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Curriculum
Geology is the
study of the earth, the processes that shape it and the materials of which it is
composed. Geology gives students an understanding of the world around them, an
appreciation for the length and events of earth history, and the knowledge to
help them make informed decisions about environmental concerns.
The Geological Sciences Department offers majors in
geology and in earth science. There are two
tracks available through the geology major-- the
first is designed for students intending to enter
graduate school and/or continue on as professional
geologists (TRACK G); the second is intended for
students who do not plan to pursue graduate studies
(TRACK L). Track L is also ideal for students who plan
to combine a major in geology with a major in another
science.
The earth science
major is designed primarily for
students in the secondary education program. It is also
appropriate for students who have an interest in the
earth sciences but plan to pursue careers in other
fields. It may be combined with a second major in
another field outside the sciences.
The geology
curriculum provides students with a
strong undergraduate preparation for more specialized
training at the graduate level or for on the-job
training by industries and government agencies.
The science of geology depends upon basic principles in
physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. A number of
courses in these areas are required as cognates for the
geology or earth science major.
The Geology Department offers the following 2 majors and 5 minors:
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Majors: Geology (G and L track) and Earth Science
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Minors: Geology, Geographic Information Systems,
Environmental Geology, Paleontology, and Earth Science with
Secondary Education Certification
The requirements for majors and minors are outlined below.
Requirements
for a Geology Major
There are two tracks through the geology major. Both require
nine geology courses, a fieldwork experience, participation in all
departmental colloquia during the junior and senior years, and
cognate courses (four or three depending on the track).
TRACK
G – designed for the student who plans to pursue graduate
studies in some aspect of geology or become a professional
geologist, or both.
TRACK L – designed for the student who would like to major in
geology, but who does not plan to enter graduate school.
COMMON CORE
Required for both tracks:
Geol 101: Introductory Geology
Geol 103: Introduction to Earth History
Geol 201: Structural Geology
Geol 203: Mineralogy
Geol 204: Introductory Petrology
Geol 205: Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
TRACK G - At least three additional units, including either
Geology 208 or Geology 209 plus two electives at the 300 level. A minimum
of four cognate courses including Chemistry 121 and 123 and two of the
following: Mathematics 141, 143; Physics 115, 116, 167, 168; Biology 195,
210. Students intending to enter graduate school should be aware that most
graduate programs require at least one semester of both calculus and physics in
addition to chemistry. In addition, many graduate programs require
advanced study (senior- or graduate-level) in a cognate science. Students
with specific interests in geology may want to pursue completing appropriate
minors in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry or biology.
Track G majors are required to complete a departmentally approved
independent research project, and are encouraged to complete a senior thesis.
TRACK L - At least three additional units of geology at the 200-level
or above, at least one of which must be at the 300-level. Three cognate
courses selected from: Chemistry 121, 123; Biology 195, 210; Physics 115, 116;
Mathematics 141, 143, 171, 210.
See below for additional requirements for all geology and earth science
majors.
Requirements for Major in Earth Science
Eight units in geology, including: 101 and 103; 201, 203 or 205; 216;
one 300-level elective; and three other geology courses, two of which must be at
the 200-level or higher. These may not include Geology 210, summer field
camp or a directed study. Geology 202, 208 or 306 may be substituted for
216 with departmental approval.
Two cognate courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics and/or biology,
including Physics 105 and one of the courses listed under Track L (above).
Additional Requirements for Geology and Earth Science Majors
All students completing a major in geology or earth science must satisfy a
field work requirement equivalent to one unit of study. This requirement
may be fulfilled by summer research, internship or work experiences, academic
year directed studies, completion of Geology 210 or 314, other suitable field
experiences approved by the faculty (such as field trips sponsored by GSA), or
some combination of the above.
A maximum of one geographic information systems course (Geology 111, 211 or
311) maybe counted toward the major.
