Undergraduate Course Listings

GEOL 100 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 102 Historical Geology (4)
GEOL 104 Dinosaurs: A Natural History (3)
GEOL 110 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 120 Environmental Geology (3)
GEOL 123 Causes and Implications of Global Change (3)
GEOL 210 Gems and Gemstones (3)
GEOL 212 Planetary Geology (3)
GEOL 214 Global Energy Systems and Resources (3)
GEOL 288 Field Studies I (1)
GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)
GEOL 331 Principles of Paleontology (4)
GEOL 340 Geomorphology (4)
GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
GEOL 375 Introduction to the Blue Ocean (3)
GEOL 386 Experiential Learning (3-6)
GEOL 388 Field Studies II (3)
GEOL 393 Technical Writing for Geoscientists (3)
GEOL 394 Research Problems in Geology (3)
GEOL 410 Industrial Rocks and Minerals (3)
GEOL 423 Optical Mineralogy (3)
GEOL 436 Principles of Biogeochemistry (3)
GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present (3)
GEOL 443 Petrology (4)
GEOL 444 Low Temperature Geochemistry (4)
GEOL 445 High Temperature Geochemistry (4)
GEOL 446 Geophysics (3)
GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)
GEOL 462 Geological Remote Sensing (3)
GEOL 471 Geochemical Methods of Analysis (3)
GEOL 472 Tectonics (3)
GEOL 489 Special Topics (3)
GEOL 490 Geology Field Camp (6)
GEOL 491 Environmental Geology Field Camp (3-6)
GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (1-3)

Course Descriptions

GEOL 100 Physical Geology (3)
A general survey of the rocks and minerals composing the earth, its surface
features and the agents that form them, and the dynamic forces of plate tectonics.

GEOL 102 Historical Geology (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: GEOL100 or GEOL120, and GEOL110 or permission of department.
Earth’s history as revealed through the principles of stratigraphy and the processes of physical geology. Emphasis on formations and geologic development of the North American continent.

GEOL 104 Dinosaurs: A Natural History (3)
Dinosaurs, their evolution and extinction in the context of changing environments. Students will examine the geologic record and the tools used by geologists to determine geologic ages and sequences, dinosaur biology and classification, dinosaur social structure, and their role in the ecosystem. Mechanisms of global change ranging from plate tectonics to asteroid impact will be discussed.

GEOL 110 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
Three hours of laboratory per week.
Pre- or corequisite: GEOL100 or GEOL120.
The basic materials and tools of physical geology stressing familiarization with rocks and minerals and the use of maps in geologic interpretations.

GEOL 120 Environmental Geology (3)
A review of geologic factors underlying many environmental problems and the interactions between population and physical environment: geologic hazards, land-use planning, conservation, mineral resources, waste disposal, land reclamation, and the geologic aspects of health and disease. The course is aimed at lower division students in education and liberal arts, and should be useful to any student concerned with geologic perspectives of environmental problems.

GEOL 123 Causes and Implications of Global Change (3)
Also offered as AOSC123, and GEOG123. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: AOSC123, GEOG123, GEOL123, or METO123.
This course offers a unique experience in integrating physical, chemical, geologic, and biological sciences with geographical, economic, sociological and political knowledge skills toward a better understanding of global change. Review of environmental science relating to weather and climate change, acid precipitation, ozone holes, global warming, and impacts on biology, agriculture, and human behavior. Study of the natural, long-term variability of the global environment, and what influence mankind may have in perturbing it from its natural evolution. Concepts of how physical, biological, and human behavioral systems interact, and the repercussions which may follow from human endeavors. The manner in which to approach decision and policy making related to issues of global change.

GEOL 210 Gems and Gemstones (3)
A survey of the origin, occurrences, properties, fashioning, and treatments of natural and synthetic materials, with emphasis on diamonds and colored stones.

GEOL 212 Planetary Geology (3)
An examination of the geologic and geochemical processes at work in the solar system from the perspectives supplied by space age exploration of the planets and other solar system bodies.

