Geology
Information
Eric Hiatt, Chair
Department Office: Harrington Hall 215
Department Telephone: (920) 424-4460
Geology
Faculty
| Hallett |
Paulsen
|
| Hiatt |
Peterson
|
|
Johnson
|
Wenner |
Degrees
- Undergraduate: A major in Geology can lead to the degree(s): Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science; A major in Secondary Earth Science Education can lead to the degree: Bachelor of Science in Education.
- Graduate: None
Summary of Fields of Study
1. Goal(s)
- A Geology degree from UW Oshkosh provides a gateway to a diverse career focused on the Earth, environment, sustainability, and climate change.
- Geology is the science of the whole Earth system–earthquakes, volcanoes, resources, life, environment, and climate.
- The Geology Department at UW Oshkosh focuses on undergraduate education in geology and provides exceptional hands-on and field experiences.
- Career opportunities are abundant and diverse. Some geologists work outdoors, and others work in laboratories. Still, most have a mixture of time outside, in the lab, and office.
- Are you interested in the Earth, its environment, and climate, and like to be outdoors? If so, Geology is for you!
2. The Major(s)
- The Department offers two majors: 1) Geology, and 2) Secondary Earth Science Education. In addition to the basic Geology major, the Department offers a choice of two emphases within the Geology major: 1) Professional emphasis in Geology, and 2) Professional emphasis in Hydrogeology.
- Students pursuing double majors may wish to formulate an individually planned program and should consult with the Department Chairperson.
3. The Minor(s)
- The Department offers two minors: 1) Geology, and 2) Secondary Earth Science Education.
Admission/Graduation Requirements
- To be eligible for graduation, students must meet all requirements for the degree being sought in addition to earning a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses required for the Geology major or minor.
- Those students seeking Wisconsin teacher certification must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in all courses required for their majors and minors in order to meet requirements of the College of Education and Human Services.
Required Core Courses
Geology
- One of the following three courses:
- Geology 102 Physical Geology 4-5 crs.
- Geology 110 Honors: Geology 5 crs.
- Geology 150 Environmental Geology 4-5 crs.
- (Exception: Secondary Earth Science majors must take Geology 150)
- Followed by these three courses:
- Geology 109 Evolution of the Earth 4 crs.
- Geology 205 Mineralogy 4 crs.
- Geology 206 Lithology 4 crs.
- One course from the following list (minimum of 2 crs.)
- Geology 342 Applied Field Methods
- Geology 344 Field Geology
- Geology 360 Field Course in Geology
- Geology 445 Internship in Geology
- Prerequisites: Note that Chemistry 105 must be taken before or concurrently with Mineralogy, Geology 205 and that the Chemistry courses have Math prerequisites.
- Comment: Students who elect either Professional Emphasis are expected to take a substantial number of courses in mathematics and other sciences, as specified below.
The Major(s), with Emphases and/or Options
1. Geology Major Options
A. The Geology major (no emphasis) is recommended for students who want a general, non-professional liberal art education. For students wishing to pursue a career in geology, select one of the two emphases within the major is recommended.
-
- Required Credits: 44 minimum
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Chemistry/Physics (10 crs.): Chemistry 105 and 106; OR Physics 107 and 108; OR Physics 191* and 192*
*Recommended course sequence
- Chemistry/Physics (10 crs.): Chemistry 105 and 106; OR Physics 107 and 108; OR Physics 191* and 192*
- Electives: Sufficient courses from the Department’s offerings to meet the Minimum Requirement.
B. Geology Major with Professional Emphasis
Recommended for students who plan graduate studies in Geology or who will ultimately seek professional employment as a geologist. This emphasis stresses courses traditionally included in an undergraduate major in geology.
Recommended for students who plan graduate studies in Geology or who will ultimately seek professional employment as a geologist. This emphasis stresses courses traditionally included in an undergraduate major in geology.
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- Required Credits: 28 in addition to the 44 credits for the Geology Major.
