COURSE LIST
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
- GEOL 105 General Geology 3
Principles and concepts of physical and historical geology and their
application to the interpretation of earth processes and events.
Optional one-credit laboratory section (GEOL 115) includes
identification of earth materials and the study of topographic and
geologic maps.
- GEOL 106 General Geology 4
Application of classical geologic principles in light of recent discoveries, the study of significant geologic processes that provide new bases for the interpretation of earth history. Laboratory includes study of earth history as interpreted from rocks,
fossils and geologic maps.
- GEOL 107 General Geology 4
Principles of physical and historical geology and their application in interpreting earth processes and the history of the earth. Laboratory covers identification of earth materials including fossils and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps
.
RESTRICTIONS: For majors in geology, other sciences and engineering. Only one course, GEOL 105 or GEOL 107, can count towards graduation.
- GEOL 109 Planets, Asteroids, and Impacts 3
Composition, structure, surface features, origin, and evolution of the planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets. The course will also explore the possible connection between meteorite impacts and mass extinctions. Did an asteroid kill off the dinosaurs?
- GEOL 110 Evolution and Extinction 3
Origins, evolution and extinction of major groups of organisms as reflected by the earth's fossil record. Mass extinctions, both ancient and modern (anthropogenic). Humans' role in the global ecosystem.
- GEOL 113 Earth Science 4
Earth materials, structure and the geologic phenomena that produce them. Physical and temporal aspects of earth history. Laboratory examination of rocks, minerals and fossils. Experiments in geological processes and interpretation of geologic maps.
- GEOL 115 General Geology Laboratory 1
Optional one-credit laboratory for GEOL 105. Includes identification of
earth materials and study of earth processes using topographical,
geologic
and tectonic maps.
- GEOL 144 Evolution and Earth History 3
History of the Earth and its biota: origin and extinction of major groups of organisms during the Earth's history.
- GEOL 166 Special Problem 1-3
- GEOL 203Mineralogy and Crystallography 3
Principles of crystallography and crystal growth, the properties of minerals, mineral occurrence and association, and systematic mineralogy. Identification including X-ray diffraction.
- GEOL 204 Properties of Rocks and Minerals 4
Principles of crystal symmetry, techniques of polarized light microscopy, including mineral identification, and examination of thin sections. Petrophysics covering the acoustic, electrical and magnetic properties of rocks and minerals.
PREREQ: GEOL 203.
- GEOL 233 The Ice Ages and Human Chronology 3
Quaternary climatic fluctuations and the effects of continental glaciation. Evidences on theories of origin of the ice ages: major geomorphic forms produced, evolutionary crisis and extinction of the major mammals and the ascendency of humans.
- GEOL 234 Earth resources and Ecology 3
The geologic origin and occurrence of fuels, metals, building and industrial minerals, and water; the geology, economics and politics of resource extraction and utilization; the disposal of wastes; mineral pollution; and the bearing capacity of the enviro
nment.
- GEOL 243 Rocks and Minerals 3
The major types of rocks and minerals, including their origin, distribution, crystalline form, chemistry, occurrence and identification. Mineral aesthetics. Gems and gemstone.
- GEOL 245 Volcanoes and Earthquakes 3
Violent geologic activity, as illustrated by volcanoes and earthquakes. The nature, causes and origins of volcanic and earthquake activity, their interactions with man and their potential control.
- GEOL 266 Special Problem 1-3
- GEOL 301 Systematic and Evolutionary Paleontology 3
Classification of fossils, organic evolution, paleoecology; and application to geologic principles.
PREREQ: GEOL 107.
COREQ: GEOL 303
- GEOL 303 Sedimentology 3
Texture, composition and provenance of sedimentary rocks. Sediment transport and deposition; major types of sedimentary environments. Paleoecology and biologic influences on sediment distribution and production.
PREREQ: GEOL 203
- GEOL 304 Stratigraphy 3
Description and correlation of rock units. Concepts of time and methods of absolute dating. Environments of deposition and modern/ancient analogs and facies analysis. Basin analysis. The stratigraphic code: time, time-rock, and rock units.
