Geology
Majors:
Minor:
Geology is the study of the Earth past and present. It incorporates many aspects of our complex planet including its composition, structure, environment, dynamic and hazardous processes, and the development of life, continents and oceans through time. Geology plays a critical role in interpreting the Earth's long history of physical and biological changes, and in predicting future environmental change.
The geology department offers two programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and environmental geology. The geology (GEO) major provides basic courses in the geological sciences and a range of advanced level courses that allow students to develop courses of study that complement particular interests within the field.
The environmental geology (EVG) program is broad in scope, providing a broad foundation in the fundamentals of earth science as well as an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes geology, biology, chemistry, and other allied science courses. The EVG curriculum stresses the interdisciplinary nature of environmental concerns.
The geology department aims to prepare students for both careers in the geological sciences and further academic studies. Hence, graduates of the department are highly competitive for entry to graduate programs. Geology majors pursue careers in a wide range of settings including:
- State and Federal Geological Agencies
- Geological Consulting Companies
- Natural Resource Exploration, Development and Management
- Museums
- Research Laboratories
- Education
Environmental geologists address critical needs of our society ranging from groundwater protection and water-supply development to the identification and assessment of natural hazards.
A minor in geology consists of twelve semester hours.
Faculty
Daniel Goldman, Chairperson
Professor Emeritus: Ritter
Professors: Pair, Sandy
Associate Professors: Goldman, Koziol, A. McGrew
Assistant Professor: Wu
Visiting Assistant Professor: Haritashya
Lab Coordinator: Schoenenberger
Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Geology (EVG)
The following program, leading to the Bachelor of Science with a major in environmental geology, is designed to present students with the basic courses in the geological sciences as well as provide specific environmental geology courses. The program also requires additional related science courses.
| Geology | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| GEO 115 & 115L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Lab | 4 |
| GEO 116 & 116L | Geolgcl Hst-Earth and Geolgcl Hst-Earth Lb | 4 |
| Year 2 | ||
| GEO 201 & 201L | Mineralogy and Mineralogy Lab | 4 |
| GEO 208 | Environmentl Geology | 3 |
| Year 3 | ||
| GEO 301 & 301L | Structural Geology and Structural Geo Lab | 4 |
| GEO 307 & 307L | Geomorphology and Geomorphology Lab | 4 |
| GEO 310 & 310L | Stratigraphy and Stratigraphy Lab | 4 |
| Year 4 | ||
| GEO 308 | Probs-Envrmntl Geo | 3 |
| GEO 309 & 309L | Surf&Groundwtr Hydr and Surf&Groundwtr Hy Lb | 4 |
| GEO 479L | Environmntl Inst Lab | 2 |
| Select two GEO electives from: | 8 | |
| Glacial Geology and Glacial Geology Lab | ||
| Field Geology | ||
| Paleontology and Paleontology Lab | ||
| Sedimentology and Sedimentology Lab | ||
| Problems in Geology | ||
| Petrology and Petrology Lab | ||
| Intro Geochemistry and Intro Geochmstry Lab | ||
| Applied GIS | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| Research&Thesis | ||
| Select six science electives from: | 17 | |
| Ecology and Ecology Lab | ||
| Applied Microbiology and Applied Microbio Lab | ||
| Bio Rivers & Lakes and Bio River&Lake Lab | ||
| Envirnmntl Ecology and Envirnmtl Eco Lab | ||
| Geotechnical Engr and Geotechncl Engr Lab | ||
| Envr Pollutn Cntrl | ||
| Water & Waste Engr and Watr&Waste Engr Lab | ||
| Quantitative Anal and Quant Analysis Lab | ||
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
| Environmental Chem and Environmntl Chm Lab | ||
| Progrmmng-Engr & Sci | ||
| Intro-Computr Progrm | ||
| Anly Geom & Calc III | ||
| Appl Diff Equations | ||
| Statistical Meth I | ||
| Statistical Meth II | ||
