Geology Undergraduate and Graduate Course Descriptions

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111-2 Geology and the Environment
(University Core Curriculum, formerly GEOL 110 lecture portion) Examines human interaction with geologic processes and hazards, including earthquakes, plate tectonics, volcanoes, landslides and flooding; occurrences, the nature of, and availability of geologic resources, such as energy, water and minerals; and land-use planning, waste disposal and environmental impact. Two lectures per week.

112-1 Geology and the Environment Laboratory
(University Core Curriculum, formerly GEOL 110 lab portion)  Lab to accompany Geol 111. An introductory, hand-on lab course in environmental earth sciences. Students will be required to participate in lab activities, submit short papers and lab reports. Subjects covered include such topics as maps, global warming, earthquakes, groundwater, minerals, rocks and floods. Assessment focusses on skill-based activities whenever possible. One two-hour lab per week.

220-3 The Dynamic Earth
(University Core Curriculum substitution when taken with 223 Lab) Introduction to the materials which form the Earth and the dynamic processes that change them. Three lectures per week. One Saturday field trip required.

221-3 Earth Through Time
(University Core Curriculum substitution when taken with 224 Lab) Concepts and methods of interpreting Earth history. Development of Earth's major features and environmental systems. Emphasis on ancient environments and life forms, major changes in paleoclimate, paleocommunities and biodiversity.

222-3 Environmental Geology
(University Core Curriculum substitution when taken with 223 Lab) A critical study of geological hazards (earthquakes, floods), earth resources (minerals, water), proper land use (waste disposal), and other environmental concerns. Three lectures per week. One Saturday field trip required.

223-1 Introductory Geology Laboratory
Understanding the Earth's processes, materials and environment through hands-on laboratory and field experience. One three-hour session per week. Prerequisite:  Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 220 or 222.

224-1 Earth Through Time Laboratory
Concepts and methods of interpreting Earth's history. One two-hour laboratory per week. Weekend day field trip required. Prerequisite:  Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 221.

302-4 Fundamentals of Structural Geology I
An introduction to structural geology including a study of the forces involved in the deformation of the earth's crust, with special emphasis on the recognition and interpretation of the resultant geologic features. Laboratory and two Saturday field trips required. Prerequisite:  220, Mathematics 111. Recommended: Physics 203, or 205 or concurrent enrollment.

310-4 Mineralogy
Rudiments of crystal structure, morphology and symmetry. Introduction to crystal chemistry. Study of the properties, chemistry, occurrence and identification of common rock-forming and economically important minerals. Lecture-laboratory. Prerequisite:  220, Chemistry 200, 201, 210, 211.

315-4 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
An introduction to the processes involved in forming igneous and metamorphic rocks, to the geological environments in which these rocks are located, and to their characteristics and classifications. Laboratory. Field trip required. Prerequisite:  310.

325-4 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
The characteristic features of sedimentary rocks and the physical and chemical processes responsible for their origin and diagenesis. The classification of stratigraphic units, methods of correlation, and paleogeologic reconstruction. Laboratory and field trips required. Prerequisite:  220, 221, 310; 415 recommended.

327I-3 The World's Ocean (University Core Curriculum)
The World’s ocean comprises up to 80% of the earth’s surface. It plays a significant role in global climate, contains mineral resources and harbors a wealth of plant and animal life. “The World’s Oceans,” through the scientific method, will provide a greater understanding of the processes and components of the oceans and their importance to our every day life. The course will include lectures, discussion sections, readings and exercises from the text, laboratory exercises and short field excursions.

328I-3 Dinosaurs and the Age of Reptiles (University Core Curriculum)

What we know about dinosaurs - their fossils, morphologies, origin, types, relatives, relationships, modes of life, distributions (in time, in space, in paleoenvironments), biotic associates and extinction; and how we know it - interdisciplinary application of basic scientific concepts of geology, paleobiology, paleoecology, and paleoenvironmental analysis.

