Department of Geosciences

Undergraduate Programs

Geosciences is the basic science of the Earth and, as such, it integrates knowledge from all the natural sciences. Geologists deal with environmental issues such as groundwater resources and shoreline development, geohazard issues such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, economic issues such as the exploration for and production of energy and mineral resources and basic research into the origin and evolution of the Earth and other planets.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with an emphasis in Geology is designed as a foundation for careers in the Earth Sciences. The Department has implemented a new undergraduate curriculum designed to increase dramatically the experiential and inquiry-based components of our students' educational experience. This is accomplished through integration of project-based instruction with field and laboratory experience at all levels of the curriculum. Three different options (Environmental, Sedimentary Geology, Petrology/Structure) are possible in this major; all built around a common core of required courses supplemented with option specific electives. Job prospects in the Geosciences are very strong with higher than average job growth in this projected for this field through 2014.

Oceanography, the study of the oceans, relies upon geology, the basic study of the Earth. In this unique program, which takes advantage of URI's obvious strength in maritime studies, geology and oceanography are coupled. For those interested in the oceans, oceanic physical and biological processes, climates, global nutrient and elemental cycling, and the interaction of the oceans with the atmosphere, this program provides a thorough grounding in basic sciences while providing the flexibility to enter virtually any field in geology and oceanography.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with and emphasis in Geological Oceanography includes a comprehensive background in the geosciences and a solid introduction to geological oceanography at the world-renowned URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO). Highlights of this major include a senior research project to be carried out under the direction of a GSO faculty member. Many students even conduct research on a research vessel. Students completing the B.S. with an emphasis in Geological Oceanography will be well-prepared to pursue careers in land-based earth sciences as well as oceanography. Students entering GSO as graduate students from this program will have a significant head start compared with those entering from other undergraduate institutions.

[ Please click on the images for program information ]

Geosciences (GEO)

100 Environmental Geology (3)

Geologic processes, how they affect people and vice versa; geologic hazards, earthquake impact, shoreline development, offshore oil, waste disposal, water, energy and other resources, climate change. (Lec. 3) (N)

102 Evolution and Extinction of the Dinosaurs (3)

General introduction to the dinosaurs. Variety, habits, warm-bloodedness, and extinction discussed. Pterosaurs and bird origins presented. (Lec. 3) (N)

103 Understanding the Earth (4)

Processes operating within and upon the earth. Relationship of plate tectonics to volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building. Development and modification of landscapes by rivers, glaciers, wind, waves, and ground water. Environmental implications of geologic processes. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) (N)

110 The Ocean Planet

See Oceanography 110. (N)

113 Natural Disasters (3)

The science of natural disasters from a physical, chemical and geological perspective. Understanding of the development of and factors controlling the occurrence of natural disasters. (Lec. 3) (N)

120 Geology of U.S. National Parks (3)

Selected parks are used to illustrate geologic processes and age relationships to understand earth history. Includes plate tectonics, volcanic and plutonic activity, glaciation, cave formation, stream and coastal processes, landscape formation. (Lec. 3) (N)

204 Problem Solving in Earth History (4)

Geological problem solving, emphasizing questions in Earth history. Time, plate movements, ancient environments, climates, and the fossil record introduced in an historical context (Lec. 3, Lab. 2). Pre: 103, equivalent, or permission of instructor.

210 Landforms: Origin and Evolution (4)

Development, distribution, and geologic significance of landforms produced by rivers, glaciers, coastal processes, weathering, and other geomorphic agents. Interpretation of landforms through field studies, topographic maps, and aerial photographs. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 103 or permission of instructor.

272 Introduction to Evolution

See Biological Sciences 272.

305 Global Warming (4)

Scientific treatment of climate change during the last 100,000 years. Implications for earth systems in context of past climates and future projections. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 100 or 103 or OCG 110 or permission of instructor.

320 Earth Materials (4)

Hand-sample identification and characterization of minerals and rocks, including crystallography, composition, classification, origin, and relationship to geological occurrence; also includes aspects of soil-forming minerals, ore deposits, and other mineral resources. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 103, credit or concurrent enrollment in CHM 101 or 103.

370 Structure of the Earth (4)

Stress and strain relationships as they pertain to rocks. Manifestations of these phenomena in geologic structures and criteria for recognizing them. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: PHY 213 and 285 or 111 and 185 or permission of instructor.

