Geology Courses offered by the Biology Department at the College of the Holy Cross

Geology at Holy Cross

Geology is new at Holy Cross. Be among the first to take advantage of our expanded curriculum.

Courses

Introduction to Geology
Geomorphology

About Geology at Holy Cross

A scene from the first geology lab to be held in the field for Holy Cross students in memory (if not ever). Prof. Mitchell leads here Introduction to Geology class in a lab at Purgatory Chasm State Reserve in the fall of 2006.

We are fortunate to live in a geologically very diverse and interesting part of the country. The members of the Biology Department encourage all students to take advantage of this new opportunity for study -- especially those whose main interests are in the ecological and evolutionary aspects of biology (please see the note at the bottom of the page) and students majoring in physics, chemistry, or who are members of the environmental studies program.

Students interested in geological research are urged to contact Prof. Mitchell.

Geology Courses

BIOLOGY 150 -- INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY (FALL) -- Prof. Mitchell. Introduction to Geology is an introduction to the physical processes operating on the earth and the history of the earth. This course will introduce topics including the formation and physical properties of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, geologic time, weathering and erosion, global climate change, and the geology of mineral and energy resources.

Geology laboratory sessions including field trips to local geologic sites will provide students with hands-on experience using classic and modern approaches to investigating the earth and its history.

GEOMORPHOLOGY -- (Course number to be assigned in fall 2007) -- (SPRING). Prof. Mitchell. Geomorphology is the study of the identification and evolution of features on the earth's surface, and of the processes that create and change them. This course will explore how rivers, glaciers, coastal processes, tectonics, biologic (and human) activity, and other processes affect our landscape. This course will also cover modern geomorphic dating techniques and the interactions between topography, tectonics, and climate.This course is appropriate for science and environmental studies majors interested in our physical environment and the forces that shape and change it.

Geomorphology laboratory sessions In the lab sessions, students will learn to use a number of tools and develop skills including surveying, spreadsheet analysis, numerical modeling, GIS, and topographic map interpretation. Completing laboratory assignments may take a substantial amount of time outside of scheduled meeting periods. Students will work collaboratively on several assignments, write individual and group lab reports, give oral presentations, prepare a poster presentation, and design and implement an independent project.

About Geology At Holy Cross

In order to expand its offerings in natural sciences, the College hired its first full-time geologist, Prof. Sara G. Mitchell who began her work in the fall 2006 semester. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Biology Department and the Environmental Sciences Concentration. She joins Prof. Leon Claessens, a vertebrate morphologist/paleontologist who is also trained as a geologist and several other members of the department who have interest in geology (especially Profs. Robert Bertin, William Sobczak and Ken Prestwich).

Important note concerning geology and natural science requirements

Students interested in ecological or paleontological aspects of biology may substitute Biology 150 – Introduction to Geology for either:

Chemistry 222 (Organic 2) or
Physics 112 or 116 (Physics 2)

after consulting with their advisor and with the permission of the Biology Department Chair.

Keep in mind, however, that both the chemistry and physics courses are still required for students in the premedical program, biochemistry concentrators, or those intending graduate study in areas of functional biology.

last modified March 30, 2007