Geological Sciences

Department of Geology
College of Arts and Sciences
876 Natural Sciences Complex
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-3050
(716) 645-6800, ext. 6100
Fax: (716) 645-3999
E-mail: geology@acsu.buffalo.edu
Web: Geological Sciences
Charles E. Mitchell, Chair
Gregory S. Baker, Director of Undergraduate Studies

The Program
Geology is the science of the earth. It is primarily based on the study of material exposed at the earth's surface and is therefore an outdoor science in the sense that most of its fundamental data must be gathered in the open and most of the information acquired in the laboratory must ultimately be evaluated in the field. The term "geology" applies to numerous scientific subdisciplines (for example, planetary geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, volcanology, geophysics, hydrogeology, mineralogy, paleontology, structural geology, stratigraphy) that interact with each other and collectively focus on increasing our knowledge of conditions, relations, processes, and events related to Earth's existence.

Geologists apply their knowledge in a variety of ways, such as: exploration for mineral, water, and energy resources; providing support for environmental concerns, especially site characterization and remediation of problems related to pollution; providing an understanding of natural disasters and how to control or predict them; providing support for engineering projects, such as dams and structural foundations; and, of course, to learning more about the basic science of the earth and the ways in which it and its life systems have changed through time. By examining rock outcrops, geochemical signatures, drill cores, geophysical data, etc., geologists are able to determine rock distribution patterns and their structure, age, and genesis.

The Department of Geology offers both a B.A. and B.S. degree, and maintains a strong undergraduate research program. The curriculum for both degrees includes courses of instruction in the major areas of modern geology, with emphasis on field and laboratory studies and their quantitative interpretation. The department also conducts a comprehensive month-long summer geological mapping course-with field sites located in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming-to integrate all that students will learn.

Our rigorous B.S. program is designed for students who will enter directly into geology-related employment upon graduation (energy resources, environmental consulting, State or National Geological Surveys, etc.), or will continue on to graduate school. The B.A. program offers more flexibility in coursework and is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology that require a strong geological background, such as environmental law, high school earth-science teaching, government policy, nature writing, etc.

The geology department also offers a combined B.A./M.A. program designed to take five years, compared to the six years for a conventional B.A. (four years) followed by an M.A. (two years). This program is designed for students interested in careers outside of geology but requiring graduate-level schooling. Any geology major who meets the requirements (see the combined B.A./M.A. program) may apply to the combined program during the second semester of their junior year in the B.A. program.

Advisement
Students interested in being accepted into the geology program should consult with an advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement and Services Center. For additional advice, students may consult with the department's director of undergraduate studies. Upon acceptance into the Department of Geology, the student is assigned a faculty advisor within the department. Geology majors are urged to review their planned registration with their faculty advisor and/or the director of undergraduate studies.

Transfer Policy
The Department of Geology has articulation agreements with several colleges in the region. Consult with the advisement office at your college for more details. The College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement and Services Office at UB also may be consulted. To request a transfer of credit for a geology course not listed at either advisement office, submit a request to the director of undergraduate studies along with a course description from the college catalog and a course syllabus.

Honors
In addition to the usual academic honors offered to students upon graduation by the university (baccalaureate degree with distinction, high distinction, etc.), the department has an honors program in geology. Candidates accepted into the honors program must have junior status and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in geology courses. Receipt of an honors designation requires maintenance of a minimum GPA of 3.25, completion of a senior thesis and two additional 400 level courses in addition to the usual departmental degree requirements. Additional information regarding application to the honors program is available from the director of undergraduate studies.

Geology (GLY)

101-102 Global Environmental Science (3-1-3) (F; Sp)
Intoduces geological environmental problems, earthquake and volcanic hazards, natural resources, surficial water, and mass movements; human population, ecosystems, and global cycles; atmosphere, including aspects of air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, weather, and climate change. Considers the significance for society of the environmental findings of science. The laboratory involves field measurements of streams, computer modeling of physical processes, map analysis, chemistry of natural waters, global climate change, and natural resource evaluation. This course sequence fulfills the university's general education natural science requirement. LEC/LAB

