Geology (GEOL)
College of Arts and Sciences, The Department of Earth, Environment, and Society
Owens Science Hall (OWS) 153, (651) 962-5243
Hickson, Lamb, McDermott, Theissen (Director)
Department Web Site: https://cas.stthomas.edu/departments/areas-of-study/earth-environment-society/index.html
Geology is the field of study that tackles a wide range of issues facing society today: preparing for natural disasters, finding and extracting natural resources in responsible and sustainable ways, understanding and preparing for global environmental change, preventing, assessing and mitigating environmental pollution, and public health issues, to name a few. Many of us grew up thinking geologists simply study rocks. Although it is true rocks provide some of the fundamental clues to understanding these issues, geologists also study soil, sediments, lakes, groundwater, and the interior of the earth. Spatial analysis using ArcGIS, numerical computer modeling, and geochemical analysis using sophisticated instrumentation are common methods used by different geoscientists.
In the Geology program, we strive to develop the whole student by emphasizing critical thinking and analytical, quantitative, public speaking and writing skills. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively with geology faculty on research projects, in addition to learning the key field, lab and research skills of a professional geologist. These skills are transferable to many different fields and help prepare students for a range of career paths. The geology curriculum has been designed to provide students with a solid core, but with sufficient flexibility to allow students with particular interests to pursue a more customized Geology program. At the heart of this program are a number of hands-on learning opportunities, a fundamental and basic component of a St. Thomas geoscience degree. Program faculty emphasize the fact that geology must be learned by practicing skills and as a result offer analytical experiences in all courses that extend from a short afternoon trip to a multi-week field course on field methods and regional geology. Majors will visit many of the geologically significant localities throughout the upper Midwest as part of their program as well as use analytical instrumentation.
For information about Teacher Licensure in one of the following concentrations, please see the education section.
- Elementary Education with a Co-major in Science and Mathematics for Elementary Education
- Elementary Education with a Specialty in Science (5-8)
- Co-major in Science (5-8) – Earth and Space Science (9-12) and a Co-major in Secondary Education
Major in Geology (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts in Geology is designed for students that want a rigorous foundation in the geosciences that prepares them for a career as a professional geologist, but also lays the groundwork for careers in Earth and space science teaching, public policy, natural resource management, environmental law, or others that do not require graduate degrees. Some graduate programs might consider this degree sufficient for entry, but some may require more allied courses in mathematics, chemistry, and/or physics. If you are considering careers in environmental geology that will lead to a Professional Geologist state certification, pay particular attention to the elective and allied courses marked with an asterisk (*).
Four credits from the following:
- GEOL 110 Geology of the National Parks (4 credits)
- GEOL 111 Introductory Physical Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 114 The Science of Natural Disasters (4 credits)
- GEOL 115 Environmental Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 162 The Earth’s Record of Climate (4 credits)
Plus:
- GEOL 211 Earth Materials (4 credits)
or GEOL 310 Environmental Geochemistry (4 credits) - GEOL 260 Geology in the Field (4 credits)*
- GEOL 340 Fundamentals of the Lithosphere I (Petrology) (4 credits)
- GEOL 360 Fundamentals of the Lithosphere II (Structural Geology) (4 credits)
- GEOL 410 Hydrogeology
- GEOL 420 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 credits)
Plus twelve credits from the following (eight credits of which must be at the 200-level or higher):
- GEOL 130 Earth History (4 credits)
- GEOL 161 Medical Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 162 The Earth’s Record of Climate (if not chosen above) (4 credits)
- GEOL 211 Earth Materials (if not chosen above) (4 credits)*
- GEOL 220 Oceanography (4 credits)
- GEOL 252 Earth Surface Processes and Geomorphology (4 credits)*
- GEOL 310 Environmental Geochemistry (4 credits) (if not chosen above)*
- GEOL 430 Advanced Earth History (4 credits)
- GEOL 460 Advanced Field Methods (4 credits)
- GEOL 461 Medical Geology (unless receiving credit for 161) (4 credits)
- GEOL 462 The Earth’s Record of Climate (unless receiving credit for 162) (4 credits)
- GEOL 491 Research (4 credits)
- BIOL 471 Evolution (4 credits)
- One course may come from this list:
- ESCI 310 Environmental Problem Solving
- GEOG 223 Remote Sensing
- GEOG 321 Geographic Information Systems*
Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- CISC 130 Programming and Problem Solving
- STAT 220 Statistics I (Excel or R-based lab recommended)*
- MATH 109
or MATH 113 Calculus I
Allied Courses (8 credits), with no two courses from the same program:
- BIOL 102 Conservation Biology
- BIOL 209 Biology of Sustainability
- CHEM 101 Environmental Chemistry*
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (MATH 113 placement required)
- CISC 130 Programming and Problem Solving (if not taken for Quantitative Analysis)
- ECON 370 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (4 credits)
- ENGR 123 Energy and the Environment
- ENVR 212 Society and Sustainability, ENVR 301 Environmental Ethics, OR ENVR 351 Environmental Policy (all classes 4 credits)
- PHYS 101 Physics for Liberal Arts
- PHYS 104 Astronomy
- PHYS 109 Physics for Life Sciences I (MATH 111 placement required)
- PHYS 211 Classical Physics I (MATH 113 placement required)
- STAT 320 Statistics II*
*Strongly recommended for students wishing to pursue professional geologist (PG) state
certification.
