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 is required; field trip expenses must be paid by each student.
1304 Environmental Geology: Humans and Their Physical Environment
A study of geological hazards associated with volcanism, earthquakes, mass movements, flooding, and erosion and sedimentation; the impact of human activities (e.g., dam construction, urban development, agricultural activities) on the geologic environment; problems associated with geologic resources (mineral, energy, and groundwater) including future reserves, environmental impact of resource exploitation, and alternative resources; waste disposal. Field trip is required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. Only one of GEOS 1304, 1305, or 1307 may be taken for credit.
1305 Geology of National Parks and Monuments
A study of the fundamental concepts, principles, and processes of physical and historical geology using selected National Parks, Monuments, and associated public lands as examples. These sites will be examined in the context of understanding the earth, its composition, the processes that operate to bring about change, as well as the interpretation of past events and the record of life on earth as preserved in the rock record. At least one full-day Saturday or Sunday field trip is required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. Only one of GEOS 1304, 1305, or 1307 may be taken for credit.
1307 Exploring Earth
An inquiry-based introduction to the Earth, geological materials, and processes. Weekly investigations include such topics as crystal structures of minerals, genesis of rocks, geologic maps, earthquake seismograms, satellite remote sensing, and geophysical studies of the subsurface. Two class hours and two laboratory hours each week, plus two all-day field trips. Field trips are required; field trip costs must be paid by each student. Only one of GEOS 1304, 1305, or 1307 may be taken for credit. GEOS 1307 and 2101 cannot both be taken for credit.
2101 Physical Geology Laboratory
Hands-on investigations of geological 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 1307 and 2101 cannot both be taken for credit. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: One of GEOS 1303, 1304 or 1305.
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: One of GEOS 1307 or 2101, or consent of instructor.
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 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, 1305, or 1307.
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 expenses must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of college-level biology, chemistry, geoscience or physics course.
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 multispectral 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). 3 class hours and 3 laboratory hours a week.
Prerequisites: Completion of computer skills requirement; completion of at least two college level courses in computer science, biology or geoscience; or consent of instructor.
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: One of GEOS 1303, 1304, 1305, or 1307.
3401 Structural Geology
A study of the architecture of the Earth's crust including the causes, processes, and results of crustal deformation. An introduction to concepts of descriptive, kinematic and dynamic analysis of secondary rock structures such as folds, fractures and foliation. Emphasis on the application of stereonet solutions to problems involving stress and strain. Laboratory: solution of structural problems by means of graphic techniques, stereographic projection, and computer applications. 3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours per week for one semester.
Prerequisites: GEOS 2401.
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. 3 class hours. 3 laboratory hours a week for 1 semester.
Prerequisites: GEOS 2401, or consent of instructor.
3405 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.
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.
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. 3 class hours, 3 lab hours a week for one semester, 1 field trip; field trip expenses must be paid by each student.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310 or 1312 (may be taken concurrently).
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.
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.
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.
3-90 Directed Studies - Junior Level
Individual work under supervision. Credit may vary.
Prerequisites: Major or minor standing and consent of project supervisor.
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.
4300 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. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University's Common Curriculum for the BA and BS degrees in Geosciences.
Prerequisite: One of GEOS 3401 and Senior standing.
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 formal directed 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.
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: Successful completion of GEOS 4395.
4-90 Directed Studies - Senior Level
Individual work under supervision. Credit may vary.
Prerequisites: Major or minor standing and consent of project supervisor.
|
