101. Principles of Geology.

The study of the Earth with emphasis on the hydrologic system, the theory of plate tectonics and the geology and fossils of Iowa. All laboratories will be fi eld trips. Optional weekend fi eld trips may replace some laboratory periods. Cornerstone 2A. Four hours w/lab.

101L. Laboratory: Principles of Geology.

102. Ocean and Atmosphere.    

Topics include marine biology, marine ecology, shorelines, atmospheric energy, seasonal and daily temperatures, light and atmospheric optics, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, stability and cloud development, and thunderstorms and tornados. The laboratory emphasizes the writing of scientific papers and the description, identification and drawing of marine organisms using the microscope and models. Students prepare their own collection of marine shells. Cornerstone 2A. Four hours w/lab.

102L. Laboratory: Ocean and Atmosphere.

190. Special Topics in Geology.

Authorized field research studies or other courses with departmental approval. One to four hours.

231. Soil and Groundwater.

The scientifi c foundation for the sound management of soil and groundwater resources. Topics include soil genesis, classifi cation of soil, soil water, hydrologic cycle, properties of aquifers, principles of groundwater flow, groundwater flow to wells, regional groundwater flow, clay mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil organisms and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes methods of soil sampling and analysis, analysis of wells and the use of software in groundwater hydrology. Students conduct an independent research project. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Geology 101. Four hours w/lab.

231L. Laboratory: Soil and Groundwater.

250. Alpine Field Studies.

This three-week course teaches the fundamentals of fi eld geology and ecology in the beautiful and dramatic setting of the alpine zone. Previous venues include the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness Area (Colorado) and Glacier National Park (Montana). Major topics include description and mapping of rock units and vegetation, glacial and periglacial geology, mammal behavior, and adaptation of plants, animals and humans to high altitude. Instruction will be provided in mountaineering skills such as rock climbing, rappelling and the proper use of ice axes and crampons. Students should be involved in sports or otherwise be in excellent physical condition. Students will provide their own food and personal gear. Offered every summer. Prerequisite: Any geology or biology course. Three hours.

290. Special Topics in Geology. 

Authorized field research studies or other courses with departmental approval. Previous courses include a summer course Alpine Field Studies taught in the Mount Evans Wilderness Area of Colorado, Crystallography and Mineralogy, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Environment Nuclear Physics. One to four hours.

319. Internships in Geology.

358. Advanced Historical Geology.

An overview of the history of the Earth and of life on Earth at an advanced level. Topics include human evolution, evolution of mammals, review of minerals, rocks and fossils, interpretation of sedimentary rocks, dating rocks, plate tectonics and mountain building, Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Paleozoic tectonics, evolution of dinosaurs and evolution of amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. Students conduct an independent research project. Optional weekend field trips may replace some laboratory periods. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Geology 101 or advanced standing in biology. Four hours w/lab.

358L. Laboratory: Advanced Historical Geology.

375.  Land Use and Geomorphology.

The study of land use and landforms with emphasis on Iowa. Topics include glacial and periglacial geology, physical geography of Iowa, energy flow in geomorphic systems, Cenozoic tectonics and climate change, karst and caves, mass wasting and hill slopes, soil erosion, rivers and floods. Students conduct an independent research project. Optional weekend field trips may replace some laboratory periods. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Geology 101. Four hours w/lab.

375L. Laboratory: Land Use and Geomorphology.

378. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology.

The distribution of sediments and sedimentary rocks in space and time with emphasis on the sedimentary geology of Iowa and the North American mid-continent. Topics include principles of stratigraphy, classification of sedimentary rocks, sandstones and conglomerates, fluid mechanics, sedimentary structures, diagenesis, carbonate rocks and terrestrial, coastal and marine sedimentary environments. The laboratory emphasizes field description and mapping of sedimentary rocks. Students conduct an independent research project. Optional weekend field trips may replace some laboratory periods. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: Geology 101. Four hours w/lab.

378L. Laboratory: Stratigraphy and Sedimentology.

380. Directed Study in Geology.

390. Special Topics  in Geology.

Authorized field research studies or other courses with departmental approval.  One to four hours.

398. Independent Research in Geology.