Geology and Environmental Geosciences
Majors:
Minor:
Geology is the study of the Earth, both past and present. It incorporates many aspects of our complex planet including its composition, structure, environment, internal and surficial 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, finding and managing natural resources, and understanding natural hazards and future environmental change.
The geology department offers two programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and environmental geosciences. The geology (GEO) major provides basic courses in the geological sciences as well as a range of advanced level classes that allow students to develop courses of study that complement particular interests within the field such as energy and mineral resources, plate tectonics or paleontology.
The environmental geosciences (EVG) program is broad in scope, providing a broad foundation in the fundamentals of earth and environmental 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 modern environmental issues such as climate change and the development of alternative energy resources.
The geology department also offers a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program. GIS is used in a wide range of disciplines, and the certificate program is a great option for professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are interested in becoming proficient at managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
The geology department aims to prepare students for both careers in the geological sciences, and for further academic studies. Hence, graduates of the department are also highly competitive for entry to graduate programs. Geology department 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 including global climate change, groundwater protection, energy resources, and the identification and assessment of natural hazards.
A minor in geology consists of 12 semester hours.
Faculty
Shuang-ye Wu, Chairperson
Professor Emeritus: Goldman, Sandy
Professors: Goldman, Haritashya, Pair, Wu
Associate Professors: Koziol, A. McGrew
Assistant Professor: Bedaso
Lab Coordinator: Klosterman
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Geosciences (EVG) minimum 120 hours
The following program, leading to the Bachelor of Science with a major in environmental geosciences, 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.
The Common Academic Program (CAP) is an innovative curriculum that is the foundation of a University of Dayton education. It is a learning experience that is shared in common among all undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Some CAP requirements must be fulfilled by courses taken at UD (e.g., Capstone and Diversity and Social Justice). Some major requirements must also be fulfilled by courses taken at UD. Students should consult with their advisor regarding applicability of transfer credit to fulfill CAP and major program requirements.
| Common Academic Program (CAP) 1 | ||
| First-Year Humanities Commons 2 | 12 cr. hrs. | |
| Introduction to Global Historical Studies | ||
| Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Writing Seminar I 3 | ||
| Second-Year Writing Seminar 4 | 0-3 cr. hrs. | |
| Writing Seminar II | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Principles of Oral Communication | ||
| Mathematics | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science Integrated | ||
| Arts | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Natural Sciences 5 | 7 cr. hrs. | |
| Crossing Boundaries | up to 12 cr. hrs. | |
Faith Traditions | ||
Practical Ethical Action | ||
Inquiry 6 | ||
Integrative | ||
| Advanced Study | ||
Philosophy and/or Religious Studies (6 cr. hrs.) | ||
Historical Studies (3 cr. hrs.) 7 | ||
| Diversity and Social Justice 8 | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Major Capstone 9 | 0-6 cr. hrs. | |
- 1
The credit hours listed reflect what is needed to complete each CAP component. However, they should not be viewed as a cumulative addition to a student's degree requirements because many CAP courses are designed to satisfy more than one CAP component (e.g., Crossing Boundaries and Advanced Studies) and may also satisfy requirements in the student's major.
- 2
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
- 3
- 4
- 5
Must include two different disciplines and at least one accompanying lab.
- 6
U.S. History AP and CLEP credit will not satisfy this requirement.
- 7
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program. U.S. History AP and CLEP credit will not satisfy this requirement.
- 8
May not double count with First-Year Humanities Commons, Second-Year Writing, Oral Communication, Social Science, Arts, or Natural Sciences CAP components, but may double count with courses taken to satisfy other CAP components and/or courses taken in the student's major.
