2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Geology
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Pamela Kempton, Head
Professors: Chaudhuri, Datta, and Kempton; Associate Professors: Brueseke, Raef, and Totten; Assistant Professors: Adam, Goldberg, Kirk, Lacroix, and Spencer; Assistant Teaching and Research Faculty: Farough, Gad, Lambert, and Miller; Emeritus Professors: Archer, Clark, and Oviatt.
108 Thompson Hall
785-532-6724
Fax: 785-532-5159
www.k-state.edu/geology
Geology is often defined as the study of the physical aspects of the Earth–it’s composition, structure and the processes that have shaped it–past, present and future. But it’s much more than that. The study of the earth involves chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, along with history, logic and art. Professional geologists also utilize creativity, ingenuity and 3-D visualization, as well as speaking and writing skills. In short, a geology career can utilize all your talents.
It’s also a good time to be a geology major! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of geoscience jobs is expected to increase by 16% over the next decade, significantly faster than average. In other words, there are expected to be more jobs than people. Mean annual salaries for geoscience occupations also pay well above the national average for life, physical, and social sciences. Job opportunities, salaries, and opportunities for advancement are significantly enhanced with a Master of Science degree, and we strongly encourage students to consider this route.
The geology faculty possess a wide range of expertise in both traditional and cross-disciplinary areas of geosciences, and are committed to excellence in their teaching. The department offers programs leading to the BS and BA degrees in geology. In addition to the undergraduate program, the department offers a MS degree: our graduate program currently has approximately 30 students.
The Department of Geology cooperates with the Department of Civil Engineering to offer a dual degree in civil engineering and geology. For detailed plans of study, consult the head of the department.
We also cooperate with the College of Education to offer an Earth Science (EDESC ) option for high school teachers. In addition to the general requirements for the BA or BS degree, the teacher licensure requirements must be completed. See the College of Education for more information about teacher licensure requirements and details about earth and space science as a Second Teaching Field in Secondary Education.
Minors in both geology (18-20 credit hours) and geophysics (16 credit hours) are also possible.
Students in geology must have an overall average grade of C (not a C grade in each course) in their geology, other natural science, mathematics, and computer science courses.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Non-Degree
Geology
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GEOL 100 - Earth in Action Credits: 3
The earth’s physical, structural, and dynamic features; the most common minerals and rocks; processes affecting the earth.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Historical Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 101 - Geology Colloquium Credits: 1-3
Topics in earth science chosen to illustrate current research of scientists and methods chosen to study the physical universe. At each offering of this course a syllabus will be available giving the topics to be studied and the details of administration of the course.
Note
May be repeated once. Not open to geology majors.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 102 - Earth Through Time Credits: 3
An introduction to the immensity of geologic time and a review of the history of the earth and the life upon it.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Historical Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 103 - Geology Laboratory Credits: 1
Laboratory investigation of rocks and minerals; use of geologic and topographic maps; understanding of stream and groundwater processes and landforms.
Note
Two hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite or co-requisite: GEOL 100, GEOL 102, or GEOL 125.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 105 - Oceanography Credits: 3
The oceans: their boundaries, contents, and processes.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 110 - Introductory Geology Honors Credits: 3
Survey of earth materials, features, and processes. Higher level of sophistication and challenge than GEOL 100.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 115 - Environmental Geology Credits: 3
Major reservoirs of Earth and the hydrologic cycle; minerals and rocks on the surface and in subsurface environments; minerals and rock-water interactions; compositional variations of waters; surface and ground water pollutions; atmospheric pollutions; waste disposal problems.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Global Issues and Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 120 - Age of Dinosaurs Credits: 3
Reconstructs the world of the dinosaurs, and places it in the context of Earth’s dynamic physical and biological history. The inferred biology and ecology of dinosaur species will be discussed, and the theories concerning their origin, evolution, and extinction will be presented.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 125 - Natural Disasters Credits: 3
Discussion of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods, with particular emphasis on their causes, effects, and significance as hazards.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 305 - Earth Resources Credits: 3
Origin and geologic settings of energy, water, and mineral resources. Additional emphasis will be placed upon exploration and development.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOG 221.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Global Issues and Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 310 - Topics in Geology Credits: 1-3
Seminar discussion of subjects of current interest in geology.
Requisites
Prerequisite: A course in natural science at the 100 level or higher.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 399 - Honors Seminar in Geology Credits: 1-3
Selected topics.
Note
Open to non-majors in the honors program.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 499 - Senior Honors Thesis Credits: 1-3
Directed research and preparation of an honors thesis.
Note
Open only to seniors in the arts and sciences honors program.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 501 - Independent Study in Geology Credits: 1-3
Independent reading; field or laboratory investigations, or both, of geologic problems.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 300 and junior standing.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 502 - Mineralogy Credits: 3
Crystallography; physical and chemical properties of minerals; emphasis on mineral identification through laboratory analysis.
