GEOSCIENCES
THOMAS W. GARDNER, Ph.D., Imogene and Harold D. Herndon Distinguished Professor of Geology
GLENN C. KROEGER, Ph.D., Associate Professor; Chair
DIANE R. SMITH, Ph.D., Professor; Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
BENJAMIN SURPLESS, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
KATHLEEN SURPLESS, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
THE MAJOR
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN EARTH SYSTEMS
The Bachelor of Arts program prepares students interested for careers or disciplines (e.g., environmental science, secondary education, law, geography) that requires a fundamental understanding of earth systems. This program offers flexibility, allowing students to pursue intensive study in other disciplines. The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Earth Systems are:
I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:
A. 30 semester hours in geosciences, including:
1. GEOS 1407; or GEOS 1303 and GEOS 1101; or GEOS 1304 and GEOS 1101.
2. GEOS 2401, 2304, and 3400.
3. Participation in GEOS 3120 is required for junior majors. Trip expenses, including transportation, must be paid by each student.
4. At least fourteen additional upper division hours in geosciences; no more than three hours of Directed Studies or Thesis may be applied to this upper division hour requirement.
B. 18 additional semester hours from the following courses:
1. At least 9 semester hours from ANTH 2310, BIOL 1311, 1111, 3434; BUSN 2301; CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119; MATH 1307, 1308, 1311, 1312, 1320; CSCI 1320, PHYS 1303, 1309, 1311, 1111, 1310, 1312, 1112; PSYC 2401.
2. At least 6 semester hours from CMLT 2301; ECON/URBS 3330; ANTH 2310, 2357, 3363; PHIL 2350, 2356; PLSI 3346; SOCI 1316, 2314; URBS 3340.
C. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: GEOS 4301, GEOS 4390, GEOS 4395, or an approved Senior Experience in a second major.
III. Electives sufficient to total 124 hours.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GEOSCIENCES
The Bachelor of Science program prepares students for graduate work in geosciences or for entry-level positions in geosciences or related fields. The program serves the student interested in a broad-based introduction to geosciences and provides the opportunity for research in the field or laboratory setting for students at the upper division level.
The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in geosciences are:
I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:
A. 36 semester hours in geosciences, including:
1. GEOS 1407; or GEOS 1303 and GEOS 1101; or GEOS 1304 and GEOS 1101.
2. GEOS 2401, 2304, 3400, 3309, and 3401; plus 10 additional upper division hours in geosciences; no more than 3 hours of Directed Studies or Thesis may be applied to this upper division hour requirement.
3. Participation in GEOS 3120 is required for junior majors. Trip expenses, including transportation, must be paid by each student.
4. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: GEOS 4303, GEOS 4390, or GEOS 4395.
B. MATH 1307 or 1311 and one of MATH 1308, 1312, or 1320; CHEM 1318 and 1118; PHYS 1309 or 1311, PHYS 1310 or 1312; PHYS 1111 and 1112.
III. Electives sufficient to total 124 hours. It is recommended that students planning to attend graduate school or enter directly into a field-oriented aspect of the discipline take an accredited and departmentally approved summer field geology course.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS
I. Full acceptance is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:
1. Completion of GEOS 1407; or GEOS 1303 and GEOS 1101; or GEOS 1304 and GEOS 1101; and two of GEOS 2401, 2304, or 3400 with a grade of C or better.
2. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
II. Provisional acceptance may be granted to students who have not yet met the above requirements if there is a reasonable expectation that they can complete the major.
THE MINOR
This course of study is designed for students who desire to study geosciences in some depth although their major is in another field. The requirements are 18 semester hours in geosciences including one of GEOS 1407, or GEOS 1303 and 1101, or GEOS 1304 and 1101; GEOS 2401 or 2304, plus additional geosciences hours to total 18, nine of which must be upper division.
HONORS IN GEOSCIENCES
A student in Geosciences may work toward Departmental Honors by satisfying the University guidelines for Departmental Honors published in this bulletin, including the minimum 3.33 cumulative grade point average and 3.33 grade point average or better in the major. In addition, the Department of Geosciences has the following requirements:
Application and Procedures
Students planning to write a thesis in geosciences must discuss research plans with at least two department faculty members and secure the support of the thesis director and second reader by the end of the Junior year. Normally the student will initiate research during the Junior year or the summer following the Junior year.