Departmental Colloquia: All geology and earth science majors are
required to attend Departmental Colloquia regularly and to participate once each
semester for four semesters.
The geology units and the required cognate courses must be taken for a
numerical grade. Students considering a geology major are urged to
complete the cognate units as early as possible in their Albion career.
After completing three or four geology courses or at the end of their junior
year, majors are urged to attend either the Albion summer field camp in the
Rocky Mountains or a similar summer geology field course offered by another
college or university. This experience is required by most graduate
schools before entering a graduate program and is required by many industries
and institutions employing geologists.
Minors
Requirements for Minor in Geology
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Five units in geology, including
Geology 101 and 103 plus three other geology courses
at the 200- or 300-level selected in consultation
with and approved by the department. Normally,
Geology 211 and 311 will not count toward completion
of the minor.
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Completion of a field experience
equivalent to one-half unit.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade.
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Departmental Colloquia: All
geology minors are required to attend Departmental
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Colloquia regularly and to
participate once each semester for two semesters.
Requirements for Minor in Environmental Geology
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Six units in geology, including
Geology 101, 202, 208, 216; one unit selected from
306, 307 or 312; one unit selected from Geology 104,
106, 111, 115, 211, or ENVN 102, or a one-unit
equivalent of approved independent research (Geology
412, Geology 411 taken twice, or a summer research
experience). Note: This minor may not be elected by
geology majors.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade.
Requirements for Minor in Geographic Information
Systems (GIS)
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Five units in geology, including
111, 211, 311 and two units of research-based
directed study or one unit each of research-based
directed study and a GIS-related internship,
selected in consultation with and approved by the
department.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade, except those offered
only on a credit/no credit basis.
Requirements for Minor in Paleontology (for
Geology Majors)
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Six units, including Biology 195,
two units from Biology 216, 225, 227 or 237, Geology
208, 314, and a one-unit equivalent of approved
independent research (Geology 412, Geology 411 taken
twice, or a summer research experience), selected in
consultation with and approved by the department.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade.
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Geology majors completing a minor
in paleontology must take Geology 209 and
Geology/Biology 309 as part of the geology major
requirements or as electives beyond the major
requirement.
Requirements for Minor in Paleontology (for
Biology Majors)
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Six units, including Geology 103,
205, 209, Biology 309, and two units from Geology
101, 111 or 211, 208, or a one-unit equivalent of
approved independent research (Geology 412, Geology
411 taken twice, or a summer research experience),
selected in consultation with and approved by the
department.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade.
Requirements for Minor in Paleontology (for Majors
Except Biology and Geology)
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Six units, including Geology 103,
205, 209, 309, Biology 195, and one unit from
Biology 216, 225, 227, 237, or a one-unit equivalent
of approved independent research (Geology 412,
Geology 411 taken twice, or a summer research
experience), selected in consultation with and
approved by the department.
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All courses for the minor must be
taken for a numerical grade.
Requirements for Minor in Earth Science With
Secondary Education Certification
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Six units in geology,
including Geology 101, 103, 104 and 115
and the completion of all other
requirements as outlined above in the
section ``Requirements for Minor in
Geology.''
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Physics 105.
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Demonstrated
mathematics proficiency at the
Mathematics 125 level.
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Completion of all
other requirements for teacher
certification.
Requirements for Educational
Certification
Requirements for Major in Geology
With Elementary or Secondary Education
Certification
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Nine units in geology and the
completion of all other requirements
as outlined above in the section
“Requirements for Major in
Geology.” Track L or Track G may be
elected.
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Physics 105 may be elected as a
cognate course.
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Demonstrated mathematics
proficiency at the Mathematics 125
level.
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Completion of all other
requirements for teacher
certification.
Requirements for Minor in Geology
with Secondary Education Certification
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Five units in geology and the
completion of all other requirements
as outlined in the section
“Requirements for Minor in Geology.”
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Two 100-level courses (Geology
104, 106, 111, or 115) may be
substituted for an upper-level
course with departmental approval.
