PLANET EARTH
4 credits
Frameworks
An introduction to the physical processes that interact to change the interior and the surface of the earth, including weathering, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciation, marine erosion, “Plate Tectonics,” and mountain building. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory, and field trip.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
4 credits
Frameworks
An introduction to the geologic processes that shape our planet and modify environments. Such fundamental concepts as land-use planning, development of urban areas, hazardous waste disposal in natural systems, use of resources, and soil development and modification will be emphasized. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
OCEANOGRAPHY
3 credits
Frameworks
A study of the physical processes that affect the oceans of the earth. Emphasis will be on tides, currents, waves, chemistry of the sea, and geology of ocean basins. Three hours lecture.
FIELD STUDIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
4 credits
Frameworks
An introduction to the field of environmental sciences, including the historical development of the subject, the current state of knowledge, and the development of humans and the impact they have had on our environment. Three lectures and three hours laboratory. Course includes mandatory field trips.
ASTRONOMY
3 credits
Frameworks
A contemporary view of the universe from the Big Bang to its possible ends, our sun and its planets, galaxies, the life and death of stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars, quasars, black holes, life on earth, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.
EARTH SCIENCE
3 credits
Frameworks
This course covers various topics pertaining to the earth and its place in the universe. Major aspects of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy are studied. Emphasis is placed on the interactions of earth systems, and the evolution of our planet.
MINERALOGY
4 credits
Hand specimen identification of minerals. Study of the growth, internal structure, and physical properties of minerals. Six hours lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 151 or permission of instructor.
PETROLOGY
4 credits
Hand specimen description and identification of rocks and their components. Overview of petrologic processes in a tectonic context with emphasis on global chemical cycles. Six hours class and laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 202 or permission of the instructor.
OPTICAL MINERALOGY
4 credits
An introduction to the theory of light transmission in crystals and the use of the polarizing microscope to study light phenomena in minerals and other substances. Lab is concerned with mineral identification using thin section and oil immersion techniques. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: GEO 202.
PALEONTOLOGY AND THE HISTORY OF PLANET EARTH
4 credits
A review of the invertebrate and vertebrate fossil record. Correlation of biological development with the evolution of the earth. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
SPECIAL TOPICS
3 credits
SEDIMENTOLOGY
4 credits
Analysis and interpretation of sedimentary processes; classification and analysis of the common sedimentary rocks. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 203, 204.
STRATIGRAPHY
4 credits
An introduction to physical stratigraphy, methods of correlation of rock and time rock units; the interpretation of paleogeography. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: GEO 301.
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
4 credits
Description and mechanics of structural features such as: folds, joints, faults, lineations, and foliations features. Laboratory is concerned with problem-solving using geometric and stereographic techniques, cross-sections, and the examination of tectonic forces that cause deformation. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: MTH 113, GEO 203, 204.
GLOBAL TECTONICS
3 credits
A review of the literature on the theory of plate movement and study of the dynamic earth system with implications as to the origins of magma, earthquakes, and sea-floor spreading. Three hours lecture, one hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 150 or 151.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY
4 credits
Practical background in basic geochemical principles that can be applied to environmental problems such as global warming, acid rain, smog, acid mine drainage, nuclear waste disposal, and water pollution. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 111, 112; GEO 151 or 153.
HYDROGEOLOGY
3 credits
Hydrogeology deals with the physical principles governing the flow of groundwater and surface water. Emphasis will be on well hydraulics and flow system analysis. Topics will include water budgets, floods and flood frequency analysis, groundwater supply, steady state and non-steady state flow, hydrogeologic regimes, and introductory groundwater chemistry.
IGNEOUS PETROLOGY
4 credits
A review of the origin of the different igneous rock types based on the latest chemical, petrographic, and geophysical evidence. Emphasizes the descriptive analysis of igneous rock composition and textures, interpretation of those compositions and textures, interpretation of igneous phase diagrams, and determination of cooling histories of common igneous rock types based on petrographic and phase analysis. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory, and field trips. Prerequisites: GEO 203, 204; CHM 111, 112.
METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
4 credits
A review of the origin of metamorphic rocks with a look at the physical, thermodynamic, and geochemical processes concerned with mineral recrystallization. Detailed thin-section examination of the various metamorphic zones. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory, and field trips. Prerequisites: GEO 203, 204; CHM 111, 112.
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
3 credits
The study of ore deposits associated with igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on classical ore deposits. A survey of the various origins for metallic and non-metallic deposits. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites: GEO 203, 204; CHM 111, 112.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND FIELD METHODS
4 credits
An advanced course in environmental geology related to land-use planning, development of urban areas, geologic processes and hazards, land form analyses, and engineering properties of Earth materials. Global development and environmental impact will be emphasized. The field and lab component of this course includes environmental study and mapping using various instruments in the department including: Brunton compasses, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ground penetrating radar, magnetometer, EM-31 electro-conductivity system, and seismic refraction. Course requirements include an original environmental research project conducted by each student. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: GEO 202 or permission of instructor.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
3 credits
Full-time employment at a company related to geology and/or environmental geology/environmental science. This experience is designed to provide job-related learning under faculty supervision. Ordinarily, this position does not include concurrent course work at the University. Positions must be approved by Department Chair. Minimum student G.P.A. of 2.75 is required for consideration.
INTERNSHIP
3 credits
Part-time employment at a company related to geology and/or environmental geology/environmental science. This experience is designed to provide job-related learning under faculty supervision. Ordinarily, this experience is done concurrently with course work at the University. Positions must be approved by Department Chair. Minimum student G.P.A. of 2.75 is required for consideration.
TOPICS IN ADVANCED GEOLOGY
3 credits
Selected topics dealing with contemporary developments in geology.
RESEARCH
1-4 credits
Supervised research in geology. Can be elected in fall, spring, or summer. Permission of Chair required.
