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Geology (GEO)
Rhawn Denniston (chair), Paul Garvin, Benjamin Greenstein
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, such as GEO 255, 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, and consider taking an accredited
summer field camp in lieu of GEO 329; CHE 121-122 (Chemical
Principles I and II) or CHE 161 (Accelerated General Chemistry); MAT 141-142 (Calculus I and II); and PHY 111-112 (General Physics I
and II), or 101-102 (Introductory Physics I
and II).
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
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) GARVIN or DENNISTON
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. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN
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: CHE 121 and GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN
215. Structural Geology
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) 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
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
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. (Science) DENNISTON
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. Prerequisite: any 100-level Geology course.
(Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN
280/380. Internship: see Courses 280/380.
290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.
312. Applied Mineralogy
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. Plate Tectonics
Principles and processes of plate tectonics; evolution of continents through geologic time; survey of the world's tectonic environments; includes daily reading of primary literature and a multi-day field trip. Prerequisite: GEO 215. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
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; optical classification of solids. Prerequisite: GEO 212. (Laboratory Science) GARVIN
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. Prerequisite: GEO 316. Alternate years. (Laboratory
Science) GARVIN
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
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
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 alternates between Big Bend National Park (in Texas) and New Zealand. Entails additional costs. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 112, 215, 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, subsidence, volcanic
activity, and earthquakes. Field studies: water quality related to land use in a watershed basin. Prerequisite: either GEO
111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
332. Hydrogeology
The occurrence, sources, properties, and movement of streams and
groundwater. Problems related to use and pollution of aquifers. Prerequisites: MAT 112 and either GEO 111 or 114. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON
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 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.
512. Geographic Information Systems (1/4)
Learning the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) by
means of tutorial exercises and exploration of selected web sites.
Working with user-created and imported information, each student will
design a project that addresses a geographic issue (e.g., environmental,
demographic), and will use ArcView GIS to help resolve it. A final
written report that includes maps is required. Must be taken over
four consecutive terms. Prerequisites: GEO 111 or
114, and at least two upper-level courses from any one of
the following departments: Biology, Economics and Business, Geology,
Politics, or Sociology and Anthropology, or permission of instructor. (CR)
GARVIN
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