May 16, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Listings

SUNY Oneonta offers students more than 1,400 courses—from Accounting to Zoology—from over 25 separate departments. Requirements for majors and minors and course descriptions are listed under the departments that offer them, and these departments are arranged in alphabetical order.

Please note that requirements, courses, and course descriptions are subject to change after publication of this catalog. Contact the appropriate departments for updated information. Also note that some course listings have been edited for clarity and consistency. Complete listings are available from the instructors or the departments concerned.

Key to Course Listings

Abbreviation   Meaning
(PACT)   Activity course in Health & Fitness
(LA)   Liberal Arts (course is a Liberal Arts offering)
OCS   Oral Communication Skills
SUSF   Sustainability Focused Courses
s.h.   Semester Hour(s)
SoS   Sophomore standing
JrS   Junior standing
SrS   Senior standing

Course Numbering System

001 - 099   No credit; usually developmental in nature.
100 - 199   Lower-division undergraduate-level courses.
200 - 299   Upper-division intermediate undergraduate-level courses.
300 - 399   Upper-division advanced courses.
500 - 699   Graduate-level courses.
 

Geology
  

  • GEOL 100 - GEOFYRST 1 s.h.

    GEOFYRST (Geologic Experiences Outdoors – First Year Regional Summer Trip) is a week-long field experience for incoming students. This course will introduce students to a variety of geologic materials, landscapes and field technologies to better understand planet Earth. Pass/Fail Option. Offered every fall and is a pre-semester field trip.
    LA
  

  • GEOL 102 - Sustaining Water 3 s.h.

    Sustaining Water explores the science of water, the elixir of life, and the importance of water in human society. Beginning with the unique properties of water, this course investigates the unique origin of liquid water on Earth, the movement of water above and below the land surface, and the role of water in shaping our landscape. We discuss the hazards posed to society through climate change, droughts, floods, water-born diseases, and wars fought over water supplies. Through lectures, readings, and class discussions, students will earn how to evaluate water issues using the scientific method, and how to sustainably develop water resources to meet the needs of current and future generations. A-E Only.
    LA
    SUSF
    NS3
  

  • GEOL 115 - Science of Natural Disasters 4 s.h.

    Course provides an overview of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, mass movement, meteorite impact and severe weather (including hurricanes and longer term climate change). Students will learn about the geological and meteorological processes responsible for producing these disasters through the use of various national and international data sources, as well as local and national case studies. Laboratories will provide for experiences in the application of the scientific method. In addition, this course will demonstrate how science can influence personal, societal, and governmental decisions. No special costs or restrictions. A-E Only.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • GEOL 120 - Introduction to Geology 4 s.h.

    An examination of the materials that make up our home planet and the processes that shape Earth from within and without. These processes include the earthquakes, volcanoes, movement of Earth’s plates, mountain building, weathering and erosion, among others. Laboratories are frequently taught by graduate teaching assistants. A-E Only. Offered Fall and Spring.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • GEOL 201 - Environmental Geology 3 s.h.

    A study of the practical aspects of geology that relate natural processes to the human environment; topics include Environmental Impact Statements, soil properties, ground stability, erosion controls, seismic hazards, solid waste disposal, and surface runoff and flooding. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 120  or GEOL 115  or GEOL 150  or GEOL 182 .
  

  • GEOL 220 - Earth History and the Fossil Record 4 s.h.

    An overview of the history of physical, chemical and biologic changes that have taken place on Earth since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. A major emphasis in the course is on the tools and techniques that are used to read and interpret this history using fossils and physical features in the rock. Laboratory and field exercises illustrate events in Earth’s history and provide students with opportunities to engage in geologic inquiry. Writing in the discipline is emphasized through laboratory reports, field trip reports and research papers. The course requires multiple Saturday field trips to examine fossils and rocks for practical experience on interpreting Earth’s history. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 .
  

  • GEOL 227 - Global Tectonics 3 s.h.

    Course content focuses on studies of ancient and modern plate tectonic settings. Class discussions will stem from recent tectonic events. Students will read geological publications and will give at least three 15-minute oral presentations during the course of the semester on tectonic topics. Students will gain knowledge of global tectonic processes while developing their critical thinking and oral presentation skills. The class involves a day trip during a weekend.  Assessment is based on class participation, presentations, assignments, and exams. A-E Only. Offered Spring semesters.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 . 
  

  • GEOL 242 - Mineralogy 4 s.h.

    The study of minerals, their physical and chemical properties, classification, origin, and geologic occurrence; basic principles of optical mineralogy, crystallography and crystal chemistry. Processes of formation on minerals and their assemblages in specific tectonic settings are emphasized. Mineral identification in hand specimen and in thin section is utilized in laboratory. A-E Only. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 . 
  

  • GEOL 250 - Planetary Geology 4 s.h.

