Geology Courses | 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog | SIU

To help teaching assistants develop skills in conducting laboratory work and leading discussions. One hour required for all teaching assistants in geology. Graded S/U only.

Credit Hours: 1-2

This is an on-line course that offers an overview of the materials that form the Earth and the dynamic processes that shape the Earth, including both surficial processes and plate tectonics. This course will cover content appropriate for science teachers preparing to teach Physical Geology as a Dual-Credit course in high schools. Topics include: components and processes that create rocks and the cycles that change one rock into another; how plate tectonics has shaped the Earth; surficial processes (weathering, landslides, movement of ice, water, and wind); hazardous processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding); and resources such as water, soil, and mineral and energy sources. This course is designed to be taken in conjunction with GEOL 502, a 1-hr laboratory course. Only open to students in the Dual Credit Certificate for Teachers program.

Credit Hours: 3

Through active learning activities, this course offers examination of the materials that form the Earth and the dynamic processes that shape the earth, including surficial processes and plate tectonics. This course will cover content appropriate for science teachers preparing to teach labs associated with Physical Geology as a Dual-Credit course in high schools. This is offered as a hybrid distance education (on-line) class and includes both at-home and in-class laboratory assignments. For the in-class components, students will come to SIUC's campus for 2 half days (Saturdays) as indicated in the schedule. This course is designed to be taken in conjunction with GEOL 501, a 3-hr online course in which the students learn about earth materials and earth processes in greater depths. Only open to students in the Dual Credit Certificate for Teachers program.

Credit Hours: 1

GEOL 503 is an online course designed to train science teachers to teach Historical Geology as a Dual Credit course in high schools. This course covers the basic principles involved in the study of geology and the history of the Earth preserved in the rock record. We begin with the large-scale components of Earth systems and geologic time, and then learn about the evolution of life recorded in the fossil record from the earliest life through the present. This course covers not just WHAT we know, but how we know it. This course is designed to be taken in conjunction with GEOL 504, a 1-hr laboratory course. Only open to students in the Dual Credit Certificate for Teachers program.

Credit Hours: 3

GEOL 504 is the laboratory section that accompanies the online Historical Geology Teacher Enhancement. This laboratory course offers hands-on activities to complement the online lectures and will provide teachers with a structure to teach labs in their own Dual Credit high school courses. This course covers the basic principles involved in the study of geology and the history of the Earth preserved in the rock record. We study sedimentary rocks, and learn how to read the clues to past environments and life preserved within samples. This course is done partially at home, but requires a six hour in house lab session. Only open to students in the Dual Credit Certificate for Teachers program.

Credit Hours: 1

Course will teach "survival skills" in scientific reading, writing, communicating, and publishing for new graduate students. Topics will include database search, analysis of journal articles, abstracts, figures, and tables, Powerpoint presentations, proposals, posters, thesis writing, and preparation of journal submissions. Enrollment is open to graduate students in agriculture and the sciences and is by permission of the instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

(Same as GEOL 417) Isotope fractionation in natural systems containing D/H, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Application of stable isotope studies to environmental processes, paleoclimatology, and geothermometry. Stable and radioactive isotopes as tracers in hydrologic processes, ore deposits, sedimentology, and in crust-mantle differentiation processes.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic principles of field observation, field and laboratory sampling, and data analysis of clastic sedimentary rocks; introduction to laboratory techniques; introduction to statistical, physical and empirical models in sedimentary geology. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 325 or GEOL 474.

Credit Hours: 2

(Same as GEOL 411) Study of volcanoes, their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products and styles of potential hazards. Relationship of magmatic characteristic, eruptive style, and depositional products to the geologic framework is examined.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to methods of data analysis in an Earth Sciences context. Topics include data interpretation, analysis of time series geological data, and development of quantitative models. Course will deal with quantitative examples from different areas of geology with an emphasis on scientific computing.

Credit Hours: 3

The purpose of this class is to provide students with a strong theoretical background in aqueous geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, and groundwater geochemistry for application in a wide range of research topics. The approach combines conceptual knowledge with quantitative skills in a cyclic fashion to build independent understanding and chemical intuition.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to modern methods of instrumental inorganic geochemical analysis that are particularly important in the geology sciences. This includes both operational theory and practical application of methods for the analysis of minerals, rocks and aqueous solutions. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 310, CHEM 210 or equivalent; GEOL 418 recommended.