Requirements
Six hours of Thesis credit, GEOS 4395 and 4396, must be completed over two semesters. Students may enroll for thesis credit only with the permission of the thesis director. A formal written thesis proposal must be submitted to the geosciences faculty before the end of the fourth week of classes during the first semester of enrollment for thesis credit. The student may become a formal candidate for Departmental Honors by addressing a written request for consideration, accompanied by a letter of support from the student’s thesis director, to the Chair of the department. Achievement of Department Honors will be determined by the quality of the thesis research, the written and oral presentations, and satisfaction of University requirements.
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COURSES
GEOS 1101 Physical Geology Laboratory
Hands-on investigations of geologic materials and processes, including minerals, rocks, topographic and geologic maps. Projects will include topics in environmental geology and volcanology. Field trip is required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. GEOS 1407 and 1101 cannot both be taken for credit. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Co- or prerequisite: GEOS 1303 or 1304.
GEOS 1303 Volcanology
The study of volcanoes with emphasis on volcanic morphology, eruptive mechanisms, rock types, and magmatic properties and processes. Volcanoes will be examined in the context of plate tectonic theory. Natural resources produced by volcanic processes and geologic hazards associated with volcanism will be discussed. Field trip may be required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
GEOS 1304 Environmental Geology
A study of the environment that humans inhabit on Earth. Topics include geologic hazards such as volcanism, earthquakes, mass wasting and flooding; geologic resources such as soils, groundwater, mineral resources and fossil fuels; and the interaction of human activities with the geologic environment including urban development, flood control, agriculture, and climate change. Field trip is required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. Only one of GEOS 1304 or 1307 may be taken for credit.
GEOS 1407 Exploring Earth
An inquiry-based introduction to the Earth, geological materials, and processes. Investigations include such topics as evidence for plate tectonics, properties of minerals, study of rocks in hand specimen and thin-section, geologic maps and cross sections, earthquake seismograms, volcanic processes and landforms, geologic time and radiometric dating and geophysical studies of the subsurface. Three class hours and three laboratory hours each week. Fields are required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. GEOS 1304 and 1407 cannot both be taken for credit. GEOS 1407 and 2101 cannot both be taken for credit.
GEOS 2401 Earth History
A study of the significance of time as reflected in the rock and fossil record, with emphasis on understanding geological processes within a time framework. An analysis of time concepts, stratigraphic principles, and the fundamentals of sedimentary geology including the historical development of geological concepts and the recognition and reconstruction of ancient environments. Laboratory: study of minerals, rocks, and fossils; interpretation of surface features and time relationships through the use of topographic and geologic maps, cross sections, correlation diagrams, and aerial photos. Three class hours and three laboratory hours a week. Field trips are required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: GEOS 1407, or GEOS 1303 and 1101, or GEOS 1304 and 1101.
GEOS 2304 Earth Surface Processes
A survey of the important processes that create landforms on the Earth’s surface. Emphasis will be on chemical and physical weathering, running water, wind, ice, and the resulting erosional and depositional landforms. The laboratory component will emphasize data collection and analysis techniques, including topographic maps, surveying, and field trips. Two class hours and three laboratory hours per week for one semester. Field trips required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: One of GEOS 1303, 1304, or 1407.
GEOS 3300 Oceanography
A study of the geologic, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the Earth’s oceans. Topics include plate tectonics, seawater composition, waves, tides, currents, marine habitats and ecosystems, economic resources, and global climate change. Field trip required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a college-level biology, chemistry, geoscience, or physics course.
GEOS 3308 GIS and Remote Sensing
An introduction to computer based mapping and spatial data analysis used in earth and life sciences and environmental monitoring and management. Topics include: cartographic principles and the use of GPS; data and image storage formats; geostatistics and visualization of geospatial data sets; acquisition and analysis of remote sensing data, including airborne and satellite multispectral and radar data, principal component analysis and classification techniques; raster and vector based Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Prerequisites: Completion of computer skills requirement; completion of at least two college-level courses in computer science, biology, or geoscience; or consent of instructor.
GEOS 3309 Tectonics
A study of the tectonic processes of the Earth with emphasis on the historical development of tectonic theory and current research in tectonics. Topics include: geophysical and geochemical characterization of the Earth’s interior, plate kinematics and dynamics, earthquake mechanisms, the nature and origin of continental crust and margins, and the relationship between tectonics and rock-forming processes.
Prerequisites: GEOS 3400.
