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Geology Courses

Geol 101 Physical Geology (3 cr)

Geol 101L Physical Geology Lab (1 cr)

Geol 102 Historical Geology (3 cr)

Geol 102L Historical Geology Lab (1 cr)

Geol 111 Physical Geology for Science Majors (3 cr)

Geol 111L Physical Geology for Science Majors Lab (1 cr)

Geol 203 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

Geol 204 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)

Geol 212 Principles of Paleontology (4 cr)

Geol 249 Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy (4 cr)

Geol 290 Field Geology I (3 cr)

Geol 299 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 308 Ground Water Geology (3 cr)

Geol 309 Ground Water Hydrology (3 cr)

Geol 324 Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4 cr)

Geol 326 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 cr)

Geol 335 Geomorphology (3 cr)

Geol 344 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards (3 cr)

Geol 345 Structural Geology (4 cr)

Geol 361 Geology and the Environment (3 cr)

Geol 375 Geology of National Parks (3 cr)

Geol 390 Petroleum Geology (2 cr)

Geol 400 (s) Seminar (1 cr, max arr)

Geol ID-J407/ID-J507 Basin Analysis (3 cr) WSU Geol 406/506

Geol 410 Techniques of Ground Water Study (3 cr)

Geol J414/J514 Geologic Hazards Field Workshop (2 cr, max arr)

Geol 417 Advanced Paleontology (3 cr)

Geol J418/J518 Geomicrobiology (3 cr)

Geol 422 Principles of Geophysics (3 cr)

Geol 423 Principles of Geochemistry (3 cr)

Geol 426 Principles of Forensic Mineralogy and Geology (3 cr)

Geol J432/J532 Geologic Development of North America (3 cr)

Geol J441/ID&WS-J541 (s) Structural Analysis (3 cr, max arr) WSU Geol 541

Geol J448/ID&WS-J548 Tectonics (3 cr) WSU Geol 540

Geol J464/J564 The Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3 cr)

Geol J467/ID-J567 Volcanology (3 cr) WSU Geol 567

Geol ID&WS490 Field Geology II (3 cr) WSU Geol 308

Geol 497 (s) Practicum in Tutoring (1 cr, max 2)

Geol 498 Senior Thesis (1-4 cr, max 4)

Geol 499 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 500 Master's Research and Thesis (cr arr)

Geol 501 (s) Seminar (1 cr, max arr)

Geol 502 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 503 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

Geol ID507 Basin Analysis (3 cr) WSU 506

Geol ID510 (s) Geosystems (3 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 510

Geol 514 Geologic Hazards Field Workshop (2 cr, max arr)

Geol 517 Pre-Quaternary Paleoclimatology (1-3 cr)

Geol 518 Geomicrobiology (3 cr)

Geol ID520 (s) Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (2-3 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 520

Geol 532 Geologic Development of North America (3 cr)

Geol ID&WS538 Orogenic Systems (3 cr) WSU Geol 538

Geol ID&WS541 Structural Analysis (3 cr) WSU Geol 541

Geol ID542 Advanced Structural Geology (3 cr)

Geol ID&WS548 Tectonics (3 cr)

Geol ID550 Advanced Mineralogy (3 cr) WSU Geol 550

Geol WS552 Analytical Methods (3 cr) WSU Geol 552

Geol ID554 Physical Petrology (3 cr) WSU Geol 554

Geol 564 The Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3 cr)

Geol ID567 Volcanology (3 cr)

Geol 583 Radiogenic Isotopes and Geochronology (3 cr)

Geol ID592 (s) Advanced Topics in Structural Geology (1-4 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 592

Geol 593 (s) Advanced Topics in Geomechanics (1-4 cr, max arr)

Geol 597 (s) Practicum (cr arr)

Geol 598 (s) Internship (cr arr)

Geol 599 (s) Non-thesis Master's Research (cr arr)

Geol 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (cr arr)

Mickey E. Gunter, Dept. Chair. of Geological Sciences (322 Mines Bldg. 83844-3022; phone 208/885-6192).