330I-3 The Planets  (University Core Curriculum)
The geology of the planets and moons of the solar system, their origin and history, the origin of the universe and the solar system and the search for other
planetary systems and life in the universe. The geologic processes of vulcanism, tectonism, weathering, and meteorite impact on the various planets will be examined and compared. A main focus of the course will be examining the methods of discovering information about the solar system involving the interdisciplinary application of the pertinent basic scientific concepts of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, meteorology, and cosmology.

390-3 Introduction to Mining Geology
Structure and composition of the earth as these impact specifically on mining engineering problems; geologic time, sequence of events, major geologic provinces, types of ore deposits, use of core data, preparation and interpretation of geologic cross-sections. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Two Saturday field trips required. Prerequisite:  220.

412-3 Topics in Igneous Petrology and Geology
In-depth studies of selected topics in igneous petrology and igneous geology. The selected topics will emphasize theoretical considerations, experimental considerations, and field associations of a variety of igneous rock types. Lecture, discussion sessions, and laboratory. Prerequisite:  315, 415.

413-3 Quantitative Methods of Geology
An introduction to quantitative methods in a geological and earth sciences context. Topics introduced include sampling plans for geologic studies, non-parametric test of geological data, comparisons of geological samples, analysis of sequential geological data. Laboratories will deal with numerical examples from all areas of geology. Prerequisite:  Advanced standing and consent of instructor.

414-3 Paleobotany
(See Plant Biology 414.)

415-3 Optical Mineralogy
The optical properties of minerals and the use of the petrographic microscope for identification of crystals by the immersion method and by thin section. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite:  310, Physics 203b or 205b.

417-3 Isotope Geochemistry
Stable and radioactive isotopes and the applications of isotopic studies to igneous and metamorphic petrology, ore deposits, sedimentology, surface processes, geothermometry, and geochronology. Introduction to isotopic techniques and mass spectroscopy. Laboratory or research project required. Prerequisite:   310, 315, and 325 or consent. Recommended: Physics 203, Mathematics 150, and Geology 419.

418-3 Low Temperature Geochemistry
The application of chemical principles to geologic processes that occur on and near the earth's surface. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite:  310, Chemistry 200, 201, 210, 211 or equivalent.

419-4 Ore Deposits
The geological and other factors that govern the exploration for and occurrence of metalliferous mineral deposits. Study of the geological settings of the major types of ore deposits. Lec-ture, laboratories, and field trips. Prerequisite:  302, 315.

420-3 Petroleum Geology
The geological occurrences of petroleum including origin, migration, and accumulation; a survey of exploration methods, and production problems and techniques. Laboratory study applies geological knowledge to the search for and production of petroleum and natural gas. Prerequisite:  221, 302.

421-3 Organic Geochemistry
The nature, origin and fate of natural and artificial organic materials in rocks and sediments. Topics include characterization of fossil fuels using biological marker compounds, petroleum source rock evaluation, and organic pollutants in the environment. Prerequisite:  325 or consent of instructor.

425-4 Invertebrate Paleontology
Principles of paleontology and a survey of the important invertebrate phyla and their fossil representatives. Laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite:  221, a biology course.

428-3 Paleoecology and Environments of Deposition
Characteristics, distribution, and classification of recent and ancient environments. Criteria for recognizing ancient environments. Sedimentological and paleoecological approaches. Recognition of ancient environments and environmental associations. Laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite:  425, 325, or concurrent enrollment.

435-3 Solid-Earth Geophysics
Earth's size, shape, mass, age, composition, and internal structure are reviewed in detail as understood from its volcanism, gravity and magnetic fields, seismicity, and motion of continents and ocean basins; plate tectonics. Prerequisite:  302, Mathematics 150, or consent of instructor.

436-4 Elementary Exploration Geophysics
Theory and practice of geophysics as applied to the exploration and development of natural resources. Laboratory involves use of geophysical instruments and interpretation of data. Field trips required. Prerequisite:  220, Mathematics 150.

437-3 Field Course in Geophysics
Use of geophysical equipment for collection, analysis and interpretation of seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and other types of geophysical data. Prerequisite:  436 or consent.

440-1 to 4 Advanced Topics in the Geological Sciences
Individual study or research or advanced studies in various topics. Prerequisite:  Advanced standing and consent of instructor.

