IPFW Home
Undergraduate Course DescriptionsCollage of Undergraduate Course Offerings Concepts

Geology

Course code(s): GEOL

If you are majoring in this discipline, you may want to consider the Science and Engineering Research Semester. See information under Arts and Sciences (Part 3).

GEOL G100 General Geology Class 3, Cr. 3–5.
Survey of physical geology and introduction to historical geology. Elements of crystallography, mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, seismology, structural geology, paleontology, historical geology, and plate tectonics. Optional Saturday field trip. Honors version is S100. Credit given for only one of the following: G100, S100, G103.
EOL G103 Earth Science: Materials and Processes Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
Introduction to origin and classification of minerals and rocks. Relationships among rock types, rock structures, surficial geological processes of running water, sub-surface water, glaciation, wind, waves, tides, and landform evolution. Geologic time. Internal processes, vulcanism, plutonism. Plate tectonics. Two lectures and a laboratory each week. Credit given for only one of the following: G100, S100, G103.
GEOL G104 Earth Science: Evolution of the Earth Class 2, Lab. 2–3, Cr. 3.
R: G100. History of geology. Principles of interpretation of earth history. Geologic age dating, correlation, facies analysis, study of geosynclines, and plate tectonics as applied to reconstructing geological events. History of plant and animal life.
GEOL G108 Selected Earth Science Topics Cr. 1–3. (V.T.)
Selected topics of general interest in earth science. No more than 3 credit hours can be applied toward a major in geology. Typically offered as Geology of the National Parks, Class 3, Cr. 3. Origin of the scenery, rocks, structures, and fossils of the national parks and monuments of the United States. Emphasis on geomorphic processes and geologic history. Interpretation of geologic maps of park areas.
GEOL G113 Directed Study in Earth Science Cr. 1–2.
C: one course in geology, geography, or astronomy, and written consent of instructor. Field, laboratory, or library research in any area of the earth sciences. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Credit not granted toward B.A. or B.S. in geology. (fall, spring)
GEOL G210 Oceanography Cr. 3.
P: one college-level science course or written consent of the instructor. Introduction to the study of the oceans and marine processes. Topics include morphology of the ocean floor, life in the ocean, oceanic circulation, and submarine geology. Three lectures or two lectures with occasional laboratory-demonstration per week.
GEOL G211 Introduction to Paleobiology Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: G100 or G104, (or equivalent), or written consent of instructor. Processes of fossilization; techniques of fossil preparation and methods of taxonomic description; principles of evolution and distribution of life forms; principles of paleoecology and biostratigraphy. One two-hour laboratory per week; one weekend field trip required for geology majors.
GEOL G221 Introductory Mineralogy Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3-4.
P: G100; C: CHM 115, (or equivalent), or written consent of instructor. Crystallography, symmetry, and the crystal classes of minerals. Structure and physical and chemical characteristics of selected mineral groups. Phase diagrams and interpretation of mineral assemblages. Identification of common and important minerals using physical properties and simple chemical tests.
GEOL G222 Introduction to Petrology Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: G221. Classification and identification of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Genesis and tectonic significance of important igneous and metamorphic suites. Introduction to the use of the petrographic microscope. Four-day field trip.
GEOL G300 Environmental and Urban Geology Class 2–3, Lab. 0–2, Cr. 3.
P: two college-level science courses, including G100 or G103 or GEOG G107, or written consent of instructor. Significance of regional and local geologic features and processes in land use. Use of geologic factors to reduce conflict in utilization of mineral and water resources and damage from geologic hazards. Field trips.
GEOL G305 Geologic Fundamentals in Earth Science Class 2–3, Lab. 0–3, Cr. 3–5. (V.T.)
Introductory course for advanced students. Earth materials, earth processes, geological principles. Emphasis on relationships between geology and other physical sciences.
GEOL G319 Elementary Field Geology Class 1, Field 10–14 days, Cr. 2.
P: G222; C: G334 or consent of instructor. Geologic field methods. Section measurement, geologic mapping, construction of geologic cross-sections, and use of geologic surveying instruments. Class spends 10–14 days in upper peninsula of Michigan, near Marquette.
GEOL G323 Structural Geology Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
C: G222 or written consent of instructor; physics, engineering, or mathematics majors admitted with G100 or G103 and PHYS 201 (or equivalent). Nature and origin of structural features of the earth’s crust, with emphasis on mechanics of deformation, and graphic and mathematical solution of structural problems. Two lectures and one laboratory per week plus a four-day field trip. Eligible for graduate credit.
