Courses Taught by J. A. Spotila
Undergraduate Courses
GEOS-1004: PHYSICAL GEOLOGY An introductory course teaching the basics of geology
and science. Includes an introduction to fundamental geologic principles and
aims to teach a basic understanding of how our Earth works both on the inside
(tectonics) and outside (surface processes). It also serves to teach the
importance of learning and understanding Earth processes, given the delicate
interaction between humanity and the environment. Taught in the Fall. (3H, 3C).
More information
for registered students on Blackboard.
GEOS-2444: GEOSCIENCE FIELD OBSERVATIONS A sophomore level course for all geoscience
majors. This is a field-based
course taught in spring semesters.
Students learn basic methods of field work, data collection, methods of
observation, and data interpretation, while observing a range of geologic
phenomena in the field. Typically
seven field trips are run on weekends following spring break. The link below leads to many photos
taken on the field trips from 2003 and 2004.
Photographs of field trips in
2003 and 2004
Graduate Courses
GEOS-6404: GLOBAL TECTONIC PROCESSES (co-taught with John Hole.) A multidisciplinary look at world-wide tectonic
processes and the evidence that constrains them. We explore the behavior of the
lithosphere, the driving forces of plate motions, and the general behavior of
plate boundaries and their effects on the crust. Topics include: introduction to global tectonics; the
big picture, spreading centers and rifting, subduction tectonics, transform
tectonics, collision and mountain building, and tectonics of plate
interiors. Each year the class
investigates one major plate boundary system, with each student taking on a
different component using different methodological approaches (from published sources),
which forms the basis for student presentations and term papers. This course is offered each year,
pending adequate enrollment.
GEOS-6404: ACTIVE TECTONICS Upper level graduate course that seniors may take with
permission, focusing on active deformation of the continents, earthquake
geology, paleoseismology, and tectonic geomorphology. Material is based heavily on reviewing published
literature. This course is
typically taught in Spring semester, and alternates topically with Process
Geomorphology (below). Please e-mail Dr. Spotila for availability and course
scheduling.
GEOS-6404: PROCESS GEOMORPHOLOGY Upper level graduate course that seniors may take with
permission, focusing on the processes that shape landscapes. This course takes
a quantitative, multidisciplinary approach to understanding geomorphic
processes. Depending on the year,
a different emphasis or focus area may be followed, such as "fluvial
geomorphology" (done in Spring 2004) or "thermochronology and
mountain building" (done in Spring 2005). Material is based heavily on reviewing published
literature. This course is
typically taught in Spring semester, and alternates with Active Tectonics
(above). Please e-mail Dr. Spotila for availability and course
scheduling.
Virginia Tech
4044 Derring Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0420
Last updated: 12 January 2005