103-104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System (3-1-3) (F; Sp)
An overview of major physical phenomena of Earth, its composition, structure, major surface and subsurface processes, as well as climate and weather, and how Earth compares to other planets in the solar system. Courses emphasize Earth's processes as part of a global system. They also explore the principles of historical inference in the geological sciences, the character of organic evolution, and the interaction of geological and biological processes that produced the history of Earth and the other planets. The laboratory portion introduces the basic tools of geology, and is designed to acquaint students with the scientific method: formulation of a hypothesis, testing, error analysis, and interpretation. Field trip required. This course sequence fulfills the university's general education natural science requirement. LEC/LAB

106 Geological Mapping Techniques (2) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY101-102, or GLY103-104
Introduces geological maps, cross sections and earth imagery, the primary tools for gathering and conveying information in the earth sciences. Covers basic map-reading skills, mapmaking and cross-section construction, and interpretation. Introduces stereoscopic aerial photography and satellite imagery. LAB

108 Geology of the National Parks (3) (F)
Explores the beauty of some of our nation's most spectacular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Acadia. Examines the fundamental geologic principles that allow understanding of how these unique landscapes were formed and how they change through time. Also examines how people affect the parks and how science enters into national policy decisions about their future. LEC

112 The Planets (3) (Sp)
Survey of present knowledge of the geology of the planets, their origin, and development. LEC

137 The Dinosaurs (3) (Sp)
Dinosaurs as a biological group: their origin, anatomy, life habits, evolution, and extinction. Evaluates revolutionary new ideas on their physiology, behavior, and significance in the history of life. Dinosaurs used to exemplify important evolutionary phenomena. There may be visits to the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. LEC

215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology (4) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY101-102 or GLY103-104
Conveys introductory material concerning the origin of sediments, their deposition, and their physical and stratigraphic distributions. Labs and field trip required. LEC/LAB

216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY215
Examines the character of the fossil record, its role in illuminating the nature of the evolutionary process, life's history, and use in interpretation of the age and environment of deposition of sedimentary rocks. Labs and field trip required. LEC/LAB

261 Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry (3) (F)
Introduces the basic chemical principles relating to mineralogy, petrology, the chemical evolution of ground water and geochemical aspects of hazardous waste disposal and environmental geology. The course is designed to supply the appropriate background for the mineralogy/petrology and surface process courses in geology as well as other areas in environmental science. It does not require any university chemistry as prerequisite. LEC

305 Mineralogy (4) (F)
Pre- or Corequisite: GLY261
Presents the fundamental principles of mineralogy, including mineral chemistry, mineral identification, phase diagrams, mineral structures, and elementary crystallography. Emphasizes environmentally important minerals. Lab required. LEC/LAB

306 Petrology (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY305
Presents the fundamental principles of petrology, including origin, occurrence, and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Integrates geochemical principles based on phase equilibria with interpretation of mineral assemblages present in common rocks. Plate tectonics and regional distribution of rock types forms the broad framework for the course materials. LEC/LAB

312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I (4) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY101-102 or GLY103-104, GLY106, MTH121 or higher, and PHY100 or higher
Acquaints students with near-surface geomorphic and hydrologic processes, their interpretation, and their role in shaping landforms. Studies the occurence and movement of water on the earth's surface, including basic hydrostatics and open-channel flow hydraulics. Introduces quantitative and computer-based methods of analysis in geomorphology, hydrology and environmental geology. Requires labs and field trips. LEC/LAB

313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY312
Second semester of two-semester sequence. See GLY312 for course description. Labs and field trip required. LEC/LAB

325 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I (4) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY106, MTH121 or higher, PHY100 or higher
Introduces the fundamental concepts required to understand the scientific basis for plate tectonics, including deep Earth structure and theories of mantle convection. Major whole-Earth geophysical techniques (active-source seismology, earthquake seismology, gravity, magnetics, and heat flow) are described. Uses general examples as well as specific case studies to support current tectonic theories. Practical application and hands-on use of seismic, gravity, and magnetic instrumentation take place in labs. Requires labs and one weekend field trip. LEC/LAB

326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics II (4) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY325
Introduces students to the description, classification and interpretation of geological structures, including faults, folds and shear zones. Describes these structures in terms of their tectonic setting (extensional, strike-slip, contractional). In labs, introduces practical techniques for structural analysis. LEC/LAB

400 Comparative Paleobiology (3) (Sp)
Presents major tools and concepts employed in the collection and analysis of morphological data in studies of the systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary history of organisms, principally animals. Emphasizes practice rather than theory. Requires substantial written work. LEC