Geol 101 Physical Geology (3 cr)

May be used as core credit in J-3-b. The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lec and 2 hrs of lab a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Geol 101L Physical Geology Lab (1 cr)

May be used as core credit in J-3-b. The earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. Three lec and 2 hrs of lab a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Geol 102 Historical Geology (3 cr)

May be used as core credit in J-3-b or J-3-d. Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history. Three lec and 2 hrs of lab a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Geol 102L Historical Geology Lab (1 cr)

May be used as core credit in J-3-b or J-3-d. Evolution of the physical earth, plants, and animals; techniques used in interpretation of geologic history. Three lec and 2 hrs of lab a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Geol 111 Physical Geology for Science Majors (3 cr)

Introductory course in earth science for geology and other science majors. Three lec and one 2-hr lab a wk; two 1-day field trips.

Geol 111L Physical Geology for Science Majors Lab (1 cr)

Introductory course in earth science for geology and other science majors. Three lec and one 2-hr lab a wk; two 1-day field trips.

Geol 203 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

Geol 204 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)

Geol 212 Principles of Paleontology (4 cr)

Studies of morphology, classification of fossil groups, and utility of fossils in interpreting depositional environments and ages of sedimentary rocks. Three lec and one 2-hr lab a wk; one 1- to 2-day field trip. Recommended Preparation: Geol 102.

Geol 249 Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy (4 cr)

Principles of crystallography, crystal chemistry, and crystal structure; mineral identification; principles of optical mineralogy and use of the polarized light microscope. Three lec and one 2-hr lab a wk; two 1-day field trips.

Prereq: Geol 111/111L or Geol 101/101L, and Chem 111

Geol 290 Field Geology I (3 cr)

Introduction to field mapping and field techniques; interpretation of sedimentary sequences; introduction to tectonic structures; preparation of reports based on field observations and interpretations. Accident and health insurance required. Three week, off-campus field course. (Summer only)

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L, and Geol 102/102L

Geol 299 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 308 Ground Water Geology (3 cr)

Geologic factors controlling the infiltration, accumulation and movement of ground water in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock environments. (Spring only)

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L, and Math 130 or Math 143

Geol 309 Ground Water Hydrology (3 cr)

Occurrence, movement, and properties of subsurface water; intro to ground water geology and hydrology.

Prereq: Geol 101./101L or 111, and Math 130 or 143

Geol 324 Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4 cr)

Description and identification of sedimentary rocks; organization and correlation of layered rocks in all scales, including factors controlling their distribution; cycles in sedimentation and stratigraphy; sequence stratigraphy and basin dynamics. Two lec and two 2-hr labs a wk; two 1-day field trips; optional 7-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 102/102L

Geol 326 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 cr)

Hard rock petrology plus megascopic and microscopic petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Two lec and two 2-hr labs a wk; two 1-day or one 2-day field trips.

Prereq: Geol 249

Geol 335 Geomorphology (3 cr)

Classification, recognition, origin, and significance of land forms; land form analysis in interpretation of geologic structure and history. One 2-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 102/102L or Geol 111/111L, or Geog 100/100L, or Permission

Geol 344 Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards (3 cr)

The geology of earthquakes including the cause of fault rupture, seismic waves, focal mechanisms, and earthquakes associated with all fault types in a variety of tectonic settings; methods of identifying paleo-earthquakes in the geologic record, and the assessment of seismic hazard and risk in active fault environments. One 3-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L

Geol 345 Structural Geology (4 cr)

Investigation of deformed rocks; mechanics of brittle and continuum failure, stress and strain relations, characterization, description, classification of folded and fractured rocks. Three hours of lecture and one 2-hr 45-min lab a wk; one week-long mandatory field trip. (Spring only)

Prereq: One semester high-school trigonometry or Math 144, Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L, and Phys 111/111L or Phys 211/211L

Geol 361 Geology and the Environment (3 cr)

Environmental consequences of development of geologic resources; including issues of waste disposal, pollution and human health; natural hazards and their impact on humans and the environment. Two 1-day field trips.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L

Geol 375 Geology of National Parks (3 cr)

Primarily for non-geology majors who want to acquire a better knowledge of geologic concepts and processes through study of geology of national parks. One 6-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 102/102L or Geol 111/111L or Geog 100/100L

Geol 390 Petroleum Geology (2 cr)

Petroleum technology for geologists. (Fall only)

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L

Geol 400 (s) Seminar (1 cr, max arr)

Participation in departmental colloquium.

