GEOLOGY
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Grant R. Woodwell, Chair
Jodie L. Hayob, Career Advisor
Faculty
Professors
Jodie L. Hayob
Grant R. Woodwell
Associate Professors
Neil E. Tibert
Charles E. Whipkey
Assistant Professor
Ben O. Kisila
The Geology Program
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth including its composition, dynamics, surface processes and history. The Geology major provides broad training and a diverse range of courses appropriate for students interested in pursuing a professional career or graduate studies in the earth sciences and related fields. The program also provides the necessary background for teaching the earth sciences. Geology is an interdisciplinary science and students are encouraged to add courses from other disciplines in order to prepare for personal career goals. Students interested in the fields of paleontology or environmental geology are advised to take appropriate biology classes, whereas courses in chemistry and physics are important in most geological disciplines, such as seismology, hydrology and studies of energy and mineral resources. Students majoring in geology are encouraged to do independent study and research during their senior year. Financial support for student research is available. Qualified geology students may also choose to do an internship with a professional agency during either their junior or senior year. If students have a 3.00 overall grade point average with a 3.25 average in geology courses, they may pursue Honors in Geology by completing an independent research project and writing and defending a thesis.
The Department has modern and well-equipped laboratories in the Jepson Science Center to support and reinforce classroom instruction and to provide opportunities for research. Major equipment items include petrographic microscopes (one with a fluid-inclusion stage), a thin-section machine, an x-ray diffractometer, an energy dispersive spectrometer, magnetic susceptibility instrument and lab facilities for paleontology, sedimentology and geochemistry. The Jepson Science Center also has a scanning electron microscope facility that is shared by the science disciplines. For geological fieldwork, the department has GPS equipment, access to several boats, a core drill, surveying equipment, sediment corers, and for classroom study, an extensive collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. The department also has numerous fully networked microcomputers and a GIS lab.
Requirements for Geology Major
Thirty-six (36) credits, to include Geology 111, 112, 301, 302, 311, and 412; an additional twelve (12) credits in other geology courses at the 200-level or above. With advisor approval, Chemistry 331 and 332 may be substituted for up to four (4) of these credits. Environmental Science 307 may also be included for geology elective credit.
Geology Course Offerings
111 – Introductory Geology (4)
Introduction to the Earth: topics include mineral and rock composition of the crust and mantle, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes. Laboratory. Entry-level course.
112 – Evolution of the Earth (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 111 or Environmental Science 110. History of the Earth with emphasis on surficial processes, evolution of life, the hydrologic cycle and climate change. Laboratory.
201 – Paleontology (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 111 or Biology 121. Study of the Earth’s fossil record with emphasis on the process of organic evolution and the reconstruction of paleoenvironments. Laboratory.
205 – Computer Applications in Environmental Science and Geology (3)
This course emphasizes the acquisition of spatial data and their display and manipulation within geographic information system software. The class also includes an introduction to the use of global positioning system instruments for data collection. Cross-listed as Environmental Science 205.
210 - Oceanography (3)
Prerequisite: Geology 111. An introduction to the oceans. Physical and chemical processes affecting seawater; the geology of the seafloor;biological productivity in the oceans; and environmental challenges involving the oceans. Cross-listed as Environmental Science 210.
211 - Oceanography Laboratory (1)
Corequisite: Geology/Environmental Science 210. Laboratory investigation of the chemical and physical properties of seawater; the tides; bathymetric measurements; coastal navigation; and marine biological processes. One or more field trips may be scheduled. Cross-listed as Environmental Science 211.
221 – Environmental Geology (3)
Prerequisite: Geology 111 Interaction of geologic phenomena and processes with society and the biosphere.
301 – Mineralogy (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 111 or Environmental Science 110. Recommended: Chemistry 112 . Study of Earth’s major rock forming minerals, and those of economic value, in hand sample, microscopic thin section and through field studies. Course is conducted as a mix of lecture and laboratory activities. Laboratory.
302 – Petrology (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 301. Study of metamorphic and igneous processes and important rock types in hand sample, microscopic thin-section and through field studies. Course is conducted as a mix of lecture and laboratory activities. Laboratory.
311 – Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 111; recommended: Geology 301. Origin and nature of sediment; depositional environments; principles of seismic stratigraphy; facies models. Laboratory.
313- Fluvial Geomorphology (4)
Prerequisites: Geology 112 or Geography 111. Use of both classical (qualitative) and modern (quantitative) geomorphological methods to study and understand fluvial processes acting on the surface of the earth, and how landforms and landscapes created by these processes control the global environment. The class will combine field-based observations with in-class instruction. Laboratory.
315 - Hydrogeology (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 112. An introduction to surface water and groundwater flow; the hydrologic cycle; aquifer testing; flow to wells; contaminant transport; and field and laboratory instruments. Cross-listed as Environmental Science 315. Laboratory.
325 – Environmental Geochemistry (4)
Prerequisites: Geology 112 and Chemistry 112. Study of chemical processes operating at or near the surface of the Earth, in bedrock, soils, streams, the oceans and the atmosphere. Particular attention is given to environmental applications. Cross-listed as Environmental Science 325. Laboratory.
335 – Plate Tectonics (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 112. This laboratory course offers a comprehensive study of lithospheric plate movements using information derived from seismology, paleomagnetics, petrology and tectonics. Selected topics also include a historical review of the development of the theory of plate tectonics, geologic and geophysical events at plate boundaries and an evaluation of evidence regarding plate-driving forces. Laboratory.
412 – Structural Geology (4)
Prerequisite: Geology 301. Analysis and interpretation of structural features of the Earth’s crust such as folds and faults. Laboratory.
421 – Advanced Topics in Geology (2–4)
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Specialized topics not offered on a regular basis.
491 – Individual Study (1–4)
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Investigation of a topic which may include laboratory, field work and literature research. Course of study determined by supervising instructor and student.
499 – Internship (Credits variable)
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Geology major in good academic standing. Supervised off campus experience developed in consultation with the department. A maximum of three (3) credits may count toward the Geology major requirements.