Take me to the Fall Time Schedule
A. Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators
G.S. 100-115 are short (half-term) courses. They consist of detailed examinations of restricted geologic topics. The department lists the specific courses from this series in the Time Schedule for the terms they are offered (fall and winter terms only). Each course, when offered, meets twice weekly for half of the term (first half or second half), and the specific dates for each course are printed in the Time Schedule. These courses are designed primarily for students with no prior geologic training and they are open to all interested persons. G.S. 100-115 are offered on the graded pattern (optional pass/fail).
103. Dinosaurs and Other Failures.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in GS 149 (or 273). (1). (NS). (BS).
This course will provide an introduction to our current understanding
of dinosaurs and certain other reptilian groups of the Mesozoic Era. It
is intended for students with an interest in geology, paleontology, or evolution,
but does not require prior training in these fields. The course will deal
with broad features of the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, methods of
reconstructing dinosaur behavior and ecology, new developments in our interpretation
of the biology of dinosaurs, and possible causes for the extinction of dinosaurs.
There will be two lectures each week and a single exam at the end of the
course. Cost:1
WL:3
or 4 (Cox)
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Times, Location, and Availability
105. Continents Adrift. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 205 or
146 (or 270). (1). (NS). (BS).
In this one-credit course we will explore the mobility of the continents
and oceans in present and past times. The goals of this course are to present
the most exciting recent developments in the earth sciences, a unifying
concept that explains ocean evolution, mountain building, earthquakes, and
volcanoes. Conceptual and factual material will be used to explain the principles
of plate tectonics and the dynamics of the solid earth. No special background
is needed. Evaluation is based on quizzes and final exams. Cost:2
WL:1
(Van der Voo)
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107. Volcanoes and Earthquakes.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in GS 205, or 146 or 147 (or 270 or 271). (1). (NS). (BS).
The course is a study of the earth in action and includes the following
topics: geography of earthquakes and volcanoes; catastrophic events in historic
times; size and frequency of occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions;
the products of volcanism; volcanic rocks; volcanic activity through geologic
time; volcanic exhalations and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and
oceans; relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and
the internal dynamics of the earth; volcanism and geothermal energy; manmade
earthquakes; and earthquake prediction and control. Instruction by lecture,
evaluation on basis of quizzes and final exam. (Ruff)
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110. The History of the Oceans.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in GS 222. (1). (NS). (BS).
The history of past oceanic inhabitants, events, and environments is recorded
in the sediments which have accumulated on the ocean bottom throughout geological
time. Fossils of marine plants and animals are a major part of the historical
record; they give evidence of past oceanic living conditions and the evolution
of life forms in the sea. Sediment particles eroded from land and carried
to the oceans by rivers and winds provide insights into past climates on
continents. Changes in ocean currents and in seawater chemistry have left
their mark on the sediment record; the possible causes of these changes
are explored. Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading have rearranged the
shapes of ocean basins and repositioned continents over time. These processes
are reflected in the record in marine sediments still present on the ocean
floor and also in those now uplifted to form part of the continents. These
topics are presented in lectures held twice weekly for a half term. A single
exam at the end of the course will determine the course grade. Cost:1
WL:4
(Meyers)
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111. Climate and Mankind. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 201 or
151 (or 275). (1). (NS). (BS).
The intent of GS 111 is to give a heightened awareness to students of the
nature and fragility of the Earth's climate, and how changes in climate
have affected past civilizations and may affect our future. Course topics
will include: a description of the climate systems of the Earth: the atmosphere,
oceans and polar ice caps; the information we gather to understand the history
of those systems; how changes in climate have affected past civilizations,
and what we think will happen to the planet when the long expected "Greenhouse
Effect - Global Warming" finally arrives. Cost:1
WL:3
(Moore)
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Times, Location, and Availability
117. Introduction to Geology. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 116, 119,
or 120. Those with credit for GS 205 may only elect GS 117 for 4 credits.
(5). (NS). (BS).
Introduction to Geology is a single term course structured to provide students
from all backgrounds with an understanding of the history of Earth and of
the natural processes which have given rise to its landscapes, oceans, and
continents. This includes examination of: the physical processes which give
rise to plate tectonics and the formation of earthquakes, volcanoes, the
uplift of major mountain ranges; and of the chemical and biological phenomena
which modify the character of the atmosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere at the
Earth's surface. This course includes a laboratory to provide hands-on experience
in identifying common rocks and minerals and in understanding geological
and topographical maps. Topics covered in class lecture are reviewed weekly
in a one hour discussion section. Course includes lectures and weekly laboratory
and discussion sections. Cost:2
WL:4
(Lohmann)
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118. Introductory Geology Laboratory.
