First-Year Courses in Geological Sciences (Division 377)

Fall Term, 1999 (September 8 - December 22, 1999)

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

G.S. 100-115 are short (half-term) courses. They consist of detailed examinations of restricted geologic topics. The department lists the specific courses from this series in the Time Schedule for the terms they are offered (fall and winter terms only). Each course, when offered, meets twice weekly for half of the term (first half or second half), and the specific dates for each course are printed in the Time Schedule. These courses are designed primarily for students with no prior geologic training and they are open to all interested persons. G.S. 100-115 are offered on the graded pattern (optional pass/fail).

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001 – Offered Oct. 26 to Dec. 9 with Final Exam on Dec. 9 Or Arranged. (Drop/Add deadline=November 8).

Instructor(s): Philip Meyers (pameyers@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

Coral Reefs will be an in-depth tour of the biological and physical processes active in modern reef systems to provide a detailed understanding of the ecology of the individual organisms and the complex nature of their interactions within the reef community. Evolution of the reef community will be examined, ranging from the crude framework structures formed over one billion years ago by primitive algae to the luxuriant and diversified reefs of the modern-day oceans, to define the evolutionary strategies of reef building organisms. By tracking these evolutionary strategies through geologic time, the implications of man's intervention with the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere on the character of future reef communities will be considered.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001 – Offered Sept. 9 to Oct. 21 with Final Exam on Oct. 21 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=September 28).

Instructor(s): John Hoaglund (hoaglund@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hoaglund/courses.html

This course looks at the effects of present and past glaciations on the landscape and on life, humans in particular. Glaciers are examined as dynamic, climatically controlled systems of moving ice. Climatic and environmental changes concurrent with glaciation, in both continental and oceanic realms, are reviewed. The causes of the ice ages that have dominated the Earth for the past two million years and predictions of future ice ages are examined in the light of current geological and climatic research. The course consists of lectures, one hour exam, and one final exam. Required Course Materials: Course Pack. Recommended Textbook: Ice Age Earth, Late Quaternary Geology and Climate, Dawson, A.G., 1992, Routledge, New York, NY ISBN 0-415-01567-7

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001 – Offered Sept. 9 to Oct. 21. Final Exam on Oct. 21 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=September 28).

Instructor(s): Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni (crlb@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/~crlb/COURSES/107/gs107.html

The course is a study of the earth in action and includes the following topics: geography of earthquakes and volcanoes; catastrophic events in historic times; size and frequency of occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; the products of volcanism; volcanic rocks; volcanic activity through geologic time; volcanic exhalations and the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans; relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and the internal dynamics of the Earth; volcanism and geothermal energy; manmade earthquakes; and earthquake prediction and control. Instruction by lecture, evaluation on basis of quizzes and final exam.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 002 – Offered Oct. 26 to Dec. 9 with Final Exam on Dec. 9 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=November 8).

Instructor(s): Rebecca Lange (becky@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~becky/

The course is a study of the earth in action and includes the following topics: geography of earthquakes and volcanoes; catastrophic events in historic times; size and frequency of occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; the products of volcanism; volcanic rocks; volcanic activity through geologic time; volcanic exhalations and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and oceans; relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and the internal dynamics of the earth; volcanism and geothermal energy; manmade earthquakes; and earthquake prediction and control. Instruction by lecture, evaluation on basis of quizzes and final exam.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001 – Offered Sept. 9 to Oct 21. Final Exam on Oct. 21 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=September 28).

Instructor(s): Philip Meyers (pameyers@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The history of past oceanic inhabitants, events, and environments is recorded in the sediments which have accumulated on the ocean bottom throughout geological time. Fossils of marine plants and animals are a major part of the historical record; they give evidence of past oceanic living conditions and the evolution of life forms in the sea. Sediment particles eroded from land and carried to the oceans by rivers and winds provide insights into past climates on continents. Changes in ocean currents and in seawater chemistry have left their mark on the sediment record; the possible causes of these changes are explored. Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading have rearranged the shapes of ocean basins and repositioned continents over time. These processes are reflected in the record in marine sediments still present on the ocean floor and also in those now uplifted to form part of the continents. A single exam at the end of the course will determine the course grade.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 002 – Offered Oct 26 to Dec. 9. Final Exam on Dec 9 or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=November 8).