| Breadth Requirements | ||
| ASI 150 | Intr to the Univ Exp | 1 |
| BIO 151 | Concepts of Bio I | 3 |
| BIO 152 | Concepts of Bio II | 3 |
| CHM 123 & 123L | General Chemistry and Gen Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHM 124 & 124L | General Chemistry and Gen Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| MTH 168 | Anly Geom & Calc I 2 | 4 |
| MTH 169 | Anly Geom & Calc II 2 | 4 |
| PHY 206 | Gen Physics I Mech 1 | 3 |
| PHY 207 | Gen Phy II Ele & Mag 1 | 3 |
| Communication Competencies | 3-9 | |
| Humanities | 9 | |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 12 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 6 | |
| Total Hours - general education courses/academic electives to total at least | 120 | |
| 1 | |
| 2 | May substitute MTH 148-MTH 149 or MTH 137, MTH 138 MTH 149 with permission. |
Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology (GEO)
| Geology | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| GEO 115 & 115L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Lab | 4 |
| GEO 116 & 116L | Geolgcl Hst-Earth and Geolgcl Hst-Earth Lb | 4 |
| Year 2 | ||
| GEO 201 & 201L | Mineralogy and Mineralogy Lab | 4 |
| Year 3 | ||
| GEO 301 & 301L | Structural Geology and Structural Geo Lab | 4 |
| GEO 307 & 307L | Geomorphology and Geomorphology Lab | 4 |
| Year 4 | ||
| GEO 303 | Field Geology | 6 |
| GEO 310 & 310L | Stratigraphy and Stratigraphy Lab | 4 |
| GEO 401 & 401L | Paleontology and Paleontology Lab | 4 |
| GEO 403 & 403L | Sedimentology and Sedimentology Lab | 4 |
| Select two GEO electives from: | 8 | |
| Glacial Geology and Glacial Geology Lab | ||
| Probs-Envrmntl Geo and Probs in Env Geo Lab | ||
| Surf&Groundwtr Hydr and Surf&Groundwtr Hy Lb | ||
| Problems in Geology | ||
| Petrology and Petrology Lab | ||
| Intro Geochemistry and Intro Geochmstry Lab | ||
| Applied GIS | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| Environmntl Inst Lab | ||
| Research&Thesis | ||
| Science electives and laboratories where applicable from: | 8 | |
BIO, CHM, CPS, GEO, MTH ,PHY, Engineering 1 | ||
| Breadth Requirements | ||
| ASI 150 | Intr to the Univ Exp | 1 |
| CHM 123 & 123L | General Chemistry and Gen Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHM 124 & 124L | General Chemistry and Gen Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| MTH 168 | Anly Geom & Calc I 3 | 4 |
| MTH 169 | Anly Geom & Calc II 3 | 4 |
| PHY 206 | Gen Physics I Mech 2 | 3 |
| PHY 207 | Gen Phy II Ele & Mag 2 | 3 |
| Communication Competencies | 3-9 | |
| Humanities | 9 | |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 12 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 6 | |
| Total Hours - general education courses/academic electives to total at least | 120 | |
| 1 | With permission. |
| 2 | |
| 3 | May substitute MTH 148-MTH 149, or MTH 137, MTH 138 MTH 149 with permission. |
Minor in Geology (GEO)
| Geology | ||
| Select four GEO courses (300/400 level) 1 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
| 1 | Appropriate prerequisites must be completed. |
Courses
GEO 103. Prin of Geography. 3 Hours
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
- Analysis of the physical factors of the earth's environment: weather, climate, land forms, oceans.
GEO 104. Bio-Geo Field Course. 3 Hours
BIOLOGY-GEOLOGY FIELD COURSE
- Fundamental earth science topics with emphasis on direct field experience. One week on campus, three weeks in the Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado, and one week of travel. For all non-geology and non-biology majors.
Corequisite(s): BIO 104; (BIO 104L or GEO 104L).
GEO 104L. Bio-Geo Field Lab. 1 Hour
BIOLOGY-GEOLOGY FIELD LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 104.
GEO 109. General Geology. 3 Hours
GENERAL GEOLOGY
- Introduction to the earth as a planet, its composition, structure, and evolutionary development; a brief consideration of the life of the past. For the nonscience major. May be taken without laboratory.
GEO 109L. General Geology Lab. 1 Hour
GENERAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 109. Two hours each week.
