Geology (GEOL)

111 Physical Geology (4 - Fall & Spring) An examination of the composition and structure of the earth and its internal and surface processes with applications to the environment, natural resources and geologic hazards. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory. GEOL 111 is a prerequisite to GEOL 113.

113 History of the Earth (4 - Fall & Spring) An examination of Earth History and global change using a "systems" approach. The evolution and interactions of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere over geologic time will be studied. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: GEOL 111.

121 Engineering Geology (3 - Spring, Even Numbered Years) The elements of physical and historical geology as they relate to engineering practice. Not to be taken by geology majors or minors. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.

180 Topics in Geology [Title] (1-4 - As Needed) Study of special topics, laboratory or field experiences at an introductory level not requiring extensive prerequisites in the discipline. Topics include, but are not restricted to: Gemology, Geology of Selected Natural Parks, Geohazards, Dinosaurs and Science, Evolution-Creation Controversy. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics.

200 Career Exploration and Development in Geology (1 - Fall) Seminar format discussions and activities focusing on exploring career options in geology and developing a professional portfolio. Topics include: potential fields of study and employment, vita and professional portfolio development, analysis of journal articles, discussion of research methodologies, instruction in the use of library resources including electronic databases, scientific writing and oral communication skills. Prereq: GEOL 113.

310 Introduction to Oceanography (3 - Spring, Odd Numbered Years) An introduction to the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes occurring in the world's oceans, including natural resources for legal-political problems associated with the marine environment. Course is designed for science and science education majors. Prereq: one year sequence in a science.

318 (518) Mineralogy (4 - Fall, Odd Numbered Years) A study of the crystallography, classification, identification and the systematics of mineral families. Laboratory includes hand specimen and analytical methods of identification. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: GEOL 111, CHEM 121 and MATH 140 or equivalent.

331 (531) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 - Spring, Even Numbered Years) A study of the genesis, classification, and identification and tectonic setting of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory includes hand specimen and optical methods of identification. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: GEOL 318 or instructor's approval.

335 (535) Geologic Evolution of North America (3 - Fall, Even Numbered Years) A region by region and through geologic time study of North America using National Parks and Monuments as case study examples. Topics include physiography and geomorphology, geologic processes and materials, natural resources, structural, tectonic and erosional history. Prereq: GEOL 113.

337 (537) Structural Geology (4 - Fall, Even Numbered Years) Description and interpretation of deformation processes and common geologic structures such as folds, faults, joints, and cleavage. Lab topics include: map interpretation, depth and thickness problems, construction of structure sections, structure contour maps, stereonets. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: GEOL 111, GEOL 113; recommended MATH 251-252 or equivalent.

341 (541) Environmental Geology (3 - Spring, Odd Numbered Years) The application of geology to the interaction between man and the environment. Topics include geohazards, chemical and nuclear contamination of soils and water, remediation of environmental problems and governmental environmental agencies and laws. Prereq: GEOL 111.

351 (551) Principles of Paleontology (4) A survey of ancient vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and the techniques used to obtain information from fossil-bearing rocks and sediment. Major topics of emphasis include: paleoecology, functional morphology, evolutionary theory, extinction processes, and paleobiogeography. Laboratory exercises will stress identification and morphology of invertebrate taxa that play a significant role in the fossil record. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: GEOL 111 and GEOL 113 or instructor's approval.

371 (571) Geodynamics (3 - Spring, Even Numbered Years) The application of geophysical concepts to the understanding of Earth's interior and plate tectonics. Topics include: architecture and composition of Earth's interior; seismology; gravity anomalies, geomagnetics, geomagnetic reversals, geomagnetic dating, polar wandering and geodynamo theory; radioactivity and heat flow studies; geotomography plate tectonic processes and patterns through time. Prereq: GEOL 111 and GEOL 113. Recommended: PHYS 211 and 212 or 220, 221 and 222.

411 (611) Sedimentology (3 - Fall, Even Numbered Years) A study of principles of sedimentology, sedimentary petrology, depositional processes, and environments. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Prereq: GEOL 111 and GEOL 113. Recommended: GEOL 318.

412 (612) Principles of Stratigraphy (2 - Spring, Odd Numbered Years) Methods of correlating rock strata according to North American Stratigraphic Code including lithostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. Two hours of lecture per week. Prereq: GEOL 411.

440 Geohydrology (3 - Fall, Even Numbered Years) A study of the water cycle, especially those parts dealing with streams, ground water, and water quality. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. Prereq: MATH 140, GEOL 111, CHEM 121.

451 (651) Principles of Geomorphology (3 - Spring, Odd Numbered Years) A study of the process mechanics operating within the earth's surficial systems and the resultant landforms derived from these processes; information obtained is used to analyze how landform history manifests past climatic or tectonic phenomena. Prereq: GEOL 111 and either GEOL 113 or instructor's approval.

462 Methods in Field Geology (4 - Fall) Students will participate in field projects during their senior year. Methods include measurement, description and interpretation of rock sections; use of instruments in the collection and the analysis of data; construction and interpretation of geologic maps and cross-sections; use of the library in acquiring geologic information; writing technical reports, and the delivery of oral reports. This course is designated as the Writing and Speaking Across the Curriculum course in geology. Prereq/Coreq: Senior standing and approval of the geology faculty.

481 (681) Special Topics in Geology: (Title) (1-4 - As Needed) Intensive lectures and/or laboratory work on special topics in geology. Topics include, but are not limited to: Clastic Petrology, Carbonate Petrology, Geochemistry, Paleocology, Biostratigraphy and Paleobiogeography, Geology of Tennessee, Geology of Belize, Economic Geology, Geoscience Education, Comparative Planetology, History of Geology. Prereq: instructor's approval. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. No more than four hours credit may be counted toward requirements for major or minor.

490 Senior Research Project (1-3 - As Needed) Seniors, by invitation of the geology faculty, propose and pursue research under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will submit a paper for review by a faculty committee of two or more members of the geology faculty and perhaps faculty members from other disciplines involved in the research. Grading on a pass or fail basis.

Webmaster