Course Descriptions
Geology
GEOL 101 - Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs dominated Earth's landscapes for nearly 200 million years, and then seemingly vanished in one of the "big-five" mass extinctions that punctuate the history of life. In this course we'll "dig in" to explore dinosaurs in their world and examine their evolution, biology, and behavior. Along the way we'll meet the supporting cast of non-dino neighbors that live alongside dinosaurs within their Mesozoic ecosystems. We'll examine the dramatic diversification and astounding ecological success of dinosaurs, and investigate theories for their sudden disappearance 66 million years ago. Far from being dimwitted icons of extinction, they are the ultimate survivors -- dinosaurs still populate your backyard bird feeder! Three 1-hour lectures per week.
Frequency: Offered every year.
GEOL 102 - Exploring the Solar System
Recent planetary missions have provided a wealth of new and exciting information about our solar system and beyond. This course examines the science behind these recent discoveries. Readings and discussions focus on a variety of topics, including: (1) processes of planetary formation, (2) the geology of the Earth, Moon, Sun, and other planets, (3) planetary interiors and atmospheres, (4) asteroids, meteorites, comets, and the newly appreciated role of impacts, (5) the seemingly unique status of the Earth as a habitable planet, and (6) the potential for extraterrestrial life. Course projects make extensive use of internet resources, computer software, satellite imagery, and solar system materials (rocks from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids). Three 1-hour lectures per week.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
GEOL 103 - Geocinema
Lights, camera, ACTION! Geologists think planet Earth is incredibly exciting, but nowhere is the story of the behavior of our planet more dramatized and misrepresented than in movies! Whether they are big-budget thrillers like Jurassic Park, San Andreas, or The Day After Tomorrow, or low-brow science fiction like Boa, movies tend to stretch the reality of natural hazards and earth processes to great dramatic effect. In this course, we will have the opportunity to watch a variety of movie clips that focus on geologic hazards (such as volcanoes, earthquakes, avalanches, floods, and tsunamis) and other earth processes (origins of life, evolution, mass extinction, climate change, and glaciers). We will examine the scientific features and processes depicted in films, learn about their scientific basis, and critique the film's portrayal of earth process. The final project gives you the opportunity to develop your own script for a movie that does the geology correctly. This course will cover quantitative concepts relevant to earth processes, such as describing the world quantitatively, understanding uncertainty and risk, and evaluating quality and sources of data. Three 1-hour lectures per week.
Frequency: Offered every year.
GEOL 105 - Geohazards
Geohazards is an introductory course for students of all backgrounds aimed at: 1) understanding the geology behind disasters, including earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, sinkholes, landslides, climate change, asteroid impacts, and changes in Earth's magnetic field; 2) investigating the intersection of risk with society (e.g., how communities and governments evaluate risk and implement risk-appropriate mitigation strategies) and at a personal level (e.g., understanding hazards you may face as homeowners or renters and determining your level of risk aversion). Three 1-hour meetings (lectures, movie clips, discussions, and activities) per week, one fieldtrip to view sinkholes, landslide debris, and spelunk in the Twin Cities, no lab.
Frequency: Offered alternate years.
GEOL 106 - Volcanoes
Volcanic eruptions are the awe-inspiring expression of a planet's internal dynamics. They supply the source materials for scientific studies of rocky planets, inspire works of art and literature, feature prominently in sacred traditions, and provide some of the most fertile ground on Earth. They are also destructive and agonizingly uncertain in duration, wreaking havoc on local to global scales via clouds of ash, lava flows, and secondary hazards (e.g., mudflows, famine). This course will cover volcanoes broadly: where and why they occur; what drives eruptions; monitoring; impacts; hazard mitigation; "reading the rocks"; volcanoes in art and culture; and perspectives from local populations. Three 1-hour lectures per week, including in-class demos and labs.
Frequency: Offered spring semester only.
GEOL 160 - Dynamic Earth and Global Change
Shifting plates, shiny gemstones, hot lava, sheets of ice, rocky planets! This course will delve into fascinating geoscience topics, introducing you to the physical materials and structure of the Earth and other planets, as well as the processes responsible for the creation, change, and destruction of parts of the Earth system. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes, Solar System formation, the water cycle, and climate change. We will discuss some aspects of the history of scientific thought, look at maps, consider the societal relevance of geology (e.g., modern careers, natural hazards, resource extraction, environmental problems), and admire beautiful rocks. Required for geology majors. Field trip(s). Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered fall semester only.
Cross-Listed as: ENVI 160 - Dynamic Earth and Global Change
GEOL 165 - History and Evolution of Earth
This course provides an overview of the Earth for the past 4.6 billion years. Students explore the concept of geologic time as they delve into the vast past of our evolving planet. Major emphasis is placed on tracking the evolution of life, from the simplest single-celled organisms of the ancient Earth to today's diverse ecosystems. Another major focus is the linkage among abiotic and biotic systems, the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere did not and do not evolve independently. The laboratory component of this course is designed to familiarize students with the rocks and fossils that archive the history of Earth. The class includes a fossil-collecting field trip. Required for geology majors. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered every year.