450 Introduction to Sedimentary Geology (4)

Principles underlying formation and composition of lithofacies and sedimentary environments. Methods, procedures, and techniques used to study sedimentary processes, depositional environments, sediment and rock sequences, and paleogeography. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: graduate or advanced undergraduate standing in environmental, resource, or engineering major.

465 Introduction to Geophysics (3)

Physical properties of earth and the application of geophysical methods to explore the earth’s interior for natural resources. Introductory interpretation of gravity, magnetic, seismic, and radiometric surveys. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: 103, PHY 112, MTH 132.

468 Groundwater Chemistry (4)

Introduction to the chemical processes controlling water chemistry in low-temperature environments. Chemical weathering, ion exchange, redox, mineral equilibrium, isotopes, and chemical modeling of aqueous systems. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: CHM 101, 102, 112, 114; GEO 103, 320. Offered in odd-numbered years. Next offered fall 2011.

472 Advanced Evolutionary Biology

See Biological Sciences 472.

480 Summer Field Camp (4-8)

Geologic field mapping and principles. (Practicum) Pre: 210, 320, 370, and 450 recommended. Course not offered through URI; prior approval of selected camp required by the Department of Geology. Recommended between junior and senior years. Not for graduate credit in geology.

482 (or NRS 482 or EVS 482) Innovative Sub-surface Remediation Technologies (4)

Innovative remediation technologies for treating contaminated groundwater and sediments: theory, applications, and limitations of selected methods. Discussion of case studies. (Lec. 4) Pre: permission of instructor. In alternate years. Not for graduate credit.

483 Hydrogeology (4)

Study and interpretation of groundwater flow systems and the interaction between groundwater and the geologic framework, including groundwater flow, aqueous geochemistry, groundwater resource evaluation, and groundwater in geologic processes. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 103, 210, and MTH 131 or 141, or permission of instructor.

484 (or NRS 484 or EVS 484) Environmental Hydrogeology (4)

Physico-chemical principles and fundamental relationships that describe the fate and transport of contaminants in the hydrologic system. (Lec. 3, Lab. /2) Pre: 483 or CVE 588 or NRS 510, or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit. Offered every other year.

491 Special Topics (1-3)

Advanced work for undergraduates under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit in geology.

497 Field Experience in the Geological Sciences /(4)

Capstone field trip. (Lec. 2, Field Trip) Pre: 204, 320, 370, and 450. 3.00 GPA in major/2.50 GPA overall required, and permission of instructor. Extended field trip required. May be repeated for credit.

499 Senior Thesis (3)

Independent research. Student selects an area of study and works in close conjunction with a faculty member of his or her choice. (Independent Study) Pre: senior standing and permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit in geology.

500 Graduate Seminar (1)

Weekly seminar series featuring oral presentations of the results of ongoing, topical research. S/U credit.

501 Vertebrate Paleontology (1-3)

Advanced work in vertebrate paleontology under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

502 Readings in Paleontology (1-3)

Advanced readings in paleontology under the supervision of a member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor. S/U

510 Glacial Sedimentation Research (1-3)

Advanced research in glacial sedimentation under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

511 Quaternary Paleoclimates (1-3)

Advanced work in Quaternary paleoclimates under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

515 Glacial Geology (3) )Investigation of glacial environments and processes including areas with presently existing glaciers. Emphasis on the development of glacial landscapes and deposits. Field trips in New England area. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: graduate or advanced undergraduate standing in environmental, resource, or engineering major.

525 Chemistry of the Earth (3)

See Oceanography 525.

530 Petrogenetic Igneous Processes (4)

Examination of key physico-chemical processes responsible for the diversity of igneous rocks and igneous activity. Emphasis on geochemistry, petrography, field relationships, and tectonic setting. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 320 or permission of instructor. In alternate years. Next offered spring 2013.

531 Metamorphic Petrology (3)

Facies concept and other methods of interpreting metamorphic mineral assemblages. Chemical and fabric changes during metamorphism, including principles of structural petrology. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: 321 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

532 Analytical Geochemistry (1-3)

Advanced work in analytical geochemistry under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

533 Readings in Petrology (1-3)

Seminar in petrology with readings drawn from the current professional literature. S/U credit.

551 Coastal Sedimentation Research (1-3)

Advanced research in coastal sedimentation under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

552 Readings in Sedimentation (1-3)

Seminar in sedimentary geology with readings drawn from the current professional literature. S/U credit.

555 Reconstructing Terrestrial Paleoenvironments /(4)

Sedimentological and paleontological methods used in the interpretation of the terrestrial sedimentary record. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 450 or permission of instructor. Offered in spring of even-numbered years.

