Geosciences / 2006-07 PLU Catalog

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

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.

Geosciences graduates who elect to work after completing a PLU degree are employed by the U.S. Geological Survey, natural resource companies, governmental agencies, and private-sector geotechnical and environmental consulting firms. Graduates who combine geosciences with education are employed in primary and secondary education.

Careers in geosciences often require post-graduate degrees. Many B.S. majors have been successful at major research graduate schools.

Faculty: Whitman, Chair; Benham, Foley, Lowes, McKenney.

Degree Offerings

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 conflicts.

All courses taken for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Bachelor of Science Major - 42 to 44 semester hours in Geosciences; courses to include:

One course from GEOS 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 or 106

GEOS 201, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329, 331 and 335

Plus two courses from GEOS 328, 330, 331, 332, 334 or 350

One semester hour of GEOS 390
One semester hour of GEOS 498

Two semester hours of GEOS 499
Geologic Field Experience: Students completing the B.S. degree in Geosciences are required to take a departmentally approved field camp from another college or university (minimum of four semester credit hours). Student would normally take this during the summer, after their junior year or after their senior year depending upon their level of preparation. This field experience may be a traditional field geology course or a field-based course in Hydrology, Environmental Geology or Geophysics, etc. Students must have approval of the department chair before enrolling in the Field Experience.

Necessary supporting courses include:

CHEM 115

PHYS 125, 126 (135 and 136 labs) OR PHYS 153, 154 and labs

MATH 151 and either MATH 152 or CSCE 120

At least one additional CHEM course is recommended for preparation for graduate school

BIOL 323 and additional courses are recommended when paleontology is a major interest

Bachelor of Arts Major - 32 semester hours in Geosciences courses include:

GEOS 201

Plus at least two lower-division from GEOS 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106

Eight semester hours from GEOS 324, 325, 326, 327, 329

Eight semester hours from GEOS 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 350

One semester hour of GEOS 390

One semester hour of GEOS 498

Two semester hours of GEOS 499

Geologic Field Experience: Students completing the B.A. degree in Geosciences are recommended to take a departmentally approved field camp from another college or university. Students would normally take this during the summer, after their junior year or after their senior year depending upon their level of preparation. This field experience may be a traditional field geology course or a field-based course in Hydrology, Environmental Geology or Geophysics, etc. Students must have approval of the department chair before enrolling in the Field Experience.

Required supporting courses include: CHEM 104, 115

Options reflect 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: GEOS 201 and at least three upper division courses (a minimum of eight upper-division semester 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.

Course Offerings - Geosciences (GEOS)

Fall	GEOS 101, 102, 103, 104, 326, 327, 330, 332, 335, 498
January Term	GEOS 103, 331, 334
Spring	GEOS 102, 103, 104, 201, 324, 325, 328, 329, 350, 499
Summer	GEOS 102
Alternate Years	GEOS 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 350

GEOS 101: Our Changing Planet – NS, SM

Exploration of earth systems, including cycles in and connections among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Discussion of changes in and human impacts to these systems that have taken place through time. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

GEOS 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. (4)

GEOS 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 and field trips. (4)

GEOS 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 and field trips. (Cross-listed with ENVT 104.) (4)

GEOS 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. (4)

GEOS 106: Geology of National Parks - NS

Study of the significant geologic features, processes, and history as illustrated by selected National Parks. Relationship between human history and geology and the impact of geology on our lives will be included. (4)

GEOS 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. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201, 326, or consent of instructor. (2)

GEOS 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. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (2)

GEOS 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. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201, 326 or consent of instructor. (2)

GEOS 330: Maps: Images of the Earth – NS, SM

Maps as a basic tool for communicating spatial information. An introduction to cartographic principles, processes and problems, with emphasis on selection, presentation and interpretation of information. Includes discussions of topographic maps, Global Positioning Systems, digital maps, remotely sensed images and aerial photographs. Includes labs. Prerequisite: Previous science (geosciences preferred) or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 331: Maps: Computer-aided Mapping and Analysis

Computer-based Geographic Information Systems, digital maps, and data sources. The creation, interpretation, and analysis of digital maps from multiple data sources. Analysis of spatial information from sciences, social sciences, and humanities using sets of digital maps. Includes labs. Prerequisite: Previous science (geoscience preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. GEOS 330 or familiarity with maps recommended. (4)

GEOS 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. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201, one semester of calculus, physics (high-school-level or above), or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 102, or 201, or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 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: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor (300- level geology courses preferred). (1)

GEOS 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)

GEOS 495: Internship (1 to 12)

GEOS 497: Research

Experimental or theoretical investigation, in close cooperation with a faculty member. Open to upper-division students. (1–4)

GEOS 498: Seminar – NS

Discussion of professional papers and introduction to directed research for the Capstone project. Required of all majors in their senior year. December graduates should complete the sequence (498-499) in their final full year. (1)

GEOS 499: Capstone: Seminar – SR

Culminating experience applying geological methods and theory through original literature or field or laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with written and oral presentation of results. Required of all majors in their senior year. Prerequisite: GEOS 498. (2)