GEOL 194 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
GEOL 200 - Field Excursion Seminar
The geology and geography of a region will be studied during a geologic field excursion to a selected destination. The excursion will be preceded by a seminar course that includes readings and oral presentations. A student may take the seminar more than once for credit.
Frequency: Alternate years.
GEOL 201 - Geological Excursions
This course focuses on the geology of a foreign country or a region of the U.S. It also includes a study of the geography and culture of the region. It is designed as a January course. Participants meet prior to departure in order to learn necessary background information. The field excursion generally spans two to three weeks. The region to be studied will be different each year and a student may take the course more than once for credit. This course is offered as S/N grading.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor(s).
GEOL 220 - Environmental Geology
The physical environment has begun to show signs of our earth's expanding population and the increasing need for natural resources. Geologic materials such as soil, water, and bedrock, and geologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and running water often pose constraints on land use. This course is designed to introduce students to the relationship between humans and their geologic environment: the earth. We will focus on understanding the processes that shape the surface of the earth, and how these processes affect human activity. We will use current scientific methods to collect and analyze data. Topics include surface-water dynamics and flooding, groundwater and groundwater contamination, pollution and waste management, landslides, volcanic and earthquake hazards, and global climate change. Format: the course will include local field excursions, lectures, discussions and hands-on exercises; evaluation will be based on homework/classroom activities, short writing assignments, and exams. Three 1-hour lectures per week.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
GEOL 250 - Mineralogy
What is the solid Earth made of? How did those materials (rocks, minerals) come to be? In this course we explore the chemistry and structure of minerals, linking physical and optical properties of minerals to their atomic structures. We visualize 2D and 3D symmetry operations, learn how to identify minerals, and study binary phase diagrams. A major unit of the course covers polarizing light microscopy, in theory and practice. Labs include mineral ID in hand sample and thin section, symmetry, electron microscopy, and more. In the first half of the semester we hold the annual Macalester Mineral Cup, and as a final project you will make your own thin section from scratch. Overnight field trip to the North Shore. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered fall semester.
GEOL 255 - Structural Geology
This course focuses on recognizing and interpreting the significance of geologic structures in the Earth's outermost layers. Discussions focus on the formation of major rock fabrics (e.g., fractures, joints, faults, shear zones, folds, foliation/cleavage, and lineations) from microscopic (thin section) to regional (mountain belt) scales. Problem sets use graphical techniques to solve structural problems. This course also provides an introduction to map interpretation and mapping techniques. Local and regional field trips. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered every year.
GEOL 260 - Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur on the surface of a planetary body. We will be examining the processes that turn solid rock into transportable material, the transport mechanisms themselves (whether beneath glaciers, down hillslopes, or in rivers), and the patterns of deposition, many of which are unique to the processes that created them. These processes range from the very large (volcanism and mountain-building) to the microscopic (frost cracking of rock, soil creep, and chemical weathering along mineralogic grain boundaries). Some processes occur frequently across geographic boundaries and throughout geologic time (like rainsplash), while others are stochastic in nature and dramatic in their geomorphic signature (like glacial outburst floods). We will focus on the roles of rivers, glaciers, and mass movements in shaping landscapes, but will examine wide-ranging landscapes such as arid environments and coastal regions. The study of current surface processes on the Earth will be examined with an eye toward understanding the evolution of landscapes over geologic timescales. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered fall semester.
GEOL 265 - Sedimentology/Stratigraphy
This course focuses on sedimentary rocks and the stratigraphic record. Topics covered include the characterization and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks (siliciclastic and carbonate), sedimentary structures (physical and biogenic), diagenesis, facies models, and basin analysis. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments. Students are also introduced to the principles and practice of stratigraphy, with a focus on sequence stratigraphy. Field trip to western Minnesota/eastern South Dakota. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered spring semester.
