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Duluth Courses
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Future effective dates indicate the first term the
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GEOLOGY (GEOL)
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Geological Sciences
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GEOL
1040
- Freshman Seminar: Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
(LE CAT5)
(3.0 cr; Prereq-Freshman, fewer than 30 cr.; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, offered periodically)
Topics of general interest in the geosciences. Topic announced before course is offered.
GEOL
1110
- Geology and Earth Systems
(NAT SCI, SUSTAIN, LE CAT4)
(4.0 cr; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, every year)
Comprehensive survey of Earth's composition, structure, and dynamics to develop an understanding of internal processes, plate tectonics, and surface processes as a framework for geological history and development of life.
GEOL
1120
- Life and Death of the Dinosaurs
(NAT SCI, LE CAT5)
(3.0 cr; A-F or Aud, spring, offered periodically)
Survey of dinosaurs, who dominated large-animal life on Earth for 150 million years; theories of dinosaur origins and extinction; habitat of dinosaurs on worldwide Mesozoic coastal plains; dinosaur fossilization and modern excavation.
GEOL
1130
- Introduction to Environmental Science
(NAT SCI, SUSTAIN, LE CAT4, LEIP CAT04)
(4.0 cr; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Earth's physical and biological systems and human interaction with the environment. Climate, rocks, soils, ecosystems, human population, land use, energy use and its consequences, environmental policy, air and water pollution, and conservation issues.
GEOL
1610
- Oceanography
(NAT SCI, SUSTAIN, LE CAT5)
(3.0 cr; Prereq-Credit will not be granted if already received for 2610.; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Origin and history of ocean basins, sea floor morphology, chemistry of sea water, currents, waves, tides, life in the sea, primary productivity, nutrient dynamics, human impact.
GEOL
2110
- Earth History
(4.0 cr; Prereq-1110 or 1130 or 2610 or Ast 1040 or Geog 1414 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
The historical development of the science of geology, nature of the geologic record, fossils, the geologic time scale, and tectonic evolution of continents and ocean basins. Concepts presented are developed within the framework of the theory of plate tectonics.
GEOL
2120
- The Earth's Dynamic Interior
(3.0 cr; Prereq-1110 or 1130 or 2110 or 1610 or Geog 1414; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Treatment of the origin, structure and internal composition of the Earth, synthesizing geological, chemical and physical knowledge bearing on the Earth's inaccessible interior. Emphasis is placed on dynamic processes at all depths in the Earth.
GEOL
2311
- Mineralogy
(4.0 cr; =[GEOL 2300]; Prereq-1110 or 2110, 1 sem coll chem or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Systematic study of minerals and their relationship to rocks. Emphasis will be placed on introductory crystal chemistry, crystallography and physical properties; optical mineralogy, and identification of minerals in hand specimen, thin section, and by x-ray diffraction. (Course fee assessed.)
GEOL
2312
- Petrology
(5.0 cr; Prereq-2311; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Petrology of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including their occurrence, petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Emphasis on the relationships between mineral assemblages, rock textures, geochemistry, origins, and rock-forming processes. Course fees assessed.
GEOL
2350
- Earth's Resources
(NAT SCI, LE CAT5, LEIP CAT05)
(3.0 cr; Prereq-Min 25 cr or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Distribution of Earth's resources through space and time, including metals, minerals, fossil fuels, building materials, water, and soil. Relationships between population growth and Earth's finite resources. (field trip)
GEOL
3000
- Geologic Maps
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2312; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Principles of reading and interpreting geological maps. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting and visualizing published geologic maps, constructing geologic histories, and an introduction to the basic methods of making geologic maps in the field.
GEOL
3091
- Independent Study
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-#; fall, spring, summer, every year)
Directed readings and projects on topics not normally covered in other courses.
GEOL
3100
- Earth's Climate and Environment: Past and Future
(3.0 cr; Prereq-1110 or 1130 or 1610, Chem 1151 or 1153/1154; A-F or Aud, spring, odd years)
Exploration of the processes that control Earth's climate and affect the environment on timescales of 100's of millions to 10's of years. Discussions will include how and why the dinosaurs environment was different from today's and concerns about future global warming.
GEOL
3180
- Teaching Assistant Experience I
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 6.0 cr]; Prereq-2110, 2120, 2311, 2312, geological sciences major, # (Max 2 cr can be applied toward geological sciences major.); S-N only, fall, spring, every year)
Participation in teaching Geological Sciences lecture and lab courses, including preparation of material, instruction, and student interaction.
