GEOL 160 Physical Geology (4 hrs)
Geological concepts, processes, materials, and surface features of the physical earth; internal features such as heat and volcanism, earthquakes and deformation, and plate tectonics; and external processes that have shaped the landscape. Lecture: three hours per week. Laboratory: one two-hour period per week. Required for the geology major.
GEOL 161 Historical Geology (4 hrs)
The origin, development, and succession of earth materials, surface, and life forms, culminating in one present scene and organic population. Field trips and reports may be required. Required for the geology major and minor. Lectures: three hours per week. Laboratory: one two-hour period per week.
Prereq: GEOL 160 or department permission.
GEOL 177/178/179 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GEOL 200 Introduction to Hydrology (3 hrs)
Study of physical, chemical and biological elements of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater, and the economic, social, political, and legal issues currently associated with these systems. Required for the hydrogeology major.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 or GESC 202 or department permission.
GEOL 228 Mineralogy (4 hrs)
A study of the crystallography, crystal chemistry, and identification of the most important rock forming and economic minerals of the crust of the earth. Lecture: three hours weekly. Laboratory: two hours weekly.
Prereq: CHEM 121.
GEOL 229 Rocks of Michigan (2 hrs)
The identification and classification of rocks with special emphasis on characteristics used in the field.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160.
GEOL 277/278/279 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GEOL 325 Geomorphology (3 hrs)
A detailed study of surface features and the degradational, aggradational, and structural processes by which they are formed. Worldwide examples are used extensively.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 and GEOL 161 or department permission.
GEOL 326 Structural Geology (3 hrs)
Introduction to the terminology, relationship, and deformation of rocks with examples from specific areas. Laboratory problems are directed toward understanding of geological structures in three dimensions and their representation, interpretation, projection, and illustration as applied to economic problems. Lecture: two hours weekly. Laboratory: two hours weekly.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160.
GEOL 329 Petrology (4 hrs)
The origin, occurrence, association, chemical relationships, and distribution of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory: two hours weekly. Not open to students with credit in GEOL 229. Winter term only.
Prereq: GEOL 228.
GEOL 330 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 hrs)
The properties, description, and classification of sedimentary rocks; processes and environments of sediment deposition; principles and techniques of stratigraphy. Field trips and reports required.
Prereq: GEOL 120 or GEOL 161 or ZOOL 222.
GEOL 331 Paleontology (4 hrs)
Origin and development of life on earth and the environments in which animal assemblages lived. Study of the principles involved in the interpretation of fossils. Systematic study of the features of the organisms most important in the fossil record. Lecture: three hours per week; laboratory: one two-hour period per week.
Prereq: GEOL 161 or BIOL 105 or department permission.
GEOL 334 Geology of Construction (3 hrs)
Geologic features of near-surface soil and bedrock materials; how the materials and their chemical and physical properties are related to construction. Exploration and exploitation of the materials associated with ground water supply and disposal, aggregates and construction problems of dams, reservoirs, excavations, foundations, highways, and beach control structures.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 or department permission.
GEOL 355 Field Geology I (2 hrs)
Theory and practice of precision mapping using tape, alidade, plane table, and stadia rod in local area. With GEOL 356 Field Geology II, satisfies the field requirement for major in geology. May include field study in a quarry.
Prereq: GESC 229, GEOL 160, and GEOL 326.
GEOL 356 Field Geology II (3 hrs)
Instruction and practice in pace-traverse mapping, measurement of stratigraphic sections, and a mapping of areal geology and geologic structure in the Rocky Mountain west. With GEOL 355, satisfies field requirement for geology major.
Prereq: GEOL 326, GEOL 329, GEOL 330, and GEOL 355; or department permission.
GEOL 370 Glacial Geology (3 hrs)
A study of the glacial geomorphology and stratigraphy of the Pleistocene drift with emphasis on the character of the drift, sheets, their soils and lithology, and the techniques of study as applied to the Wisconsin Stage in the state of Michigan. Comparisons drawn with the movements and deposits of modern glaciers; Paleoclimatic cycles of Precambrian and Paleozoic glacial ages and theories stressed. Field trips and reports required.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160, GEOL 161, GEOL 330 or department permission.
GEOL 377/378/379 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GEOL 387 Cooperative Education (3 hrs)
Four to six months of full-time employment at a firm or agency, chosen for imparting a practical educational experience in geology. The program consists of two work experiences (GEOL 387/GEOL 487) alternated with full-time University attendance. A written report is required at the end of each employment period. Graded on a credit/no credit basis.
Prereq: Completion of sophomore year, geology major. Admittance by application only.
GEOL 428 Optical Mineralogy (4 hrs)
Study of the optical properties of crystalline matter with petrographic microscope used to identify nonopaque and some opaque minerals, using crushed fragments and some thin-sections.
Prereq: GEOL 228 and PHY 224.
GEOL 430 Petroleum Geology (3 hrs)
A study of the origin, migration and accumulation of oil and natural gas. Exploration techniques in the use of structural geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. The various drilling coring methods, drilling equipment, and the procedures of drilling. Field trips to active drilling and/or producing areas and reports are required. Studies of specific oil and gas fields will be assigned.
Prereq: GEOL 161, GEOL 326, GEOL 330 or department permission.
GEOL 439 Economic Geology (3 hrs)
A study of the geochemical behavior of metallic elements; the origin, processes, controls, and classification of ore deposits; and fossil fuels. The occurrence and distribution of metallic and nonmetallic deposits.
Prereq: GEOL 228.
GEOL 448 Hydrogeology (3 hrs)
Subsurface water occurrence, distribution, relationships to surface water and precipitation; subsurface flow, especially as related to well water production; tests of aquifers; well drilling and installation; ground water exploration and recharge; legal problems.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160, algebraic ability, and junior standing.
GEOL 459 Groundwater Modeling (3 hrs)
Study of groundwater flow and contaminant transport rates using analytical, numerical, and statistical models.
Prereq: GESC 475 and GEOL 448.
GEOL 460 Contaminant Hydrology (3 hrs)
Study of hydrochemistry, pollution pathways, and transport of contaminants.
Prereq: BOTN 221, CHEM 121-CHEM 122, and GEOL 448.
GEOL 470 Quantitative Methods in Geography and Geology (3 hrs)
Introduction to current techniques and methods applicable to geographic and geologic problems. A laboratory course emphasizing statistical analyses and computer applications.
Prereq: Geography, geology, or earth science major, junior standing, or department permission.
GEOL 477/478/479 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GEOL 487 Cooperative Education (3 hrs)
Four to six months of full-time employment at a firm or agency, chosen for imparting a practical educational experience in geology. The program consists of two work experiences (GEOL 387/GEOL 487) alternated with full-time University attendance. A written report is required at the end of each employment period. Graded on a credit/no credit basis.
Prereq: Completion of sophomore year, geology major. Admittance by application only.
GEOL 488/489/490 Internship (4/5/6 hrs)
Supervised internship in some aspect of geology that is of mutual interest to the qualified student and the place the student will work. This experience is designed to integrate academic training with practical application. May be taken only once for credit.
Prereq: Department permission and placement.
GEOL 497/498/499 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
Advanced study on individual basis in areas in which the department does not offer a formal course. Normally restricted to proficient students in the senior year under the general conditions prescribed for honors courses.
Prereq: Department permission.