GEOL 294 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
GEOL 300 - Paleobiology
This course surveys the long history of life, as recorded by the fossil record. Students are introduced to the nature and quality of the fossil record and the morphology and paleoecology of the major fossil groups (invertebrates and vertebrates) through discussions, labs, and readings. Students also learn the methods used to study the paleobiology and evolution of extinct organisms. A field trip to a world-renowned invertebrate collecting locality in Iowa provides the sample for an in depth project aligned with student interests (students design their own projects). Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL 165 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 302 - Petrology
This course focuses on the occurrence, origin, and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Students learn how to "read the rocks," interpreting textures and mineral assemblages, as well as work with geochemical data (major and trace elements). Class and laboratory exercises include hand specimen identification, thin-section interpretation, phase diagrams, textural analysis, major and trace element modeling, conceptual problems and calculations, SEM/EDS, and micro-XRF analysis. Students participate in a final project involving independent analysis of a geological sample, culminating in a poster session in the style of a scientific conference. Field trip(s). Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL 250
GEOL 303 - Surface/Groundwater Hydrology
Hydrology is the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur as water interacts with the earth. In this course we will focus on the near-surface cycling of water and the physical processes that drive this motion. We will discuss the dynamics of water as it flows across the surface of the landscape, moves through channels, and passes into the shallow subsurface. Open channel flow, hydrographs, floods, and arid region water scarcity will be the focus of the first portion of the course. The bulk of the course will look at the flow of water through permeable, saturated media, heterogeneity of flow, and several equations used to describe flow dynamics in aquifers. Flow through fractured and karst systems will be discussed. Importantly, we will spend time on the methods used by scientists and engineers (and consultants!) to understand the details and timescales of groundwater flow: wells, slug tests, pump tests, and geochemistry. Contaminant transport via groundwater flow will be examined in case studies. The use of quantitative tools such as calculations, numerical modeling, and estimation will be used to better understand the dynamics of water transport on our planet. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level geology lab course.
GEOL 304 - Tectonics
This course will provide an overview of processes responsible for the formation, deformation, and destruction of Earth's lithosphere. The class and associated laboratory component will combine perspectives from several geoscientific disciplines (e.g., field geology, geochronology, geochemistry, and geophysics) to address issues pertinent to plate tectonic processes. A class project will focus on developing good scientific writing and presentation habits. Local and regional field trips. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL 160
GEOL 360 - Paleoclimate
Earth's climate has evolved with the planet itself as changing boundary conditions in the ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere and lithosphere have caused ice ages, periods of extreme warmth and mass extinctions. Information about these events is contained in the geologic record in the form of fossils and rock sequences, but also in lake and ocean sediments, ice sheets, cave deposits and tree rings. This course will provide an overview of variations in climate throughout Earth history while simultaneously examining the proxies and archives used to reconstruct those changes. We will also construct our own record of the paleoclimate using cores from a local lake and a variety of laboratory techniques. Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
Frequency: Offered alternate spring semester.
Cross-Listed as: ENVI 360
GEOL 394 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
GEOL 400 - Capstone Research Methods
Geology majors and minors conducting research in the geosciences frequently utilize a variety of analytic and other laboratory equipment. This course provides students with guidance, mentorship and hands-on experience using the equipment and analytic tools they require to conduct their capstone and independent research projects. Students may take this course during any semester they are conducting research. S/N grading only.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
GEOL 416 - Seminar in Vertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution
This course delves into the evolutionary history and paleobiology of vertebrates. We'll explore the 500-million year history of the group, and employ that framework to investigate originations and extinctions, innovative vertebrate body plans, and the functional changes associated with the invasion of new habitats. From mouths to jaws, jaws to ears, arms to wings, and fins to legs (and back again), we'll investigate living vertebrates as analogues of fossil organisms and integrate discoveries in paleontology, geology, and molecular and developmental biology. The class will include periodic field trips to the Science Museum of Minnesota's Paleontology Collections and hands-on paleobiological research. Three 1-hour lectures per week.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 180, GEOL 165, or GEOL 300; junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor.
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 416
GEOL 494 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
GEOL 601 - Tutorial
Closely supervised individual or small group study with a faculty member. A student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of study not available through the regular catalog offerings. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 602 - Tutorial
Closely supervised individual or small group study with a faculty member. A student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of study not available through the regular catalog offerings. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 603 - Tutorial
Closely supervised individual or small group study with a faculty member. A student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of study not available through the regular catalog offerings. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 604 - Tutorial
Closely supervised individual or small group study with a faculty member. A student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of study not available through the regular catalog offerings. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 611 - Independent Project
Independent study of geologic problems or preparation of senior research thesis. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor and department chair.
GEOL 612 - Independent Project
Independent study of geologic problems or preparation of senior research thesis. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor and department chair.
GEOL 613 - Independent Project
Independent study of geologic problems or preparation of senior research thesis. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor and department chair.
GEOL 614 - Independent Project
Independent study of geologic problems or preparation of senior research thesis. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor and department chair.
GEOL 621 - Internship
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experience. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
GEOL 622 - Internship
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experience. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
GEOL 623 - Internship
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experience. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
GEOL 624 - Internship
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experience. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
GEOL 631 - Preceptorship
A student works with a faculty member in the planning and teaching of a course. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
GEOL 632 - Preceptorship
A student works with a faculty member in the planning and teaching of a course. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
GEOL 633 - Preceptorship
A student works with a faculty member in the planning and teaching of a course. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
GEOL 634 - Preceptorship
A student works with a faculty member in the planning and teaching of a course. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
GEOL 641 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 642 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 643 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
GEOL 644 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.