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Geology: Geology 309, 314, 326 or 369, 331
- 6 credits from the following list: Geology 308, 311, 320, 322, 326 or 369**, 333, 365.
- **Only if not used in previous list.
- Chemistry/Physics Sequence (10 crs.) not taken in the Major: Chemistry 105 and 106; OR Physics 171 and 172; OR Physics 191* and 192*
*Recommended course sequence - Mathematics: Mathematics 171 and 172
- Computer Skills: One course from the following list: Computer Science 142 or 221; or Geography 240 or 241; or Mathematics 201.
- Other Requirements: Six credits of field geology taught in a summer field course that has been pre-approved by the Geology Department. Please consult with the Geology Department Chair during the fall term if you are planning to take a field geology course other than Geology 344.
- Electives: For students who wish to take additional courses beyond the minimum requirement, these studies are recommended:
-
-
- Biology: Biology 105
- Chemistry: Chemistry 311
- Mathematics: Mathematics 201 or 301
-
C. Geology Major with Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology
Recommended for students who plan graduate studies in Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Environmental Geology or Water Resources Management programs. Also suitable for students who will seek immediate employment in one of these fields.
-
- Required Credits: 28 in addition to the 44 credits for the Geology Major.
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Geology: Geology 314, 320 or 335, 326 or 369, 331, 365, 366
- Chemistry/Physics Sequence (10 crs.) not taken in the Major: Chemistry 105 and 106; OR Physics 171 and 172; OR Physics 191* and 192*
*Recommended course sequence - Mathematics: Mathematics 171 and 172.
- Computer Skills: One course from the following list: Computer Science 142 or 221; or Geography 240 and 241; or Mathematics 201.
- Other Requirements: Six credits of field geology taught in a summer field course that has been pre-approved by the Geology Department. Please consult with the Geology Department Chair during the fall term if you are planning to take a field geology course other than Geology 344.
- Electives: For students who wish to expand their background by taking additional courses in related topics offered by another department, these studies are recommended:
2. Secondary Earth Science Education Major
Recommended for students who are in Education and wish to teach Earth Science at the junior or senior high school level.
- Required Credits: 39 minimum (Required courses in departments other than Geology are not included in the minimum except for Physics 103 and Geography 121.
- Required Courses: In addition to the Core Courses:
- Geology: Geology 309, 320 or 335, 328, 344
- Physics: Physics 103
- Geography: Geography 121
- Mathematics: Mathematics 108 or 104
- Other Requirements: Two semesters of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- Prerequisites: Note that Geology 331 is a prerequisite for Geology 344.
The Minor(s)
1. Geology Minor
- Required Credits: 22 minimum in Geology
- Required Courses:
- Geology: Geology 102 or 110 or 150; 109.
- Electives: Sufficient courses from the Department’s offerings to meet the Minimum Requirement.
2. Secondary Earth Science Education Minor
- Required Credits: 33 minimum
- Required Courses:
- Geology: Geology 109, 150, 205, 206, 309, 320 or 335, 328.
- Physics: Physics 103.
- Geography: Geography 121.
