Geoscience Major (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2009 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2009 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.


GEOSCIENCE MAJOR

Complete 67 semester hours including the following 5 requirement(s):

  1. GEOSCIENCE REQUIRED COURSES

    Complete the following 2 requirements:

    1. Complete the following 7 courses for 27 semester hours:

      GEOS 112 Physical Geology 4
      GEOS 114 Historical Geology 4
      GEOS 431 Invertebrate Paleobiology 4
      GEOS 434 Stratigraphy 4
      GEOS 443 Mineralogy 4
      GEOS 444 Petrology 4
      GEOS 472 Structural Geology 3
    2. Complete for 6 semester hours

      GEOS 480 Field Geology 6
  2. GEOSCIENCE - MATH COLLATERAL

    Complete one of the following sequences:

    1. Complete the following 2 courses:

      MATH 112 Precalculus Mathematics 3
      MATH 116 Calculus A 4
    2. Complete the following 2 courses:

      MATH 122 Calculus I 4
      MATH 221 Calculus II 4
  3. PHYSICS COLLATERAL

    Complete 1 of the following requirements:

    1. Complete the following 2 courses:

      PHYS 191 University Physics I 4
      PHYS 192 University Physics II 4
    2. Complete the following 2 courses:

      PHYS 193 College Physics I 4
      PHYS 194 College Physics II 4
  4. GEOSCIENCE MAJOR ELECTIVES

    Complete 11 semester hours from the following:

    ENVR 313 Environmental Policy 3
    ENVR 320 Scientific Photography 2
    ENVR 410 Environmental Law 3
    ENVR 456 Hydroclimatology 3
    EUGS 270 Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing 3
    GEOS 201 Climatology 3
    GEOS 250 Map Reading and Cartography 4
    GEOS 251 Aerial Photograph Interpretation 3
    GEOS 252 Hydrology 3
    GEOS 254 Geomorphology and Climatology of North America 3
    GEOS 257 Understanding Weather and Climate 4
    GEOS 310 Economic Geology 3
    GEOS 352 Fluvial Geography 3
    GEOS 360 Oceanography 3
    GEOS 403 Man's Impact on the Coastal Zone 4
    GEOS 410 The Geology of New Jersey 3
    GEOS 435 Geology of the Vertebrates 4
    GEOS 437 Sedimentology 4
    GEOS 450 Principles of Soil Science 3
    GEOS 452 Geohydrology 3
    GEOS 454 Environmental Geochemistry 3
    GEOS 455 Fundamentals of Remote Sensing of Environment 3
    GEOS 457 Meteorology 4
    GEOS 466 Field Methods in Oceanography and Marine Biology 2
    GEOS 470 Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.) 3
    GEOS 484 Geology Field Trip 1
    GEOS 490 Seminar in Geoscience 2
    GEOS 491 Literature Research in Geoscience 2
    GEOS 492 Laboratory Research in Geoscience 1-4
    GEOS 494 Selected Topics in Geoscience 1-4
    GEOS 495 Independent Study in Geoscience 1-4
    PHMS 210 Introduction to Marine Sciences 4
    PHMS 411 Physical Oceanography 4
    PHMS 481 Coastal Marine Geology 4
    PHMS 483 Dynamic Beach Processes 2
    PHMS 484 Tidal Marsh Sedimentations 2
    PHMS 490 Field Methods in the Marine Sciences 4
    PHMS 498 Independent Study in the Marine Sciences 1-4
    PHYS 280 Astronomy 4
  5. GEOSCIENCE CHEMISTRY COLLATERAL

    Complete the following 2 courses:

    CHEM 120 General Chemistry I 4
    CHEM 121 General Chemistry II 4

Course Descriptions:

CHEM120: General Chemistry I

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to atomic and molecular structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry.

CHEM121: General Chemistry II

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to thermochemistry, kinetics; general acid base, precipitation, redox equilibria, electrochemistry and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 120.

ENVR313: Environmental Policy

The course studies U.S. environmental policy in air, water, land use, agriculture, energy, and waste disposal and other areas. It examines the major ideas that shape environmental policy, the institutional processes by which these ideas are turned into policy, and how these policies affect both U.S. and global environments. Issues of international environmental policy will also be discussed. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior status or permission of the instructor.

