GEOL 101 Physical Geology
5 credits. 6 hours. (Lecture 4 hours. Laboratory 2 hours.)
Study of plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, resources, geologic time, and the processes that affect the surface and the interior of the earth. Laboratory analysis of rocks and minerals. Interpretation of topographic and geologic maps as investigative tools. Optional field trips.

GEOL 102 Historical Geology
3 credits. 4 hours. (Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours.)
Prerequisite: GEOL 101.
History of the earth from its origin as a planet to the present time. Succession of geologic formations and their contained fossils in revealing the evolution of the earth and forms of life throughout the four and a half billion years of geologic time. Laboratory analysis of geologic problems and identification of fossils. Optional field trip.

GEOL 103 Environmental Geology
5 credits. 6 hours. (Lecture 4 hours. Laboratory 2 hours.)
Introduces fundamental concepts and philosophy of environmental study; discusses natural hazards with underlying causes and human interaction with the environment; applies environmental concepts to problems of pollution, garbage, and hazardous waste; explores the source, types, availability, and evaluates intelligent use of geologic resources; suggests techniques for hazard prevention and remediation; addresses current media topics concerning the environment.

GEOL 110 Oceanography
4 credits. 5 hours. (Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours.)
Ocean as part of Earth’s dynamic and ecologic systems. Influence of the ocean on atmosphere, climate, and land processes. Ocean stewardship, problems, and policy.

GEOL 180 Energy and the Environment
5 credits. 7 hours. (Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 4 hours.)
Introduces fundamental concepts of energy generation and environmental impact. Analysis of energy fundamentals, fossil fuel exploration and use, atmospheric pollution, global warming, nuclear energy, alternative energy sources and energy conservation.
Optional field trips.

GEOL 199 Special Topics
1-3 credits. 1-3 hours. (Lecture 1-3 hours.)
A focused study of a topic in geology. May take the form of individual research projects based on library, internet, and/or oral presentation information; field or laboratory project; and short courses such as, but not limited to, topics in environmental geology, national parks, earthquakes, rock and minerals.

GEOL 214 Geology Field Study in the Midwestern U.S.
1-3 credits. 1-3 hours. (Field Studies 1-3 hours.)
Prerequisite: GEOL 101.
Study of selected locations in the Midwest during a field trip. Location of field trip varies. Apply basic geologic principles and collect rock and mineral samples.

GEOL 215 Geology Field Study
3 credits. 3 hours. (Field Studies 3 hours.)
Prerequisite: GEOL 101.
Study of selected locations in the Western United States during a field trip. Location of field trip varies. Apply basic geologic principles and collect rock and mineral samples.