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Geology (GEO)

Paul Garvin, Benjamin Greenstein, Peter Thompson (chair)
Adjunct Faculty/Academic Staff: Thelma 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 200 level, one of which must be taught in the field, as GEO 255, 321, 329, 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 (Chemical Principles I and II); MAT 141-142 (Calculus I and II); and PHY 111-112 (General Physics I and II), or 101-102 (Introductory Physics I and II); 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 200 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.

Minor: A minimum of seven course credits in Geology which include GEO 111, 112, 212, 215, 217, and two electives which must be at or above the 200 level. Supporting coursework in other sciences and mathematics is recommended. Environmental Studies majors may receive a minor in Geology only if the two elective Geology courses are not counted toward the Environmental Studies major.

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) GREENSTEIN

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

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, 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) GREENSTEIN

114. Investigations in Geology
Elementary-level field- and laboratory-based investigations of rocks, minerals, and fossils. The information obtained will be used to interpret their histories. Not open to students previously enrolled in GEO 111. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

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 and 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) GREENSTEIN

220. 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

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 Bahamian Field Station, San Salvador Island, Bahamas. May entail additional costs. (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN

280/380. Internship: see Courses 280/380.

290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.

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. Alternate years. (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 additional costs. Prerequisite: GEO 215. Alternate years. (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 specimen and microscopic study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Prerequisite: GEO 316. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN

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) GREENSTEIN

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

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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