EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY

 

Course Offerings

 

 

GEOL 100  Discovering Geology (5)

            This course explores the interactions between human beings and their geological environment.  The earth is a dynamic planet affected by sudden, violent events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and floods, as well as by slower processes operating over long time spans that create, move, and destroy continents and oceans.  Other topics include study of energy, mineral, and water resources and their importance to modern society.  Topics are presented at a level intended for nonscience majors.  Satisfies lab science requirement at most universities.  [Satisfies the GECR for Natural Sciences, Geology.]

 

GEOL 115  Investigating Earth Science (5)

            For students planning to teach elementary school.  Includes inquiry-based earth science investigations that support science instruction outlined in the National Science Education Standards and Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements.  Prerequisite:  Basic skills clearance in mathematics.  [Satisfies the GECR for Natural Science, Geology.  Crosslisted GEOG 115]

 

GEOL 120  Physical Geology Š The Solid Earth (5)

            Introduction to physical geology for students inerested in earth and environmental science.  This course covers the origin of the earth, its internal structure and minerals, rocks and volcanoes.  Earthquakes, mountains and continental drift are discussed in the context of plate tectonics.  The formation of mineral deposits is also covered.  Weekly laboratories and one field trip are required.  GEOL 120 and GEOL 121 may be taken in either order.  Prerequisites:  Two semesters of high school chemistry, MATH 104 or equivalent.  [The completion of GEOL 120 counts as one course for the GECR in Natural Sciences, Geology; the completion of GEOL 120 and 121 counts as two courses for the GECR in Natural Sciences, Geology.]

 

GEOL 121  Physical Geology Š The Solid Earth (5)

            Introduction to physical geology for students majoring in geology, earth science or environmental science.  This course emphasizes the quantitative analysis of processes that shape the EarthÕs surface (gravity, wind, water and ice) including weathering and erosion, the creation of sediments and sedimentary rocks, and the development of landforms.  Energy resources and the concept of earth systems are also explored.  Weekly laboratories and one field trip are required.  GEOL 120 and GEOL 121 may be taken in either order.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 120 or 100, CPLA 101, MATH 104 or equivalent.  [The completion of GEOL 121 counts as one course for the GECR in Natural Sciences, Geology; the completion of GEOL 120 and 121 counts as two courses for the GECR in Natural Sciences, Geology.]

 

GEOL 122  Historical Geology (5)

            Introduction to earth history for students majoring in geology, earth science, or environmental science.  This course covers the diversity of life, catastrophic extinctions, and the effect of biologic change on the environment.  The basic principles of stratigraphy, use of stable isotopes to interpret sedimentary environments, and the stratigraphic and tectonic history of the earth are also explored.  Other topics include identification of the common fossil groups, survey of the fossil record in the context of geological evolution, and practice using geologic maps.  Weekly laboratories and one field trip are required.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 121.

 

GEOL 205  Geology of the National Parks (5)

            Geological methods, concepts, materials, and processes illustrated through examples found in national parks in the United States.  Rock formation, landform evolution, plate tectonics, physical, and climatological changes through geologic time are examined.  Field trip or alternate assignment; laboratory and term paper required.  [Satisfies the GECR for Natural Sciences, Geology.]

 

GEOL 211  Mineralogy I (4)

            The student majoring in geology will learn how to describe the external morphology of well-formed crystals using crystallographic techniques and will gain an understanding of the composition, origin, occurrence, distribution, and significance of the most abundant non-silicate minerals (native elements, sulfides, oxides and hydroxides, halides, carbonates and sulfates).  Weekly laboratories and one weekend field trip required.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 120 and CHEM 151.  CHEM 151 may be taken concurrently with GEOL 211.

 

GEOL 212  Mineralogy II (4)

            The student in the second course of a three-course series will gain an understanding of the structure, composition, origin, occurrence, distribution, and significance of the most abundant silicate minerals.  The techniques of optical mineralogy using a petrographic microscope will be introduced as a tool for mineral identification.  Weekly laboratories required.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 211.

