Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering (Geol and GeoE)

Four Year Plan - B.S. in Geology

Four Year Plan - B.S. in Geology

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredits
GEOL 101 Introduction to Geology 3
GEOL 101L Introduction to Geology Laboratory 1
ENGL 110 College Composition I 3
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 3
CHEM 121L General Chemistry I Laboratory 1
MATH 165 Calculus I 4
 Credits15
Spring
MATH 166 Calculus II 4
PHYS 211 College Physics I 4
PHYS 211CL College Physics I Laboratory 1
GEOL 102 The Earth Through Time 3
GEOL 102L The Earth Through Time Laboratory 1
GEOL 318 Mineralogy 3
 Credits16
Sophomore Year
Fall
GEOL 220 Computer Applications in Geology and Environmental Science 2
GEOL 256 Critical Thinking in the Geosciences Geol 256 should be taken as soon as a student declares his/her major. This course can be combined in one semester with Geol 220. Both provide the student methods on how to be successful in their degree program, getting employment, and having a successful career. 2
GEOL 320 Petrology 3
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 3
CHEM 122L General Chemistry II Laboratory 1
PHYS 212 College Physics II 4
PHYS 212CL College Physics II Laboratory 1
 Credits16
Spring
ENGL 130 Composition II: Writing for Public Audiences 3
GEOL 330 Structural Geology 3
Approved Elective 2 3
Math Elective (MATH 321, MATH 265, or Psych 241) 4
Arts & Humanities Elective 3
 Credits16
Junior Year
Fall
GEOL 311 Geomorphology 4
MATH 266 Elementary Differential Equations 3
Social Science Elective 3
Approved Elective 2 3
Arts & Humanities 3
 Credits16
Spring
GEOL 356 Geoscience Lectures 1
GEOL 411 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 5
Approved Elective 2 3
Geology Elective 1 3
Social Science Elective 3
 Credits15
Senior Year
Fall
GEOL 421 Seminar I 1
GEOL 487 Research I Determine what type of Senior Thesis project you would like to consider early in your program. Discuss this with you advisor or faculty member you would like to work with. 1
Geology Elective 1 3
Approved Elective 2 3
Approved Elective 2 3
Social Science Elective 3
 Credits14
Spring
GEOL 420 Geology Capstone 3
GEOL 422 Seminar II 1
GEOL 488 Research II 2
GEOL 494 Senior Thesis 1
Arts & Humanities Elective 3
Approved Elective 2 2
 Credits12
 Total Credits120

1 = Approved Geology Electives (must complete 2 courses from list) Geol 321 Geochemistry, Geol 414 Applied Geophysics, Geol 415 Intro to Paleontology, GeoE 417 Hydrogeology. 2 = Student is required to complete 22-24 program approved courses in engineering, mathematics, foreign language, and other fields of student interest. There may be an additional approved elective required to complete 120 hours. The B.S. in Geology program is flexible to the extent that students can take different courses to complete graduation requirements (geochemistry or paleontology, for example). The student should meet with their geology advisor early to map out their interests in their degree program.

Students must complete enough electives to bring total credit hours up to the 120. Special Emphasis courses can fulfill an essential studies requirement (example-History 104, US History, will count toward the US Diversity as well as the Humanities area). Please Note: Every student must fulfill all University, Departmental, and Essential Studies requirements.

GEOL 101. Introduction to Geology. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the dynamics of the Earth -- volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, streams, groundwater, glaciers, waves, wind, and landslides, with emphasis on the environmental applications of these processes. Introduction to the tools of the geologist -- minerals, rocks, maps, and aerial photographs. GEOL 101L may be taken concurrently. F,S,SS.

GEOL 101L. Introduction to Geology Laboratory. 1 Credit.

An introductory laboratory to complement GEOL 101. Field trip(s) included. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOL 101. F,S,SS.

GEOL 102. The Earth Through Time. 3 Credits.

The tracing of changes in the Earth and life through time, with emphasis on the record from North America. GEOL 102L may be taken concurrently. F,S.

GEOL 102L. The Earth Through Time Laboratory. 1 Credit.

