Catalog home

The Academic Program

• The Academic Year
• Graduation Requirements
• Instructional Policies
• The Curriculum
  • African Studies
  • American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Asian Languages and Cultures
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Classics
  • Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • French and Francophone Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • German Studies
  • Hispanic Studies
  • History
  • Humanities and Media and Cultural Studies
  • International Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Civilization
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian Studies
  • Sociology
  • Theater and Dance
  • Urban Studies
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Special Programs

• Program Description
• Course Descriptions
• Geology web site

Geology Course Descriptions

100 OCEANOGRAPHY

This course provides an introduction to the global marine environment, and covers such topics as the heat balance of the seas, oceanic circulation, the composition, configuration and origin of the sea floors, geochemical cycles, history of sea water, and marine ecology. The role of the oceans as sources of food and raw materials is also investigated. No prerequisites. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

101 DINOSAURS

Dinosaurs dominated Earth's landscapes for nearly 200 million years, and then they vanished in one of the "big-five" mass extinctions in the history of life. This course explores the evolution of dinosaurs, and examines their biology and behavior. Students are introduced to the various groups of dinosaurs as they study the reasons behind their dramatic diversification and ecological success. Theories that pertain to their abrupt disappearance 65 million years ago are also explored. The class includes a field trip to the dinosaur hall at the Science Museum of Minnesota. No prerequisites. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

102 EXPLORING THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Recent planetary missions have provided a wealth of new and exciting information about our solar system and beyond. This course examines the science behind these recent discoveries. Readings and discussions focus on a variety of topics, including: (1) processes of planetary formation, (2) the geology of the Earth, Moon, Sun, and other planets, (3) planetary interiors and atmospheres, (4) asteroids, meteorites, comets, and the newly appreciated role of impacts, (5) the seemingly unique status of the Earth as a habitable planet, and (6) the potential for extraterrestrial life. Course projects make extensive use of internet resources, computer software, satellite imagery, and solar system materials (rocks from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids). No prerequisites. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

120 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (Same as Environmental Studies 120)

The physical environment has begun to show signs of our earth's expanding population and the increasing need for natural resources. Geologic materials such as soil, water, and bedrock, and geologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and running water often pose constraints on land use. This course is designed to introduce students to the relationship between humans and their geologic environment: the earth. We will focus on the understanding the processes that shape the surface of the earth, and how these processes affect human activity. We will use current scientific methods to collect and analyze data. Topics include surface-water dynamics and flooding, groundwater and groundwater contamination, pollution and waste management, landslides, volcanic and earthquake hazards, and global climate change. Format: three hour block per week of local field excursions, lectures, and/or laboratory exercises; evaluation will be based on project reports and homework/classroom assignments, and one exam (final). No prerequisites. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

150 DYNAMIC EARTH AND GLOBAL CHANGE

This course provides an introduction to the materials and structure of the Earth and to the processes acting on and in the Earth to produce change. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of landforms and the formation of Earth resources. Discussions focus on the important role of geologic processes in the solution of environmental problems. Required for geology majors. Local field trips. Three hours lecture and two and a half hours lab per week. Every fall. (4 credits)

 

155 HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF EARTH

This course provides an overview of the Earth for the past 4.6 billion years. Students explore the concept of geologic time as they delve into the vast past of our evolving planet. Major emphasis is placed on tracking the evolution of life, from the simplest single-celled organisms of the ancient Earth to today's diverse floras and faunas. Another major focus is the linkage among abiotic and biotic systems—the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere did not and do not evolve independently. The laboratory component of this course is designed to familiarize students with the rocks and fossils that archive the history of Earth. The class includes a fossil-collecting field trip. Required for geology majors. Three hours lecture and two and a half hours lab per week. No prerequisites. Every spring. (4 credits)

 

200 FIELD EXCURSION SEMINAR

The geology and geography of a region will be studied during a geologic field excursion to a selected destination. The excursion will be preceded by a seminar course that includes readings and oral presentations. A student may take the seminar more than once for credit. Prerequisite: Geology 150 or 155 or permission of instructor. Alternate years. (2 credits)

 