GEOL
3210
- Geomorphology
(4.0 cr; =[GEOL 2210]; Prereq-1110 or 2110, Math 1250 or 1290 or 1296 or 1596 or instructor consent; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Study of Earth surface processes emphasizing the origin and evolution of landforms; response of the physical environment to climatic change and tectonic events, and application of physical, chemical, and mathematical principles to the study and interpretation of landforms.
GEOL
3420
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
(4.0 cr; Prereq-2110, 2311 or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Introduction to the concepts, methods, and application of sedimentology and stratigraphy, including the description and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks, their provenance, stratal packaging, and tectonostratigraphic setting. (Course fee assessed.)
GEOL
3710
- Introduction to Geochemistry
(3.0 cr; Prereq-Math 1296 or equiv, Chem 1152 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, offered periodically)
Understanding chemical reactions occurring in geological processes on scales ranging from atomic to global. Geochemistry of the Earth; chemical reactions and stability of minerals; applications of geochemistry to understanding global processes and environmental problems. (3 hrs lect)
GEOL
3800
- Principles of Geophysics
(4.0 cr; Prereq-2120, MATH 1297, PHYS 1002; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
An introduction to the geophysical concepts and techniques used by practicing geoscientists.
GEOL
3996
- Field Internship in Geological Sciences
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-2312; S-N or Aud, fall, spring, summer, every year)
Credit given for professional field work experience outside an academic department. Requires prior departmental approval and coordination with faculty sponsor.
GEOL
3997
- Industrial Internship in Geological Sciences
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-2312; S-N or Aud, fall, spring, summer, every year)
Credit given for professional work experience outside an academic department. Requires prior departmental approval and coordination with faculty sponsor.
GEOL
4091
- Geologic Problems and Research
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-#, no Grad School cr; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, summer, every year)
Individual research in lab or field problems.
GEOL
4180
- Teaching Assistant Experience II
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-Geol core, geological sciences major, #; max 2 cr can be applied toward geological sciences major; no Grad cr; S-N only, fall, spring, every year)
Participation in teaching Geological Sciences lecture and lab courses, including preparation of material, instruction, and student interaction.
GEOL
4210
- Glacial and Quaternary Geology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-3210 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5210; A-F or Aud, spring, odd years)
Physics of glacier flow, processes of erosion and deposition, survey of glacial landforms, history and chronology of glaciation. Survey of geological and biological responses to changing environment resulting from climatic fluctuations during last three million years of Earth history. Field studies on the glacial deposits of Minnesota. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs field lab)
GEOL
4240
- Physical Hydrogeology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-2110, Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014, Math 1296 or Math 1290 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5240; A-F or Aud, spring, odd years)
Introduction to concepts of fluid movement in Earth's crust and the interaction of rocks and water. Introduction to the hydrologic cycle, theory of flow through porous media, crustal-scale flow systems, role of fluids in the plate tectonic cycle.
GEOL
4250
- Environmental Hydrogeology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-Math 1296 or Math 1290 and (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5250; A-F or Aud, fall, odd years)
A quantitative introduction to hydrogeology and aquifer mechanics with emphasis on environmental applications, including, unsaturated flow, interaction between surface water and groundwater, wellhead protection, well hydraulics, inverse methods, and solute transport. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
4320
- Precambrian Geology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-4450 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5320; A-F or Aud, fall, odd years)
Nature, distribution, origin, correlation, and special problems of the Precambrian, emphasizing Lake Superior region. Term paper. 3 hrs. lect, field trips; offered alternate years.
GEOL
4335
- Physical Volcanology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2312 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5335; A-F or Aud, fall, even years)
Morphology and development of volcanic formations and deposits, and criteria for their recognition in ancient rock terranes. Types of eruptions and deposits, tectonic environments of volcanism, evolution of volcanoes, physical processes and controls of volcanism, and volcanic hazards. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
4350
- Economic Geology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-2312 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5350; A-F or Aud, fall, odd years)
Geologic description, distribution, and genesis of economic mineral deposits; processes leading to their formation; relationship to plate tectonics; exploration techniques and criteria for finding new deposits. Course fees assessed.
GEOL
4360
- Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration
(4.0 cr; Prereq-4350, Math 1290 or 1296 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Team-taught course will introduce various geologic, geophysical, and geochemical exploration methods used to locate and evaluate the economic viability of metallic ore bodies in a variety of geologic settings. In labs, students will develop skills in ore microscopy, drill core logging, and geophysical field methods. Case studies will e used to highlight various exploration methods and ore deposit types.