Major in Geology (B.S.)
Four credits from the following:
- GEOL 111 Introductory Physical Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 114 The Science of Natural Disasters (4 credits)
- GEOL 115 Environmental Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 162 The Earth’s Record of Climate (4 credits)
Plus:
- GEOL 211 Earth Materials (4 credits) or GEOL 310 Environmental Geochemistry (4 credits)
- GEOL 260 Regional Geology and Geological Field Methods (4 credits)
- GEOL 340 Fundamentals of the Lithosphere I (Petrology) (4 credits)
- GEOL 360 Fundamentals of the Lithosphere II (Structural Geology) (4 credits)
- GEOL 420 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 credits)
Plus sixteen credits from the following (four credits of which must be at the 400-level and four credits of which must be at the 300 or 400 level):
- GEOL 130 Earth History (4 credits)
- GEOL 161 Medical Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 162 The Earth’s Record of Climate (if not chosen above)(4 credits)
- GEOL 211 Earth Materials (if not chosen above) (4 credits)
- GEOL 220 Oceanography (4 credits)
- GEOL 252 Earth Surface Processes and Geomorphology (4 credits)
- GEOL 310 Environmental Geochemistry (4 credits) (if not chosen above)
- GEOL 410 Hydrogeology (4 credits)
- GEOL 460 Advanced Field Methods (4 credits)
- GEOL 461 Medical Geology (unless receiving credit for 161) (4 credits)
- GEOL 462 The Earth’s Record of Climate (unless receiving credit for 162) (4 credits)
- GEOL 491 Research (4 credits)
Note: GEOG 321 Geographic Information Systems and geology courses offered at Macalester College may fulfill one of these courses with permission of chair
Allied requirements
- MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits) or MATH 109 Calculus with Review II (4 credits)
- MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
- PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- PHYS 212 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)
- MATH 303 Statistics for the Applied Sciences (4 credits) or STAT 220 Statistics I (4 credits)
For students wishing to pursue careers in paleontology, geobiology, or geomicrobiology:
- BIOL 207 Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution (4 credits) and 208 Biological Communication and Energetics (4 credits)
- Biology may be substituted for one of the CHEM/PHYS sequences with permission of chair
Depending on a student’s interest and career goals, substitutions may be made for other advanced courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics for certain listed courses, in consultation with the geology department chair.
Minor in Geology
Four credits from the following:
- GEOL 110 Geology of the National Parks (4 credits)
- GEOL 111 Introductory Physical Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 114 Natural Disasters (4 credits)
- GEOL 115 Environmental Geology (4 credits)
- GEOL 163 Applied Geology (4 credits)
And one of the following elective options:
Sixteen credits from additional GEOL courses not from the list above, at least 12 credits of which are numbered 200 or above.
or
Twelve additional credits in GEOL courses not from the list above at least 8 credits of which are numbered 200 or above, and four credits from the following list.