407 Geological Field Training (3-6) (Su)
Prerequisites: GLY326 and permission of instructor
Applied field methods in geology. Geologic field trips and mapping from a mobile base in the western United States. Mapping projects include surficial deposits in Colorado and areas of increasingly complex sedimentary structure in Utah and Wyoming. LEC

414 Hydrogeology (4) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY313, CIE354, or permission of instructor
Occurrence and movement of water in the shallow subsurface and its importance to water resource development and environmental pollution. Basic quantitative techniques for the prediction of water flow through porous and fractured geologic media. Laboratory includes hands-on experience with aquifer testing methods using wells located on campus. Designed primarily for students interested in the fields of hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental geology, and environmental and geotechnical engineering. LEC/LAB

419 Environmental Geophysics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY325 or permission of instructor
Introduces the theoretical background and methods of application for several noninvasive near-surface geophysical imaging techniques, including seismic reflection/refraction, microgravity, magnetics, electromagnetics, resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar. LEC

423 The Hidden Planet: Volcanic Plumbing (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY305 and GLY306 or permission of instructor
Examines the generation, rise, storage, and eventual eruption of magma on Earth and other solid bodies in the solar system. Presents different magmatic compositions and their behaviors, as well as effects of environmental conditions on magma dynamics. LEC

424 Extraterrestrial Volcanism (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY326, GLY431 or permission of instructor
Examines volcanic deposits on solid bodies throughout the solar system, including the Moon, Mars, Venus, Io and Europa. Emphasizes understanding how different environments affect the mechanics and subsequent deposits of volcanic eruptions. LEC

427 Modeling of Geologic Data (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY429
Computer modeling of complex processes is becoming more important in a number of geological areas, such as risk assessment, movement of toxic contaminants in an aquifer, crystallization of magmas, and impact cratering. Students need some knowledge of the processes whereby a geological problem is reduced to a mathematical model, the model is translated into a computer program, and the program is utilized to produce numerical and graphical results.

An introduction to computer modeling of complex processes allows students to begin to apply computer simulation to their thesis research. The course assumes that students have a good familiarity with digital computers. The computer language is BASIC; any mathematical complexities are explained as the course progresses. LEC

428 Geological Disaster Prevention (3) (F)
Discusses disasters including those related to volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, windstorms, tsunamis, river floods, and hazardous waste storage. Topics include models of geological phenomena, consequences of hazards, and risk assessment. Case studies analyzed for each phenomenon. A simulated crisis takes place during the last week of the course. LEC

429 Analysis of Geologic Data (3) (F)
Problems encountered in working with large data sets, formulating statistical hypotheses, and interpreting the analysis in terms of the geologic problem. Data from petrology, sedimentation, mineralogy, geophysics, and paleontology. LEC

431 Volcanology (3) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY305 and GLY306
Effusive and explosive volcanic processes and their products. Distribution, tectonic setting, and morphology of volcanoes. LEC

433 Pyroclastic Rocks (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY431
Selected topics related to the genesis, unit description, eruption mechanism, and emplacement process of pyroclastic materials. Theoretical and practical applications including quantitative analysis of data. LEC

441 Geophysics (3) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY101-102 or GLY103-104, GLY325
Principles of gravity, magnetism, seismology, and terrestrial heat flow. Interpretation of the Earth's interior structure, sea floor spreading, and the evolution of the Earth. Labs required. LEC/LAB

443 Marine Geology (4) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY101-102 or GLY103-104
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic geology and geophysics of ocean basins in light of modern plate tectonic theories. Use of real data to allow the understanding of the assumptions and the "knowns" in marine geology. LEC/LAB

444 Surfaces of Geomaterials (3) (Sp)
Prerequisite: GLY305 or equivalent
Describes the theory of surface and interfacial thermodynamic properties, how these properties are experimentally determined, the basis for computations of surface and interfacial free energies, and how the surface properties of minerals can be related to their chemical composition and crystal structures. Gives particular emphasis to those minerals that naturally occur in a colloidal form (the clay minerals), as well as to other geological materials, such as volcanic ash, that can occur in colloidal sizes. LEC/LAB

