GEOL Geology
GEOL 1121 Introductory Geo-sciences 1: Physical Geology - (3-2-4)
This course covers Earth materials and processes.
GEOL 1122 Introductory Geo-sciences 2: Historical Geology - (3-0-3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1121 recommended as prerequisite or
co-requisite. This course covers geologic time, sedimentary environments,
fossils, and Earth history.
GEOL 2225 The Fossil Record - (3-2-4)
A survey of the history of life known from the fossil record. Includes
principles of paleontology, evolutionary theory, and mass extinction.
Field trips other than class time will be scheduled.
GEOL 3215 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology - (3-3-4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 3266. Tectonic setting, chemical and
physical processes, phase relations important to igneous and metamorphic
rock formation; classification based on hand sample and thin section
study. Field trips other than class time may be scheduled.
GEOL 3235 Sedimentary Geology - (3-2-4)
Introduction to the description and interpretation of sediments and
sedimentary rocks. Topics include: textural analysis of sediments,
thin-section description of sedimentary rocks, hydrodynamics of
sedimentary transportation, and interpretation of sedimentary structures.
Field trips other than during class time may be scheduled.
GEOL 3245 Invertebrate Paleontology - (3-3-4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1215 or GEOL 1122. Description, taxonomy,
and paleoecology of fossil invertebrates. Laboratory surveys of major
fossil groups and instruction in techniques of fossil collection and
study. Field trips other than during class time may be scheduled.
GEOL 3265 Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis - (3-2-4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 3235. An introduction to the study of rock
strata and their interpretation. Topics include: stratigraphic
relationships, lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic correlation,
recognition of depositional environments, and the tectonic evolution of
sedimentary basins. Field trips other than during class time may be
scheduled.
GEOL 3266 Mineralogy - (3-3-4)
Prerequisites or Co-requisites: GEOL 1121, CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L and
PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1311. Symmetry, chemistry, structure, phase relations,
physical properties and introduction to optical properties of minerals;
identification based on hand samples and thin section study. Field trips
other than class time may be scheduled.
GEOL 3275 Mapping and Field Geology - (1-5-3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1122. Measuring and recording geologic data
using Brunton compass, plane table and alidade, air photos, and
topographic maps; using air photos to infer geologic relationships;
preparation of short reports based on field work. Extended time in the
field will be required.
GEOL 4175 Undergraduate Research - (3-0-3)
Prerequisites: Permission of Department. Open to students of
demonstrated academic ability and capable of performing independent study;
planning, conducting and reporting geological or other earth science
research. Much time conducting research outside scheduled time required.
May be repeated for credit.
GEOL 4275 Structural Geology - (3-2-4)
Prerequisites: MATH 1112; Prerequisites or Co-requisites: GEOL
3235 and PHYS 1111 and PHYS 1311. Description, dynamics and kinematics of
folded and faulted rocks. Anatomy of mountain chains.
GEOL 4795 Senior Geology Seminar - (2-0-2)
Prerequisites: Senior standing. Various topics in geoscience,
selected by instructor, may be repeated for additional credit if topics
differ.
GEOL 5115 Geochemistry - (3-0-3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 3266, CHEM 1212, and CHEM 1212L. An overview
of geologically significant chemical systems. Topics include: cycling of
elements within the Earth's crust and mantle, composition and evolution of
igneous magmas, chemical weathering, formation of chemical sediments,
metamorphism, and development of natural resources.
GEOL 5135 Introduction to Oceanography - (3-0-3)
An overview of the world's oceans, including: geology of ocean basins and
oceanic sediments; the physical oceanography of currents, waves, and
tides; the chemistry of seawater; and the nature of shorelines and coastal
processes.
GEOL 5165 Introduction to Hydrology - (3-0-3)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1211, CHEM 1211L, and MATH 1132. Study of
hydrological systems on and beneath the earth's surface. Topics include:
precipitation and evaporation, runoff and stream flow, groundwater
infiltration, flownets and flow direction analysis of groundwater,
properties of aquifers, regional groundwater flow patterns, and water
pollution.
GEOL 5175 Physical Anthropology and Archeology - (3-0-3)
Prerequisites: Junior standing. A survey of primate and human
origins, the paleontological record of human evolution and the study of
Paleolithic cultures and the diverse biologies of modern human
populations. Course work will include techniques of lithic archeology and
focus on North American native prehistory.
GEOL 5215 Geomorphology - (3-2-4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1121, CHEM 1212, and CHEM 1212L. Evolution
of land forms in various climates and the formation of soils.
GEOL 5255 Environmental Geology - (3-2-4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1121. Examination of human interaction with
the geologic environment. Geologic hazards such as earthquakes, floods,
landslides, and volcanic eruptions will be considered, as well as
resources and waste management, and human impacts on the physical
environment.
GEOL 5275 Vertebrate Paleontology - (3-2-4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1122. History and taxonomy of the
vertebrates. Analyses of vertebrate origins, periods of mass extinctions,
evolution of body structures and function. Laboratory survey of the taxa
and techniques of curating. Field trips other than during class time may
be scheduled.
GEOL 5555 Selected Topics in Geology - (3-0-6-3)
GEOL 7565 Selected Topics in Environmental Geology - (1-0-1)
Graduate seminar addressing advanced topics of interest to students
pursuing environmental geology specialization. Offered alternate
years.
