2007-08 Catalog

Geosciences

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 - NS, SM

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 (GEOS 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)

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2007-08 Catalog

Pacific Lutheran University