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Geology (GEO)
Rhawn Denniston, Benjamin Greenstein (chair), Emily Walsh
Major: A minimum of 11 courses, including GEO 111,
112, 212, 214, 217,
319, 320, 324; a field class, such as GEO 255, 329, or an accredited summer field camp; GEO 485; and the 300-level specialty course offered by the student's 485 advisor.
Supporting coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics is strongly
recommended, including CHE 121-122 (Chemical
Principles I and II) or CHE 161 (Accelerated General Chemistry); MAT 121 (Calculus of a Single Variable), 122 (Calculus of Several Variables); and PHY 111-112 (General Physics I
and II), or 101-102 (Introductory Physics I
and II).
Teaching Major: GEO 111,
112, 212, 214, 217,
and three additional Geology courses selected from the following: 222, 223, 320, or 329; and PHY
221 (Astronomy) or 228 (Energy Alternatives).
Supporting work in the other sciences and mathematics is strongly
recommended. In addition to the foregoing requirements, prospective
teachers must also apply for admission to the
Teacher Education Program (preferably at the start of their sophomore
year) and complete coursework leading to secondary certification described under Education. Prospective teachers should request a current list of the specific course requirements from the Education Office.
Minor: A minimum of seven course credits in Geology which
include GEO 111, 112, 212, 214, 217, and two electives which must be at
or above the 200 level; at least one of these must be at or above the 300 level. Supporting coursework in other sciences and
mathematics is recommended.
101. Earth Science
Phenomena and processes within, upon, and above the earth. The
exploration of a dynamic planet with an immense history. Includes
discussion of modern and ancient climate, geologic time, and the
processes shaping the planet today. Not open to students previously
enrolled in GEO 111. (Science) GREENSTEIN
105. Marine Science
An introduction to the global marine environment, with emphasis on sea
floor dynamics, submarine topography and sediments, the nature and
circulation of oceanic waters, coastal processes, marine biologic
productivity, coral reefs and pollution, and exploitation of the oceans
by humans. One field trip to the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. (Science)
GREENSTEIN
111. Physical Geology
The earth as a dynamic body whose materials and structures are continually being modified by the interactions of the geological processes; considers interrelationships between geological processes and human activity. Field trips as weather permits. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON or WALSH
112. Historical Geology
Origin
and evolution of the solid earth, atmosphere, and ocean; the origin of
life; and the succession of life through geologic time. Prerequisite:
either GEO 101, 105, 111, or 114.
(Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN
114. Investigations in Geology
Elementary-level field- and laboratory-based investigations of rocks,
minerals, fossils, and surface processes. The information obtained will be used to
interpret their geologic histories. Not open to students previously enrolled in GEO
111. Offered as a writing-designated course (W) in alternate years. (Laboratory Science) WALSH
212. Mineralogy
Principles and processes of mineral growth; mineral chemistry and structure; physico-chemical stabilities of minerals; the foregoing leading to an understanding of the origins of minerals. Laboratory problems and mineral identification. Prerequisites: GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) WALSH
214. Tectonics
An examination of plate tectonic processes on Earth. Topics will include the building of mountains, rifting of ocean basins, the structure of Earth's interior, paleomagnetism, and the driving forces behind plate movement. Structural geological methods will also be discussed. Includes several field trips. Prerequisites: GEO 111 and 112. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
217. Invertebrate Paleontology
Principles of
paleontology, paleoecology, and taxonomy, with an introduction to major
fossil invertebrate groups. Prerequisite: GEO 112 or BIO
141 and 142. (Laboratory Science)
GREENSTEIN
222. Climate Change
An examination of changes in Earth's climate with particular focus on the last 20,000 years. Topics include greenhouse and icehouse worlds, climate reconstruction techniques, and factors driving climate change. Offered as a writing-designated course (W) in alternate years. (Science) DENNISTON
223. Geology of the National Parks
The United States was the first nation to set aside land as a national park for the purposes of preservation and recreation. This class will explore the spectacular geology of our country as the principal factor in the establishment of national parks. Students will investigate the diversity of geological formations and learn about the dynamic processes that cause such diversity on Earth. Extended field trips and in-depth research will allow students to focus more specifically on different issues facing the National Park System, including environmental issues and public policy issues. Entails additional costs. Prerequisite: GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) WALSH
255. Modern and Ancient Carbonate Systems of the Bahamas
Field course on the geologic and biologic
processes occurring in a modern carbonate system and the responses
preserved in Pleistocene limestones. Days spent in the field
investigating modern shallow marine environments (coral reefs, tidal
flats, lagoons, beaches, dunes) and ancient analogs preserved in rock
outcrops, caves, and sink-holes. Follow-up lectures and laboratory
sessions in the evening. Snorkeling experience desirable but not
essential; scuba diving opportunities will be made available. Taught at
the Gerace Research Center, San Salvador Island, Bahamas. May entail
additional costs. Prerequisites: any 100-level Geology course and sophomore standing.
(Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN
260 through 265. Topics in Geology
See Topics Courses.
280/380. Internship: see Courses 280/380.
290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.
317. Paleoecology
Applications of principles of paleoecology to an understanding of the
ecology of marine invertebrates that existed in eastern Iowa during
Paleozoic time. Includes group research projects on various aspects
of paleoecology using field- and laboratory-based studies of fossiliferous
outcrops in eastern Iowa. Prerequisite: GEO 217. (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN
319. Igneous and Metamorphic
Petrology
Origins and evolution of magmas.
Compositions, structures, regional settings, and origins of resultant
igneous rocks. Processes and controlling influences in metamorphic
change. Compositions, fabrics, regional settings, and origins of
metamorphic rocks. Hand specimen and microscopic study of igneous and
metamorphic rocks. Prerequisites: GEO 112 and 212. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) WALSH
320. Geomorphology
The study of landforms, landscape evolution, and earth surface processes. Particular attention will be paid to glacial and post-glacial environments in the north-central U.S. Includes field- and laboratory-based group research projects on various local and regional topics, and reading of primary literature. Prerequisites: GEO 112 and either GEO 111 or 114. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
322. Quaternary Environments
An in-depth examination of Quaternary climates around the globe and the methods used to reconstruct them. Topics include ice cores, marine sediments, speleothems, pollen, tree rings, and geochemical techniques. Involves hands-on paleoclimate projects including computer simulations. Will also entail significant reading of the primary literature. Prerequisite: GEO 222 or 320. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
324. Sedimentology and
Stratigraphy
Sedimentary processes and the
stratigraphic record. Basics of particle transport, facies models, and
methods of stratigraphic analysis. Hand specimen and microscopic study
of sedimentary rocks. Prerequisites: GEO 111 and 112. Alternate
years. (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN
325. The Origin of Mountains
Mountains are formed by a variety of geological processes. This class will explore methods of mountain building, focusing on the histories of different mountain belts around the world. We will read and discuss current literature on a range of related topics, such as: ultrahigh-pressure rocks, ophiolite emplacement, terrane accretion, thermobarometry, and methods for dating ancient mountain belts. Multi-day field trip is likely. Prerequisite: GEO 319. (Laboratory Science) WALSH
329. Geology of a Region
Application of geologic principles in the field to explore the geology
of a region: stratigraphy, structure, geomorphology, and geologic
history. Interpretation of geologic maps. Typically offered in New Zealand and entails additional costs. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 112, 214, and permission of instructor. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
331. Environmental Geology
Human
interaction with the geological environment. Topics include groundwater,
floods, soil and water contamination, landslides, and subsidence. Field studies: water quality related to land use in a watershed basin. Prerequisite: either GEO
111 or 114. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
360 through 365. Advanced Topics in Geology
See Topics Courses.
485. Geological Problems
Research on a subject or problem selected by the student and approved by the instructor, involving library and field or laboratory study. Comprehensive term paper and oral report.
511. Extended Research in Geology
(1/4)
Reading on a specialized topic and a research
project related to the topic. Must be taken over four consecutive terms.
Prerequisites: grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Department,
prior completion of one course at or above the 200 level in the
Department, and permission of instructor.
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