    This course will explore the origin, composition, evolution and geological diversity of Earth as a planet and make comparisons with other bodies that make up the universe, including other planets in the solar system, moons, comets, asteroids, and exoplanets.  Processes associated with Earth’s celestial context such as lunar phases, eclipses, seasons, climatic variations, and tides will be examined as well. For pre-service teachers, this course addresses the Space Systems content from the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards in addition to Disciplinary Core Ideas and Cross-Cutting Concepts related to History of Earth, and Earth Systems. A-E Only. Offered summer and possibly fall semesters.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 .
  

  • GEOL 275 - Mapping Techniques in Geosciences 4 s.h.

    An examination of field and remote sensing techniques for gathering spatially distributed and oriented geologic data and common techniques for the preparation, analysis and presentation of these data. Brunton compasses, handheld GPS units and surveying tools will be utilized in collection of field data. Construction of GIS maps, using a variety of bases (e.g., topographic maps, aerial photos, satellite images, etc.) and geologic interpretation of mapped data will be a central focus of laboratory activities. A-E Only. Offered Fall only.
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 . 
  

  • GEOL 282 - Introduction to Hydrogeology 4 s.h.

    Investigation of the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on the flow of surface water and ground water; geologic aspects of fluid flow and water supply; hydrologic problems, including pollution, water quality, economics, and water-law; includes independent laboratory work in open-channel and ground-water flow. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120 .
  

  • GEOL 299 - Independent Study in Geology 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    Individual studies under faculty supervision. Admission by consent of department chair and instructor involved. Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): SoS and prior course(s) in GEOL.
  

  • GEOL 314 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 4 s.h.

    The formation of Earth’s most common crustal rocks is explored from both descriptive and theoretical perspectives. Laboratory emphasizes recognition of rock textures and composition in hand samples and thin sections and the interpretation of processes of formation of these features. Physical and chemical processes of rock formation are a major focus of this course. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 242 .
  

  • GEOL 321 - Paleontology 4 s.h.

    Fossils are a fundamental component of the rock record and provide the only direct evidence of past life on Earth. Fossils can help solve many geologic and biologic problems of interest, such as the dating of events in the geologic record, interpretation of depositional environments, paleogeography, climate change, the nature of mass extinction, and the history of biodiversity, at a temporal perspective unavailable when studying modern systems. In this course students will learn how to address questions and solve problems related to these topics through lab and field activities involving hypothesis testing, oral presentations, and written reports.  Field activities require multiple Saturday field trips to collect data for projects. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 360 .
  

  • GEOL 330 - Structural Geology 4 s.h.

    An introduction to common structural features - folds, faults, foliations, lineations, unconformities, geologic contacts - their geometry and origin.  Examination of basic concepts of stress and strain; laboratory application of basic geometric techniques used in structural analysis, including orthographic and stereographic projection, construction of cross-sections, and interpretation of structure from geological maps. The class involves a 3-day field trip over a weekend and a 1-day field trip over a separate weekend. Cost of field trips is approximately $30 per student.  A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 314  and GEOL 360 .  
  

  • GEOL 333 - Field Study of the Rocky Mountain Region 3 s.h.

    This course is an interdisciplinary study of the ecology and geology of the Rocky Mountain region that includes a 2+ week summer field excursion.  The course largely focuses on the natural environments of the southern Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau. Students will record observations in a field notebook; keep personal journals to reflect on a topic of the day; practice identifying rocks, fossils, plants, and animals; and synthesizing data in field presentations.  Active participation is required for successful completion of the course.  Enrollment is limited and students must apply to participate.  Field costs to be shared by students.  A-E Only. This course is offered in the summer semester.
    LA
    Cross-listed with BIOL 333 .
    Prerequisite(s): BIOL 180  and BIOL 181  or GEOL 120  and GEOL 220 .
  

  • GEOL 343 - Field Geology of Plate Boundaries 3 s.h.

    This course provides the opportunity for students to apply their in class theory to a field study experience. Students will record geologic observations in field notes and sketches; create maps and geologic cross sections; and present summaries of field investigations. Topic, site, and instructor may change upon each offering. Prior field trips have visited the active plate margin in the western US, near Palm Springs in southern CA and Death Valley National Park in eastern CA. The cost of the field trip will vary based upon location. Field trip part of course may run the first two weeks in January or during spring break. A-E Only. May be repeated for up to 9 s.h. Offered every other Spring.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): ESCI 215  or GEOL 314 . 
  

  • GEOL 350 - Data Analysis in Geosciences 4 s.h.

    Explore how geoscientists interpret and evaluate data sets with emphasis on data analysis techniques like ANOVA, regression, PCAs, and sequence analysis using R, a statistical environment. Practice applying techniques to real data sets in geology, meteorology, and climatology. Gain experience on how to communicate scientific results in written and/or oral formats. A-E Only. Offered every other spring.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): SoS; GEOL 220  or METR 212 . 
  

  • GEOL 351 - Paleoclimatology 3 s.h.

    Discovery of the climate system through an exploration of the major climatic events in Earth’s geological past with attention on the feedbacks among the land, atmosphere, and ocean. Evaluate the paleoclimate proxies, like ice cores and planktonic marine organisms, used to reconstruct Earth’s past climates. Gain experience synthesizing the primary literature on paleoclimatology. A-E Only. Offered every other fall.
    (LA)
    Prerequisite(s): METR 212  or GEOL 220 . 
  