GEOL G334 Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: G222; C: G319 or consent of instructor. Interrelationship of sedimentation and stratigraphy. Processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary strata: provenance, depositional environment, sedimentary facies, and paleoecology. Analytical techniques and application of principles of interpretation of stratigraphic record. Laboratory study of sediments, sedimentary rocks, and subsurface samples, logs, and seismic records.
GEOL G406 Introduction to Geochemistry Cr. 3.
P: G222, CHM 116, or consent of instructor. Applications of solution chemistry, phase diagrams, trace elements, radioactive isotopes, and stable isotopes to the study of the earth. The chemical evolution of earth and the origin of important igneous rocks, chemical sediments, and ore deposits. Eligible for graduate credit.
GEOL G410 Undergraduate Research in Geology Cr. 1–2; 1–6 in summer. (V.T.)
P: six courses in geology including G200, and written consent of instructor. Field, laboratory, or theoretical research in selected problems in geology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits toward degree. This course (1 cr.) may be taken in conjunction with a 300- or 400- level geology course, for honors.
GEOL G411 Invertebrate Paleontology Class 2–3, Lab. 0–2, Cr. 3.
P: GEOL G211 or written consent of instructor. Structure, classification, habitats, and geological history and significance of the invertebrate phyla. Laboratory study of fossils.
GEOL G412 Introduction to Vertebrate Paleontology Class 2–3, Lab. 0–2, Cr. 3.
P: G211 or written consent of instructor. Fossil record, comparative morphology, phylogeny, biogeography, and paleoecology of the major vertebrate groups. Functional modifications of the vertebrate skeleton for existence in various aquatic and terrestrial environments. Laboratory study of recent and fossil osteological specimens. Field trip to a museum with a major vertebrate paleontology collection.
GEOL G415 Geomorphology Class 2–3, Lab. 0–4, Cr. 3–4.
P: G222 or consent of instructor. Geomorphic processes, evolution and classification of landforms. Laboratory: interpretation of topographic and geologic maps and aerial photographs. Field trips. Eligible for graduate credit.
GEOL G420 Regional Geology Field Trip Cr. 1–2. (V.T.)
C: G100 and written consent of instructor. Field investigation of selected regions of North America for study of mineralogic, lithologic, stratigraphic, structural, paleontologic, geomorphological, or other geological relationships. Six to fifteen days in the field. May be repeated. Eligible for graduate credit. (spring)
GEOL G425 Scanning Electron Microscopy Cr. 2–3.
P: G221 or consent of instructor. Theory and practice of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Some discussion of wavelength dispersive methods.
GEOL G427 Introduction to X-ray Mineralogy Cr. 1–2.
P: G221. Theory and practice of X-ray powder diffraction. Film and diffractometer methods and their application to the identification and characterization of minerals. One lecture and a two-hour laboratory each week.
GEOL G429 Field Geology in the Rocky Mountains Cr. 6–8 (two summer sessions).
P: G222, G323. Six weeks, including five weeks at a geologic field station in Montana. Geologic reconnaissance, measurement of stratigraphic sections, mapping on aerial photographs, construction of structure sections. Regional geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structure through South Dakota, the Black Hills, Wyoming, Montana, Yellowstone Park, and Glacier Park. Student must apply through Bloomington geology department. Eligible for graduate credit. (summer)
GEOL G451 Principles of Hydrogeology Class 2–3, Lab. 0–2, Cr. 3.
P: G334 or consent of instructor.Water resources: occurrence, regulation, and management of water; hydrologic cycle, water movement, well hydraulics; water quality and pollution; surface and subsurface investigations; basin-wide development of water resources; legal aspects; relationship of hydrogeology to engineering geology. Eligible for graduate credit.
GEOL G490 Undergraduate Seminar Cr. 1–2. (V.T.) C: G200;
P: five additional courses in geology or written consent of instructor. Reading and discussion of selected topics. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
GEOL G499 Honors Research in Geology Max. Cr. 12.
P: approval of departmental honors advisor.
GEOL L100 General Geology Laboratory Lab. 2–3, Cr. 1–2.
Laboratory studies to accompany G100, G210, GEOG G107, or AST A100. Study of crystals, minerals, rocks, fossils, and earth structures from hand specimens and models. Interpretation of landforms and earth history from topographic and geologic maps.
GEOL S100 General Geology (Honors) Cr. 5.
P: consent of instructor, MA 153 placement, ENG W131 placement, and exemption from or completion of ENG R150. Survey of physical geology and introduction to historical geology. Similar to G100 except students also participate in a 10–14 day field exploration of some region in North America. (Field trip in May after classes end.) Credit given for only one of the following: G100, S100, or G103. (alternate springs)
GEOL S104 Honors Earth Science: Evolution of the Earth Class 3, Lab. 2–3. Cr. 3.
Equivalent of G104 for honors students.
GEOL S222 Honors Introduction to Petrology Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3
Equivalent of G222 for honors students.
GEOL S305 Honors Fundamentals in Earth Science Class 2–3, Lab. 0–3, Cr. 3–5. (V.T.)
Equivalent of G305 for honors students.

IPFW is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University.