ENVR320: Scientific Photography

Field and laboratory application of photographic techniques for use in preparing scientific reports as well as for personal study. Includes macrophotography, microphotography, micrography and electron micrography. Also offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: 12 credits of college science and a course in introductory photography or equivalent experience.

ENVR410: Environmental Law

The study of the National Environmental Policy Act; the Environmental Impact Statement; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Solid and Hazardous Waste; related environmental laws, i.e. OS&H act; and litigation are analyzed. Aspects of environmental law, within which institutions and corporations must operate, are discussed. Cross-listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, EUGS 410. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior status or permission of the instructor.

ENVR456: Hydroclimatology

Climatology emphasizing moisture as one of the fundamental factors in climatic analysis; processes and problems of classification and variability. Examines energy and water balance. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior status or permission of the instructor.

EUGS270: Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing

Introduces the basic principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Focus on digital cartographic science, graphic design, spatial data and image portrayal and inquiry, map overlays, and applications. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: EUGS100, EUGS101, EUGS102, EUGS206, GEOS107, GEOS112, GEOS125 or ENVR109; plus either CMPT109 or CMPT183.

GEOS112: Physical Geology

Materials of the earth; landforms and structures; the processes and agents responsible for their formation and modification. Modern tectonic concepts. Topographic and geologic maps. Required field trips. Not open to students who have had Principles Of Geology. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Not open to students who have had Principles of Geology.

GEOS114: Historical Geology

Geological history of the earth; the evolution of North America in terms of the changing geography, climate, and plant and animal life as interpreted from the rock and fossil record. Required field trips. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

GEOS201: Climatology

Basic climate elements examined in terms of their influence on habitats and various aspects of human activities. The energy flux between atmosphere and biosphere affords a fundamental understanding of limitations in ecosystems development. Knowledge and climatic influences on health, clothing, human comfort, architecture, commerce and industry encourages the student to investigate new ways of living rationally within a climatic environment. 3 sh.

GEOS250: Map Reading and Cartography

This course is designed to acquaint students with the characteristics of map computation, design and construction. Historical development of mapping and map reading will be important areas of emphasis. Remote sensing, computer mapping will provide up-to-date procedures. Each student will work toward a map suitable for commercial publication. 4 sh.

GEOS251: Aerial Photograph Interpretation

Principles of photogrammetry and the use of aerial photographs as a significant research method to recognize and evaluate earth environments and resources. 3 sh.

GEOS252: Hydrology

Water, its availability, distribution and usefulness. Hydrologic cycle examined in detail. Interaction with man and his usage. Applications to models and systematic processes. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, ENVR 252. 3 sh.

GEOS254: Geomorphology and Climatology of North America

Major controls of climate and the landforms of North America are analyzed in order to gain an understanding of how the continent compares and is related to the rest of the world. The basis and distinct characteristics of the subdivisions of North America are examined in order to bring out contrasts and unique features within the continent. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 107, or 112, or 125, or EUGS 100.

GEOS257: Understanding Weather and Climate

Presents a basic understanding of the dynamic atmosphere and explores the impacts that weather and climate have on humans and the biosphere. Basic physical laws of energy and motion are employed to explain temperature, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, storms, and how climates vary regionally. Connections are made toward management of weather hazards, air pollution, impacts on agriculture and economy, and environmental and social implications of climate change. Lectures are supplemented by current events discussions and hands-on exercises in lab sections. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science for students who take the course Fall 2002 semester or thereafter. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Non-Laboratory Science Only for students who prior to Fall 2002 took the three-credit course GEOS 157, Understanding the Weather, which did not have a laboratory component. 4 sh.

GEOS310: Economic Geology

Geology and geography of non-metallic and metallic mineral resources and fuels. Problems associated with their occurrence and exploitation. Required field trips. (Not given every year.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and 114.

GEOS352: Fluvial Geography

A detailed study of streams and rivers emphasizing processes causing variations in size and shape. The course analyses the morphology of stream channels. The course is quantitative and stresses processes. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, EUGS 352. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 107 or 112 or 125 or EUGS 100.

GEOS360: Oceanography

Study of the physical and chemical properties of sea water, oceanic circulation, waves and tides, and estuarine and shoreline processes. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 or 162.

GEOS403: Man's Impact on the Coastal Zone

A study of man's economic, political, legal and social impacts on the physical and biological aspects of the coastal zone, primarily a field course with supporting lectures and discussion. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Geography or Geoscience majors only.