GEO 115. Physical Geology. 3 Hours
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
- Introductory course in geologic principles; the composition and structure of the earth, its land forms, and the agencies active in their production. Laboratory optional for nonmajors.
GEO 115L. Physical Geology Lab. 1 Hour
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 115. Two hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115); permission of instructor.
GEO 116. Geolgcl Hst-Earth. 3 Hours
GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE EARTH
- Comprehensive study of earth history from its origins to the present.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115); permission of instructor.
GEO 116L. Geolgcl Hst-Earth Lb. 1 Hour
GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE EARTH LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 116. Two hours each week.
GEO 198. Geo Land&Envr-MV. 3 Hours
GEOLOGY, LANDSCAPE, AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE MIAMI VALLEY
- Field-based course examining the geologic history of the Miami Valley and Dayton area; processes leading to the modern landscape; the impact of human activity will be assessed.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 109 or GEO 115 or permission of instructor.
GEO 201. Mineralogy. 3 Hours
MINERALOGY
- Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and crystal structure. Study of the major groups of rock-forming minerals, their association and occurrence with emphasis on identification by physical properties and optical techniques. Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115) or permission of instructor.
GEO 201L. Mineralogy Lab. 1 Hour
MINERALOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 201. Three hours per week.
GEO 204. Geology for Teachers. 4 Hours
GEOLOGY FOR TEACHERS
- Introduction for preservice teachers to the Earth system and the processes that operate in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and solid Earth. Emphasis is on understanding how interactions among these fundamental Earth systems maintain our livable planet. Students will explore the Earth system through best practices in teaching and inquiry, and through field trips. For ECE, EMS, and EMM majors only. Students completing this course may not take SCI 210.
Prerequisite(s): EDT 110; SCI 190.
GEO 208. Environmentl Geology. 3 Hours
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
- Study of the relationship of geologic factors to the problems of water supply, pollution, erosion, land use, and earth resources. Laboratory optional.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115) or permission of instructor.
GEO 208L. Envir Geology Lab. 1 Hour
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 208. Two hours each week.
GEO 218. Engineering Geology. 3 Hours
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
- Comprehensive study of geologic principles applicable to civil engineering practices.
GEO 234. Energy Resources. 3 Hours
ENERGY RESOURCES
- The chemical and geological aspects of formation, production, and benefits/costs (including environmental impacts) of energy derived from fossil fuels (coal and hydrocarbons), biofuels (e.g., ethanol production), radioactive materials (nuclear power), and renewable sources (e.g., geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power). Prerequisite(s): CHM 123, CHM 124.
Corequisite(s): GEO 208.
GEO 301. Structural Geology. 3 Hours
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
- The origin and development of structural features of the earth's crust; folding, faulting, volcanism, mountain building, and metamorphism.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 115, GEO 116, GEO 201.
GEO 301L. Structural Geo Lab. 1 Hour
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY LABRATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 301. Two hours each week.
GEO 302. Glacial Geology. 3 Hours
GLACIAL GEOLOGY
- The origin of mountain and continental glaciers; their depositional features and erosive activity; history of glaciation in geologic past with special emphasis on North American Quaternary ice advances.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 115, GEO 116.
GEO 302L. Glacial Geology Lab. 1 Hour
GLACIAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 302. Two hours each week.
GEO 303. Field Geology. 6 Hours
FIELD GEOLOGY
- Study of field relationships in an area containing abundant igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 115, GEO 116.
GEO 307. Geomorphology. 3 Hours
GEOMORPHOLOGY
- Detailed study of landforms and the erosional processes that develop them. Prerequisite(s): GEO 115, GEO 116.
GEO 307L. Geomorphology Lab. 1 Hour
GEOMORPHOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 307. Two hours each week.
GEO 308. Probs-Envrmntl Geo. 3 Hours
PROBLEMS AND DECISIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
- An in-depth examination of selected environmental problems and the way in which scientific information guides practice and policy. Topics will range from investigations of natural hazards to considerations of land use and water resources.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115) or permission of instructor.
