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Geology (GEL)                         Course Schedules

The complete description of the Department of Geology is found in the College of Science & Technology.

Descriptions of courses approved for the University Program appear in italic type.

GEL 100 Introduction to Earth Systems 3(2-2) F, Sp
 A discovery-based introductory examination of the processes that shape our planet. Topics include the rock cycle, earthquakes, volcanoes, the Ice Age, and plate tectonics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. (Group IIA) Credit may not be earned in both GEL 100 and 101, 102, 105 or 130.

GEL 101 Physical Geology 3(3-0) F, Sp
 An introduction to the surficial and internal earth processes that shape our world. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Ice Age. (Group II-A) Credit may not be earned in both GEL 101 and 100, 105, or 130.

GEL 102 Physical Geology Laboratory 1(0-2) F, Sp
 Laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and geologic processes. Should be taken concurrently with GEL 101, 105, or 301. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Prerequisites or Corequisites: one of the following: GEL 101, 105, 203, or 301. (Group II-A) Credit may not be earned in both GEL 102 and GEL 100 or GEL 130.

GEL 105 Environmental Geology 3(3-0) F, Sp
 A survey of the socially important geological topics that affect people and their environment. These include energy, pollution, and geologic hazards. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 105 and GEL 100, GEL 101, or GEL 130. (Group II-A)

GEL 130 Earth Processes 3(2-2)
 An introduction to geologic processes from a quantitative perspective. Students will investigate rates and scales of processes including earthquakes, erosion, mountain building, and resource formation. Satisfies University program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 130 and 100, 101, 102, or 105. (Group II-B)

GEL 201 Earth History 3(2-2) F, Sp
 The earth's history as revealed in the rock record. Geologic processes and concepts are applied to the evolution of North America and life through geologic time. Prerequisite: One of: GEL 100, 101, 105 or 130.

GEL 203 Geology of the National Parks 3(3-0) D
 Study of the geologic processes responsible for creating the areas set aside as National Parks and National Monuments. Recommended for the traveler, naturalist, or park administrator.

GEL 230 Prehistoric Life 3(3-0) F, Sp
 An introduction to the three-billion-year history of life on earth. Topics include the origin of life, mass extinctions, history of dinosaurs, and evolution of mammals. (Group II-A)

GEL 275 Special Problems in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
 A study of special topics presented on demand when sufficient students and interested faculty are available.

GEL 290 Introduction to Geologic Investigation 3(2-2)
 An introduction to methods of geologic research and investigation. Topics include information gathering (library, Internet), field methods (observations, measurements, sampling, map-making), and report writing. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or 130.

GEL 297 Independent Study 1-3(Spec) F, Sp, Su
 Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than three credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisite: GEL 101 or permission of instructor.

GEL 301 Geology and Michigan 3(3-0) D
 An introduction to geological processes as they apply to the past and present geologic history of Michigan. Particularly recommended for students in education. Not recommended for students who have completed GEL 101. GEL 102 co-registration recommended. (Group II-A)

GEL 303 Oceanography: Marine Geology 3(3-0) D
 Introduction to methods and equipment used to study the geology of ocean floors and the dynamic processes responsible for the formation of ocean basins. Prerequisites: One of: GEL 100, 101, 105, 130, 203, 301, or ESC 205.

GEL 304 Energy Resources 3(3-0) D
 Various forms of energy in the universe. Sources of energy-producing materials with emphasis on conservation and depletion when consumption of energy is accelerating. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

GEL 310 Introductory Mineralogy 4(3-3) F
 Introduction to crystallography. Physical and chemical properties, and descriptions of basic groups and classifications of minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or 130; CHM 131 or 161 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 320 Rocks 3(2-3) Sp
 Origin, interpretation, and hand-specimen identification of rock materials; for non-geology majors. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101, 102, or permission of instructor.

GEL 321 Petrology 4(3-3) Sp
 Genesis and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Identification, description of hand samples and thin-sections emphasizing petrogenesis. Optical mineralogy of common rock-forming minerals. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEL 290, 310; CHM 132 or CHM 161 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 331 Field Petrology 2(Spec) Su
 Introduction to techniques of structural analyses and geochemical sampling in crystalline rock. Field descriptions and note-taking skills stressed during 1-3 week field excursion. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 310, 321.

GEL 370 Structural Geology 3(2-3) Sp
 Theoretical and applied study of structures developed by deformation of the earth's crust at microscopic, macroscopic, and regional scales. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201; MTH 132 or 136.

GEL 372 Introduction to Geophysics 3(2-3) F
 A survey of the physical properties and structure of the earth, and the basic geophysical techniques by which they are known. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: PHY 130 or 145; MTH 132 or 136.

GEL 380 Hydrogeology 3(2-3) F, Sp
 Introduction to the study of groundwater, groundwater flow, well hydraulics, groundwater quality and pollution and resource exploration, evaluation, and management. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101 or 105, and GEL 102; or GEL 100 or 130; MTH 106 or higher; junior standing.

