Courses in Geology  
[100s] [200s] [300s] [400s]

Courses in Geography [100s] [200s] [300s] [400s]

Experimental Courses

Geology and Geography Department Homepage

COURSES IN GEOLOGY

GEOL 107. Geology of America's National Parks  (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

Study of the geologic history of America via the National Park System. The course focuses on origin and evolution of landforms in various national parks and the geologic processes that created and sculpted them. Park features serve as a point of departure for interdisciplinary discussions on society's impact on the biosphere (life), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air) and tectosphere (land).

GEOL 111. Physical Geology    (1 course)  

An introduction to the materials that make up the earth and the interplay between constructive and destructive processes that shape it, including plate tectonics. Laboratories include mineral and rock identification, work in the field, and topographic map construction and interpretation.

GEOL 112. Historical Geology   (includes laboratory)   (1 course)

The reconstruction of ancient environments based on the interpretation of sedimentary rocks and fossil communities; the origin and history of life with emphasis on the interrelationships of evolution, earth history and plate tectonics; the physical history of the North American continent. Laboratory exercises include field trips to examine and interpret rock outcrops in Indiana and adjacent states. Prerequisite: GEOL 111. 

GEOL 197.  First-Year Seminar    (1 course)

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geology. Open only to first-year students.

GEOL 201. Geologic Field Experiences  (includes laboratory)(1 course)

A. West Virginia B. Utah C. Nevada. An introduction to field geology through intensive study of a geologic province. Students collect and interpret geologic data, construct geologic maps and cross sections and read published professional papers in order to interpret the tectonic, stratigraphic and geologic history of a province. Topics include the Valley and Ridge Province in West Virginia, the Colorado Plateau province in Utah, and the Basin and Range province in Nevada. A week-long field trip to the geologic province is required during Spring Break. A course fee covers field trip expenses. GEOL 201 may be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: GEOL 111.

GEOL 301. Mineralogy  (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

A qualitative and quantitative study of the physical, chemical and optical properties of minerals. The physical properties of minerals are studied through the identification of hand samples and geometric analysis of crystal models. Mineral chemistry is studied using literature sources and laboratory work. The optical properties of minerals are examined using the petrographic microscope. Prerequisite or co-requisite: GEOL 111, CHEM 103 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

GEOL 302. Petrology   (includes laboratory)   (1 course)

Genesis, classification and identification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. These rock groups are studied through the use of hand samples, rock and mineral chemistry, microcomputers and petrographic analysis. Laboratory exercises include field trips to examine and interpret outcrops in Indiana and adjacent states. Prerequisite: GEOL 301. 

GEOL 304. Structural Geology and Tectonics (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

Recognition, description and origin of structural features that form the architectural framework of the upper crust. Geometric (shape), kinematic (motion) and dynamic (mechanical) development of structural features are emphasized. Field work and applied laboratory work with microcomputers facilitate analyses of structures over a wide range in scale (lattice deformation to orogenic belts). Prerequisite: GEOL 111.

GEOL 306. Geochemistry (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

An introduction to the origin and evolution of terrestrial and extraterrestrial geochemical systems using thermodynamics, kinetics, isotopes and rock chemistry. The systems under study will include the atmosphere, crust, mantle and natural waters. Prerequisites: GEOL 111 and CHEM 103. 

GEOL 316. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy  (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

Formation, transportation and deposition of sediments, and criteria for inferring geologic history of sediments. Classifications of stratigraphic units, the facies concept, unconformities and principles of correlation. Prerequisite: GEOL 111. 

GEOL 420. Environmental Geophysics (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

Detailed analysis of the basic theory, field methods, and interpretation techniques of seismic, gravitational, magnetic and electrical methods of geophysical prospecting. Application of geophysical techniques to solving problems in geology, with emphasis on their applicability in environmental and exploration investigations. Outdoor work required. Prerequisites: GEOL 111 or permission of instructor and MATH 135 proficiency. PHYS 121 recommended. 

