Geology Department Curriculum

In our world of expanding population and finite resources, the need to understand and appreciate the complex interrelationships among the Earth's living and non-living systems has never been greater. Rational judgments regarding land and other resource use demand such understanding. We believe that every liberally-educated student should have at least an elementary understanding of geological systems and processes, and how these affect human activity. To this end, the Geology Department offers a variety of entry-level courses (Physical Geology, Climate Change, Historical Geology, Marine Science, Earth Science, and Investigations in Geology). At least one of the above courses is taught in nearly all nine terms of the college year and all satisfy the College science requirement. The majority have a strong laboratory component, and some involve field work. We believe strongly in the "hands-on" approach to teaching and learning science. Most of these courses emphasize how human land use affects geological processes and vice-versa, and they underscore the importance of proper land management. The Hendriks Research Fund annully supports several undergraduate field research projects.

Degree Requirements:

Major: The requirements for the geology major are: a minimum of 11 courses, including Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, Tectonics, Invertebrate Paleontology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geomorphology, and one field course* (either Geology of a Region New Zealand or Modern and Ancient Carbonate Systems of the Bahamas); plus Geological Problems (independent research); and one 300-level elective in the field the student chooses to perform their independent research.

* Field courses entail additional costs, but financial support is available from the geology department to help defray expenses of geology majors and minors.

Supporting coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics is strongly recommended. Students planning to pursue geology at the graduate level should also take CHE 121,122; MAT 121, 122; and PHY 111, 112 (or 101, 102); also an intermediate-level course in a foreign language.

Teaching Major: Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Tectonics, Invertebrate Paleontology, Mineralogy 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.

Minor: A minimum of eight course credits in Geology, including Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, Tectonics, Invertebrate Paleontology; plus three elective courses, at least two of which must be at or above the 300 level. Supporting coursework in other sciences and mathematics is recommended.

Course Descriptions:

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

105.Marine Science
An introduction to the global marine environment, with emphasis on seafloor 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. Fieldtrips. (Laboratory Science) WALSH 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 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) WALSH

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. (Laboratory Science) WALSH

214. Tectonics
An examination of plate tectonic processes on Earth.   Topics will include the building of mountains, rifting of ocean basins, the structure of Earth's interior, paleomagnetism, and the driving forces behind plate movement.   Structural geological methods will also be discussed.   Includes an extended fieldtrip. Prerequisites: GEO 111, 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 or BIO 142 (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN

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

223. Geology of the National Parks
The United States was the first nation to set aside land as a national park for the purposes of preservation and recreation. This class will explore the spectacular geology of our country as the principal factor in the establishment of national parks. Students will investigate the diversity of geological formations and learn about the dynamic processes that cause such diversity on Earth. Extended field trips and in-depth research will allow students to focus more specifically on different issues facing the National Park System, including environmental issues and public policy issues. We will be heading to National parks in South Dakota (Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Black Hills, Jewel Cave National Monument, possibly Wind Cave National Monument), Wyoming (Devil's Tower National Monument), and possibly Nebraska (Agate Fossil Bed National Monument). Additional cost will be approximately $300-$400. Prerequisite: GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) WALSH

255. Modern and Ancient Carbonate Environments 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. Entails additional costs. (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN

263. Topic: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems; includes examples of GIS applications used to address environmental problems. (Science) STAFF

280/380. Internship

290/390. Individual Project

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

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. Prerequisite: GEO 112 and either GEO 111 or 114. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON

324. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Sedimentary processes and the stratigraphic record. Basis of particle transport, facies models, and methods of stratigraphic analysis. Hand specimen and microscopic study of sedimentary rocks. Prerequisite: GEO 111, 112. Alternate years. (Laboratory Science) GREENSTEIN

325. The Origin of Mountains
Mountains are formed by a variety of geological processes. This class will explore methods of mountain building, focusing on the histories of different mountain belts around the world. We will read and discuss current literature on a range of related topics, such as: ultrahigh-pressure rocks, ophiolite emplacement, terrane accretion, thermobarometry, and methods for dating ancient mountain belts. Multi-day fieldtrip is likely. Prerequisites: GEO 212 and 319. (Laboratory Science) WALSH

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, 214 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 and quantity related to land use in a watershed basin. Prerequisite: either GEO 111 or 114. (Laboratory Science) DENNISTON

390. Individual Project

480. Internship

485. Geological Problems (1 credit)
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 (.25 credit)
Reading on a specialized topic and a research project related to the topic. Must be taken over four successive terms. Prerequisites: grade pointaverage 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.

512. Geographic Information Systems (.25 credit)
Learning the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) by means of tutorial exercises and exploration of selected websites. 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 ARCGIS 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). DENNISTON