 

GEOL 213  Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4)

            The third course in a series is a comprehensive study of the classification, description, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks.  Students will learn about the use of minerals in helping to interpret the geologic and tectonic significance of the rocks in which they are found.  The course builds on skills learned in GEOL 211 and 212 and stresses hand sample and thin section descriptive techniques.  Weekly laboratories and one weekend field trip required.  Additional field trips may be offered.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 212.

 

GEOL 220  Environmental Geology (4)

            Relationship of human activities with earth materials and processes.  Water quality, atmospheric composition, waste disposal, natural resources, the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problems.  Field trips emphasize local environmental problems.  Laboratory.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 100 or BIOL 100 or CHEM 100 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 252  Caves (2)

            A survey of the cave environment with emphasis on its geologic development.  Field trip to local cave required.

 

GEOL 297  Workshops, Short Courses, Conferences (1-5)

            At a lower division level.

 

GEOL 299  Special Studies (1-5)

            Topics vary with interest of student and instructor.  Prerequisite:  prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 307  Rocks and Minerals (5)

            This course, designed for Earth Science BAE majors, involves a survey of the common rocks and minerals in the earthÕs crust, including their occurrence, associations, and uses.  Methods of identification are stressed during required in-class lab exercises.  One optional weekend field trip will be offered.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 100 or 120.  [Does not satisfy elective requirements for the B.S. Degree in Geology.]

 

GEOL 330  Structural Geology I (4)

            Analysis of the kinematics and mechanics of rock deformation and an introduction to geologic structures.  Laboratory introduces the solution of structural geology problems, the map-based interpretation of geologic structures, and the creation of geologic cross sections.  Weekly laboratory exercises.  Designed to be taken in series with GEOL 331.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 120.

 

GEOL 331  Structural Geology II (4)

            Continuation of an introduction to geologic structures from GEOL 330 and an exploration of the plate tectonic setting of geologic structures.  Introduction to the field study of geologic problems with weekly field trips that emphasize the collection and analysis of geologic field data to solve structural problems.  Weekly field trips and laboratory exercises required.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 330.

 

GEOL 338  Discovering Women in Science (1)

            This course uses several scientific themes to rediscover from the past, and find in contemporary research, the women who have made significant contributions to science.  [Crosslisted BIOL 338, CHEM 338, HIST 338, PHYS 338, PSYC 338, WMST 338]

 

GEOL 360  Geologic Hazards (4)

            Introduction to the geologic hazards affecting humankind; emphasis on earthquakes, volcanism, floods and landslides.  Applications to geological site engineering and city/regional planning.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 100 or 115 or 120 or 121, or GEOG 100 or 115.

 

GEOL 380  World Resources and Population (5)

            Interaction between population and resource utilization.  Renewable and non-renewable energy resources, food and water supply, soil erosion and degradation, and deforestation will be related to population growth.  [Satisfies International Studies university graduation requirement.]

 

GEOL 390  Earth Science Methods (3)

            For Earth Science majors planning to teach middle school, junior or senior high school.  Includes the development of curriculum and the organization of teaching materials, techniques, and evaluation.  Prerequisite:  Admission to the Education program or prior permission of the instructor.  [Crosslisted GEOG 390]

 

GEOL 397  Workshops, Short Courses, Conferences (1-5)

 

GEOL 400  Advanced Topics in Geology (4)

            Current problems in geology.  Topics will depend on interest of instructors and students.  Prerequisites:  Senior class standing and prior permission of the Undergraduate Advisor.

