DEPARTMENT OF
GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

CHAIR: MARCUS GILLESPIE

NAVIGATION: Geology Major | Geoscience Major | Geology Minor | Course Descriptions

FACULTY: Albert, Baldwin, Barron, Cooper, Leipnik, Netoff, Tiller, Torrez, Williams

The Department of Geography and Geology is an excellent blend of two disciplines that have a common thread. Both programs are concerned with the physical environment, its impact on and the ways that humans have modified the natural environment. Students may major or minor in either program.

Geology Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: BRIAN J. COOPER

FACULTY: Baldwin, Leipnik, Netoff, Torrez

Geology is the ultimate integrated science because all of the principles and methods of the other sciences, as well as geologic principles and methods, are applied to an understanding of the Earth. Geologists study rocks, of course, but they study them from the context of providing information that may eventually be used to forecast earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geologic hazards. The information obtained may also be applied to help geologists locate various natural resources. Therefore, geology serves to enhance human existence by attempting to reduce risk and by providing the materials necessary for the expansion of civilization.

Geology students are provided with the knowledge and skills required to pursue an applied profession, a career in education, and/or continued education at the graduate level. Geology majors generally pursue careers in three areas: the environmental industry, the petroleum industry, and teaching. Our current focus is on the environmental aspects of geology because a large number of our graduates have obtained employment in that area in recent years.
The Program offers two Bachelor of Science plans. The Geology Plan is designed for the person seeking a position in industry or planning to attend graduate school. The Geoscience Plan is designed for the person with a general interest in geology. Each plan is designed to provide an education in the fundamentals of geology. The required geology courses will give the student an understanding of the earth and will provide an opportunity to observe, investigate, analyze, and interpret geological materials, processes, and structures.

The Sam Houston Association of Geology Students (SHAGS) is a very active student organization that sponsors field trips to sites in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Alumni, professors, and other professional geologists are invited to speak at SHAGS meetings. Geology majors benefit greatly from the sense of camaraderie gained during the field trips, meetings, and other activities. SHAGS offers the Cannan Geological Scholarship and two other scholarships each year to highly qualified juniors and seniors majoring in Geology.

Scholarships: The Geology Program offers several scholarships each year to junior and senior geology majors. For information about the geology scholarships, contact the Geology Program Coordinator. The University offers additional scholarships. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website or telephone (936) 294-1672.

Bachelor of Science, Geoscience: GEL 133/113, 134/114, 354, 355, 440, 442, 445, and four Advanced GEL Electives.

GEOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GEL 133 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY. [GEOL 1303] An introduction to the materials, processes, and structure of the earth. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, mountain building, weathering and erosion, glaciation, oceans, and mineral resources. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.

GEL 113 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY. [GEOL 1103] This course must be taken concurrently with GEL 133, Physical Geology. These laboratory experiences involve the study of rocks, minerals, and map interpretations. Credit 1.

GEL 134 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY. [GEOL 1304] An introduction to the history of the earth and its past inhabitants, including a section on the dinosaurs and their extinction. This course gives a broad overview of the tectonic evolution of the planet, indicated by various major mountain-building events; ancient environments and changing sea levels recorded in sedimentary deposits; and the evolution of life represented by the fossil record. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.

GEL 114 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY. [GEOL 1104] This course must be taken concurrently with GEL 134, Historical Geology. Laboratory experiences include the study of common animal and plant fossils and problems which illustrate practical applications of geological principles. No prerequisite. Credit 1.

GEL 330 OCEANOGRAPHY. A survey of the general principles of oceanography is made. The geology of ocean basins, tide-water processes and the chemistry of sea water are studied. Biophysics of the sea and environmental problems are considered. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113. Spring, Summer I. Credit 3.

GEL 332 GEOLOGY OF TEXAS. A study of the stratigraphy, tectonic history, and present-day physiography of Texas. Topics also include mineral, water, and petroleum resources of Texas. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, GEL 134/114 are recommended. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

GEL 354 MINERALOGY. This course covers crystallography, genesis of minerals, identification and classification of minerals, and optical mineralogy. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113 and CHM 138/118, 139/119, MTH 163. Includes lab work. Odd year Fall. Credit 5.

GEL 355 PETROLOGY. The classification, origin, occurrence and associations of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Includes optical petrology using thin sections. Prerequisite: GEL 354. Even year Spring. Credit 5.

GEL 360 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY. This course offers an introduction to geological processes and materials, and how they affect people and the environment. Specific topics include earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, floods, coastal hazards, and climatic change. Optional topics may include such items as energy and water resources, subsidence, and waste disposal. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

GEL 431 GEOLOGY OF NORTH AMERICA. A study of the geologic history of the continent of North America. Topics include paleogeography, major depositional areas and stratigraphic units, and paleotectonics. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, 134/114. Even year Spring. Credit 3.

GEL 432 ECONOMIC GEOLOGY. This course is concerned with the origin and occurrence of economically important minerals. A portion of the course is devoted to petroleum. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113. Odd year Spring. Credit 3.

GEL 437 PLATE TECTONICS. An introduction to the movement of lithospheric plates. Topics to be covered include earthquakes, volcanism, seismic tomography, the evolution of continents and ocean basins, and the influence of the earth's interior on these processes. Lecture only. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, with GEL 134/114 highly recommended. Odd year Fall. Credit 3.

GEL 440 STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION. A study of the principles and methods used in describing, classifying and correlating strata. Includes studies of modern and ancient depositional environments. Lab/field work included. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113 and GEL 134/114. Odd year Spring. Credit 4.

GEL 442 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY. This course covers the principles of deformation of the Earth's lithosphere, with emphasis on mechanical principles, identification and interpretation of structures from the microscopic scale to the scale of mountain belts. Other topics include regional tectonics and application in petroleum exploration. Lab work will focus on graphical and quantitative techniques of analyzing geologic structures. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, PHY 138/119, MTH 163. Odd year Spring. Credit 4.

GEL 445 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY. Fundamental concepts, principles, and methods involved in deciphering the origin, development and extinction of past life as revealed through the study of invertebrate fossils. Prerequisites: GEL 134/114, BIO 162/112. Lab work included. Even year Fall. Credit 4.

GEL 446 HYDROGEOLOGY. An introduction to the study of groundwater and its role in the hydrologic cycle. Topics include properties and distribution of water on the surface, in the vadose zone and in aquifers; behavior, modeling, and geology of groundwater aquifers; human use and abuse of water resources, including groundwater contamination and extraction; and water law economics, and aquatic ecology. A lab with field trips will focus on measurement and modeling of groundwater. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, MTH 163. Credit 4.

GEL 460, 461 FIELD GEOLOGY. These courses will consist of on-site studies in structure, stratigraphy, petrology and paleontology. Field trips will be taken to appropriate areas in Texas and/or surrounding states. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Credit 3 hours for each course.

GEL 495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY. Individual study in special areas of geology. Topic content will usually be selected and agreed upon by the student and a member of the Geology faculty. Sometimes special topics courses will be offered by the Geology faculty. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalogue. Prerequisites and credit will be determined by the faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1, 2, or 3.