2008-2010 Undergraduate Catalog

GEOSCIENCE

Geoscience Major - (B.A. Option)
Geoscience Major - (B.S. Environmental Option)
Geoscience Major - (B.S. Geology Option)
Geoscience Major - (B.S. Earth Science Teaching Option)
Geoscience Minor

Course Descriptions

Pasteur Hall, Room 114, (507) 457-5260
http://www.winona.edu/geology
Catherine Summa (Chairperson); Toby Dogwiler (Director of Water Resources Center)

FACULTY
Stephen T. Allard, Associate Professor; B.S., M.S., University of New Hampshire; Ph.D., University of Wyoming; 2002 –
Jennifer L. B. Anderson, Assistant Professor; B.S., University of Minnesota; Sc.M., Ph.D., Brown University; 2005 –
Toby Dogwiler, Associate Professor; B.A., Wittenberg University; M.Sc., Mississippi State University; Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia; 2002 –
Nancy O. Jannik, Acting Associate Vice President for Research, Graduate Affairs and Assessment; B.S., College of William & Mary; M.S., Rutgers
University; Ph.D., New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology; 1986 –
James H. Meyers, Professor; B.A., Franklin & Marshall College, Ph.D., Indiana University; 1980 –
Catherine L. Summa, Professor; B.A., Wellesley College; Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; 1996 –

WHY STUDY GEOSCIENCE?
One of the hallmarks of Winona State University students is their incredible curiosity about the world around them. The Geoscience Department can help satisfy your curiosity about your natural environment. This curiosity may be stimulated by travels to state and national parks, where you have been confronted by questions about the origin of landscapes and the underlying rocks. Your interest in planet Earth may have been heightened by accounts of natural disasters caused by floods, earthquakes, and volcanism, or by concerns for clean air and water and the trend of global warming. Perhaps the realization that energy shortages will become the norm rather than the exception stirs you to action in learning about how we can better manage Earth’s finite resources. Maybe the spectacular news of extraterrestrial exploration causes you to think about the ways in which geology can help to answer questions about planetary evolution.

If you have such a curiosity about Earth, we invite you to enroll in one or more of the courses offered by the Department of Geoscience, where faculty strive to help you understand how the Earth works. Many lower-division geoscience courses fulfill University Studies Program requirements in a broad array of categories and provide a basis for you to make the observations needed to provide possible answers to your questions. By asking the right questions and seeking ways to answer them, you become a more informed citizen. Each year, many of you will decide to seek more depth in understanding Earth, and will become a major or minor in geoscience. As a major in one of the geoscience programs, you will prepare for one of the many geoscience careers that are available to graduates in the first decade of this new century. In fact, a recent Yahoo™ survey lists geoscience as one of the top areas of study for successful 21st century employment.

As a geoscience graduate, you might work to solve a broad range of environmental problems through private industries and consulting firms or in local, county, state and federal governmental agencies. Or you may become a part of the ongoing search for mineral and energy resources. Perhaps you will become a teacher at an elementary school, middle school, secondary school, or in a program of higher education. You might pursue work with a museum, a state or national park system; you might decide to practice environmental law; or you might become a journalist or a writer focusing on Earth-related themes. Some day you might start your own business in environmental consulting or energy exploration. The possibilities really are limited only by your imagination: Geoscience is such an interdisciplinary field that it connects in various and still unidentified ways with a wide range of disciplines.

Instead of seeking a career with the Bachelor of Science degree, you might decide to continue your education in a graduate program, where your study for the Master of Science or other advanced degree will deepen your understanding of the Earth and give you additional credentials for your professional career. Even if you don’t pursue a career where geoscience is directly applicable, your geoscience major provides an ideal 21st century liberal arts education. Our curriculum provides you a broad preparation in the natural sciences; it helps you develop the skills of observation, hypothesis-building, testing of ideas, and critical thinking, which prepare you to succeed in many other professions including business and law.

DEPARTMENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE

The Geoscience Department boasts an impressive array of analytical and field equipment. Students in our program routinely use geotechnical equipment that is typically only found in graduate-level departments and in industry. This hands-on training and experience provides our students a competitive edge in the job market and graduate school.

Throughout the curriculum, courses emphasize both traditional and cutting-edge scientific techniques. During weekly laboratories, students might gauge a stream using a Sontek^TM FlowTracker Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter and analyze water samples using a Hach™ SensION156 Multi-parameter meter and DR2400 Spectrophotometer. On another day, students might process a rock sample in our state-of-the-art Thin Section Preparation Lab and then investigate the crystallization history preserved in the rock using a Nikon™ petrographic microscope, or they might identify chemical zonation in minerals using our Relion Luminoscope to study cathodoluminescence of crystals. In another course, students take geophysical equipment such as our 12-channel Geode™ seismic system or our AGI SuperSting Earth Resistivity Imager out into the field. Students use this equipment to characterize sub-surface rock layers and analyze environmental hazards associated with caves, sinkholes, and other groundwater-related features.