Course Offerings
| Geology 102 | 1 – 5 (crs.) |
| Earth: Dynamic Planet (XL) | |
| Scientific study of Earth’s origin, make up, environment, and climate. Includes minerals, rocks, and water, and the study of geological processes such as erosion, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Laboratories illustrate geological methods of scientific inquiry by studies of minerals, rocks, deformation, groundwater, topographic and geologic maps, and by a field trip. This class is appropriate for all majors and meets a requirement for those seeking to major or minor in geology, and is very useful for students seeking to be science teachers. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 110 or 150. (3+2) (Fall-Spring). Special course fees may apply. | |
| Geology 102Q1 | 1 – 5 (crs.) |
| Physical Geology (XL) | |
| The nature and origin of rocks and the study of geological processes such as erosion, earthquakes, mountain building and plate tectonics. Laboratories illustrate geological methods of scientific inquiry by studies of minerals, rocks, rock deformation, topographic and geologic maps, and by a field trip. Discussions of sustainability in the context of earth and its resources and natural hazards. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 110 or 150. (3+2 or 3+2+1) (Fall-Spring). Special course fees may apply. | |
| Geology 104Q2 | 4 (crs.) |
| The Sustainable Earth (XL) | |
| In-depth examination of the ways that humans can live sustainably with Earth. Includes inquiry activities that examine the social, ethical, environmental and economic impacts of humans living with: plate tectonic processes; natural hazards/disasters; Earth and mineral resources; climate change; the rock, water/hydrologic, and carbon cycles among other topics. Activities in the classroom, field, and laboratory focus on ways that humans can live harmoniously with Earth, protect Earth from damage and destruction, and work within the Earth system to attain social, environmental and economic justice and well-being. Course includes exploration of ethical responsibilities associated with sustainably living on the Earth. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 104Q2, 110 or 150. (3+2) (Spring). Special fees may apply. | |
| Geology 109 | 4 (crs.) |
| Evolution of the Earth (XL) | |
| Evolution of the Earth is the focus with emphasis on plate tectonics, the geologic history of North America, and the history of life as revealed in the geologic record. A field trip is required. This course is appropriate and very useful for future K-12 teachers, especially future science teachers. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150; or AAS Fox or AAS FDL degree seeking. (3+2) (Fall-Spring). Special fees may apply. | |
| Geology 110 | 5 (crs.) |
| Honors: Geology (XL) | |
| This course provides the scientific foundation to understand how the earth works and why geologic events occur when and where they do. It is divided into three areas of study. The first considers the materials which make up the earth and the processes that produce them. These materials include the common minerals and rocks of the earth as well as the scarce ones that are so important for our economy. Next, a thorough treatment of internal earth processes provides the foundation for understanding the large-scale motions and upheavals of the earth including continental drift, the formation of mountains, eruption of volcanoes, and the origin of earthquakes. The third part of the course studies the surface processes that wear down the mountains and sculpture our landscape into varied and interesting configurations we see today. The laboratory provides hands-on experience with the three aspects of geology and introduces the student to geological methods of scientific inquiry. A field trip is part of the laboratory. Prerequisite: Enrolled in good standing with The Honors College with prior or concurrent enrollment in HNRS 175. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 110 or 150. Students cannot earn credit in both an honors course and a non-honors course of the same title. Special fees may apply. (4+2) (Spring) | |
| Geology 112 | 4 (crs.) |
| Dinosaurs and the Age of Reptiles (XL) | |
| This course will explore dinosaurs, their evolution, and our understanding of the fossil record. Students will examine the geologic record and the tools used by geoscientists to determine ancient environments and their geologic ages, the evolutionary histories and extinctions of organisms, dinosaurian biology and behavior, and the mechanisms of global change ranging from plate tectonics to asteroid impacts. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150; or AAS Fox or AAS FDL degree seeking. Special course fees may apply. | |
| Geology 113 | 3 (crs.) |
| Landscapes of North America (XN) | |
| A general survey of the characteristics and origins of major natural/physical regions of North America, with emphasis on national parks and monuments and other public areas. Field trip(s) may be required. Special course fees may apply. | |
