Geology (G)

G 140: Natural Disasters (3)
As Will Durant observed, "Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice." This course will investigate large natural events that impact society on a yearly basis, events such as earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, landslides, sinkholes, floods, and weather hazards. This course will investigate both the geologic principles as well as the societal impacts of these events
Terms Typically Offered: Winter
G 180: Regional Field Geology (4)
This course is a field study of geology features and history in a selected region. Consists of on-campus meetings and a multi-day field trip to illustrate the geologic setting, stratigraphy, structure, topography, age, origin, specific events through geologic time, and features unique to the region
Terms Typically Offered: Spring
G 201: General Geology I (4)
This course comprises an introduction to the study of the Earth, the rocks and minerals that make up the geosphere, and the processes that create and change those materials. Rocks and minerals, volcanism, earthquakes and seismology, plate tectonics, crustal deformation, and geologic resources will be covered. Courses in the G 201, G 202, G 203 series are not sequential and can be taken in any order
Terms Typically Offered: Fall
G 202: General Geology II (4)
This course introduces geologic processes that shape the Earth’s surface including weathering and erosion, mass wasting, deserts, coasts, oceans, rivers, and glaciers. Environmental topics including ground and surface water use and pollution, global change, and energy resources will also be covered. Courses in the G 201, G 202, G 203 series are not sequential and can be taken in any order
Terms Typically Offered: Winter
G 203: General Geology III (4)
​This course comprises an introduction to the history of the Earth and the fossil record as recorded in the rock record. MTH 060 or MTH 104 recommended. Optional field excursions to areas of geologic interest. Courses in the G 201, G 202, G 203 series are not sequential and can be taken in any order
Terms Typically Offered: Spring
G 221: Environmental Geology (4)
This course will emphasize the occurrence and distribution of geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, and slope failure and geologic resources, such as water, air, minerals and energy. The interactions between humans and the geologic environment, including mitigation strategies, will also be covered
Terms Typically Offered: Fall