Bulletin Course Descriptions

DISCLAIMER: Not all courses listed are available on a consistent basis. Please contact the Department of Geology for any questions regarding the availability of higher level, special focus courses.

GEL 100 Introduction to Earth Systems

GEL 101 Physical Geology
GEL 102 Physical Geology Laboratory

GEL 105 Environmental Geology

GEL 130 Earth Processes

GEL 201 Earth History

GEL 203 Geology of the National Parks

GEL 230 Prehistoric Life

GEL 275 Special Problems in Geology

GEL 290 Introduction to Geologic Investigations

GEL 297 Independent Study

GEL 301 Geology and Michigan

GEL 303 Oceanography: Marine Geology

GEL 304 Energy Resources

GEL 310 Introductory Mineralogy

GEL 320 Rocks

GEL 321 Introductory Petrology

GEL 331 Field Petrology

GEL 370 Structural Geology

GEL 372 Introduction to Geophysics

GEL 380 Hydrogeology

GEL 385 Introductory Petroleum Geology

GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry

GEL 406 Senior Thesis

GEL 413 Geomorphology

GEL 430 Invertebrate Paleontology

GEL 435 Vertebrate Paleontology

GEL 440 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

GEL 450 Geology Field Camp

GEL 460 Geochemistry

GEL 515 Advanced Mineralogical Techniques

GEL 521 Petrology II

GEL 522 Petrology I

GEL 525 Sedimentology

GEL 530 Practicum: Paleontology and Stratigraphy

GEL 531 Micropaleontology

GEL 545 Biostratigraphy

GEL 572 Advanced Geophysics

GEL 575 Special Studies in Geology

GEL 597 Independent Study

GEL 650 Geologic Materials for Science Teachers

GEL 660 Organic Geochemistry

GEL 665 Inorganic Geochemistry

GEL 670 Advanced Structural Geology

GEL 675 Special Studies in Geology

GEL 690 Earth Evolution

GEL 697 Independent Study

GEL 730 Seminar in Geology

GEL 798 Thesis

GEL 100 Introduction to Earth Systems 3(2-2) F, Sp
A discovery-based introductory examination of the processes that shapr our planet. Topics include the rock cycle, earthquakes, volcanoes, the Ice Age, and plate tectonics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement (Group IIA). Credit may not be earned in both GEL 100 and 101,102,105, or 130.

GEL 101 Physical Geology 3(3-0) F, Sp
An introduction to the processes that shape our world. Topics include minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, the Ice Age, and continental drift. (Group II-A). Credit may not be earned in both GEL 1001 and 105,100 or 130.

GEL 102 Physical Geology Laboratory 1(0-2) F, Sp
Laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and geologic processes. Prerequisites or corequisites: one of the following: GEL101, 202, 203, or 301. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. (Group II-A). Credit may not be earned in both GEL 102 and 100 or 130.

GEL 105 Environmental Geology 3(3-0) F, Sp
A survey of the socially important geological topics that affect people and their environment. These include energy, pollution, and geologic hazards. (Group II-A). Credit may not be earned in both GEL 105 and 100, 101 or 130.

GEL 130 Earth Processes 3(2-2) F, Sp
An introduction to geologic processes from a quantitative perspective. Students will investigate rates and scales of processes including earthquakes, erosion, mountain building, and resource formation. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement (Group IIB). Credit may not be earned in both GEL 130 and 100, 101,102, or 105.

GEL 201 Earth History 3(2-2) F, Sp
The earth's history as revealed in the rock record. Geologic processes and concepts are applied to the evolution of North America and life through geologic time. Prerequisite: GEL 101 or GEL 202.

GEL 203 Geology of the National Parks 3(3-0) Sp (Odd Year)
Study of the geologic processes responsible for creating the areas set aside as National Parks and National Monuments. Recommended for the traveler, naturalist, or park administrator.

GEL 230 Prehistoric Life 3(3-0) F, Sp
An introduction to the three-billion-year history of life on earth. Topics include the origin of life, mass extinctions, history of dinosaurs, and evolution of mammals.

GEL 275 Special Problems in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
A study of special topics presented on demand when sufficient students and interested faculty are available.