| Geology 140 | 1 (crs.) |
| Introduction to Geologic Field Methods | |
| Introduction to principles and techniques for observing, describing, and interpreting geological features in the field. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: Geology 102, 110 or 150. Special fees may apply. (Spring-odd years) (0+2) | |
| Geology 150 | 1 – 5 (crs.) |
| Environmental Geology (XL) | |
| The physical environment and human interaction with it. Emphasis on earth processes which affect humans, such as rivers, erosion, groundwater, landslides, and earthquakes. Includes a laboratory with study of rocks and minerals, soils, water quality, maps, hydroprocesses, and a local field trip. Discussions of sustainability in the context of earth and its resources. Course is recommended for non-majors. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 110 or 150. (3+2 or 3+2+1) (Fall-Spring). Special fees may apply. | |
| Geology 174 | 3 (crs.) |
| Disasters – Living on the Edge – No Lab (XN) | |
| Study of various environmental hazards, their causes, impacts on humans, and mitigations. Core topics are natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, landslides, tornadoes, hurricanes), and anthropogenic hazards (climate change/global warming, nuclear hazards, and overpopulation). Additional topics may be covered: coastal hazards, pollution of ground water, air, soil, and water, other atmospheric hazards (extreme weather, droughts), impacts from space, extinctions, biohazards, chemical hazards, and terrorism. This course is cross-listed with Geology/Geography 174. | |
| Geology 175 | 3 – 4 (crs.) |
| Disasters – Living on the Edge (XL) | |
| Study of various environmental hazards, their causes, impacts on humans, and mitigations. Core topics are natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, landslides, tornadoes, hurricanes), and anthropogenic hazards (climate change/global warming, nuclear hazards, and overpopulation). Additional topics may be covered: coastal hazards, pollution of ground water, air, soil, and water, other atmospheric hazards (extreme weather, droughts), impacts from space, extinctions, biohazards, chemical hazards, and terrorism. This course is cross-listed with Geology/Geography 175. | |
| Geology 200 | 3 (crs.) |
| Earth’s Changing Climate (XN) | |
| This course will examine contemporary scientific thought on understanding climate in Earth history, past climate change events, evolution of the atmosphere through time, and will compare past events to today’s changing climate. Close emphasis will be placed on geological evidence for climate change in deep time, its causes and effects, and evidence for environmental changes. Past periods of radical climate shifts, such as during the Permian Extinction, will be analyzed in order to understand how life was affected by extreme changes during those events to better understand scientific thought for the current climate emergency as well as future climate trends. There are no prerequisites, but at least one previous Geology or Geography course is encouraged. | |
| Geology 205 | 4 (crs.) |
| Mineralogy (XL) | |
| Crystallography and crystal chemistry of the major groups of minerals. Mineral associations, alteration, and economic importance. Laboratory work consists of mineral identification using physical and chemical properties and mineral associations. Field trips may be taken to selected areas to illustrate principles taught in the course. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150; and Chemistry 105 (may be taken concurrently). Special fees may apply. (3+3) (Fall) | |
| Geology 206 | 4 (crs.) |
| Lithology | |
| Genesis and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; principles of magmatic differentiation and sedimentary and metamorphic facies. Laboratory work with hand specimens of rocks and minerals. Field trips may be taken to selected areas to illustrate principles taught in the course. Prerequisite: Geology 205. Special fees may apply. (3+3) (Spring) | |
| Geology 299 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Intermediate Independent Study | |
| Supervised undergraduate reading and research. See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. | |
| Geology 306 | 1 (crs.) |
| X-Ray Mineralogy | |
| Principles of x-ray diffraction and application to mineral studies using powder methods. Prerequisite: Geology 205. 306/506 (0+2) | |
| Geology 307 | 3 (crs.) |
| Optical Mineralogy | |
| Theory and practice of mineral identification using the petrographic microscope. Prerequisite: Geology 206. 307/507 (2+3) | |
| Geology 308 | 3 (crs.) |
| Petrology | |
| The character and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory examination of thin sections of igneous and metamorophic rocks with a petrographic microscope. Prerequisite: Geology 205. Special fees may apply. 308/508 (2+2) (Spring, odd years) | |
| Geology 309 | 3 (crs.) |
| Bringing Fossils to Life | |