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Demonstrated mathematics
proficiency at the Mathematics 125
level.
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Completion of all other
requirements for teacher
certification.
Requirements for Major in Earth
Science With Elementary or Secondary
Education Certification
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Eight units in Geology, as
outlined in the section
“Requirements for Major in Earth
Science.”
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Two cognate courses in
mathematics, chemistry, physics
and/or biology, including Physics
105 and one course listed under
Track L.
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Demonstrated mathematics
proficiency at the Mathematics 125
level.
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Completion of all other
requirements for teacher
certification.
Requirements for All students
Majoring in Geology or Earth Sciences
All students completing a major in
geology or earth science must satisfy a
field work requirement equivalent to one
unit of study. This requirement may be
fulfilled by summer research, internship
or work experiences, academic year
directed studies, completion of Geology
210 or 314, other suitable field
experiences approved by the faculty
(such as field trips sponsored by GSA),
or some combination of the above.
A maximum of one geographic
information systems course (Geology 111,
211 or 311) maybe counted toward the
major.
Departmental Colloquia: All
geology and earth science majors are
required to attend Departmental
Colloquia regularly and to participate
once each semester for four semesters.
The geology units and the required
cognate courses must be taken for a
numerical grade. Students considering a
geology major are urged to complete the
cognate units as early as possible in
their Albion career.
After completing three or four
geology courses or at the end of their
junior year, majors are urged to attend
either the Albion summer field camp in
the Rocky Mountains or a similar summer
geology field course offered by another
college or university. This experience
is required by most graduate schools
before entering a graduate program and
is required by many industries and
institutions employing geologists.
101 Introductory Geology (1) Fall, Spring
A survey course designed for liberal arts students
covering many aspects of physical geology, the study of
active earth processes. Labs illustrate lecture
materials and the techniques used by geologists. One
field trip. Complements the material covered in Geology
103; either course can serve as an introductory course
in geology. Staff. Scientific Analysis Mode
Course.
103 Introduction
to Earth History (1) Fall, Spring
A survey course designed for liberal arts students and
covering many aspects of historical geology, the study
of evolving environments and life forms on earth. Labs
utilize fossils, rock samples, maps and field trips to
illustrate techniques used by historical geologists.
Complements the material covered in Geology 101; either
course can serve as an introductory course in geology.
Staff. Scientific Analysis Mode Course.
104 Earth Resources and the Environment
(1) Fall, Spring
Without earth resources, civilization would not exist.
Gold, diamonds, water, oil, building materials--all of
our material resources ultimately are derived from the
earth. This course will examine the origin and geologic
occurrence of these materials, and discuss the
environmental implications of their utilization. No
laboratory. Staff. Environmental Category
Course.
106 Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Other
Geological Hazards (1) Fall, Spring
A review of the geological hazards which affect our
lives, property and the environment. Emphasis will be on
the origin and prediction of such hazards, as well as
ways to minimize their effects. In addition to
earthquakes and volcanoes, this course will cover
landslides, floods, meteorite impacts, and stream and
coastal erosion. No laboratory. Staff.
Environmental Category Course.
111 Geography and Geographic Information
Systems (1) Fall
An introduction to the elementary principles, techniques
and utility of geographic information systems (GIS)
toward the study of world geography, as well as related
concepts and techniques involved in creating and using
digital maps. Shows how maps (particularly
computer-generated maps) can help in displaying and
analyzing geographic and other spatial data, and the use
of these analyses in modeling cultural and natural
systems. Lecture and laboratory. Some prior computer
experience is helpful, but is not required. Van de
Ven.
115 Oceans and Atmosphere (1)
Spring
Describes the world's oceans and atmosphere and
considers how they interact with one another, and with
humans. Topics include the geological evolution of the
ocean basins, ocean-atmosphere circulation patterns,
ocean currents, climate and weather patterns, storms and
weather fronts, paleo-oceanography and the history of
climate, and the chemical composition of the oceans.