GEL 290 Introduction to Geologic Investigations 3 (2-2) F
An introduction to methods of geologic research and investigation. Topics include information gathering (library, internet), field methods (observations, measurements, sampling, map-making), and report writing. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or 130.

GEL 297 Independent Study 1-3(Spec) F, Sp
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than three credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisite: 101 or consent of instructor.

GEL 301 Geology and Michigan 3(3-0) D
An introduction to geological processes as they apply to the past and present geologic history of Michigan. Particularly recommended for students in education. Not recommended for students who have completed 101. GEL 102 co-registration recommended. (Group II-A)

GEL 303 Oceanography: Marine Geology 3(3-0) Sp (Odd Year)
Introduction to methods and equipment used to study the geology of ocean floors and the dynamic processes responsible for the formation of ocean basins. Prerequisite: GEL 101, 202, 203, 301, ESC 205.

GEL 304 Energy Resources 3(3-0) D
Various forms of energy in the universe. Sources of energy- producing materials with emphasis on conservation and depletion when consumption of energy is accelerating. Prerequisite: junior standing.

GEL 310 Introductory Mineralogy 4(3-3) F
Introduction to crystallography. Physical and chemical properties, and descriptions of basic groups and classifications of minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 202 and 102; CHM 131 or 161 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 320 Rocks 3(2-3) Sp
Origin, interpretation, and hand-specimen identification of rock materials; for non-geology majors. Prerequisites: GEL 101 and GEL 102, or consent of instructor.

GEL 321 Introductory Petrology 4(3-3) Sp
Genesis and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Identification and description of hand samples and thin-sections with emphasing petrogenesis. Optical mineralogy of common rock-forming minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 310.

GEL 331 Field Petrology 2(Spec)D
Intoduction to techniques of structural analysis and geochemical sampling in crystalline rock. Field description and note-taking skills stressed during 1-3 week field excursion. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 310 and 321.

GEL 370 Structural Geology 3(2-3) F
Theoretical and applied study of structures developed by deformation of the earth's crust at microscopic, macroscopic, and regional scales. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201, MTH 132 or 136.

GEL 372 Introduction to Geophysics 3(2-3) F
A survey of the physical properties and structure of the earth, and the basic geophysical techniques by which they are known. Prerequisites: PHY 130 or 145, MTH 132 or 136.

GEL 380 Hydrogeology 3(2-3) F
Introduction to the study of groundwater, groundwater flow, well hydraulics, groundwater quality and pollution and resource exploration, evaluation, and management. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 202; GEL 102; MTH 106 or higher; junior standing.

GEL 385 Introductory Petroleum Geology 3(2-2) D
Petroleum deposits of the earth: location, origin, and occurrence. Technical aspects of exploration and production, emphasizing petroleum and natural gas formations of Michigan. Prerequisites: GEL 201.

GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry 3(2-3) D
Explores geochemical aspects of current and local environmental issues such as water and soil pollution. Emphasizes data collection, problem solving, and preparation of environmental reports. Prerequisite: GEL 380, CHM 132 or consent of instructor.

GEL 406 Senior Thesis 3(Spec) F, Sp
Senior level research project approved by the geology faculty. Results of the research project must be presented in a written thesis and oral report. Prerequisite: senior standing.

GEL 413 Geomorphology 3(3-0) Sp
Geologic approach to geomorphology with emphasis on quantitative analysis, dynamics of landform evolution, and use of geomorphology in solving geologic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 320 or 321; ESC 210 and STA 282 recommended.

GEL 430 Invertebrate Paleontology 3(2-2) F
A general survey of the taxonomy, phylogeny, identification, stratigraphy, and paleoecology of the major fossil invertebrate groups. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201; BIO 101 and 218 are helpful.

GEL 440 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 3(2-2) Sp
Stratigraphy is concerned with the study of layered rocks and their interrelationships. Sedimentology considers properties of sedimentary rocks that allow interpretations of depositional processes. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201 and GEL 320 or GEL 321.

GEL 450 Geology Field Camp 5(Spec) D
Actual field experience in mapping and interpreting various terrains. Student will construct a map and write a report based on observations. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEL 320 or 321, or consent of instructor.

