/ A study of geological phenomena involved in the formation of the Earth’s surface and subsurface features, the interrelationship between humans and the geological environment, and the application of the science of geology to problems resulting from the increasingly intense use of the materials of the Earth’s crust. The course includes lectures, discussions, labs and field trips.
This course provides an introduction to geologic processes with a special emphasis on the interaction of these processes with humankind. Topics include geologic hazards (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding), geologic resources and human impact on the natural environment, such as groundwater contamination and mining. Includes lectures, discussion, labs and field trips.
This course explores the origin, evolution and extinction of dinosaurs, as well as the environment, at the time the dinosaurs were alive. Dinosaurs are also used to learn about how science is used to evaluate the Earth, both past and present. Fundamental geological principles that affected the distribution and life history of dinosaurs are also covered. Includes lectures and labs.
This course provides an overview of the ocean sciences with emphasis on the interplay between its geological, physical, chemical and biological processes. The impact of oceans on Earth’s climate is examined, as well as the possible human impact on climate and global sea-level changes. Other human concerns, including marine-pollution problems and species extinction, are addressed.
This course provides an overview of the hydrologic cycle with emphasis placed on the study of groundwater. Discussions include the fundamental characteristics of aquifers (porosity and permeability), the geologic settings of groundwater and the basic physics of groundwater flow. This course also provides an introduction to surface water in streams and its geomorphic effects. The course includes lectures, discussion, laboratory and field exercises. A basic knowledge of high school algebra and trigonometry is assumed. Prerequisite: GEOL 105. Alternate years.
An introduction to Geographic Information Systems with emphasis in earth science applications, such as mapping and terrain analysis. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, uses and applications of Geographic Information System software. Exercises include working with a variety of data sets applicable to answering questions in earth and environmental science. Spring semester.
This course provides an overview of the geologic processes responsible for shaping and modifying the Earth’s surface. Emphasis is placed on the study of the following topics: physical and chemical weathering, soils, mass wasting, streams, glaciers, wind and desert processes, karst features, coastal processes, tectonic geomorphology, and landscape evolution. Includes lectures, discussions, labs and field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105. Alternate years.
This course focuses on the major events in Earth’s history. In particular, the history of life through time, changes in sea level and climate, and the evolution of Earth’s lithosphere are studied, with a focus on the North American continent. Interpretation of the rock and fossil records is a key component. Includes lectures, discussions and labs. Prerequisite: GEOL 105. Alternate years.
This course focuses on the fossil record from a geological perspective. A major component of the course involves learning how to use the distribution of fossils to correlate rock units. Other topics include identification of major fossil groups, the preservation of fossils, and the relationship between fossil organisms and their environments. Prerequisite: GEOL 105. Recommended: GEOL 275.
This course integrates research-based strategies and constructivist teaching principles with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) frameworks to provide a foundation for teaching students in PK-8 educational settings. Students will be able to create units of instruction, engage students in STEM activities, design assessment models, and understand how to design a classroom environment suitable to meet the needs of all learners. This course will also focus on environmental education including the conservation of natural resources. Prerequisites: EDUC 125 and EDUC 130; concurrent enrollment in pre-professional block.
A lecture and laboratory course that examines the origin and characteristics of sediments and sedimentary rocks, transportation mechanisms, geologic environments in which sediments are deposited, unification and diagenesis, classification schemes for sedimentary-rock nomenclature, and the arrangement and correlation of sedimentary rocks. Prerequisites: GEOL 105 and GEOL 300. Alternate years.
This course explores the processes of deformation of the Earth’s crust and how this deformation is recorded by rocks. Emphasis is placed on the correct observation and interpretation of features such as faults, folds and shear zones. Includes lectures, discussions, labs and field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 300 and GEOL 320.
An introduction to glacial process and environments. Emphasis is placed on the origin of landforms and landscapes produced by glaciations. Related topics covered in this course include quaternary climate change, eolian (wind) processes, river and lake systems, and periglacial processes. Includes lectures, discussion, laboratory and field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 105. Infrequently offered.
