Geoscientists study the Earth, including the materials that compose the planet, the processes that continuously change the planet, and the evolution of the earth and life through time. Because these studies involve investigations of relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, the Geosciences are inherently interdisciplinary by nature and include aspects of chemistry, biology, and physics.
Geoscientists also are addressing increasingly challenging problems that confront a growing human population as we begin the twenty-first century: dwindling water, mineral, and energy resources; earthquake prediction and natural hazard identification; human impacts on the environment at regional and global scales; and safe disposal of toxic and radioactive waste materials.
The goal of the Department of Geosciences is to expose students to the complex interplay of Earth systems through active, hands-on learning. Therefore, a DePauw education in the Geosciences goes far beyond the traditional classroom. Students work in modern laboratories with extensive mineral, rock, fossil, and map collections. They use computers to model complex systems and simulate geological processes. They receive training on emerging technological tools such as GPS (global positioning systems) and GIS (geographic information systems). They participate on field trips that take them to some of the best geological exposures in the world. Many students spend a summer working closely with faculty on important research problems using state-of-the-art instrumentation. These student-faculty collaborations commonly result in student presentations at national meetings and co-authored publications in refereed journals.
Current research topics include: understanding the fate of pollutant materials in aquatic ecosystems, sedimentation rates in modern depositional environments, origin and evolution of igneous rocks in the southwestern United States and northeastern Canada, 2-D and 3-D mapping, modeling, and computer visualization of faults and folded rocks with applications in various mountain belts, water quality concerns in Indiana including acid mine drainage from Indiana coal mines, and the development and evolution of sedimentary basins in China.
Many DePauw Geoscience graduates receive scholarships to attend leading graduate schools to continue their education. Other graduates pursue a variety of successful careers in industry, government agencies, or academic institutions.
The Department of Geoscience offers majors and minors in Geology, Environmental Geoscience and Earth Science and a minor in Geography. Students planning to major in any of these fields should consult with a departmental faculty member. During the senior year, all majors are required to participate in a senior seminar. Students preparing for secondary teaching: review Section V, Teacher Education, and confer with the chair of the education department about requirements for admission and certification.
| Total courses required | 8.5 GEOS + 2.25 CHEM/PHYS |
| Core courses | GEOS 110, GEOS 280, GEOS 310, GEOS 350 |
| Other required courses | GEOS 115, GEOS 450, an astronomy course, CHEM 130 & CHEM 170 (1.25 total credit)
At least 3 course credits from the following courses (at least one of the three must be at the 300 or higher level): GEOS 105, GEOS 107, GEOS 109, GEOS 125, GEOS 205, GEOS 210, GEOS 220, GEOS 315, GEOS 320, GEOS 330, GEOS 370, GEOS 380, GEOS 470*, GEOS 480*, GEOS 490*
*only 1 course credit counts towards major |
| # 300 and 400 level courses | Three and one-half |
| Senior requirement | The senior requirement consists of GEOS 450. |
| Additional information | Recommended courses from which to choose:
- MATH 151, MATH 152
- PHYS 120, PHYS 130
- CSC 121-122
- POLS (Political Science) courses (e.g., POLS 110, 160, 382)
- ANTH 253
- Additional GEOS, CHEM, and/or BIO courses
- Winter Term internship in a geoscience-related field
- Off-campus study in an approved geoscience program
- Summer geology field camp
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| Recent changes in major | |
| GEOS 105.
Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
Group 1, lab |
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. May include lab some semesters.
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| GEOS 107.
Geology of America's National Parks |
Group 1 |
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 lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.May include lab some semesters.
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| GEOS 109.
Environmental Geology |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| An introduction to the processes that influence the physical and chemical nature of the earth's surface. Although these processes are frequently naturally occurring, special attention is given to the influence of human actions on the environment. Students explore the environmental impact of the extraction and use of natural resources, and interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere as they pertain to environmental issues.
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| GEOS 110.
Earth and the Environment |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An introduction to the materials that make up the earth and the interplay between constructive and destructive processes that shape the earth, including plate tectonics. Laboratories include mineral and rock identification, field trips, and topographic map interpretation.
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| GEOS 115.
Physical Geography |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| An introduction to the earth's physical environment. Earth-sun relationships, weather, climate, natural vegetation, soils and landforms are studied.
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| GEOS 125.
Introduction to Environmental Science |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| An introduction to the study of environmental science. Topics include matter, energy, ecosystems, human populations, natural resources, and the impact of human activity on the natural environment. Special attention is given to current environmental problems including air and water pollution, acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change, deforestation, and species extinctions.
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| GEOS 197G.
First-Year Seminar |
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1 course |
| A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geography. Open only to first-year students. |
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| GEOS 197S.
First-Year Seminar |
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1 course |
| A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geology. Open only to first-year students.
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| GEOS 205.
Introduction to GIS |
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1 course |
| An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications. Emphasis on cartographic concepts, strengths and limitations of different GIS data formats, spatial statistics, and spatial analysis. Students use a variety of specialized GIS tools to solve spatial problems and map spatial phenomena. 100-level geoscience course recommended, but not required. |
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| GEOS 210.
Historical Geology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An introduction to earth history and the methods that geologists use to interpret the rock record and the fossil record. The origin and evolution of the earth and life through time are examined with emphasis on the interrelationships of earth history, evolution and plate tectonics. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 220.
Geologic Field Experiences |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A. West Virginia B. Utah C. Nevada D. California E. Other. 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. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 280.
Mineralogy |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. 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: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 310.
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. Detailed study of the formation, transportation, and deposition of sediments, and criteria for inferring the geologic history of sedimentary rocks. The application of facies models in recognizing and interpreting ancient depositional systems is emphasized. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 315.
Map Interpretation |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. 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. May be counted towards a major in geology. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 320.
Petrology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. 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, computers and petrographic analysis. Laboratory exercises include field trips to examine and interpret outcrops in Indiana and adjacent states. Prerequisite: GEOS 280. |
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| GEOS 330.
Geochemistry |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics applied to geological problems, with special emphasis on aqueous geochemistry. Students learn field collection techniques, sample analysis, and methods of presenting geochemical data. Prerequisites: GEOS 110, CHEM 130, and CHEM 170; or permission of the instructor.
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| GEOS 350.
Structural Geology and Tectonics |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. 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 is emphasized. Fieldwork and applied laboratory work with computers facilitate analyses of structures over a wide range in scale (lattice deformation to orogenic belts). Prerequisite: GEOS 110.
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| GEOS 370.
Applied Hydrogeology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An investigation of the occurrence and movement of water within the hydrologic cycle. Special attention is given to water quality and water supply concerns. Lab and field work develop skills to apply course concepts to real world problems. Prerequisite: GEOS 110. MATH 135 proficiency recommended.
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| GEOS 380.
Environmental Geophysics |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. 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: GEOS 110 or permission of instructor. MATH 135 proficiency and PHYS 120 recommended.
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| GEOS 395.
Topics in Geography |
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1/2-1 course |
| An examination of a topic in Geography. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.
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| GEOS 450.
Senior Seminar |
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1/2 course |
| Students read, present and discuss research papers in the geosciences. Prerequisite: A departmental major and senior standing.
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| GEOS 470.
Readings in Geology |
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1/4-1/2 course |
| Topical investigation using primary geological literature sources, including written analyses and oral presentations. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.
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| GEOS 480.
Problems in Geology |
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1/4-1/2 course |
| Advanced problems in geology, including written analyses and/or oral presentations. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.
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| GEOS 490.
Research Thesis |
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1/4-1/2-1 course |
| Original research in geology, including a written thesis and an oral defense. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.
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