Geology
Courses
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Geology |
SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : GEOLOGY : COURSES
See Course Prerequisites Policy.
G 100 Fundamentals of Geology
4 creditsSurveys basic geologic principles and relationships of the materials making up the earth's crust and the processes acting on the earth's surface. Introduction to geology and its role in human affairs. Laboratory study of minerals and rocks. Three lectures, one 2-hour laboratory a week.
3 credits eachStudy of the agents and processes that have built up, deformed, and torn down the surface features of the earth; internal structure of the earth; the main events in earth's history; occurrence and characteristics of the common rocks and fossils; interpretation of the physical environment. Must be taken in sequence. Three lectures. Concurrent enrollment in G 104, 105, or 106 is required.
1 credit eachLaboratory study of minerals, rocks, geologic maps, physical processes, structures, and fossils. G 104 is required with G 101; G 105 is required with G 102; and G 106 is required with G 103. One 3-hour laboratory each.
4 credits eachStudy of the major sciences that increase our understanding of the Earth and the processes that form it. Includes the basic concepts within the sciences of geology, meteorology, and astronomy with particular emphasis on their interrelationships and their relevancy to our lives. Three lectures, one 3-hour lab each week. The sequence is approved for general education requirements.
2 creditsTopical lectures and discussion sections by members of the professional geologic community. Lecturers include those from academia, public agencies, and private consulting firms. Topics vary from year to year but include a cross-section of geologic professions. One 2-hour lecture. Possible field trip.
3 creditsIntroduction to volcanic processes and earthquake phenomena and their relation to the current plate tectonic model of the earth. The course uses extensive audiovisual aids to graphically illustrate the workings and effects of these geologic mechanisms. Three lectures.
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arranged
3 creditsInterdisciplinary study of mineral science, history, archeology, and economics. The story of civilization traced through the discovery and exploration of metals, minerals, and energy resources. The study of invention and adaptation to the resources around us. Three lectures.
4 creditsAnalysis and interpretation of the relationship between geological sciences and society. Emphasis is on human impact on the natural environment through our requirements for space, natural resources, and energy, and the effects of geological processes on human works. Three lectures, one 2-hour lab a week, occasional field trips.
G 311, 312, 313 Crystallography, Mineralogy, and Lithology
3 credits eachFundamentals of mineral and rock study. Theories, principles, and techniques of crystallography, determinative mineralogy, geochemistry, basic ore genesis, and hand specimen lithology are covered. Two lectures and two 2-hour laboratories. Prerequisites for G 311: Mth 111, G 103 and 106, and general or elementary chemistry; G 311 and Mth 112 are prerequisites for G 312; G 312 is a prerequisite for G 313.
3 creditsIntroduction to hydrologic science: the hydrologic cycle, the drainage basin concept, storage and residence time, precipitation, evapotranspiration, stream hydrology, water resource management. Prerequisites: G 103, Mth 112, G 311, or concurrent enrollment.
4 creditsIntroduction to the geology of groundwater: hydraulic characteristics of rocks and aquifers, porosity and permeability, aquifer boundary conditions, effect of environment on groundwater. Prerequisites: G 314, concurrent enrollment in Mth 251.
4 creditsContinuing study of the geology of groundwater: steady and non-steady state conditions, field determination of transmissibility and storage, groundwater mapping and database management, project management, contaminant hydrology. Prerequisite: G 315.
4 creditsConsiders the geometry and genesis of crustal features. The nature of rock materials, behavior under stress and strain, classification of folds, faults, and other crustal rock forms and patterns are studied and analyzed, as are small scale features such as cleavage and schistosity, lineation, and structural petrology common to igneous and metamorphic rocks. The laboratory covers structural geology problems including outcrop pattern, construction, thickness and depth of strata, surface and subsurface structure sections on folded strata, three point problems, apparent dip and fault displacement problems. Three lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: G 313.
4 creditsStudy of geologic features using remotely sensed images. Interpretation of conventional aerial photographs and satellite images are emphasized. Computer processing of image data in the visible and infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to illustrate the utility of such data to the solution of a variety of geologic problems. Prerequisites: G100, or G 101 with G 104, or Geog 105. CS 115 is strongly recommended.
4 creditsStudy of computer-based methods for storing, managing, and analyzing geologic data; data manipulation by Geographic Information Systems; instrumental techniques in the field; exercises in project management. Prerequisite: junior standing in geology.
3 creditsTheory 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, one 3-hour lab a week. Prerequisite: one year of physical science, biological science, physical geography, or anthropology.
3 creditsApplication of chemical principles to geologic processes at low temperature with 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: G 313; Ch 203, 206.
3 creditsUse of geophysical methods including seismic, magnetic, electrical, and gravity in exploration for mineral and energy resources, environmental surveys, and understanding of the shallow subsurface. Three lectures. Prerequisites: G 313; Mth 252; Ph 203 or 223.
3 creditsExamines 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 two 2-hour laboratories. Field trips required. Prerequisite: G 313.
3 creditsStudy of methods available to the geologist for recognizing paleoenvironments of deposition. The course is arranged around a systematic discussion of the major depositional modes and all physical, chemical, and biological characteristics indicative of that environment. Two lectures and two 2hour laboratories. Field trips required. Prerequisites: G 313, 341.
3 creditsBeginning course designed to give an overview of the interrelationships of the geological, physical, chemical, and biological systems in the world's oceans. The material is visually illustrated and contemporary topics are highlighted. A descriptive approach is used. Three lectures. Prerequisite: one year of physical or biological science.
4 creditsHuman dynamics and interrelationship with the environment. Term papers and independent study required. Three lectures and one 2hour lab. Prerequisite: G 260 or upper division standing.
4 creditsInstruction in the basic techniques of geologic field methods, geologic mapping, and the use of basic mapping instruments. Includes aerial photo interpretation of geologic structures. Geologic maps, cross sections, and reports are produced. Two lectures plus one day in the field. Prerequisite: G 321.
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arranged
9 creditsGeological fieldwork in selected parts of Oregon and California emphasizing hydrogeology, field mapping, and report writing. Meets in the field for five weeks immediately after spring term. For details, request a brochure from the Department of Geology. Prerequisites: G 313, 380, and 342.
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arranged
Credit to be arrangedStudents participate in geology related activities in public or private firms or with individuals.
4 creditsStudy of optical mineralogy and igneous rocks using the petrographic microscope and geochemical instruments. Lecture emphasizes theoretic petrology, while lab concentrates on fabric and geochemical relations as well as hand specimen description. Two lectures, two 3hour labs. Prerequisite: G 313.
4 creditsStudy of metamorphic rocks using the petrographic microscope and geochemical instruments. Lecture emphasizes theoretic petrology, while lab concentrates on fabric, structure, and geochemical relations as well as hand specimen description. Two lectures, two 3-hour labs. Prerequisite: G 426.
3 creditsGeologic study and interpretation of sedimentary rocks. The lectures stress origins of, classifications for, and relationships between sedimentary rocks. The laboratory work concentrates on description and interpretation of sedimentary rocks in thin section. Two lectures and two 2-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: G 427.
3 creditsAn integrated scientific approach to a primitive riverine area. The influence of the geologic setting on the natural and human history of the region is stressed. 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. Prerequisite: upper division standing. Offered only in summer pre-session.