Credit Hours: 3

The Water-Rock Interactions is a topic of fundamental importance to a wide range of scientists from academic, industry, and government. If you are a ore-deposits explorer, petroleum engineer, soil scientist, environmental geochemist, or planetary scientist you need to have knowledge of reactions between geologic materials (i.e., minerals, organic matter) and aqueous solutions. During this class, we will focus on understanding interactions between solids and aqueous solutions at the molecular level and explore topics including growth and dissolution, surface complexation, adsorption and desorption, contaminant fate, microbe-mineral interactions, and biomineralization processes. Common microanalytical techniques, including synchrotron techniques, used in mineral-water interface studies will be introduced throughout the course. Ultimately, this class is about obtaining the problem-solving skills to allow you to better analyze complex natural and anthropogenic systems. Prerequisite: GEOL 416 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Specialized topics in geochemistry. Topics covered might include thermodynamic modeling of mineral-solution equilibria, the role of kinetics in mineral-solution reactions, experimental hydrothermal geochemistry or other topics to be announced by the program. Maximum credit nine semester hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 418 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Study of the structure, chemistry, origin, and geologic importance of clay minerals. Industrial and other applications of clays. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 310 or consent.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced concepts in crystallography, analysis of mineral structures and compositions, and distribution and evolution of minerals on Earth. X-ray diffraction theory, reciprocal space, single crystal methods, space group symmetry, Rietveld refinement, electron microscope and microprobe techniques for quantitative analysis, mineral ecology, mineral network analysis, and stages of mineral evolution. Restricted to graduate status, or instructor approval. 3 Credit hours. 3 Lecture hours.

Credit Hours: 3

Petrologic principles and their relationships and other selected topics to be announced by the program. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Topics may include clastic depositional environments, carbonate depositional environments; diagenesis of sedimentary rocks, and other topics to be announced by the program. Up to 3 one- or two-day field trips may be required on the weekends. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Lectures, readings, field and laboratory studies, including techniques and quantitative methods of study. Preparation for research in paleontology. Topics may include corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, mollusks, echinoderms, biostratigraphy, tempo and mode of invertebrate evolution and other topics to be announced by the program. Maximum credit six semester hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 425 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2-3

Lectures, field, and laboratory studies, including techniques and quantitative methods. Preparation for research in paleoecology. Emphasis on using fossil marine invertebrates and trace fossils to interpret ancient sedimentary environments. Prerequisite: GEOL 428 or consent.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure, classification, paleoecology, stratigraphic distribution, and evolution of microfossils. Laboratory work in techniques of collection, preparation and study of microfossils. Identification and use of microfossils in solving stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental problems. Preparation for research in micropaleontology. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 425 or consent of instructor. Field trip fee: $85.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will examine what is known ? and still unknown ? about the history of Earth?s climate, from the Hadean through the Anthropocene. We will study the mechanisms and feedbacks that comprise the global climate system, how and why Earth's climate has changed through time, and the methods that paleoclimatologists use to reconstruct past climate and environmental change.

Credit Hours: 3

Energy critical and strategic elements (ECSE) are essential to modern society. This course would introduce the ECSE and their various use in the energy efficient and national security technologies. Key concepts, such as ECSE physical and chemical properties, are introduced and then employed to describe the main controls on their behavior in both natural and anthropocentric systems. Topics covered include: (1) the geological systems in which ECSE occur and the processes responsible for migration and enrichment of ECSE in the Earth's crust; (2) the ECSE global availability, supply risk, vulnerability to supply restriction, and environmental implications; and (3) strategies for addressing the criticality and sustainability of ECSE. This course will provide a training academy for students who want to join the emerging clean energy economy.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as GEOL 435) Earth's size, shape, mass, age, composition, and internal structure are reviewed in detail as understood from gravity, magnetic fields, seismicity, thermal processes, and motion of continents and ocean basins.

Credit Hours: 3

Specialized topics in geophysics. Examples include but are not limited to seismic stratigraphy, mid-continent seismicity, isostacy, data processing techniques. The topic to be covered is announced by the program. Maximum credit nine semester hours. Up to 3 one- or two-day field trips may be required on the weekends. Prerequisite: GEOL 435 or GEOL 436 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Observational seismology. Topics include earthquake source mechanisms; propagation, reflection and refraction of elastic waves; ray theory; dispersion of surface waves; the effect of earth structure on the seismogram; and the seismograph. Research projects will be conducted using data from the SIU Geophysical Observatory. Up to 3 one- or two-day field trips may be required on the weekends. Prerequisite: GEOL 435 or GEOL 436, MATH 150 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the seismic reflection techniques, including theory and methods of collection and analysis of seismic reflection data, the seismic method, waveform analysis, and digital filtering with computer applications and seismic instrument characteristics. Up to 3 one- or two-day field trips may be required on weekends. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or consent.

Credit Hours: 3

Dynamic processes shape the surface and interior of Earth and other Planets. An important tool for understanding dynamic processes is numerical modeling. In this class, we will explore the development and application of numerical methods to natural processes, with particular focus on finite difference methods.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of the interactions between geomorphic and pedogenic processes. How geomorphology influences soil formation and how soils influence geomorphology as well as how soils can be used to interpret geomorphic history. Historical development of soil geomorphology as a field. Prerequisite: CSEM 489, PSAS 589 or GEOL 489/589 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth examination of what soil science is, what makes it unique as a scientific discipline, and where it fits within the scientific world. History of soil science including major scientists who influenced soil science and major points in the discipline?s development. The role that soils play in addressing the world?s major challenges and ways for scientists to communicate with non-scientists. Restricted to graduate student status in an agricultural or science degree program or permission of the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

In-depth examination of the geologic characteristics, classification and origin of metallic mineral deposits. Aspects of mineral exploration and mining techniques are also discussed. Laboratory exercises emphasize hand specimen and petrographic study of ore and host rock suites. Up to 3 one- or two-day field trips may be required on weekends.