- 9
The course or experience is designed by faculty in each major; it may, or may not, be assigned credit hours.
| Science Breadth Requirements | ||
| (Satisfies CAP Mathematics and CAP Natural Science) | ||
| BIO 152 | Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology | 3 |
| CHM 123 & 123L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 124 & 124L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| MTH 148 | Introductory Calculus I | 3 |
| or MTH 168 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus I | |
| MTH 149 | Introductory Calculus II | 3 |
| or MTH 169 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus II | |
| PHY 201 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 202 | College Physics II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| GEO 115 & 115L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory | 4 |
| or GEO 109 & 109L | Earth, Environment, and Society and Earth, Environment, and Society Lab | |
| or GEO 208 & 208L | Environmental Geology and Environmental Geology Laboratory | |
| or SCI 210 & 210L | The Dynamic Earth and The Dynamic Earth Laboratory | |
| Year 2 | ||
| GEO 201 & 201L | Mineralogy and Mineralogy Laboratory | 4 |
| Year 3 | ||
| GEO 307 & 307L | Geomorphology and Geomorphology Laboratory | 4 |
| Year 4 | ||
| GEO 309 & 309L | Surface & Groundwater Hydrology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory | 4 |
| GEO 412 & 412L | Introductory Geochemistry and Introductory Geochemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| GEO 450 | Applied Geographic Information Systems | 4 |
| GEO 479L | Environmental Instrumentation Laboratory | 3 |
| GEO 498 | Geological Research and Thesis (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3-6 |
| or GEO 303 | Field Geology | |
| Select GEO electives from: | 12 | |
| The Inner Earth | ||
| Energy Resources | ||
| Structural Geology and Structural Geology Laboratory | ||
| Glacial Geology and Glacial Geology Laboratory | ||
| Field Geology | ||
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory | ||
| Paleontology and Paleontology Laboratory | ||
| Problems in Geology | ||
| The Internet of Things | ||
| Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Honors Thesis Project | ||
| Geology Seminar | ||
| Earth Systems & Global Climate Change | ||
| Select six science electives from: | 12 | |
| Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology and Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology | ||
| Ecology and Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Culture, Biodiversity & Resources Management and Culture, Biodiversity & Resources Management Laboratory | ||
| Sustainability & the Biosphere | ||
| Plant Diversity & Ecology and Plant Diversity & Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Ecological Restoration and Ecological Restoration Laboratory | ||
| Analysis & Interpretation of Biological Data | ||
| Environmental Plant Biology | ||
| Biology of Rivers & Lakes and Biology of Rivers & Lakes Laboratory | ||
| Environmental Ecology and Environmental Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Geotechnical Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory | ||
| Water Resources Engineering | ||
| Water & Wastewater Engineering and Water & Wastewater Engineering Laboratory | ||
| Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Computer Programming for Engineering & Science | ||
| Introduction to Computer Programming | ||
| Algorithms & Programming I | ||
| Algorithms & Programming II | ||
| Renewable Energy Systems | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Analytic Geometry & Calculus III | ||
| Applied Differential Equations | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Statistical Methods II | ||
| Energy & Environmental Physics | ||
| System Modeling for Sustainability | ||
| Total Hours | 54-57 | |
| Breadth | ||
| ASI 150 | Introduction to the University Experience | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (Includes CAP Social Science) | 6 | |
| Total Hours to total at least | 120 | |
Bachelor of Science, Geology (GEO) minimum 120 hours
The Common Academic Program (CAP) is an innovative curriculum that is the foundation of a University of Dayton education. It is a learning experience that is shared in common among all undergraduate students, regardless of their major. Some CAP requirements must be fulfilled by courses taken at UD (e.g., Capstone and Diversity and Social Justice). Some major requirements must also be fulfilled by courses taken at UD. Students should consult with their advisor regarding applicability of transfer credit to fulfill CAP and major program requirements.