The department is also actively integrating Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology into the curriculum. Students learn to solve real world problems by combining survey data collected in the field using our suite of Trimble^TM GeoExplorer XT GPS mapping units and Nikon^TM reflectorless pulse-laser Total Stations with analysis in our GIS computing facility. Students use GPS/GIS to solve problems ranging from tectonic reconstructions of the North American plate to water resource management in local streams. In an employment market in which GIS experience has almost become a universal job requirement, WSU Geoscience students don’t just know GIS–they know how to use it.

When it is too cold to be in an actual stream, students investigate river processes in the Sediment Transport and River Studies (STaRS) Flume Laboratory. The STaRS Lab was funded through a competitive grant from the National Science Foundation. The flumes, one of which is six feet wide and over 16 feet long, allow large-scale modeling of rivers. Students, from the introductory through senior-level, complete hands-on assignments and directed research that include projects such as modeling the effects of the lock and dam system on the Upper Mississippi River. Additionally, the STaRS Lab includes advanced equipment for processing and studying sediments and soils, including a Spectrex^TM Laser Particle Counter and a full range of drying ovens, sieve shakers, analytical balances, and combustion furnaces.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Employment opportunities in the geosciences described by the Geological Society of America for the new millennium are bright. The Federal Bureau of Labor reports that demand for earth science professionals will increase over the next decade, particularly in the Midwest. Federal and state regulatory legislation regarding waste disposal and its relationship to clean water and clean air has greatly increased employment opportunities for geoscientists. Many new positions are created each year with consulting firms, industries, and state and local governmental agencies. These positions are being filled by persons with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but the majority of employers prefer graduates with the Master of Science degree. Hiring in the petroleum industry has increased. Graduates with master’s degrees have the best opportunities.

The aging of the faculties of colleges and universities is beginning to result in employment opportunities for geoscientists in higher education. Now is an excellent time to begin preparation for such a career, and interested students should plan to earn a Ph.D. degree. According to national teacher-employment surveys, there are employment opportunities for earth science teachers in most regions of the United States. Earth science teachers are employed in middle and secondary schools where Earth Science is usually a required component of the science curriculum. Up-to-date information on careers in the geosciences, including Earth Science Teaching, can be found through the American Geological Institute (AGI) at http://www.agiweb.org/careers.html.

GRADUATE SCHOOL PREPARATION

The Department of Geoscience has an excellent record of placement of graduates into master’s and doctoral programs, and most graduates have received financial support for graduate study. Students who are considering graduate studies must supplement their curriculum with a minimum of a full year of chemistry, physics, and calculus. They should also take a summer field course in addition to their required degree program.

ADVISING

All geoscience and earth science majors must have an advisor from the Department of Geoscience. Students must keep in mind when planning schedules that many upper-division courses are offered on an every-other-year basis. Therefore, students should meet with their advisor regularly to do long-range program planning and to ensure timely graduation. Geoscience minors are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to review their progress in the program.

DEGREE OPTIONS

Geoscience Major

• B.S. Major - Geology Option: Prepares students for graduate study or employment in classic geologic sub-disciplines, including mineralogy and petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petroleum exploration, and economic geology.

• B.S. Major - Environmental Science Option: Prepares students for graduate study or employment in hydrogeology and environmental careers that focus on ground-water quality, ground-water quantity, contaminant problems, and related soil investigations.

• B.A. Major - Geoscience: Prepares students for careers or graduate study in fields that explicitly integrate geoscience with a second discipline. Students choose their second disciplinary field and work closely with faculty in both disciplines to prepare for post-graduate options.

Earth Science Teaching Major

The B. S. Major Earth Science (Teaching) is designed for students who desire a middle level to secondary school teaching career (grades 5-12); the program conforms to Minnesota Board of Teaching licensure standards. Students completing this program are eligible to apply for a Minnesota license in General Science for grades 5-8 or a license in earth and space science for grades 9-12.

Geoscience Minor

The B.S. Minor: Geoscience is a flexible program that enables the student to couple his or her interest in geoscience with a second discipline.

PASS/NO CREDIT (P/NC) COURSES

All courses in the Department of Geoscience must be taken on a grade-only basis.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Geoscience majors and minors must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all geoscience courses numbered 240 and higher. For a checklist of the University’s graduation requirements, see page 23.

