Department Overview
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Geology
Club
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Lectures: three hours per week.
GEOL 101L Dynamic Earth Laboratory (1) — A laboratory course to accompany GEOL 101. Laboratory: three hours per week. Co-requisite: GEOL 101. A student cannot get credit for both GEOL 101 and 103, or HONS 155. Natural science general education requirement is satisfied by taking either GEOL 101 and GEOL 105 or GEOL 103 and GEOL 105 or HONS 155 and 156.
Geology 103 Environmental Geology (3) — This course provides an introduction to the study of environmental geology. The course emphasizes how humans live with geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods. The course will also examine how the application of the science of geology can solve environmental problems, such as groundwater pollution, hazardous waste disposal and coastal erosion that arise from the utilization of natural resources. Lectures: three hours per week. A student cannot get credit for both GEOL 101 and 103, or HONS 155. Natural science general education requirement is satisfied by taking either GEOL 101 and GEOL 105 or GEOL 103 and GEOL 105 or HONS 155 and 156.
GEOL 103L: Environmental Geology (1) — A laboratory course to accompany GEOL 103. Laboratory: three hours per week. Co-requisite: GEOL 103. A student cannot get credit for both GEOL 101 and 103, or HONS 155. Natural science general education requirement is satisfied by taking either GEOL 101 and GEOL 105 or GEOL 103 and GEOL 105 or HONS 155 and 156.
GEOL 105 Earth History (3) — An overview of the 4. 5 billion-year-long history of our planet as revealed by analysis and interpretation of the geologic and paleontologic record preserved in rocks of the earth’s crust. Lectures: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 101L or GEOL 103 and 103L or HONS 155.
GEOL 105L Earth History Laboratory (1) — A laboratory course to accompany GEOL 105. Laboratory: three hours per week. Co-requisite or prerequisite: GEOL 105.
GEOL 107 Introduction to Coastal and Marine Geology (3) — This course introduces students to the geological processes that form, shape and modify the world ’s ocean basins and the sediments contained within. Coastal and deep marine depositional environments will be examined from both a modern and ancient perspective. Prerequisites: GEOL 107 may not be used to fulfill the natural science and general education or geology major requirements. Students may not receive credit for both GEOL 107 and 257.
GEOL 206 Planetary Geology (3) — This course is designed to explore surface landscapes of planets and moons within our solar system. Topics for discussion will include the general physiography of the planetary bodies and the processes which modify their surface morphologies (e. g., tectonism, volcanism, impact cratering, eolian, hydrologic, glacial and other resurfacing processes). Lectures: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103, or HONS 155, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 213 Natural Hazards (3) — This course investigates the scientific aspects of several types of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, etc.) using in-depth studies of recent and historical hazardous events. The course will emphasize both hazardous impacts and means of mitigating risks. Case studies of specific events will be used to highlight the social, economic, environmental, and human impacts. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103, or HONS 155, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 252 Mineralogy (4) — This course will cover topics relevant to mineral study including: crystallography, crystal chemistry, and the origin and identification of ore minerals and rock-forming minerals. Megascopic, microscopic, and spectroscopic methods will be used in classroom activities. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155 ; GEOL 105, or HONS 156, and CHEM 101 or 111, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 257 Marine Geology (4) — A study of geological processes at work in the sea. Discussion of the various marine environments ranging from the nearshore estuarine and coastal environments to those of the deep ocean basins. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor. Students may not receive credit for both GEOL 107 and 257.
GEOL 269 Introduction to Petrology (4) — A study of the origin, evolution, classification, composition, and physical properties of igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The two rock groups are related to petrophysical, petrochemical, and tectonic environments. Identification of hand samples and thin sections are taught in the laboratory. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor; and 252, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 272 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4) — This course will introduce students to the various stratigraphic principles, relationships, and analyses used by geologists to interpret sedimentary rock sequences. Students will also be introduced to sedimentary processes and properties that can be used to identify and interpret sedimentary environments in the stratigraphic record. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 275 Geomorphology (4) — An introduction to the understanding of geomorphic principles used to interpret the evolution of landforms and the geomorphic history of different regions of the United States. Practical applications to such fields as ground water hydrology, soil science, and engineering geology. Laboratory sessions will deal with the interpretation of aerial photographs, soil maps, and topographic maps. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 290 Special Topics in Geology (1-4) — This course will be used to offer an examination of topics in geology in which a regular course is not offered. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 300 GEOL 303 Independent Study in Geology (1-3) — An independent research project in which a student works on a research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. The faculty member will help to design and supervise the project. A project proposal will be drafted and approved by both the faculty member and the student researcher. Prerequisite: Junior class standing or departmental approval.