| Common Academic Program (CAP) 1 | ||
| First-Year Humanities Commons 2 | 12 cr. hrs. | |
| Introduction to Global Historical Studies | ||
| Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Writing Seminar I 3 | ||
| Second-Year Writing Seminar 4 | 0-3 cr. hrs. | |
| Writing Seminar II | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Principles of Oral Communication | ||
| Mathematics | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Social Science Integrated | ||
| Arts | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Natural Sciences 5 | 7 cr. hrs. | |
| Crossing Boundaries | up to 12 cr. hrs. | |
Faith Traditions | ||
Practical Ethical Action | ||
Inquiry 6 | ||
Integrative | ||
| Advanced Study | ||
Philosophy and/or Religious Studies (6 cr. hrs.) | ||
Historical Studies (3 cr. hrs.) 7 | ||
| Diversity and Social Justice 8 | 3 cr. hrs. | |
| Major Capstone 9 | 0-6 cr. hrs. | |
- 1
The credit hours listed reflect what is needed to complete each CAP component. However, they should not be viewed as a cumulative addition to a student's degree requirements because many CAP courses are designed to satisfy more than one CAP component (e.g., Crossing Boundaries and Advanced Studies) and may also satisfy requirements in the student's major.
- 2
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program.
- 3
- 4
- 5
Must include two different disciplines and at least one accompanying lab.
- 6
U.S. History AP and CLEP credit will not satisfy this requirement.
- 7
May be completed with ASI 110 and ASI 120 through the Core Program. U.S. History AP and CLEP credit will not satisfy this requirement.
- 8
May not double count with First-Year Humanities Commons, Second-Year Writing, Oral Communication, Social Science, Arts, or Natural Sciences CAP components, but may double count with courses taken to satisfy other CAP components and/or courses taken in the student's major.
- 9
The course or experience is designed by faculty in each major; it may, or may not, be assigned credit hours.
| Science Breadth Requirements | ||
| (Satisfies CAP Mathematics and CAP Natural Sciences) | ||
| CHM 123 & 123L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 124 & 124L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| MTH 148 | Introductory Calculus I | 3 |
| or MTH 168 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus I | |
| MTH 149 | Introductory Calculus II | 3 |
| or MTH 169 | Analytic Geometry & Calculus II | |
| PHY 201 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 202 | College Physics II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| GEO 115 & 115L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory | 4 |
| or GEO 109 & 109L | Earth, Environment, and Society and Earth, Environment, and Society Lab | |
| or GEO 208 & 208L | Environmental Geology and Environmental Geology Laboratory | |
| or SCI 210 & 210L | The Dynamic Earth and The Dynamic Earth Laboratory | |
| GEO 116 & 116L | Geological History of the Earth and Geological History of the Earth Laboratory | 4 |
| Year 2 | ||
| GEO 201 & 201L | Mineralogy and Mineralogy Laboratory | 4 |
| GEO 202 | The Inner Earth | 4 |
| Year 3 | ||
| GEO 301 & 301L | Structural Geology and Structural Geology Laboratory | 4 |
| GEO 307 & 307L | Geomorphology and Geomorphology Laboratory | 4 |
| Year 4 | ||
| GEO 303 | Field Geology | 6 |
| GEO 310 & 310L | Stratigraphy and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory | 4 |
| GEO 401 & 401L | Paleontology and Paleontology Laboratory | 4 |
| Select GEO electives from: | 8 | |
| Glacial Geology and Glacial Geology Laboratory | ||
| Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology and Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology Laboratory | ||
| Surface & Groundwater Hydrology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory | ||
| Problems in Geology | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Introductory Geochemistry and Introductory Geochemistry Laboratory | ||
| The Internet of Things | ||
| Applied Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Honors Thesis Project | ||
| Geology Seminar | ||
| Geological Research and Thesis | ||
| Earth Systems & Global Climate Change | ||
| Science electives and laboratories where applicable from: | 6 | |
BIO, CHM, CPS, GEO, MTH, PHY, Engineering 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 52 | |
| Breadth | ||
| ASI 150 | Introduction to the University Experience | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (Includes CAP Social Science) | 6 | |
| Total Hours to total at least | 120 | |
- 1
With permission of department chairperson.