| Introduction to the concepts and applications of paleontology, including taphonomy, functional morphology, taxonomy, paleoecology, organic evolution, extinction, and the stratigraphic distribution of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. Recommended: Geology 109. Special fees may apply. (2+2) (Fall) | |
| Geology 311 | 3 (crs.) |
| Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis | |
| Application of stratigraphic concepts to the study of basin evolution and the genesis and architecture of sedimentary rock successions. Discussion of the tectonic evolution of basins, principles of stratigraphic correlation, interpretation of terrestrial and marine depositional systems, sequence stratigraphy, event stratigraphy, stratigraphic modeling, and hydrocarbon systems. Laboratory experiments with outcrop sample suites, core and subsurface geophysical data sets. Field trips to describe and interpret local sedimentary rock succession. Prerequisite: Geology 206. Special fees may apply. 311/511 (2+2) (Spring-odd years) | |
| Geology 314 | 3 (crs.) |
| Sedimentology: Environments Through Time | |
| Study and interpretation of environments through time. Analysis of sediments, sedimentary rocks, and their physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Includes study of factors that drive environmental, climate, and sea-level change. Prerequisite: Previous lab science course. Special fees may apply. 314/514 (2+2) (Fall) | |
| Geology 315 | 1 (crs.) |
| Sedimentary Petrology | |
| Description, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Prerequisite: Geology 314. 315/515 (0+3) (Spring-odd years) Special course fees may apply. | |
| Geology 320 | 3 (crs.) |
| Geomorphology | |
| Fundamentals of surficial geology and landscape form and process. Laboratory work includes study of topographic maps, geologic maps, and air photos which are representative of major physiographic provinces in the United States. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: Geology 109 or 110. Special fees may apply. (2+2) (Fall-even years) | |
| Geology 322 | 3 (crs.) |
| Mineral Deposits | |
| Principles that govern the accumulation of the metallic ores. Consideration of the geology and genetic processes associated with a variety of metallic ore deposits. A field trip to one of several mining areas and/or areas currently being explored for mineral deposits in the Lake Superior area is required. Prerequisite: Geology 206. Special fees may apply. (2+2) 322/522 (As scheduled) | |
| Geology 323 | 3 (crs.) |
| Minerals, Energy, and the Environment | |
| A course in environmental and economic geologic principles as they relate to society’s quest for earth materials for various applications. Interactive lectures and a field trip to review geologic processes that lead to mineral and energy resource deposit formation and redistribution. Students will learn scientific approaches to mineral and energy exploration, and review global and local economic and environmental factors that influence energy and metals markets driving these industries. Special attention will be given to environmental topics by examining the long and short-term environmental impacts for specific case studies of historic and modern mining and energy resource development. Prerequisites: Geol 102, Geol 150, or Geol 110; Recommended: Chemistry 105. (Fall, odd years) | |
| Geology 326 | 3 (crs.) |
| Geophysics & Geotectonics | |
| Application of principles of physics to the study of the earth. Discussion of plate tectonics theory, and nature and distribution of regional scale tectonic features of the earth, such as mountain belts. Laboratory use of certain geophysical instruments, field trips, and problems involving reduction and interpretation of geophysical data. Prerequisites: Mathematics 108 or equivalent; Geology 102 or 110 or 150. Strongly recommended: Geology 331. Special fees may apply. 326/526 (2+2) (Spring-even years) | |
| Geology 328 | 3 (crs.) |
| Oceanography | |
| Basic phenomena and conditions of the oceans, development of the science of oceanography, structure of the ocean basins, chemistry and physics of sea water, circulation of oceans, life in the sea and the deposits on the floor of the sea. Prerequisite: Eight units (crs.) of lab science. Special fees may apply. (3+0) 328/528 (Spring) | |
| Geology 331 | 3 (crs.) |
| Structural Geology and Tectonics | |
| Introduction to principles of rock deformation, description and interpretation of geologic structures, and geotectonic processes. Laboratory exercises using methods for structural analysis. Field trip required. Prerequisites: Geology 102, 110 or 150. Recommended: Math 106 or 108. Special fees may apply. 331/531 (2+2) (Spring) | |
| Geology 333 | 3 (crs.) |
| Advanced Mineralogy | |
| In-depth studies of crystallography and crystal chemistry. Investigations the fundamental chemical principles that dictate the structure and composition of minerals. Introduction to the wide varieties of minerals that occur in the major mineral groups. Geological processes associated with the genesis of individual mineral species. Advanced field and laboratory techniques for identifying minerals. Prerequisites: Chemistry 105 and Geology 205. Special fees may apply. (2+2) (Fall, even years) | |