Prior or concurrent enrollment in GS 119, or 205 and 206, or
135. Credit is not granted for GS 118 to those with credit for an introductory
course in geology (GS 116, 117, or 218). (1). (NS). (BS).
This course provides hands-on laboratory experience for all students interested
in learning to identify commonly-occurring rocks, minerals, and fossils
and to interpret Earth history from geologic and topographic features represented
in maps. Examples will be taken from regions complexly deformed by mountain
building to areas sculptured by glaciers, erosion, and volcanism. Cost:2
WL:4
(Lohmann)
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119. Introductory Geology Lectures.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in GS 116, 117, 120. No credit granted to those who have completed both
205 and 206. Those with credit for GS 205 may only elect GS 119 for 3 credits.
(4). (NS). (BS).
This course shares lectures and a weekly discussion section with GS 117,
but does not provide a laboratory experience. Students requiring a ONE-TERM
introductory science course with laboratory should elect GS 117. Cost:2
WL:4
(Lohmann)
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151. The Ice Ages: Past and Present.
Only first-year students (including first-year students with
sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students
need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 104 may only elect
GS 151 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).
Characteristics of the Earth's climate system and how various components
of that system operate to produce times when extensive ice sheets covered
large parts of the Earth's surface. The role in climate change of the oceans,
the atmosphere, the ice sheets themselves, orbital variations, and the movement
of the continental and ocean boundaries are presented and discussed. Cost:1
WL:1
(Moore)
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155(283). Evolution of North America.
Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore
standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission
of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled
in GS 411. (3). (NS). (BS).
This course is intended to develop concepts about Earth history based
on the mid-continental rock record and includes a required four-day field
trip encircling Lake Huron that will allow the student to examine first
hand the geology that has been discussed in class. By the conclusion of
the course, the student will have mastered the geological framework of North
America. (Essene)
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204/AOSS 204/Astronomy 204. The
Planets: Their Geology and Climates. High school mathematics
through plane geometry and trigonometry. Those with credit for GS 113 may
only elect GS 204 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).
This course will present perspectives on the evolution of the solar system
in both an historical context and in light of the extraordinary scientific
advances resulting from recent space exploration. The principal focus will
be on the structure, composition, and evolutionary history of the surfaces,
and atmospheres of the planets and their satellites. Special emphasis will
be given to comparative aspects of geology, meteorology, and climatology
as developed on the various bodies of the solar system. Concepts of space
exploration techniques will also be presented. The course is intended for
non-science concentrators and other students with typical high school science
and math backgrounds. Textbook: The Planetary System, Morrison
and Owen, 2nd ed., 1996. Cost:1
WL:2
(Atreya and van Keken)
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205. How the Earth Works: the Dynamic
Planet. No credit granted to those who have completed or are
enrolled in GS 117, 119, or 146 (or 270). No credit granted to those who
have completed both GS 105 and 107. Those with credit for one of GS 105
and 107 may only elect GS 205 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).
Our continuously evolving Earth has given rise to the formation of continents,
oceans, and an atmosphere. Her continuing activity is manifested today by
the destructive powers of such natural phenomena as earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, and mountain building. Beginning with the formation of the Universe
and stellar evolution, the goal of this course is to present an integrated
approach to Earth's unique characteristics in our solar system, and explain
her physical principles using conceptual and factual material. Extensive
use is made of animations, analogies, images and classroom demonstrations,
in addition to WWW-based material specifically designed for this course.
Two lectures/week; evaluation based on two midterms and a final exam. No
special background required. Course reading: Earth Science, by
Dutch et al. This course can be taken singly or concurrently with
its companion courses (GS 206 and GS 207); together they constitute a balanced
introduction to modern Earth sciences. Cost:2
WL:1
(van der Pluijm)
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207. How the Earth Works: A Hands-On
Experience. No credit granted to those who have completed or
are enrolled in GS 116, 117, 118, or 120. (2). (NS). (BS).
This course involves a one-hour lecture and a two-hour hands-on `practicum'
weekly. It is intended for students interested in environmental issues,
in particular the relationship between earth sciences and short-term (on
the order of years) human concerns. We will examine the earth science which
underlies environmental issues facing the earth's surface (water and air
pollution, biologic and atmospheric changes, seabed and climate changes).
Hands-on activities include groundwater and surface water systems, soils,
glacial geology, lal6 deposits, and more. The class provides an introductory,
hands-on approach to understanding and solving these problems. Because you
will get a solid understanding of major environmental issues, the class
can serve as a pre-concentration requirement in environmental geology. Reading:
Our Changing Planet by F. MacKenzie (1998). (Walter)
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223. Introductory Oceanography,
Laboratory. Concurrent enrollment in GS 222. (1). (NS). (BS).
(QR/2).
This course is an optional laboratory intended to provide students with
opportunities to explore further various oceanography topics presented in
the GS 222 lectures. Laboratory sessions will include sampling procedures,
use of equipment, discussions, and demonstrations of how data are generated.
The course grade will be based on written laboratory exercises and a final
exam. Cost:1
WL:4
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Times, Location, and Availability
231. Elements of Mineralogy. Prior
or concurrent enrollment in Chem. 125/130 or 210/211. Those with credit
for GS 232 may elect GS 231 for only 2 credits. (4). (Excl). (BS).
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the nature, properties, structures,
and modes of occurrence of minerals. The first three-fourths of the course
(three lectures per week) considers the general features of minerals and
includes topics such as introductory crystallography, crystal chemistry,
and introductory phase equilibria. During the last portion of the course,
the principal rock-forming minerals such as feldspars, pyroxenes, and olivines
are individually reviewed with respect to properties, structures, genesis,
and other characteristics. The laboratory (one three-hour laboratory each
week) is divided into three sections: (1) three weeks of morphological crystallography;
(2) six weeks of systematic mineralogy during which students become familiar
with the properties and associations of approximately seventy-five significant
minerals; and (3) four weeks of introduction to the use of the polarizing
microscope as applied to both crushed mineral fragments and rock thin sections.
There is one required field trip. Introductory optical mineralogy is covered
in five of the recitation classes. Geology 231 is a prerequisite
to the professional concentration program in the Department of
Geological Sciences. Cost:3
WL:3
(Peacor)
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280/Environ. Stud. 360. Mineral
Resources, Economics, and the Environment. May not be included
in a concentration plan in geology. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
Geology 280 deals with mineral resource-related problems in a complex society.
The course discusses the origin, distribution and remaining supplies of
oil, coal, uranium, iron, copper, gold, diamonds, potash, sulfur, gravel,
water, and other important mineral resources in terms of the economic, engineering,
political, and environmental factors that govern their recovery, processing,
and use. Among topics considered are the origin of oil, mineral exploration
methods, strip mining, recycling, smelting methods, transport of oil, money
and gold, nuclear waste disposal, and taxation vs. corporate profits. Three
lectures and one discussion per week. Evaluation by means of quizzes, exercises,
and a final exam. Required text: Mineral Resources, Economics and the
Environment (S.E. Kesler). A course pack is also required. No previous
background in geology is necessary for this course. This course cannot be
used as part of a concentration plan in Geological Sciences. Cost:2
WL:4
(Kesler)
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284. Environmental Geology. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 148 (or
272). Those with credit for GS 147 (or 271) may only elect GS 284 for 3
credits. (4). (NS). (BS).
Environmental Geology deals with interactions between people and Earth.
It begins with an introduction to geologic materials and processes and goes
on to specific topics such as soil, surface and ground water, natural hazards
(volcanism, landslides, earthquakes, floods, coastal processes), geomedicine,
and waste disposal. Previous experience in geology is not required. The
course includes three lectures and one discussion period (in which homework
exercises are explained and discussed) per week. Evaluation is by means
of quizzes, exercises, and a final exam. A book and exercise pack are required.
Cost:2
WL:4
(Kesler)
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Times, Location, and Availability
B. Primarily for Concentrators
305. Sedimentary Geology. An
introductory geological sciences laboratory course. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Sedimentary Geology is one of several geology core courses required of all
concentrators. The course format consists of two lectures, one evening discussion
session, and one scheduled two-hour laboratory each week. In addition, three
one-day field trips, scheduled from September to November, are required.
The lectures will examine the principles and processes of sedimentation,
and survey modern surficial environments, aspects of sediment diagenesis,
and the tectono-sedimentological evolution of the Phanerozoic North American
continent. The laboratory will provide an in-depth familiarization with
terrigenous clastic and non-clastic rocks, in hand sample and thin section,
and focus on identification of constituent grains, their fabric and classification.
Evaluation is based on two lecture examinations, laboratory quizzes and
assignments, and field trip projects. Cost:3
WL:3
(Wilkinson)
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Times, Location, and Availability
418. Paleontology. GS
117, or Biol. 154 or 195. (3). (Excl). (BS).
This course is an introduction to the principles, methods of analysis, and
major controversies within paleontology. It will familiarize the student
with the fossil record (primarily, but not exclusively, of multicellular
organisms) and its use in dealing with problems in evolutionary biology,
paleoecology, and general earth history. Three lectures weekly; midterm,
final examination, and term paper. Required text: Raup and Stanley, Principles
of Paleontology. Cost:2
WL:4
(Fisher)
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419. Paleontology Laboratory. Prior
or concurrent enrollment in GS 418. (1). (Excl). (BS).
This course is an introductory laboratory in paleontology. It will involve
observation, analysis, and interpretation of fossil specimens (primarily
invertebrates) and relevant material of living organisms. Its goal is to
give the student experience in dealing with paleontological problems and
to develop a familiarity with the systematics and morphology of important
groups of fossil organisms. Students should be registered concurrently or
previously in GS 418. One three-hour lab weekly; lab exercises, midterm,
and final examination. Recommended text: Clarkson, Invertebrate Paleontology
and Evolution (3rd ed.). Cost:2
WL:4
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442. Earth Surface Processes and
Soils. Upperclass standing; an introductory course in physical
geology is recommended but not required. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Study of processes resulting in landforms on the Earth's solid surface and
the formation of soils on these landforms. Emphasis includes present-day
processes as well as the evolution of landforms over geologic time. GS 442
is intended for a wide, but professional audience: geologists, archaeologists,
ecologists, resource managers, civil engineers, at a level appropriate for
seniors and first-year graduate students. A previous course in geology is
not required, but would be helpful. Lectures, map exercises, and several
required field trips to examine landforms and processes in southern Michigan.
Grading: a midterm and final exam, and exercises. Cost:2
WL:4
(Stearns)
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455. Determinative Methods in Mineralogical
and Inorganic Materials. One term of elementary chemistry and
physics. (4). (Excl). (BS).
Determinative methods is a course in techniques of analysis of inorganic
materials with lectures aimed at providing theoretical background for understanding
of the techniques as practiced in laboratory exercises. The major emphasis
is placed on X- ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron
microprobe analysis, X- ray fluorescence, and atomic absorption. Although
silicate and mineralogical analysis is emphasized, no background in geology
is required. Entrance to the course is by permission of the instructors.
The grade is determined by laboratory grades, three midterms, and a final.
Cost:2
WL:3
(Peacor,
Essene,
Owen,
and Lange)
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465/AOSS 467/Chem. 467. Biogeochemical
Cycles. Math. 116, Chem. 210, and Phys. 240. (3). (Excl). (BS).
See Chemistry 467. (Carroll)
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477. Hydrogeology. Phys.
140/141, Chem. 125/130, and Math. 116; Math. 215/216 are recommended. (4).
(Excl). (BS).
This course provides an introduction to physical and chemical hydrogeology.
Emphasis is on process and direct application to geological settings and
fieldwork and problem solving are important course components. The hydrologic
cycle, physical rock framework, and properties of aquifer systems will be
described and quantified. We will develop and apply transport equations
and examples of fluid, watershed and subsurface energy, and chemical transport
in porous and fractured geologic media. In addition to stated prerequisites,
Math 216 is also strongly recommended. Evaluation is based on weekly practicum/problem
sets. Cost:2
WL:2
(Walter)
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479. Marine Geochemistry. Chem.
125/130. (3). (Excl). (BS).
There are three major questions addressed in this course: (1) What are the
geochemical processes which control the composition of the ocean? (2) To
what extent do these processes leave their imprint on the composition of
marine sediments? and, (3) What are the possibilities, problems, and constraints
that we face in our attempts to reconstruct the history of the oceans through
the analysis of ancient marine sediments. Specific topics covered include
the distribution and composition of marine sediments, marine cycles and
budgets of major and trace elements, conceptual and quantitative models
of ocean composition, thermodynamic and kinetic controls on composition,
paleochemistry of seawater, seafloor hydrothermal systems, geochemical tracers,
and current research topics of interest. There is no required text; class
readings are selected from the current literature. The course is presented
in a lecture format, although extensive discussion of each topic is encouraged.
Final course grades are determined on the basis of two written examinations,
a term paper, and class participation. Cost:1
WL:3
(Owen)
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