Minor in Geology (GEO)
| Geology | ||
| Select four GEO courses (300/400 level) 1 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Appropriate prerequisites must be completed.
Environmental Geology
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ASI 150 | 1 | GEO 116 & 116L | 4 |
| GEO 115 & 115L (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 | MTH 169 | 4 |
| MTH 168 (Satisfies CAP Mathematics) | 4 | CHM 124 & 124L | 4 |
| CHM 123 & 123L | 4 | REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 |
| ENG 100 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 |
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| GEO 201 & 201L | 4 | GEO 208 | 3 |
| BIO 151 (CAP Natural Science) | 3 | Geology elective w/lab | 4 |
| PHY 206 | 3 | BIO 152 | 3 |
| ENG 200 (CAP Writing Seminar) | 3 | PHY 207 | 3 |
| REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | CMM 100 (CAP Communication) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| GEO 301 & 301L | 4 | GEO 310 & 310L | 4 |
| GEO 307 & 307L | 4 | Science Elective | 3 |
| Science Elective | 3 | CAP Arts | 3 |
| SSC 200 (CAP Social Science) | 3 | CAP Advanced Historical Studies | 3 |
| CAP Adv. Philosophy/Religious Studies (Practical Ethical Action/Faith Traditions) | 3 | CAP Adv. Philosophy/Religious Studies (Practical Ethical Action/Faith Traditions) | 3 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| GEO 498 (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3 | GEO 479L | 3 |
| GEO 308 | 3 | Science Elective | 4 |
| GEO 309 & 309L | 4 | Science Elective | 3 |
| Science elective w/lab | 4 | CAP Inquiry | 3 |
| CAP Integrative | 3 | CAP Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| Social Science - elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 19 | ||
| Total credit hours: 135 | |||
Geology
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| ASI 150 | 1 | GEO 116 & 116L | 4 | GEO 303 | 6 |
| GEO 115 & 115L (CAP Natural Science w/lab) | 4 | Science elective w/lab | 4 | ||
| MTH 168 (Satisfies CAP Mathematics) | 4 | MTH 169 | 4 | ||
| ENG 100 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | ||
| REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | ||||
| 15 | 15 | 6 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| GEO 201 & 201L | 4 | CHM 124 & 124L | 4 | ||
| CHM 123 & 123L | 4 | PHY 207 | 3 | ||
| PHY 206 (CAP Natural Science ) | 3 | CMM 100 (CAP Comunication) | 3 | ||
| REL 103, PHL 103, or HST 103 (CAP Humanities Commons) | 3 | GEO 202 | 3 | ||
| Social Science - elective | 3 | ENG 200 (CAP Writing Seminar) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| GEO 301 & 301L | 4 | GEO 307 & 307L | 4 | ||
| Science elective | 4 | SSC 200 (CAP Social Science) | 3 | ||
| CAP Arts | 3 | CAP Inquiry | 3 | ||
| CAP Faith Traditions | 3 | CAP Advanced Philosophy/Religious Studies | 3 | ||
| CAP Adv. Philosophy/Practical Ethical Action | 3 | CAP Advanced Historical Studies | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| GEO 498 (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) | 3 | GEO 310 & 310L | 4 | ||
| CAP Integrative | 3 | GEO 401 & 401L | 4 | ||
| CAP Diversity and Social Justice | 3 | GEO elective w/lab | 4 | ||
| General elective (optional) | 3 | General Elective | 3 | ||
| 12 | 15 | ||||
| Total credit hours: 129 | |||||
Courses
GEO 103. Principles of Geography. 3 Hours
The study of spatial processes that shape the Earth's physical and cultural environment through a survey of major branches of physical and human geographic inquiry.
GEO 104. Biology-Geology Field Course. 3 Hours
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. Biology-Geology Field Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 104.
