Courses

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.

Geology and Environmental Geoscience Program Outcomes

The Geology major is intended to produce geologists with a deep understanding of solid-Earth materials, geologic time, and Earth history. Geology majors will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of Earth materials & reservoirs (e.g., minerals, rocks, soils, lithosphere, mantle, etc.);
2. understand the physical and chemical processes operating at or beneath the Earth¿s surface that create geological features/landforms;
3. demonstrate knowledge of geologic time and Earth history; and
4. reason and communicate spatially using maps, cross-sections, and/or scientific illustrations.

The Environmental Geoscience major is an interdisciplinary major intended to produce environmental scientists who understand basic geological principles and possess a broad understanding of environmental issues through different lenses. Environmental Geoscience majors will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of processes operating at the Earth¿s surface that influence environmental issues/factors;
2. demonstrate knowledge of how humans impact (and are impacted by) the Earth's environment, resources, and processes; and
3. consider and critically evaluate alternative perspectives, hypotheses, and data.

The Earth Science major is intended to produce broadly trained physical scientists who are equipped to teach in a high school physical science curriculum. Earth Science majors will be able to:

1. outline and discuss the scientific method and its application to the study of the Earth (e.g., materials, processes, & features); and
2. demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the Earth and other planetary bodies.

Students in any of our majors will also be able to:

1. distinguish between scientific and non-scientific arguments;
2. apply field methods, observations, technology, and/or data analysis to scientific inquiry;
3. use basic observational, quantitative, or technological data to create evidence-based conclusions; and
4. articulate geoscience concepts, ideas, and results to a variety of audiences by written, oral, and graphical means.

Students in any of our minors will be able to:

1. distinguish between scientific and non-scientific arguments; and
2. do a subset of the items listed beneath the appropriate major above, depending upon which courses they select to complete the minor.

Course Catalog

Requirements for a major

Earth Science

Environmental Geoscience

Geology

Requirements for a minor

Earth Science

Environmental Geoscience

Geology

Courses in Geology and Environmental Geoscience

Earthquakes and Volcanoes

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.

Geology of America's National Parks

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.

Earth and the Environment

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.

Weather, Climate and Climate Change

An introduction to the Earth's atmosphere through the study of weather, climate and climate change. Topics covered include atmospheric composition,structure and function, weather phenomena and climate, and natural and human-induced climate change. Global societal responses to rapid climate change are also discussed.

Introduction to Environmental Science

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.

Off-Campus Extended Studies Course

Faculty-led domestic and international study and service courses on a theme related to geosciences that provide students opportunities to explore and experience other cultures, learn in new environments, develop skills not readily acquired elsewhere, and deepen their understanding of the global community. Curricular offerings earn .5 course credit and count toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement; co-curricular offerings do not carry academic credit but do count toward the Extended Studies requirement.

On-Campus Extended Studies Course

An on-campus course related to the geosciences offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.

Topics

An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Energy, Environment, & Climate (formerly GEOS 190)

An introduction to energy resources and the environmental impacts of their use, particularly in relation to climate change. The course not only examines the importance of nonrenewable fossil fuels in modern industrialized societies, but also explores the potential economic costs and societal impacts of transitioning to renewable and sustainable sources of energy. In addition, given that climate change is the most significant global impact of our energy use, participants will consider human and natural climate-change agents, the evidence for climate change, and projections for climate change in the future.

First-Year Seminar

G. Geography. S. Geology. A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of geology or geography. Open only to first-year students.

Introduction to GIS

Includes laboratory. An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their 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. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.

Historical Geology

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.

Geologic Field Experiences

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.

Environmental Geology (formerly GEOS 109)

An intermediate examination of the processes that influence the physical and chemical nature of the Earth's surface with special attention given to the influence of human actions on the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Students learn how the risks from natural hazards are assessed and minimized; understand the consequences of natural resource extraction; and consider the sources, transportation, fate, and remediation of waste and pollution in the environment. Real-world examples emphasize the importance of these topics for solving environmental problems. Prerequisite: GEOS 110 or permission of instructor.

Mineralogy

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.

Topics

An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Writing in the Geosciences

In this course, students will further develop their writing skills by reading and discussing texts about writing in the geosciences, writing original papers for different audiences, providing feedback for other purposes in the class, and editing and revising their own work. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to 1) effectively communicate their ideas using appropriate geologic terms and concepts, 2) adapt their writing style for different audiences, and 3) appropriately incorporate references and citations into their papers.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

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.

Map Interpretation

Includes laboratory. Analysis and interpretation of topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross sections. Course focuses on the relationship of map patterns to tectonic, geomorphic, hydrogeologic and climatic processes that shape and influence landform development. Involves some work with Google Earth and Adobe Illustrator software packages. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.

Petrology

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.

Geochemistry

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.

Structural Geology and Tectonics

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. Prerequisite: GEOS 110.

Applied Hydrogeology

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.

Environmental Geophysics

Includes laboratory. Application of geophysical techniques to solving problems in geology, with emphasis on their applicability in environmental and exploration investigations. Course provides basic theory, field methods and interpretation techniques for seismic refraction/reflection, magnetic, gravitational, and electrical methods of geophysical prospecting. Outdoor work required. Prerequisites: GEOS 110 or permission of instructor. MATH 135 proficiency and PHYS 120 recommended.

Topics

An exploration of selected topics in the geosciences. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Topics in Geography

An examination of a topic in Geography. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

Senior Seminar

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

Readings in Geology

Topical investigation using primary geological literature sources, including written analyses and oral presentations. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

Problems in Geology

Advanced problems in geology, including written analyses and/or oral presentations. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the department.

Research Thesis

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