GEO 308L. Probs in Env Geo Lab. 1 Hour
PROBLEMS AND DECISIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 308. Two hours each week and periodic field work.
GEO 309. Surf&Groundwtr Hydr. 3 Hours
SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY
- This course is designed to provide a science or engineering student with the fundamental concepts and principles central to the study of water as a resource. This will include an examination of all components of the hydrologic cycle including surface-water hydrology and management, groundwater hydrogeology, and water resource management.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 218) or permission of instructor.
GEO 309L. Surf&Groundwtr Hy Lb. 1 Hour
SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY LABORATORY
- Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 309. Three hours per week.
GEO 310. Stratigraphy. 3 Hours
STRATIGRAPHY
- The interpretation of specific lithotypes and the synthesis of the stratigraphic record.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 116.
GEO 310L. Stratigraphy Lab. 1 Hour
STRATIGRAPHY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 310. Two hours each week.
GEO 401. Paleontology. 3 Hours
PALEONTOLOGY
- The study of ancient life. The morphology, ecology, evolution, and stratigraphic distributions of selected invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants.
GEO 401L. Paleontology Lab. 1 Hour
PALEONTOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 401. Two hours each week.
GEO 403. Sedimentology. 3 Hours
SEDIMENTOLOGY
- Detailed study of sediments: their sources, environments of deposition, and methods of consolidation. Emphasis on the interpretation of ancient sediments. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.
GEO 403L. Sedimentology Lab. 1 Hour
SEDIMENTOLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 403. Two hours each week.
GEO 404. Problems in Geology. 1-4 Hours
PROBLEMS IN GEOLOGY
- Consideration of special problems involving advanced work in the laboratory and library; arranged to meet the needs of individual students.
GEO 411. Petrology. 3 Hours
PETROLOGY
- Study of the formation of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.
GEO 411L. Petrology Lab. 1 Hour
PETROLOGY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 411. Two hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.
GEO 412. Intro Geochemistry. 3 Hours
INTRODUCTORY GEOCHEMISTRY
- Study of elementary thermodynamics, aqueous geochemistry, and principles governing the distribution of trace elements, radioisotopes and stable isotopes in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on applications and solution of geological problems.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 201 or permission of instructor.
GEO 412L. Intro Geochmstry Lab. 1 Hour
INTRODUCTORY GEOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
- Course to accompany GEO 412. Three hours each week.
GEO 450. Applied GIS. 4 Hours
APPLIED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Concepts and implementation of project design and analysis in geographic information systems (GIS). Students will learn the practice of GIS as a tool for spatial analysis, and as it applies in professional disciplines. The course will stress database design and present skills for data input, query analysis, and data output using GIS.
GEO 455. Enviromntl Remote Sensing. 4 Hours
ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING
- Introduction to principles and concepts of remote sensing, a sophisticated technology of earth observation that provides fundamental data for global environmental investigation.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 208 or permission of instructor.
GEO 477. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours
HONORS THESIS PROJECT
- First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.
GEO 478. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours
HONORS THESIS PROJECT
- Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.
GEO 479L. Environmntl Inst Lab. 2 Hours
ENVIRONMENTAL INSTRUMENTATION LABORATORY
- The understanding and use of field and laboratory based equipment to study current environmental issues. Emphasis on team-centered approaches to investigating environmental problems.
Prerequisite(s): (BIO 151, BIO 152) or (GEO 115, GEO 116) or permission of instructor.
GEO 485. GIS App-Watr Resources. 4 Hours
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS IN WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
- An introduction to GIS applications in water resource management. Following an introduction to GIS basics, this course focuses on GIS techniques in surface water modeling and floodplain delineation and management.
GEO 495. Geology Seminar. 1 Hour
GEOLOGY SEMINAR
- Introduction to professional practices in the geosciences. Students will attend seminar talks by guest speakers, research career options and graduate programs in the earth sciences, develop a professional resume, and participate in other profession-building activities. May be repeated.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
GEO 498. Research&Thesis. 4 Hours
GEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND THESIS
- Research project within an area of the geological sciences, including, but not limited to, environmental geology, geochemistry, geomorphology, or paleontology. The results are to be presented in a written thesis.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
