GEOLOGY COURSES 

Listed below are our current geology course listings and descriptions.

Online Catalog

Factsheet (pdf)


P= Prerequisites.
F= Fall semester; S= Spring semester; SU= Summer. 


GEOLOGY 1140

Physical Geology

4 credits

The physical and chemical Earth; materials of the earth's crust and interior, their composition, distribution and origin; the processes that modify the surface and interior; minerals and rocks; interpretation of topographic maps.  Field trips.
P: none.
F/S


GEOLOGY 1240

Historical Geology

4 credits

Formation and development of planet Earth; growth and destruction of mountain ranges and ocean basins; the beginning and evolution of life on the planet; rocks; fossils; interpretation of geological maps and cross-sections.  Field trips.
P: none.  Geology 1140 or Geology 3130 recommended.
F/S


GEOLOGY 3040

Mineralogy and Lithology

4 credits

A condensed course on earth materials for majors in science and engineering.  Laboratory emphasizes identification, classification and determinative methods.  Field trips.
P: Geology 1140 or Geology 3130.
F odd-numbered years


GEOLOGY 3130

Engineering Geology

3 credits

Geology applied to the solution of a variety of problems in the field of civil engineering.  Field trip.
P: Chemistry 1240 and Phys 2640.
F/S


GEOLOGY 3230

Sedimentary Geology

3 credits

The formation, identification and significance of sedimentary rocks with emphasis on those found in the Midwest; stratigraphy and earth history.  Field trips and paper required.
P: Geology 1140 or Geology 3130.
F


GEOLOGY 3430

Hydrogeology

3 credits

Practical geological concepts and theory of water resources; ground water and surface waters examined.  Field trips,  paper and presentation required.
P: Geology 1140 or Geology 3130.
S odd-numbered years


GEOLOGY 3830

Field Methods and Mapping

3 credits

Field techniques for reconnaissance and detailed studies; assigned field problems. Final field report required.
P: Geology 1140 or Geology 3130, Geology 1240 and Geology 3040 or Geology 3230 or Consent of Instructor.
F


GEOLOGY 4030

Economic Geology

3 credits

The occurrence, formation and utilization of geological resources for majors in reclamation, engineering and natural sciences.  Metal deposits, energy resources and industrial minerals examined.  Field trips and reports required.
P: Geology 1140 or Geology 3130.  Geology 3040 recommended.
S


GEOLOGY 4120

Topical Seminar

1-2 credits

A particular geologic topic within a seminar format.
P: junior standing.
F or S 


GEOLOGY 4340

Regional Geomorphology of the United States

4 credits

The structure, origin and distribution of the landforms of the United States; secondary emphasis on the methods of landform analysis.
P: Geology 1140, or Geography 1040 or Geography 1140.
S


GEOLOGY 4920

Individual Research in Geology

1-3 credits

Supervised research by individual students. Written report required.
P: senior standing and Consent of Instructor.