- ESCI 310 Environmental Problem Solving (4 credits)
- BIOL 209, Biology of Sustainability (4 credits)
- BIOL 333 General Ecology (4 credits)
- BIOL 435 Aquatic Biology (4 credits)
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry (4 credits)
- GEOG 223 Remote Sensing (4 credits)
- GEOG 321 Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
- GEOG 421 Applied Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
- ENGR 160 Surveying (2 credits)
- ENGR 463 Soil Mechanics and Foundations (4 credits)
- ENGR 467 Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, and Hydraulics (4 credits)
- PHYS 211, Classical Physics 1 (4 credits)
Geology Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL 102 | Origins & Methods | 4 | |
| Description of course Origins & Methods : | A study of the basic concepts of geology that were first developed by James Hutton in the late 18th century and their application today. This is an introductory science course specifically designed to reduce the mystique that often is associated with the scientific method. Following Hutton's example, the study will focus on the materials which make up the earth and on the geologic processes that operate on these materials. Offered in January term. NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 102 may not receive credit for GEOL 110, 111, 114, or 115. | ||
| GEOL 111 | Intro Physical Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Intro Physical Geology : | A study of the Earth's properties; the formation and classification of minerals, rocks, ore deposits, and fuels; and the nature and origin of the Earth's surface and interior. Emphasis will be placed upon a changing Earth, and the geologic processes operating at the surface and in the interior. Lecture and two laboratory hours per week. NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 111 may not receive credit for GEOL 102, 110, 114, or 115. | ||
| GEOL 114 | Science of Natural Disaster | 4 | |
| Description of course Science of Natural Disaster : | This introductory geology course focuses on how and why natural disasters occur, as well as on their effects and how scientists study them. The course will examine internal and external earth processes and in particular how these processes impact humans. Course emphases will be upon the principles underlying natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, coastal processes, and extinctions. We will use case studies of recent and historic events to understand these natural processes. NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 114 may not receive credit for GEOL 102, 110, 111, or 115. | ||
| GEOL 115 | Environmental Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Environmental Geology : | This course emphasizes the interactions between humans and their environment, focusing on those processes and issues that are fundamentally geological in nature. Early in the course, students will be introduced to basic geoscience concepts and principals, the scientific method, plate tectonics, and earth materials (rocks and minerals). The remainder of the course will focus on specific topics at the interface between humans and their environment, including volcanic and earthquake hazards, human impacts on the hydrological cycle, surface and groundwater contamination, climate and the carbon cycle, nuclear waste storage, soil erosion, non-renewable resources, and slope stability. NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 115 may not receive credit for GEOL 102, 110, 111, or 114. | ||
| GEOL 130 | Earth History | 4 | |
| Description of course Earth History : | The course introduces fundamental geologic concepts while examining the major tectonic, chemical and biological events that shaped the Earth through time. It will include a study of fossils, sedimentary structures, depositional environments, radiometric dating techniques, and other tools geoscientists use to interpret the past. Throughout the course global events will be studied but focus will be on the North American continent. | ||
| GEOL 161 | Medical Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Medical Geology : | This course explores the effects of geologic materials and processes on human health. Topics include exposure to or deficiency of trace metals and minerals, inhalation of ambient and anthropogenic mineral dusts and volcanic emissions; transportation, modification and concentration of organic compounds; and exposure to radionuclide's, microbes and pathogens in various geologic settings. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will provide an understanding of the geological and biological processes controlling various public health concerns and thus provides a preparation to contribute to important societal questions. Prerequisites:GEOL 111, 112, 114, 115 or CHEM 100, 101, 111, 115 or permission of instructor. NOTE: Students who take GEOL 161 may not receive credit for GEOL 461 | ||
| GEOL 162 | The Earth's Record of Climate | 4 | |
| Description of course The Earth's Record of Climate : | Climate change is among the most pressing challenges in our world today. In this course we will explore the Earth's climate system and the climatic changes that have occurred during the history of our planet. We will use a number of geological "fingerprints" to examine past climate and modern data to examine climate change in recent decades. You will gain hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting climate data in several laboratory projects and in course exercises designed with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and problem solving. NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 162 may not receive credit for GEOL 462 | ||