 

GEOL 401  Women and Men in Science (1)

            This course will examine the impact made by classroom interactions, laboratory procedure, textbooks and language on womenÕs participation in secondary or postsecondary science.  It will make recommendations for gender-balanced choices in these areas, and it will introduce women role models from the past for use in science history and other science courses.  [Crosslisted BIOL 401, WMST 401]

 

GEOL 408  Invertebrate Paleontology (4)

            Principles of paleontology including methods of description and analyses of invertebrate fossils.  Emphasis on principles of morphology and evolutionary development of invertebrates and the use of invertebrate fossils in biostratigraphy and paleoecology.  Laboratory.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 121, 122, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 411  Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

            Study of the origin of sediments and sedimentary rocks for advanced geology majors.  Description and interpretation of facies and environments of deposition, and classification of clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks is emphasized.  Stratigraphic principles, nomenclature and correlation is also treated.  Lecture and weekly laboratory.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 122, 307 or 212, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 442 Petroleum Geology (4)

            Character, distribution, origin, and recovery of petroleum.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 122 or permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 455  Colorado Plateau Geology (2)

            A week-long field study of the rocks and landforms of the Colorado Plateau region, specifically in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.  Geologic evolution and structural geology of the region will be discussed and the ancient sedimentary environments of deposition will be emphasized.  Field trip held during the week of spring break.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 100 or 205, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 462  Principles of Geochemistry (5)

            Abundance of elements in the solar system.  Origin, chemical evolution, and composition of the earth; distribution and migration of chemical elements; differentiation history of the earth into crust, mantle and core.  Origin and evolution of the hydrosphere and atmosphere.  Chemical processes involved in weathering of rocks, chemical sedimentation and diagenesis.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 211, 212, 213, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 463  Environmental Geochemistry (5)

            Application of principles of geochemistry to environmental problems, including air and water pollution, water-rock interactions, weathering and soil formation.  Origin, distribution and transport of inorganic contaminants in air, water, soils, sediments and plants.  The behavior of trace elements in near surface environments.  Prerequisites:  CHEM 152 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 465  Analysis of Metals in Environmental Samples (5)

            Practical application of flame, graphite furnace and cold vapor atomic absorption, inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for analysis of major and trace elements in water, waste water, soils, sediments, solid wastes and biological samples.  Emphasis on the Environmental Protection Agency's methods for the determination of metals in environmental samples, including quality assurance and quality control procedures.  Prerequisites:  CHEM 152 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 470  Hydrogeology (4)

            Relationship between groundwater and geologic materials, emphasizing quantitative analysis and principles governing groundwater flow.  Lecture and weekly lab.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 120 or 121, MATH 106, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 480  Geology Field Camp (8)

            Application of geologic principles to the solution of field problems.  Study includes geologic mapping, stratigraphic section measuring, and field trips into surrounding areas.  Formal report of the field study is required.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 212, 330, 331, 408, 411, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 475  Engineering Geology:  Soils (4)

            Engineering geology of soil and rock is closely related to geotechnical engineering.  It includes the properties of soils and rock units related to hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, consolidation, fractures, and stress.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 213, 220, 330, 411 or 470; CHEM 153.

 

GEOL 490  Senior Thesis (4)

            Directed research on a geological problem and organization of the results for oral and written presentation.  End of program assessment will be required.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing and prior permission of the instructor.  [Satisfies senior capstone university graduation requirement.]

 

GEOL 495  Practicum (1-5)

            Participation in supervised experiences involving acquisition of data or application of knowledge to help solve geologic problems.  Credits earned in this course are not applicable to degree requirements.  Prerequisite:  prior permission of the department chair.

 

GEOL 496  Experimental Courses (1-5)

 

GEOL 497  Workshops, Short Courses, Conferences (1-5)

 

GEOL 498  Seminars (1-5)

 

GEOL 499  Directed Study in Geology (1-5)

            Seminar in a selected field of geology to suit a student's need.  May be repeated for a total of 15 credits if a different study is undertaken each time.  Prerequisite:  prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 501  Orientation Seminar (2)

            Current problems in geology.  The subject matter will vary according to the needs and interest of students.  May include a field experience.