GEOSCIENCE HONORS PROGRAM

The Department of Geoscience offers students the option to engage in independent research culminating in an honors thesis. Geoscience majors maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to participate in the program. Refer to the department website for complete eligibility requirements and expectations.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES FLAG REQUIREMENTS

Students may use flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The Department of Geoscience offers the following flag courses in the University Studies Program:

FLAG

Oral I

GEOS 320 Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4)

GEOS 370 GIS and Imaging Techniques (3)

Math/Critical Analysis O

GEOS 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4)

GEOS 420 Applied Hydrogeology (4)

Writing P

GEOS 280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

GEOS 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

Flag courses that can be used to satisfy geoscience major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.

B.S. MAJOR - GEOSCIENCE: GEOLOGY OPTION (GEGE)

67-71 S.H. (No Minor Required)

CORE REQUIREMENTS 0 GEOS (23 S.H.)

120 Dynamic Earth (4)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

220 Minerals and Rocks (4)

P 280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

330 Structural Geology (4)

P 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

475 Geoscience Seminar (1)

Note: Majors in all options are urged to take a geology summer field course prior to graduation. This can satisfy the requirement for an upper-division elective.

REQUIRED COURSES (35-36 S.H.)

Geoscience – GEOS (12 S.H.)

240 Watershed Science (4)

I 320 Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4)

O 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4) OR

O 420 Applied Hydrogeology (4)

Chemistry - CHEM (4 S.H.)

* 212 Principles of Chemistry I (4)

Physics/Chemistry (8 S.H.)

Choose one of the following two courses (4 S.H.):

* PHYS 201 General Physics I (4) OR

* PHYS 221 University Physics I (4)

Plus one of the following (4 S.H.)

* PHYS 202 General Physics II (4) OR

* PHYS 222 University Physics II (4) OR

* CHEM 213 Principles of Chemistry II (4)

Mathematics – MATH (6-8 S.H.)

150 Modeling Using Precalculus and Statistics (3) AND

MATH 155 Calculus Based Modeling (3) OR

120 Precalculus (4) AND MATH 160 Calculus I (4) OR

160 Calculus I (4) AND MATH 165 Calculus II (4) OR

150 Modeling Using Precalculus (3) AND MATH 160

Calculus I (4) OR

155 Calculus Based Modeling (3) AND

MATH 165 Calculus II (4)

Computer Skills (2-3 S.H.)

Choose one of the following two courses:

ENGR 182 Engineering Graphics and Design (2) OR

CS 130 Visual Basic (3)

English – ENG (3 S.H.)

Choose one of the following two courses:

P 439 Technical Writing (3) OR

449 Scientific Writing (3)

GEOSCIENCE ELECTIVES (9-12 S.H.)

Select from the “Electives Pool” list (page 122), except for geoscience courses listed as requirements for the major.

B.S. MAJOR - GEOSCIENCE:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OPTION (GEES)

122-126 S.H. (No Minor Required; this total includes University Studies requirements)

Note: Alliance with environmental science options of other departments is given under “Environmental Science” on page 109.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES COURSES (30 S.H.)

BASIC SKILLS (9 S.H.)

ENG 111 College Reading and Writing (4)

CMST 191 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)

MATH (0 S.H.; included below with MATH 150, 155)

Courses selected from approved list of physical education activities courses (2)

ARTS AND SCIENCES CORE (15 S.H.)

Humanities (6 S.H.)

Courses selected from approved list of humanities courses

Natural Science (0 S.H.)

(7 S.H. included below with CHEM 212, 213; PHYS 115; BIOL 241, 242)

Social Science (6 S.H.)

Courses selected from approved list of social science courses

Fine and Performing Arts (3 S.H.)

Courses selected from approved list of fine and performing arts courses

UNITY AND DIVERSITY (6 S.H.)

Critical Analysis (0 S.H.)

(3 S.H. included below with GEOS 240)

Science and Social Policy (0 S.H.)

(3 S.H. included below with GEOS 325)

Multicultural or Global Perspectives (3 S.H.)

Courses selected from approved list of Multicultural or Global

Perspectives courses (3 S.H. may be included if GEOS 450 or GEOS 425 is taken as an elective for the major.)

Democratic Institutions or Contemporary Citizenship (3 S.H.)

Courses selected from approved list of Democratic Institutions or Contemporary Citizenship courses

Note: Many courses required in the program outlined below can be used to satisfy certain University Studies requirements.

GEOSCIENCE CORE COURSES - GEOS (23 S.H.)

120 Dynamic Earth (4)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

220 Minerals and Rocks (4)

P 280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

330 Structural Geology (4)

P 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

475 Geoscience Seminar (1)

Note: Majors in all options are urged to take a geology summer field course prior to graduation. This can substitute for an upper-division elective.

