Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Course Offerings

An introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth and all of its divisions--atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and the divisions of the solid earth. Attention is given to the many approaches used to determine the history of the Earth through study of its materials, surface features, and structures as well as through modern studies that utilize geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary astronomy. (Field trips are sometimes conducted outside class hours.) Prerequisites: GSCI 111. Offered every spring
Credits: 0-4

This course is intended for non-science majors who have an interest in their physical environment. The course is designed to develop an understanding of the interaction of Earth processes, the environment, and the human population. Topics include Earth materials, natural resources, geologic hazards, environmental change, and global environmental issues.
Credits: 3

An introduction to description and interpretation of rocks, geologic, and topographic maps. Students will learn identification techniques, data collection, and systematic analysis of data sets to better understand Earth processes and the environment.
Credits: 1

An introduction to the development and history of life on Earth. Stress will be placed on understanding the environments of the changing earth, evolutionary processes, the fossil record, and procedures used in scientific analysis.
Credits: 3

An introduction to the preservation, description, and interpretation of rocks and fossils. Students will learn descriptive techniques, data collection, and systematic analysis of data sets in order to better understand the history of life on earth.
Credits: 1

This class is a lecture and lab-based class that will provide an introduction and investigation of how animals like dinosaurs and the dodo bird went extinct. An introductory course, we will focus on how life began, what key processes and events led to the kind of life we see on Earth today, why some animals have survived major natural (and human-caused) environmental changes, and why some organisms went extinct. We will look at key examples of animal extinction and its survivors throughout Earth's history using a modern conservation lens. Topics in the course will center on learning from the past to help us understand and prevent the present 6th extinction using concepts and principles of conservation and sustainability. Field observations of extinct fossils will be a component of this course.
Credits: 0-4

An introduction to the interaction of humans and the natural world, with focus on global environments, resources, population dynamics, energy, geology, and human impacts.
Credits: 3

An introduction to laboratory principles and techniques in the environmental sciences for the critical analysis of scientific methods through data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.
Credits: 1

This course is intended for non-science majors who have an interest in understanding the relationship between energy usage in the industrial era and climate change. Understanding and adapting to global-scale climate change is one of the most important issues facing scientists and world leaders in the 21st century. The interrelationship of past climate changes and energy consumption from fossil fuels is clear, and understanding the response of the Earth system to rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere is of critical interest as the human population approaches maximum sustainable levels. This course explores the fundamental geologic records of global climate change, Earth-system processes in the context of climate change and the global carbon cycle, critical improvements to the scientific understanding of natural verses human-induced climate change, and the recent and future impact of global-scale energy use on the Earth system.
Credits: 3

This laboratory course is designed for non-science majors. Weekly exercises explore the global carbon cycle, Earth-system processes, geologic records of climate change, national and global-scale consumption of hydrocarbon fuels, and the potential for renewable energy resources in western New York.
Credits: 1

An introduction to the study of the Earth. Emphasis is placed on examination of the materials, surface features, environments, structures and internal characteristics of the Earth, and on the geological processes that caused them.
Credits: 3

An introduction to the study of the Earth. Interpretation of topographic maps, specimens, and geologic maps are emphasized.
Credits: 1

An introduction to the origin and evolution - atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Attention is given to the many approaches used to determine the history of the Earth through study of its materials, surface features, and structures as well as through modern studies that utilize geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary astronomy. Ancient environmental change will be used as context for understanding the modern with specific emphasis on our changing climate.
Credits: 0-4

Geology of the Solar System is a 4 credit, introductory lecture and lab course designed to deliver topics in the geological sciences to a broad community using other planets as the framework. This approach is more comprehensive than standard introductory geology courses as it explores planetary evolution, materials (i.e., rocks) and processes (e.g., planetary interiors, atmospheres, tectonics) using more than just Earth as the template. The course is designed as a springboard to the GSCI major and/or to fulfill the Scientific Literacy and Global Society GLOBE outcomes for a general audience. The course addresses questions like: How do planets form? Why is Earth the only rocky planet with plate tectonics? Why are all the rocky planets composed of similar materials? In addition, a planetary approach to the geological sciences allows for better understanding of the uniqueness and fragility of our own planet. Comparisons to Earth as a planetary analog will be emphasized throughout.
Credits: 4

