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GEOL-2030
3.5 hours
Geology of the National Parks for Geology Majors
–Su
This course will explore the geology of the national parks and
surrounding areas in specific regions of the United States. It is
a two week travel study course. Trip locations may vary from
year to year. Six or more major areas will be explored on each
trip. Students will be expected to complete a photographic atlas
with appropriate geological descriptions of each stop and a term
paper describing a particular feature of interest at one of the sites
visited. Special emphasis will be placed on how geologic history is
interpreted and placed into biblical and conventional frameworks.
Students will learn how to make geological observations and take
field notes. It is necessary for students to be in good physical
shape for occasional hiking in rough terrain and at high altitudes,
although requirements can be modified for students unable to do
so. Special equipment may be required.
Prerequisite: Geology
major and at least one previous GEOL course. (
Fee: will vary
from year to year; will be used to cover lodging, car rental, gas
and other expenses. Transportation to and from the trip starting
location and food expenses will be covered by the students.)
GEOL-2100 Mineralogy
–Fa
4 hours
The student will study the occurrence, associations,
characteristics, and crystal chemistry of common minerals.
Laboratory work will emphasize identification and recognition
of minerals.
Prerequisite: GEOL-1110 Introduction to Physical
Geology; CHEM-1110 General Chemistry I (corequisite).
(Fee:
$150) (even years)
GEOL-2810 Geology Field Work and Research
–Su
1–4 hours
This course gives a student an opportunity to work alongside an
active geologist in the field and/or the laboratory. The student must
get approval from his advisor and submit a written description
of the work to be performed before the experience begins. The
student must submit notes and a summary of the work completed
when the experience is over. Hours are variable depending on the
length of the experience and the work completed.
Prerequisites:
sophomore geology major and advisor approval of the proposal
.
GEOL-3100 Geomorphology
–Fa
4 hours
The student will study the formation, development, and
denudation of the earth’s surface features as a function of rates,
processes, and time. Landform analysis will be completed with
topographic maps, aerial photographs, and stereo photographs.
Prerequisites: GEOL-1110 Introduction to Physical Geology;
GEOL-1120 Historical Geology.
(Fee: $150) (even years)
GEOL-3200 Invertebrate Paleontology
–Fa
4 hours
Many aspects of the fossil record will be studied including
preservation, variation, and identification of fossils. Uses of
invertebrate fossils including biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and
biogeography will be discussed. Various evolutionary concepts
will be presented, including baraminology. Laboratory experiences
will include required field trips and identification and recognition
of North American fossil species.
Prerequisites: BIO-1110
Introduction to Biology; GEOL-1120 Historical Geology.
(Fee:
$150) (odd years)
GEOL-3300 Petrology
–Sp
4 hours
Students will study the occurrence and origin of sedimentary,
igneous, and metamorphic rocks and learn how to identify them.
Required field trip.
Prerequisite: GEOL
-
2100 Mineralogy; CHEM-
1120 General Chemistry II (corequisite).
(Fee: $500) (even years)
GEOL-3400 Structural Geology
–Fa
4 hours
Mechanics of rock deformation and the study of various
structures in all types of rocks. Required field trip.
Prerequisite:
GEOL-3300 Petrology; GEOL-3100 Geomorphology and PHYS-
2120 General Physics II (corequisites).
(Fee:$150) (odd years)
GEOL-3600 Readings in Geology
–Fa
1 hour
Students will read and discuss a current text or series of papers.
The purpose is to help the student become more familiar with the
geological research and literature. Part of the course requirements
may include attending a national or regional GSA conference.
Course may be taken up to three times for credit.
Prerequisite:
GEOL-1120 Historical Geology.
(Fee:$150)
GEOL-3800
3 hours
Philosophy of Science and Research Methods in Geology
–Sp
By its nature, geological research and its resultant
interpretations are heavily paradigm-driven. This course will
examine the scientific method and study the development of
various scientific paradigms, especially those within geology.
Students will learn productive ways to integrate their faith with
science and how to apply that to a research method that arrives
at conclusions without compromising data. The merits of various
models of earth history will be critiqued.
Prerequisite: GEOL-1120
Historical Geology;
16
hours of geology courses and junior status.
GEOL-4100 Environmental Geology
–Fa
4 hours
Application of geology to environmental problems such
as natural resource extraction, water supply, pollution, waste
disposal, landslides, floods, and land use planning. Required
field trip. Includes three lectures and one three-hour lab per week
Prequisites: GEOL-1110 Introduction to Physical Geology and
junior status.
(Fee:$150) (even years)
GEOL-4200 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
–Sp
5 hours
The student will be introduced to principles of sedimentary
rock correlation and structure. Emphasis will be placed on how
to interpret past rates and processes using clues gained from
sedimentary rocks. Required field trip(s).
Prerequisite: GEOL-1120
Historical Geology; GEOL-3300 Petrology.
(Fee: $500) (odd years)
GEOL-4400 Summer Field Camp
–Su
6 hours
Five weeks of geologic mapping and problem solving in
structural geology and stratigraphy. Selected course must be
approved by the department Chair (the course will be sponsored
by another institution). The course will typically be taken following
the student’s junior or senior year.
Prerequisites: GEOL-3100
Geomorphology; GEOL-3300 Petrology; GEOL-3400 Structural
Geology; and GEOL-4200 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology.
GEOL-4800 Senior Project
–Fa, Sp
2 hours
A capstone project including geological research, writing,
and presentation of results. To be completed during one of
the student’s last two semesters of course work.
Prerequisite:
senior status; GEOL-3800 Philosophy of Science and Research
Methods in Geology.
(Fee: $200)
GEOL-4830 Research in Geology
–Fa, Sp
2–3 hours
Investigation of a geologic research project and its culmination
in a scholarly research report (oral and/or written). Submission and
approval of a research proposal must precede registration. May be
repeated once for credit.
Prerequisites: completion of 16 hours in
geology; junior status; and permission of instructor.
(Fee:$200)
GEOL-4880 Topics in Geology
–Fa, Sp
1–3 hours
Topics of special geological interest that are not in the existing
curriculum are selected by the faculty. The topic should provide a
logical extension of the student’s academic plan and enhance the
student’s educational experience.
Prerequisite: completion of 16
hours in geology; junior status; and permission of instructor.
GEOL-4900 Independent Study in Geology
–Fa, Sp
1–3 hours
Supervised independent study of a particular geologic
phenomenon. Submission and approval of a research proposal
must precede registration.
Prerequisite: major in geology; approval
of research proposal.
Page
269
2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Course Descriptions
GEOL-2030 – GEOL-4900