College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 105 Geology - GS 4
A study of geological phenomena involved in the formation of the earth's surface and subsurface features, the interrelationship between humans and the geological environment, and the application of the science of geology to problems resulting from the ever more intense use of the materials of the earth's crust. The course includes lectures, discussions, laboratory and field trips. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 107 Environmental Geology - GS 4
This course provides an introduction to geologic processes with a special emphasis on the interaction of these processes with humankind. Topics include geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding), geologic resources, and human impacts on the natural environment such as groundwater contamination and mining. Includes lectures, discussion, labs, and field trips. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 115 General Oceanography - GS 4
This course provides an overview of the ocean sciences, with emphasis on the interplay between its geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes. The control of oceans on Earth's climate will be examined, as well as possible human impacts on climate and global sea level changes. Other human concerns, including marine pollution problems and species extinction, will be addressed. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 120 Geology of Wisconsin - GS 4
A course that explores the geology of the State of Wisconsin. The first part of this course focuses on basic physical geology, including rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic map reading, and interpretation of geologic history using lab and field techniques. The second part of this course is detailed study of the geologic history of Wisconsin within the context of the Lake Superior region. Includes lectures, discussions, labs, and field trips. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 225 Hydrogeology
This course provides an overview of the hydrologic cycle with emphasis placed on the study of groundwater. Discussions include the fundamental characteristics of aquifers (porosity and permeability), the geologic settings of groundwater, and the basic physics of groundwater flow. This course also provides an introduction to surface water in streams and its geomorphic effects. The course includes lectures, discussion, laboratory, and field exercises. A basic knowledge of high school algebra and trigonometry is assumed. Prerequisites: GEOL 105.

GEOL 240 Tectonics (see Infrequently Offered Courses section of the Catalog)

GEOL 250 Geomorphology
This course provides an overview of the geologic processes responsible for shaping and modifying the Earth's surface. Emphasis is placed on the study of the following topics: physical and chemical weathering, soils, mass wasting, streams, glaciers, wind and desert processes, karst features, coastal processes, tectonic geomorphology, and landscape evolution. Includes lectures, discussions, labs, and field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

GEOL 300 Mineralogy
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of mineral formation and identification. The lecture portion of the course conveys the principles and concepts of mineralogy. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the descriptive aspects of the science emphasizing the occurrence of the common minerals and developing the ability to identify hand samples. Topics that will also be included are: crystallography, crystal chemistry, and microscopic identification of minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

GEOL 301 Evolution of the Earth - GS 11
An overview of the geologic record of Earth history, from its origins to the present, with an emphasis on human actions that have invoked unprecedented changes in ecosystems and climate that will affect Earth's future. Focus will be on the interdependence of physical, chemical and biological systems and their co-evolution. Knowledge of Earth's past, including a sense of 'deep time' will provide a unique perspective for understanding environmental change and natural rates of change. Knowledge of the history of species diversification, extinction, and the impact of humans on pollution, resources, and resource distribution will establish a context for discussions to explore the potential for future climate change together with its socioeconomic and political implications. The course includes lectures, discussions, a weekly laboratory and fieldtrips. Prerequisite: Completion of a GS4 (lab science) class. May not be taken by Geology majors to fulfill the GS- 11 requirement. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 307 World Resources - GS 11
A course emphasizing the principles, management techniques and the environmental impact of the following natural resources: energy, minerals, and water. See General Education Extended Course Description.

GEOL 320 Petrology
This course provides an overview of the formation, occurrence, and recognition of the igneous and metamorphic rocks. The lecture portion of the course will cover the theoretical aspects of rock development, with particular emphasis on the tectonic framework. The laboratory portion will emphasize the macroscopic and microscopic identification of the various rock types and their associated textures. Prerequisite: GEOL 300.

GEOL 322 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
A lecture and laboratory course that examines: (1) the origin and characteristics of sediments and sedimentary rocks; (2) transportation mechanisms and geologic environments in which sediments are deposited; (3) lithification; (4) classification schemes for sedimentary rock nomenclature; (5) the arrangement and correlation of sedimentary rocks. Prerequisites: GEOL 105 and GEOL 300. GEOL 301 is strongly recommended.

GEOL 325 Structural Geology
This course explores the processes of deformation of the Earth's crust, and how this deformation is recorded by rocks. Emphasis is placed on the correct observation and interpretation of features such as faults, folds, and shear zones. Includes lectures, discussions, labs, and field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 105, GEOL 300, and GEOL 320.

GEOL 330 Geological Field Methods
A laboratory and lecture course focusing on the principles and techniques of collecting and interpreting geologic information in the field. Students will become proficient in writing comprehensive rock descriptions, using standard field equipment such as Brunton transits and modern surveying instruments, working with appropriate computer software, and keeping accurate and complete field notes. Includes several field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105; however, additional advanced course work in geology is strongly recommended.

GEOL 350 Glacial and Quaternary Geology
An introduction to glacial processes and environments. Emphasis is placed on the origin of landforms and landscapes produced by glaciation. Related topics covered in this course include Quaternary climate change, eolian (wind) processes, river and lake systems, and periglacial processes. Includes lectures, discussion, laboratory, and field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

GEOL 354 Field Geology of Costa Rica (see Infrequently Offered Courses section of the Catalog)

GEOL 428 Environmental Geology Research
Original field or laboratory study and research in the area of environmental geology. Course requirements vary depending on the research focus and must be agreed upon by the student and supervising instructor. This course is designed to satisfy the senior thesis requirement of the Environmental Science major. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

GEOL 450 Geology Field Camp
A summer field course that integrates basic geologic skills and knowledge in the construction of geologic maps. The field camp is typically six to eight weeks in duration, and students normally attend the course during the summer between their junior and senior years. This course is not offered by St. Norbert College. Students must enroll in a field camp offered by another institution. Prerequisite: declared geology major and approval of field course by the geology discipline.

GEOL 490 Independent Study
A course that allows students to pursue an area of study on an individual basis with consultation and evaluation by a geology faculty member. Course methodology and objectives will be mutually agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Instructor Consent.

GEOL 492 Directed Research

GEOL 496 Senior Thesis
Original field or laboratory research in geology under the supervision of a faculty member in the discipline. The student is required to write a thesis summarizing the objectives, methods, data, and significant results of the research. In addition, presentation of research results at a professional meeting is encouraged. Prerequisite: geology major and approval of instructor.

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