CS118 Shuler Building - (703) 323-3113
NOVA | Annandale | Math, Science and Engineering

Welcome

Welcome to the NOVA-Annandale Geology Department home page!

Geology is the eclectic science that utilizes knowledge from all other sciences in the pursuit of a better understanding of planet Earth.

The science of geology is traditionally divided into two broad areas, physical and historical. Physical geology involves the study of earth materials, as well as the various processes that shape our dynamic planet. The aim of historical geology is to understand the origin of the Earth and to unravel the history of the Earth and life through geologic time.

At NOVA-Annandale we teach a variety of courses designed to meet the needs of a broad range of student interests and academic needs. Physical geology is our most popular course, designed for both science and non-science students alike. Second semester students usually take our course in historical geology, which meets the needs of students intending to transfer who require two semesters of lab science. This course is important to future geology majors as well. In addition, honors option sections exist for each of our geology courses. Our extended and related course offerings include a two-semester introductory oceanography sequence, which examines the biology, chemistry, physics and geology of our oceans, as well as a diverse group of one-credit geologic field-study courses. In the summer, we offer several in-depth courses on special topics: Mid-Atlantic Field Geology, the Oceanography of the Chesapeake Bay and an examination of the Snowball Earth hypothesis.