| GEOL 163 | Applied Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Applied Geology : | This course examines geologic systems that occur at or near the Earth’s surface with a focus on processes that interact directly with human infrastructure. Effective and safe civil engineering requires an understanding of the materials upon which infrastructure is built and this course aims to provide an introduction to materials at the Earth’s surface and their response to construction and human alteration. Topics to be covered include an introduction to geologic materials (rocks, minerals, and soils), basic principles of hydrology including groundwater flow, river flow (open-channel flow), and water quality and treatment, slope stability and erosion, and surveying. The course includes weekly lab meetings to allow students to explore the topics in greater depth and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. This course is required for ENGR Civil Engineering majors, can serve as an introductory geology course for Geology and Environmental Science majors, and will satisfy the lab-science requirement for non-majors. | ||
| GEOL 211 | Earth Materials | 4 | |
| Description of course Earth Materials : | Earth's materials record the vast history of the earth, help us understand current earth processes and are vital to our daily living. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify many common Earth materials and their components, describe how they formed, state where on or in Earth they typically form, and describe their economic and environmental importance. We will travel to the Badlands and Black Hills, SD, to collect data from several field sites for analysis during the rest of the semester. Prerequisites: One of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 | ||
| GEOL 220 | Oceanography | 4 | |
| Description of course Oceanography : | The Earth's surface is dominated by vast oceans known for the beauty of their wildlife and waters. The oceans are also increasingly recognized for their critical importance to the functioning of the Earth's climate system and for their endangered natural resources. For example, the ocean- atmospheric climate phenomenon known as El Nino Southern Oscillation has gained household name recognition for its global impact on the weather, economy, and public health. In this course we will explore the physical, chemical, and biological processes that characterize the oceans. Students will develop research and analytical skills by making observations and interpretations of oceanographic processes using data, demonstrations, and field experiences. Prerequisites: One of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 or permission of instructor. | ||
| GEOL 243 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 252 | Earth Surface Proc/Geomorph | 4 | |
| Description of course Earth Surface Proc/Geomorph : | This course emphasizes the physical processes that are responsible for shaping the Earth's surface. The qualitative description of landforms is pursued, in light of student's newly-gained analytical and quantitative understanding of processes. The labs focus on techniques used by geomorphologists to characterize landforms, soils, and the processes that shape them, including: air photo interpretation, analysis of digital topographic data, experimental simulation of landforms evolution, and field techniques in geomorphology. Prerequisite: one of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 or permission of instructor | ||
| GEOL 260 | Regional Geol & Field Meth | 4 | |
| Description of course Regional Geol & Field Meth : | The field is geology's laboratory. this course is an introduction to the major concepts of geology, as well as the methods of field geology. Students will learn how to collect, synthesize, and analyze geological data in the field. Techniques will be taught in the context of the regional geology of an area so students will gain a critical appreciation of a geological terrain outside of their usual experience. Students will spend 2-3 weeks in the field examining geological structures, modern-day faults, modern processes that shape the earth's surface, and examining the ancient record of past climate and environments preserved in the rock record. Student teams will learn basic techniques and instruments of geological mapping and rock description, how to recognize geological structures like faults and folds, ways to interpret the evolution of the earth from sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, and to link surface processes with the rock record. Offered in January-term. Prerequisite: One of Geology 111, 114, 115, 130, 161, 162, 163, ESCI 132 or permission of instructor | ||
| GEOL 269 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 296 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GEOL 298 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GEOL 310 | Environmental Geochemistry | 4 | |
| Description of course Environmental Geochemistry : | Environmental geochemistry is a growing and dynamic field in geology which explores past and present environments for their chemical characteristics and environmental quality. In this course we will explore the applications of chemistry to solve geological and environmental problems, with an emphasis on freshwater environments. Students will get hands-on field and laboratory experience investigating Minnesota rock formations and lake sediments using several different geochemical methods. Prerequisites: one of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 or permission of instructor | ||
| GEOL 340 | Fund of Lithosphere I (Pet) | 4 | |
| Description of course Fund of Lithosphere I (Pet) : | This is the first course in a year-long sequence that covers the fundamentals of petrology and structural geology in a global tectonic framework. The course begins with a discussion of plate tectonics and then examines each of the major plate settings and their boundaries. This will include the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Labs will include hand specimen identification and the use of the petrographic microscope. The course will also examine the conditions of rock deformation and the typical structural features of each tectonic setting. Labs will cover structural geology techniques including recognition and analysis of features in the field and in hand samples. In the fall semester the focus will be on the petrology of the mantle and lithosphere as well as divergent margins. In the spring semester, the focus will be on convergent margins. There will be several field trips as part of this course, ranging from 1-4 days, in the early fall and late spring. Prerequisites: one of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 or permission of instructor | ||
