Geosciences
253.535.7378
www.nsci.plu.edu/geos
The geosciences are distinct from other natural sciences. The study of the earth is interdisciplinary and historical, bringing knowledge from many other fields to help solve problems. Geoscientists investigate continents, oceans, and the atmosphere, and emphasize both the processes that have changed and are changing the earth through time and the results of those processes, such as rocks and sediments. Our fast-rising human population is dependent upon the earth for food, water, shelter and energy and mineral resources.
Study in the geosciences requires creativity and the ability to integrate. Geologists observe processes and products in the field and in the laboratory, merge diverse data, develop reasoning skills that apply through geologic time and create and interpret maps. The field goes beyond pure research science, and includes applied topics like the relationships of natural events such as earthquakes and volcanoes with human societies.
The Department of Geosciences recognizes that it is no longer sufficient just to have knowledge of the facts of the field; successful students must have quantitative skills and be able to communicate clearly through writing and speaking. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of all courses. Many courses involve the use of microscopes, including the department's scanning electron microscope. Computers are used in most courses to help students understand fundamental phenomena, obtain current information, and communicate results. Field trips are included in many courses.
Pacific Lutheran University is located at the leading edge of western North America, in the Puget Lowland, between the dramatic scenery of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range. Pierce County has diverse geology, which is reflected in elevations that range from sea level to more than 14,000 feet.
Geoscience graduates who elect to work after completing a PLU degree are employed by the U.S. Geological Survey, resource companies, governmental agencies, and private-sector firms. Many graduates are currently employed in geotechnical and environmental fields. Graduates who combine geosciences with education are employed in primary and secondary education.
Careers in geosciences often require post-graduate degrees. Many BS majors have been successful at major research graduate schools.
Faculty: Benham, Chair; Foley, Lowes, McKenney, Whitman.
The Bachelor of Science degree is intended as a pre-professional degree, for students interested in graduate school or working in geosciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree is the minimum preparation appropriate for the field and is best combined with other degree programs, such as majors in social sciences or the minor in Environmental Studies.
The department strongly recommends that all students complete Math 140 or higher before enrolling in 300-level and higher courses in geosciences. Students should also note that upper-division courses are offered on a two-year cycle. Early declaration of majors or minors in geosciences will facilitate development of individual programs and avoid scheduling confiicts.
Bachelor of Science Major: 44 semester hours in geosciences; courses include: one from 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105; 201, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329, 335 and 425; plus two from 323, 328, 330, 332, 334, 341, 350, or 360; one credit of 390; 498; 2 credits of 499. Necessary supporting courses include: Chemistry 120 or 125; Physics 125, 126 (135 and 136 labs) (or Physics 153, 154 and labs); Mathematics 151 and either 152 or Computer Science 120. At least one additional chemistry course is recommended for preparation for graduate school. Biology 323 and additional courses are recommended when paleontology is a major interest.
Bachelor of Arts Major: 32 semester hours in Geosciences; courses include: 201 plus at least two lower-division from 101, 102, 103, 104, 105; 8 credits from 324, 325, 326, 327, 329; 8 credits from 323, 328, 330, 332, 334, 335, 341, 350, 360; 1 credit of 390; 1 credit of 495 and 2 credits of 499. 425 recommended. Required supporting courses include: Chemistry 104, 120 or 125. Options refiect a student's interests and are discussed with an advisor.
Bachelor of Arts in Education: See School of Education.
Minor: 20 semester hours of courses in geosciences, completed with grade of C or higher. Required: 201 and at least three upper division courses (a minimum of 8 upper-division credit hours).
Departmental Honors: In recognition of outstanding work the designation with Departmental Honors may be granted to Bachelor of Science graduates by a vote of the faculty of the Department of Geosciences, based upon the student's performance in these areas:
- Course work: The grade point average in geoscience courses must be at least 3.50.
- Written work: From the time a student declares a major in geosciences, copies of outstanding work (e.g., laboratory reports, poster presentations, written reports) will be kept for later summary evaluation.
- Oral communication: Students must evidence ability to communicate effectively as indicated by the sum of their participation in class discussions, seminars, help sessions, and teaching assistantship work.
- Other activities: Positive considerations for honors include involvement in the department, doing independent research, geoscience-related employment, and participation in professional organizations.
