DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

Major in Geology | Major in Geoscience | Teacher Certification | Minor in Geology | Course Descriptions

CHAIR: Marcus Gillespie

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 web site at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.

Department of Geography and Geology Website

REQUIRED COURSES FOR GEOLOGY MAJOR

Bachelor of Science, Geology: GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114, 334, 344, 345, 440, 442, 460, 461, and three Advanced GEL Electives.

Bachelor of Science, Geoscience: GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114, 334, 344, 345, 440, 442, and five Advanced GEL Electives.

Curriculum: Major in Geology

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Curriculum: Major in Geoscience

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

A minor in geography, science, or mathematics is strongly recommended.

Curriculum: Major in Composite Science (Geology Emphasis)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

*TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Students seeking teacher certification at the secondary level should use their 14 elective hours and an additional 10 hours to satisfy the certification requirements (SED 383, 394, 464, 480, 496 and 497; RDG 392; SED 374 or PSY 374). Those students not seeking certification should use their electives to fulfill the university requirements for advanced hours.

MINOR IN GEOLOGY

GEL 132/112 or 133/113, plus 134/114 and 12 hours advanced geology.

GEOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GEL 132 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND RESOURCES. [GEOL 1305] An introduction to the interrelationship between humans and the geologic environment. This includes the potential hazards posed by geologic processes, and the planning that needs to be done to lessen their impact. Earth materials and their uses by humans are also emphasized. No prerequisite. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 3.

GEL 112 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND RESOURCES. [GEOL 1105] This course must be taken concurrently with GEL 132, Geologic Resources and Hazards. Laboratory experiences include map and air photo interpretation, analysis of remote sensing data, and study of economically important earth materials. Field trips and take-home computer exercises are also required. Credit 1.

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 334 GEOCHEMISTRY. A general introduction to all types of geochemistry that includes a discussion of the underlying chemical concepts, with an emphasis on the applications to geological environments. The chemical concepts include isotopic chemistry, thermodynamics, crystal chemistry, and aqueous solutions. The geological metasomatism, geothermobarometry, and environmental geochemistry. Prerequisites: GEL 132/112 or GEL 133/113 plus CHM 138/118. Even year Fall. Credit 3.

GEL 335 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. This course focuses on geologic energy resources, use, and their environmental impact. The case will be made for the link between population growth, industrialization, and the critical need for developing existing energy resources as well as developing strategies for new energy sources and energy conservation. The impact of energy development and exploitation on the health of the ecosphere will be stressed throughout. Alternative and renewable energy sources are evaluated. The course format will rely heavily on a case study approach. Specific topics will include such things as plate tectonics and energy resources, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, renewable energy resources, and our energy future. Prerequisites: GEL 132/112 or 133/113. Credit 3.

GEL 344 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 4.

GEL 345 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 4.

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 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 catalog. Prerequisites and credit will be determined by the faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1, 2, or 3.