Credits: 0-6

An introductory course for first year students who are considering a career in the Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences. Weekly meetings will focus on career opportunities, pertinent academic information, campus and department resources, and study skills and time utilization. This course also intends to promote a close working relationship between students and faculty. Cannot be counted towards majors in the Geological, Environmental or Planetary Sciences majors.
Credits: 1

Credits: 1-6

A survey of important geologic concepts relevant to current environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on geologic principles underlying problems related to water resources, pollution, natural hazards, waste disposal, energy and mineral resources, and on the scientific bases for current strategies proposed to limit adverse consequences of our impact on environmental systems. The geologic information available from governmental agencies are used to characterize and demonstrate practical problems for classroom exercises. Although not required, a general survey course in geology, physical geography, or high school earth science would provide an appropriate background.
Credits: 3

Comparative geology of the terrestrial planets and major moons as currently revealed and documented by recent and ongoing NASA missions. Comparison of planetary objects less evolved than the Earth provides the means to understand the evolution of the Earth from a lifeless, cratered object to its present dynamic state. Studies of other solar system bodies with different evolutionary histories emphasize the unique position of Earth in our solar system. Coverage will include data from the Apollo missions to the present with an emphasis on solid planetary bodies. Prerequisites: 100-level lab science or earth science.
Credits: 3

Credits: 3

A systematic study of rock-forming minerals with emphasis on their crystallography, optical nature, descriptive mineralogy, crystal chemistry, phase relationships and associations. Lectures emphasize theoretical aspects of mineral studies, while the laboratory portion provides opportunities to hone descriptive skills essential for the identification of minerals both in hand sample and with optical microscopy.
Credits: 0-3

The study of fundamental concepts of global-scale environmental and climatic changes in the context of Earth-surface processes and Earth history. The course focuses on physical, chemical, and biological signatures of past environments preserved in the geologic record; causes and effects of major climate change over various timescales in Earth history; and geologic responses to Pleistocene, Holocene, and geohistorical, and future climate change. Laboratory exercises involve characterizing climate proxies surface processes, data-rich studies of climate-change records, and discussions of evidence for climate change using the most recent IPCC reports.
Credits: 0-3

Dinosaurs are a major component of the diverse Mesozoic faunas and floras. This course provides an introduction to the principles, processes, techniques, and interpretations in the study of Mesozoic life and geology. Upon completion, students will be able to describe, classify, and interpret dinosaur and other fossil remains, as well as have an understanding of significant changes in earth history. A required eight day field trip will result in the observation and description of dinosaur fossils and track ways in museums and the field.
Credits: 3

This Study Abroad course explores how the geology of the landscape can be described and interpreted through field-based experiences and reading/writing. The students will work alongside creative writers to help them integrate principles of the geological sciences into their creative writing. This course focuses on topics including geomorphology, petrology, volcanology, tectonics, sedimentology/stratigraphy, glacial geology, and comparative planetary geology.
Credits: 3

Credits: 0-6

Credits: 1-9

The study of the natural history of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, including their mineralogy, fabric, alteration and origin. Lectures emphasize theoretical aspects such as processes that affect the development of rocks and theories as to their origin. Laboratories emphasize the classification and identification of rocks in both hand sample and thin section.
Credits: 0-3

The study of the deposition, lithification, and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks, including their origin, mineralogy, fabric, and alteration. Lectures emphasize theoretical aspects such as depositional settings, descriptive and analytical techniques, as well as economic aspects. Laboratories emphasize preparation, methodology of the classification, identification, and analysis of sediments and sedimentary rocks in both hand sample, thin section, and instrumentation.
Credits: 0-3

The study of the physio- chemical, geological, and biological processes that contribute to coral reef distribution and diversity. Topics covered in this course includes the biology of reef organisms, ecology of corals and the ecological dynamics of reefs, history of reefs, and earth processes that shape marine habitats and reef systems. The field portion of this course will take place at the Gerace Research Institute on San Salvador Island in The Bahamas during spring break. This study abroad experience will engage students in field surveys and research projects designed to explore questions related to reef development and biodiversity.
Credits: 0-3