PREREQ: GEOL 203, GEOL 301 and GEOL 303.
- GEOL 305 Structural Geology 3
Major classes of rock structures and their origins. Descriptive, kinematic, and dynamic examination of rock structures. Geologic stress, strain and mechanisms of strain. Large-scale structural features of the crust. Orogenic belts.
PREREQ: GEOL 107, GEOL 203 and mathematics through trigonometry.
- GEOL 366 Independent Study 1-3
- GEOL 402 History of the Earth 3
Integrative study of the history of the earth and its inhabitants. Evolution and interaction of the lithosphere, biosphere, oceans and atmosphere. Examination of the geologic record as a test for hypotheses about earth processes, including climatic change
, paleoceanography and tectonics.
REEREQ: GEOL 301, GEOL 303, and GEOL 304.
- GEOL 403 Regional Geology of North America 3
Stratigraphic, structural and petrologic features of the geologic provinces of North America. Generalized geologic evolution of each region. Major geologic features of selected other continents.
PREREQ: GEOL 304.
- GEOL 405 Introduction to Research 2
Undergraduate research carried out under the supervision of the staff. Written report required.
RESTRICTIONS: May be repeated once if project warrants it.
- GEOL 407 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3
Mineralogic, thermochemical and genetic principles of interpretation of crystalline rocks. Major variables governing generation and evolution of igneous and metamorphic conditions. Petrographic examination of representative rock suites.
PREREQ: GEOL 204.
- GEOL 411 Quantitative Geomorphology 3
Analysis of geomorphic processes and landforms using a quantitative approach. Topics include fluvial processes and morphology, evolution and morphometry of drainage basins, slope development, coastal landforms and beach processes.
REEREQ: GEOL 107 and GEOL 303
- GEOL 412 Geological Approaches to Archaeology and History 3
Geological techniques in interpretation of archaeological sites and their surrounding geographic terrain; paleogeographies of archaeological settings; and use of geology for interpretations of history.
- GEOL 414 Quaternary Geology and Geochronology 3
Survey of the stratigraphy and chronology of marine and terrestrial records and theories of climatic change. Studies of the stratigraphy of significant Quaternary successions throughout the world and their correlation and absolute dating.
REEREQ: GEOL 107.
- GEOL 415 General Geomorphology 3
Description and classification of landforms, their relationships to geologic structure and processes, and their histories and rates of change.
- GEOL 416 Paleoecology 3
Paleoenvironmental and stratigraphic interpretation of sediments and
fossils. Basic statistics, bioturbation models, well-logging, and sequence
stratigraphy. Application to geology problems.
- GEOL 420 Petroleum Geology 3
The origin and distribution of the world's petroleum resources. Geological and geophysical techniques applied to the search for oil.
PREREQ: GEOL 303, GEOL 304 and GEOL 305
- GEOL 421 Environmental and Applied Geology 3
The application of geologic principle to matters of environmental concern. Discussion, examples, techniques and case histories in water supply, waste disposal, zoning and land use, mining, legislation, regulation and professionalism emphasizing the role o
f geologist and the educated citizen.
PREREQ: GEOL 303, GEOL 304 and GEOL 305
- GEOL 422 OSHA Safety Training 3
OSHA 40-Hour Safety Training Certification Hazardous Waste
Operations Health and Safety Training Program. Includes material from
environmental regulations, hazard recognition, toxicology,
environmental monitoring, personal protective equipment, site
characterization and analysis, site zone and control, health and safety
plans, decontamination, and spill response recovery.
- GEOL 428 Hydrogeology 3
Principles of groundwater flow and water chemistry in varied geologic media. Evaluation of groundwater resources and assessment of environmental problems associated with groundwater use.
PREREQ:GEOL 107 and GEOL 303
- GEOL 431 Marine Geology 3
Geology of the ocean basins and their continental margins; sedimentation within the marine environment and its uses in interpreting geologic history and paleoecology.
PREREQ: GEOL 304.
- GEOL 432 Recent Sedimentary Environments 3
Recent environments of deposition in the Delaware coastal area. Emphasis on field and laboratory techniques applied to sedimentation processes, the classification of sediments and their structures and sediment facies patterns.
PREREQ: GEOL 303
RESTRICTIONS: Course taught at Lewes.
- GEOL 434 The Geology of Coasts 3
Erosional, depositional and tectonic processes; morphology and classification, and geologic history of the coastal areas of the world.
PREREQ: GEOL 303
- GEOL 446 General Geochemistry 3
Chemical principles applied to geologic processes and environments. Thermochemistry of mineral equilibria; mineral stabilities at high temperature and pressure. Radioisotopes and methods of geochronology. The geochemical history of the earth.
PREREQ: GEOL 107 and CHEM 103
- GEOL 450 Proseminar in Environmental Science 3
Discussion of the history and state of environmental science as well as its
relation to current environmental problems. Survey of research topics and
methodologies in the current scientific literature.
RESTRICTIONS: Open to senior Environmental Science major only, or requires
permission of instructor.
- GEOL 451 Geophysical Field Methods 3
Applied course that investigates various methods of geophysical data collection in the field. Data sets to be gathered, reduced and analyzed include seismic reflection and refraction, gravity, magnetics and resistivity.
PREREQ: GEOL 453 and GEOL 454
COREQ: GEOL 453 and GEOL 454
- GEOL 452 Plate Tectonics and Geophysics 3
Study of the fundamental theory of plate tectonics including historical development, kinematics and the morphology and structure of the major types of plate boundaries. Examination of the structure and processes occurring within the earth's interior.
- GEOL 453 Elementary Geophysics I 3
Fundamental theory of seismology, ray theory, refraction and reflection of seismic waves. Seismic exploration techniques and interpretations. Heat flow measurements and data, and interpretations of the thermal history of the earth.
PREREQ: MATH242, PHYS 201 and PHYS 202.
- GEOL 454 Elementary Geophysics II 3
Gravity and the shape of the earth, and theories of isostasy. Geomagnetism, magnetization of rocks and paleomagnetism. Gravity and magnetic surveys and interpretations. Electrical and radioactive surveying and well logging.
PREREQ: MATH 242, PHYS 201 and PHYS 202.
- GEOL 460 Field Geology in the western States 3-6
Training and experience in geological mapping and field methods. map construction and interpretation; traverse, pace-and-compass, plane-cable and aerial-photograph mapping in sedimentary and crystalline rocks. Rock description, stratigraphic analysis and
correlation, structural methods, and Cordilleran geology.
PREREQ: GEOL107, GEOL203 and GEOL 304.
RESTRICTIONS: Three-and six-credit options require summary report.
- GEOL 466 Independent Study 1-3
- GEOL 467-010 Introduction to Groundwater
Modeling 3 FALL 1998
Principles of numerical modeling of groundwater flow and contaminant
transport. Applications and limitation of commonly used computer models.
- GEOL 467 Modern X-Ray
Diffraction 3
SPRING 1999
The acquisition and interpretation of x-ray diffraction data through
computerized systems. Powder techniques are emphasized.
- GEOL 501 Environmental Geology 3
Fundamental geological concepts and principles. Earth materials, natural processes, and geologic hazards. Mineral and water resources, energy, and environment. Human interaction with the environment. Global change, land use, and decision making.
PREREQ: GEOL 107.
RESTRICTIONS: Open only to environmental science graduate students.
- GEOL 601 Geological Sciences at
Delaware 3
Geological research. Thesis and dissertation proposal preparation.
Professionalism.
- GEOL 603 Regional Geology of North America 3
Stratigraphic, structural and petrologic features of the geologic provinces of North America. Generalized geologic evolution of each region. Major geologic features of selected other continents.
- GEOL 607 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3
Mineralogic, thermochemical and genetic principles of interpretation of crystalline rocks. Major variables governing generation and evolution of igneous and metamorphic conditions. Petrographic examination of representative rock suites.
- GEOL 609 Dynamic Processes in Sedimentation 3
Introduction to open channel hydraulics, wave theory and sediment transport. Origin and hydrodynamic interpretation of sedimentary structures and bedforms. Paleohydrology and digital simulation of sedimentary systems.
- GEOL 610 Introduction to Groundwater Modeling 3
Principles of numerical modeling of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Applications and limitations of commonly used computer models.
PREREQ: GEOL 428 or GEOL 628
- GEOL 611 Quantitative Geomorphology 3
Analysis of geomorphic processes and landforms using a quantitative approach. Topics include fluvial processes and morphology, evolution and morphometry of drainage basins, slope development, coastal landforms and beach processes.
- GEOL 612 Geological Approaches to Archaeology and History 3
Geological techniques in interpretation of archaeological sites and their surrounding geographic terrain; paleogeographies of archaeological settings; and use of geology for interpretations of history.
- GEOL 614 Quaternary Geology and Geochronology 3
Survey of the stratigraphy and chronology of marine and terrestrial records and theories of climatic change. Studies of the stratigraphy of significant Quaternary successions throughout the world and their correlation and absolute dating.
- GEOL 615 General Geomorphology 3
Description and classification of landforms, their relationships to geologic structure and processes, and their histories and rates of change.
- GEOL 616 Paleoecology 3
Paleoenvironmental and stratigraphic interpretation of sediments and
fossils. Basic statistics, bioturbation models, well-logging, and
sequence stratigraphy. Application to geological problems.
- GEOL 620 Petroleum Geology 3
The origin and distribution of the world's petroleum resources. Geological and geophysical techniques applies to the search for oil.
- GEOL 621 Environmental and Applied Geology 3
The application of geologic principle to matters of environmental concern. Discussion, examples, techniques and case histories in water supply, waste disposal, zoning and land use, mining, legislation, regulation and professionalism emphasizing the role o
f geologist and the educated citizen.
- GEOL 622 OSHA Safety Training 3
OSHA 40-Hour Safety Training Certification hazardous waste
Operations Health and Safety Training Program. Includes material
from Environmental Regulations, hazard recognition,
toxicology, environmental monitoring, personal protective equipment, site
characterization and analysis, site zone and control, health and safety
plans, decontamination, and spill response recovery
- GEOL 628 Hydrogeology 3
Principles of groundwater flow and water chemistry in varied geologic media. Evaluation of groundwater resources and assessment of environmental problems associated with groundwater use.
- GEOL 631 Marine Geology 3
The geology of the ocean basins and their continental margins; sedimentation within the marine environment and its uses in interpreting geologic history and paleoecology. May be cross-listed with MAST 631.
- GEOL 632 Recent Sedimentary Environments 3
Recent environments of deposition in the Delaware coastal area. Emphasis on field and laboratory techniques applied to sedimentation processes, the classification of sediments and their structures and sediment facies patterns. May be cross-listed with MAS
T 625.
RESTRICTIONS: Course taught at Lewes.
- GEOL 634 The Geology of Coasts 3
Erosional, depositional and tectonic processes; morphology and classification, and geologic history of the coastal areas of the world.
- GEOL 646 General Geochemistry 3
Chemical principles applied to geologic processes and environments. Thermochemistry of mineral equilibria; mineral stabilities at high temperature and pressure. Radioisotopes and methods of geochronology. The geochemical history of the earth.
- GEOL 650 Clay Mineralogy 3
Crystallography, chemistry, physical properties, occurrence, origin and
alterations of the clay and related minerals; theory and techniques of
identification, characterization and quantitative analysis using x-ray
diffraction and electron microscopy; and cation exchange and size
characteristics of clay minerals. Discussion of related topics, colloidal chemistry, thixotropic behavior, etc.
- GEOL 653 Elementary Geophysics I 3
Fundamental theory of seismology, ray theory, refraction and reflection of seismic waves. Seismic exploration techniques and interpretations. Heat flow measurements and data, and interpretations of the thermal history of the earth.
- GEOL 654 Elementary Geophysics II 3
Gravity and the shape of the earth, and theories of isostasy. Geomagnetism, magnetization of rocks and paleomagnetism. Gravity and magnetic surveys and interpretations. Electrical and radioactive surveying and well logging.
- GEOL 657 Statistics for Earth Sciences 3
Spatial distributions; directional data; statistical graphics, regression and time series analysis; model validation; sampling; principal components; cluster analysis; discriminant analysis; and statistical software routines.