Instructor(s): Vicki McKenna (cmckenna@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~vmckenna/geo111.html

The history of past oceanic inhabitants, events, and environments is recorded in the sediments which have accumulated on the ocean bottom throughout geological time. Fossils of marine plants and animals are a major part of the historical record; they give evidence of past oceanic living conditions and the evolution of life forms in the sea. Sediment particles eroded from land and carried to the oceans by rivers and winds provide insights into past climates on continents. Changes in ocean currents and in seawater chemistry have left their mark on the sediment record; the possible causes of these changes are explored. Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading have rearranged the shapes of ocean basins and repositioned continents over time. These processes are reflected in the record in marine sediments still present on the ocean floor and also in those now uplifted to form part of the continents. A single exam at the end of the course will determine the course grade.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001 – Offered Sept. 9 to Oct. 21 with Final Exam on Oct. 21 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=September 28).

Instructor(s): Theodore Moore (tedmoore@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~tedmoore/111.html

The intent of GS 111 is to give a heightened awareness to students of the nature and fragility of the Earth’s climate, and how changes in climate have affected past civilizations and may affect our future. Course topics will include: a description of the climate systems of the Earth: the atmosphere, oceans, and polar ice caps; the information we gather to understand the history of those systems; how changes in climate have affected past civilizations, and what we think will happen to the planet when the long expected “Greenhouse Effect – Global Warming” finally arrives.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 002 – Offered Oct. 26 to Dec. 9 with Final Exam on Dec. 9 Or Arranged (Drop/Add deadline=November 8).

Instructor(s): Carola Stearns (cstearns@umich.edu)

Mini/Short course

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The intent of GS 111 is to give a heightened awareness to students of the nature and fragility of the Earth’s climate, and how changes in climate have affected past civilizations and may affect our future. Course topics will include: a description of the climate systems of the Earth: the atmosphere, oceans, and polar ice caps; the information we gather to understand the history of those systems; how changes in climate have affected past civilizations, and what we think will happen to the planet when the long expected “Greenhouse Effect – Global Warming” finally arrives.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Kyger Lohmann (kacey@umich.edu)

Credits: (5).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

Introduction to Geology is a single term course structured to provide students from all backgrounds with an understanding of the history of Earth and of the natural processes which have given rise to its landscapes, oceans, and continents. This includes examination of: the physical processes which give rise to plate tectonics and the formation of earthquakes, volcanoes, the uplift of major mountain ranges; and of the chemical and biological phenomena which modify the character of the atmosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere at the Earth’s surface. This course includes a laboratory to provide hands-on experience in identifying common rocks and minerals and in understanding geological and topographical maps. Topics covered in class lecture are reviewed weekly in a one hour discussion section. Course includes lectures and weekly laboratory and discussion sections.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The laboratory provides hands-on experience with minerals, rocks, and maps. Participants will learn to identify common minerals and rocks, use topographic and geologic maps, and draw and interpret geologic cross sections. Examples will be drawn from areas of recent glaciation, volcanism, and earthquakes to show how these features are depicted in maps.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Kyger Lohmann (kacey@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course shares lectures and a weekly discussion section with GS 117, but does not provide a laboratory experience. Students requiring a ONE-TERM introductory science course with laboratory should elect GS 117.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Tomasz Baumiller (tomasz@umich.edu)

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The course examines the concepts of evolution and extinction, stressing the role that the fossil record has played in their development. The broad patterns in history of life are presented starting with earliest evidence of life on earth. Basic geological principles necessary for reconstructing earth history are introduced. Readings are drawn from a variety of sources, including primary scientific literature. Requirements: attendance in lectures, discussion sections; readings; several short writing assignments; exams.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Peter van Keken (keken@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/~keken/130.html

The physics, chemistry, and pre-calculus (algebraic) concepts of comprehensive Earth and planetary science will be covered for those students who feel less than fully prepared for existing college-level science classes. The course is aimed at students in need of a science course, particularly those who will not readily select more than one physical science course as undergraduates at UM. Weekly discussions by a GSI will complement the lectures and amplify on them. Extensive weekly homework (quantitative exercises) will form 40% of the grade, with the remaining 60% based on two in-class exams and one final exam. Textbook: K.B. Krauskopf and A. Beiser, The Physical Universe, McGraw Hill, 8th ed. 1997 or 9th edition if available at beginning of semester.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni (crlb@umich.edu)

