GEOL 105 - Earth Lab

FDR: SL
Credits: 4
Planned Offering: Spring

Prerequisite: Three credits in geology, first-year or sophomore standing, and not open to majors. The emphasis and location of the study area differs from year to year. Most course activity involves outside field work with a series of multi-day to multi-week field trips. The primary goal of this course is an in-depth introduction to a particular region or field of geological study for introductory level science students. Information about the course is made available prior to the end of the fall term.

Topic for Spring 2012

GEOL 105: Earth Lab-Coral Reefs:Past, Present, and Future (4). Prerequisites: Three credits in geology and instructor consent. This course explores the geology, chemistry, biology, and ecology of coral reefs and associated carbonate systems. Topics include identification of key reef organisms and microhabitats, understanding reef ecosystem dynamics in space and time, the physical/geological controls on reef formation, and current threats to coral reef health. The course includes 10 days of travel and work in Belize and completion of an independent reef assessment project. (SL) Greer