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Tufts University Department of Geology Courses

Students considering a major in Geology or Geological Sciences should discuss their course selections with Anne Gardulski, Jack Ridge, Grant Garven, Molly McCanta or Jake Benner. This is important because upper level courses are offered in alternate years. Careful planning should give you the opportunity to participate in more course offerings. Please consult this guide to Geology majors and minors. The listing below is an estimate of which courses will be taught in future semesters, they are not guaranteed.

NOTE: Most course websites have transitioned to Blackboard.

Choose a link from the list below to view the course description or download the latest course booklet.

Course Number

Course Title

 GEO 0001  Geology 1 - Introduction to Geology: The Dynamic Earth
 GEO 0002  Geology 2 - Environmental Geology
 GEO 0005  Geology 5 - Introduction to Oceanography
 GEO 0011  Geology 11 - Mineralogy
 GEO 0012  Geology 12 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
 GEO 0022  Geology 22 - Structural Geology
 GEO 0032  Geology 32 - Geomorphology
 GEO 0035  Geology 35 - Sedimentology
 GEO 0036  Geology 36 - Stratigraphy
 GEO 0038  Geology 38 - Historical Geology and Paleontology
 GEO 0091, 0092  Geological Research
 GEO 0102  Geology 102 - Petrography and X-ray Analysis
 GEO 0103  Geology 103 - Geological Applications of SEM Analysis
 GEO 0104  Geology 104 - Geological Applications of GIS
 GEO 0115  Geology 115 - Quaternary and Glacial Geology
 GEO 0131  Geology 131 - Groundwater
 GEO 0132  Geology 132 - Groundwater Chemistry and Quality
 GEO 0191, 0192  Selected Topics
 GEO 0193, 0194  Senior Thesis
 GEO 187  Geology 187 - Subsurface Fluid Dynamics
 GEO 188  Geology 188 - Groundwater Modeling
 GEO 189  Geology 189 - Geofluids

 

Geology 103 - Geological Applications of SEM Analysis

SEM Analysis is devoted to the theory and use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive elemental analyzer (EDS).

The SEM allows examination of rock and mineral samples, fossils, archaeological objects, crystals, and other solid materials ranging in size from one square centimeter down to one square micron. Digital images of these materials can be acquired at magnifications up to 10,000X.

The EDS attachment creates compositional maps of the samples, providing a visual image of the distribution and concentration of the elements present. Qualitative and quantitative analyses and line scan graphing of elemental distributions aid in the identification and interpretation of sample materials.

The first half of this course will focus on the theory and hand-on use of the SEM-EDS system as well as specimen preparation. Following Spring Break, class and lab time will be spent on individual projects that make use of the imaging, qualitative, and quantitative methods learned earlier in the term. Project results will be presented at the end of the term in lieu of a final exam.