GEOL
4450
- Structural Geology
(5.0 cr; Prereq-2312 or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 3520; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Introduction to brittle and ductile deformation, including joints, faults, shear zones, and folds; deformation mechanisms; elementary stress and strain theory. Labs include geometric, structural, and kinematic analysis, and a group project. Course fee assessed.
GEOL
4480
- Tectonics
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2120, 4450, or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5500; A-F or Aud, spring, odd years)
Ancient and active plate-tectonic processes. Topics include tectonic theory, plate motions, evolution of divergent, convergent and transform margins, anatomy of orogenic belts, and neotectonics. Examines tectonic phenomena in the context of geological, geophysical and surficial processes. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
4500
- Field Geology
(6.0 cr; Prereq-4450, %; no grad credit; A-F or Aud, summer, every year)
Geological mapping of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic terranes and of Quaternary deposits and landforms; topographic maps and aerial photographs, including preparation of geologic maps and cross sections, and map unit descriptions.
GEOL
4550
- Tectonic Geomorphology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-3210 or 3420 or Grad student or #; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Consideration of how tectonics interacts with climate to sculpt the landscapes of mountains belts. Conceptual and quantitative modeling of landscape evolution to gain insights into the controls on elevation and relief of orogens. Analysis of topographic data sets to identity the statistical properties of landscapes and identify the signatures of feedback between surface processes and tectonics.
GEOL
4710
- Aqueous Geochemistry/Chemical Hydrogeology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-Math 1290 or Math 1297 and Chem 1152 or grad student or #, credit will not be granted if already received for 5710; A-F or Aud, fall, even years)
Principles of solution chemistry, with application to chemical weathering, acid deposition, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Use of chemical equilibrium software to examine complex real world problems.
GEOL
4815
- Exploration Geophysics
(4.0 cr; Prereq-1110, Math 1297 or grad student or #; credit will not be granted if already received for 4805 or 5810.; A-F or Aud, fall, odd years)
Review of principle geophysical techniques used in the exploration industries. Emphasizes the application of these techniques for solving near-surface problems. Includes review of case histories and group projects.
GEOL
4820
- Global Geophysics
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2120, Math 1290 or 1296 or grad student, #; credit will not be granted if already received for 5820; A-F or Aud, fall, even years)
Build upon material presented in 2120, exploring the contribution of geophysics to our understanding of the Earth and the processes that control its appearance and behavior. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
5091
- Geologic Problems
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-Graduate Student or #; fall, spring, summer, every year)
Individual research in lab or field problems.
GEOL
5095
- Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
(1.0 - 3.0 cr [max 12.0 cr]; Prereq-#; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, every year)
Topics not covered in regular curriculum. Topic announced before course offered.
GEOL
5100
- Seminar
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 4.0 cr]; Prereq-#; fall, spring, offered periodically)
Oral and written presentation on topics of current significance to geoscientists. Participation by department staff.
GEOL
5200
- Geological Field Studies
(2.0 - 3.0 cr [max 6.0 cr]; Prereq-[2110 or 2120] or grad student or #; fall, spring, summer, offered periodically)
Project-oriented field class in classical geological localities. Trips may be 1 or 2 weeks long, normally run during semester breaks or summer sessions. Examples of trips include Barbados, Hawaii, desert Southwest, California, and Big Bend area of Texas. Travel fee assessed for each location.
GEOL
5215
- Glaciology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-8 cr geol, Math 1290 or Math 1296, (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or grad student of #; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, offered periodically)
Theory of glacier flow. Anatomy of glaciers and ice sheets, mechanics and therodynamics of glacier flow. Reconstruction of physical characteristics of past ice sheets from glacial sediments and landforms. Glacier response to climate change. Offered alternate years
GEOL
5220
- Advances in Paleoclimatology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-#; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Analysis of past global change from climate proxy records in glacial ice, tree rings, ocean and lake sediments, ocean corals. Impact of ocean and atmospheric circulation on global climate; climate cycles; El Nino; human impact on global climate. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
5251
- Well Hydraulics
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2312, (Phys 2011 of 2013 and 2014), (Math 1296 or Math 1290), or grad student or #; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Hydraulics of groundwater flow to wells: equations of flow; analysis of steady and non-steady radial flow; aquifer response to stress; analysis of monitoring well networks, pumping tests, and single-point aquifer performance tests.