| Geology 335 | 3 (crs.) |
| Glacial Geology | |
| The origin, movement, and decay of glaciers; landforms developed by glaciers; the glacial succession and associated environmental changes, and the economic aspects of glaciation. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150. Special fees may apply. 335/535 (2+2) (Fall, odd years) | |
| Geology 342 | 2 (crs.) |
| Applied Geologic Field Methods | |
| Principles and techniques of acquiring and interpreting geological and geophysical field data. Includes geologic mapping using base maps, aerial photographs, plane table surveys, and pace-and-compass surveys; geophysical surveys with portable instruments. A field trip and a final written report are required. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150 (concurrent enrollment). Special fees may apply. (1+3) (Spring Interim – odd years) | |
| Geology 344 | 6 (crs.) |
| Field Geology | |
| Application of the theories and methods of field geology in the mountains of the western United States. Provides practical experience and instruction in geologic mapping and field analysis of geologic structures and sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock assemblages. Geology 344 meets for six weeks during the summer. Prerequisite: Geology 206, 331 and consent of instructor. Strongly recommended: Geology 309 and 311. Contact instructor for application materials and information regarding special course fees. (Summer) | |
| Geology 355 | 3 (crs.) |
| Geology of Wisconsin | |
| The Precambrian, Paleozoic and Pleistocene history of Wisconsin and surrounding area, emphasizing the nature and chronology of geological processes which have formed the rocks. Field trips to selected areas illustrate a variety of geological features. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 355/555 (As scheduled) | |
| Geology 360 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Field Course in Geology | |
| Formal classroom study of an area of geologic interest followed by field study of the area. Study areas change from year to year, but have included the Florida reef tract, coastal North Carolina, the Catskills, the Grand Canyon, the Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend National Park, the Gulf Coast, and central Coahuila, Mexico. A final examination follows the trip. May be taken for credit more than once. Special sections may be arranged to accommodate students with differing backgrounds in geology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Contact instructor for information regarding special course fees. 360/560 (1+2) (Spring) | |
| Geology 361 | 1 (crs.) |
| Lake Superior Trip | |
| Field trips to selected areas of the Lake Superior region to examine and study various aspects of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and structural features that relate to the tectonic history of the region. Glacial features will also be studied. See instructor for special course fees. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be taken for credit more than once. (As scheduled) | |
| Geology 365 | 3 (crs.) |
| Physical Hydrogeology | |
| This course explores various aspects of the water cycle. Major topics include evaporation, precipitation, surface water hydrology, occurrence of soil moisture and groundwater, properties of aquifers, principles of groundwater flow, groundwater flow to wells, and the geologic settings of groundwater supplies. Laboratory exercises will familiarize students with sources of hydrologic data and with mathematical and graphical methods of analyzing those data to solve applied problems. Prerequisites: Geology 102, 110, or 150; Mathematics 108 or equivalent; or consent of instructor. Special fees may apply. 365/565 (2+2) (Fall, odd years) | |
| Geology 366 | 3 (crs.) |
| Chemical Hydrogeology | |
| This course provides the background necessary to address groundwater contamination problems. Major topics include 1) the chemistry of natural waters and the important reactions affecting groundwater chemistry, 2) an introduction to the physical and chemical processes affecting solute transport, 3) the characteristics of common groundwater contaminants, and 4) methods of site characterization and remediation. Laboratory sessions will be a mix of case studies, demonstrations, and exercises that will familiarize students with sources of hydrogeologic and hydrogeochemical data and with mathematical and graphical methods of analyzing those data to solve applied problems. Prerequisite: Geology 365/565 and Chemistry 106. Special fees may apply. 366/566 (2+2) (Spring-even years) | |
| Geology 369 | 3 (crs.) |
| Geochemistry of Earth Environments | |