445-3 Museum Studies in Geology
History, nature and purpose of geology in museums, relationships of geology to other museum disciplines, application of geologic methods to museum functions, preparation and preservation of specimens; nature, acquisition and utilization of geologic collections in museums, role of research in museums.

450-2 Introduction to Field Geology
Introduction to field techniques, principles of geologic mapping and map interpretation. Field trip fee $5.00. Prerequisite:  302, 315 or concurrent enrollment.

454-6 Field Geology
Advanced field mapping in the Rocky Mountains, including problems in stratigraphy, structure, petrology, paleontology, geomorphology, and economic geology. Transportation cost approximately $150, supplies $6. Prerequisite:  302, 315; 450 recommended.

460-3 Geological Data Processing
Computer applications to geological problems including the processing and programming of data and the interpretation and evaluation of results. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite:  Engineering 222 or Computer Science 202.

462-3 Fundamentals of Structural Geology II
Intermediate topics in structural geology including strain theory, field strain analysis, geometry of complex mesoscopic structures and introduction to dislocations, deformation history, and microfabric analysis. Hypotheses and orogenesis are discussed and evaluated. Lecture and assigned problems only. Prerequisite:  302 or equivalent.

466-3 Tectonics
Fundamentals of geodynamics applied to plate tectonics: mantle composition and rheology, deformation of the lithosphere, structural characteristics of plate margins, stability of triple junctions, diachronous tectonics, and orogenesis will be examined in detail. Prerequisite:  302, Mathematics 150, or consent of instructor.

470-3 Hydrogeology
A problem-solving oriented course which covers the analysis and interpretation of the distribution, origin, movement, and chemistry of ground water. Laboratory. Prerequisite:  220, Mathematics 250.

474-3 Geomorphology
Study of erosional and depositional processes operating at the earth's surface and landforms resulting from these processes. Relationship of processes and landforms to the geologic framework is examined. Laboratory. Prerequisite:  220.

476-3 Quaternary Geology
Methods used to identify, map, date and correlate Quaternary deposits and interpret Quaternary history. Covers glacial, fluvial, coastal, lacustrine and eolian chronologies, oxygen-isotope records from ocean sediments and continental ice cores, volcanic activity, and Quaternary climate change. Field trips required. Prerequisite:  220, 221 or consent of instructor; 474 recommended.

478-4 Environmental Geology
Application of principles of geomorphology and Quaternary to environmental problems and geologic hazards. Lectures and case studies emphasize neotectonics, volcanic hazards, landslides and other mass movements, floods river channel changes, and coastal erosion. Laboratory exercises focus on techniques for identification, mapping, and analysis of geologic hazards. Prerequisite:  474, 476 recommended.

480-3 Geology of Coal
Geology as related to exploration, development and mining of coal; stratigraphy, sedimentation and structure of coal deposits; type of coal basins and their tectonic setting; concepts of cyclical deposition in coal basins; origin of splits and partings in coal seams; relationship of modern environments and ancient coal-forming environments; structural problems relevant to exploration and mining of coal; methods of resource evaluation. Three 1-hour lectures/week; five half-day field trips.

481-3 Sedimentary Basin Analysis
The use of stratigraphy, structure, sedimentology and geophysics to determine the paleogeographic evolution of sedimentary basins. Topics include the study of the relationships between host strata and both primary and post-depositional non-renewable resources, plate tectonics and basin evolution and subsurface geologic methods. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

482-3 Coal Petrology
Structural features and microscopy of coal seams. Origin and alteration of coal constituents. Includes field trips, study of coal specimens, and techniques. Prerequisite: 220 and 221 or consent of instructor.

484-3 Geologic Remote Sensing
Applications of remote sensing using aerial photographs, multi-spectral imagery, hyperspectral imagery, thermal infrared imagery, and radar imagery, in structural geology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, oil and mineral exploration, geologic hazard analysis and planetary exploration. Prerequisite: 220 or consent of the instructor.

490-1 to 3 Internship
Credit for supervised practical experience with an external geological agency or company; prior approval of the sponsoring agency and the department is required. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite:  Advanced standing; minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA.