GEOS410: The Geology of New Jersey

The physical features of New Jersey and their origin, geologic history, stratigraphy, palebiology, mineralogy, structural geology, economic geology. Required field trips. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and 114.

GEOS431: Invertebrate Paleobiology

Invertebrate fossils-their classification, morphology, evolution, stratigraphic distribution and paleoecology. Required field trips. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 114.

GEOS434: Stratigraphy

Stratigraphic principles and their application. Case studies of selected regions. Local stratigraphy interpreted through field studies. Meets the University Writing Requirement for GEES, GEOS, and GOED majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 431.

GEOS435: Geology of the Vertebrates

The origin, development, biogeography, paleoecology, survival or extinction, stratigraphy, and morphology of selected fossil vertebrate groups. Bio-stratigraphic and paleogeographic significance of particular fossil vertebrate faunules. Reguired field trips. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 114.

GEOS437: Sedimentology

Geological processes and agents which form, transport, deposit, consolidate and alter sediments. Interpretation of the resultant sedimentary rocks. Laboratory work on the texture, mineralogy and mass properties of sedimentary particles. Required field trips. (Not offered every year.) 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112.

GEOS443: Mineralogy

Crystallography, internal structure, origin, occurrence, and properties of minerals, laboratory study of common minerals. Required field trips. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and CHEM 120.

GEOS444: Petrology

Description, identification, classification, origin and occurrence of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory study of the common rocks. Required field trips. Meets the University Writing Requirement for GEES, GEOS and GOED majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 443.

GEOS450: Principles of Soil Science

Origin, composition, properties and classification of soils. Additional topics include water in soils and human impact on soil resources. Laboratory covers the measurement of soil properties and principles of soil mapping and soil resource assessment. Field trips are required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and CHEM 120.

GEOS452: Geohydrology

The study of ground-water with particular emphasis given to its mode of migration, chemistry and relation to the geographic environment. Particular attention is given to Darcy's law, soil porosity, soil permeability and the ability to withdraw water for human consumption. Water pollutants and salt water incursions are investigated. Spatial distributions are analyzed and the processes examined. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, ENVR 452. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 or 252 or ENVR 252.

GEOS454: Environmental Geochemistry

Chemical principles and methods applied to the study of interactions among lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Topics such as water pollution, waste disposal and human impact on global geochemical cycles will be discussed. Laboratory will stress the measurement of chemical properties related to water and soil quality as well as computer modeling of chemical transport in porous media. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and CHEM 121.

GEOS455: Fundamentals of Remote Sensing of Environment

Systematic study of multiband spectral reconnaissance of the environment; multifrequency radar systems and their uses. Cross listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, ENVR 455. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 107 or 112 or 125 or EUGS 100.

GEOS457: Meteorology

The characteristics of the earth's atmosphere. Meteorological instruments, principles of atmospheric physics, weather patterns and measurements of changes within the atmosphere. Meets the University Writing Requirement for GEEN, GEOG and GEOS majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 107, or 112, or 125, or EUGS 100.

GEOS466: Field Methods in Oceanography and Marine Biology

This course is intended to familiarize the student with the applications and techniques of marine samplings. The nature and role of equipment will be stressed. Field experience at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium field station. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior status or permission of the instructor.

GEOS470: Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.)

This course deals with fundamental principles and applications of G.I.S. Various ways in which G.I.S. can be used in planning and management analysis and research will be discussed. Students will learn the issues which need to be considered when planning and implementing G.I.S. One or two widely used software packages will be employed as a tool to study G.I.S. applications. Cross-listed with Earth and Environmental Studies, EUGS 470. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 107 or 112, or 125 or EUGS 100.

GEOS472: Structural Geology

Recognition and interpretation of primary and tectonic rock structures laboratory work emphasizes the analysis of faults, joints, folds and foliation. Required field trips. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and 114, and MATH 122 or 116.

GEOS480: Field Geology

Application of geologic principles to field mapping and interpretation in the North Central Applachians, Rocky Mountains, and/or regional geology of another designated area. Map production and writing field reports will be emphasized. This is an intensive summer field course. 6 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 472.

GEOS484: Geology Field Trip

A five-day to one-week trip through areas of geologic significance. A geoscience major is expected to participate in at least two of the trips. Field trip report and collection required. Expenses shared by the participants. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: GEOS 112 and 114.