 

GEOL 532  Sedimentary Processes (5)

            Sedimentary environments of deposition, the processes at work within them, and the rocks that result from these processes.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 411.

 

GEOL 533  Carbonate Petrology (5)

            Principles of carbonate petrography with particular attention to the petrogenesis and classification of carbonate rocks, laboratory analysis of thin sections and hand specimens.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 408 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 535  Sedimentary Petrology (5)

            The origin of sedimentary rocks and their determination by optical, x-ray, and statistical methods.  Prerequisite:  GEOL  213 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 539  Special Courses (1-5)

            May include mineral paragenesis, geological thermodynamics, computer graphics in geology, igneous petrology, ore microscopy, micropaleontology, stratigraphic principles and biostratigraphy, North American stratigraphy, or other topics.

 

GEOL 554  Fluvial Geomorphology (4)

            Geomorphology of drainage basins, hillslopes and alluvial channel systems.  Prerequisite:  Graduate standing or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 564  Selected Topics in Advanced Geochemistry (3-5)

            Classical thermodynamics applied to geochemical problems.  Other possible topics are the geochemistry of surface waters, environmental geochemistry, analytical geochemistry, rare earth element geochemistry, and the geochemistry of ore deposits.  Recent research will be stressed.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 462, CHEM 421, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 565  Geochronology and Isotope Geochemistry (5)

            Theory and application of age determination of natural materials with emphasis on Rb-Sr, U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, and K-Ar methods.  Radioactive and stable isotopes and the applications of variations of isotopic abundances to geochronology, geothermometry, ore deposits, petrogenesis and crust-mantle evolution.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 462 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 566  Exploration Geochemistry (4)

            Geochemistry applied to mineral exploration.  The behavior of certain chemical elements in the earth.  Theory of dispersion of trace metals from mineral deposits, and their discovery utilizing rapid analytical techniques.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 462 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 572  Paleoecology (4)

            Organism/sediment relationships through geologic time.  Recognition and distribution of paleocommunities and environmental controls.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 408 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 573  Clay Mineralogy and Shales (4)

            Study of fine-grained clastic rocks, their origin, their diagenesis, and clay mineralogy.  Prerequisite:  GEOL 213 or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 580  Advanced Topics in Hydrology (4)

            Computer modeling of groundwater flow with finite difference, finite element and analytic element models.  Other selected topics may include groundwater contamination and recent research.

 

GEOL 585  Contaminant Transport and Fate (4)

            Groundwater contamination, prevention and remediation.  Applied concepts regarding mass transport of contaminants through the saturated zone and collecting and interpreting data from contaminated sites.  Prerequisites:  Graduate standing and GEOL 470 or equivalent, GEOL 462 or 463, or prior permission of the instructor.

 

GEOL 596  Experimental Courses (1-5 credit)

 

GEOL 597  Workshops (1-5)

            Note:  Workshop credit cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements.

 

GEOL 598  Graduate Seminar (1-5)

 

GEOL 599  Independent Study (1-5)

 

GEOL 600  Thesis (1-15)

            Thesis credit is essential to the geology program.  Every student will be expected to produce a resume of his/her research in the form of a formal report or thesis.

 

GEOL 601  Research Report (1-10)

            Field and related laboratory research unrelated to thesis research.  Graded Pass/No Credit.

 

GEOL 695  Practicum in Geology (1-10)

            Participation in supervised experiences involving acquisition of data or application of knowledge to help solve geologic problems.  Credits are not applicable for graduation.  Prerequisite:  Prior permission of the instructor and the department chair.

 

GEOL 696  College Teaching Internship (1-5)

            Teaching a lower-division college course under supervision of a regular faculty member.  Includes course planning, arranging bibliographical and instructional aids, conferences with students, experience in classroom instruction and student course evaluation.  Arranged, P or N/C grade.

 

 

revised Sept. 2002