Back to topCourse Offerings
101 Our Changing Planet - NS, SM
Exploration of earth systems, including cycles in and connections among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Disucssion of changes in and human impacts to these systems that have taken place through time. Includes labs. I (4)
102 General Oceanography - NS, SM
Oceanography and its relationship to other fields; physical, chemical, biological, climatic, and geological aspects of the sea. Includes labs and field trips. I, II (4)
103 Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Geologic Hazards - NS, SM
Study of the geologic environment and its relationship to humans, with emphasis on geologic features and processes that create hazards when encroached upon by human activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches, and solutions to problems created by these hazards. Includes labs. I (4)
104 Conservation of Natural Resources - NS, SM
Principles and problems of public and private stewardship of our resources with special reference to the Pacific Northwest. Includes labs. (Crosslisted with ENVT 104.) I, II (4)
105 Meteorology - NS, SM
A full, balanced, and up-to-date coverage of the basic principles of meteorology. Examination of the impacts of severe weather on humans and the environment. Includes labs. J (4)
201 Geologic Principles - NS, SM
A survey of geologic processes as they apply to the evolution of the North American continent, including the interaction of humans with their geologic environment. Students participate actively in classes that integrate laboratory and field study of rocks, minerals, fossils, maps and environmental aspects of geology and emphasize developing basic skills of geologic inquiry. This course meets state education certification requirements for content in physical and historical geology. II (4)
323 Mineralogy - NS, SM
Crystallography and mineralogy, both ore and rock-forming minerals. Includes labs. Prerequisites: 131, 201 or consent of instructor. (4)
324 Igneous Petrology - NS, SM
Applied and theoretical study of the genesis, nature, and distribution of igneous rocks, at microscopic to global scales. Includes labs. Prerequisites: 131, 201, 326, or consent of instructor. a/y II 2002-04 (2)
325 Structural Geology - NS, SM
The form and spatial relationships of various rock masses and an introduction to rock deformation; consideration of basic processes to understand mountain building and continental formation; laboratory emphasizes practical techniques which enable students to analyze regional structural patterns. Prerequisite: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y II 2001-03 (4)
326 Optical Mineralogy - NS, SM
Theory and practice of mineral studies using the petrographic microscope, including immersion oil techniques, production of thin sections, and determination of minerals by means of their optical properties. Includes labs. Prerequisite: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y I 2001-03. (2)
327 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation - NS, SM
Formational principles of surface-accumulated rocks, and their incorporation in the stratigraphic record. This subject is basic to field mapping and structural interpretation. Prerequisite: 201 or consent of insturctor. a/y I 2001-03. (4)
328 Paleontology - NS, SM
A systematic study of the fossil record, combining principles of evolutionary development, paleohabitats and preservation, with practical experience of specimen identification. Includes labs. Prerequisite: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y J 2003. (4)
329 Metamorphic Petrology - NS, SM
Consideration of the mineralogical and textural changes that rocks undergo during orogenic episodes, including physical-chemical parameters of the environment as deduced from experimental studies. Includes labs. Prerequisites: 131, 201, 326, or consent of instructor. a/y II 2002-04. (2)
330 Maps: Images of the Earth - NS, SM
Maps as a basic tool for communicating information. An introduction to computer-based Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, digital maps, remotely-sensed images and aerial photographs. Includes labs. Prerequisite: previous science (geoscience preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. a/y J (4)
332 Geomorphology
Study of the processes that shape the Earth's surface with emphasis on the effects of rock type, geologic structure, and climate on the formation and evolution of landforms. a/y I 2002-2004. (4)
334 Hydrogeology - NS, SM
Study of the hydrologic cycle, investigating surface and groundwater flow, resource evaluation and development, wells, water quality and geothermal resources. Emphasis on water problems in the Puget Sound area, with additional examples from diverse geologic environments. Includes labs. Prerequisite: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y II 2001-03. (4)
335 Geophysics - NS, SM
Study of the physical nature of the earth, its properties and processes, employing techniques from seismology, heat flow, gravity, magnetism, and electrical conductivity. Emphasis on understanding the earth's formation, structure, and plate tectonics processes as well as geophysical exploration techniques. Includes labs. Prerequisites: 131 or 201, one semester of calculus, physics (high-school-level or above), or consent of instructor. a/y I 2002-04. (4)
341 Energy and Mineral Resources for the Future - NS, SM
A survey of the world's energy and mineral resources comprising the raw materials of industrialized societies. Includes labs. Prerequisites: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y I (4)
350 Marine Geology - NS, SM
Study of the 70% of the earth beneath the oceans, focusing on the extensive discoveries of the past few decades. Emphasis on marine sediments, sedimentary processes, plate tectonic processes, and the historical geology of the oceans. Includes labs. Prerequisite: 102, 131, 201, or consent of instructor. a/y II 2002. (4)
360 Geology of Washington - NS, SM
The minerals, rocks, geological structures and geological history of Washington, with emphasis on the region from the Columbia Plateau to the Pacific Ocean. Includes labs and field trips. Prerequisite: previous geoscience or consent of instructor. (4)
390 Field Trip - NS
Field and on-campus study of major geologic sites in western U.S. Trips take place during spring break or at end of spring semester. Prerequisite: 131, 201, or consent of instructor. (300- level geology courses preferred.) (1)
425 Geologic Field Mapping - NS, SM
Combining a survey of regional field geology with a series of local mapping projects, this course introduces field techniques of geologic map-making. Included are traversing and data assembly, map construction, section measurements, structural analysis, and chronological synthesis. Graphics techniques are also covered. Prerequisites: previous 300-level geology courses and consent of instructor. S (5)
491 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Requires regular supervision by a faculty member. (1-4)
497 Research
Experimental or theoretical investigation, in close cooperation with a faculty member. Open to upper-division students. (1-4)
498 Seminar - NS
Selected topics in geosciences based on literature and/or original research. (1)
499 Capstone: Seminar - SR
Senior experience in library or laboratory research and career-integrating seminar, including presentation of research results. II (2)