Geology (Bryn Mawr)
Department Website:
https://www.brynmawr.edu/geology
Students may complete a major or minor in Geology. Within the major, students may complete a concentration in geochemistry.
The department seeks to give students a well-rounded Earth science education that balances fundamental knowledge of geology with broadly applicable problem-solving and communication skills. The integrated science of geology combines biology, chemistry, and physics as they apply to the workings of Earth and other planets. Well-trained geoscientists are increasingly in demand to address the environmental challenges and natural resource limitations of the modern world. A central tenet for understanding and predicting Earth processes and environmental change is the ability to decipher past Earth history from geologic records. Thus, the major in Geology includes study of the physics and chemistry of Earth materials and processes; the history of the Earth and its organisms; and the range of techniques used to investigate the past and present workings of the Earth system. Experiential learning is an important part of geology training. Field trips, lab work, and other practical experiences are part of many of our courses and student research projects.
Sourced from the Bryn Mawr College website: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/geology/program-requirements-opportunities
Major Requirements
Twelve courses are required for the major: GEOL 101 (How the Earth Works), 202 (Mineralogy), 203 (Biosphere through Time), 204 (Structural Geology), 205 (Sedimentary Materials and Environments), at least two semesters of quantitative or computational coursework (e.g., MATH 101 and 102 or alternates approved by your adviser), a two-semester sequence of CHEM (103-104) or PHYS (101-102 or 121-122), GEOL 399/400 (each a 0.5 credit), and either two advanced geology courses or one advanced geology course and an additional upper-level course in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or computer science.
The writing requirement for the major in Geology is fulfilled through completion of GEOL 202, 204 and 205, all of which are writing attentive.
Additional courses in the allied sciences are strongly recommended and are required by most graduate schools. A student who wishes to follow a career in geology is encouraged to enroll in a summer field course (not offered in the Tri-Co), usually following completion of the 200-level courses for the major.
Senior Capstone
All Geology majors participate in a senior capstone experience, which is a year-long course series (GEOL 399/GEOL 400), totaling one credit, that combines an independent project and a weekly seminar. The independent project gives students the opportunity and experience of creatively developing their own academic project; following through on that project; getting constructive feedback on that project; revising and improving that project; and submitting a report or other product that effectively communicates the project’s outcomes. Students’ independent projects may take a variety of creative forms and are developed in consultation with the student’s agreed upon advisor. Ideally the independent project is organized, planned, and arranged by the student and advisor by the end of the student’s junior year. So as not to overload any one faculty member in the department, the total number of students will, as best as possible, be distributed across the faculty evenly, with preference given to those students whose projects overlap the expertise of a given faculty member.
The focus of the capstone seminar is to reinforce students' ability to address geoscience questions and to communicate their findings orally and in writing. Students and faculty meet once every week to develop skills necessary to complete their independent projects, discuss topics related to scientific literacy and practice, and prepare students for the next step in their careers.
Requirements for Honors
Honors are awarded to students who have outstanding academic records in Geology and allied fields and whose independent project is judged by the department faculty to be of the highest quality.
Sourced from the Bryn Mawr College website: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/geology/program-requirements-opportunities
Minor Requirements
A minor in Geology consists of two 100-level Geology courses, and any four of the 200- or 300-level courses offered by the department. Two 0.5 credit courses may be combined to count toward one of the 100-level courses. Alternatively, an additional 200- or 300-level course may be substituted for one of the 100-level courses to meet the minor requirements.
Sourced from the Bryn Mawr College website: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/geology/program-requirements-opportunities
Concentration Requirements
Concentration in Geochemistry
The geochemistry concentration encourages students majoring either in Geology or in Chemistry to design a course of study that emphasizes Earth chemistry. Paperwork for the concentration should be filed at the same time as the major work plan. For a Geology major with a concentration in geochemistry, the following are required: GEOL 101, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 399; CHEM 103 (General Chemistry) and CHEM 104 (General Chemistry II); CHEM 211(Organic Chemistry) or CHEM 231 (Inorganic Chemistry); GEOL 302 (Low Temperature Geochemistry) or GEOL 305 (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology) or GEOL 350 (requires major advisor approval); one additional 300-level geochemistry-themed GEOL course or one additional advanced CHEM course. For a Chemistry major with a concentration in geochemistry, the following are required in addition to Chemistry major requirements (see Chemistry major advisor): GEOL 101 (How the Earth Works), GEOL 202 (Mineralogy/Crystal Chemistry), two additional 300-level geochemistry-themed GEOL courses including GEOL 302 (Low Temperature Geochemistry) or GEOL 305 (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology) or GEOL 350 (requires Geology major advisor approval). For course planning advice, contact Pedro Marenco (Geology) or Sharon Burgmayer (Chemistry).