This course provides an extended field experience for geology majors. It usually includes two to three weeks of travel and study of the geology and natural history of Costa Rica. The course focuses on plate-tectonic processes, active volcanism and arid sedimentary environments in a modern geologically active region. Special emphasis is placed on careful observation, description and interpretation of geologic phenomena. Prerequisites: GEOL 105 and instructor’s consent. Infrequently offered.
A course designed for group study of a subject matter of special interest. It is typically applied to an extended field trip offered during winter break or spring break with associated lectures, labs, research and/or literature review. Special topics courses that include a field trip require an additional fee to cover expenses, such as travel. Prerequisites: GEOL 105 and instructor’s consent.
Geology is the study of the origin, composition, structure, processes, and history of the Earth incorporating related science concepts from chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. The U.S. National Parks are a great platform for learning these basics of geology, as well as peripheral interdisciplinary and non-scientific aspects of the parks, such as the important interplay between geologic processes (and products) and humans.
Original field or laboratory study and research in the area of environmental geology. Course requirements vary depending on the research focus and must be agreed upon by the student and supervising instructor. This course is designed to satisfy the senior thesis requirement of the environmental science major. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.
A summer field course that integrates basic geologic skills and knowledge in the construction of geologic maps. The field camp is typically six to eight weeks in duration, and students normally attend the course during the summer between their junior and senior years. This course is not offered by St. Norbert College. Students must enroll in a field camp offered by another institution. Prerequisites: geology major and approval of field course by the geology discipline.
A course that allows students to pursue an area of study on an individual basis with consultation and evaluation by a geology faculty member. Course methodology and objectives are mutually agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.
An arranged course involving substantial laboratory and/or field research in an area of interest to the student and under the supervision of one or more geology faculty members. This course may be based on a group project. Students who wish to use a summer research experience performed at another institution for GEOL 492 credit must have the geology discipline’s approval prior to undertaking the research. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent or discipline approval.
Original field or laboratory research in geology under the supervision of a faculty member in the discipline. The student is required to write a thesis summarizing the objectives, methods, data and significant results of the research. In addition, presentation of research results at a professional meeting is encouraged. Prerequisites: geology major and instructor’s consent.
This course consists of an assessment examination covering the various areas of geology in the undergraduate program. The results will help the geology discipline evaluate student achievement and improve the program curriculum. Prerequisite: senior standing. Spring semester.
This course provides an overview of the formation, occurrence and recognition of minerals, igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks. The mineralogy portion focuses on mineral identification and formation along with mineral chemistry, occurrence and uses. The rock portion of the course covers rock identification along with the theoretical aspects of rock development with particular emphasis on the tectonic framework. Prerequisite: ERTH 105 OR ERTH 107
Introduction to Sustainability is a team-taught course that is intended for sustainability minors. The course will introduce the concept of sustainability and discuss the most current global environmental issues. The topic of sustainability will then be covered from a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives. Students will be given the opportunity to contemplate the applicability of the topic to their own major and ultimate career goals. This is a lecture only course. No prerequisites.
This course covers the science of global patterns in Earth’s climate throughout the history of the planet. Time will be spent on climate proxies that provide concrete data about Earth’s temperature and precipitation levels in the past, a full examination of the changes in Earth’s climate over time, and the influence climate has on other Earth systems. With this context, students will learn about the cause and impact of modern global climate patterns. This is a lecture-only course. No prerequisites.
This course examines the interaction between Wisconsin's people and their environment through time. Special attention is paid to how the environment has been exploited and modified by human activity. Tops include the Fur Trade, logging era, mining, transportation, water resources, agriculture, and climate change. The course begins with an overview of Wisconsin's environment prior to Euro-American settlement, as reconstructed from the geological and ecological records.
This course consists of an assessment examination covering the sustainability minor. The results will help the earth science discipline evaluate student achievement and improve the program curriculum. Prerequisite: senior standing. Spring semester.
World resources is an introduction to the mineral, energy, and water resources of the planet. Important issues that will be discussed related to resources include; abundance, geographic and economic distribution, sustainability, environmental impacts, historical and political perspectives, population demographics and projected implications for future resources. An important constant throughout the course will be the focus on resources related to climate change. This is a lecture only course. No prerequisites.