PREREQ: STAT201
- GEOL 666Independent Study 1-3
- GEOL 667-011 Geophysical Field Methods 3
FALL 1998
Investigates various methods of geophysical data collection in the field.
Data sets to be gathered, reduced and analyzed include seismic reflection
and refraction, gravity, magnetics and resistivity.
- GEOL 667 Modern X-Ray Diffraction 3
Spring 1999
The acquisition and interpretation of x-ray diffraction data through
computerized systems. Powder techniques are emphasized.
- GEOL 667-011 Advanced Petrology 3
Spring 1999
Investigation of selected topics in Petrology and Tectonics
- GEOL 805 Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks 3
Genesis, classification, interpretation and significance of sedimentary rocks.
- GEOL 806 Micropaleontology 3
Paleontology and paleoecology of major groups of microfossils with emphasis on Foraminifera and Ostracoda. Application of micropaleontology to stratigraphic problem, environmental analysis and paleoclimatic changes.
- GEOL 811 Stratigraphy 3
The nature of geologic time and its record; the interpretation of the time relationships of rock masses.
- GEOL 812 Geodynamics 1
Study of the dynamic processes within the earth, including studies in mountain building, rock mechanics and deformation, rifting, sedimentary basin formation, heat flow and mantle convection.
- GEOL 813 Plate Tectonics 1
Study of the fundamental theory underlying modern geology and geophysics. Areas of interest addressed may include the historical development of plate tectonic theory, the kinematics and driving forces of plate motion and the geomorphology and structure of
plate boundaries.
- GEOL 814 Geochemical Stratigraphy 1
Studies in correlation and age assignment using chemical, elemental and isotopic analysis of sediments, rocks and fossils.
- GEOL 815 Holocene Epoch Geomorphologies 1
Sedimentologic and stratigraphic principles applied to the determination of paleogeographies of historical and archaeological landscapes.
- GEOL 816 Analytical Mineralogy 1
Use of such techniques as TEM, XRD, SEM, microprobe, and computer modelling and refinement in current mineralogical research, with examples.
- GEOL 817 Impact Events and Stratigraphy 1
Impact cratering and shock metamorphism. Recognition of impact ejecta in the stratigraphic section based on shock metamorphic effects and geochemical anomalies. Possible correlations between major impact events and impact events and climatic changes, exti
nctions and geomagnetic reversals as recorded in the rock record.
- GEOL 818 Topics in Paleobiology 1
Fields of active ("cutting edge") research in paleobiology; topics vary according to instructor preference.
- GEOL 819 Tectonic Framework of North America 1
Major theories of the evolution of North America, and examination of the evidence for and against them.
- GEOL 820 Topics in Geomorphology 1
Detailed analysis of the origin of specific landforms.
- GEOL 821 Geology and Public Policy 1
Roles of geology and geologists in matters of public policy. Case histories and current events illustrating interactions of science and government.
- GEOL 831 Tectonics of the World's Ocean Basins 3
Geologic evolution of the ocean basins; study of the geophysical parameters, dimension and processes of mid-ocean ridges, deep-sea trenches and continental margins; and deduction as to origin of ocean basin features.
- GEOL 832 Coastal Seminar 1
Analysis of modern concepts of coastal research and their applications to
studies of the evolution of coastal sedimentary environmental systems.
- GEOL 866 Independent Study 1-3
- GEOL 868 Research 1-9
Enables students to begin planning work and research before admission to dissertation candidacy and GEOL 969
- GEOL 869 Master's Thesis 1-3
- GEOL 872 Advanced Micropaleontology 3
Taxonomy, morphology and biostratigraphy of selected phyla of microfossils.
PREREQ: GEOL 806.
- GEOL 964 Pre-Candidacy Study 3-12 PF
Research and readings in preparation of dissertation topic and/or qualifying examinations for doctoral students before admission to candidacy but after completion of all required course work.
RESTRICTIONS: Not open to students who have been admitted to candidacy.
- GEOL 969 Doctoral Dissertation 1-12 PF
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Last Updated: June 29,
1999