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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-4700 Physical Geology Exam Prep
–Sp
1 hour
A course for reviewing geologic topics in preparation for
taking the ASBOG geology-proficiency assessment examination.
The review and assessment exam also serves preparation for
taking many states’ Professional Geologist registration exam.
Prerequisite: Senior status in geology/geoscience.
GEOL-4800 Senior Project
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
A capstone project including geological research, writing,
and presentation of results. To be completed during one of the
student’s last two semesters of coursework. Course may be taken
up to 2 times.
Prerequisite: senior status; GEOL-3800 Philosophy
of Science and Research Methods in Geology.
(Fee: $100)
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.
General Mathematics (GMTH)
Except where noted, general education courses are designed
to meet the general education requirements for graduation. These
courses will not count toward graduation requirements for majors
found in the Department of Science and Mathematics unless they
are specifically listed in the curriculum requirements for a major.
A student majoring in science or mathematics may take these
courses only as electives. However, any course listed for a science
or mathematics major or minor may also count toward fulfilling
general education requirements.
GMTH-1010 Introduction to Mathematics
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Introduction to mathematical concepts including voting theory,
apportionment and fair division, models of population growth, and
graph theory.
Prerequisite: proficiency in mathematics.
GMTH-1020 College Algebra
–Fa
3 hours
Introduction to methods of algebraic analysis. Includes (but
may not be limited to) many topics of intermediate algebra: the
field axioms, linear functions, inequalities, systems of equations,
determinants, and quadratic functions. This course, in conjunction
with GMTH-1030 Precalculus, is designed to prepare the student
for calculus.
Prerequisite: proficiency in mathematics; two years of
high school mathematics; or permission of instructor.
GMTH-1030 Precalculus
–Fa, Sp
4 hours
Introduction to the principles of trigonometry and some
advanced topics in algebra. Coverage includes, but may not be
limited to, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and circular
functions, triangle problems, and vectors. This course, in
conjunction with GMTH-1020 College Algebra, is designed to
help prepare the student for calculus.
Prerequisites: proficiency
in mathematics; GMTH-1020 College Algebra or equivalent; or
permission of instructor.
GMTH-1040
3 hours
Calculus for Business/Social Science
–Fa, Sp
Introduction to the concepts of differential and integral calculus
for students of business. Numerous applications from these areas
will be considered. Does not apply toward major in mathematics.
Prerequisite: proficiency in mathematics.
GMTH-2110 Introduction to Biostatistics
–Sp
3 hours
An introduction to statistical methods that are of particular
interest to biologists for experimental design and interpretation.
Prerequisites: BIO-1120 General Zoology; or BIO-2500 General
Botany.
GMTH-3010 Proof and Mathematical Modeling
–Sp
3 hours
Proof by contradiction, contrapositive, and induction will be
explored along with direct proof in the verification of conjectures
and other mathematical propositions. Additionally, the formulation
of discrete, statistical, and algebraic mathematical models, along
with their use in solving problems, will be studied. Appropriate
educational technology, including graphing calculators,
spreadsheets, and geometric manipulation software will be used
throughout. Does not count toward the B.A. or B.S. majors in
mathematics or the B.A. in integrated mathematics education.
Prerequisites: EDUC-1800 Principles of Mathematics I; EDUC-
2800 Principles of Mathematics II; GMTH-1020 College Algebra.
2017–18 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Page
289
Course Descriptions
GEOL-3600 – GMTH-3010
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS