Geosciences - GES (51)
Administered by Department of Geography and Geosciences
Effective Fall, 2006
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.
51.103 Dinosaurs (3) - Designed to use a single 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. An afternoon field trip is required.
51.120 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. An afternoon field trip is required. Should be taken concurrently with 51.121.
51.121 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. Should be taken concurrently with 51.120.
51.130 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. An afternoon field trip is required. Should be taken concurrently with
51.131.
51.131 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. Should be taken
concurrently with 51.130.
51.255 Meteorology (3) - Studies the atmosphere via the use of gas laws and the
underlying principles of atmospheric change. The field trip component may incur 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 (Fall) (4) - Explores the origin, occurrence 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: 51.121.
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: 51.120 and 51.121 or
consent 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: 51.120 and 51.121 or consent of instructor.
51.320 Remote Sensing of the Earth (Spring) (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.
51.360 Introduction to Paleontology (Spring) (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: 51.130, 51.131 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: 51.120 and 51.121 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:
51.100 or 51.120 or 41.101 or consent of instructor.
51.420 Planetary Science (4) – This course investigates the origin, evolution, and
physical properties of the planets and planetesimals throughout solar system.
Laboratories focus on the acquisition and analysis of remote sensing data from ground
and space-based instruments. Three hours of class, two hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: 51.106, 51.260 or 51.262, 51.320, or consent of instructor.
51.451 Field Techniques in Earth Science (Summer) (4 to 6) - Provides intensive field
training in the use of equipment and techniques in geology. Prerequisite: 15 semester
hours in geoscience courses or consent of the instructor.
51.460 Aqueous Geochemistry (Fall) (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 52.116 or consent of
the instructor.
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: 51.120 and
51.121, 51.130, and 51.131 or consent 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: 51.120 and 51.121
and 51.265 or consent of the instructor.
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 geosciences.
51.480 Applied Geophysics (Fall) (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:
51.120, 51.121, 53.123 and 54.111 or consent 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, and 51.468 or consent of the instructor.