Geology
Sciences 064
541-552-6479
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.
Degrees
BA or BS in Geology
Minor
Geology
Requirements for Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 21.
- 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.
Capstone
Geology majors must complete the geology summer field experience, in which they demonstrate the full range of undergraduate knowledge and skills.
Core Curriculum
(71 credits)
| Physical Geology I, II (G 101, 102) | 8 |
| Historical Geology (G 103) | 4 |
| Advanced General Geology (G 310) | 2 |
| Mineralogy (G 312) | 4 |
| Lithology (G 313) | 4 |
| Hydrogeology (G 314, 315, 316) | 9 |
| Structural Geology (G 321, 322) | 6 |
| Sedimentology (G 341) | 3 |
| Stratigraphy (G 342) | 3 |
| 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 | 4 |
| General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) or (Ph 221, 222, 223) | 9 or 12 |
| General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 |
Minor
(28–29 credits)
| Geology sequence (G 101, 102, 103; ES 111 may be substituted for G 101) | 12 |
| Mineralogy and Lithology sequence (G 310, 312, 313; G 312 requires Ch 202 or concurrent enrollment) | 10 |
Choose two additional geology courses, such as:
| Special Studies (G 199) | TBD |
| Oceanography (G 353) | 3 |
| Environmental Geology (G 360) | 4 |
Geology Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| G 101 Physical Geology I |
| 4 credits |
| Examines igneous rocks, volcanoes, rivers and streams, mass wasting, internal structure of the Earth, groundwater, glacial geomorphology, and deserts. Familiarizes students with various aspects of Earths physical environment. Laboratory sessions permit students to identify rock and mineral specimens, interpret topographic maps and aerial photographs, and study Earth surface processes through experimentation. Field trip is required. One 3-hour laboratory. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| G 102 Physical Geology II |
| 4 credits |
| Covers sedimentary and metamophic rocks, shoreline processes, geologic time, energy and mineral resources, earthquakes, crustal deformation, and plate tectonics. Familiarizes students with various aspects of Earths physical environment. Offers a description, analysis, and interpretation of geologic structures and Earth surface processes from topographic maps, aerial photographs, and experimentaion. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: G 101. Approved for General Education (Explorations). |
| G 103 Historical Geology |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a systematic survey of Earths history from the perspective of plate tectonics, biological evolution, and Earth surface processes. Topics include absolute and relative age dating, chemical development of Earths atmosphere and oceans, supercontinents and mountain building, and the origins of life. Employs topographic and geologic maps, aerial photographs, fossils, and sedimentary rocks to examine the tectonic expansion of North America. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: G 101 and G 102 or ES 111 and ES 112. |
| G 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 209 Practicum |
| Credits 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. |
| G 312 Mineralogy |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the theories, principles, and techniques of crystallography, chemical and physical properties of minerals, determinative mineralogy, and hand specimen identification. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: Mth 111; G 103; G 310; and Ch 201. |
| G 313 Lithology |
| 4 credits |
| Covers classificatin schemes for igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and introduces rock textures that permit interpretation of structural and/or thermodynamic controls on their formation. Textures and compositions of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are synthesized into a plate tectonic framework. Two lectures and two 3-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: G 312. |
| 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 earths 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 resourcesincluding their role in invention and innovationon 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. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| G 341 Sedimentology |
| 3 credits |
| Examines the physical properties, formation, and distribution of sedimentary rocks. Topics include flow dynamics and regimes, sediment texture and entrainment, provenance, sedimentary structures, and diagenesis. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: G 313. |
| G 342 Stratigraphy |
| 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. Topics include geologic time, depositional environments, correlation, magnetostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisites: G 313 and G 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 worlds 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. Prerequisites: G 101; ES 112; and completion of all lower division General Education requirements. Approved for General Education (Synthesis). |
| G 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 401/501 Research |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 403/503 Thesis |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 405/505 Reading and Conference |
| Credits 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. Prerequisites: G 313; G 342; and G 480. |
| G 407/507 Seminar |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 408/508 Workshop |
| Credits to be arranged |
| G 409/509 Practicum |
| Credits 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 |
| 3 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; Mth 252; and Ph 203 or Ph 223. |
| G 430/530 Low Temperature Geochemistry |
| 3 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. Prerequisites: Ch 203; Ch 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): ES 111 and ES 112 or G 101 and 102. 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 G 322. |
| G 481/581 Geomorphology |
| 4 credits |
| Provides a systematic and quantitative study of terrestrial processes, with an emphasis on the evolution and interpretation of landforms. Topics include the history of geomorphology and an assessment of the processes associated with mass wasting, rivers, glaciers, deserts, and shorelines. Students should have familiarity with basic logarithms, trigonometry, and topographic map reading skills and have completed the quantitative reasoning General Education requirement. Prerequisites: G 102 or ES 111 and ES 112; completion of the General Education (Quantitative Reasoning) requirement; and upper division or graduate standing. |
| 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: ES 111 or G 101. |
| 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. |
Geology