Note
Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 and GEOL 103; CHM 110 and CHM 111 or CHM 210.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 503 - Petrology Credits: 3
Investigation of physical and chemical processes forming ingeneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Mircroscopic examination of rock mineralogy and textures.
Note
Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 502 and CHM 230.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 506 - Environmental Studies Credits: 3
Physical and chemical qualities of natural environments and health from a geologic perspective-detection and prediction of environmental changes, identification of sources of pollutants and their movements in soils, rocks, and waters.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Global Issues and Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 510 - Geology of Planets Credits: 3
Origin, evolution, and surficial geology of the extraterrestrial planets and satellites.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100.
Typically Offered
Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 512 - Earth Science Credits: 3
A critical study of the atmosphere, weather, climate, composition, and processes of the earth; also, the interaction of these in producing the pattern of landforms and human activity.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOG 221 or junior standing.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 515 - Geology of the National Parks Credits: 3
Stratigraphy, structure, and geological history that produced the scenery of the national parks. Selected national monuments also will be studied.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 105.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 520 - Geomorphology Credits: 3
Classroom, laboratory, and field studies of landforms and surficial deposits, with an emphasis on earth-surface processes. Classroom lectures and discussions; laboratory exercises; and field investigations.
Note
Two hours recitation and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOG 221.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 530 - Structural Geology Credits: 3
Mechanics of the earth’s crust; origin and interrelation of structures of the earth.
Note
Two hours recitation and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 540 - Geologic Record of Climate Change Credits: 3
Introduction to the major forcing and feedback mechanisms responsible for climate change. Reconstructing past climates using various geologic indicators including climate-sensitive sedimentary facies, paleosols, fossil species distributions, the microfossil record, and stable isotopes.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOG 221.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
Yes
K-State 8
Global Issues and Perspectives
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 560 - Field Methods Credits: 3
Introduction to methods used to collect geologic data in the field. Emphasis is placed on map-reading, rock description, use of aerial photographs, and construction of geologic maps and cross sections.
Note
One hour recitation and four hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 581 - Principles of Paleontology Credits: 3
An overview of paleontological principles relating to the application of the fossil record to questions of evolution, paleoecology, paleoenvironment, depositional dynamics, facies analysis, and stratigraphy.
Note
Two 1.5 hour lectures, and one 3-hour lab per week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 502 and junior standing.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 599 - Senior Thesis Credits: 1-3
Directed research and preparation of a senior thesis.
Note
May be repeated once to a maximum of 3 hours credit. Open only to seniors in geology or geophysics.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 602 - Mineral Exploration Credits: 3
Geological, geochemical, and geophysical prospecting techniques and their application in the exploration for metallic mineral deposits.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 605 - Introduction to Geochemistry Credits: 3
Introduction to the use of inorganic geochemistry in the investigation of geologic processes in the crust, mantle, and surface environment.
Note
Three hours lecture a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: CHM 210, CHM 230, GEOL 502.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 611 - Hydrogeology Credits: 3
Origin, geologic occurrence, and migration of subsurface water; laws governing ground water flow and yield of acquifers.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 520.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 620 - Volcanology Credits: 2
Examines processes associated with active volcanoes as revealed by volcanic deposits. Emphasis on influence of volcanoes on human civilizations including economic deposits, climate change, or volcano monitoring.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 502.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 630 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Credits: 3
Identification of sedimentary rocks and interpretation of sedimentary properties and depositional environments; analysis of spatial and temporal relationships to interpret depositional history and basin evolution.
Note
Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 640 - Introduction to Geophysics Credits: 3
Introduction to geophysics, its uses in studies of the earth’s interior, its utility of illuminating subsurface geological features, and its applications in fields such as groundwater studies and the development of energy resources.
Note
Two hours recitation, and two hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: PHYS 114 or PHYS 214; MATH 220.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 642 - Field Geophysics Credits: 3
Acquisition and computer processing of geophysical data such as those from seismic reflection, seismic refraction, gravity, magnetic and electrical methods.
Note
One hour recitation and four hours lab per week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 743.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 650 - Geomicrobiology Credits: 3
Study of microorganisms in geological environments. Topics include: geochemical controls on microbial activity and impacts of microbial activity on geological environments.
Note
Lecture and Lab.
Requisites
Prerequisite: CHM 210, CHM 230.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 680 - Field Geology Credits: 3
Field projects in the Rocky Mountains designed to give students practical experience in apply geologic knowledge and skills.
Note
Three six-day weeks in the field.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503, 530, and 560.
Typically Offered
Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 702 - Economic Geology Credits: 3
Geology and origin of metallic mineral deposits and of some nonmetallic deposits.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 703 - Economic Geology Laboratory Credits: 1
Laboratory activities related to metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits, including detailed studies of selected deposits.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 702 or concurrent enrollment.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 704 - Carbonate Paleoenvironments Credits: 3
Examination of the biological, physical, and chemical factors in reefs and shallow carbonate platform environments through Earth history, including their modern analogs. Attention will be given to the geometry of carbonate facies, their geographic and temporal distribution, and their sedimentary fabric and porosity.