565 Geophysical Models (3)

Model interpretation of gravity, magnetic and geoelectric field surveys with geologic constraints. Conversion of quantitative geophysical models into geologic/hydrologic structures. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: MTH 132, PHY 112 or equivalent. Offered in spring of odd-numbered years.

568 Isotopes in Hydrogeology (3)

Use of environmental isotopes in groundwater studies; dating groundwater, delineating flow paths and identifying recharge areas; geochemical evolution of groundwater and assessment of contamination. (Lec. 3) Pre: 483 and 468 or permission of instructor. Offered in even-numbered years.

577 Coastal Geologic Hazards (3) )Geologic hazards in the coastal zone and their impact on people. Includes waves, storm-surge, mass-wasting, and sea-level rise. Geologic effectiveness of engineering structures and management techniques. Emphasis on field study. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: graduate or advanced undergraduate standing in environmental, resource, or engineering major.

580 New England Geology (3)

Review of the bedrock geology of New England, and its applications for the Appalachian/Caledonides mountain chain and theories of orogenesis. Mandatory field trips. (Lec. 3) Pre: 320, 370, or permission of instructor. Offered in fall of odd-numbered years.

581 Topics in Tectonic Geology (3)

Review of selected topics in continental and oceanic tectonics. (Seminar) Pre: permission of instructor. Offered in fall of even-numbered years.

582 (or NRS 583, or EVS 582) Innovative Subsurface Remediation Technologies (4)

Innovative remediation technologies for treating contaminated groundwater and sediments: theory, applications, and limitations of selected methods. Discussion of case studies. Offered alternate years. (Lec. 4) Pre: permission of instructor.

583 Groundwater Modeling (3)

Numerical modeling of groundwater flow and solute transport. Numerical methods, model conceptualization, assumptions, boundary conditions, and complex aquifer systems. Modeling exercises including full-scale modeling project using MODFLOW. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: 483, or NRS 361 or CVE 588, or permission of instructor. Offered in odd-numbered years.

584 (or NRS 584, or EVS 584) Environmental Hydrogeology (4)

Develop an understanding of the physico-chemical principles and fundamental relationships that describe the fate and transport of contaminants in the hydrologic system. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: 483 or CVE 588 or NRS 510 or permission of instructor.

586 Readings in Hydrogeology (1-3)

Seminar in hydrogeology with readings drawn from the current professional literature. S/U credit.

590, 591 Special Problems (1-3 each)

Advanced work under the supervision of a faculty member arranged to suit the individual requirements of the student. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor. S/U credit for 591.

Note: For other related courses, see OCG 540, 625, 628, 643, 644, 645, 646, 649, 651, 652, 678, 681; OCE 582, 688; and CVE 581, 585, 587, 588, 677, 681, 682, 687.

Student Outcomes

In the Department of Geosciences, we have identified a series of outcomes that we view as essential to a rich and meaningful education. Some of these are traditional subjects pertaining to the discipline, such as a working knowledge of rocks and minerals, but many are skills relating to the logic of scientific inference, to quantitative competence, and to general education. In the Table below, we highlight each of the subjects in which we strive for growth in our students. These are found in the left-hand column of the Table, and are:

Knowledge –the basic dataset that constitutes the fundamentals of the Geosciences;
Quantitative Competence – mathematical skills familiar to most working geoscientists;
Methods of Inquiry – the logical tools by which scientists – and in particular, geoscientists, solve geological problems;
Problem-solving – the approaches and steps by which scientific problems, particularly, problems in the geosciences, are solved;
Communication – the ability to express one’s ideas effectively in a variety of media; we also consider information management as part of this subject; and
Personal Growth – education is about the growth of the individual as well as instilling knowledge and skills; we therefore consider this to be an important Outcome that we strive to develop.

In the Table below, we have attempted to show which outcomes are particularly highlighted in which of our courses. The highlighted box – the central group of columns – indicates outcomes for each of the core courses required for the major. The degree to which the particular outcome is developed is ranked 1 – 3:

Introduction to this Outcome; students should expect to encounter these subjects in the course;
An intermediate stage, suggesting that students would have some conversancy with subjects by the end of the course; and
Advanced; suggesting that these subjects are strongly emphasized in the course, and that students taking the course should have considerable familiarity with them.

The group of columns on the far right are Geosciences elective courses, and the “X’s” in each denote an emphasis in the course on the particular Outcome(s) highlighted.

College of the Environment and Life Sciences - Department of Geosciences

Geosciences (GEO)