| GEOL 360 | Fund of Lithosphere II | 4 | |
| Description of course Fund of Lithosphere II : | Continuation of GEOL 340. Prerequisite: GEOL 260 and 340 | ||
| GEOL 389 | Research | 0 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 410 | Hydrogeology | 4 | |
| Description of course Hydrogeology : | This course focuses on groundwater and how geology influences its recharge, movement, storage, and withdrawal. The course will cover basic concepts of surface- and subsurface water flow, aquifer properties, well testing, heterogeneity in aquifers, groundwater chemistry and contamination, the role of groundwater in geological processes, and regional groundwater systems. Examples, labs, and projects will focus on groundwater in Minnesota and its immediate surroundings. Prerequisites: one of GEOL 102, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161, 162, or 163 or permission of instructor plus 80 completed credits. | ||
| GEOL 420 | Sedimentology/Stratigraphy | 4 | |
| Description of course Sedimentology/Stratigraphy : | Sedimentology is the study of sediment, particularly focusing on how it is transported, and deposited. Stratigraphy emphasizes the analysis of sedimentary strata, the layers of sedimentary (and some volcanic) rocks that cover about three-quarters of the earth's surface. Sedimentary rocks illuminate many of the details of the earth's history: effects of sea level change, global climate, tectonic processes, and geochemical cycles are all recorded in the sedimentary strata of the earth. This course will cover basics of fluid flow and sediment transport, sedimentary structures and textures, and - forming the bridge between modern landforms and ancient rocks - depositional sedimentary environments. Prerequisite:One of GEOL 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 161; GEOL 211 recommended | ||
| GEOL 430 | Advanced Earth History | 4 | |
| Description of course Advanced Earth History : | This course serves as a senior capstone experience in the geology major. Using the tools and concepts from previous coursework--including geochronology, plate tectonics, and other earth processes--students will examine in-depth some aspect of earth history. The specific subject matter and focus of this course will vary from year to year, and will be chosen based on input from the students in consultation with the instructor. Some examples of topics include: Precambrian tectonics of the Great Lakes region; Global Mesozoic tectonics; Sedimentary basins and basin analysis; or the Phanerozoic amalgamation of Asia. Prerequisite: C- or better in GEOL 260, 320, and 340 | ||
| GEOL 460 | Advanced Field Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Advanced Field Geology : | In this course, students will use skills developed in the introductory field methods course, Geology 260, to tackle more complex geologic problems. We will spend 3 weeks in the field mapping in an area that is more structurally complicated and learning additional techniques not introduced in the first course. Students will have the option of starting a research project and collecting data to be analyzed and written up in the following semester. Students not choosing this option will complete a field project during the course. Prerequisites: GEOL 260 and permission of the instructor | ||
| GEOL 461 | Medical Geology | 4 | |
| Description of course Medical Geology : | This course explores the effects of geologic materials and processes on human health. Topics include exposure to or deficiency of trace metals and minerals, inhalation of ambient and anthropogenic mineral dusts and volcanic emissions; transportation, modification and concentration of organic compounds; and exposure to radionuclide's, microbes and pathogens in various geologic settings. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will provide an understanding of the geological and biological processes controlling various health concerns and thus provides a preparation to contribute to important societal questions. Prerequisites: GEOL 310 or ESCI 310 or permission of the instructor NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 161 may not receive credit for GEOL 461 | ||
| GEOL 462 | The Earth's Record of Climate | 4 | |
| Description of course The Earth's Record of Climate : | Climate change is among the most pressing challenges in our world today. In this course we will explore the Earth's climate system and the climatic changes that have occurred during the history of our planet. We will use a number of geological "fingerprints" to examine past climate and modern data to examine climate change in recent decades. You will gain hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting climate data in several laboratory projects and in course exercises designed with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and problem solving. Prerequisite:One of GEOL 211, 220, 252 or 260, or permission of the instructor NOTE: Students who receive credit for GEOL 162 may not receive credit for GEOL 462 | ||
| GEOL 476 | Experiential Learning | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Experiential Learning : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 489 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GEOL 490 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| GEOL 491 | Individual Study | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| GEOL 495 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||