Duluth campus
 
Duluth Campus

Geological Sciences M.S.

D Earth & Environmental Sci
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, 229 Heller Hall, 1114 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-7239; fax: 218-726-7218)
Email: dees@d,umn.edu
Website: http://www.d.umn.edu/dees/
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2016
  • Length of program in credits: 31
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The master of science program in geological sciences includes areas of economic geology, geophysics, glacial geology and geomorphology, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, isotope and aqueous geochemistry, limnogeology, paleoclimatology, planetary geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, surface processes, and structure-tectonics. Several of these areas are strengthened by collaboration with the Large Lakes Observatory, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and the Precambrian Research Center.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
A four-year BS degree in geology or a related field in engineering, basic science, or mathematics is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Most candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, or a related field. However, students with degrees in fields such as chemistry, physics, or biology are encouraged to apply. At least one year of study in calculus, chemistry, and physics is required. Field camp and/or undergraduate research experience is recommended.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 15 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 31 major credits and 0 credits outside the major. The final exam is written.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
The master of science degree is offered under Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis). Courses are selected with approval of the student's advisor and the director of graduate studies. All courses must be at the 4xxx, 5xxx, or 8xxx level, however no more than 9 credits at the 4xxx level may apply. For Plan A, a candidacy exam that involves the oral defense of a written thesis research proposal during the second semester of residency is required. For Plan B, a written candidacy exam during the second semester is required. Plan B including three Plan B papers.
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
GEOL 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
Required GEOL coursework
No more than 9 credits of 4xxx level courses may be accepted.
Take 14 or more credit(s) from the following:
· GEOL 4355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4400 - Astrogeology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 4450 - Structural Geology (5.0 cr)
· GEOL 4500 - Field Geology (6.0 cr)
· GEOL 4710 - Aqueous Geochemistry (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4839 - Coral Reef Geology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5091 - Geologic Problems (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5100 - Seminar (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5220 - Advances in Paleoclimatology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5240 - Physical Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5250 - Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5251 - Well Hydraulics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5310 - Advanced Petrology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5320 - Precambrian Geology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5330 - Introduction to Geochemical Modeling and Mineralization Processes (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5450 - Advanced Structure (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5480 - Tectonics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5730 - Geochronology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5815 - Exploration Geophysics (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5820 - Global Geophysics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 8094 - Geologic Research (1.0-6.0 cr)
· GEOL 8100 - Seminar (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
· GEOL 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice (2.0 cr)
Related Field
In order to reach the minimum 31 credits, course(s) may be from GEOL coursework or another related field.
or Plan B
No more than 9 credits of 4xxx level courses may be accepted.
Required GEOL Coursework
Take 31 or more credit(s) from the following:
· GEOL 4355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4400 - Astrogeology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 4450 - Structural Geology (5.0 cr)
· GEOL 4500 - Field Geology (6.0 cr)
· GEOL 4710 - Aqueous Geochemistry (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 4839 - Coral Reef Geology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5091 - Geologic Problems (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned) (1.0-3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5100 - Seminar (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5220 - Advances in Paleoclimatology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5240 - Physical Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5250 - Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5251 - Well Hydraulics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5310 - Advanced Petrology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5320 - Precambrian Geology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5330 - Introduction to Geochemical Modeling and Mineralization Processes (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5450 - Advanced Structure (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5480 - Tectonics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5730 - Geochronology (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 5815 - Exploration Geophysics (4.0 cr)
· GEOL 5820 - Global Geophysics (3.0 cr)
· GEOL 8094 - Geologic Research (1.0-6.0 cr)
· GEOL 8100 - Seminar (1.0-2.0 cr)
· GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
· GEOL 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice (2.0 cr)
 
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GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required (Plan A only)
GEOL 4355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 2312 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4350 or 5350
GEOL 4360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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 be used to highlight various exploration methods and ore deposit types. prereq: 4350, Math 1290 or 1296 or instructor consent; no grad credit
GEOL 4400 - Astrogeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 02237 - AST 4400/GEOL 4400
Prerequisites: (PHYS 2012 or 2015 & 2016) or (GEOL 2120 or 2312), minimum 60 credits, (Geological Sciences or Physics major or graduate student) or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
In this astrogeology course we will explore the formation and evolution of celestial bodies in our solar system such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. Topics will include determining internal structure of planetary bodies, dynamical processes, how to ⿿read⿿ the surface record (geology) of various bodies and leverage that record to understand internal processes and planet evolution, and comparative planetology with the goal to understand first-order cause and effect of planetary dynamics. prereq: (PHYS 2012 or 2015 concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2016) or (GEOL 2120 or 2312), minimum 60 credits, (Geological Sciences or Physics major or graduate student) or instructor consent.
