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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GEOLOGY
(GEO)

1013 The Third Planet [TCCN: GEOL 1301.]
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Evolution of ideas concerning the earth’s origin, structure, and age; social impact of recognizing the antiquity of the planet and humankind’s brief presence; examination of how the distribution of planetary resources influenced the rise and clash of civilizations. May not be applied to a major in geology. May apply toward the Level I Core Curriculum requirement in science.

1103 Introduction to Earth Systems [TCCN: GEOL 1303.]
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the following Core Curriculum requirement: MAT 1023 or above.
The earth as a dynamic planet; relation of the earth’s present processes to its resources, structure, and internal composition. Nature of minerals and rocks, the hydrosphere, tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, and surface features of the earth. Concurrent enrollment in GEO 1111 recommended. May apply toward the Level II Core Curriculum requirement in science.

1111 Introduction to Earth Systems Laboratory [TCCN: GEOL 1103.]
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEO 1103.
Relation of the earth’s present processes to its resources, structure, and internal composition. Field trips and laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and aerial and satellite photos.

1123 Earth History [TCCN: GEOL 1304.]
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the following Core Curriculum requirement: MAT 1023 or above.
Formation and evolution of the earth, its life forms, and the major features of its surface. Concurrent enrollment in GEO 1131 recommended. May apply toward the Level II Core Curriculum requirement in science.

1131 Earth History Laboratory [TCCN: GEOL 1104.]
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEO 1123.
Laboratory study of fossils and rock sequences; interpretation of earth history.

2003 Mineralogy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 1103, GEO 1103, GEO 1111, MAT 1093, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in GEO 2011.
Crystallography, chemistry, physical properties, and origins of minerals. Field trips required.

2011 Mineralogy Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in GEO 2003.
Laboratory study of crystal models, crystals, and minerals. Field trips required.

2023 Optical Mineralogy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2003, GEO 2011, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 2031.
Principles and methods of optical mineralogy. Optical properties of minerals and microscopic determination of opaque and nonopaque minerals.

2031 Optical Mineralogy Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2003, GEO 2011, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 2023.
Use of the petrographic microscope for the identification of minerals.

3043 Petrology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2023, GEO 2031, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3052.
Description, classification, occurrence, and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Field trips required.

3052 Petrology Laboratory
(1-4) 2 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2023, GEO 2031, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3043.
Laboratory study of rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Field trips required.

3063 Paleontology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, GEO 1123, GEO 1131, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in GEO 3071.
Study of fossil animals and plants. Emphasis on invertebrate animals. Systematics, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and evolution of fossil organisms. Field trips required.

3071 Paleontology Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, GEO 1123, GEO 1131, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3063.
Study of fossil specimens, collections, and preparation techniques. Field trips required.

3083 Stratigraphy
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 3063, GEO 3071, GEO 3123, and GEO 3131, or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in GEO 3091.
Application of stratigraphic principles to the interpretation of rocks formed at or near the surface of the earth. Field trips required.

3091 Stratigraphy Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in GEO 3083.
Laboratory study of stratigraphic methods using maps, measured sections, geologic and stratigraphic cross-sections, air photos, seismic data, modeling techniques, systems analysis, and various aspects of sequence stratigraphic analysis. Field trips required.

3103 Structural Geology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 3043, GEO 3052, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3111.
Response of earth materials to natural stresses. Description and origin of geologic structures. Field trips required.

3111 Structural Geology Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in GEO 3103.
Laboratory study of geologic structures using maps, cross-sections, photographs, and descriptive geometric and stereographic methods. Field trips required.

3113 Geologic Field Investigations
(2-3) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Field studies of areas of geologic interest; e.g., structural geologic mapping, sedimentary facies analysis, hydrologic studies, etc. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours may be applied to a B.A. or B.S. degree in Geology. Concurrent enrollment in GEO 4933 or GEO 4943 is not permitted. Field trips required.

3123 Sedimentary Geology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Completion of GEO 3043 and GEO 3052, or GEO 3203; concurrent enrollment in GEO 3131.
Processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition that form bodies of sedimentary rock. Depositional systems and modeling are a significant area of study. Field trips required.

3131 Sedimentary Geology Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: Completion of GEO 3043 and GEO 3052, or GEO 3203; and GEO 3123. Concurrent enrollment in GEO 3123.
Laboratory studies of sedimentary processes and their products. Hand specimens, thin sections, sedimentary structures, and interpretation of depositional environments. Field trips required.

3143 Economic Geology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2003 and GEO 2011, or GEO 3203; and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3151.
Origin of metallic ore deposits and industrial minerals, including the geology of major metallic deposits and the uses and economics of metals. Field trips required.