500 -1 to 2 Teaching for Geology Graduate Students.
To help teaching assistants develop skills in conducting laboratory work and leading discussions. One hour required for all teaching assistants in geology. Graded S/U only (8 weeks). Prerequisite:   none.

510 -2 Advanced Sedimentology
Basic principles of field observation, field and laboratory sampling, and data analysis of clastic sedimentary rocks; introduction to laboratory techniques; introduction to statistical, physical and empirical models in sedimentary geology. Field trips required. Prerequisite:   325 or 474.

515 -3 Instrumental Analysis in Geology
An introduction to modern methods of instrumental inorganic geochemical analysis that are particularly important in the geology sciences. This includes both operational theory and practical application of methods for the analysis of minerals, rocks and aqueous solutions. Prerequisite:  310, Chemistry 222 or equivalent, and consent of instructor; 418 recommended.

517 -2 to 6 Advanced Topics in Geochemistry
Specialized topics in geochemistry. Topics covered might nclude thermodynamic modeling of mineral-solution equilibria, the role of kinetics in mineral-solution reactions, experimental hydrothermal geochemistry or other topics to be announced by the department. Prerequisite:   418 or consent of instructor.

518 - 3 Clay Mineralogy
Study of the structure, chemistry, origin, and geologic importance of clay minerals. Industrial and other applications of clays. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite:   310 or consent.

520 -2 to 6 Advanced Topics in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Petrologic principles and their relationships and other selected topics to be announced by the department. Prerequisite:   consent of instructor.

522 -3 Sedimentary Petrology -- Siliciclastics
The petrography and petrology of siliciclastics rocks, emphasizing sandstones. Microscopic studies of composition and components of detrital clastic rocks, their origin, provenance, characteristics, diagenesis, cementation and lithification. Prerequisite:   325 or 415 or consent; 520 or 521 recommended.

523 -3 Sedimentary Petrology -- Carbonates
The origin, classification, diagenesis, and geochemistry of carbonate rocks, with emphasis on petrographic analysis. Study of recent carbonate depositional environments. Laboratory required. Prerequisite:   325, 418 recommended.

524 -2 to 6 Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Geology
Advanced topics in sedimentary geology. Topics may include clastic depositional environments, carbonate depositional environments; diagenesis of sedimentary rocks, and other topics to be announced by the department. Prerequisite:   428 or 522 or 523 or consent of instructor.

525 -2 to 3 Advanced Topics in Invertebrate Paleontology
Lectures, readings, field and laboratory studies, including techniques and quantitative methods of study. Preparation for research in paleontology. Topics may include corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, mollusks, echinoderms, biostratigraphy, tempo and mode of invertebrate evolution and other topics to be announced by the department. Maximum credit 6 semester hours. Prerequisite:   425 or consent of instructor.

526 -3 Advanced Topics in Applied Paleoecology
Lectures, field, and laboratory studies, including techniques and quantitative methods. Preparation for research in paleoecology. Emphasis on using fossil marine invertebrates and trace fossils to interpret ancient sedimentary environments. Prerequisite:   428 or consent.

535 -1 to 6 Advanced Topics in Geophysics
Specialized topics in geophysics. Examples include but are not limited to seismic stratigraphy, mid-continent seismicity, isostacy, data processing techniques. The topic to be covered is announced by the department. Current Topics: GEOL535A Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism (in even years, 4 credits) and GEOL535B Environmental Magnetism (in odd years, 4 credits) Maximum credit 9 credit hours. Prerequisite:   435 or 436 or consent of instructor.

536 -3 Earthquake Seismology
Observational seismology. Topics include earthquake source mechanisms; propagation, reflection and refraction of elastic waves; ray theory; dispersion of surface waves; the effect of earth structure on the seismogram; and the seismograph. Research projects will be conducted using data from the SIU Geophysical Observatory. Prerequisite:   435 or 436, Mathematics 150 or consent of instructor.