GEOL 4450 - Structural Geology
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: 2312 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 3520
GEOL 4500 - Field Geology
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
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. prereq: 4450, department consent; no grad credit
GEOL 4710 - Aqueous Geochemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: Math 1290 or Math 1297 and Chem 1152 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5710
GEOL 4839 - Coral Reef Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 01396 - Biol 5839/Geol 5839
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Field study on San Salvador, Bahamas focusing on the biological and geological studies of the coral reef complex and associated habitats of the Caribbean. We will examine the ecology and taxonomy of associated biota as well as the physical, chemical and sedimentary processes in coral reef environments. prereq: BIOL 1011 and 1012 or GEOL 1110 or IBS Grad student
GEOL 5091 - Geologic Problems
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Individual research in lab or field problems. prereq: Graduate Student or instructor consent
GEOL 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Topics not covered in regular curriculum. Topic announced before course offered. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5100 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Oral and written presentation on topics of current significance to geoscientists. Participation by department staff. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 01419 - Lim 5103/5002/GEOL 5103
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Geological aspects of freshwater systems: origins, tectonic and climatic settings of lakes, geophysical mapping, physical sedimentary processes, sedimentary geochemistry, and geochronology. Particular focus on paleolimnology, the analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct past climate and environment prereq: MATH 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1002 or 2015 or 2018, CHEM 1155 or 1175 or grad student
GEOL 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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) prereq: 3210 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4210
GEOL 5220 - Advances in Paleoclimatology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5240 - Physical Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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. prereq: 2110, Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014, Math 1296 or Math 1290 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4240
GEOL 5250 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Math 1296 or Math 1290 and (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4250
GEOL 5251 - Well Hydraulics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: 2312, (Phys 2011 of 2013 and 2014), (Math 1296 or Math 1290), or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 3210 or 3420, Math 1296, (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or Grad student status or instructor consent
GEOL 5310 - Advanced Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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) prereq: 2312 or grad student
GEOL 5320 - Precambrian Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Nature, distribution, origin, correlation, and special problems of the Precambrian, emphasizing Lake Superior region. Term paper. 3 hrs. lect, field trips; offered alternate years. prereq: 4450 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4320
GEOL 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
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. prereq: Minimum 75 credits, Chem 1152 or 1156, Phys 2012 or 2015 and 2016, or Grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5330 - Introduction to Geochemical Modeling and Mineralization Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
An introduction to the concepts and techniques used in computer modeling to investigate geochemical reactions and associated mineralization processes used by geoscientists. prereq: 4240 or 4250, 4710 or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 3326, 3150 or graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 5360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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 be used to highlight various exploration methods and ore deposit types. prereq: 4350 or 5350, (Math 1290 or 1296) or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4360.
GEOL 5450 - Advanced Structure
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, 4450, or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5480 - Tectonics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, 4450, or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4480
GEOL 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the background science essential to participate in a stream restoration project. Students will learn how to assimilate geologic hydrologic, and ecological data at the watershed and research scales to plan a restoration project and evaluate/critique existing stream restoration projects. prereq: Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017, minimum 60 credits or graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 5730 - Geochronology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: 2311, one year of college chemistry or grad student
GEOL 5815 - Exploration Geophysics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 1110, Math 1297 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4805 or 4815
GEOL 5820 - Global Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, Math 1290 or 1296 or grad student, instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4820
GEOL 8094 - Geologic Research
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Individual research. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 8100 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Oral and written presentations on topics of current significance to geoscientists. prereq: Graduate geology major or instructor consent
GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Prerequisites: 5601 and instructor consent
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Practicum course provides the capstone for the Stream Restoration Science & Engineering post-baccalaureate certificate program. Students synthesize previous coursework on stream restoration, apply basic hydraulic and geomorphic analyses on a reach of a stream, and complete a group design for a stream restoration site. prereq: 5601 and instructor consent
GEOL 4355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 2312 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4350 or 5350
GEOL 4360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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 be used to highlight various exploration methods and ore deposit types. prereq: 4350, Math 1290 or 1296 or instructor consent; no grad credit
GEOL 4400 - Astrogeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 02237 - AST 4400/GEOL 4400
Prerequisites: (PHYS 2012 or 2015 & 2016) or (GEOL 2120 or 2312), minimum 60 credits, (Geological Sciences or Physics major or graduate student) or instructor consent.
