Geology

Course Descriptions

GEOL 1301
Investigating the Earth, Sea and Sky
(3 credits)
This is a survey course to introduce non-majors to the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and
the Earth’s neighbors in space. (3 lecture hours per week). Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1303
Essentials of Physical Geology
(3 credits)
An introductory class designed for non-majors to study the composition, internal structure, and physical
processes of the earth. (3 lecture hours per week). Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1401
Earth Science
(4 credits)
Topics covered in this course include geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The
course integrates information about the earth and how it works. Emphasis is placed on the study of
the structure and composition of the earth, natural hazards; such as tornadoes and hurricanes, as well
as discussions about the solar system. This course is particularly well suited for students planning a career teaching in the elementary grades. (3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week). Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1403
Physical Geology
(4 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the study of rocks, minerals and physical processes that modify
the surface of the earth, and it gives special attention to the practical aspects of geology in society, such
as mineral, energy, and water resources, volcanism, and geologic factors that influence the environment. (3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week). Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1404
Historical Geology
(4 credits)
This course is a study of the history of the Earth as recorded by rocks and fossils. Topics covered
in the course include: plate tectonics, determining sequence of events, and the identification of
fossils. Special emphasis is placed on the study of sedimentary rocks and geologic maps. Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1405
Environmental Geology
(4 credits)
Topics covered in this course include geologic hazards, energy resourses, waste disposal, air and
water pollution, medical geology, environmental law as well as land use planning. The emphasis is on
geologic processes and how they influence human activities. (3 lecture and 3 lab hours per week).
Prerequisite: READ 0310.

GEOL 1445
Oceanography
(4 credits)
This course is an online lab science course (both lecture and lab are offered online). It is designed
to introduce students to the physical, geological, and chemical characteristics of the Earth’s oceans.
Topics covered include: plate tectonics and ocean basin formation, topographic features of the ocean
floors, properties of ocean water, as well as tides, waves, and ocean currents. This course also looks
at the interaction between marine organisms and the marine environment as well as the interaction
between land and sea and the interaction between the atmosphere and the sea. Prerequisite: READ
0310 and MATH 0312.

GEOL 1447
Meteorology
(4 credits)
The study of the atmosphere and weather are the focus of this online, lab science course (both
lecture and lab are offered online). Topics include: composition and structure of the atmosphere, solar
and terrestrial radiation, air pressure, humidity, clouds, precipitation, thunderstorms, tornadoes,
hurricanes, and climate change. Prerequisite: READ 0310 and MATH 0312.

Contacting the Geology Department

Faculty:
Dora Devery, M.S.
ddevery@alvincollege.edu

Justin Devery, M.S.
jdevery@alvincollege.edu

Phone: 281.756.3744
Fax: 281.756.3884