GEOL
5260
- Fluvial Geomorphology
(4.0 cr; Prereq-3210 or 3420, Math 1296, (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or Grad student status or #; A-F or Aud, fall, even years)
Focuses on the physical processes operating in stream channels and watersheds including watershed-scale hydrology and topography in GIS; reach-scale fluid mechanics and sediment transport; and channel patterns, forms, and classification systems. Other topics included will be river history, human alterations to rivers, and river restoration efforts.
GEOL
5310
- Advanced Petrology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2312 or grad student; A-F or Aud, fall, odd years)
Physico-chemical principles applied to origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Phase equilibria in important mineral systems. Lab study and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks using petrographic microscope. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs lab)
GEOL
5321
- Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures
(3.0 cr; Prereq-Min 75 cr, Chem 1152 or 1156, Phys 2012 or 2015 and 2016, or Grad student or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Presents the basic physics of scanning electron microscopy, including electron beam generation, image formation, signal detection, and beam-sample interactions. Basic sample preparation methods for scanning electron microscopy will be presented and demonstrated in laboratory sessions. How characteristic x-rays are produced in a sample and how they are measured and quantified will also be presented. Use of the SEM to collect data and instruction on how to organize collected data in a logical manner.
GEOL
5430
- Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2110, Math 1296 or grad student or #; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
An integrated study of sedimentary basins as dynamical systems. Analysis of how tectonic and climatic processes drive sedimentation in basins, how these processes are preserved in the basin fill, and how stratigraphers interpret the rock record. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
5450
- Advanced Structure
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2120, 4450, or grad student or #; A-F or Aud, fall, even years)
Modern structural analysis: strain (paths, partitioning, history), theology, displacement, deformation processes, (mesoscopic, grainscale, microstructures), and fabric evolution. Application of structural techniques to integrative problems (e.g., tectonics, hydrogeology, and planetary, sedimentary and economic geology). Offered alternate years. Course fee assessed.
GEOL
5730
- Geochronology
(3.0 cr; Prereq-2311, one year of college chemistry or grad student; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Covers both radiometric and non-radiometric methods of dating primarily Earth but also solar-system materials (meteorites). The chronometers discussed will cover a range of timescales, from early solar-system history to recent human-influenced history. Offered alternate years.
GEOL
5839
- Coral Reef Geology
(3.0 cr; =[BIOL 5839]; Prereq-Jr or sr or grad student in Geol or related field; A-F or Aud, spring, even years)
Physical, chemical and sedimentary processes in coral reef environments, reef morphology, stratigraphic framework of modern and ancient reefs, reef type and dependence on basin morphology and tectonic setting, coral reefs and Quaternary sea-level change. Includes field study of reef systems.
GEOL
8094
- Geologic Research
(1.0 - 6.0 cr [max 6.0 cr]; Prereq-#; A-F or Aud, fall, spring, every year)
Individual research.
GEOL
8100
- Seminar
(1.0 - 2.0 cr [max 6.0 cr]; Prereq-Grad geol major or #; S-N or Aud, fall, spring, every year)
Oral and written presentations on topics of current significance to geoscientists.
GEOL
8200
- Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
(1.0 cr; Prereq-Graduate student or #; S-N or Aud, fall, every year)
Introduces the incoming graduate student in geological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university.
GEOL
8333
- FTE: Master's
(1.0 cr; Prereq-Master's student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)
(No description)
GEOL
8444
- FTE: Doctoral
(1.0 cr; Prereq-prereq doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)
(No description)
GEOL
8666
- Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits
(1.0 - 6.0 cr [max 12.0 cr]; Prereq-Max 6 cr per semester or summer; doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral; no required consent for the first two registrations up to 12 cr; departmental consent for the third and fourth registrations up to an additional 12 cr, or 24 cr total (for doctoral students admitted summer 2007 and beyond; doctoral students admitted prior to summer 2007 may register up to 4 times totaling 60 cr); No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)
(No description)
GEOL
8777
- Thesis Credit: Master's
(1.0 - 18.0 cr [max 50.0 cr]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required (Plan A only); No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)
(No description)
GEOL
8888
- Thesis Credits: Doctoral
(1.0 - 24.0 cr [max 100.0 cr]; Prereq-[max 18 cr per semester or summer]; 24 cr required; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)
(No description)
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