Geology
Why study in Geology?
Geology is an interdisciplinary science that investigates the physical, chemical and biologic characteristics, processes and history of our planet. It is critical to the understanding of natural hazards, resource management, climate change, population growth, pollution and the sustainability of all natural resources. Learn more about how our planet works and how human populations interact with and impact the natural world.
Why enroll in these courses?
Sinclair offers an Associate of Science Geology Degree (GLG.S.AS) for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree program. Geologists require a Baccalaureate degree or higher to be employed.
Our Geology courses satisfy the General Education Science requirement for the Ohio Transfer Module and the Ohio Transfer Assurance Guides for completion of A.A. and A.S. degree programs.
Available Program and Courses
GLG 1101 Physical Geology
Surface processes of wind, water and ice in changing Earth's surface, plate tectonics; interior forces that cause earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building. Introduction to natural resources; impact of natural hazards on human populations; and impact of human activities in the natural world. Laboratory component stresses introduction to and use of basic scientific method and problem solving. Three classroom, two lab hours per week.
4 Credit Hours
GLG 1111 Physical Geology Laboratory
Identification of minerals, sediments and rocks; interpretation of topographic maps and geologic maps. This is a face-to-face laboratory and must be taken concurrently with Physical Geology.
0 Credit Hours
GLG 1201 Historical Geology
The Earth in space, physical evolution of the oceans, atmosphere and continents, origin of life and its evolution, physical and biological development of the North American continent. Lab component stresses further application of scientific method and problem solving. Three classroom, two lab hours per week.
4 Credit Hours
GLG 1211 Historical Geology Laboratory
Rates of change, age dating, fossils, depositional environments, stratigraphy, correlation, facies, and interpretation of geologic maps. This is a face-to-face laboratory and must be taken concurrently with Historical Geology.
0 Credit Hours
GLG 1301 Geologic Field Trips
Saturdays before spring break, class meets on campus for lecture and lab to build preparatory knowledge and skills. Missing more than two classroom meetings will be cause for withdrawal. After break, students will participate in Saturday morning, hands-on field trips to different locations in our region. Students must provide their own transportation. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to interpret and understand the building of the Appalachian Mountains and the geological development of Ohio. Field activities are meant to mimic the work of professional geologists. Missing more than two trips will be cause for withdrawal. Three classroom, two lab hours per week. Note: Any student choosing to register and take this class may be required to sign one or more liability waivers in favor of the locations where certain learning activities in this course take place. Students who would like additional information about this matter should contact the Physical Sciences Department.
4 Credit Hours
GLG 1311 Ohio Field Geology
Hands-on experience during several Saturday morning field trips to different locations in our region. Students must provide their own transportation. Field activities are meant to mimic what field geologists do. Use of on-site observations to interpret and understand the building of the Appalachian Mountains and the geological development of Ohio. Two lab hours in the field per week. Course offered during 8-week B-term. Open to undergraduate and graduate students with or pursuing degrees in geology, and K-12 science educators with or working toward Master Science Teaching (MST). GLG 1201/GLG 1211 may be taken concurrently to meet prerequisite.
1 Credit Hour
GLG 1401 Environmental Geology
Introduction to minerals, rock cycle, Plate Tectonics. Use/misuse of natural resources, waste disposal, pollution. Analysis of natural hazards: floods, volcanism, earthquakes, mass wasting, and others. Consequences of human activities: population growth, sustainability; mitigation and remediation strategies and processes. Laboratory component stresses use of scientific method, critical thinking, and problem solving. Three classroom, two lab hours per week.
4 Credit Hours
GLG 1411 Environmental Geology Laboratory
Identification of minerals and rocks. Analysis of natural hazards, natural resources, pollution and anthropogenic problems. Development/proposal of mitigation/remediation strategies. This is a face-to-face laboratory and must be taken concurrently with GLG 1401, Environmental Geology. Two lab hours per week.
0 Credit Hours
GLG 2297 Special Topics
Varied content offering of special interest to the discipline but not covered within existing courses; may be scheduled in a classroom/seminar setting or in nontraditional format.
0.5 - 9 Credit Hours
This area of study might be for you if:
You enjoy being outdoors, physical activity, working collaboratively, figuring out how things work, helping to save lives, provide for the future or solving mysteries. Even if you have an inkling for business, law, politics, medicine, history, writing or artistic expression; there is a field of Earth Science for you.
With in-depth geological study courses and lab experiences, you will gain a breath of knowledge in this science and its related subjects. Our department also works to include practical experience through on-site field trips. With these great academic courses and opportunities, you are sure to gain the hands-on experience necessary for entrance and advancement in further collegiate studies or employment.
Geology Resource Center (GRC)
The Geology Resource Center (GRC) is located in Building 1, Room 130. For more information, please call 937-937-512-4560.