Emphasizes the role of the oceans in mediating global
climate, global change, global dispersal of pollution
and other environmental concerns. No laboratory. Offered
in alternate years. T. Lincoln.
201 Structural Geology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101.
Study of stress-strain relationships and behavior of
materials, with particular reference to recognition and
interpretation of rock structures. Laboratory work
includes methods of solving structural problems and the
use of geologic maps and cross-sections to interpret
sequences of events in complex structural regions.
Alternate years--offered 2007-08. B. Lincoln.
202 Ground Water (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 103.
The geophysical and geochemical aspects of ground water,
with an emphasis on the consequences of human
intervention. Alternate years--offered 2008-09. T.
Lincoln.
203 Mineralogy (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 101.
Crystallography, crystal chemistry, optical and physical
properties, and the occurrence of rock-forming minerals,
with particular emphasis on the silicate minerals.
Laboratory emphasizes hand-specimen and optical
identification of minerals using petrologic microscopes.
Alternate years--offered 2007-08. Menold.
204 Introductory Petrology (1)
Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 203.
Hand-specimen and microscopic identification of minerals
and rocks. Recognition and classification of all
varieties of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks,
with emphasis on rock-forming processes. Laboratory
emphasizes hand-specimen and optical identification of
rocks using petrologic microscopes. Alternate
years--offered 2007-08. Menold.
205 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (1)
Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 103; or Geology 101 and permission
of instructor.
An examination of the processes and principles that
control the accumulation and lithification of sediments,
based on examples of recent environments and ancient
rock sections in many parts of the world. Laboratory
emphasizes map-reading skills and methods for studying
recent and ancient sediments and rocks. Alternate
years--offered 2007-08. Bartels.
208 Geomorphology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or permission of instructor.
Geologic processes operating at the earth's surface and
the landforms they produce. Includes the study of soil
formation, river processes, glaciers, wave action, wind,
groundwater and their related landforms. Field trips.
Laboratory includes analysis of aerial photographs,
topographic maps and experiments with flume and wave
tank. Alternate years--offered 2007-08. Wilch.
209 Geochronology and Paleontology (1)
Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 103, or Biology 195, or permission
of instructor.
The study of fossils and their use in geology and
biology, focusing on invertebrate animals. Laboratory
emphasizes relationships between groups and to
sedimentary environments and correlation. Offered in
alternate years. Bartels.
210 Regional Field Geology (1/2)
Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 103, or permission of
instructor.
A field study of the structure and stratigraphy of
selected geologic provinces. During the second half of
the spring semester the class will meet once a week to
discuss readings related to the geology of the field
study. The field study itself will last for eight to ten
days typically beginning the day after commencement in
May. Staff.
211 Remote Sensing and Geographic
Information Systems (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 111 or permission of instructor.
An introduction to the elementary principles, techniques
and utility of remotely sensed imagery and image
interpretation, especially when used in conjunction with
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Shows how digital
maps created from, or utilizing, digital imagery from
airplanes, space shuttles and satellites can help in
displaying and analyzing spatial data, modeling
processes and making decisions. Laboratory emphasizes
the use of remote sensing and GIS in a variety of
environmental applications. Lecture and laboratory.
Alternate years--offered 2008-09. Van de Ven.
212 Volcanology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 103, or permission of
instructor.
Study of volcanic processes, eruptive
products and their mechanism of formation, monitoring
active volcanoes, volcanic hazards, and the
environmental impact of volcanism. Focus on historical
and modern case studies. Lecture and laboratory.
Alternate years--offered 2008-09. Wilch.
216 Environmental
and Engineering Geology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or 103, or permission of
instructor.
A study of selected environmental hazards such as
earthquakes, volcanic activity, flooding, avalanches,
water depletion and pollution. Study includes land use
planning and case histories involving environmental law.