First-Year Seminar,

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/~crlb/COURSES/140/gs140.html

There has never been a greater chasm between the importance of science to society and society’s understanding of it. Reporting on scientific discoveries and technological advances are often biased, inaccurate, or wrong. We will examine the relationship between science and the media and try to answer the following questions: Is scientific reporting fair, accurate, and informed? Is it sensationalist? Can the public evaluate the scientific information presented to them? How do scientists communicate their work? We will use case histories, primarily from the earth and environmental sciences to address these questions. We will cover the basic concepts and facts behind each case, and discuss its presentation to the public. We will use a variety of resources ranging from newspaper and TV reports to the Internet. Members of the university and local media will participate. No prerequisites. High school science highly recommended. Evaluation will be based on midterm and final projects.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Josep Pares (jmpares@umich.edu)

First-Year Seminar,

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jmpares/preface1.html

The theory of plate tectonics, called dogma by some and paradigm by others, describes the mobility of continental and oceanic domains of the Earth's crust, as they are in constant motion along plate boundaries with respect to each other. The theory explains earthquakes and volcanoes, the topography of the Earth and the faunal and floral diversity of its living and fossil inhabitants. Tectonic events also exert a major influence on long-term climate. Lectures about the evidence also explore alternative explanations. The course involves three hours of weekly meeting time, a textbook and selected reading material. No background in Earth science is necessary. Evaluation is based on class participation, two exams, a series of student presentations on selected topics and written essays on the same subject.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Rebecca Lange (becky@umich.edu)

First-Year Seminar,

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~becky/

This seminar will explore the geological background and social aspects of various kinds of natural hazards, with emphasis on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts throughout Earth history, floods and climate change. Each student will complete a term project and give a verbal presentation to the class. No science background is required, but active participation is expected. A mandatory field trip Sept. 24-27 will be compensated by canceling a few classes later in the term.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Philip Meyers (pameyers@umich.edu)

First-year seminar,

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

The ocean has provided many resources to humans, and the availability of these resources rests on scientific principles. This course will address a number of equivocal issues facing ocean scientists and makers of marine policies. Students will be asked to examine critically some of the conflicting demands being placed on the resources of the oceans by modern societies. Some examples are the conflicts that emerge from protection of natural beaches and wetlands as opposed to the economic benefits of coastal developments such as marinas and harbors, and from protection of endangered species as opposed to the undeniable need for more food for more people. Each student will select one of the weekly topics and lead class discussions on this topic. A major whole-class topic will involve all students. Two written papers and one written exam will be required.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Ben van der Pluijm (vdpluijm@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/

See University Courses 110.001.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Lars Stixrude (stixrude@umich.edu)

Credits: (4; 3 in the half-term).

Course Homepage: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/~stixrude/GS201/

This basic introduction to physical geography emphasizes the nature and dynamics of the earth system including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solid earth, and their interactions. Topics include seasons, heat balance, global warming, ozone destruction, and circulation, moisture, precipitation, clouds, groundwater, ocean circulation, waves and tides, plate tectonics, landform evolution, and soil development, the biosphere, climate evolution, and global change. Students in this lecture-lab course are evaluated by hourly and final examinations, and a term paper with satisfactory completion of the lab work a prerequisite to the final course evaluation.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Sushil Atreya (atreya@umich.edu) , Henry Pollack (hpollack@umich.edu)

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course will present perspectives on the evolution of the solar system in both an historical context and in light of the extraordinary scientific advances resulting from recent space exploration. The principal focus will be on the structure, composition, and evolutionary history of the surfaces, and atmospheres of the planets and their satellites. Special emphasis will be given to comparative aspects of geology, meteorology, and climatology as developed on the various bodies of the solar system. Concepts of space exploration techniques will also be presented. The course is intended for non-science concentrators and other students with typical high school science and math backgrounds. Textbook: The Planetary System, Morrison and Owen, 2nd ed., 1996.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Ben van der Pluijm (vdpluijm@umich.edu)

Credits: (2).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~vdpluijm/gs205.htm

Processes in our continuously evolving Earth have given rise to the formation of an internally-layered planet with continents, oceans and an atmosphere. This continuing activity is manifested by the destructive powers of such phenomena as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, mountain building, and plate motion. Starting with the formation of our Universe and evolution of stars like our Sun, the goal of this course is to present an integrated approach to Earth's unique characteristics, and explain her physical principles using conceptual and factual material. In addition to animations and classroom demonstrations, specifically designed WWW-based material will be used. Two lectures/week; two midterms and final exam. No special background required.