REQUIREMENTS 0 GEOS (20-21 S.H.)

240 Watershed Science (4)

325 Environmental Geoscience (3)

I 370 GIS and Imaging Techniques (3)

400 Directed Research in Geoscience (2-3)

O 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4)

O 420 Applied Hydrogeology (4)

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES (43-46 S.H.)

Biology – BIOL (12 S.H.)

* 241 Basics of Life (4)

* 242 Organismal Diversity (4)

312, 313 General Ecology, Ecology Lab (4)

Chemistry – CHEM (12 S.H.)

* 212, 213, Principles of Chemistry I, II (8)

320 Environmental Chemistry (4)

Mathematics – MATH (6-8 S.H.)

150 Modeling Using Precalculus and Statistics (3) AND

MATH 155 Calculus Based Modeling (3) OR

120 Precalculus (4) AND MATH 160 Calculus I (4)

Physics – PHYS (4 S.H.)

* 115 Conceptual Physics (4) OR

* 201 General Physics I (4) OR *221 University Physics I (4)

The following two courses (6 S.H.)

ECON 315 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3)

* POLS 340 Environmental Policy (3)

One of the following courses (3-4 S.H.)

Biology – BIOL

I 315 Environmental Biology (3)

335 Plant Ecology (4)

360 Entomology (4)

†P415 Ecology of Large Rivers (4) (See below)

420 Limnology (4) (See below)

Chemistry – CHEM

425 Analytical Chemistry I (4)

436 Topics in Environmental Chemistry (3)

†Note: If BIOL 415 or BIOL 420 is chosen as the elective from this group, that course must not be selected from the list of courses under “Electives” below.

ELECTIVES (6-8 S.H.)

Note: The courses selected as “Electives” must not duplicate the courses selected under “Other Required Courses” above. At least two courses must be used to fulfill the elective requirement.

Courses totaling 6-8 S.H. to be chosen from:

Geoscience – GEOS

I 320 Optical Mineralology and Petrology (4)

385 Geology of North America (3)

405 Current Topics in Geoscience (1-3)

425 Global Climate Change (3)

450 Travel Study in Costa Rica (3)

470 Geologic Research Strategies (2)

Biology – BIOL

P 415 Ecology of Large Rivers (4) OR

420 Limnology (4)

Statistics – STAT

210 Statistics (3)

B.A. MAJOR - GEOSCIENCE

This program prepares students for graduate study or employment in geologic disciplines or in a variety of other disciplines, depending on the student’s chosen minor field. The goal is to prepare students for success in an increasingly interdisciplinary world. Students should speak with a Geoscience department advisor about their career goals so that this program can be tailored to best suit their goals.

Students choose a minor (or double major) field that they must relate to their work in geoscience by completing an internship or research project. Students must obtain approval from the Geoscience department before engaging in this work. The research project topic must integrate geoscience with the second discipline.

The flexibility of this program enables students to pursue careers in diverse areas such as geochemistry and geophysics or environmental law and environmental justice, scientific illustration, scientific writing, etc. Professionals in many disciplines, including science, law, medicine, and politics, hold undergraduate B.A. degrees in Geoscience.

B.A. MAJOR - GEOSCIENCE OPTION (GSCE)

40-42 S.H. (Approved minor or second major required)

CORE REQUIREMENTS - GEOS (19 S.H.)

120 Dynamic Earth (4)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

220 Minerals and Rocks (4)

240 Watershed Science (4)

280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

475 Geoscience Seminar (1)

Note: Majors in all options are urged to complete a geology summer field course prior to graduation. This can substitute for an upper-division elective.

REQUIRED COURSES - GEOS (10-11 S.H.)

Choose one from each of the three pairs of courses listed below (See ** below.):

330 Structural Geology (4) OR GEOS 340 Sedimentology &

Stratigraphy (4)

415 Advanced Geomorphology (4) OR GEOS 420 Applied

Hydrogeology (4)

399 Internship (2-3)

OR GEOS 400 Directed Research (2-3)

Note: Internship or research topic must integrate Geoscience and minor field (see advisor for details).

**Students may choose one of the courses in each of the above pairs of courses to fulfill option requirements, and may also choose the other course in any or all of the above pairs of courses to fulfill elective requirements below.

GEOSCIENCE ELECTIVES (11-13 S.H.)

Select from the “Electives Pool” list (Page 122), except for geoscience courses listed as requirements for the major. Elective choices must include at least one laboratory course (4 S.H.) numbered 300 or above. Choices may include one additional course from Geoscience offerings at the 100-level (but may not include GEOS 120 or GEOS 130). (See also ** above.)