Laboratory uses maps, aerial photos and geologic data in
the analysis and control of environmental hazards and in
land use planning. Laboratory and field trips. Alternate
years--offered 2007-08. Van de Ven. Environmental
Category Course
302 Geophysics (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or permission of instructor.
The study of the physics of the earth, its gravitational
and magnetic fields, heat flow, seismicity and internal
structure. The geophysical aspects of plate tectonics
will be stressed. Offered as needed. B. Lincoln.
306 Glaciers and Climate Change (1)
Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 101.
Covers the dynamics of glacier flow, origin of glacial
features, events of the Pleistocene Epoch with emphasis
on the Great Lakes area, Earth's climate history, causes
of ice ages, recent and future climate change. Lecture,
laboratory and field trips. Alternate years--offered
2007-08. Wilch.
307 Geochemistry (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 203 or Chemistry 121.
The application of chemical principles to the study of
the earth with emphasis on environmental geochemistry.
Topics include the distribution of chemical elements
within the earth, rock weathering, the chemistry of
natural solutions, surface chemistry and the behavior of
contaminants in the environment. Laboratories involve
both field and laboratory techniques and rely heavily on
state-of-the-art instrumentation, including optical
emission and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and ion
chromatography. Offered as needed. T. Lincoln.
309 Vertebrate Paleontology (1)
Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 103 or Biology 195.
The fossil record, evolution, morphology, adaptation and
paleobiogeography of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds
and mammals. The interactions of vertebrates with
ancient floras, climates and plate configurations will
be emphasized. Lecture and laboratory. Alternate
years--offered 2008-09. Same as Biology 309. Bartels.
310 Igneous and Metamorphic
Geochemistry (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 204 or permission of instructor.
Genesis and occurrence of igneous and metamorphic rocks,
with emphasis on the behavior of magmas during cooling,
the origin of crystalline rocks and the physicochemical
theories of metamorphism. Includes thin-section study of
igneous and metamorphic rocks, interpretation of phase
diagrams, graphical interpretation of petrochemical data
and geochemical modeling. Offered as needed. Menold.
311 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
(1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 111 or permission of instructor.
The study of the more advanced capabilities of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasizes spatial
modeling and analysis using GIS software such as ArcView
GIS. Topics include map algebra, point pattern analysis,
network analysis, grid analysis and 3-D surface
analysis. Students learn how to use these and other GIS
tools for decision-making, model building and the
effective use of maps. Lecture and laboratory. Alternate
years--offered 2007-08. Van de Ven.
312 Geology of Metallic Mineral Deposits
(1) Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 204 or permission of instructor.
The nature, origin and global distribution of important
metallic resources. Exploration and resource evaluation
techniques. Physical and chemical principles applied to
the study of the genesis of ore deposits. Laboratory
study of ore suites from major mineral deposits.
Principles and applications of reflected-light
microscopy stressing creative interpretation of ore
textures. Offered as needed. T. Lincoln.
391, 392 Internship (1/2, 1)
Fall, Spring
Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.
401, 402 Seminar (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Geology 101 or permission of instructor.
Critical evaluation of current topics in geology as
determined by student and staff interest. Recent topics
have been regional geology, engineering geology,
paleoecology and volcanology. Staff.
411, 412 Directed Study (1/2, 1)
Fall, Spring
Staff.
Summer Session
The following courses are offered in the summer
session in South Dakota and Wyoming.
314 Field Methods (2)
Prerequisites: Geology 201, 204, 205 (or their
equivalents) or permission of instructors.
Experience in geologic mapping is stressed. Field work
is done in sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Includes three weeks in northwest Wyoming and Montana,
and two weeks in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Staff.
412 Directed Study (1)
Prerequisite: Three courses in geology, one of which
must be an advanced course related to the research
topics.
Directed independent study and research related to field
problems in the areas of petrology, geochemistry,
geophysics, structural geology, stratigraphy or economic
geology of the region. Time is arranged with the
instructor. Staff.
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