An introductory laboratory to complement GEOL 102. Field trip included. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOL 102. F,S.

GEOL 103. Introduction to Environmental Issues. 3 Credits.

Introduction to Environmental Issues. A survey of environmental issues concerning society's interaction with Earth's natural systems and exploitation of Earth's resources. F,S.

GEOL 104. Geology of National Parks. 3 Credits.

An overview of the geology of U.S. National Parks. Unifying geological principles are emphasized. Major topics: sandstone parks, volcanic parks, hot springs and geothermal areas, caves and limestone parks, reefs and fossilized reefs, rivers and erosion, ice and glaciers, mountain building and mountain ranges. S.

GEOL 105. Selected Topics. 1-4 Credits.

A special topic course intended for non-geology majors. Subjects will include many issues of interest to non-geologists and non-scientists, such as earthquakes, evolution, gems, and the geology of National Parks. Repeatable when topics vary. Repeatable. On demand.

GEOL 106. Global Warming: The Facts and Myths. 3 Credits.

Global warming is the most debated current challenge to humans. A large, multifaceted and technically challenging topic, it has been diluted to popular slogans that at best capture some aspects of the issue and at the worst are over simplifications. Most of us who are directly affected by global warming do not undersand the background, do not know what the assertions are based on, and can not evaluate the correctness of the arguments propagated in mass media such as newspapers and talk-radio. This class will provide students with a clear grasp of the science behind global warming discussion, the typical strategies (pros/cons) that are used in the popular media, and a good understanding of the science-based predictions of upcoming changes in the climate and environment In addition to providing general scientific background to understand global warming and the science behind it, the class will visit the arguments that are used both for and against global warming. The graded written tests require students to address typical misinformation about global warming, show general knowledge of the scientific background, and recognize typical means to distort science in the mass media.

GEOL 111. Views of Earth and Planets. 3 Credits.

An introduction to Earth and the Solar System. Coverage includes: the planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, impact craters, meteorites, the sun, the solar system's origin, planetary atmospheres, the living Earth, the question of life elsewhere. F,S.

GEOL 111R. Views of the Earth and Planets Recitation. 1 Credit.

A recitation-discussion to complement GEOL 111. Corequisite: GEOL 111. S.

GEOL 205. Surviving on Planet Earth. 3 Credits.

This Essential Studies course stresses critical thinking in covering the basic strategies about humans succeeding on our planet including Earth's hazards (our restless Earth); the balance of life on Earth (evolution and extinction); water in our lives (too much and too little); energy (use and population demands); and global change (Earth as a unique, ongoing experiment). S.

GEOL 220. Computer Applications in Geology and Environmental Science. 2 Credits.

Introduction to the application of computers, software, and digital processing in the geological and environmental sciences. F.

GEOL 256. Critical Thinking in the Geosciences. 2 Credits.

An introduction to the study of geoscience and skills needed to successfully complete a geoscience degree. F.

GEOL 303. Selected Topics in Geology. 1-4 Credits.

Each topic is concerned with a special aspect of geology. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. On demand.

GEOL 311. Geomorphology. 4 Credits.

Dynamics of weathering, mass movement, running water, groundwater, waves, wind and ice in the production of landforms. Includes field trips and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOL 316. Earth Materials. 3 Credits.

This course has three components. We start by considering the context in which Earth materials are studied and some fundamental concepts about the Earth system. Then we undertake a systematic look at the most important materials that make up our planet and how they occur in different settings. Included are elements, minerals, rocks of all sorts, soils, and water. We will examine their properties, their distribution and occurrences, the processes that form them, and how scientists use these materials to interpret Earth. The third, and perhaps most important focus of the class is on the importance of Earth materials in our society and lives. This includes consideration of mineral and energy resources, hazards, and engineering. Class time has both a lecture and a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or equivalent knowledge of chemistry. S.

GEOL 318. Mineralogy. 2 Credits.

Survey of the origin, distribution and uses of rock-forming minerals. Introduction to mineral structures, crystal chemistry, and crystallography. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203, and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: GEOL 318L for on-campus students; distance students will take GEOL 318L during the summer session. S.

