Degrees Requirements for Major Minor Geology Courses |
GeologySciences 064
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Charles Lane, Chair Geology is the study of the earth, its history, and its processes. Majors develop a broad geological background that prepares them to enter graduate school or the job market as professional geologists. Courses are largely field-oriented, with strong emphasis on water resources. Back to top of page.DegreesBA or BS in Geology
MinorGeology
Back to top of page.Requirements for Major- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
- Complete the geology core curriculum.
- Complete a minimum of 71 credits in geology.
- Complete the approved summer field camp, which serves as the capstone project.
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA in all geology courses taken at SOU.
- No courses required for the geology major may be taken for P/NP credit.
CapstoneGeology majors must complete the geology summer field experience, in which they demonstrate the full range of undergraduate knowledge and skills. Core Curriculum
(71 credits)
| Geology (G 101, 102, 103) | 12 | | Advanced General Geology (G 310) | 2 | | Mineralogy and Lithology (G 312, 313) | 8 | | Hydrogeology (G 314, 315, 316) | 9 | | Structural Geology (G 321, 322) | 6 | | Principles of Stratigraphy I and II (G 341, 342) | 6 | | Field Geology (G 406) | 9 | | Optical/Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (G 426, 427) | 8 | | Sedimentary Petrology and Petrography (G 428) | 4 | | Low Temperature Geochemistry (G 430) | 3 | | Geologic Field Methods (G 480) | 4 |
(39–59 credits)
Other requirements include:
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 | | Mathematics: Mth 111, 112, 251, 252 | 16 | | In addition, choose one of the following: Mth 243 or Mth 253 or G 489 or Ph 351 | 3#x2013;4 | | General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) or (Ph 221, 222, 223) | 9#x2013;12 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 |
Back to top of page.Minor
(28–29 credits)
| Geology sequence (G 101, 102, 103; G 111 may be substituted for G 101) | 12 | | Mineralogy and Lithology sequence (G 310, 312, 313; G 312 requires Ch 201 or concurrent enrollment) | 10 |
Choose two additional geology courses, such as:
| Special Studies (G 199) | TBA | | Oceanography (G 353) | 3 | | Environmental Geology (G 360) | 4 |
Back to top of page.Geology CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| G 101, 102, 103 Geology | | 4 credits each | | Explores the agents and processes that have built up, deformed, and eroded the surface features of the earth. Examines the internal structure of the earth, the main events in the earth’s history, the occurrences and characteristics of common rocks and fossils, and the interpretation of the physical environment. Includes laboratory studies, maps, minerals, rocks, geologic processes, and fossils. One 3-hour laboratory. Must be taken in sequence. G 101 and 102 are approved for general education (Explorations). |
| G 111, 112 Earth Science | | 4 credits each | | Explores the major sciences that increase our understanding of the earth and the processes that form it. Includes basic concepts within the sciences of astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology, with particular emphasis on their interrelationships and relevance to our lives. Three lecture hours and one 3-hour laboratory. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| G 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 209 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 215 Field Trip in Geology | | 3 credits | | Involves a classroom and field-based study of a classic geologic locality, such as the Grand Canyon or Death Valley. Coursework offered during the winter term prepares students for the eight- or nine-day field trip during spring break. Students keep a journal during the field trip. A prior course in geology recommended. |
Upper Division Courses| G 310 Advanced General Geology | | 2 credits | | Prepares students for upper division coursework in geology. Topical lectures and exercises explore selected topics from introductory courses in greater depth. Lectures and assignments develop research and scientific writing skills. Guest speakers provide perspectives on academic and professional development and careers in the geosciences. One lecture and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: G 102 or 111. |
| G 312, 313 Mineralogy and Lithology | | 4 credits each | | Examines the fundamentals of mineral and rock study. Covers the theories, principles, and techniques of crystallography, determinative mineralogy, geochemistry, basic ore genesis, and hand specimen lithology. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites for G 312: Mth 111, G 103, 106, 310 and at least two quarters of General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202). G 312 is a prerequisite for G 313. |
| G 314 Hydrogeology I | | 3 credits | | Introduces hydrologic science, including the hydrologic cycle, the drainage basin concept, storage and residence time, precipitation, evapotranspiration, stream hydrology, and water resource management. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: G 103, Mth 112, and G 312 (G 312 may be taken concurrently). |
| G 315 Hydrogeology II | | 3 credits | | Introduces the geology of groundwater, including the hydraulic characteristics of rocks and aquifers, porosity and permeability, aquifer boundary conditions, and the influence of environment on groundwater. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: G 314. Corequisite: Mth 251. |
| G 316 Hydrogeology III | | 3 credits | | Continues the study of the geology of groundwater, including steady and non-steady state conditions, field determination of transmissibility and storage, groundwater mapping and database management, project management, and contaminant hydrology. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: G 315. |
| G 321 Structural Geology: Brittle Deformation | | 3 credits | | Considers the behavior of earth materials under stress, which leads to brittle failure. Examines the properties of rock materials under stress and brittle failure features, including faults and joints. Laboratory exercises address the analysis of geologic maps, construction of cross sections, three-point problems, fault displacement (including net slip), and other structural features associated with brittle failure. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Mth 251 and Ph 201 or 221 are recommended. Prerequisite: G 313. |
| G 322 Structural Geology: Plastic Deformation and Tectonics | | 3 credits | | Considers the behavior of earth materials under stress, which leads to plastic deformation and tectonic development of earth structures. Examines deformation leading to folding, development of plastic and brittle microfabrics in rocks, and tectonic features on the earth’s surface. Laboratory exercises include analysis of geologic maps, construction of cross sections, balanced cross sections, classification of folded rocks, behavior of rocks under different strain conditions, and development of tectonic features with an emphasis on large-scale plate tectonic features. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trip required. Prerequisite: G 321. |
| G 326 Global Positioning System (GPS) | | 3 credits | | Explores the theory and practice of field location and navigation using maps, GPS receivers, and software. A field project is an integral part of the course. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: One year of physical science, biological science, physical geography, or anthropology. |
| G 330 Metals and Civilization | | 3 credits | | Examines the influence of minerals, metals, energy, and natural resources—including their role in invention and innovation—on the development of civilization. This interdisciplinary course addresses geology, history, archaeology, invention, and adaptation to resources in the world around us. Three 1-hour lectures. Prerequisites: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. Approved for general education (Synthesis). |
| G 341 Principles of Stratigraphy I | | 3 credits | | Examines the physical properties, formation, and distribution of sedimentary rocks. Topics include prehistoric time scale and stratigraphy, stratigraphic classification, textures, and mass properties of sedimentary aggregates. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: G 313. |
| G 342 Principles of Stratigraphy II | | 3 credits | | Explores the methods used by the geologist to recognize paleo environments of deposition. Arranged around a systematic discussion of the major depositional modes and all physical, chemical, and biological characteristics indicative of that environment. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisites: G 313 and 341. |
| G 353 Oceanography | | 3 credits | | Beginning course designed to give an overview of the interrelationships between the geological, physical, chemical, and biological systems in the world’s oceans. Visually illustrates the material and highlights contemporary topics using a descriptive approach. Three lectures. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) | | Cross-listed with Sc 353 |
| G 360 Environmental Geology | | 4 credits | | Explores and synthesizes the interrelationships between biological, chemical, physical, and sociological environments as viewed from the physical aspects of earth systems. The fundamental concept involves an understanding of the physical environment, the natural controls on the physical environment, and its influence on biologic systems, including humans; a companion concept involves the effect of human interactions on the physical environment and subsequent repercussions. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements | | Prerequisite: G 101, 111, or Geog 112 | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| G 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 403/503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 406/506 Field Geology | | 9 credits | | Offers geological fieldwork in selected parts of Oregon and California. Emphasizes hydrogeology, field mapping, and report-writing. Meets in the field for thirty-three days immediately after spring term. For more details, please request a brochure from the Department of Geology. | | Prerequisite: G 313, 342, and 480. |
| G 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| G 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged | | Students participate in geology-related activities at public or private firms or with individuals. |
| G 426 Optical/Igneous Petrology and Petrography | | 4 credits | | Explores optical mineralogy and mafic igneous rocks using geochemical instruments and the petrographic microscope. The lecture emphasizes theoretic petrology, while the laboratory concentrates on fabric and geochemical relations, as well as on hand specimen description. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. | | Prerequisite: G 313 |
| G 427 Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology and Petrography | | 4 credits | | Examines felsic igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks using geochemical instruments and the petrographic microscope. The lecture emphasizes theoretic petrology, while the laboratory concentrates on fabric, structure, and geochemical relations, as well as on hand specimen description. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. | | Prerequisite: G 426 |
| G 428 Sedimentary Petrology and Petrography | | 4 credits | | Geologic study and interpretation of sedimentary rocks. The lecture component stresses the origins of, classifications for, and relationships between sedimentary rocks. The lab concentrates on the description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks in thin section. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: G 427. |
| G 429/529 Applied Geophysics | | 4 credits | | Uses seismic, magnetic, electrical, and gravitational geophysical methods to explore mineral and energy resources, perform environmental surveys, and understand the shallow subsurface. Four lectures. Prerequisites: G 313 and Mth 252; Ph 203 or 223. |
| G 430/530 Low Temperature Geochemistry | | 3 credits | | Applies chemical principles to geologic processes at low temperature, with an emphasis on processes that influence ground and surface water compositions, including dissolution and precipitation; inorganic and organic reactions; kinetics and equilibrium; oxidation and reduction; and isotope exchange. Three lectures. Prerequisites: Ch 203, 206 and G 313. |
| G 450/550 Field Seminar in Geology | | 4 credits | | Offers an advanced study of a classic geologic locality such as Death Valley or the Grand Canyon. Students attend class, research a particular topic that will be encountered on the field trip, prepare a professional report, give an oral presentation, and act as a resource person while on the field trip. The field trip occurs during spring break and lasts eight to nine days. Students keep a field journal. Prerequisites for G 450 (choose one of the following paired sequences): G 111, 112; G 101, 102; or Geog 111, 112. Prerequisites for 550: Same as for G 450, plus at least one additional geology course. |
| G 455/555 Geology of the Wild Rogue River | | 3 credits | | Offers an integrated scientific approach to a primitive riverine area. Stresses the influence of the geologic setting on the natural and human history of the region. Two days of classroom instruction precede a six-day hike down the wild reach of the Rogue River. Each student completes an individual study project. The hike is generally raft-supported. Offered only in summer pre-session. Prerequisite: Upper division standing. |
| G 480 Geologic Field Methods | | 4 credits | | Provides instruction in the basic techniques of geologic field methods and geologic mapping, as well as in the use of basic mapping instruments. Includes aerial photo interpretation of geologic structures. Students produce geologic maps, cross sections, and reports. Two lectures and one day a week in the field. Prerequisites: G 313 and 322. |
| G 481/581 Geomorphology | | 4 credits | | Provides a systematic study of terrestrial processes, with an emphasis on the evolution and interpretation of the earth's relief features. | | Prerequisite: G 102, 111, or Geog 112 | | Prerequisite: Upper division or graduate standing | | Cross-listed with Geog 481/581 |
| G 487/587 Remote Sensing in Geology | | 4 credits | | Explores various geologic features using remotely sensed images. Emphasizes the interpretation of satellite images. Uses computer processing of image data in the visible and infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to illustrate the application of such data to the solution of a variety of geologic problems. CS 115 or equivalent skill is strongly recommended. | | Prerequisite: G 101, 111, or Geog 112 |
| G 489/589 Computer and Instrumental Methods | | 4 credits | | Explores computer-based methods for storing, managing, and analyzing geologic data; data manipulation by Geographic Information Systems (GIS); instrumental techniques in the field; and exercises in project management. Prerequisite: Junior standing in geology. |
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