| Quantitative and qualitative study of chemical interactions of earth’s interior and environments on earth’s surface. Mineral-water interactions, chemical weathering, and solution chemistry of waters in earth environments. Behavior of naturally occurring elements, stable and radioactive isotopes, geochronology, analytical techniques, thermodynamics of reactions, geothermometry and geobarometry. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150; Chemistry 105; and Math 104 with a grade of C or better or placement into Math 106 or higher. Chemistry 106 is recommended. Special fees may apply. (3+0) (Fall-even years) | |
| Geology 370 | 2 (crs.) |
| Field Methods in Hydrogeology I | |
| This field course is designed to provide students with the range of field skills needed by the practicing hydrogeologist to characterize subsurface geology and aquifer properties. Topics to be covered include drilling methods, geophysical techniques, well installation, determination of groundwater flow direction, and aquifer testing. The course includes lecture, lab, and field components. For each topic there will be an introductory lecture followed by a field exercise designed to give students experience with data collection. Lab time will be used for data analysis. Field exercises will make use of the wells located on the UWO campus, however there will also be a day-long field trip to off-campus locations. Prerequisite: Pre or Corequisite in Physical Hydrogeology (365/565) or consent of instructor. Special fees may apply. 370/570 (Fall, odd years) | |
| Geology 371 | 1 (crs.) |
| Field Methods in Hydrogeology II | |
| This field course is designed to provide students with the range of field skills needed by the practicing hydrogeologist. Topics to be covered include collection of water samples, characterization of natural water quality, and methods of characterizing the presence and extent of groundwater contamination. The course includes both a lecture component and an extensive field component. For each topic there will be an introductory lecture followed by a field exercise designed to give students experience with data collection and analysis. Field exercises will make use of the wells located on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus; however, there will also be field trips to off-campus locations some of which may require overnight stays. Prerequisite: Chemical Hydrogeology (Geology 366/566)or consent of instructor. Special fees may apply. 371/571 (Spring Interim, even years) | |
| Geology 398 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Geology Workshop | |
| A workshop on special topics of interest to teachers. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 398/598 (As scheduled) | |
| Geology 399 | 3 (crs.) |
| Geology of Wisconsin – Field Course | |
| A multi-institutional, team-taught field trip throughout Wisconsin. The trip will provide an opportunity to study some of the exposures on which the geological history of Wisconsin has been interpreted. Undergraduates will take three exams; graduates will take the exams and do small mapping projects. Prerequisite: Geology 206 and consent of instructor. See instructor for special course fees. 399/599 (0+6) (As scheduled) | |
| Geology 444 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Research in Geology | |
| A student will work collaboratively with a professor on a research project, which may be field- or laboratory-based or both. This is an opportunity for a student to learn how to initiate, pursue, and complete a geologic research study. Geology students are encouraged to take this course because it will prepare them for graduate work or geological employment. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. | |
| Geology 445 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Geology Internship | |
| Application of geologic training to business/government job environment. Student will be supervised on the job by geotechnical professional. Internships can be arranged any term. The number of units (crs.) to be received and the grading criteria will be agreed upon in advance with the faculty member who is the on-campus supervisor. Course may be repeated for up to a total of three units (crs.). Prerequisite: Geology 206 and consent of department chair. | |
| Geology 446 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Independent Study | |
| See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. | |
| Geology 456 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Related Readings | |
| See Related Readings under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. | |
| Geology 460 | 1 – 3 (crs.) |
| Topics in Geology | |
| The study of selected topics in geology. Topics may be of current interest or may expand on material covered in other courses. The topic will be announced in the timetable when the course is offered. The course may be repeated for credit only if the content is different. Prerequisite: Geology 206, consent of instructor, and a GPA in Geology of 3.0 or higher. (1, 2, or 3+0) 460/660 | |
| Geology 474 | 3 – 6 (crs.) |
| Honors Thesis | |
| The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce a substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective department or unit. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status. | |