Geology Courses | 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog | SIU

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 402, 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 401, 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 403 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 404, a 1-hr laboratory course. Only open to students in the Dual Credit Certificate for Teachers program.

Credit Hours: 3

GEOL 404 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 the sciences and is by permission of the instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 315.

Credit Hours: 3

In-depth study of the rock forming processes. The relations of rock forming processes to petrographic analysis will be emphasized. Laboratories will deal with hand-specimen and thin-section analysis from selected rock suites with genetic modeling of the resulting data. Prerequisite: GEOL 310, 315.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to quantitative methods in a geological and earth sciences context. Topics introduced include sampling plans for geologic studies, non-parametric test of geological data, comparisons of geological samples, analysis of sequential geological data. Laboratories will deal with numerical examples from all areas of geology. Restricted to advanced standing. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

The optical properties of minerals and the use of the petrographic microscope for identification of crystals by the immersion method and by thin section. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 310, PHYS 203B or 205B.

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. Prerequisites: GEOL 310, CHEM 200, 201, 210, 211 or consent of instructor. Lab fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 310, CHEM 200, 201, 210, 211, or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3

The application of chemical principles to geologic processes that occur on and near the earth's surface. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 310, CHEM 200, 201, 210, 211 or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 302, 315 or consent of instructor. 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

The geological occurrences of petroleum including origin, migration and accumulation; a survey of exploration methods, and production problems and techniques. Laboratory study applies geological knowledge to the search for and production of petroleum and natural gas. Prerequisite: GEOL 221, 224.

Credit Hours: 3

The nature, origin and fate of natural and artificial organic materials in rocks and sediments. Topics include characterization of fossil fuels using biological marker compounds, petroleum source rock evaluation, and organic pollutants in the environment. Prerequisite: GEOL 325 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 423 and MBMB 423) The course will focus on the role that microorganisms play in fundamental geological processes. Topics will include an outline of the present understanding of microbial involvement of weathering of rocks, formation and transformation of soils and sediments, and genesis and degradation of minerals. Elemental cycles will also be covered with emphasis on the interrelationships between the various geochemical cycles and the microbial tropic groups involved. Prerequisite: Microbiology 301 and Chemistry 210 and 211. Recommended: GEOL 220, 221 or 222.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ZOOL 425) Concepts of paleontology and paleoecology. Emphasis on functional morphology, lifestyles and habitats of fossil invertebrates and algae. The nature and evolution of marine and coastal paleocommunities. The effects of extinction events on paleocommunities and biodiversity. Laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 325 or a biology course. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $199.

Credit Hours: 3

Characteristics, distribution, and classification of recent and ancient environments. Criteria for recognizing ancient environments. Sedimentological and paleoecological approaches. Recognition of ancient environments and environmental associations. Laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 425, 325, or concurrent enrollment. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $199.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the solar system and planet formation, focusing on formation, differentiation and secondary processes. Geologic histories and geological processes of other planets are examined and compared with our understanding of the Earth. Prerequisite: GEOL 310.

Credit Hours: 3

Much has been written in recent years about the impact of human civilization on the environment. There has been much less discussion of the impact of the environment on human civilization, but the fact is that gradual or rapid changes in the environment can profoundly affect human populations-in both direct and indirect ways. This is an interdisciplinary course that reviews both the short term/short range and long term/long range effects of natural perturbations of the environment on the development of civilization and the course of history. We will review historical case studies of the consequences of various kinds of natural disasters which resulted in major disruptions to the environment from local and regional phenomena to those that affected the entire planet. Examples include major volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and climate 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

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. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or MATH 151 with a C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Theory and practice of geophysics applied to exploration for natural resources including oil, minerals, coal, groundwater, and for archaeology, environmental, and meteorite impact sites and earthquake zones. Methods include seismic reflection, refraction, and surface waves also gravity, magnetic, and electrical. Up to 3 one-day field trips may be conducted on weekends. Recommend: GEOL 220 or 222, PHYS 203A/B or PHYS 253A/B. Prerequisite: MATH 150. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $80.

