Geology
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Geology course offerings
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, labs and field trips. Fall and Spring semesters. Fulfills General Education Area 4 – Natural Science.
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. Fall semester. Fulfills General Education Area 4 – Natural Science.
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. Fulfills General Education Area 4 – Natural Science.
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 a detailed study of the geologic history of Wisconsin within the context of the Lake Superior region. Includes lectures, discussions, labs and field trips. Fulfills General Education Area 4 – Natural Science.
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. Prerequisite: GEOL 105.
GEOL 240 Tectonics
( See Infrequently Offered Courses section of the college 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 also 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 emphasis on the interdependence and coevolution of its physical, chemical, geological and biological systems. Knowledge of Earth’s past through “deep time” provides a unique perspective for understanding the unprecedented rates of change in modern environments, including the impact of humans on ecosystems, pollution, resources and climate. The course includes lectures, discussions, a weekly laboratory and fieldtrips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105 when offered as a non-GS course. May not be taken by Geology majors to fulfill the GS 11 requirement. Fulfills General Education Area 11 – Global Society.
GEOL 307 World Resources – GS 11
A course focusing on the geologic origins, settings, uses and management of the Earth’s energy resources (e.g. hydrocarbons, geothermal energy), minerals and water. Special emphasis is placed on resource conservation and environmental issues in the context of the unequal global distribution of resources. This course includes frequent class discussions and debates in addition to lectures, labs and fieldtrips. May not be taken by Geology majors to fulfill the GS 11 requirement. Fulfills General Education Area 11 – Global Society.
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 and diagenesis; 4) classification schemes for sedimentary rock nomenclature; 5) the arrangement and correlation of sedimentary rocks. Prerequisites: GEOL 105 and GEOL 300. GEOL 320 and GEOL 301 are 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, labs and field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105.
GEOL 354 Field Geology of Costa Rica
( See Infrequently Offered Courses section of the college catalog)
GEOL 389 Special Topics
A course designed for group study of a subject matter of special interest. Typically applied to an extended field trip offered during winter break or spring break with associated lectures, labs, research and/or literature review. Special topics courses that include a field trip require an additional fee to cover travel expenses. Prerequisite: GEOL 105 and Instructor’s consent.
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: Instructor’s consent.
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 take 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. Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
GEOL 492 Directed Research
An arranged course involving substantial laboratory and/or field research in an area of interest to the student and under the supervision of one or more geology faculty members. This course may be based on a group project. Students who wish to use a summer research experience performed at another institution for GEOL 492 credit must have the discipline’s approval prior to undertaking the research. Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent or discipline approval.
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 Instructor’s consent.
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