  • GEOL 360 - Sedimentary Geology 4 s.h.

    Principles of sedimentary geology, including stratigraphy and sedimentology. Identification, classification, and correlation of rock units. Also includes use of fossils in interpretation, geophysical methods of correlation, the concept of facies, basin analysis, interpretation of depositional environments and history. This course requires multiple Saturday field trips to collect data for projects. A-E Only. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): ESCI 215  or GEOL 314 . 
  

  • GEOL 370 - Geomorphology 4 s.h.

    The study of surface processes and landforms, their origin and development, systems in equilibrium, effects of climate, and underlying rock structures. There is a mandatory 1-day field trip on a weekend during the course. A-E Only. Offered Fall only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): 3 s.h. of 200-level GEOL.
  

  • GEOL 374 - Glaciology and Glacial Geology 3 s.h.

    This course begins with an examination of glaciers—their formation, movement, and physical characteristics. Then we investigate the effects of glaciation on a regional scale, with special attention to erosional and depositional features in northeastern U.S. We will spend time characterizing the kinds of deposits and associated landforms that develop under and at the edge of glaciers, and based on ensemble features of deposits, interpret the depositional environments. We will also investigate the causes of glaciations, and discuss trends in modern glacier budgets. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): 3 s.h. of 100-level GEOL, BIOL, or GEOG.
  

  • GEOL 375 - Fluvial Geomorphology 4 s.h.

    Stream flow, flow frequency, river hydraulics, stream development, sediment transport and storage, channel shape and stability, and landforms associated with rivers are covered. Applications of fluvial principles to river management and stream restoration are emphasized.  A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): 3 s.h. of GEOL, ESCI, ENVS, BIOL, or GEOG 201 .
  

  • GEOL 380 - Environmental Geophysics 3 s.h.

    The application of physical principles to the investigation of the earth’s interior and the earth’s environment.  There will be multiple 1-day field trips that will include the use of the magnetometer, gravimeter, seismometer, and resistivity unit. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): GEOL 115  or GEOL 120  or GEOL 150  or GEOL 182 , and MATH 223 , and PHYS 103  or PHYS 203 .
  

  • GEOL 385 - Water and the Environment of Guatemala 3 s.h.

    This international field course prepares students to find solutions to contemporary water resources problems and environmental issues in the developing world. Water and the Environment of Guatemala largely focuses on the water resources of Lake Atitlan and its watershed. Students will take water samples and analyze water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding drainage basin. Based on observations, interactions with local residents, and data collection, students will identify sustainable solutions to local water resources problems. Students will also be exposed to Guatemala’s natural systems, from volcanoes and climate, to soils and biomes. This is an experiential course and active participation is required for successful completion. Permission of the instructor is required. Students must have a valid passport. Enrollment is limited and students must apply to participate during the preceding Fall semester. There is a special course cost associated with this class. A-E Only. This course will be offered during the Summer Semester.
    LA
    Cross-Listed as: ENVS 385  and GEOG 385 .
    Prerequisite(s): JrS and permission of instructor.
  

  • GEOL 390 - Geoscience Research Techniques 3 s.h.

    The choice and design of research projects are examined in lecture and seminar formats. Techniques employed in geoscience research, including searching and evaluating the primary literature, collecting field data, sampling design and techniques and laboratory analysis of samples are explored in preparation for ESCI 398 - Senior Thesis in Earth Science 3 s.h. . Scientific writing skills are developed through literature review and preparation of a formal thesis proposal. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, 15 s.h. of Geoscience courses.
  

  • GEOL 394 - Special Topics in Geology 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Selected topics of current geological interest not found in other courses. Subject matter varies each time course is offered, reflecting new developments in the field and changing interests of students and staff. Intended for geology majors. A-E Only.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): JrS and prior courses in GEOL.
  

  • GEOL 397 - Internship in Geology (or Water Resources) 1 s.h. - 15 s.h.

    Students are placed with an appropriate organization or agency for applied work experience. Requirements and credits vary with individual internships. Pass/Fail Only.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS.
  

  • GEOL 398 - Seminar in Undergraduate Research 3 s.h.

    Seminar discussion of undergraduate research projects. Faculty mentors and peers will review research progress weekly. Student researchers will assist one another in data analysis and interpretation, supplemented by faculty input. Research techniques will be explored as needed. Students who enroll in this seminar may also be eligible for independent study credit in association with their research projects. A-E Only. Offered irregularly.
    Prerequisite(s): 1) Declared major in Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. 2) Students must be engaged in research under the supervision of a faculty mentor (mentors need not be the same as the course instructor). 3) Permission of instructor.
  

  • GEOL 399 - Independent Study in Geology 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    Individual studies under faculty supervision. Admission by consent of department chair and instructor involved. Pass/Fail Option.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): JrS and prior course(s) in GEOL.