Major in Geology | Major in Geoscience | Minor in Geology | Course Descriptions
Chair: Marcus Gillespie (936) 294-1233
Faculty: Don Albert, Chris Baldwin, Cody Barron, Brian Cooper, Marcus Gillespie, Gang Gong, Mark Leipnik, Velvet Nelson, Dennis Netoff, Jim Tiller, and C. Allen Williams(Emeritus)
Website: https://www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo
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.
The primary mission of the Department of Geography and Geology is to provide students of the two complimentary programs a comprehensive understanding of the range and depth of these scientific disciplines which encompass, respectively, the human and physical domains of geography, and the physical and historical domains of geology. This understanding is intended to enable our students to achieve their full potential as skilled professionals and well-qualified technical employees in a diverse range of companies and governmental organizations, and to become effective teachers and community leaders. Our programs enable students to become informed users of a range of technologies and prudent stewards of our natural resources. This understanding of the world will promote successful careers, active life-long learning, and an ability and desire to contribute positively to society.
Coordinator: Brian J. Cooper (936) 294-1566
Faculty: Chris Baldwin, Mark Leipnik, Dennis Netoff,
Website: https://www.shsu.edu/~gel_geo/
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.
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. The Composite Science plan is for someone wanting certification to teach at the secondary level. 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.
Located on the third floor of the Lee Drain Building, the department maintains both a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab and a combination GIS and remote sensing lab. These labs contain state-of-the-art computers, software and scanners. We also have a van for fieldtrips, a Zodiac watercraft used for field research, a coring device capable of taking 20-foot core samples, highquality GPS receivers, and a large-scale flume to demonstrate sedimentation processes. In order to enhance learning, all of our rooms are outfitted with video-projection systems, and our lecture rooms have sound systems and dedicated computers with Internet access that are used by the instructors for teaching purposes. Many of our students obtain internships and work with faculty members on research projects.
Geology majors generally pursue careers in three areas:
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.
Geography, Geographic Information Systems, science minor, Mathematics, or Computer Sciences
Sam Houston Association of Geology Students (SHAGS) – 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.
Educational and research opportunities using GIS are available through a variety of internship opportunities that will increase students’ skills and employment opportunities.
• SHAGS SCHOLARSHIP: $500 per year, awarded to two students, junior or senior status, Geology majors,minimum GPA of 3.0, faculty recommendations required.
• CANNAN GEOLOGICAL SCHOLARSHIPS: $600 per year, junior or senior status, Geology majors, minimum GPA of 3.2 in Geology and overall 3.0, faculty recommendations required.
• HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD: Awards and scholarships
funded by the Houston Geological Society given to just seven universities in Texas.
• HOUSTON GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship recipients are determined by a faculty committee during the Spring semester.
Geology program specific requirements include 8 hours in each of CHM and PHY; 4 hours of BIO,
plus 7-8 hours of MTH.
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.
Major in Geology
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| GEL 132/112 or 133/113 | 4 | GEL 334, 344, 345 | 11 |
| GEL 134/114 | 4 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | BIO 162/112 plus 161/111 or 137/117 | 4 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | KIN 215 | 1 |
| MTH 142 plus 143 or 379 | 7-8 | Component Area 5 (Social & Behavioral Sciences) | 3 |
| CS 133 | 3 | HIS 163, 164 | 6 |
| 32-33 | 28 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| GEL 440, 442, GEL (Adv) | 11-12 | GEL 460, 461 | 6 |
| PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | Two Advanced GEL Electives | 6-8 |
| POL 261 | 3 | Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | POL (200-level) | 3 |
| Courses in accepted minor | 6 | Courses in accepted minor | 12 |
| 31-32 | 30-32 |
Major in Geology – Geoscience Plan
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| GEL 132/112 or 133/113 | 4 | GEL 334, 344, 345 | 11 |
| GEL 134/114 | 4 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | BIO 162/112 plus 161/111 or 137/117 | 8 |
| MTH 163, 170, 142 or more advanced | 6-7 | HIS 163,164 | 6 |
| CS 133 | 3 | Component Area 5 (Social & Behavioral Sciences) | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | 33 | |
| 32-33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| GEL 440, 442, GEL (Adv) | 11-12 | Four Advanced GEL Electives | 12-14 |
| PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | POL (200-level) | 3 |
| POL 261 | 3 | Courses in accepted minor | 12 |
| Courses in accepted minor | 6 | 30-32 | |
| 31-32 |
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 332 Forensic Geology. The course covers many of the basic geological principles and techniques used in
solving crime. A significant part of the course will involve case studies as well as
hands-on field and laboratory analyses. Prerequisite: GEL132/112 or GEL 133/113
plus CHM 138/118, 139/119, and MTH 163. Even year Fall. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. Odd year Fall. Credit 5.
GEL 345 Petrology. The classification, origin, occurrence and associations of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Includes optical petrology using thin sections. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: GEL 344. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites: GEL 133/113, PHY 138/119, MTH 163. Odd year Spring. Credit 4.
GEL 443 Methods in Applied Geophysics. Applied Geophysics involves measurements made on the surface of the Earth that
are interpreted to yield the distribution of subsurface properties, particularly those
having economic and engineering importance. This course provides an introduction
to the latest methods used to map the distribution of physical properties beneath the
surface of the Earth, and is widely recommended for students who plan to pursue careers
that directly or indirectly involve subsurface imaging and anaysis. Prerequisites:
GEL132/112 or 133/113, MTH 142, PHY 138/118, PHY 139/119, or by permission of
instructor. Odd years Fall. Credit 3.
GEL 444 Sea Level Change and the Geological Record. This course will examine the various modern causes of relative and absolute sea level change. The course also will involve the analysis of ancient geological sedimentary and stratigraphic records from the perspective of what they reveal about rates and scales of sea level change in the past, as well as implications for the future. Sequence stratigraphic concepts (commonly used in the petroleum industry) will be critically examined via field-based, and paper and core-based studies. Prerequisites: GEL 132/112 or GEL 133/113 and GEL 134, or permission of instructor. Even 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. Fall, Spring, Summer. Credit 1, 2, or 3.