2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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