Sourced from the Bryn Mawr College website: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/geology/program-requirements-opportunities
Faculty at Bryn Mawr
Don BarberAssociate Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies on the Harold Alderfer Chair in Environmental Studies
Selby Hearth
Associate Professor of Geology
Pedro Marenco
Associate Professor of Geology
Katherine Marenco
Senior Lecturer in Geology
Arlo Weil
Marion Bridgman Slusser Professor in the Sciences and Professor and Chair of Geology
Courses
GEOL B101 HOW THE EARTH WORKS (1.0 Credit)
Katherine Marenco, Selby Hearth
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
An introduction to the study of planet Earth—the materials of which it is made, the forces that shape its surface and interior, the relationship of geological processes to people, and the application of geological knowledge to the search for useful materials. Laboratory and fieldwork focus on learning the tools for geological investigations and applying them to the local area and selected areas around the world. Three lectures and one afternoon of laboratory or fieldwork a week. One required one-day field trip on a weekend.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B104 THE SCIENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE (1.0 Credit)
Selby Hearth
Division: Quantitative
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
A survey of the science behind climate change. Students will analyze climate data, read primary scientific literature, examine the drivers of climate change, and investigate the fundamental Earth processes that are affected. We will also examine deep-time climate change and the geologic proxies that Earth scientists use to understand climate change on many different time scales. This course is appropriate for students with little to no scientific background but is geared toward students who are considering a science major. Two 90-minute lectures per week.
GEOL B107 GEOLOGY OF COAL, OIL, AND NUCLEAR ENERGY (1.0 Credit)
Selby Hearth
This course covers the fundamentals of coal, oil, and nuclear, with an emphasis on their environmental and climate impacts. Concepts to be developed include the geologic formation of these materials, their relationships with the biosphere and geochemistry, and the long-term environmental consequences of their extractions. Students will conduct specimen and data analysis, field sampling, and lab work in order to examine local environmental impacts related to mining and drilling, as well as global impacts related to climate change. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific process, and how scientists obtain, process, and interpret data. No previous scientific training is required; however, a basic proficiency with data analysis in Excel or R is beneficial, as this course will rely heavily on data analysis.
GEOL B108 EARTH'S OCEANS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE (1.0 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of oceanography with an emphasis on how Earth’s oceans are tied to life and climate and how we study these links in the present and in the fossil record. We will spend much time understanding how the modern ocean works and how biogeochemical cycles interact with it. A major focus will be how we can use the ocean’s past and present to make predictions about its future. This is a flipped course in which students study pre-recorded presentations outside of class. Class time is devoted to labs, demonstrations, and other activities.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B112 GEOLOGY IN FILM (1.0 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Geologic processes make for great film storylines, but filmmakers take great liberty with how they depict scientific “facts” and scientists. We will explore how and why filmmakers choose to deviate from science reality. We will study and view one film per week and discuss its issues from a geologist’s perspective.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B202 MINERALOGY AND CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
Selby Hearth
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
The crystal chemistry of representative minerals as well as the relationship between the physical properties of minerals and their structures and chemical compositions. Emphasis is placed on mineral identification and interpretation. The occurrence and petrography of typical mineral associations and rocks is also covered. Lecture three hours, laboratory at least three hours a week. One required field trip on a weekend. Prerequisite: introductory course in Geology or Chemistry (both recommended, one required). This is course fulfills a Writing Attentive requirement.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B203 BIOSPHERE THROUGH TIME (1.0 Credit)
Katherine Marenco, Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
We will explore how the Earth-life system has evolved through time by studying the interactions between life, climate, and tectonic processes. During the lab component of the course, we will study important fossil groups to better understand their paleoecology and roles in the Earth-life system. Prerequisite: GEOL B101, GEOL B108, or GEOL B209.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B204 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (1.0 Credit)
Arlo Weil
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
An introduction to the study of rock deformation in the Earth’s lithosphere viewed from all scales - from the microscopic (atomic scale) to the macroscopic (continental scale). This class focuses on building a foundation of knowledge and understanding that will allow students to broaden their appreciation and understanding of the complexity of the Earth system and the links between geologic structures at all scales and plate tectonics. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory a week, plus a required three-day, weekend field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 and MATH 101.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B205 SEDIMENTARY MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTS (1.0 Credit)
Don Barber, Katherine Marenco
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
An introduction to sediment transport, depositional processes, and stratigraphy, with emphasis on interpretation of sedimentary sequences and the reconstruction of past environments. Three lectures and one lab a week, plus a one-day field trip on a weekend. Prerequisite: GEOL B101 or B108 or instructor permission. Recommended: GEOL B202 and B203.Recommended: GEOL B202 and B203. This is course fulfills a Writing Attentive requirement.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B206 ENERGY RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY (1.0 Credit)
Don Barber
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
An examination of issues concerning the supply of energy required by humanity. This includes an investigation of the geological framework that determines resource availability, aspects of energy production and resource development and the science of global climate change. Two 90-minute lectures a week. Suggested preparation: one year of college science.
GEOL B209 NATURAL HAZARDS (1.0 Credit)
Katherine Marenco
Division: Natural Science; Quantitative
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
A quantitative approach to understanding Earth processes that impact human societies. We will examine earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storms, and floods and explore the risks that they pose to communities. Course emphases include the fundamental physical principles and processes that govern natural hazards, approaches to mitigating the effects of natural disasters and responding in their aftermath, and examples of natural disasters from the recent and historical past. Lecture three hours a week.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B299 GEOLOGY FIELD SHORT COURSE (0.5 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Geology majors choosing to participate in the annual Fall- or Spring-Break Geology Department Field Trip must enroll in GEOL B299. Enrollment in this class does not guarantee a spot on the field trip. Several pre-trip class meetings help maximize student engagement on the trip by providing a forum for discussing the assigned readings. During the week-long field trip, students are exposed to geologic field methods while visiting sites that exemplify different geology from that at sites near campus. Geologic methods introduced may include proper field notetaking, mapping and measuring geologic structures, and interpreting geologic history. Culminating work introduces students to geologic illustration and report writing. A passing grade requires full participation and engagement by the student before, during and after the field trip. At least one post-trip meeting is held on campus to synthesize the material covered, and to go over students’ final reports. Prerequisite: GEOL B101; and GEOL B202, B203, B204 or B205.
GEOL B302 LOW-TEMPERATURE GEOCHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
Stable isotope geochemistry is one of the most important subfields of the Earth sciences for understanding environmental and climatic change. In this course, we will explore stable isotopic fundamentals and applications including important case studies from the recent and deep time dealing with important biotic events in the fossil record and major climate changes. Prerequisites: GEOL B101 or GEOL B108, and at least one semester of chemistry or physics, or permission of instructor.
GEOL B304 TECTONICS (1.0 Credit)
Arlo Weil
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Plate tectonics and continental orogeny are reviewed in light of the geologic record in selected mountain ranges and certain geophysical data. Three hours of lecture and a problem session a week. Prerequisite: GEOL 204 or permission of instructor.
GEOL B305 IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY (1.0 Credit)
Selby Hearth
Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
The study of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including their origins and modes of occurrence. The focus is on understanding how these rocks form, and on applying a combination of field methods, laboratory techniques, and theoretical understanding to interpret the origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The class will build on the study of mineralogy by examining assemblages of coexisting minerals, and what those assemblages reveal about the pressure, temperature, and chemical conditions under which a rock must have formed. For a culminating term project, we will conduct an intensive study of local metamorphic rocks. Three lecture hours weekly and one weekly lab. One weekend field trip. Prerequisites: GEOL B202.
GEOL B310 INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICS (1.0 Credit)
Arlo Weil
Division: Natural Science
An overview covering how geophysical observations of the Earth’s magnetic field, gravity field, heat flow, radioactivity, and seismic waves provide a means to study plate tectonics and the earth's interior. Three class hours a week with weekly problem sets. Prerequisite: one year of college physics or with permission of professor.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B314 MARINE GEOLOGY (1.0 Credit)
Don Barber
This course covers the physical, chemical and biological factors that shape marine environments, with emphasis on coastal ecosystems and landforms, and the implications of climate change for humans in the coastal zone. Meets twice weekly for a combination of lecture and discussion. Includes a mandatory day-long field trip to the Mid-Atlantic US coast. Prerequisite: two GEOL or BIOL courses, or ENVS H201 plus one course in GEOL or BIOL.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B350 ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOLOGY (1.0 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
This is a topics course. Course content varies. Recent topics include Geology and Colonialism, Carbonate Petrology, Appalachian Geology, Advanced Evolution, The Snowball Controversy, and Climate Change.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B399 SENIOR CAPSTONE SEMINAR (0.5 Credit)
Don Barber, Pedro Marenco
Division: Natural Science
A capstone seminar course required for all Geology majors. All Geology seniors will be required to participate in this two-semester seminar that meets bi-weekly for 2 hours for a total of 1.0 credit (0.5 credits per semester). Enrollment required in two half-credit courses, one in the fall and one in the spring semester of the senior year. The focus of the capstone seminar is to reinforce students' ability to address geoscience questions and to communicate their findings orally and in writing. Students and faculty will meet once every other week to help students develop the skills necessary to complete their independent projects, discuss topics related to scientific literacy and practice, and prepare students for the next step in their careers.
(Offered: Fall 2025)
GEOL B400 SENIOR THESIS (0.5 Credit)
Pedro Marenco
Rising seniors will undertake an independent project in addition to mandatory full participation in the senior capstone seminar. This student project is conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor(s). The project plan is initially developed and agreed upon by conference between the supervising faculty member(s) and the student. Most of the research is conducted independently by the student. The advisor serves as a source of ideas concerning scientific literature, methodologies, and financial support. The advisor may visit and inspect the research sites, laboratory or model, and offer advice on how the research should be conducted or modified.
(Offered: Spring 2026)
GEOL B403 SUPERVISED RESEARCH (0.5 Credit)
Don Barber
Division: Natural Science
Optional laboratory or field research on a wide variety of topics, open to junior or senior majors. Interested students must consult with department faculty members as early as possible, preferably before the start of the semester, in order to choose a faculty supervisor. The student and faculty supervisor meet early in the semester to plan the research and discuss gradable outcomes (e.g., final research paper). Requires permission of the instructor and the major advisor.
(Offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2026)
GEOL B415 TEACHING ASSISTANT (0.5 Credit)
Katherine Marenco
(Offered: Fall 2025)