GEOL 312 Field Methods (3) — Measurement of geologic structures and sections, note taking, and sample collecting will be described in lecture and illustrated in the field. Students will construct topographic and geologic maps and write geologic reports and abstracts. The field use of the brunton compass, plane table and alidade, aerial photographs, and altimeters will be stressed. Lectures: two hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 314 Introduction to Remote Sensing (4) — An introduction to the physical fundamentals of remote sensing. The course uses the electromagnetic spectrum as a guide to various sensor systems and designs. Topics include: electromagnetic spectrum, color theory, photographic films, sensor systems and design, data collection, reduction and application, computer software available, and data acquisition. Course emphasis is on geologic problems. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and MATH 111 or MATH 120, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 320 Earth Resources (3) — Earth resources including metallic ore deposits, non-metallic deposits, and energy resources utilized by society are classified and described. The compromises between the environmental impact of resource development and industrialization are also studied from a scientific perspective. Lectures: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 252, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 333 Paleobiology (4) — An investigation of the record of past life on Earth, as preserved in the fossil record. Processes and patterns of evolution, evolutionary thought, taxonomic classification, and the origin of life on Earth and its subsequent development are among the subjects covered. The paleobiology of invertebrate taxa, including their morphology, phylogeny, and ecology are stressed in laboratory. Lectures: three hour per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 352 Structural Geology (4) — The mechanical basis of deformation, recognition, classification, interpretation, and origin of structures produced by deformation in the Earth ’s crust. Deformation as a fundamental concept of tectonics. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and MATH 111 or MATH 120, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 360 Field Studies (4) — Field course to be taken at any one of the approved college or university-sponsored field stations (consult your advisor). It should include instruction in the use of geologic field instruments and the preparation of geologic maps and sections. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 252, 269, 272, and 352, or permission of the department.
GEOL 385 Internship (1-4) — A student will gain professional geologic experience with an internship at a private geologic firm or governmental agency. A faculty advisor will be appointed to award the grade received. The student will make all internship arrangements, and a written proposal is required before the start of the internship. A report will be required upon completion of the internship. One hour of credit will be awarded for each 45 hours completed with a maximum of four credits awarded. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a t least 2.5 GPA both overall and in the geology major. The course may not be applied as an elective course required in the major.
GEOL 399 Tutorial (1-3) — Individual instruction given by a tutor in regularly scheduled meetings (usually once a week). Prerequisites: Junior standing plus permission of the tutor and the department chair.
GEOL 411 Tectonics (3) — Global tectonics has revolutionized the earth sciences. This new model of planetary tectonic processes, which has been developed only in the last 20 years, provides an explanation of a wide variety of geologic processes over a wide range scale, with a degree of accuracy unsurpassed by any previous theory. Lectures: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 352 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 416 Paleoecology (4) — Interpretation of ancient environments from the study of rock and their contained fossil organisms. Emphasis will be placed on the recurrent paleobiotopes —paleolithotopes through geologic time and the evolution of community structure. Lectures three hours per week; laboratory three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 272, 333, and 430, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 430 Sedimentary Petrology (4) — A petrographic approach to the classification and genetic interpretation of sedimentary rocks. Terrigenous sandstones and carbonate rocks will be emphasized with lesser stress on mud rocks and non-carbonate chemical rocks. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 252 or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 434 Geology of the Carolinas (3) — An examination of the current state of knowledge of the rocks, structures, and economic minerals of North and South Carolina and immediately surrounding areas, with an emphasis on environmental concerns. Lectures: three hours per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 272 and 352, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 438 Hydrogeology (4) — An introduction to the historical development, significance, and underlying theory of the controls on groundwater movement and geochemical evolution. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the dynamics of natural flow systems in a variety of geologic terrains. This analysis will then be used to assess water supply and water quality issues for the purposes of decision-making. Lectures: three hour per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and MATH 111 or MATH 120, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 440 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4) — Description, classification, occurrence, and geologic significance of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is placed on the mineralogy and physical chemistry of silicate and nonsilicate systems. Laboratory consists of the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks in thin section. Lectures: three hour per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 252, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 441 Aqueous Geochemistry (4) — Course focuses on a quantitative understanding of the major classes of inorganic geochemical reactions that control the composition of natural and contaminated ground and surface water systems. Laboratory will focus on collection methods for ground and surface water samples, analysis of dissolved solutes, and interpretation of water quality data. Lecture: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and MATH 220, GEOL 438 or permission of instructor.
GEOL 442 Geological Applications of Remote Sensing (4) — This course will cover the application of remote sensing to environmental problems. Topics include: remote sensing theory, data collection, reduction and application, computer software tools, data acquisition and ties to geographic information systems (GIS). This course assumes a basic understanding of remote sensing. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and GEOL 314; some computer experience is helpful.
GEOL 444 Quantitative Hydrogeology (3) — A comprehensive survey of the underlying theory and applications of quantitative techniques for assessing groundwater movement, contaminant transport and geochemical evolution. Emphasis will be placed on applied engineering methods for evaluating aquifer properties from well hydraulics, tracer studies, and laboratory experimentation. The methods will be employed to make engineering decisions concerning the groundwater resource in client driven hypothetical and real-world scenarios. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156; and MATH 220, GEOL 338 or permission of instructor.
GEOL 449 Geographical Information Systems (4) — This course will cover spatial data types and quality, data input operations, database management, data analysis, software design concerns and various applications for GIS. Computer-based GIS software (PC) will be used throughout the course. Lectures: three hours per week; laboratory: three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or HONS 155; and GEOL 105 or HONS 156, or permission of the instructor.
GEOL 491 Senior Thesis (3) — This course will normally be conducted during the spring semester of the student’s senior year and consists of conducting, writing, and presenting the results of a research project. The results of the student’s research must be presented at a scientific forum approved by his/her research advisor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
GEOL 492 Senior Seminar (1) — Weekly seminar to be taken during the calendar year in which a geology major is to graduate. The purpose of the course is to prepare the students for a career in geology and to present recent advancements in the field through seminars and discussions. Seminar: one hour per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing as a geology major.
GEOL 499 Bachelor’s Essay (6) — A year-long research and writing project conducted during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. The student must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and the supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registration for the course.