3151 Economic Geology Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: GEO 2003 and GEO 2011, or GEO 3203; and concurrent enrollment in GEO 3143.
Study of rock and mineral suites from important ore localities. Identification of ore minerals, textures, structures, and alteration zones associated with ore deposits. Field trips required.

3163 Oceanography
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
General oceanography, with emphasis on marine geology and especially the continental margins. Field trips required.

3203 Rocks and Minerals
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: CHE 1103, GEO 1103, and GEO 1111; MAT 1023 or above; or consent of instructor.
Description, classification, and origin of common rocks and minerals as well as gemstones and ores. Field trips required.

3323 Global Tectonism and Geologic Processes
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, and MAT 1023 or above.
Global tectonism is a framework for understanding the Earth. Students may explore the evolution of our current global tectonic paradigm from continental drift to plate tectonics. May not be applied toward a B.S. degree in Geology.

3331 Global Tectonism and Geologic Processes Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in GEO 3323.
Students will study the concepts that underlie global tectonism through the medium of hands-on activities specifically designed for adaptation and use in school classrooms. May not be applied toward a B.S. degree in Geology.

3374 Geochemistry
(2-4) 4 hours credit. Prerequisite: CHE 1303 or consent of instructor.
A survey of geochemical processes and the distribution of elements in the earth. Application of chemical methods and data to the solution of geologic problems.

3383 General Geophysics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 3043 and GEO 3052.
Physics of the earth’s interior, plate tectonics, geomagnetism, gravity, and heat flow.

4013 Volcanology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: GEO 3043 or GEO 3203, or consent of instructor.
A survey of volcanoes and volcanic processes, including historically important volcanic eruptions and the prediction and mitigation of volcanic hazards. Field trips required.

4023 Engineering Geology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: PHY 1603 or PHY 1943 and MAT 1214; or consent of instructor.
Geologic factors in construction. Geotechnical properties of minerals, rocks, and soils. Case studies. Field trips required. (Formerly GEO 3023. Credit cannot be earned for both GEO 4023 and GEO 3023.)

4063 Principles of Environmental Geology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103 and GEO 1111.
An analysis of human interaction with geologic systems; the risks and effects of natural geologic hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and floods. Topics will include the effects of human activity on natural systems such as groundwater quality and recharge, river systems, and coasts. The meaning of “geologic repository” for human waste disposal and how the concept is applied will also be addressed.

4113 Geomorphology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 4121.
Analysis of Cenozoic landform evolution. Field trips required.

4121 Geomorphology Laboratory
(1-3) 1 hour credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, and concurrent enrollment in GEO 4113.
Interpretation of maps and aerial photographs. Field trips required.

4193 Field-Based Inquiry
(2-2) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Level II core course science and mathematics requirements.
This course should enable future teachers to integrate fieldwork and inquiry into their curriculum. Observational and descriptive skills from a field-based research perspective will be emphasized. Mapping techniques will include pace-and-compass mapping, plane table mapping, and an introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping. An interdisciplinary approach that explores Earth system interactions will be highlighted. Students will develop and carry out a research project based upon fieldwork. Students in this course will spend significant time outdoors traveling over rough terrain. (Same as ES 4193. Credit cannot be earned for both GEO 4193 and ES 4193.)

4623 Ground-Water Hydrology
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 1103, GEO 1111, and PHY 1943; or PHY 1603 and MAT 1214.
Hydrologic cycle and the theory of underground water. Recharge and discharge of aquifers; water quality; exploration and development of ground-water supplies. Field trips required.

4803 X-Ray Crystallography
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
The principles and applications of x-ray diffraction to crystalline materials.

4911-3 Independent Study
1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree in geology.

4933 Field Geology Part I
(1-6) 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: GEO 3101, GEO 3111, and consent of instructor.
Part I: Field mapping and measurements. Field trips are required. (Formerly GEO 4947 and GEO 4946. Credit cannot be earned for both GEO 4933 and GEO 4947 or GEO 4946.)

4943 Field Geology Part II
(1-6) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: GEO 4933, and consent of instructor.
Part II: Field mapping and measurements. Field trips are required. (Formerly GEO 4947 and GEO 4946. Credit cannot be earned for both GEO 4943 and GEO 4947 or GEO 4946.)

4951-3 Special Studies in Geology
(1-0, 2-0, 3-0)1 to 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.

4993 Honors Research
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to candidates for college honors during their last two semesters; approval by the College Honors Committee.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated only once with approval.

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