Below is a list of the courses offered by the Geology Department at Marietta College. Scroll down and read all of the course descriptions one by one or click on one of the course numbers below to jump to that course.

Geology Courses

GEOL 101: Environmental Geology
Introduction to science of geology as it relates to human activity. How geologic processes and hazards influence human activities; geologic aspects of pollution, and other related topics. Laboratory activities include identification of minerals and rocks, recognition of surface features on topographic maps, and integration and interpretation of this data. Offered fall semester or as enrollment demands.
Credit: 4 Hours.

GEOL 104: Dinosaurs
Topics include the bone anatomy and classification of more than 30 common genera of dinosaurs, how they were preserved and how they lived, how they are extracted from the earth, government permits, footprints, coprolites, eggs and babies, sexual activities, and extinctions. Dinosaur models, colored slides of Marietta College dinosaur expeditions and movies will be used. The informal laboratory work consists of removing bones from plaster jackets, cleaning and gluing bones and their identification. Lab time will be arranged on an individual basis.
Credit: 3 Hours.

GEOL 111: Physical Geology
Minerals and rocks; natural processes operative in forming surface of earth and structural features of earth’s crust. Laboratory work consists of study of common minerals and rocks and use of topographic maps and aerial photos in interpretation of surface features.
Credit: 4 Hours.

GEOL 112: Historical Geology
History of earth traced from beginning to present, emphasizing geology of eastern states. Environments where sedimentary rocks were deposited studied through time. Evolution of major groups of animals and plants stressed. Laboratory work consists of identification of fossils and interpretation of geologic maps.
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 111.
Credit: 4 Hours.

GEOL 201: Earth Resources
A comprehensive study of earth resources including soil, fossil fuels, alternative fuels, metals, and industrial rocks and mineral resources and environmental impact of resource exploitation and use.
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 111.
Credit: 3 Hours.

GEOL 202: Mineralogy and Petrology
A comprehensive study of the most important rocks and rock-forming minerals: Includes the description, classification, genesis, and geologic significance of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory work consists of basic optical mineralogy as well as megascopic and microscopic and petrography.
Prerequisites: Geology 111 and 112
Credit: 4 Hours.

GEOL 304: Introduction to GIS Mapping and Analysis
An introduction to Geographic Information Systems with emphasis on practical applications to earth and environmental science. A “hands on” course in which participants use GIS software to complete a series of projects.
Prerequisites: Geology 101 or 111 and Computer Science 210
Credit: 3 Hours.

GEOL 306: Demonstration Field Trip
One-to-two-week field trip taken in May to various localities in United States or Canada. Written reports required.
Prerequisite: Written permission of department.
Credit: 1 or 2 Hours.

GEOL 313: Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
Fundamental principles of sedimentation and stratigraphy. Sedimentary processes, products, and structure. Offered alternate years.
Field trip required as part of this course.
Prerequisite: Geology 112.
Credit: 3 Hours.

GEOL 322: Invertebrate Paleontology
Systematic classification of invertebrate fossils, their geologic range, distribution, and habitat, and use of guide fossils in age determination of geologic formations. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: Geology 112. Recommended prerequisite: Biology 102.
Credit: 3 Hours.

GEOL 326: Petroleum Geology
The geological aspects of exploration, development, and evaluation of petroleum reservoirs. Includes well-site evaluation; techniques of subsurface mapping; theories of origin, evolution, migration, and trapping of hydrocarbons; estimates of reserves; introduction to reflection seismology. Emphasis on geographic and geologic localities of current industrial interest. Practical problems and mapping exercises included.
Prerequisites: Geology 111 and 112
Credit: 4 Hours.

GEOL 413: Geology Capstone
A directed field or laboratory field based research project on some aspect or problem in geology, or a supervised internship with a public or private enterprise that applies to geology or a related field of earth science. Students must present an oral summary of their project results or internship and prepare a written report. All projects or internships must be initiated with a proposal and approved by the instructor. Students should begin planning for this course by consulting with a faculty member early in the semester prior to their senior year.
Prerequisites: permission of instructor (offered to seniors who have completed most of the requirements for a major in geology)
Credit: 3 Hours.