The application of the basic principles of chemistry to the study of geologic processes. Topics include the origin and distribution of the chemical elements, the fundamentals of crystal chemistry, the important chemical reactions occurring in low-temperature aqueous solutions, and the construction and interpretation of mineral-stability diagrams. Prerequisites: GSCI 220 and CHEM 118 or CHEM 204 or permission of instructor. Offered when demand is sufficient
Credits: 3

This course will introduce the fundamental concepts in the theory and application of isotope geochemistry for the purposes of geochronology and to address environmental questions. We will cover the distribution and fractionation of naturally-occurring isotopes, and explore the application of select unstable and stable isotope methods in both high-temperature and low-temperature environments.
Credits: 3

The study of rock deformations, including the description, classification, and origin of structures such as folds, faults, joints, and cleavage. Attention is given to the influence of rock structures on economic problems and on geomorphic features. Aspects of plate tectonics are considered. (Field trips are conducted outside class hours.)
Credits: 0-3

The study of groundwater and of those the principles of fluid flow in porous media that govern the flow of groundwater through the subsurface. The hydraulic properties of groundwater systems and water wells, the relationships between groundwater and surface water other geological processes, the development of groundwater resources, water quality, recharge of groundwater, water quality, groundwater contamination, and solute transport are emphasized.
Credits: 2-3

Ecology, morphology, and evolutionary relationships of major groups of invertebrate fossils. Topics include fossil invertebrate phylogeny, evolution, taphonomy, paleoecology, paleoenvironment interpretations, and conservation paleobiology. (Regular field trips conducted outside of class hours.)
Credits: 0-3

Credits: 0-4

Individual research under the direction of faculty of the Department of Geological Sciences. Results of this research will culminate in a formal written report and an oral presentation in an appropriate public forum. Requirements for eligibility are: completion of 75 semester hours with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average plus 20 semester hours in Geological Sciences with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Enrollment by invitation of the Department. Note: This course may not be counted as part of the hours required for graduation in Geological Sciences. Offered by individual arrangement
Credits: 3-6

Credits: 1-15

Investigation, under faculty supervision, of a problem that leads to a written report. Prerequisites: Permission of Department Chairperson. (1 to 3 semester hours). Offered by individual arrangement
Credits: 1-4

An overview of current conventions and practices used in scientific and technical writing in the geosciences. The focus of the course will be on reading, writing, and critiquing various forms of scientific and technical writing for the purpose of assisting students in preparation for professional papers. In addition to appropriate aspects of language use and style, principles of preparing figures and tables will be discussed. The course is designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills to: 1) write in an accurate, precise, clear, concise, and effective style appropriate for their intended audience; and 2) recognize and rectify writing problems in their own work and in that of others.
Credits: 0-3

The description and interpretation of the processes that create and shape landforms. Consideration is given to principles of landscape evolution and the influence of the effects of rock structure, lithology, tectonics, and climate. Applications of geomorphology that incorporate geospatial data and GIS (Geographic Information System) software are emphasized. (Field trips are conducted outside class hours.)
Credits: 0-3

The origin, characteristics, processes and geologic effects of glaciers are considered. Worldwide evidence for glaciation from the geology of the continents and the ocean basins is examined with emphasis on the Pleistocene Epoch of North America. Aerial photographs, topographic maps, geologic maps and GIS software are used extensively in laboratory exercises. Field trips to glacial terrains in western New York are sometimes conducted during and outside of class hours.
Credits: 0-3

Earth's surface using multispectral and hyperspectral data spanning the visible light, infrared, and radar wavelengths. Digital data are analyzed using GIS (geographic information system) and photogrammetric software such as ArcGIS, ENVI, and Agisoft Metashape.
Credits: 0-3

An analysis of the geological characteristics of the objects in our solar system, including terrestrial planets, asteroids, dwarf planets, the outer satellites, and icy bodies. This course combines the fundamentals of our understanding of planetary formation, planetary evolution, and surface processes with technical training in the use of planetary datasets and GIS (Geographic Information System) software. Comparisons to terrestrial geology will be emphasized throughout, leaning on fundamental processes that are consistent across all planetary bodies (e.g. impact cratering, tectonics, and volcanism) as well as those processes that are truly unique to these alien worlds.
Credits: 0-3