Credit Hours: 4

Advanced study in a specific area of economic geology to be determined by course participants. Course content may focus on a specific type of mineral deposit or such topical areas as field characteristics, mineral exploration techniques, stable isotope geochemistry, fluid inclusion studies and hydrothermal processes. Maximum six credit hours. Field trips may be required on up to 3 weekends and possibly over Spring vacation. Prerequisite: GEOL 550.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Overview of the occurrence, geology and origin of metalliferous mineral deposits. Geologic principles and research techniques important to the understanding of mineral deposits. Introduction to exploration and mining methods. Lectures, laboratories and field trips required. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $60.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure and composition of Earth's interior from the lithospheric mantle to the inner core. Mineralogy and petrology of the upper mantle, transition zone, lower mantle, outer core, and inner core, equilibrium phase relations and phase changes, equations of state, spin transitions, seismic discontinuities, seismic anisotropy, geomagnetic field, laboratory and seismic methods used to explore Earth's interior.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as GEOL 466) Fundamentals of geodynamics applied to plate tectonics: mantle composition and rheology, deformation of the lithosphere, structural characteristics of plate margins, stability of triple junctions, and orogenesis will be examined in detail. One 3-day field trip may be required. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester.

Credit Hours: 3

Lectures, readings, and discussion of advanced aspects of rock deformation: dislocation theory and its applications to flow processes of rocks; experimental rock deformation; incremental and finite strain theory and analysis; and recent developments in structural geology. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the distribution, origin, and movement of groundwater, and the properties of geologic materials that control groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Course includes problem sets that cover topics on groundwater modeling and the sustainable development of groundwater resources.

Credit Hours: 3

A combination of lectures and seminars on advanced topics in physical hydrogeology, particularly numeric groundwater flow modeling and particle tracking methods. The course also covers the proper development of a flow model including calibration, sensitivity analysis, and verification. Prerequisite: GEOL 470 or GEOL 570.

Credit Hours: 3

Methods used to identify, map, date and correlate Quaternary deposits and interpret Quaternary history. Covers glacial, fluvial, coastal, lacustrine and eolian chronologies, oxygen-isotope records from ocean sediments and continental ice cores, volcanic activity, and Quaternary climate change. Field trips required.

Credit Hours: 3

A study of the physical properties of soils with special emphasis on soil and water relationships, chemical transport, and methods of physical analysis. Prerequisite: CSEM 240 or GEOL 220 or FOR 352 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as GEOL 474) Study of erosional and depositional processes operating at the earth's surface and landforms resulting from these processes. Relationship of processes and landforms to the geologic framework is examined. Laboratory. Field trips required. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester.

Credit Hours: 3

Studies of processes, landforms, and deposits in the surface or near surface geologic setting. Selected topics to be announced by the program. Maximum credit nine semester hours. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 2-6

Detailed study of fluvial processes and landforms within the context of major concepts in geology and geomorphology. Topics include drainage basins, hydro-climatology and surface water hydrology, channel processes, fluvial depositional systems, paleohydrology and changes in fluvial systems through time. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 474. Special approval needed from the instructor. Field trip fee: $35.

Credit Hours: 3

Microscopy, source materials, coalification, constitution, and classification of peats, lignites, bituminous coal, anthracite; applications to industrial problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 482. Lab fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 1-3

An advanced course covering the nature of electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic spectrum and the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. Remote sensing systems will be presented and the fundamentals of digital image processing will be introduced from a theoretical and practical viewpoint. A series of case studies with applications ranging from mineral exploration to volcano monitoring will be covered. Field Trip fee: $40.

Credit Hours: 3

Class designed to help teachers gain an understanding of some of the earth science concepts they need to teach today's standards-based curricula. Develops an understanding of earth materials, how the earth works, earth resources, the causes of natural disasters, and the exploration of the bodies of our solar system. Prerequisites: A general physical science course or equivalent. Special approval needed from the program.

Credit Hours: 3

Ready access to energy is essential to sustaining modern societies. This course will discuss the nature of the resources that have been, are, or potentially could be used to provide energy in the US and around the globe, including fossil fuels, nuclear energy resources, bioenergy resources and emerging energy resources such as geothermal, wind, tidal, and solar energy.

Credit Hours: 3

Development, characteristics, and identification of soils, study of profiles, and interpretation and utilization of soil survey information in land use planning. Prerequisite: CSEM 240 or GEOL 220 or FOR 352 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Credit for supervised practical experience with an external geological agency or company; prior approval of the sponsoring agency and the program is required.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Investigations in geology other than those for theses or dissertations.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Research for and writing of the master's thesis. Maximum of six hours to be counted toward a Master's degree.

Credit Hours: 1-8

Research for and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-30

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1

Must be a Postdoctoral Fellow. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted.

Credit Hours: 1