GEOL 1000: The Earth (3 cr.)

How does the earth work, what is it made of, and how does it change through time? Plate tectonics, Earth materials, landforms, structures, climate, and natural resources. Emphasis on the observations and hypotheses used to interpret earth system processes.

This is an introductory course in physical geology, which Swanner teaches both in-person and online.

GEOL 4060/5060: Geology Field Course “EnvIRONments (1-2 cr.)

The topic is iron-rich lakes, and students will participate in collecting field data that will be used in a scientific publication. Incorporates perspectives and techniques from aquatic geochemistry, limnology, microbial ecology, and hydrogeology. Geology and Environmental Science students are encouraged to participate.

Students enroll with the permission of the instructor. This is part of Swanner’s NSF CAREER award and was taught in Spring 2022, Fall 2023, and Spring 2023 over two different field areas.

GEOL 4120/5120: Geobiology (3 cr.)

Microbes have a deep evolutionary history on the planet, and their major biological innovations corresponded to key developments in Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. Major functional classes of microbes and key phylogenetic groups associated with these innovations will be emphasized. While some microbes fossilize, microbial history is often read through geochemical and stable isotope signatures recorded in the rock record. The study of Geobiology necessarily incorporates the investigation of microbial ecology, diversity and function in modern environments. The laboratory will cover environmental sampling and laboratory analysis of modern microbes and their application to interpreting the geological record.

This course is dual-listed for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. 

GEOL/ENSCI 4190/5190: Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry (3 cr.)

This course addresses the chemical principles underlying the fate of solid, liquid, and gas-phase inorganic and organic contaminants during interaction with natural phases. Laboratory activities are designed to enhance understanding of coursework and expose students to methods in environmental monitoring, analysis, and remediation. Additional topics include terrestrial environments, such as soils and aquifers, as well as an introduction to atmospheric contaminants.

The course is dual-listed for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. It is cross-listed with ENSCI. It is offered in even Spring Semesters and meets T/Th 11-11:50 for lecture and a lab Fr 1:10-3:00.

GEOL/ENSCI 4775/5775X: Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3 cr.)

Examination of element movement through Earth’s physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes. Changes in these processes through Earth’s history, and their influence on Earth’s climate and the composition of the surface, atmosphere, and oceans. Recommended for undergraduate students near the end of their studies or graduate students with two semesters of chemistry. Offered in fall of even-numbered years (first offered Fall 2026).