B.S. MAJOR - EARTH SCIENCE (Teaching) (ESCT)

124-126 S.H. (128 S.H. required for graduation)

The program below meets Minnesota Board of Teaching (BOT) 5-12 Earth and Space Science licensure requirements in place at the time the catalog went to press. Students should be aware that the program described below may change significantly in the near future, as the BOT considers changes to the Science Licensure programs; therefore, students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that they will be able to graduate with a BOT-approved degree. Completion of the program outlined below will enable the student to apply for a license to teach grades 5-12 science with an earth science specialty.

In addition, work is underway to fully align the major program requirements with the requirements of the University Studies Program. Some courses included in the major program below may be approved for University Studies credit in the future. The Geoscience Department is working in cooperation with other secondary licensure programs and the Education Department to ensure that teacher-licensure programs meet both BOT and University Studies requirements. See your academic advisor for more information.

Note: Teaching majors must take all courses in the Professional Education Sequence in addition to courses in the content area listed below. Refer to these requirements in the Education Department section of this catalog (page 90), or refer to the WSU Teacher Education Student Handbook. Students must gain admission to the teacher education program before they enroll in Professional Education Sequence courses. See your academic advisor or the Department of Education Admissions Coordinator for more information.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES (USP) (19 S.H.)

BASIC SKILLS (7 S.H.)

ENG 111 College Reading and Writing (4)

CMST 191 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)

Physical Education (Filled by HERS 204 below) (0)

Math (0) filled by major requirements below

ARTS AND SCIENCES CORE (6 S.H.)

Humanities (3) (3 S.H. filled by PHIL 240)

Social Sciences (0) (3 S.H. filled by SPED 400;

3 S.H. filled by EDUC 305 below)

Natural Science (0) (filled by major requirements)

Fine and Performing Arts (3)

UNITY AND DIVERSITY (6 S.H.)

Critical Analysis (3 S.H.)

Science and Social Policy (0) (3 S.H. filled by GEOS 325 below)

Multicultural or Global Perspectives (0) (3 S.H. filled by EDUC 308)

Democratic Institutions or Contemporary Citizenship (3 S.H.)

FLAG REQUIREMENTS (0 S.H.)

Writing Flag (0) (6 S.H. filled by EDUC 449 and

EDUC 459 below)

Oral Flag (0) (3 S.H. filled by EDUC 465 below)

Mathematics/Statistics or Critical Analysis Flag (0)

(3 S.H. filled by EDUC 312

EARTH SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS (80-82 S.H.)

Geoscience Courses - GEOS (34-36 S.H.)

105 Astronomy (4)

110 Oceanography (4)

115 Meteorology (4)

120 Dynamic Earth (4)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

220 Minerals and Rocks (4)

P 280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

325 Environmental Geoscience (3)

P 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

OR GEOS 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4) (O)

400 Directed Research (2-3)

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES (46-48 S.H.)

Biology – BIOL (8 S.H.)

* 241 Basics of Life (4)

* 242 Organismal Diversity (4)

Chemistry – CHEM (8 S.H.)

*212, *213 Principles of Chemistry I, II (8)

Physics – PHYS (12 S.H.)

*201, *202 General Physics I, II (8)

311 Science Teaching Methods (4)

Mathematics – MATH (6-8 S.H.)

150 Modeling Using Precalculus and Statistics (3), MATH

155 Calculus Based Modeling (3) OR

120 Precalculus (4) AND MATH 160 Calculus I (4)

Philosophy – PHIL (3 S.H.)

* 240 Philosophy of Science (3)

(counts as USP Humanities)

Health, Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Sciences – HERS (3 S.H.)

204 Personal and Community Health (3) (counts as USP Physical Development and Wellness)

Special Education – SPED (3 S.H.)

* 400 Education of Exceptional Children/Youth (3) (counts as USP Social Sciences)

Women’s and Gender Studies – WAGS (3 S.H.)

220 Power, Privilege, and Gender (3) (counts as USP

Multicultural Perspectives)

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEQUENCE (32 S.H.)

Notes:

1. These courses require formal admission to the teacher education program. (See page 91, “Admission to the WSU Teacher Education Program.”)

2. The College of Education plans to restructure some program offerings in 2007-2008. As a result, the content, numbering, and/or credit hours for Professional Education Sequence courses will likely be revised after this catalog goes to print. To obtain the latest course requirements, please refer to the current program sheets, which are available from the department office or online at www.winona.edu/education/advising.