Course reading: Earth Science Today by Murphy and Nance. This course can be taken singly or concurrently with its companion courses (GS 206 and GS 207).

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Lynn Walter (lmwalter@umich.edu)

Credits: (2).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course describes behavior of earth materials in the surficial environment. Water is the main transport agent in the geological cycle; its unique properties and exchange rates among oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater are one focus. Interaction between water reservoirs and physical and chemical weathering of soils, sediments, and rocks also are discussed. Impact of humans on the surficial environment is a unifying theme because we can affect hydrologic and geochemical cycles. No special background required. Two lectures per week. Evaluation based on exams and participation. This course, and its companion course (GS 205), may be taken singly or concurrently and together constitute a balanced introduction to modern earth science.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): David Rea (davidrea@umich.edu)

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course introduces students to the scientific study of the oceans. Contents include the shape, structure, and origin of the ocean basins; the sedimentary record of oceanic life and conditions in the past; the composition of seawater and its influence on life and climate; waves and currents; the life of the oceans and how it depends upon the marine environment; the resources of the ocean and their wise use by society. The course format consists of lectures and readings from an assigned textbook. The course grade will be based on three one-hour exams and a two-hour final exam.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Credits: (1).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course is an optional laboratory intended to provide students with opportunities to explore further various oceanography topics presented in the GS 222 lectures. Laboratory sessions will include sampling procedures, use of equipment, discussions, and demonstrations of how data are generated. The course grade will be based on written laboratory exercises and a final exam.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Donald Peacor (drpeacor@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the nature, properties, structures, and modes of occurrence of minerals. The first three-fourths of the course (three lectures per week) considers the general features of minerals and includes topics such as introductory crystallography, crystal chemistry, and introductory phase equilibria. During the last portion of the course, the principal rock-forming minerals such as feldspars, pyroxenes, and olivines are individually reviewed with respect to properties, structures, genesis, and other characteristics. The laboratory (one three-hour laboratory each week) is divided into three sections: (1) three weeks of morphological crystallography; (2) six weeks of systematic mineralogy during which students become familiar with the properties and associations of approximately seventy-five significant minerals; and (3) four weeks of introduction to the use of the polarizing microscope as applied to both crushed mineral fragments and rock thin sections. There is one required field trip. Introductory optical mineralogy is covered in five of the recitation classes. Geology 231 is a prerequisite to the professional concentration program in the Department of Geological Sciences.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Stephen Kesler (skesler@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~skesler/gs280.htm

Geology 280 deals with mineral resource-related problems in a complex society. The course discusses the origin, distribution, and remaining supplies of oil, coal, uranium, iron, copper, gold, diamonds, potash, sulfur, gravel, water, and other important mineral resources in terms of the economic, engineering, political, and environmental factors that govern their recovery, processing, and use. Among topics considered are the origin of oil, mineral exploration methods, strip mining, recycling, smelting methods, transport of oil, money and gold, nuclear waste disposal, and taxation vs. corporate profits. Three lectures and one discussion per week. Evaluation by means of quizzes, exercises, and a final exam. Required text: Mineral Resources, Economics and the Environment (S.E. Kesler). A course pack is also required. No previous background in geology is necessary for this course.

Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators

Section 001.

Instructor(s): John Hoaglund (hoaglund@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hoaglund/courses.html

Environmental Geology deals with interactions between people and the Earth. It begins with an introduction to geologic materials and processes and goes on to specific topics such as soil, surface and ground water, natural hazards (volcanism, landslides, earthquakes, floods, coastal processes), geomedicine, and waste disposal. Previous experience in geology is not required. The course includes three lectures and one discussion period (in which homework exercises are explained and discussed) per week. Evaluation is by means of quizzes, exercises, and a final exam. A book and exercise pack are required.