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Geology (GEO)

Paul Garvin (chair), Ray Rogers, Peter Thompson

Major: A minimum of 11 courses, including GEO 111, 112, 212, 215, 217, 316, 319, 324; plus three elective courses at or above the 300 level, one of which must be taught in the field, as GEO 321 (Field Geology), GEO 329 (Geology of a Region), or an accredited summer field camp. Supporting coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics is strongly recommended. Students planning to pursue geology at the graduate level should also take GEO 312, 315, an accredited summer field camp; CHE 121, 122, MAT 141, 142, and PHY 111, 112 (or 101, 102); also an intermediate-level course in a foreign language.

Teaching Major : GEO 111, 112, 212, 215, 217, and three additional Geology courses at or above the 300 level; 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 a second major in Secondary Education, as described under Education.

101. Earth Science 
Phenomena and processes within, upon, and above the earth. The exploration of a dynamic planet with an immense history. Includes an examination of the world ocean. Not open to students previously enrolled in GEO 111. (Science) ROGERS

103. Geology of Volcanoes 
Global pattern of volcanic activity, eruption types, volcanic products, form and structure of volcanoes, and interaction with humankind, including effects on climate and agriculture, relation to ore deposits, eruption prediction, and hazard mitigation. (Science) THOMPSON

104. Dinosaurs: A Case Study of Controversy in Science 
The evolution, paleobiology, and paleoecology of the dinosaurs and their contemporaries, with an emphasis on current debates and controversies. Alternate years. (Science) ROGERS

111. Physical Geology 
The earth as a dynamic body whose materials and structures are continually being modified by the interactions of the geological processes, emphasizing interrelationships between geological processes and human activity. Field trips. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN or THOMPSON

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, 111, or 114. (Laboratory Science) ROGERS

114. Investigations in Geology 
Elementary investigation of selected processes and phenomena in physical geology, emphasizing ``hands-on'' experience in combined field and laboratory settings. Not open to students previously enrolled in GEO 111. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

211. Cartography 
History and principles of map making, including projections. Maps as a measure of our changing global perspective. Practical work includes surveying, map design, drafting, and computer techniques. Limited enrollment. Alternate years. THOMPSON

212. Mineralogy I: Principles 
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: CHE 121 and GEO 111. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

215. Structural Geology I 
Descriptive analysis of rock structures: faults, joints, folds, unconformities, and intrusive igneous contacts. Trigonometric solutions to three-dimensional problems. Use of the Brunton compass. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 112. (Laboratory Science) THOMPSON

217. Paleontology 
Principles of paleontology, paleoecology, and taxonomy, with an introduction to major fossil invertebrate groups. Prerequisite: GEO 112. (Laboratory Science) ROGERS

280. Resources and Land Use 
Mineral resource acquisition and utilization in relation to land use. Competing land use issues, such as: mining vs. wilderness preservation; soils and agriculture vs. urban encroachment; coastal resources vs. urban encroachment. The role of geology in comprehensive land use planning. Prerequisite: either GEO 101, 111, or 114. Alternate years. (Science) GARVIN

308. Vertebrate Evolution 
Five-hundred-million years of vertebrate evolution culminating in the origin of humans, tracing the geologic record of the generally accepted phylogeny of humans through fish, amphibians, reptiles, early mammals, and primates. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 112. Alternate years. (Science) ROGERS

312. Mineralogy II: Applications 
Methods of mineral analysis. Applications of principles of mineralogy to an understanding of mineral properties, minerals as gems, mineral resources, and minerals and human health. Practical exercises in x-ray powder diffraction. Field-and-laboratory-based comparative study of mineral deposits in eastern Iowa. Prerequisite: GEO 212. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

315. Structural Geology II 
Descriptive, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of faults, joints, folds, foliation, and lineation. Mechanics of rock deformation. Geologic map interpretation and cross-section construction. Four-day field trip to Wisconsin or Missouri may entail some additional costs. Prerequisite: GEO 215. (Laboratory Science) THOMPSON

316. Optical Mineralogy 
Petrographic microscope and its use in the study and identification of minerals. Wave theory of light, principles of refraction, polarization and interference, optical indicatrix, and optical classification of solids. Prerequisite: GEO 212. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

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 specimens and microscopic study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Prerequisite: GEO 316. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

321. Field Geology 
Field trips and seminar on the geology of the Western Interior Basin (extends from western Montana to western Iowa). Focuses on the preparation and interpretation of maps and stratigraphic sections. May entail additional costs. Prerequisite: either GEO 215 or 324. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) ROGERS

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. Prerequisite: GEO 111. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) ROGERS

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. May entail additional costs. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 112, and either GEO 212, 215, or 217. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) THOMPSON

331. Environmental Geology 
Human interaction with the geological environment. Topics include groundwater, floods, soil and water contamination, landslides, subsidence, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. Field studies: water quality and quantity related to land use in a watershed basin. Prerequisite: either GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) THOMPSON

332. Hydrogeology 
The occurrence, sources, properties, and movement of streams and groundwater. Problems related to use and pollution of aquifers. Field study of surface water quantity and quality. Prerequisites: GEO 111 and MAT 112. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) THOMPSON

390. Individual Project: see Courses 390. 

480. Internship: see Courses 480. 

485. Geological Literature (1/2-1) 
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 successive terms. Prerequisites: grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the department, prior completion of one course at the 200 level or higher in the department, and permission of instructor.

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