GEOS490: Seminar in Geoscience

Student field, laboratory and library investigation of a problem in the area of his/her interest in geoscience; results presented in oral and written form. Class discussion of the individual papers and of other pertinent topics of current interest in geoscience. (Not offered every year.) 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

GEOS491: Literature Research in Geoscience

Each participating student conducts an in-depth library research of a specific problem of his/her interest in geoscience under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member. The results of the study will be presented in a written research-style report. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

GEOS492: Laboratory Research in Geoscience

Each student conducts individual research on a specific problem in geoscience under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member. The research may be based on earlier field or literary investigations. The results of the study will be presented in a written research-style report. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

GEOS494: Selected Topics in Geoscience

An in-depth study of a particular topic in geoscience, the specific subject matter of which is not offered regularly in an existing course. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 10.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

GEOS495: Independent Study in Geoscience

An opportunity for the qualified student to do library and/or laboratory investigation in a field of science of his/her choice under the guidance of a faculty member. The course is conducted exclusively by scheduled individual conferences and reports. (Offered on demand.) May be repeated three times for a maximum of 10.0 credits. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; departmental approval.

MATH112: Precalculus Mathematics

Binomial theorem, relations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, right triangle trigonometry, circular functions. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 100 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Precalculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Precalculus Readiness Test.)

MATH116: Calculus A

Differentiation and integration of functions, including trigonometric functions. Applications to biology and geoscience. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Mathematics, Mathematics. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Rediness Test.)

MATH122: Calculus I

Limits, continuity; derivative and differentiation; applications of the derivative, maxima, minima, and extreme considerations; antiderivatives; Riemann integral. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Mathematics, Mathematics. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)

MATH221: Calculus II

Riemann integral applications, transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, L'Hospital's rule, infinite series. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Mathematics, Mathematics. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 122.

PHMS210: Introduction to Marine Sciences

A general study of the marine sciences, including origin and evolution of the oceans, physical and chemical properties of seawater, marine life, oceanic circulation, atmospheric-ocean exchange and other processes that take place in the oceans. This course also deals with marine resources and human interaction with the marine environment. Field trips required. May be taught off-campus at the NJ Marine Sciences Consortium in the summer. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Natural/Physical Science Laboratory. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval. Not open to those who have taken GEOS 162 (General Oceanography).

PHMS411: Physical Oceanography

A survey of modern oceanography and its methods including characteristics of sea water, theories of ocean currents and, in general, applications of biological, geological, physical, meteorological and engineering sciences to the study of the oceans. Offered at the site of the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHMS481: Coastal Marine Geology

A study of the geologic processes concerned with the supra-, inter-, and sub-tidal areas of the near shore environment. Field studies will emphasize the dynamics of erosion and deposition as well as general sedimentation associated with modification of barrier beaches and other land forms of the New Jersey shoreline. Offered at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHMS483: Dynamic Beach Processes

Study of the processes and forces involved in material transport within the beach zone. Offered at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHMS484: Tidal Marsh Sedimentations

Processes involved in sediment transport and deposition within the marsh system. Geologic history of tidal marshes. Offered at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHMS490: Field Methods in the Marine Sciences

The application and techniques of marine sampling, including those of biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics. The nature and role of various pieces of sampling equipment. Field experience at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHMS498: Independent Study in the Marine Sciences

Individual research projects will be selected under the guidance of a professor associated with the consortium. Open only to those advanced undergraduate students who have indicated a potential for original thinking. Offered at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 10.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 1 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

PHYS191: University Physics I

This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 122 is prerequisite or co-requisite.

PHYS192: University Physics II

Calculus-based course. Study of some principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics include: wave motion, sound and noise pollution, optics, electricity, lasers, nuclear theory, radiation, nuclear reactors, waste disposal. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 221 is prerequisite or corequisite.

PHYS193: College Physics I

This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 100.

PHYS194: College Physics II

This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include optics, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to modern and nuclear physics, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 100, or MATH 111, or MATH 112, or PHYS 193.

PHYS280: Astronomy

Application of physical laws to the earth as a planet; nature of the other planets; orbital motion and space flight; origin of the solar system; the birth, life and death of a star galactic structure; and cosmology. Meets the University Writing Requirement for PHAS and PHYS majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 191, 192 or PHYS 193, 194.

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