* EDUC 305 Human Development and Learning (4)

EDUC 308 Human Relations and Student Diversity (3)

O EDUC 312 Instructional Planning and Assessment: Secondary (3)

EDUC 429 Secondary Reading and Teaching Strategies (4)

P EDUC 449 Middle Level Philosophy, Organization and Planning (3)

P EDUC 459 The Professional Educator (3)

I EDST 465 Student Teaching (12)

Note: EDUC 305 and 312 must be taken together in the same semester; they will not be offered during the summer term.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the above course requirements, all students must demonstrate that they have:

1. Judged a local, regional, or state science fair, or mentored K-12 students on their science fair projects

Hosted a geoscience visit by a K-4 class
Hosted a geoscience visit by a 5-12 class

4. Worked as a departmental teaching assistant or peer tutor in geoscience.

B.S. MINOR - GEOSCIENCE (GEOS) 4-25 S.H.

REQUIRED COURSES - GEOS (9-10 S.H.)

120 Dynamic Earth with Laboratory (4)

OR GEOS 121 Dynamic Earth (3)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

P 280 Field and Analytical Methods I (2)

GEOSCIENCE ELECTIVES (15 S.H.)

Choose electives from the Geoscience “Electives” pool. Electives must include at least two laboratory courses numbered 300 or above. Electives may include one course from the Geoscience Introductory Pool (courses numbered 100 - 199) other than those listed as required above.

ELECTIVES POOL - GEOS (for all Geoscience majors):

220 Minerals and Rocks (4)

240 Watershed Science (4)

320 Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4)

325 Environmental Geoscience (3)

P 340 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

I 370 GIS and Imaging Techniques (3)

385 Geology of North America (3)

399 Geoscience Internship (1-3)

400 Directed Research, Geoscience (1-3)

405 Current Topics in Geoscience (1-3)

O 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4)

O 420 Applied Hydrogeology (4)

425 Global Climate Change (3)

450 Travel Study in Costa Rica (3)

470 Geological Research Strategies (2)

GEOSCIENCE INTRODUCTORY POOL - GEOS

100 Minnesota Rocks and Waters (3)

102 Resources of the Earth (3)

103 Natural Disasters (3)

104 Catastrophes and Extinctions (3)

105 Astronomy with Laboratory (4)

106 Astronomy (3)

108 Geology of the Mississippi River (3)

110 Oceanography with Laboratory (4)

111 Oceanography (3)

115 Meteorology with Laboratory (4)

116 Meteorology

120 Dynamic Earth with Laboratory (4)

121 Dynamic Earth (3)

130 Earth and Life through Time (4)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GEOSCIENCE (GEOS)

100 - Minnesota’s Rocks and Waters (3 S.H.)

Introduction to Minnesota’s geological history focusing on such topics as Minnesota’s rock record and history, fossils, mining, soils, lakes, rivers, and ground water. Lecture; no laboratory. Offered with sufficient demand.

102 - Resources of the Earth (3 S.H.)

An investigative exploration of significant global resources with emphasis on fossil fuels, non-fossil fuels, water, and other energy resources. Geologic processes governing each are explored. Prediction, impacts, economic, and political scenarios are examined. Offered with sufficient demand.

103 - Natural Disasters (3 S.H.)

An investigative exploration of significant geohazards impacting the Earth with emphasis on volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and other hill slope failures, hurricanes, and tornadoes, pollution, and floods. Geologic processes governing each type of disaster are explored. Prediction, impacts and mitigation potential for each hazard are examined. Lecture; no laboratory. Offered yearly.

104 - Catastrophes and Extinctions (3 S.H.)

Over 99% of the animal species that once inhabited the Earth are now extinct. Remarkably, most of these extinctions have been associated through time with significant geologic events that are considered by many to be catastrophic. In this course, students will explore the major extinctions that have taken place through geologic history. These include the extinction of numerous marine invertebrate species, the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, the extinction of large mammals during the last ice age, and many others. Weekend (overnight) field trip required. Lecture only. Prerequisites: None. Offered with sufficient demand.

105 - Astronomy with Laboratory (4 S.H.)

History of astronomy. Study of the planets, their moons, comets, asteroids, meteors, and other planetary bodies. Origin of the universe, solar system, sun, and other stars. Lecture, laboratory, and observation required. Offered yearly, usually in the fall semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 105 or GEOS 106, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

106 - Astronomy (3 S.H.)

Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 105 or GEOS 106, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

108 - Geology of the Mississippi River (3 S.H.)

Investigation of the geologic history, river processes, and resource management of large rivers, particularly focusing on the Mississippi River. Topics include an exploration of the relationship between the Mississippi River and its watershed, soils, groundwater, bedrock geology, and humans. Concepts emphasized will include the hydrologic cycle, plate tectonics, river morphology, river dynamics, resource management, and public policy issues. Lecture; no laboratory. Prerequisites: None. Offered alternate years.