Note
Two hours recitation and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 581 and 630.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 705 - Biomineralization Credits: 3
Discussion and critique of current and classic research in biomineralization.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 581 and 605.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 708 - Sedimentary Geochemistry Credits: 3
Geochemical principles and processes in deposition and diagenesis of sediments; different chemical pathways in the exogenic cycle.
Note
Two hours lecture and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503 and MATH 220.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 711 - Water Resources Geochemistry Credits: 3
Geochemistry of ground and surface waters; emphasis on mineralogical, biochemical, and hydrologic controls on inorganic and organic interactions in natural waters.
Note
Two hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 611, GEOL 605 or AGRON 605.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 712 - Advanced Geochemistry Credits: 3
Application of chemical principles to igneous, metamorphic systems; emphasis on equilibria, oxidation-reduction, crystal chemistry, and thermodynamics.
Note
Three hours lecture a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503 and CH 500 or 585.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 714 - Rock Microstructures and Geologic Processes Credits: 3
Examination of mineral shapes, orientations and assemblages (rock fabric) as a record of geologic processes.
Note
Two hours lecture and two hour lab.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 503 and CHM 230.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 715 - Dating Earth Materials Credits: 3
Discusses how ages are measured for rocks, minerals, waters, and sediments by analysis of isotopes produced by radioactive decay or cosmic rays.
Requisites
Prerequisite: CHM 230, GEOL 503.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 720 - Quaternary Geology Credits: 3
Quaternary stratigraphy as the framework for studying the geomorphic, climactic, archaeological, and biological changes of the last two million years, with emphasis on the North American record.
Note
Three hours recitation a week and one field trip a semester.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 630.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 730 - Petroleum Geology Credits: 3
Origin, migration, and accumulation of petroleum; stratigraphy and structure of important fields.
Note
Three hours recitation a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 530 and 630.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 735 - Fossil Fuel Sedimentology Credits: 3
An introduction to organic matter and fossil fuels as components of sedimentary rocks.
Requisites
Prerequisite: CHM 230, GEOL 630.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 738 - Formation Evaluation Credits: 3
Investigates projects on well log interpretation, petro-physical calculations, log corrections, and post-drilling decision workflows through lectures, discussions, laboratory exercises, or field trips.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 730.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 740 - Regional Geology Credits: 3
Interpretations of structural, stratigraphic, igneous, and tectonic history of selected sites in North America.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 530 and 630.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 741 - Seismic Data Processing Credits: 3
Principles of 3D seismic data processing techniques and the application of industrial software package(s) to process raw field seismic reflection data to render it in a form suitable for the seismic interpretation stage. This form of seismic data is utilized in subsurface reservoir characterization.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 640.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 742 - Seismic Data Interpretation Credits: 3
Fundamental interpretation of 3D seismic reflection data as applied to hydrocarbon exploration and development problems. Students will conduct a project interpreting surface 3D seismic reflection data using industrial software package(s) for subsurface reservoir characterization.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 640.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 745 - Exploration Geophysics Credits: 3
Principles and applications of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and other geophysical methods used in energy, mining, and other industries to locate subsurface targets of interest.
Note
Two hours recitation and two hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 743.
Typically Offered
On sufficient demand
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 747 - Numerical Modelling Credits: 3
A practical, hands-on introduction to numerical and analytical modeling. Students take equations that describe diverse physical phenomena and discretizing to produce a numerical solution to the considered problem. Programming will begin Matlab and continue in C and Fortran.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 743.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 750 - Geologic Evolution of Planet Earth Credits: 3
Integration of the various geologic disciplines into a broad-based understanding of the history and dynamics of the earth. Specific regions, such as the western U.S., will be selected each year for detailed study. Guest lectures will make up a significant part of the course.
Note
Three hours lecture a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, all other courses required for the BS or BA degree in geology (except summer field courses).
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 760 - Geochemical and Biogeochemical Modeling Credits: 3
Use of geochemical modeling to examine geochemical and biogeochemical processes in aqueous environments.
Requisites
Prerequisite: CHM 210, CHM 230 (or CHM 220, CHM 250), GEOL 605.
Typically Offered
Fall
UGE course
No
K-State 8
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Natural and Physical Sciences
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 770 - Subsurface Methods Credits: 3
Principles and applications of subsurface geology.
Note
Two hours recitation and three hours lab a week.
Requisites
Prerequisite: GEOL 530 or concurrent enrollment.
Typically Offered
Spring
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
-
GEOL 790 - Problems in Geology Credits: 1-18
Work is offered in mineralogy, paleobiology, paleoecology, stratigraphy, structural geology, igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary petrology, geomorphology, planetary geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and isotope geology.
Note
May be repeated.
Requisites
Prerequisite: Background of courses needed for problem undertaken.
Typically Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer
UGE course
No
K-State 8
None
KSIS Course Search
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