decisions resulting in environmental change as seen from scientific perspective. The interaction of scientists with the public and with policymakers is also emphasized. A College writing course. (Spring)
319W. Energy Decisions.
Investigation of the decision-making processes leading to the use of specific energy sources in developed countries, with special attention given to the United States and Germany. Review of energy sources in use today (hydrocarbons, nuclear) and potential alternatives (wind, solar); comparison of electoral systems; history of environmental movements and decision processes in the United States and Germany. Seminar course; evaluation based on oral presentations and papers. Fulfills Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences writing requirement. (Spring)
360. Environmental Geology in the Field and Laboratory. Website
Prerequisites: CHM 103/104, MTH 161, EES 217.
This course provides instruction in laboratory techniques used in the analysis of natural waters. The laboratory techniques are applied to the study of local environmental problems and include instruction in atomic absorption spectrophotometry; ion and gas chronatography, as well as standard "wet" chemical techniques. (Fall)