110 - Oceanography with Laboratory (4 S.H.)

Introduction to oceans including the ocean floor, marine sediments, composition of sea water, ocean currents, waves and tides, marine biology, and oceanic resources. Lecture and laboratory required. Offered alternate years, usually spring semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 110 or GEOS 111, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

111 - Oceanography (3 S.H.)

Introduction to oceans including the ocean floor, marine sediments, composition of sea water, ocean currents, waves and tides, marine biology, and oceanic resources. Lecture only. Offered alternate years, usually spring semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 110 or GEOS 111, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

115 - Meteorology with Laboratory (4 S.H.)

Study of Earth’s dynamic weather system including atmospheric structure, composition, and processes; origin and development of storms and related phenomena. Lecture and laboratory required. Offered alternate years, usually spring semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 115 or GEOS 116, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

116 - Meteorology (3 S.H.)

Study of Earth’s dynamic weather system including atmospheric structure, composition, and processes; origin and development of storms and related phenomena. Lecture only. Offered alternate years, usually spring semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 115 or GEOS 116, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

120 - Dynamic Earth with Laboratory (4 S.H.)

An introduction to geologic principles and the processes shaping planet Earth. Composition and distribution of Earth materials; examination of internal processes and their relationship to the distribution of continents over time; surficial processes and environmental problems. Lecture and laboratory. Offered each semester. Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 120 or GEOS 121, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

121 - Dynamic Earth (3 S.H.)

An introduction to geologic principles and the processes shaping planet Earth. Composition and distribution of earth materials; examination of internal processes and their relationship to the distribution of continents over time; surficial processes and environmental problems. Lecture only.

Note: Students may enroll in either GEOS 120 or GEOS 121, but they cannot earn credit for both courses.

130 - Earth and Life through Time (4 S.H.)

Traces the physical, chemical, and biological evolution of the Earth from the origin of the solar system to the present including origin and evolution of Earth’s crust, interior, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; plate tectonics and mountain building; absolute age dating; paleomagnetism. Focuses on the assembly and evolution of North America as a model for global processes. Lecture and laboratory. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOS 120 or equivalent. Offered spring semester.

220 - Minerals and Rocks (4 S.H.)

Introduction to minerals as naturally occurring inorganic chemical compounds. Physical and chemical properties of minerals, classification and description of minerals, with emphasis on rock-forming minerals. Classification, description, and interpretation of major rock groups. Lecture and laboratory combined in studio format. Prerequisite: GEOS 120 or instructor’s permission. Field trips required. Offered fall semester.

240 - Watershed Science (4 S.H.)

Examination of the hydrologic cycle and surface-water and ground-water relationships. Study of interrelationship of water and Earth materials, including ground-water occurrence, movement and determination of aquifer characteristics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOS 130. Field trips required. Offered yearly, usually fall semester.

280 - Field and Analytical Methods I (2 S.H.)

Basic geologic field techniques including sampling methods, rock identification, field descriptions, and use of Brunton compass. Measurement and description of stratigraphic sections. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and instructor’s permission. Corequisite: GEOS 220. Field trips required. Offered fall semester.

320 - Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4 S.H.)

Theory of optical mineralogy. Optical properties of minerals determined by petrographic microscope. Introduction to major sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; mineral equilibria and stability, mineralogic phase rule and metamorphic facies. Rock identification by megascopic and petrographic techniques. Lecture and laboratory combined in studio format. Prerequisite: GEOS 220. Field trips required. Offered alternate years in the spring semester.

325 - Environmental Geoscience (3 S.H.)

Study of the environmental implications of human interactions with natural geological systems. An emphasis is placed on understanding environmental science concepts and how scientific findings ultimately shape public policy and political decisions. Topics typically include climate change, water resources, alternative energy resources, soils and weathering, and coastal processes. Course is taught from an Earth systems perspective. Discussion-oriented lecture format. Lecture only. Prerequisite: Any University Studies Natural Science laboratory course or instructor’s permission. Offered alternate years, usually spring semester.

330 - Structural Geology (4 S.H.)

Study of faulting, folding, mechanics of rock deformation and structural techniques. Principles of plate tectonics and mountain building. Lecture and laboratory combined in studio format. Prerequisite: GEOS 220. Field trips required. Offered spring semester.

340 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 S.H.)

Physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect sedimentation and depositional systems. Study of stratigraphic nomenclature and correlation, facies models and depositional sequences, eustatic changes of sea level, and plate tectonics. Lecture, laboratory and required field trips. Prerequisites: GEOS 220 and ENG 111. Offered fall semester.

370 - GIS and Imaging Techniques (3 S.H.)

