Professor of Geology & Oceanography
Northwest Florida State College
Research Specialty: Invertebrate Paleontology
FL licensed Professional Geologist: PG3058
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Jonathan R. Bryan, PhD
Courses
Dr. Jon Bryan is a Professor of Geology at Northwest Florida State College and former chair of Sciences Division. He teaches courses in Principles of Geology I (Physical Geology), Principles of Geology II (Historical Geology), Paleontology, Oceanography, Astronomy, and Earth Science and has developed new courses in Astrobiology, Natural Disasters (online) and Issues In Science & Religion. He has also taught graduate courses in Coastal Geography and Evolutionary Paleobiology at the University of West Florida.
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Dr. Bryan's commitment to excellence in undergraduate education was recognized with the 2000 Florida Professor of the Year award by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and selection as a state semifinalist for the Professor of the Year Award for Instructional Excellence by the Florida Association of Community Colleges. Additionally, he was selected twice as a recipient/participant of the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development Award for Teaching & Leadership Excellence (sponsored by the University of Texas, College of Education) and also selected twice by students at NWF State College as the annual Professor of the Year. He holds a doctorate in Geology from the University of Tennessee, a Masters degree in Geology from the University of Florida and a BS in Geology from Florida State University.
Generic Syllabi
NOTE: Florida has a common course numbering system among all 11 public state universities and 28 state colleges. As such, courses noted below are considered equivalent and fully transferable.
Principles of Geology I (Physical Geology) GLY2010C
GLY2010C. 4 credits w lab. An introductory survey of the mineral composition, surface environments and processes, structure, and tectonics of the solid Earth. Laboratory exercises include mineral and rock identification, and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps. Some fieldwork may be required. No prerequisites.
Principles of Geology II (Historical Geology) GLY 2010C
GLY 2010C. 4 credits w lab. An intro survey of the physical & biological history of the Earth. Theories on origin & early evolution of Earth; plate tectonics; stratigraphy; paleontology; overview of Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, & Cenozoic Eras; the Great Ice Age & the appearance of the first humans. Field & lab work in mineral, rock, & fossil identification, description of stratigraphic sections, & geologic map interpretation.
Oceanography OCE1001C
OCE 1001C, 4 credits w lab. An intro, interdisciplinary survey of all sciences pertaining to study of the global ocean including the subfields of oceanography: geological, chemical, physical, & biological oceanography. Lab exercises w map & ocean chart reading, ocean sediments, bathymetry, salinity, ocean circulation, coastal environments & processes, id & study of major groups of common marine organisms & marine ecology.
Astrobiology AST1005 (Interdisciplinary Science)
AST 1005. 3 credits. No lab. An intro, interdisciplinary survey of all sciences pertaining to the study of the conditions that are necessary for life on Earth, & the search for prospects of life beyond Earth. Relevant sciences include astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, paleontology & biology.
Natural Disasters ISC1003 (Online)
ISC 1003. Online class. 3 credits. Survey of natural disasters on Earth—their causes, mitigation, consequences & benefits. No prerequisites. Meets physical science requirement. Includes: global context of Natural Disasters & those caused by: heat flow in Earth’s interior; gravity & the hydrosphere; and earth-sun interactions; as well as consequences of Earth’s changing climate—past, present, future & natural disasters of the Biosphere like population growth & mass extinction.
Paleontology GYL2601C
GLY 2601C. 4 credits w lab. An introductory survey of the science of paleontology with field & laboratory work on the anatomy, identification, paleobiology & paleoecology of monerans, protists, plants, macro-invertebrates, & vertebrates. Emphasis is on extinct forms. Field work required.
Issues in Science & Religion IDS2220
IDS2220. 3 credits. Interdisciplinary course. Humanities credit. Explores historic & modern interactions between science & religion. Survey major scientific discoveries, theories & technological advances that both inform & challenge religious belief. Explore the historic role of religion in the rise of science, concepts of God and divine action, theology of nature, and metascientific proposals such as Gaia Hypothesis and Anthropic Principle. Emphasis on integrating & harmonizing religion & science.
Astronomy AST 1002
This non-lab one-semester course is designed to meet the general education requirements in physical science for non-science majors and for students in related scientific fields needing a scientific elective. The course includes topics in planetary astronomy, the sun and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Also covered are basic physical laws, light, and telescopes.