GEOL 430. Applied Hydrogeology (includes laboratory) (1 course)

An investigation of the occurrence and movement of ground water with consideration of ground water monitoring techniques, contamination, and remediation. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, CHEM 103 and MATH 135 proficiency. 

GEOL 490. Advanced Topics in Geology (1/4-1 course)

Intensive study of advanced topics in geology. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

GEOL 491. Readings and Problems in Geology (1/4-1/2 course)

Advanced readings and problems in geology. Prerequisite: Permission of Chair of the department.

GEOL 492. Readings and Research in Geology (1/4-1/2 course)

Original research in geology including a written thesis and an oral defense. Prerequisite: Permission of Chair of the department.

GEOL 497. Senior Seminar (1/2 course)

Students read, present and discuss research papers in the geosciences. Prerequisite: A departmental major and senior standing.

COURSES IN GEOGRAPHY

GEOG 105. Earthquakes and Volcanoes (1 course)

An investigation of the theory of plate tectonics and how it explains the distribution of earthquake and volcanic activity throughout the world. Destructive historical earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are examined with consideration of the impact of these disasters on human populations. Advances in the prediction of earthquake and volcanic activity also are evaluated. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 151. Physical Geography (1 course)

An introduction to the earth's physical environment. Earth-sun relationships, weather, climate, natural vegetation, soils and landforms are studied.

GEOG 153. World Geography (1 course)

An introduction to the earth's human environment. Emphasis is placed on the spatial diffusion of people and culture over the surface of the earth. Population dynamics, migration, cultural patterns, settlement, agriculture and geopolitics are examined. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 251. The Global Environment (1 course)

A topical examination of the world's natural resources. Special attention is given to the conservation of natural resources and the environmental impact of the extraction and use of natural resources. Topics include renewable and nonrenewable resources, acid rain, deforestation, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and water pollution. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 262. Oceanography (1 course)

An introduction to the study of physical oceanography. Topics include the seafloor, plate tectonics, ocean sediments, the chemistry of seawater, currents, waves, tides, beaches and shoreline processes. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 274. Geography of Anglo-America (1 course)

A survey of the physical and human geography of Canada and the United States. Landforms, climates, population patterns, settlement, cultural regions and economic activity are examined. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 276. Geography of Latin America (1 course)

A survey of the physical and human geography of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands. Landforms, climates, population patterns, settlement, cultural regions and economic activity are examined. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 351. Map Interpretation  (includes laboratory)  (1 course)

Interdisciplinary study of geologic processes and resulting landforms through the analysis and interpretation of geologic and topographic maps. Course focuses on the relationship of map patterns to tectonic, geomorphic, hydrogeologic and climatic processes that shape and influence landform development. Prerequisite: GEOL 111.

GEOG 353. Economic Geography (1 course)

The location and development of primary, secondary and tertiary economic activities. Transportation principles, agriculture, industrial location, natural resources and location theory are studied. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 450. Cartography   (1 course)

The nature and history of map-making, map projections, data manipulation, generalization, map design and map editing. Students construct maps by hand and with the aid of a computer. Offered in alternate years.

GEOG 460. Advanced Topics in Geography (1/2 course-1 course)

Intensive study of advanced topics in geography. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

GEOG 495. Readings and Problems in Geography (1/4-1/2 course)

Advanced readings and problems in geography. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

GEOG 496. Readings and Research in Geography (1/4-1/2 course)

Original research in geography including a written thesis and an oral defense. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

Experimental Courses

Techniques in X-ray Analysis (1/2-1 course)

(offered second semester 1998-99) An introduction to the theory and practice of x-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectrometry. Powder diffraction methods and x-ray fluorescence analysis will be emphasized during the first two-thirds of the course. The final third of the course will be devoted to independent research projects designed by the students. Students taking the course for 1/2 credit need only successfully finish the first two-thirds of the course.

E-mail questions or comments to: sbates@depauw.edu

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