201 GEOLOGICAL EXCURSIONS

This course focuses on the geology of a foreign country or a region of the U.S. It also includes a study of the geography and culture of the region. It is designed as a January course. Participants meet prior to departure in order to learn necessary background information. The field excursion generally spans two to three weeks. The region to be studied will be different each year and a student may take the course more than once for credit. This course is offered on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor(s). Offered occasionally. (2 credits)

 

250 MINERALOGY

This course examines the relationships between symmetry, chemistry, physical and optical properties, and occurrence of minerals. General cosmochemistry, geochemistry and crystal growth will also be discussed. Laboratory projects include crystal morphology and symmetry, optical mineralogy, x-ray diffraction, wet chemistry, and the identification of common rock-forming minerals. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Field trips. Prerequisites: Geology 150 and one course in chemistry or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

255 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

This course focuses on the primary and secondary structures of rocks, the mechanics of rock deformation, and global tectonics. Discussions focus on the origins and interpretations of major rock features using hand samples and thin sections. Problem sets use graphical techniques to solve structural problems. This course also provides an introduction to map interpretation and mapping techniques. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Field trips. Prerequisites: Geology 150 and 155. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

260 GEOMORPHOLOGY

Geomorphology is the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur on the surface of a planetary body. We will be examining the processes that turn solid rock into transportable material, the transport mechanisms themselves (whether beneath glaciers, down hillslopes, or in rivers), and the patterns of deposition, many of which are unique to the processes that created them. These processes range from the very large (volcanism and mountain-building) to the microscopic (frost cracking of rock, soil creep, and chemical weathering along mineralogic grain boundaries). Some processes occur frequently across geographic boundaries and throughout geologic time (like rainsplash), while others are stochastic in nature and dramatic in their geomorphic signature (like glacial outburst floods). We will focus on the roles of rivers, glaciers, and mass movements in shaping landscapes, but will examine wide-ranging landscapes such as arid environments and coastal regions. The study of current surface processes on the Earth will be examined with an eye toward understanding the evolution of landscapes over geologic timescales. Prerequisite: Geology 150 or permission of instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

265 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY

This course focuses on sedimentary rocks and the stratigraphic record. Topics covered include the origin and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks (siliciclatic and carbonate), sedimentary structures (physical and biogenic), diagenesis, and basin analysis. Students are introduced to the principles and practice of stratigraphy (including the latest applications of sequence stratigraphy). Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 155 or permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

300 PALEOBIOLOGY

This course surveys the long history of life, as recorded by the fossil record. Students are introduced to the morphology and paleoecology of the major fossil groups (invertebrates and vertebrates) through discussions, labs, and readings. Students also learn the methods used to study the paleobiology and evolution of extinct organisms. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Local field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 155 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

301 GEOPHYSICS

Lecture and reading topics will include comparative planetary evolution, earth's physical fields (gravitational, magnetic, electrical), seismology, seismic interpretation, the geoid, rock magnetism and paleomagnetics, heat flow, earth structure and a discussion of exploration geophysical methods. Lab and lab project. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

302 PETROLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY

This course focuses on the classification, occurrence, and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between lithology, geochemistry, and tectonic setting. Laboratory exercises include hand specimen identification, thin-section interpretation, textural analysis, major and trace element modeling, SEM/EDS and XRF analysis. Students participate in a semester-long research project on a local geological feature. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week. Field trips. Prerequisite: Geology 250. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

450 SENIOR SEMINAR

Senior geology majors will participate with faculty and staff in readings, presentations, and discussions of pertinent geological topics (e.g. plate tectonics, global change, mass extinction). The historical and philosophical roots of geology will be examined. Potential field trips. Prerequisite: senior standing in geology or permission of instructor. Spring semester. (1 credit)

 

604 TUTORIAL

Closely supervised individual or small group study with a faculty member. A student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of study not available through the regular catalog offerings. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

Independent study of geologic problems or preparation of senior research thesis. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and permission of the instructor. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

624 INTERNSHIP

Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experience. Consent of the department is required. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

634 PRECEPTORSHIP

A student works with a faculty member in the planning and teaching of a course. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. The department chair will determine if this course may be applied toward the major. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

644 HONORS INDEPENDENT

Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

Macalester College · 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105  USA · 651-696-6000
Comments and questions to webmaster@macalester.edu