458 Introduction to Evolutionary Theory (2) (Sp)
Acquaints advanced undergraduate students with the principal issues of macroevolutionary theory (i.e., issues at the species level and above, which are manifest on the scale of geological time) and hones analytical skills as preparation for undertaking graduate research. Evolutionary theory is an interdisciplinary topic that draws on information from ecology, population biology, systematics, anthropology, and paleobiology. LEC

462 Advanced Geochemistry (3) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY312-313
Presents the principles governing the fate and transport of organic and inorganic contaminants in soil and groundwater. Emphasizes applications to environmental issues. Students learn to predict and quantify the behavior of common types of organic compounds in the geologic environment. LEC

463 Advanced Environmental Hydrogeology I (3) (F)
Addresses the movement and behavior of contaminants in ground water. Emphasizes the underlying physics of water, solute, and particle transport in lecture, hands-on numerical simulation or field experiments. Prior completion of an introductory hydrogeology course is highly recommended. LEC/LAB

464 Advanced Environmental Hydrogeology II (3) (Sp)
Multi-phase flow in contaminant hydrogeology. Topics include physics and chemistry of multiple phases; modeling of multi-phase flow and transport; remediation on nonaqueous phase liquids. LEC/LAB

470 Advanced Structural Geology and Geomechanics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY325, MTH121 or higher, PHY100 or higher
Bridges the gap between more traditional descriptive techniques introduced in introductory structural geology and more advanced quantitative methods used in modern day geomechanical research. Primarily, the course introduces the students to quantitative tools and techniques for the analysis of geologic structures and processes. LEC

477 Geological Fluid Dynamics (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: MTH121 or higher, PHY100 or higher
Calculus-based course that provides students with the capability to analyze natural fluid dynamical processes. Topics include rheology of surficial materials, hydrostatics and aerostatics, equations of motion for fluid dynamics including Navier-Stokes equation, open-channel flow, kinematic waves, hydraulic jumps, advection-diffusion, dynamical and geometric similarity. Extensive use of computational tools to analyze flows and to organize fluid dynamical data. LEC

478 Advanced Field Methods (3)
Students are taught to map, analyze, evaluate and interpret field data related to complex geological stratigraphy and structures, natural hazards, and Quaternary deposits. Students study the relationship of their geological work to cultural activities, particularly the exploitation of solid-earth resources and risk assessment. The course consists of in-depth mapping exercises in the field coupled with lectures. LEC

480 Geologic Evolution of North America (3) (Sp)
Prerequisites: GLY215, GLY261, GLY306, GLY326
Provides students with a familiarity of the elements that support the concepts inherent in plate tectonics. Demonstrates the application of tectonics to the geological history of eastern North America, primarily the Appalachians. Illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of geological synthesis through in-depth studies of classic areas in the Appalachians. Optional spring field trip to the central and southern Appalachians. LEC/LAB

481 Geological Evolution of North America: Western Cordillera (3) (F)
Prerequisites: GLY216, GLY306, GLY326
Provides students with a basic familiarity of geology of the western cordillera of North America. Illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of geologic syntheses through in-depth studies of this complex mountain range. Emphasizes the genesis and emplacement of igneous rocks, the cause of modern earthquakes, mechanism of faults, origin of volcanoes, source of mineral deposits, and location of volcanoes. LEC

498 Pegrum Colloquium (1) (F; Sp)
Familiarizes senior geology students with a broad range of topics that are of current interest to professional geologists. The course also familiarizes students with professional presentations. It consists of a weekly colloquium presented by a researcher active in a field of present import. Preceding the colloquium, readings from scientific journals introduce students to the topic to be discussed. SEM

499 Independent Study (1-3) (F; Sp)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Selection and study of topics not offered as regular courses. TUT

Geological Sciences - B.S.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum 2.0 in GLY101 or GLY103

Advising Note
Minimum GPA of 2.3 in geology courses, and minimum "C-" in each required course outside geology to graduate

Required Courses
CHE101 General Chemistry
CHE102 General Chemistry
GLY101 Global Environmental Science or GLY103 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY102 Global Environmental Science or GLY104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY305 Mineralogy
GLY306 Petrology
GLY312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I
GLY313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II
GLY325 Structure-Geophysics-Techtonics I
GLY326 Structure-Geophysics-Techtonics II
GLY407 Geological Field Training (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)
MTH141 College Calculus I
MTH142 College Calculus II
PHY107 General Physics I
PHY108 General Physics II
PHY158 General Physics II Lab
Two 400-level GLY courses