GEL 385 Introductory Petroleum Geology 3(2-2) D
 Petroleum deposits of the earth: location, origin, and occurrence. Technical aspects of exploration and production, emphasizing petroleum and natural gas formations of Michigan. Prerequisites: GEL 201.

GEL 402 Environmental Geochemistry 3(3-0) Sp
 Application of chemical principles to environmental-geological topics. Explores geochemical aspects of contemporary problems such as water and soil pollution, including data analysis and problem solving. Prerequisite: GEL 380; CHM 132.

GEL 403 Geochemistry Laboratory 1(0-3) D
 Fundamentals of research and problem solving utilizing geochemical analytical methods. Emphasizes project planning, sampling techniques, data collection and interpretation. Prerequisites: GEL 402 or 460 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 406 Senior Thesis 3(Spec) F, Sp, Su
 Senior level research project approved by the geology faculty. Results of the research project must be presented in a written thesis and oral report. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

GEL 413 Geomorphology 3(3-0)
 Geologic approach to geomorphology with emphasis on quantitative analysis, dynamics of landform evolution, and use of geomorphology in solving geologic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 320 or 321; ESC 210 and STA 282 recommended.

GEL 430 Invertebrate Paleontology 3(2-3) F
 A general survey of the taxonomy, phylogeny, identification, stratigraphy, and paleoecology of the major fossil invertebrate groups. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201; BIO 101, 218 are helpful.

GEL 440 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 3(2-3) F
 Stratigraphy is concerned with the study of layered rocks and their interrelationships. Sedimentology considers properties of sedimentary rocks that allow interpretations of depositional processes. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 201; GEL 320 or 321.

GEL 450 Geology Field Camp 5(Spec) Su
 Actual field experience in mapping and interpreting various terrains. Student will construct a map and write a report based on observations. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEL 320 or 321, or permission of instructor.

GEL 460 Geochemistry 3(3-0) D
 Basic principles of geochemistry, involving distribution and significance of elements in natural systems, as well as processes which affect this distribution. Prerequisites: one semester of chemistry or equivalent. GEL 320 or 321 as prerequisite or corequisite.

GEL 515 Advanced Mineralogical Techniques 3(2-3) D
 Development of analytical techniques in mineralogy, including identification methods, composition determinations, and procedures in petrofabric analysis.

GEL 521 Petrology II 3(2-3) D
 Genesis of metamorphic and non-clastic sedimentary rocks including thin-section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisite: GEL 315.

GEL 522 Petrology I 3(2-3) D
 Genesis of igneous and clastic sedimentary rocks including thin-section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisites: GEL 320 with a grade of C+ or better, or permission of instructor.

GEL 525 Sedimentology 4(3-2) D
 Mechanisms of transport and deposition of sediments. The physical bases for textures, structures, and fabrics in sedimentary rocks. Environmental and facies analyses. Prerequisites: GEL 440 or permission of instructor.

GEL 530 Practicum: Paleontology and Stratigraphy 6(Spec) D
 Study of invertebrate fossils (shells and biochemical products), stratigraphic sections, and the sedimentary environments as they are related. Prerequisite: GEL 201.

GEL 531 Micropaleontology 3(0-6) D
 The classification, stratigraphy, paleoecology, and laboratory preparation of the major groups of microfossils. These include foraminifera, ostracods, conodonts, radiolarians, diatoms, cocco-lithophorids, dinoflagellates, and acritarchs. Prerequisite: GEL 430 or permission of instructor.

GEL 545 Biostratigraphy 3(2-2) D
 The principles and concepts of graphic and quantitative biostratigraphic correlation. Paleoecology and how it affects and relates to biostratigraphy. Prerequisites: GEL 430, 440, or equivalent.

GEL 572 Advanced Geophysics 4(2-6) D
 Detailed aspects of theory, procedures, and analysis of seismology, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity as applied to investigations of specific structural and tectonic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 370; 372; MTH 133 or 137; or permission of instructor.

GEL 575 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
 Announced topics of special interest to mature students who wish to explore a problem in depth with a staff member who wishes to direct the group. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

GEL 597 Independent Study 1-6(Spec) F, Sp, Su
 Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than three credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: Department chairperson and instructor approval.

For 600 and 700 level course descriptions consult the current Graduate Bulletin.

GEL 619 Continuing Registration for Final Research Project 1(1-0)

GEL 650 Geologic Materials for Science Teachers 3(3-0) D

GEL 660 Organic Geochemistry 3(3-0)

GEL 665 Inorganic Geochemistry 3(3-0) Sp

GEL 670 Advanced Structural Geology 3(2-2)

GEL 675 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D

GEL 690 Earth Evolution 3(2-2)

GEL 697 Independent Study 1-6(Spec) D

GEL 730 Seminar in Geology 1-4(Spec)

GEL 798 Thesis 1-6(Spec)

Credit Limitation. Courses in the department that are subject to graduate credit limitation under the policy covering unspecified content or variable credit are: GEL 575, 597, 650, 675, 697.

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