Geol ID-J407/ID-J507 Basin Analysis (3 cr) WSU Geol 406/506

Characteristics of sedimentary basins and methods for studying them. For 500-level credit an additional research project is required. One 2-day field trip. (Spring only)

Prereq: Geol 324

Geol 410 Techniques of Ground Water Study (3 cr)

Collection and analysis of field data for reconnaissance ground water studies. Two weekend field trips.

Prereq or Coreq: Geol 309

Geol J414/J514 Geologic Hazards Field Workshop (2 cr, max arr)

Field study of natural geologic hazards. Primarily for non-geology majors and/or in-service K-12 educators. Held in July at a different off-campus location each year. For 500-level credit an additional research project is required. (Summer only)

Geol 417 Advanced Paleontology (3 cr)

Fossil assemblage analyses and report writing; marine faunal assemblage 1st half semester; nonmarine floral assemblage 2nd half semester. Three 2-hr labs a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 212 or Permission

Geol J418/J518 Geomicrobiology (3 cr)

The role of microorganisms in the formation and dissolution of rocks and minerals; microbial processes in ground and surface water environments, extreme environments and the deep subsurface; early life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planetary bodies. Two additional research assignments and an additional question on two exams required for graduate credit.

Geol 422 Principles of Geophysics (3 cr)

Outline of geophysical methods for geological investigations. One 1-day field trip.

Geol 423 Principles of Geochemistry (3 cr)

Physiochemical principles applied to geologic processes. Topics covered include atmospheric geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, aqueous geochemistry, crystal chemistry, radiogenic and stable isotopes. Two lec and one 2-hr lab a wk.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L, and Chem 112

Geol 426 Principles of Forensic Mineralogy and Geology (3 cr)

Introduction to the use of geological and mineralogical materials and techniques within the criminal/civil justice system. Topics will include the origin and description of minerals, rocks, soils and sands, fossils, industrial materials, and pollen, the history of forensic science, instrumental & forensic laboratory techniques, and the legal aspects of scientific evidence. Two lec and one 2-hr labs a wk; one 1-day field trip.

Prereq: Geol 101/101L or Geol 111/111L, and Chem 111; or Permission

Geol J432/J532 Geologic Development of North America (3 cr)

Tectonic, magmatic, and sedimentary sequence studies of North American continent through time; concepts of metal and petroleum enrichment related to time and geological processes. Additional questions on two exams and written report of field trip reqd for grad cr. One 7-day field trip.

Geol J441/ID&WS-J541 (s) Structural Analysis (3 cr, max arr) WSU Geol 541

Structural analysis of complexly deformed rocks in orogenic belts. Independent research projects will be required for graduate credit. Field trip required.

Geol J448/ID&WS-J548 Tectonics (3 cr) WSU Geol 540

Fundamentals of global plate tectonics, evolution of ocean basins, and the development of continental orogenic belts; focus on theoretical aspects of global tectonics, the salient physical constraints leading to the paradigm, and practical application of the model to regional geological problems. Graduate credit requires additional work including independent research, presentation of the research results in a class presentation, writing a research paper, and answering an additional question in examinations. Two lec and 2 hrs of lab a wk; one or two 1- to 2-day field trips.

Prereq: Geol 345 or Permission

Geol J464/J564 The Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3 cr)

Same as Hydr J464/J564. Basic principles of aqueous geochemistry applied to natural waters (ground waters, lake and river waters, seawater), presented at an intermediate level; carbonate equilibria and alkalinity, solubility of minerals, sorption processes and surface reactions, redox reactions and Eh-pH diagrams, organic geochemistry, etc. For graduate credit, students are required to prepare two in-depth term papers and demonstrate through exam work and papers a more in-depth understanding of the material. One compressed video and one web-based lecture a wk. Recommended preparation: Geol 423.

Prereq: Chem 111-112

Geol J467/ID-J567 Volcanology (3 cr) WSU Geol 567

Eruption mechanisms, volcanic processes and landforms, and volcanic deposits. Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr. Two lec and one 2-hr lab a wk; seven days of field trips.

