Geology
Courses in geology (designated GEOL) may be applied as appropriate (according to individual program requirements) toward
- the general education requirement in the biological and physical sciences; and
- electives.
UMUC offers only a limited number of courses each session in this discipline.
GEOL 100 Physical Geology (3)
(For students not majoring or minoring in a science.) Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. This course surveys the rocks and minerals composing Earth, the movement within it, and its surface features and the agents that form them and our environment. Energy and mineral resources will also be discussed. The goal is to prepare students to communicate about geological principles and how humans impact geological processes. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101.
GEOL 110 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
(Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for GEOL 100 or GEOL 120.) Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 100, GEOL 101, or GEOL 120. An introduction to the basic materials and tools of physical geology. Emphasis is on familiarization with rocks and minerals and the use of maps in geologic interpretations.
GEOL 120 Environmental Geology (3)
A review of geologic factors underlying many environmental problems, and the interactions between population and physical environment. Topics include mineral resources, geologic hazards, conservation, land reclamation, land-use planning, waste disposal, and the geologic aspects of health and disease.
GEOL 198A Earthquakes (1)
An introduction to earthquakes and their causes. Geological issues are explored through various questions: Why are earthquakes in Italy different from ones occurring in other places, such as California? Can earthquakes be predicted? How destructive can earthquakes be? Can Europe expect more destructive earthquakes? Emphasis is on human experience with earthquakes, including some of the more important historically recorded ones, unusual or interesting features of earthquakes, and some of the work being done by scientists around the world on understanding and predicting earthquakes.
GEOL 198B Volcanoes / Landscapes (1)
An introduction to volcanoes and their tremendous effect on landscape and on civilization. The causes of volcanism and the location of active volcanoes on continents, ocean floors and oceanic islands are studied. Typical volcanoes (such as Krakatoa, Mount St. Helens, Vesuvius, Aetna, and Fuji) are used to explore various questions: Are volcanoes a hazard or a salvation? Are they predictable or an unfathomable menace?
Last updated: 5 July 2011