GEOL 214 Global Energy Systems and Resources (3)
Prerequisite: A course in the natural sciences, environmental policy, geography, or permission of the instructor. Possible courses include: CPSP123, ENSP101, ENSP102, GEOG100, GEOG201, GEOL100, GEOL120, MATH140, or PHYS117, CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
Focuses on energy systems and resources on a global scale. It addresses energy transfer in natural systems, distribution of energy resources in the natural world, and problems of efficiency and limited energy resources. It is appropriate for those interested in science and technical energy issues as well as policy, education and the media.

GEOL 288 Field Studies I (1)
Repeatable to 3 credits if content differs.
Examination and investigation of Earth Science phenomena in the field, particularly geology. Involves fieldwork of one week or longer duration, which work normally includes both observation and data collection. Particular programs may require certain prerequisites. Permission of Instructor is required. Special fees may be necessary.

GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110; and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136; or CHEM103.
Basic mineralogy for geology majors. The principles of morphologic crystallography, crystal chemistry, and determinative mineralogy.

GEOL 331 Invertebrate Paleontology (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, and GEOL102; or permission of department.
A review of the theory, principles, and applications of Paleontology. A systematic overview of the morphology, evolution, and relationships of the major fossilproducing taxa.

GEOL 340 Geomorphology (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Two Saturday field trips.
Prerequisite: GEOL100 or GEOL120.
Analysis of landforms, organized on the basis of the geologic processes that have operated during the late Cenozoic. Constructional and erosional landforms related to physical systems operating on geologic structures through time.

GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, and GEOL102; or permission of department.
Study of the deformation of Earth’s lithosphere, especially stress, rheology, strain, and the origin and significance of structural features. Development of 3- dimensional thinking through drafting and drawing of structures, construction of geologic maps and cross-sections, and stereographic and orthographic representation of structures. Improvement of scientific writing. Two weekend field trips.

GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, and GEOL322; and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
Description, origin, and distribution of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Mandatory field trip.

GEOL 375 Introduction to the Blue Ocean (3)
Prerequisite: MATH140.
Recommended: MATH141, PHYS161, or PHYS171.
Also offered as AOSC375. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: AOSC375, GEOL375, or METO375.
Introduction to physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean. Role of the ocean in climate as a component of the Earth system. El Nino and the ocean, impact of global warming on the ocean and marine habitats including fisheries.

GEOL 386 Experiential Learning (3-6)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Junior standing.

GEOL 388 Field Studies II (3)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Examination and investigation of Earth Science phenomena in the field, particularly geology. Involves field work of one week or a longer duration, which would normally involve both observations and data collection, with associated classroom lectures and/or laboratory study, normally including additional analysis of collected observations and data. Particular programs may require certain prerequisites. Permission of instructor required. Special fees may be necessary.

GEOL 393 Technical Writing for Geoscientists (3)
Prerequisites: For GEOL majors only; minimum of Junior standing and at least 2 Upper Level GEOL courses with at least a third GEOL course concurrent.
Planning, writing and presenting a plan for research in the geosciences.

GEOL 394 Research Problems in Geology (3)
Prerequisite: For GEOL majors only; minimum of Junior standing, GEOL393 and at least 3 Upper Level GEOL courses. Investigation of a specific laboratory, library or field problem.
Written and oral presentation of the study.

GEOL 410 Industrial Rocks and Minerals (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL322.
The origin; occurrence; mineralogy; extraction and treatment technology; production and deposit-evaluation of rocks and minerals used in the construction, ceramic, chemical and allied industries. Restricted to non-fuels, non-metallic, nongem materials. Field trips to industrial locations are required.

GEOL 423 Optical Mineralogy (3)
One hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, GEOL322, and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
The optical behavior of crystals with emphasis on the theory and application of the petrographic microscope.

GEOL 436 Principles of Biogeochemistry (3)
Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite: MATH140 or 220, GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL322, and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
An introduction to the basic principles of biogeochemistry including aspects of organic geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, global geochemical cycles, the origin of life and paleoenvironmental evolution.

GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present (3)
Prerequisite: MATH115 or MATH140; GEOL100 or GEOL120, and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
The goal of the course is to highlight the fact that global climate change is part of the Earth’s past as well as of its present and future. Changes in climate that have occurred in the geologic past can be viewed as the Earth’s natural climate variability. These changes are different from, though could be linked with, historical and present anthropogenically-induced climate change. We will discuss the modern climate system, the factors capable of forcing climate change on various time scales, the geologic proxies of past climate change and what these proxies tell us. Finally, we will compare and contrast past climate change with what is understood (and not understood) about modern climate change.

GEOL 443 Petrology (4)
Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, and GEOL322, and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103.
Corequisite: GEOL423.
Study of igneous and metamorphic rocks: petrogenesis, distributions, chemical and mineralogical relations, macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, geologic significance.

GEOL 444 Low Temperature Geochemistry (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM103, or CHEM135 and CHEM136; MATH115, GEOL100, and GEOL322.
Basic chemical principles, thermodynamics, and kinetics of low-temperature inorganic and organic geochemical reactions in a wide range of surface environments. These geochemical tools will be used to provide a context for understanding elemental cycling and climate change. Laboratories will include problem sets as well as wet chemical and mass spectrometric techniques used in low temperature geochemistry.

GEOL 445 High Temperature Geochemistry (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM103, or CHEM135 and CHEM136; MATH115, GEOL100, and GEOL322.
Review of chemical principles and their use in understanding processes of Earth, and solar system formation and differentiation. Topics include nucleosynthesis and cosmochemical abundances of elements, bonding and element partitioning, equilibrium thermodynamics and phase stabilities, radiogenic isotopes and geochronology, kinetics, and diffusion.

GEOL 446 Geophysics (3)
Two lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: PHYS142.
An introduction to the basic theories and principles of geophysics stressing such important applications as rock magnetism, gravity anomalies, crustal strain and earthquakes, and surveying.

GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
Prerequisites: MATH140, GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110 and one of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103; or permission of department. Junior standing.
An introduction to the basic geologic parameters associated with the hydrologic cycle. Problems in the accumulation, distribution, and movement of groundwater will be analyzed.

GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Junior standing.
Physical processes by which water moves in watershed and wetland systems. Topics include: precipitation, infiltration, flow in the unsaturated zone, streamflow generation processes, and groundwater flow.

GEOL 462 Geological Remote Sensing (3)
One lecture and two laboratories per week.
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEOL100/110; GEOL120/110; or GEOL103.
An introduction to geologic remote sensing including applications of aerial photographic interpretation to problems in regional geology, engineering geology, structural geology, and stratigraphy. Films, filters, and criteria used in selecting imagery are also discussed. Laboratory exercises include measurements of geologic parameters and compilation and transference of data to base maps.

GEOL 471 Geochemical Methods of Analysis (3)
Prerequisite: One of the following: CHEM131 and CHEM132, CHEM135 and CHEM136, or CHEM103; and CHEM113.
Principles and application of geochemical analysis as applied to a variety of geological problems. X-ray and optical spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, electron microprobe, and electron microscopy.

GEOL 472 Tectonics (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEOL120, GEOL110, GEOL102, and GEOL341; or permission of department.
Selected tectonic elements of orogenic belts through out the world viewed in the framework of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading.

GEOL 489 Special Topics (3-6)
Prerequisites: For GEOL majors only; minimum of Junior standing and at least 2 Upper Level GEOL courses with at least a third GEOL course and GEOL393 concurrent.
Recent advances in geology.

GEOL 490 Geology Field Camp (6)
Prerequisite: GEOL341 and GEOL443.
Intense field geology course taught off campus during the summer. Students describe and compile maps of formations and structures from outcrops, subsurface, and remotely sensed data. Special fees required.

GEOL 491 Environmental Geology Field Camp (3-6)
Prerequisites: GEOL341 and GEOL342 and GEOL451 or permission of department.
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: GEOL490 or GEOL491.
Intensive field course designed for students of environmental geology. Students will learn to make maps, to describe soil profiles and site characteristics, to monitor hydrologic and groundwater conditions, and to measure geologic structures and stratigraphic sections.

GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (1-3)
Prerequisites: GEOL100 or GEO120, GEOL110, GEOL102; or equivalent; and permission of department.
Intensive study of a special geologic subject or technique selected after consultation with instructor. Intended to provide training or instruction not available in other courses which will aid the student’s development in his or her field of major interest.

Home | Programs of Study | Faculty, Staff and Students
Research Facilities | Department Information | Events and News | Geology Links