GEL 460 Geochemistry 3(3-0) D
Basic principles of geochemistry, involving distribution and significance of elements in natural systems, as well as processes which affect this distribution. Prerequisites: one semester of chemistry or equivalent. GEL 320 or 321 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 515 Advanced Mineralogical Techniques 3(2-3) D
Development of analytical techniques in mineralogy, including identification methods, composition determinations, and procedures in petrofabric analysis. Prerequisite: GEL 315.

GEL 521 Petrology II 3(2-3) D
Genesis of metamorphic and non-clastic sedimentary rocks including thin-section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisite: GEL 331

GEL 522 Petrology I 3(2-3) D
Genesis of igneous and clastic sedimentary rocks including thin- section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisites: GEL 320, 315, with a grade of C+ or better, or permission of instructor.

GEL 525 Sedimentology 4(3-2) D
Mechanisms of transport and deposition of sediments. The physical bases for textures, structures, and fabrics in sedimentary rocks. Environmental and facies analyses. Prerequisites: GEL 440 or permission of instructor.

GEL 530 Practicum: Paleontology and Stratigraphy 6(Spec) D
Study of invertebrate fossils (shells and biochemical products), stratigraphic sections, and the sedimentary environments as they are related. Prerequisite: GEL 201.

GEL 531 Micropaleontology 3(0-6) D
The classification, stratigraphy, paleoecology, and laboratory preparation of the major groups of microfossils. These include foraminifera, ostracods, conodonts, radiolarians, diatoms, cocco- lithophorids, dinoflagellates, and acritarchs. Prerequisite: GEL 430 or consent of instructor.

GEL 545 Biostratigraphy 3(2-2) D
The principles and concepts of graphic and quantitative biostratigraphic correlation. Paleoecology and how it affects and relates to biostratigraphy. Prerequisites: GEL 430, 440, or equivalent.

GEL 572 Advanced Geophysics 4(2-6) D
Detailed aspects of theory, procedures, and analysis of seismology, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity as applied to investigations of specific structural and tectonic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 370 and 372, MTH 133 or 137, or consent of instructor.

GEL 575 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
Announced topics of special interest to mature students who wish to explore a problem in depth with a staff member who wishes to direct the group. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

GEL 597 Independent Study 1-6(Spec) D
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than three credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: department chairperson and instructor approval.

GEL 650 Geologic Materials for Science Teachers 3(3-0) D
Study of geologic topics treated in primary and secondary curricula. Development of field and laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: Six credits in earth science and geology; graduate standing or consent of instructor or department chairperson.

GEL 660 Organic Geochemistry 3(3-0)D
The source, deposition, alternation, and composition of organic materials found in sediments. Emphasis will be on geochemistry of petroleum and natural gas. Prerequisites: CHM 132 and CHM 342 or 346, GEL 440, GEL 385 recommended; or equivalent.

GEL 665 Inorganic Geochemistry 3(3-0) D
The application of physiochemical principles to inorganic processes on and within the earth with emphasis on geochronology and igneous rocks. Prerequisites: GEL 520 or 521, CHM 351.

GEL 670 Advanced Structural Geology 3(2-2) D
Principles and concepts of quantitative structural geology with emphasis on application to exploration. Prerequisites: GEL 370, GEL 372.

GEL 675 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
Announced topic of special interest to a student group and to faculty member who wishes to work with the group. Prerequisites: Major or minor in geology or consent of department chairperson.

GEL 690 Earth Evolution 3(2-2) D
An integrated course in which many of the advanced theories of geology are interwoven in the context of plate tectonics and planetary evolution. Prerequisites: GEL 370, GEL 372.

GEL 697 Independent Study 1-6(Spec) D
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of personal interest with faculty guidance. More than three credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of geology faculty member.

GEL 730 Seminar in Geology 1-4 (Spec) D
Seminar on various general and specific topics of a timely nature in geology. Prerequisite: Graduate status in geology.

GEL 798 Thesis 1-6 (Spec) D
A demonstration of research skills based on a laboratory and/or field study culminated in a scientific report. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: Graduate status.