Administered by Department of Geography and Geosciences
Effective Fall, 2003
51.100 Environmental Geology (3) - Application of geologic knowledge to environmental concerns. Emphasizes energy, soil, mineral and water resources along with Earth processes that are hazardous to humans. An afternoon field trip with a nominal fee is required.
51.101 Physical Geology (3) - Studies the landscape in relation to the structure of the earth's crust; agents at work to change landforms; classification and interpretation of rocks. One semester hour optional lab; an afternoon field trip is required.
51.102 Historical Geology (3) - Examines the evolution of earth and life on earth as interpreted from rock and fossil evidence; particular emphasis is on the geologic history of North America. One semester hour optional lab; afternoon field trip is required.
51.103 Dinosaurs (3) - Designed to use a single broad topic of current popular interest as the basis for exploration of important concepts and/or themes in Earth's history. Dinosaurs and their relatives will be used to illustrate origination and extinction of species through time as well as interaction of organisms with each other and the environment.
51.106 The Planets (3) - Introduces students to the origin, evolution and geology of the solar system, paying particular attention to the terrestrial planets and icy satellites of the outer planets. Emphasis on results returning from recent and current planetary missions.
51.107 Natural Disasters (3) - Principles of Earth's internal and external processes are explored through an examination of their manifestations as naturally-occurring disasters and the resultant impact on human life and property.
51.111 Physical Geology Laboratory (1) - Presents an introduction to the practice of fundamental geology laboratory techniques including qualitative and quantitative analysis. Two hours of laboratory per week. It is recommended that course be taken concurrently with 51.101.
51.112 Historical Geology Laboratory (1) - Provides an interpretation of Earth's history through the identification and evolution of the rock and fossil record and through the interpretation of geologic maps. Two laboratory hours per week. It is recommended that course be taken concurrently with 51.102.
51.255 Meteorology (3) - Studies the atmosphere via the use of gas laws and the underlying principles of atmospheric change. The field trip component incurs an additional cost to students of approximately $20 for airfare.
51.259 Oceanography (3) - Provides an introduction to the geologic, chemical and physical aspects of the ocean basins. Emphasizes wave motion, topographic features, ocean basin structure, current circulation and methods of investigation. A weekend field trip is encouraged.
51.260 Earth Materials (4) - Explores the origin, occurence and identification of the common materials and of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with emphasis on practical means of recognition. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 51.111.
51.261 Mineralogy (Fall) (4) - Reviews the origin, occurrence and identifying characteristics of common minerals. Stresses megascopic and microscopic techniques. Three hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 51.101 and 51.111 or permission of the instructor.
51.262 Petrology (Spring) (4) - Presents megascopic and petrographic analysis and identification of rocks with emphasis on field occurrences and associations. Three hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 51.261.
51.265 Geomorphology (Fall) (4) - Study of the origin of landforms with emphasis on the geologic processes and structures that generate the landforms and applications of landform analysis. Two-day weekend field trip is required. Three hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 51.101 and 51.111 or consent of instructor.
51.320 Remote Sensing of the Earth (3) - Studies the use of remote sensing technology to explore for, monitor and manage Earth's natural resources. Two hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 53.112 or higher or consent of the instructor.
51.355 Synoptic Meteorology (3) - Presents observation and analysis of data for understanding and predicting the complexities of the atmosphere. Prerequisite: 51.255 or consent of instructor.
51.360 Introduction to Paleontology (4) - Introduces students to modern concepts and methods in paleobiology using examples from various groups of organisms important in the fossil record. Field trips and laboratory work are an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: 51.102, 51.112 or 50.211 or consent of the instructor.
51.369 Structural Geology (Spring) (4) - Analyzes rock deformation based upon the principles of rock mechanics and the utilization of data from field investigations. Three hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 51.101 and 51.111 or consent of instructor.
51.370 Surface Hydrology (Fall) (3) - Study of water movement upon and within the Earth with emphasis on calculations used in flood forecasting, surface water supply and groundwater supply. Two hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 51.101 or 51.105.
51.451 Field Techniques in Earth Science (Summer) (6) - Provides intensive field and laboratory training in the use of equipment and techniques in geology, hydrology and cartography. Field trips are integral, vital parts of the course. Prerequisite: 15 semester hours in earth science courses or consent of the instructor.
51.460 Aqueous Geochemistry (4) - Introduces students to basic geochemical properties of surface and groundwater as well as controls on the geochemistry of natural waters. An emphasis is placed on the methods of sampling and analysis of natural waters for chemical species pertinent to environmental and pollution studies. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: 51.261 and 51.216 or permission of the instructor.
51.410 Volcanoes (1) - Explores the composition and processes of the Earth as it relates to the occurrence and activity of volcanoes around the world. Considers styles and hazards of eruptions, the state of prediction and the formation of lava and volcanic rocks. Recommended for in-service and pre-service teachers. Does not satisfy general education requirements. Summer only, three hour class per day for one week.
51.468 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (Fall) (4) - Studies processes and agents which erode, transport and deposit sediments and the geologic interpretation of the resulting rocks. Three hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 51.101 and 51.111, 51.102, 51.112 or permission of the instructor.
51.470 Groundwater Hydrology (Spring) (3) - Covers well hydraulics exploration techniques, groundwater flow theory, development of groundwater supplies and prevention or correction of groundwater pollution. A one- or two-day field trip required. Two hours of class, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 51.101 and 51.111 and 51.365.
51.475 Independent Study in Earth Science (1-3) - Provides an opportunity for student research in various areas of earth science. Research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. See subsection of the catalog on Independent Study. Prerequisite: 21 semester hours in earth science.
51.480 Applied Geophysics (4) - Examines the theory and application of geophysical methods for exploring the Earth's subsurface environment. Emphasis on those tools used by agencies or companies involved in resource and environmental assessment. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 51.101, 53.123 and 54.111 or permission of the instructor.
51.490 Special Topics in Geology (3) - Study of a particular concept, problem or special topic or new ideas in any area of earth science. Topic chosen through common interests of the instructor and each student. .
51.493 Senior Research in Geosciences (3) - Provides for library and/or field research in geology. Prerequisites: 51.261, 51.262, 51.468 or consent of the instructor.
51.511 Volcanoes (1) - Explores the composition and processes of the Earth as it relates to the occurrence and activity of volcanoes around the world. Considers styles and hazards of eruptions, the state of prediction and the formation of lava and volcanic rocks. Recommended for in-service and pre-service teachers. Does not satisfy general education requirements. Summer only, three hour class per day for one week.