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
In this astrogeology course we will explore the formation and evolution of celestial bodies in our solar system such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. Topics will include determining internal structure of planetary bodies, dynamical processes, how to ⿿read⿿ the surface record (geology) of various bodies and leverage that record to understand internal processes and planet evolution, and comparative planetology with the goal to understand first-order cause and effect of planetary dynamics. prereq: (PHYS 2012 or 2015 concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 2016) or (GEOL 2120 or 2312), minimum 60 credits, (Geological Sciences or Physics major or graduate student) or instructor consent.
GEOL 4450 - Structural Geology
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: 2312 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 3520
GEOL 4500 - Field Geology
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
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. prereq: 4450, department consent; no grad credit
GEOL 4710 - Aqueous Geochemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: Math 1290 or Math 1297 and Chem 1152 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5710
GEOL 4839 - Coral Reef Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 01396 - Biol 5839/Geol 5839
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Field study on San Salvador, Bahamas focusing on the biological and geological studies of the coral reef complex and associated habitats of the Caribbean. We will examine the ecology and taxonomy of associated biota as well as the physical, chemical and sedimentary processes in coral reef environments. prereq: BIOL 1011 and 1012 or GEOL 1110 or IBS Grad student
GEOL 5091 - Geologic Problems
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Individual research in lab or field problems. prereq: Graduate Student or instructor consent
GEOL 5095 - Special Topics: (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Topics not covered in regular curriculum. Topic announced before course offered. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5100 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Oral and written presentation on topics of current significance to geoscientists. Participation by department staff. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: 01419 - Lim 5103/5002/GEOL 5103
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Geological aspects of freshwater systems: origins, tectonic and climatic settings of lakes, geophysical mapping, physical sedimentary processes, sedimentary geochemistry, and geochronology. Particular focus on paleolimnology, the analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct past climate and environment prereq: MATH 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1002 or 2015 or 2018, CHEM 1155 or 1175 or grad student
GEOL 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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) prereq: 3210 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4210
GEOL 5220 - Advances in Paleoclimatology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 5240 - Physical Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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. prereq: 2110, Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014, Math 1296 or Math 1290 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4240
GEOL 5250 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Math 1296 or Math 1290 and (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4250
GEOL 5251 - Well Hydraulics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: 2312, (Phys 2011 of 2013 and 2014), (Math 1296 or Math 1290), or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 3210 or 3420, Math 1296, (Phys 2011 or 2013 and 2014) or Grad student status or instructor consent
GEOL 5310 - Advanced Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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) prereq: 2312 or grad student
GEOL 5320 - Precambrian Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Nature, distribution, origin, correlation, and special problems of the Precambrian, emphasizing Lake Superior region. Term paper. 3 hrs. lect, field trips; offered alternate years. prereq: 4450 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4320
GEOL 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
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. prereq: Minimum 75 credits, Chem 1152 or 1156, Phys 2012 or 2015 and 2016, or Grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5330 - Introduction to Geochemical Modeling and Mineralization Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
An introduction to the concepts and techniques used in computer modeling to investigate geochemical reactions and associated mineralization processes used by geoscientists. prereq: 4240 or 4250, 4710 or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 3326, 3150 or graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 5360 - Geologic, Geophysical, and Geochemical Methods of Exploration
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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 be used to highlight various exploration methods and ore deposit types. prereq: 4350 or 5350, (Math 1290 or 1296) or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4360.
GEOL 5450 - Advanced Structure
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, 4450, or grad student or instructor consent
GEOL 5480 - Tectonics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, 4450, or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4480
GEOL 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the background science essential to participate in a stream restoration project. Students will learn how to assimilate geologic hydrologic, and ecological data at the watershed and research scales to plan a restoration project and evaluate/critique existing stream restoration projects. prereq: Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017, minimum 60 credits or graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 5730 - Geochronology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
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. prereq: 2311, one year of college chemistry or grad student
GEOL 5815 - Exploration Geophysics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
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. prereq: 1110, Math 1297 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4805 or 4815
GEOL 5820 - Global Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
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. prereq: 2120, Math 1290 or 1296 or grad student, instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 4820
GEOL 8094 - Geologic Research
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Individual research. prereq: instructor consent
GEOL 8100 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Oral and written presentations on topics of current significance to geoscientists. prereq: Graduate geology major or instructor consent
GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent
GEOL 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Prerequisites: 5601 and instructor consent
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Practicum course provides the capstone for the Stream Restoration Science & Engineering post-baccalaureate certificate program. Students synthesize previous coursework on stream restoration, apply basic hydraulic and geomorphic analyses on a reach of a stream, and complete a group design for a stream restoration site. prereq: 5601 and instructor consent
GEOL 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
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. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent