C050. Introductory Geology (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SA.

An introduction to the basic principles and processes of geology. Wide range of topics, including rocks and minerals, surface processes, plate tectonics, and the earth's interior.

Note: Students must also register for a weekly 2-hour lab. This course is intended for students who have had little or no previous instruction in geology, and is recommended for non-majors as well as those considering a major in geology.

C051. Catastrophic Geology (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: Geology C050.

Substantial description and theory of plate tectonics as related to the geological catastrophes: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and floods. Causes, occurrences, properties, and use are given a scientific basis.

C062. Climate Change: Oceans To Atmosphere (4 s.h.) S. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: Geology C050.

The major topics in Oceanography will be covered in addition to introducing students to the Atmospheric circulation system. These topics will give students a better understanding of climate change and forecasting.

C081. Environmental Resources (4 s.h.) F S SS. Core: SB.

Prerequisite: Geology C050.

Interrelationships of people and the environment, problems of pollution, of availability, and of consumption of natural resources.

0185. Geology for Engineers (4 s.h.) S.

An introduction to geological processes and principles that (1) underlie societal interactions with the earth and (2) are fundamental to the behavior of crustal materials. Case histories of local waste disposal land use planning and hydrology soil mechanics are presented for practical engineering while histories of landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions are considered from an engineering safety focus.

0201. Mineralogy I (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Chemistry C061 or C071.

Fundamentals of hand-specimen analysis including crystallography, bonding, physical properties, chemical composition and growth of common minerals.

0210. Introduction to Hydrology (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Geology C050.

This course provides an introduction to the science of hydrogeology. Topics include how geology influences groundwater flow and geochemistry, how groundwater and surface water interact, and contamination and remediation issues. Student understanding of groundwater and contaminant movement is developed though a series of take-home problem sets that require basic algebra skills.

0211. Facies Models (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Geology C050 or permission of instructor.

Analysis of sedimentological and stratigraphic data to derive facies interpretations. Laboratory and field exercises emphasize data collection, interpretation and graphical presentation.

0212. Paleontology and Stratigraphy (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Geology 0211.

Fundamental concepts of stratigraphy combined with functional analysis of fossil organisms. Two four-day field trips focused on paleoecologic analysis and correlation of strata.

Note: Two four-day field trips.

0261. Introduction to Geochemistry (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Geology C050. Co-Requisite: Chemistry C061 or C071.

Application of chemical principles and quantitative methods to understand and solve various geological problems. Field trips and laboratory exercises will emphasize techniques of obtaining and measuring geological samples. Students will analyze, summarize, and present data in oral and written reports.

0293. Senior Research Project (3 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Written permission of the faculty member and the coordinator who will be responsible for their program.

Individual independent study and research under supervision of a member of the Geology Faculty. A final written report will be submitted to the faculty member. For further information and details, see the undergraduate adviser.

Note: Student must have a GPA of 3.25 at the end of the first semester of their junior year.

0301. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Geology 0201.

Chemistry, physical properties, distribution, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Term paper required.

W302. Structural Geology (4 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: Geology 0201.

Basic principles of natural rock deformation and the description and origin of structures.

Note: Geology B.S. Capstone Mode: Lecture and Laboratory.

0310. Use of Microcomputers in Geology (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior level student..

The focus of this class is on remote sensing technologies and geographic information systems. Remote sensing is a dynamic field; new, high-resolution satellites are coming on line almost daily, and there has been an exponential growth in applications of remote sensing data during the past decade, including: mineral exploration, precision agriculture, watershed management, land use classification, military intelligence, and climate monitoring. The demand for college graduates with experience in this field is growing exponentially as well. By the end of this class you won’t be a remote sensing expert, but you will have a fundamental understanding of the uses and limitations of remote sensing data for geologic and environmental applications, as well as fundamental geographic information systems skills.

W381. Environmental Seminar (3 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

Cross Listed with H391.

In this class you will study the environmental controversies that are in the news, from ozone depletion to Superfund reauthorization to Clean Water Act Amendments. We discuss both the scientific evidence at the heart of environmental controversies and the techniques, foul or fair, that try to persuade us to take sides.

Note: This course is for Geology Majors and Environmental Studies students. Geology B.A. Capstone. Mode: Seminar.

0390/0391/H391. Senior Honors Study (4 to 8 s.h.) F S.

Field and/or laboratory research leading to completion of an honors thesis.

H391. Environmental Seminar Honors (3 s.h.) S.

Cross Listed with W381.

In this class you will study the environmental controversies that are in the news, from ozone depletion to Superfund reauthorization to Clean Water Act Amendments. We discuss both the scientific evidence at the heart of environmental controversies and the techniques, foul or fair, that try to persuade us to take sides.

Note: This course is for Geology Majors and Honors Students. Mode: Seminar.
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