The study of fundamental concepts of global-scale environmental and climatic changes in the context of Earth-surface processes and Earth history. The course focuses on physical, chemical and biological signatures of past environments preserved in the geologic record; causes and effects of major climate-changes over various timescales in Earth history; and geologic responses to Pleistocene, Holocene and historical climate change. Laboratory exercises involve characterizing surface processes, data-rich studies of climate-change records and discussions of climate science literature.
Credits: 0-3

The study of geophysical techniques widely used in the Earth Sciences. Emphasis is placed on analytical methods of interpretation and the theory on which such methods are based. These techniques will be used to complete a set of projects investigating the local shallow subsurface, rates of climate change in the deep past, locating seismic events, and characterizing ancient plate motion.
Credits: 0-3

The study of the evolution of the crust and upper mantle of the Earth, and the large-scale deformational features and patterns of motion which occur there. The relationships between internal earth processes and energy sources, and the evolution of the crust and upper mantle, are emphasized.
Credits: 3

Description of sedimentary rocks, introduction to stratigraphic concepts, and interpretation of sedimentary facies and sequence relationships. Topics include the use of facies analysis, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy in the interpretation of sedimentary basin history. (Required field trips conducted outside of class hours.)
Credits: 0-3

The analysis and characterization of clastic sediments in contemporary environments with application to the origin, evolution, transport and depositional processes of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Standard analytical techniques will be used throughout from laboratory experiments and field-based lab experiences. Discussions and activities focused on sediment management and depositional environment impacts from on-going and future climatic and environmental changes is a critical theme. (Regular field trips during lab hours and outside of class hours)
Credits: 0-3

An in-depth investigation of the dynamic processes that lead to basin formation, burial, deformation, and hydrocarbon production. Observational and quantitative forward datasets and techniques will be used to extract and constrain basin history. The mechanics, and play, and sustainability of petroleum and coal exploration of basins is an integral theme of the course.
Credits: 3

Dinosaurs are a major component of the diverse Mesozoic faunas and floras. This course provides an introduction to the principles, processes, techniques, interpretations, and research in the study of Mesozoic life and geology. Upon completion, students will be able to describe, classify, and interpret dinosaur and other fossil remains, as well as have an understanding of significant changes in earth history. A research project and paper, as well as a required eight day field trip will result in the observation and description of dinosaur fossils and track ways in museums and the field.
Credits: 3

The theory and use of the petrographic microscope and analytical data as applied to the study of mineralogy and petrology. The behavior of polarized light through minerals in thin sections is emphasized in order to understand techniques commonly used in geologic research. When integrated together, microscopy and data present a more holistic approach to mineralogical and petrologic studies.
Credits: 0-3

Under the supervision of a faculty member in Geological Sciences, students will undertake a research project in some area of Geological Sciences. The topic and methodology will be established by mutual consent of the student and faculty member and presented in a research proposal. Students will meet together with the involved faculty once a week to discuss the background, methods, and results of their projects. Students will be required to complete a formal research paper describing the nature of the project undertaken, problems encountered, methodology employed, and conclusions from the project. A maximum of 3 credits may be applied toward the major in Geological Sciences.
Credits: 0-3

A seminar that focuses on selected topics in the Geological Sciences. As part of this course, students will delve into the literature regarding a selected topic and present their findings in a professional talk and as an extended written abstract. Presentations by faculty and invited speakers as well as discussions will also play a part in this seminar.
Credits: 1

In this portion of the capstone seminar, students will pursue research and present their findings as a professional talk to their peers and as a conference poster. This seminar also includes discussions and presentations by faculty and invited speakers.
Credits: 1

Individual research under the direction of faculty of the Department of Geological Sciences. Results of this research will culminate in a formal written report and an oral presentation in an appropriate public forum. Requirements for eligibility are: completion of 75 credits with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average plus 20 credits in Geological Sciences with a minimum 3.30 GPA. Enrollment by invitation of the Department. Note: This course may not be counted as part of the credits required for graduation in Geological Sciences.
Credits: 3-6

Intersession field experience for junior and senior students involving a multi-week study of the geologic record of a particular region. Led by multiple faculty members from the Geological Sciences department.
Credits: 0-1

Credits: 1-3

Credits: 1-6

Credits: 0-6