GEOL 318L. Mineralogy Lab. 1 Credit.

Hands-on laboratory activities relating to GEOL 318. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203, and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: GEOL 318 for on-campus students. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOL 318 for distance students. S.

GEOL 320. Petrology. 2 Credits.

Description, classification and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Field and laboratory study of rocks. Engineering properties of earth materials. Advanced aspects of optical mineralogy. Prerequisite: GEOL 318. Corequisite: GEOL 320L for on-campus students; distance students will take GEOL 320L during the summer session. F.

GEOL 320L. Petrology Lab. 1 Credit.

Hands-on laboratory activities relating to GEOL 320. Prerequisite: GEOL 318. Corequisite: GEOL 320 for on-campus students. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOL 320 for distance students. F.

GEOL 321. Geochemistry. 3 Credits.

Application of the principles of chemistry to geologic and hydrogeologic problems. Origin and distribution of the chemical elements. Introduction to radiochemistry, isotopic geochronology, and stable-isotope geochemistry. Prerequisite: GEOL 318 or GEOE 301; CHEM 122; MATH 165; or consent of instructor. S.

GEOL 322. Geology, Society, and the Environment. 3 Credits.

Relationship of geology to society; natural hazards; protection, reclamation, and restoration of our natural environment; application of geology to engineering, land planning, and resource management. Prerequisite: One introductory geology course or upper division standing; MATH 103 is recommended. S, even years.

GEOL 330. Structural Geology. 3 Credits.

Mechanics of rock deformation, analysis of rock structures, preparation and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections showing structural and tectonic features. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 320 or GEOE 301 and PHYS 211 or PHYS 251. S.

GEOL 340. Digital Mapping Methods. 3 Credits.

This course integrates "hands-on" data acquisitions and map generation with an overview of the technology (GPS, lasers, and data management). Field projects focus on mapping methodology and laboratory projects focus on analysis and presentation. It is assumed that students have an undergraduate geology background and a basic knowledge of computer applications. Prerequisite: Junior Standing in geology.

GEOL 342. Conservation and Environmental Hydrology. 3 Credits.

Topics relating hydrology to the environment and water conservation, including the global and local hydrological cycle, flood occurrence and prediction, water pollution, erosion and sedimentation, wetlands, and water management. Prerequisite: Introductory geology course or upper division standing; MATH 103. S, odd years.

GEOL 356. Geoscience Lectures. 1 Credit.

Students attend and evaluate departmental lectures given by visiting scientists and engineers, faculty, and students. May be repeated once. May not be taken concurrently with GEOL 422. S/U grading. F,S.

GEOL 407. Petroleum Geology. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the application of geological principles in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or GEOE 210. S.

GEOL 410. Site Characterization. 3 Credits.

Purposes, techniques, and tools of site investigation. Covers geologic, hyrologic, and ecologic concerns. Hands-on application of principles, tools and techniques at real sites. Prerequisite: GEOL 220, GEOL 311, GEOL 414; BIOL 332, BIOL 332L. F.

GEOL 411. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 5 Credits.

Origin, transportation, deposition, and diagenesis of sediments; principles and applications of stratigraphy. Includes field trip and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 320. S.

GEOL 414. Applied Geophysics. 3 Credits.

Principles of various geophysical methods and their application to geologic problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203; MATH 165; and PHYS 211 or 251. F.

GEOL 415. Introduction to Paleontology. 4 Credits.

The principles of paleontology/paleobiology are presented using fossils to document the evolutionary, stratigraphic, and paleoecologic history of animal and plant life on Earth. Includes field trip and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 102; BIOL 150 and BIOL 151 are recommended prerequisites. F, even years.

GEOL 420. Geology Capstone. 3 Credits.

Geology capstone entailing information literacy and communication about Earth materials, processes and history. The course checks retention of earlier learning and insures review and significant addition to that learning. Prerequisite: GEOL 411 or consent of advisor. F,S.

GEOL 421. Seminar I. 1 Credit.

Instruction and practice of oral and visual presentation in science and engineering. Includes preparation and delivery of artifact talks, chalk talks, and slide talks. Involves critical review of student presentations and departmental guest lectures. Prerequisite: GEOL 356. F,S.