GEOS 3400 Earth Materials
An introduction to the origin, classification, and identification of minerals and rocks, including topics related to crystal systems and structures, bonding, mineral chemistry, the nature of magma, solidification of magma, magma genesis and evolution, types of metamorphism, metamorphic mineral reactions, metamorphic zones and facies, determination of metamorphic grade, and the importance of mineral and rock resources to our society. The laboratory will emphasize methodologies and techniques used to identify and classify common minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Three class hours and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: GEOS 1407, or GEOS 1303 and 1101, or GEOS 1304 and 1101.
GEOS 3401 Structural Geology
A study of the mechanics of crustal deformation in the context of plate tectonics. An introduction to the descriptive, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of structures such as folds, faults, joint systems, and foliation. Emphasis on the application of structural cross-sections, stereonet analysis, graphical techniques, and computer applications to problems involving stress and strain of earth materials. Three class hours and three laboratory hours per week. Field trips required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: GEOS 2401.
GEOS 3402 Paleontology
A study of invertebrate fossils, their classification, morphology, and geologic history. Also included will be an introduction to the principles of paleontologic investigation and their application to the study of geology. Three class hours and three laboratory hours a week.
Prerequisite: GEOS 2401 or consent of instructor.
GEOS 3405 Field Methods in Quaternary Geology
A study of the tectonic and climatic controls on long-term landscape evolution. Emphasis will be on field and laboratory techniques for describing Quaternary landforms and deposits. Three class hours per week and an all-day field trip every other Saturday for one semester. Field trips required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: GEOS 2304.
GEOS 3411 Hydrology
A description of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle and its fundamental components including precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, hillslope hydrology, runoff, flood hydrology, and groundwater flow. Emphasis will be placed on physical principles governing the movement of water across and through the Earth’s surface. Human interaction with all aspects of the hydrologic cycle will be addressed. The laboratory component of the course will focus on data collection, analysis and manipulation, and involve a significant field component. Three class hours and three laboratory hours a week. Field trips are required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisites: GEOS 2304; PHYS 1309/1111 or PHYS 1311/1111 or equivalent.
GEOS 3312 Geophysics
Introduction to the use of physical principles and measurements in the study of the Earth. Topics include Fourier transforms, seismic waves in elastic media, exploration and earthquake seismology, gravity, magnetics, and heat flow. Computer modeling of geophysical processes and field work with geophysical instruments. Same as PHYS 3312. Field trips are required; field trip expenses must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310 or 1312 (may be taken concurrently).
GEOS 3120 Majors’ Field Trip
Field study of selected areas in Texas and surrounding regions: emphasis on developing observational and interpretative skills in the field. May only be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: Departmental major or by invitation of the department.
GEOS 3321 Geochemistry
A study of geochemical principles and their application in solving geologic problems. Emphasis is placed on topics in inorganic geochemistry, including phase equilibria, isotopes and trace elements.
Prerequisites: GEOS 3400 and MATH 1311 or consent of instructor.
GEOS 3422 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
The identification, description, and interpretation of sediments, sedimentary rocks, and sedimentary strata; an introduction to the principles of stratigraphy and of sedimentary processes as they relate to modern depositional systems and their ancient analogs. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy. Three class hours and three laboratory hours a week. Field trips are required; field trip costs must be paid by each student.
Prerequisites: GEOS 2401 and 3400.
GEOS 3-90 Directed Studies - Junior Level
Individual work under supervision. Credit may vary.
Prerequisites: Major or minor standing and consent of project supervisor.
GEOS 3-91 Special Topics
An in-depth study of a topic in geosciences that is otherwise not covered in existing courses. May be repeated for credit on different topics.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
GEOS 4301 Senior Seminar in Earth Systems
An in-depth synthesis of selected topics from the earth systems curriculum, with application to current environmental problems. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum.
GEOS 4395 Thesis Research
Student research conducted under the supervision of a Trinity University thesis director, and written communication of the research in thesis format. Course enrollment requires initiation of research during the Junior year. A written and oral thesis proposal must be presented to the department.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, acceptance by a thesis advisor, approval from the department chair.
GEOS 4396 Thesis Research and Presentation
A continuation of student project begun in GEOS 4395. Students are required to write and defend their thesis according to University guidelines set forth in this Bulletin. An oral presentation of the thesis will be made to the students and faculty of the department.
Prerequisite: GEOS 4395.
GEOS 4-90 Directed Studies - Senior Level
Individual work under supervision. Credit may vary.
Prerequisites: Major or minor standing and consent of project supervisor.