GEO 109. Earth, Environment, and Society. 3 Hours
This course examines the complex relationship between natural geologic processes and their effects on human society. The course will examine fundamental geologic processes and associated hazards (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, flooding) while also assessing human impacts such as pollution, energy industry and land-use planning. This course provides an opportunity to discuss, from a geologic perspective, the ramifications of and potential solutions to problems associated with utilization of Earth’s resources. Laboratory optional but not required. No prerequisite.
GEO 109L. Earth, Environment, and Society Lab. 1 Hour
Laboratory exercises in Earth and Environmental Science to accompany GEO 109 Lecture. Two hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – or co-req); permission of instructor.
GEO 115. Physical Geology. 3 Hours
Introductory course in geologic principles and processes. Examines Earth's major systems including the solid Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. Laboratory optional for non-majors.
GEO 115L. Physical Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Physical Geology Lab - laboratory exercises in Physical Geology to accompany GEO 115 lecture.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – or co-req); permission of instructor.
GEO 116. Geological History of the Earth. 3 Hours
Study of earth history over the last 4.6 billion years - from its origins to the present day. Includes earth origins, the development of the earth during the Precambrian including evolution of the atmosphere, and the appearance of prokaryotic and eukaryotic life. Major biological development and environmental, tectonic, and climatic changes during the last half-billion years (the Phanerozoic) will be examined, including the Pleisotocene "Ice Age" and Anthropocene conditions.
Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210); permission of instructor.
GEO 116L. Geological History of the Earth Laboratory. 1 Hour
Geological History of the Earth Laboratory - laboratory exercises in Historical Geology to accompany GEO 116 lecture.
Corequisites: GEO 116.
GEO 198. Geology, Landscape & Environment of the Miami Valley. 3 Hours
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
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.
Prerequisites: GEO 109, GEO 115, GEO 208, or SCI 210 or permission of instructor.
Corequisites: GEO 201L.
GEO 201L. Mineralogy Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 201. Three hours per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 109, GEO 115, GEO 208, or SCI 210.
Corequisites: GEO 201.
GEO 202. The Inner Earth. 3 Hours
Exploration of the Earth’s internal processes of magmatism, metamorphism and deformation as part of its larger-scale processes of convection, conduction, and plate tectonics.
Prerequisites: GEO 201 and GEO 201L.
Corequisites: GEO 202L.
GEO 202L. The Inner Earth Laboratory. 1 Hour
Laboratory course to accompany GEO 202 The Inner Earth. 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 201 and GEO 201L.
Corequisites: GEO 202.
GEO 204. Geology for Teachers. 4 Hours
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. Environmental Geology. 3 Hours
Envirionmental Geology is the study of the relationship of geologic factors to natural hazards and the problems of water supply, pollution, erosion, land use, and earth resource utilization. Laboratory optional.
GEO 208L. Environmental Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Laboratory course to accompany GEO 208. This lab is designed to provide practical exercises that will enhance a student’s understanding of how human beings interact with the geological environment. Lab activities will take an experiential, inquiry‐based approach to topics relevant in past, present, and future societies. One two‐hour laboratory per week concurrently run with the GEO 208 lecture course.
Prerequisites: (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – or co-req); permission of instructor.
GEO 218. Geological Site Investigation for Engineers. 3 Hours
Exploration of the principles of geological site investigation applied to land-use planning, geohazard risk analysis, and diverse engineering applications.
GEO 234. Energy Resources. 3 Hours
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).
GEO 301. Structural Geology. 3 Hours
The origin and development of structural features of the earth's crust; folding, faulting, mountain building processes, and deformational fabrics.
Prerequisites: GEO 109 or GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 218.
Corequisites: GEO 301L.
GEO 301L. Structural Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 301. Three hours each week.
Corequisites: GEO 301.
GEO 302. Glacial Geology. 3 Hours
The origin of mountain and continental glaciers; their depositional features, erosive activity and dynamics; history of glaciation in geologic past with special emphasis on North American Quaternary ice advances.
Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208.
GEO 302L. Glacial Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 302. Three hours each week.
GEO 303. Field Geology. 6 Hours
Field studies in Geology and Environmental Geology. This course focuses on geologic field techniques, rock outcrop description and interpretation. Current field sites include Colorado and New Zealand.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 115 or GEO 109 or GEO 208 or SCI 210, or GEO 218.
GEO 307. Geomorphology. 3 Hours
Detailed study of landforms and the erosional processes that develop them.
Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208.
GEO 307L. Geomorphology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 307. Three hours each week.
GEO 308. Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology. 3 Hours
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.
Prerequisites: GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210.
GEO 308L. Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 308. Three hours each week and periodic field work.
GEO 309. Surface & Groundwater Hydrology. 3 Hours
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.
Prerequisites: GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 109 or GEO 218 or permission of instructor.
GEO 309L. Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 309. Three hours per week.
GEO 310. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. 3 Hours
Investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary environments, and the stratigraphic record.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 116.
GEO 310L. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 310. Three hours each week.
Corequisites: GEO 310.
GEO 401. Paleontology. 3 Hours
The study of ancient life. The morphology, ecology, evolution, and stratigraphic distributions of selected invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants.
GEO 401L. Paleontology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 401. Two hours each week.
GEO 404. Problems in Geology. 0-3 Hours
In this course, students will engage in faculty mentored experiential learning in Geology and Environmental Geosciences. These experiences may be related to geoscience research activity in a field or laboratory setting and course outcomes will be assessed through a final report following the experience.
Prerequisites: Instructor Permission.
GEO 411. Petrology. 3 Hours
Study of the formation of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.
GEO 411L. Petrology Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 411. Two hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.
GEO 412. Introductory Geochemistry. 3 Hours
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. Introductory Geochemistry Laboratory. 1 Hour
Course to accompany GEO 412. Three hours each week.
GEO 420. The Internet of Things. 3 Hours
Introduction to the multi-disciplinary topic of Internet of Things (IoT), a blend of engineering and science. The course begins with a fundamental technical understanding of the IoT architecture. From this foundation, students experience hands-on labs in a team environment with theoretical justification. The applied work features environmental sensor networking with geospatial data. Each surface area in IoT is explored from sensors and embedded devices to protocols and virtual servers highlighted by current trends within IoT. Lastly, the history, software and influential people will be discussed to provide class context. Ultimately, students scaffold their knowledge through a series of labs, team challenges and supporting lectures to create a final business proposal for a real client IoT value proposition.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.
GEO 450. Applied Geographic Information Systems. 4 Hours
Introduction of concepts and implementation of analysis in geographic information systems (GIS).
GEO 451. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Human Rights. 4 Hours
This course introduces the concepts and implementation of analysis in geographic information systems (GIS), and applies the GIS tool to different human rights situations or investigations. This course is cross-listed with HRS 451.
GEO 455. Environmental Remote Sensing. 4 Hours
Introduction to principles and concepts of remote sensing, a sophisticated technology of earth observation that provides fundamental data for global environmental investigation.
GEO 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours
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 Project. 3 Hours
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. Environmental Instrumentation Laboratory. 3 Hours
This is a field-based course designed for students majoring in the sciences. A significant portion of this course focuses on experiential learning in the field and laboratory. Students will learn the use of field and laboratory-based equipment to study current environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on team-centered approaches to investigating environmental problems.
Prerequisites: GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 109 or GEO 208 or GEO 218 or by permission of instructor.
GEO 480. Senior Capstone Project & Presentation. 3 Hours
Project and presentation in the scholarship, activity and/or practice related to the major. Students will present their work in a forum appropriate to the major.
GEO 485. Geographic Information Systems Applications in Water Resources Planning & Management. 4 Hours
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
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. Geological Research and Thesis. 3 Hours
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.