GEOL 422. Seminar II. 1 Credit.

Continuation of GEOL 421 experience. Preparation and delivery of oral presentations in science and engineering, culminating in oral presentation of senior thesis (Geol 490) or Engineering Design (485). Includes critical review of student presentations and departmental guest lectures. Prerequisite: GEOL 421, senior or graduate status in departmental major. F,S.

GEOL 487. Research I. 1 Credit.

Identification and proposal of research project. Includes literature review, feasibility review, and formal project identification and written proposal. Selection of faculty research adviser within first month of semester. Prerequisite: Senior standing in departmental major. F,S.

GEOL 488. Research II. 2 Credits.

Execution of research plan developed in GEOL 487. Prerequisite: GEOL 487.

GEOL 491. Geologic Problems. 1-4 Credits.

Individualized or group study on selected geoscience topics. May be taken more than one semester to maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S,SS.

GEOL 494. Senior Thesis. 1 Credit.

Written results of research conducted in Geol 489. The thesis document should conform to the format guidelines of a major English-language journal in which the thesis could be published. A copy is to be provided to the F.D. Holland, Jr. Geology Library. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOL 488. F,S.

GEOE 203. Earth Dynamics. 3 Credits.

Introductory physical geology course that also includes elements of historical geology, geomorphology, geohazards, and ethics. Intended for engineering and geosciences majors. F.

GEOE 203L. Earth Dynamics Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Laboratory course to accompany Earth Dynamics lecture. The laboratory is delivered as on-campus and virtually using specific required products and digital material. F.

GEOE 210. Earth Dynamics & Geophysics. 4 Credits.

Introduction to geology with an emphasis on those aspects of the science that are essential for petroleum engineers. Topics covered include an introduction to geologic features and processes that are responsible for accumulations of petroleum products in the subsurface. F.

GEOE 301. Petrophysics. 3 Credits.

Mineral and rock formation, identification and petrophysical properties, particularly with respect to porous rocks and their interactions with fluids. Prerequisite: GEOE 203. Corequisite: GEOE 301L. S, odd years.

GEOE 301L. Petrophysics Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Laboratory to accompany GEOE 301. Prerequisite: GEOE 203. Corequisite: GEOE 301. S, odd years.

GEOE 302. Reclamation Engineering. 3 Credits.

Principles of reclamation emphasizing: the need for reclamation; geology and hydrogeology of disturbed landscapes, geological, hydrological, and ecological reclamation objectives; current reclamation practices; reclamation of abandoned mine lands; reclamation design; laws, regulations, permits, bonds, and public perception. Includes laboratory and field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or consent of instructor. S.

GEOE 323. Engineering Geology. 2 Credits.

This course is to introduce the application of geological, hydrological and environmental principles to geotechnical/geological engineering design, construction and operation as well as various geohazards. Prerequisite: One introductory geology course and MATH 165. S.

GEOE 351. Petroleum Development Engr. 3 Credits.

.

GEOE 397. Cooperative Education. 1-8 Credits.

For qualified students majoring in geological engineering, geology, or environmental geology and technology. A practical work experience with an employer closely associated with the student's academic area. Positions may require student relocation for one or more semesters. Arranged by mutual agreement among student, department, and employer. Special permission required. Repeatable to 24 credits. Repeatable to 24.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

GEOE 412. Soil Mechanics. 3 Credits.

To introduce the student to the fundamental knowledge of geomaterials and mechanical behavior of Soils; to familiarize the student with the use of soil mechanics; to provide the student with a firm foundation for the continuation to more theoretical and applied aspects in pavement engineering, foundation engineering, dam engineering, geological engineering, Slope stability and earthquake engineering. Prerequisite: GEOE 323. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ENGR 203. F.

GEOE 417. Hydrogeology. 3 Credits.

Physical and chemical aspects of groundwater movement, supply, and contamination. Prerequisite: MATH 165. F.

GEOE 418. Hydrogeological Methods. 2 Credits.