537 -3 Applied Seismology
Study of the seismic reflection techniques, including theory and methods of collection and analysis of seismic reflection data, the seismic method, waveform analysis, and digital filtering with computer applications and seismic instrument characteristics. Prerequisite:   Mathematics 150 or consent of instructor.

538a -3 Gravity
Study of gravitational methods used in the solution of geological problems; topics include theory, field operations, data reduction, anomaly separation, two and three-dimensional analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite:   435 or 436, Mathematics 150 or consent of instructor.

538b -3 Magnetism
Study of magnetic methods used in the solution of geological problems; topics include theory, origin, time variations and induction, paleomagnetism, magnetic properties of earth materials. Field operations, anomaly separation and interpretation. Prerequisite:   435 or 436, Mathematics 150 or consent of instructor.

550 -4 Advanced Economic Geology
In-depth examination of the geologic characteristics, classification and origin of metallic mineral deposits. Aspects of mineral exploration and mining techniques are also discussed. Laboratory exercises emphasize hand specimen and petrographic study of ore and host rock suites. Field trips required.

555 -1 to 3 Advanced Topics in Economic Geology
Advanced study in a specific area of economic geology to be determined by course participants. Course content may focus on a specific type of mineral deposit or such topical areas as field characteristics, mineral exploration techniques, stable isotope geochemistry, fluid inclusion studies and hydrothermal processes. Maximum credit six semester hours. Prerequisite:   550.

565 -3 Rock Deformation and Structural Systems
Advanced topics in structural geology with emphasis on theoretical and experimental study of rock deformation and analysis of complex structural systems. Lecture and assigned problems only. Prerequisite:   462.

566 -3 Advanced Topics in Structural Geology
Lectures, readings, and discussion of advanced aspects of rock deformation: dislocation theory and its applications to flow processes of rocks; experimental rock deformation; incremental and finite strain theory and analysis; and recent developments in structural geology. Prerequisite:   565.

570 -3 Advanced Hydrogeology
A combination of lectures, seminars, and independent studies of advanced topics in hydrogeology, particularly geochemistry and the response of aquifers to stresses such as tides, recharge and saline intrusion. Prerequisite:   470.

576 -4 Coastal Geomorphology and Sedimentology
Detailed examination of coastal processes and clastic coastal depositional systems. Coastal storms, wave processes, tidal systems, sea level changes, coastal sediment transport, deltaic, barrier island-strandplain, estuarine depositional systems and coastal stratigraphic sequences. Field trip to Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast. Field trip fee of $25 may be incurred. Prerequisite:   474 or consent of instructor.

577 -2 to 6 Advanced Topics in Surficial Geology
Studies of processes, landforms, and deposits in the surface or near surface geologic setting. Selected topics to be announced by the department. Maximum credit nine semester hours. Prerequisite:   consent of instructor.

578 -3 Fluvial Geomorphology
Detailed study of fluvial processes and landforms within the context of major concepts in geology and geomorphology. Topics include drainage basins, hydro-climatology and surface water hydrology, channel processes, fluvial depositional systems, paleohydrology and changes in fluvial systems through time. Prerequisite:   474 and consent of instructor.

579 -3 Soil Geomorphology
Study of geomorphologic applications of soils. Covers the effects of time, climate, parent material, topography, eolian additions on soil development, classification and chemistry; soil indices; pedogenic thresholds; paleosols; use of soils to evaluate landform age, landform stability, Quaternary stratigraphy, faulting and climate fluctuations. Field trips required. Prerequisite:   474 or consent of instructor.

582 -1 to 3 Advanced Coal Petrology
Microscopy, source materials, coalification, constitution, and classification of peats, lignites, bituminous coal, anthracite; applications to industrial problems. Prerequisite:   482.

591 -1 to 6 Individual Research in Geology
Investigations in geology other than those for theses or dissertations.

599 -1 to 6 Thesis
Minimum of three hours to be counted toward a Master's degree.

600 - 1 to 30 Dissertation
Research for and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

601 -1 Continuing Enrollment
For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

 


 

SIUC / College of Science / Geology / Courses / Descriptions
http://www.science.siu.edu/geology/courses/index.html
Last updated: 10-Jan-2005 / hhjr