Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 1410. Introduction to Geology.

This course examines the materials that make up the Earth, the physical and chemical processes that act upon them, and the outcomes of these processes over geologic time. Students analyze Earth’s structure and history by studying rock formation, tectonic activity, surface processes, and geologic cycles. Emphasis is placed on major geologic concepts that explain the evolution of the planet, the interactions among Earth systems, and the dynamic processes that shape the Earth today.

GEOL 1420. Historical Geology.

This course is a continuation of the study of physical geology with an emphasis on the geologic history of the Earth, particularly of North America. Students examine the evolution of life, the movement and development of continents through geologic time, and major events that have shaped the Earth’s surface. The course introduces students to the principles and methods that are used to interpret the Earth’s history, including stratigraphy, fossil evidence, and geologic time scales. Prerequisite: GEOL 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3360. Survey of Economic Mineral Deposits.

This course introduces students to the geology of Earth-derived economic resources, including metallic and nonmetallic minerals, energy resources, and groundwater. In this course, students learn about the geologic processes responsible for the formation of economic deposits and the methods used to locate and evaluate them. The course also examines techniques of extraction and refining, as well as the analysis of documented environmental and societal impacts associated with resource development and use. Prerequisite: GEOL 3450 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3410. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy.

This course challenges students to move beyond basic identification toward a mastery of the processes governing the Earth's sedimentary record. Students identify and describe the fundamental principles of weathering, transport, and lithification while explaining the relationship between physical processes and sedimentary outcomes. Moving into higher-order analysis, participants examine primary and secondary sedimentary structures and textures to reconstruct and evaluate ancient environments of deposition. By the conclusion of the term, students critique and categorize complex strata into formal stratigraphic units, integrating diverse geological data to formulate a comprehensive geologic history from cogent hypotheses and current theories. This progression ensures students can not only recognize geological features but also interpret their significance within the broader context of Earth’s history. Prerequisite: GEOL 3450 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3430. Geologic Maps and Structures.

This course explores the role of geologic maps in visualizing, understanding, and classifying the three-dimensional shape and distribution of geologic structures and rock units within Earth’s crust. In addition to geologic maps, the course incorporates essential analytical tools (e.g. stereonets, cross sections, block diagrams, and analytical geometry) to visualize and quantify the geometric relationships of surface and subsurface features. By mastering these graphical and mathematical techniques, students develop the ability to predict the orientation of structural features from limited surface exposures and reconstruct the orientations and strengths of stresses within the shallow crust. Spatial analysis of the crust is foundational for interpreting regional tectonic histories and solving practical problems related to geological resources, environmental management, and natural hazards. Field trips help bring lab-based skills into real-world contexts. Prerequisites: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 3450. Earth Materials.

This course provides a rigorous introduction to the chemical and physical properties of the building blocks of our planet. Students explore crystal chemistry and mineralogy to understand the internal structure and identification of major rock-forming minerals. The curriculum integrates these foundational concepts into the broader study of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology, examining how these materials relate to environmental sciences and large-scale Earth processes. Through combined lecture and intensive laboratory sessions, students develop the technical proficiency required to analyze and classify diverse geological materials in a professional context. Prerequisite: GEOL 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 4121. Directed Study.

This course offers the opportunity for more intensive study in a particular geologic subject area. The focus of the course varies by curriculum need and student interest. The instructor and student work together to determine the nature of course materials and evaluation method. This course is often paired with a three-hour lecture course to provide supplemental reading, research, or project-based learning for that course. This course may be repeated once with a different emphasis and professor for additional credit. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better and instructor approval.

GEOL 4320. Topics in Field Geology.

This course provides on-site directed investigations of geology in locations remote from campus. Students examine rocks, minerals, stratigraphic relationships, structural features, and geomorphic landforms within a variety of field settings. Emphasis is placed on observing, describing, measuring, and interpreting geologic features in their natural context. Students use standard field methods and instruments to document lithology, structural orientation, spatial relationships, and surface processes. The course integrates regional geologic history with direct field observations to support interpretation of Earth materials and processes. Through systematic study of selected field areas, students develop practical skills in geologic mapping, data collection, and synthesis of field-based evidence. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEOL 4321. Directed Study in Geology.

This course provides a unique opportunity to conduct independent, faculty-mentored research on a specialized topic within the geosciences. Students transition from traditional classroom learning to active scientific inquiry, designing and executing a research project in consultation with a supervising instructor. The curriculum emphasizes the development of professional habits, including literature review, data collection, and rigorous analysis of geological phenomena. By focusing on a specific subject area, students refine their technical expertise and contribute to the understanding of complex Earth systems, culminating in a scholarly output that reflects independent critical thinking and mastery of the chosen topic. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of “C” or better.

GEOL 4330B. Planetary Geology.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the application of terrestrial geologic principles to rocky planets, moons, and small bodies within the solar system. Topics include planetary accretion, differentiation, and surface evolution, with emphasis on impact cratering, volcanism, tectonism, and weathering across varying environmental conditions. Students interpret remote sensing data, imagery, and in situ chemical data from space missions to analyze the geological histories of planetary bodies such as Mars, Venus, and the Galilean satellites. A comparative approach, supported by laboratory modeling, is used to examine planetary processes and to analyze factors associated with planetary habitability. Prerequisite: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 4421. Hydrogeology.

This course examines the science of hydrogeology, the conceptual and quantitative study of groundwater, through various geological frameworks. Students explore the physical principles of fluid flow through porous media and fractured rock, applying mathematical models to calculate hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity. The curriculum integrates geochemical perspectives to evaluate water quality and the evolution of groundwater chemistry in different regional aquifers. By utilizing analytical tools and site-specific data, students solve problems related to aquifer characterization, sustainable water resource management, and contaminant transport. Through the analysis of well hydraulics and flow net construction, the course prepares students to address critical challenges in environmental and resource availability concerns. This comprehensive approach ensures a mastery of the tools necessary to predict groundwater behavior and protect vital subsurface water systems. (WI) Prerequisites: GEOL 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEOL 5421. Hydrogeology.

This course examines the science of hydrogeology, the conceptual and quantitative study of groundwater, through various geological frameworks. It covers the physical principles of fluid flow through porous media and fractured rock, applying mathematical models to calculate hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity. The curriculum integrates geochemical perspectives to evaluate water quality and the evolution of groundwater chemistry in different regional aquifers. By utilizing analytical tools and site-specific data, students solve problems related to aquifer characterization, sustainable water resource management, and contaminant transport. It addresses, critical challenges in environmental and resource availability concerns through the analysis of well hydraulics and flow net construction. This comprehensive approach ensures a mastery of the tools necessary to predict groundwater behavior and protect vital subsurface water systems.