Field and laboratory methods used in hydrogeology; techniques of drilling, well and piezometer installation, determination of aquifer parameters, geophysical exploration, soil classification and analysis, ground water sampling and analysis. Includes field trip. Prerequisite: GEOE 417. F.

GEOE 419. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation. 3 Credits.

Statistical methods for groundwater sampling and monitoring network design. Groundwater remediation and design; including strategies that remove contaminants for external treatment and strategies for in-situ contaminant treatment. Prerequisite: MATH 165. S.

GEOE 420. Geological Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Reservoirs. 3 Credits.

This technical elective course targets senior or graduate student who has desire to pursue fossil energy industry or a transition from fossil energy to renewable energy as a future career or related. The course introduces workflow designs and software application from geological modeling to numerical simulation for hydrocarbon or geothermal energy, so that engineering student can communicate knowledgeably about geologic processes to reservoir fluid flow process that formed and continued to shape the rock formation and reservoir. Prerequisite: GEOE 301 and GEOL 407. F.

GEOE 421. Cold Region Hydrologic Modeling. 3 Credits.

This course aims to describe and explain the governing physical principles, processes and recent advances in cold region hydrology and physically based numerical simulation with special reference to northern prairie region. In addition, the students will learn the incorporation of physically based process into a numerical model using the cold region hydrologic model platform (CRHM). The CRHM allows the compilation of various modules (each module represent a process) to build a model to simulate watershed processes in a specific basin. Prerequisite: GEOL 101, GEOE 203, or MATH 165. F.

GEOE 425. Design Hydrology for Wetlands. 3 Credits.

Principles of chemistry, geology, hydraulics, and hydrology applied to natural and constructed wetlands and other small catchments. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and either CE 306/ME 306 or GEOE 417. S.

GEOE 427. Groundwater Modeling. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of numerical modeling applied to groundwater flow. Spreadsheet calculations will be used to demonstrate the finite difference method applied to groundwater movement and storage. Simulation of practical groundwater problems will be performed with the U.S. Geological Survey's MODFLOW code. Prerequisite: GEOE 417 and MATH 265; some programming experience is recommended. On demand.

GEOE 454. Unsaturated Soil Mechanics. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce the students the unsaturated soil mechanics based on three fundamental perspectives: mechanics, hydrology and thermodynamics. This course is designed for undergraduate seniors and graduate students with general background in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering. Prerequisite: CE 412, GEOE 412, or GEOE 323. S.

GEOE 455. Geomechanics. 3 Credits.

The objective of this course is to train the students to use fundamental principles and field and lab techniques of Rock Mechanics to analyze real-world problems, identify the optimal methods, and solve the practical geological engineering problems with the combination of field and laboratory, analytical and experimental means. Emphases will be on the fundamental principles and their application to practical engineering problems, both surface and underground. Prerequisite: GEOE 323 and GEOE 412/CE 412 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOE 455L. Geomechanics Laboratory. 1 Credit.

Laboratory to accompany GEOE 455. Prerequisite: GEOE 323 or consent of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOE 455 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOE 456. Geomaterials Stabilization. 3 Credits.

The course is to highlight the need for geomaterial improvement and stabilization in engineering. To provide an understanding for the different principles,analysis, design procedures and applications for geomaterial stabilization and ground improvement. Prerequisite: GEOE 412 or CE 412. F.

GEOE 484. Geological Engineering Design. 3 Credits.

The first of a two-course sequence in geological engineering design. Define the design problem, establish design objectives, evaluate alternatives, specify constraints, determine a methodology, complete a formal design problem statement. Prerequisite: Advanced level standing in Geological Engineering and consent of advisor. F.

GEOE 485. Geological Engineering Design. 3 Credits.

Continuation of GEOE 484 taken the preceding semester. Systematic study and design, with determination of feasibility, careful assessment of economic factors, safety, reliability, aesthetics, ethics, and social and environmental impact. Results presented in GEOL 422 Seminar. Prerequisite: GEOE 484. Corequisite: GEOL 422. S.

GEOE 493. Selected Topics in Geological Engineering. 1-3 Credits.

Detailed study of selected topics in Geological Engineering. Includes laboratory if applicable. Repeatable. Repeatable. On demand.