The basic principles of geologic processes, materials, and history with primary emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory and field activities. The course is designed in conjunction with PHY 160 to provide basic concepts of earth science, astronomy and physics appropriate for elementary and middle school teachers. Both courses are taught with an emphasis on inquiry-based, laboratory activities. Lecture, two hours per week laboratory, three hours per week. Not available for credit to students who have received credit for EES 220.

The American system of national parks and monuments provides a natural and exciting basis for learning about geology, the scientific study of the Earth.

This course focuses on two major components of understanding the modern energy-climate dilemma: fossil fuels and the changing climate. Class sessions explore the history, methods, economic challenges, and environmental implications of fossil fuel production and usage around the world, particularly as it relates to our current climate concerns.

How the Earth Works: an integrated course in physical geology, covering the physical, chemical and biological processes that combine to produce geological processes. Attention is focused on plate tectonics, earth surface processes, and properties and formation of earth materials. Lab exercises emphasize identification and interpretation of geologic materials and maps. Lecture/Discussion, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.

How the Earth Works: an integrated course in physical geology, covering the physical, chemical and biological processes that combine to produce geological processes. Attention is focused on plate tectonics, earth surface processes, and properties and formation of earth materials. Lab exercises emphasize identification and interpretation of geologic materials and maps. Lecture/Discussion, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.

How the Earth Works: an integrated course in physical geology, covering the physical, chemical and biological processes that combine to produce geological processes. Attention is focused on plate tectonics, earth surface processes, and properties and formation of earth materials. Lab exercises emphasize identification and interpretation of geologic materials and maps. Lecture/Discussion, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.

Modern techniques for displaying and interpreting surface and subsurface data. GIS-based field data collection and geologic mapping. Introduction to Appalachian tectonics. Laboratory, three hours per week. Four days in the field. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Fundamental and current topics in the space exploration of our solar system. Topics and examples of themes include: What is a planet; critical evaluation of the evidence for the heliocentric system; electromagnetic waves; the threat of asteroid impact; critical evaluation of the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life; critical evaluation of the evidence for climate change; and other topical items based on the results of on-going space missions.

The study of mineral structure and composition, and mineral classification through crystallographic and crystal chemical techniques. Laboratory work includes study of minerals via crystallography, X-ray diffraction, mineral chemical analysis, and optical petrographic techniques. Lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.

Individual work on a special problem in geology. Report required. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.