Techniques of using aerial photographs, remote sensing, and GIS for geological applications. Prerequisites: CMST 191, GEOS 130, and instructor’s permission. Offered alternate years in the spring semester.

385 - Geology of North America (3 S.H.)

Study of the physiographic provinces of the North American continent with emphasis on geomorphology, structural history, stratigraphy and mineral deposits of each province. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: GEOS 220. Offered with sufficient demand.

399 - Internship (1-3 S.H.)

Supervised governmental agency, business, industrial or research institution experience designed by Geoscience faculty advisor, work supervisor, and student. Open only to Geoscience students with junior or senior standing, math/science GPA 2.5 or better, and approval by the Geoscience Department. Offered each semester.

400 - Directed Research-Geoscience (1-3 S.H.)

Independent study of selected geologic field and/or laboratory problem with subsequent preparation of written report and oral seminar. May be repeated up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Department chairperson’s permission. Offered each semester.

405 - Current Topics in Geoscience (1-3 S.H.)

Analysis of current topics and issues relevant to Geosciences. Subject matter and prerequisites will be announced in advance by the department. May be repeated as topics change. Offered with sufficient demand.

415 - Advanced Geomorphology (4 S.H.)

Study of the nature and evolution of land forms and materials at or near Earth’s surface. Analysis of land forms using topographic maps and aerial photographs. Soil-forming processes and soil classification. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOS 130. Offered alternate years in the fall semester. Field trips required.

420 - Applied Hydrogeology (4 S.H.)

Application of hydrologic principles to ground-water flow problems, aqueous geochemistry, and contaminant studies. Techniques of water-well development, aquifer tests, determination of ground-water chemistry. Use of computer models and other analytical tools. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: GEOS 240 and MATH 155 or MATH 160. Field trips required. Offered alternate years in the spring semester.

425 - Global Climate Change (3 S.H.)

Exploration of the Earth’s most recent glacial/interglacial cycles: geological and faunal evidence, the sequence of historical events, potential causative factors, environmental responses and rates of change, and pertinence to contemporary global change. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms of climate change in relation to geological processes. Prerequisite: GEOS 325 or the instructor’s permission. Offered in alternate years, usually spring semester.

450 - Travel Study in Costa Rica (3 S.H.)

Focuses on student-based field research to assist the municipalities of Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita in developing their natural resources, tourism products, and associated services. Students will inventory natural resources, gather tourism demand and supply data, and participate in constructing a database to help local officials make better tourism-related decisions. Prior to the research study, students will be exposed to basic tourism and natural resources development concepts that have applications in Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita. Post-study work will focus on report development and the assessment of other tourism products and services in Costa Rica. Prerequisites: Instructor’s permission and concurrent enrollment in MKTG 450 and RTTR 450. Offered most May terms subject to student demand.

470 - Geological Research Strategies (2 S.H.)

Instruction in designing, planning, and conducting geological research. Students will gain experience in background research using scientific literature, writing a research proposal, planning a research budget, project management, data quality control and assurance procedures, conducting field and laboratory research, and setting realistic goals and deadlines for project completion. Course activities and lectures will be adapted to specific student projects. Includes some lecturing; however, the course delivery style will emphasize the value and importance of peer-to-peer review, discussion, and collaboration in completing scientific research. Usually taken before or concurrently with GEOS 400. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. Offered each semester, subject to sufficient student interest.

475 - Geoscience Seminar (1 S.H.)

Critical reading, discussion, and oral presentation of current topics and controversies in geosciences. Focus on professional journals and other scientific media. Prerequisite: Senior standing in department or instructor’s permission. Offered spring semester.

SCIENCE EDUCATION (SCIE)

201 - Investigative Science I: Earth—The Water Planet (4 S.H.)

A field-based integrated experience designed specifically for elementary education majors. Inquiry-based exploration of biological, chemical, geological, and physical characteristics of water in the community. Focus on development of pre-service student pedagogical content knowledge and connections to state and national science education standards as relates to teaching science in elementary schools. Field trips required. Enrollment limited to elementary education majors. Lecture and laboratory combined. Prerequisites: None. Offered yearly.

203 - Investigative Science III: Scientific Investigation of your Environment (4 S.H.)

A field-based, integrated experience designed specifically for elementary education majors. Inquiry-based exploration of biological, chemical, geological, and physical characteristics of environmental problems facing the local community. Focus on development of pre-service student pedagogical content knowledge and connections to state and national science education standards as relates to teaching science in elementary schools. Field trips required. Enrollment limited to elementary education majors. Lecture and laboratory combined. Prerequisites: SCIE 201, EDUC 335, and admission to teacher education program. Offered yearly.