Credit Hours: 3

Use of geophysical equipment for collection, analysis and interpretation of seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and other types of geophysical data. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 436 or consent. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $199.

Credit Hours: 3

Individual study or research or advanced studies in various topics. Restricted to advanced standing. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-9

History, nature and purpose of geology in museums, relationships of geology to other museum disciplines, application of geologic methods to museum functions, preparation and preservation of specimens; nature, acquisition and utilization of geologic collections in museums; role of research in museums.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to field techniques, principles of geologic mapping and map interpretation. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Prerequisite: GEOL 310 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Preparation for and participation in academically rigorous field trips guided by faculty members. Trips will be to areas of geological interest and will occur during official breaks within or between semesters. Expense will vary in proportion to the distance traveled and duration of trip and will be determined before each trip. A student may only take a specific trip once for credit. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 310 and 315 with a grade of C or better, graduate status, or instructor approval.

Credit Hours: 3

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. Field trip fee not to exceed $150. Prerequisite: GEOL 302 with a grade of C or better or consent.

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. Includes topics on the sustainable development of groundwater resources. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222 with a C or better; or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Problem sets, laboratory experiments, and field exercises in hydrogeology. Includes projects on the sustainable development of groundwater resources. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222 with a C or better; or consent of instructor. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $150.

Credit Hours: 1

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222; 223. 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

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. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222; 221, 223, 224; or consent of instructor; GEOL 474 recommended.

Credit Hours: 3

Stratigraphy, sedimentation and structure of coal deposits; modern analogs; origin of splits and partings in coal seams; coal quality and rank; coal exploration and mining; methods of resource evaluation. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222; 221, 223, and 224; or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

The use of stratigraphy, structure, sedimentology and geophysics to determine the paleogeographic evolution of sedimentary basins. Topics include the study of the relationships between host strata and both primary and post-depositional non-renewable resources, plate tectonics and basin evolution and subsurface geologic methods. Special approval needed from the instructor. Lab fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 3

Petrology and geochemistry of coals and dispersed organics; emphasis on applications to the coal and oil industries; origin of coal and source rock constituents; geochemical and petrographic changes with increased maturation. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or 222; 221, 223, and 224; or consent of instructor. Lab fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the use of geological materials and techniques in criminal investigation. Details from actual criminal cases will be used as examples in all the topics covered which include rock and mineral types, geological and topographic maps, fossils, sand, soils, spores and pollen, geological building materials, art fraud and gemstones. Techniques covered will include optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Lab fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 3

Applications of remote sensing using aerial photographs, multi-spectral imagery, hyperspectral imagery, thermal infrared imagery, and radar imagery, in structural geology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, oil and mineral exploration, geologic hazard analysis and planetary exploration. Prerequisite: GEOL 220 or consent of the instructor. Lab fee: $25.

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. Restricted to advanced standing.

Credit Hours: 1-6

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

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

An introduction to quantitative methods in an Earth Sciences context. Topics include sampling plans for geologic studies, non-parametric tests of geological data, comparisons of geological samples, analysis of sequential geological data. Course will deal with numerical examples from different areas of geology. Special approval needed from the instructor.

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

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

The petrography and petrology of siliciclastic rocks, emphasizing sandstone. Microscopic studies of composition and components of detrital clastic rocks, their origin, provenance, characteristics, diagenesis, cementation and lithification. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

The origin, classification, diagenesis, and geochemistry of carbonate rocks, with emphasis on petrographic analysis. Study of recent carbonate depositional environments. Laboratory required. Prerequisite: GEOL 325; GEOL 418 recommended.

Credit Hours: 3

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

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

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

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

A combination of lectures, seminars, and independent studies of advanced topics in hydrogeology, particularly geochemistry and the response of aquifers to stresses such as tides, recharge and saline intrusion. Prerequisite: GEOL 470.

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

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