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-GLY101 or GLY103; MTH141, CHE101
Spring-GLY102 or GLY104; MTH142, CHE102

Second Year
Fall-GLY215, PHY107
Spring-GLY106, GLY216, PHY108, PHY158

Third Year
Fall-GLY305, GLY325
Spring-GLY306, GLY326
Summer-GLY407 (minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this required summer field camp)

Fourth Year
Fall-GLY312, one 400-level GLY course
Spring-GLY313, one 400-level GLY course

Summary
Total required credit hours in geology - 53
Total required credit hours outside geology - 26

Geological Sciences - B.A.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall
Minimum "C" in GLY101 or GLY103

Advising Note
To graduate, minimum GPA of 2.3 in geology courses, and minimum "C-" in each required course outside geology

Required Courses
GLY106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY261 Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry
MTH121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or higher
PHY100 Introduction to Physics or higher
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-One GLY course from Group A, MTH121, PHY100
Spring-One GLY course from Group A

Second Year
Fall-GLY261, one GLY course from Group B
Spring-GLY106, one GLY course from Group B

Third Year
Fall-Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring-Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer-GLY407 (recommended; minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)

Fourth Year
Fall and Spring-Any GLY courses (optional)

Group A - Introductory Sequences
One of the following two-semester sequences:
   GLY101 and GLY102 Global Environmental Science
   GLY103 and GLY104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System

Group B - Semester Sequences
Three of the following semester sequences:
   GLY215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
   GLY305 Mineralogy and GLY306 Petrology
   GLY312-313 Surface Processes and Hydrology I-II
   GLY325-326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I-II

Summary
Total required credit hours in geology - 36
Total required credit hours outside geology - 5
   (MTH121 or higher and PHY100 or higher)

Geological Sciences - B.A./M.A.

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses required for the major
Completion of any two of the following: GLY215, GLY305, GLY312, GLY325
Two letters of recommendation from faculty members

Required Courses
GLY106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY261 Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry
MTH121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I (or higher)
PHY100 Introduction to Physics (or higher)
Two GLY courses from Group A
Six GLY courses from Group B

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Major Requirements

First Year
Fall-one GLY course from Group A, MTH121, PHY100
Spring-one GLY course from Group A

Second Year
Fall-GLY261, one GLY course from Group B
Spring- GLY106, one GLY course from Group B

Third Year
Fall-Two GLY courses from Group B
Spring-Two GLY courses from Group B
Summer-GLY407 (recommended; minimum GPA of 2.0 in geology courses required to attend this summer field camp)

Fourth Year
Fall and Spring-Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee, submission of a thesis proposal

Fifth Year
Fall and Spring-Graduate course work approved by the graduate committee, successful completion of a thesis and oral defense

Group A - Introductory Sequences
One of the following two-semester sequences:
   GLY101 and GLY102 Global Environmental Science
   GLY103 and GLY104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System

Group B - Semester Sequences
Three of the following semester sequences:
   GLY215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology and GLY216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
   GLY305 Mineralogy and GLY306 Petrology
   GLY312-313 Surface Processes and Hydrology I-II
   GLY325-326 Structure-Geophysics-Tectonics I-II

Summary
Total required undergraduate credit hours in geology - 47
Total required undergraduate credit hours outside geology - 61
Total required graduate credit hours - 30

Refer to the Graduate School's Policies and Procedures Manual for master's candidate requirements.

Geological Sciences - Minor

Acceptance Criteria
Minimum 2.0 in GLY101 or GLY103

Required Courses
GLY101 Global Environmental Science or GLY103 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY102 Global Environmental Science or GLY104 Evolution of the Earth and Solar System
GLY106 Geological Mapping Techniques
GLY215 Soft Rock I: Sedimentology
GLY216 Soft Rock II: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
GLY312 Surface Processes and Hydrology I or GLY325 Structure-Geophysics-Techtonics I
GLY313 Surface Processes and Hydrology II or GLY326 Structure-Geophysics-Techtonics II
GLY407 Geological Field Training (recommended)

Total required credit hours in geology - 25

Academic Affairs

Phone: (716) 645-6003

Fax: (716) 645-2549

Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:18 EST