101 Introductory Geology I (4:3:3) Covers Earth, processes that operate within Earth and on surface, and human interaction with Earth. Topics include minerals, earthquakes and seismology, isostasy, igneous processes and rocks, paleomagnetism and plate tectonics, weathering, mass movements, rivers and streams, groundwater, glaciers, and marine processes. May include field trips.
102 Introductory Geology II (4:3:3) Prerequisite: GEOL 101. Earth processes in historical context. Topics include sedimentary rocks and principles, deformation and metamorphism, mountain building and plate tectonics, geologic time, fossils, and historical development of continents. May include field trips.
206 Topics in Geology I (1–3:1–3:0) Discusses particular topic in geology. May include field trips.
302 Mineralogy (4:3:3) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 102 with grade of C or better, and CHEM 211. Crystallographic, optical, chemical, and physical properties of minerals. May include field trips
303 Field Mapping Techniques (3:0:6) Prerequisites: 30 credits including MATH 105 or equivalent, and GEOG 102 or GEOL 101. Basic techniques for collecting, recording, and plotting spatial field data including use of topographic maps, compasses, transit, alidade, and global positioning systems (GPS). Includes field work.
304 Sedimentary Geology (4:3:3) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 102, and grade of C or better in GEOL 302. Introduces sedimentation, sedimentary petrology, facies analysis, and stratigraphy. May include field trips.
305 Environmental Geology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, and either GEOL 102, GEOL 309/BIOL 309, or GEOG 309. Investigates geological principles directly relating to environmental problems, geological causes and effects of natural disasters, geology of natural resources, geology of land-use planning, and geology as related to health problems. May include field trips.
306 Soil Science (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, and CHEM 103 or 211. Composition, classification, physical properties, and origin of soils. May include field trips.
308 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4:3:3) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 102, grade of C or better in GEOL 302, and MATH 105 or equivalent. Genesis, classification, and recognition of igneous and metamorphic rocks. May include field trips.
309 Introduction to Oceanography (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and BIOL 103 or 213. Introduces physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceanic environment. May include field trip. f
312 Invertebrate Paleontology (4:3:3) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102; or BIOL 103, 104; or BIOL 213, 303, 304. Classification, evolutionary trends, and distribution of common invertebrate fossils. May include field trips.
313 Hydrogeology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or GEOG 102, MATH 113, and CHEM 211. Geological and hydrologic factors controlling occurrence, distribution, movement, quality, and development of groundwater.
315 Topics in Geology II (1–3:1–3:0) Prerequisites: CHEM 211, 212; MATH 113 or permission of instructor. Discusses particular topic in geology. May include field trips.
316 Computers in Geology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102, and 302, and one semester of mathematics; or permission of instructor. Uses of mainframe and microcomputers, with emphasis on geologic applications.
317 Geomorphology (4:3:3) Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 102, with grade of C or better; or 6 credits in GEOG, including GEOG 102; GEOG 412 strongly recommended. Analyzes processes that occur at Earth’s surface and resulting landforms. Labs stress recognition and evaluation of landforms using maps and aerial photographs, and methods of data collection used in study of surficial geology. May include field trips.
363 Coastal Morphology and Processes (4:3:3) Prerequisite: GEOL 309, BIOL 309, or GEOL 317; or 9 credits in geography, including GEOG 309. Studies global coastal geomorphology and processes with emphasis on U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Topics include plate tectonics, sea level changes, sediment supply, waves, tides, storm impacts, and human activities. Lecture and extended weekend field trips to mid-Atlantic coast.
401 Structural Geology (4:3:3) Prerequisites: grade of C or better in GEOL 302; and MATH 110, 111, or 113. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in folded, faulted, and metamorphosed terrains. May include field trips.
402 Geological Development of North America (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102, 302, 304, 308, and 401. Geological history of North America in terms of plate tectonics. Geological development and history of North America’s major regions. May include field trips.
403 Geochemistry (3:3:0) Includes stable isotope, crystal, water, and organic geochemistry; geochronology; and geochemistry of rocks.
404 Geological Field Techniques (3–8:0:6–12) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102, 302, 304, 308, and 401. Mapping techniques involved in collecting geological field data. Includes field work.
405 Geology of Mineral and Energy Resources (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 102, 302, 304, 308, and 401. Topics include metallic and nonmetallic ore deposits, fossil fuels, alternate energy resources, and methods by which each is used. May include field trips.
406 Seminar in Earth and Environmental Science (3:3:0) Prerequisite: 90 credits. Capstone seminar for Earth and environmental science majors. Students read , discuss research literature; produce, present original papers.
408, 409 Practicum for Geology Laboratories (1:1:3) Prerequisites: geology major with 80 credits, and permission of department chair. Studies techniques to make geology lab effective component in geological education. Discusses developing testing materials, supplemented by experience operating geology course lab section.
410 Research Proposal Preparation (1:1:0) Prerequisites: geology or Earth science major with 80 credits, and permission of department chair. Prepares for research in GEOL 411. Includes literature research, initial data collection, and preparing research proposal.
411 Geological Research (3:0:3) Prerequisite: GEOL 410. Geological research: data collection and reduction, interpretation, preparation of written report, and oral presentation of results.
417 Geophysics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: GEOL 101, MATH 113, and one year of physics; or permission of instructor. Basic principles of geophysics including gravity, magnetism, and seismic reflection and refraction.
420 Earth Science and Policy (3:3:0) Prerequisites: completion of or concurrent enrollment in all other required general education courses; completion of at least 18 credit hours in major or minor (geology, Earth science, ocean and estuarine science, or global and environmental change), and one of the following social science-based courses: EVPP 361, ECON 103, ANTH 114, GEOG 103, GLOA 101, GOVT 132 or 133, HIST 125 or 130, SOCI 101, 102, or 120. Discusses Earth science issues that have policy implications. Course uses a broad definition of Earth science, from atmosphere to geosphere. Course taught seminar-style, with emphasis on discussion, reading, writing, critical analysis, and student oral presentations. Course may include field trips.
480 Internship (1–3:0:0) Prerequisite: open only to majors with 90 credits. Approved study programs with specific employers. Contact department one semester before enrollment.
500, 501 Selected Topics in Modern Geology (1–3:1–3:0), (1–3:1–3:0) Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in geology, or permission of instructor. Lecture, lab, field trip. Topic designated in class schedule.
503 Special Topics in Earth Science (1–6:1–6:0) Prerequisite: employment or anticipated employment as Earth science teacher. In-service course to strengthen and update knowledge of Earth science. May include field trips.
601 The Lithosphere (3:3:0) Prerequisite: graduate standing. Global-scale overview of lithosphere, solid non-living Earth, materials, cycles, plate tectonic and geomorphic processes; and history, including interactions with and history of hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, and methods of analysis.
613 Environmental Geochemistry and Mineralogy (3:3:0). Prerequisite: graduate standing. Explores hot topics and aids students in developing intellectual skills to identify key research problems. Students will also improve their writing and presentation skills.
800 Studies for the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (variable credit) Prerequisite: admission to PhD in education program to study geology. Program of studies designed by discipline director and approved by doctoral committee that allows student to participate in current research of discipline director and results in paper reporting student’s original contributions. Enrollment may be repeated.