Geol ID&WS490 Field Geology II (3 cr) WSU Geol 308

Advanced field problems and methods; interpretation of field data, preparation of reports based on field observations and interpretations. Accident and health insurance required. Three week, off-campus. (Summer only)

Prereq: Geol 290 and 345

Geol 497 (s) Practicum in Tutoring (1 cr, max 2)

Tutorial services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. Graded P/F.

Prereq: Permission of department

Geol 498 Senior Thesis (1-4 cr, max 4)

Completion of original research and report. Course is taken over two semesters; first semester is graded IP until completion of second semester.

Prereq: Senior standing and Permission

Geol 499 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 500 Master's Research and Thesis (cr arr)

Geol 501 (s) Seminar (1 cr, max arr)

Participation in departmental colloquium.

Geol 502 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

Geol 503 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

Geol ID507 Basin Analysis (3 cr) WSU 506

See Geol J407/J507.

Geol ID510 (s) Geosystems (3 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 510

Interdisciplinary core graduate course in earth sciences. Course will involve multiple instructors and modules framed around a common theme. Specific focus may vary from year to year.

Geol 514 Geologic Hazards Field Workshop (2 cr, max arr)

See Geol J414/J514.

Geol 517 Pre-Quaternary Paleoclimatology (1-3 cr)

This course will cover the sedimentological, paleontological, geochemical, and numerical methods used to study climate in the pre-Quaternary Phanerozoic geologic record. Assignments will include written and oral presentations, and the choice of projects will be partially tailored to the students' scholarly needs. Students may elect to take this for 1-3 credits, with assignments made accordingly. (Alt/yrs)

Geol 518 Geomicrobiology (3 cr)

See Geol J418/J518.

Geol ID520 (s) Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Rocks (2-3 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 520

Modern aspects of sedimentary rocks.

Prereq: Geol 324

Geol 532 Geologic Development of North America (3 cr)

See Geol J432/J532.

Geol ID&WS538 Orogenic Systems (3 cr) WSU Geol 538

Field-based course examines tectonic processes active in orogenic systems. Course work includes 1.5 hr lec/wk, one 2-week field trip, final research paper and presentation.

Prereq: Geol 345

Geol ID&WS541 Structural Analysis (3 cr) WSU Geol 541

See Geol J441/J541.

Geol ID542 Advanced Structural Geology (3 cr)

Concepts of linear elastic fracture mechanics as applied to the classification, origin and evolution of all types of rock fractures; continuum theory in rock mechanics; rock strength and failure criteria; stress tensors; elastic theory.

Prereq: Geol 345

Geol ID&WS548 Tectonics (3 cr)

See Geol J448/J548.

Geol ID550 Advanced Mineralogy (3 cr) WSU Geol 550

Advanced concepts in mineralogy not covered at the undergraduate level. Specifically the methods necessary to determine, examine, and represent the crystal structure of minerals and relate them to the mineral's physical properties.

Prereq: Geol 249 or equivalent

Geol WS552 Analytical Methods (3 cr) WSU Geol 552

Geol ID554 Physical Petrology (3 cr) WSU Geol 554

Applications of continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics to generation, rise, storage, and eruption of magmas.

Geol 564 The Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3 cr)

See Geol J464/J564.

Geol ID567 Volcanology (3 cr)

See Geol J467/J567.

Geol 583 Radiogenic Isotopes and Geochronology (3 cr)

Nuclear structure, radioactive decay, isochrons, the age of meteorites, the earth, and the timing of various major differentiation events, applications of radiometric (including cosmogenic) dating in a wide range of fields, and the use of radiogenic isotopes as tracers of multi-reservoir evolution.

Geol ID592 (s) Advanced Topics in Structural Geology (1-4 cr, max 6) WSU Geol 592

Classroom or field-based course focused on application of structural geology concepts to specific problems. Topical focus of class may vary from year to year.

Geol 593 (s) Advanced Topics in Geomechanics (1-4 cr, max arr)

Advanced treatment of current topics in geomechanics and related disciplines such as structural geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and petroleum engineering.

Geol 597 (s) Practicum (cr arr)

Geol 598 (s) Internship (cr arr)

Geol 599 (s) Non-thesis Master's Research (cr arr)

Research not directly related to a thesis or dissertation.

Prereq: Permission

Geol 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation (cr arr)