Northeastern State University

GEOLOGY (GEOL)

Note: # following course titles indicates a Liberal Arts and Sciences course. At least 50 percent of the major must be advanced (3000, 4000) courses within the College of Science and Health Professions; 50 percent of the major must be earned at NSU.

1114 Physical Geology #

Modern concepts of the earth’s physical makeup, including minerals and rocks, landform development, crustal structure, and plate tectonics. Laboratory emphasis on mineral and rock identification and topographic and geologic map reading. Prerequisite: for most other geology courses. Field trip required.

2004 Historical Geology #

Methods of historical reconstruction of the earth, the sequence of life recorded by the fossil record, and the geologic evolution of North America. Laboratory emphasis on fossil identification, the reconstruction of ancient environments, and geologic map reading. Field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114 or permission of instructor.

3113 Geology of the Economic Non/Metallic Minerals #

An introduction to the geology and environmental aspects of fossil fuel mineral exploration and production. Emphasis is on the origin, exploration, drilling, and production methods of roil and gas and the origin, mining methods, and rehabilitation practices for coal production. Includes the environmental concerns associated with exploration and production of these important minerals. Required field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114 or permission of instructor.

3213 Geology of the Economic Metallic Minerals #

An introduction to the geology and environmental aspects involved with exploration and production of the economically important metallic minerals. Topics covered include origin, surface and underground mining methods, ore beneficiation, mining law, rehabilitation practices, and associated environmental concerns. Required field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114 or permission.

3314 Structural Geology #

Principles and interpretation of folding and faulting, the behavior of earth materials during such deformation, and the economic potential of the resulting structures. Laboratory emphasis on the analysis of geologic structures. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114.

3413 Field Geology #

Various methods of obtaining accurate field data. Designed to give the student insight into the problems of geology field work. Appropriate field problem by arrangement. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114, 2004, 3314.

4000 Special Topics in Geology #

Selected studies in Geology. Course may be repeated with a change of subject matter for a maximum of 6 hours.

4113 Oceanography #

Relating the various aspects of sea water, its movement, chemistry, physical properties and behavior, living organisms, etc., to the economic and recreational uses of man.

4124 Mineralogy #

Crystallography and systematic study of mineral groups and their genesis. Laboratory devoted to the identification of minerals by physical and chemical properties and the classification of rocks composed of these minerals. Prerequisites: GEOL 1114, CHEM 1123, or permission of the instructor.

4134 Environmental Geology #

Relationship and application of geology to environmental problems. Topics include: ground water, land stability, flooding, mining and mine land reclamation, and waste disposal. Laboratory includes procedures for identifying and mitigating geology related environmental problems. Field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1114 or SCI 4123.

4213 Invertebrate Paleontology #

Survey of the most important groups of fossil invertebrates. Includes identification, anatomy, evolution, paleoecological relationships, and stratigraphic use. Laboratory includes taphonomy, taxonomy, correlation, paleoecology, methods of paleontological research, and field trips. Prerequisite: A course in Zoology, Geology, or Biology.

4223 Vertebrate Paleontology #

Study of the taxonomy, skeletal anatomy and history of the most important groups of fossil vertebrates. Includes paleoecological relationships, morphological changes and faunas through time. Laboratory includes identification of common fossils, collection and preservation methods, museum visits and field trips. Prerequisite: A course in Zoology, Geology, or Biology.