UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

MAJOR IN GEOLOGY.  The B.A. or B.S. degrees in Geology typically follow one of three primary tracks—hard-rock geology and geochemistry, soft-rock geology and resource exploration, and paleontology and paleoenvironments. Each of these areas integrates class-room learning with field and laboratory experience. Consult a faculty advisor for recommendations.

GEOLOGY B.A.

A minimum of 28 hrs in geology, selected from the following:

1. One of GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, or 1315 - 3 hrs
2. Face of the Earth (GEOL 3340), Earth Materials I & II (GEOL 3451, 3452) - 11 hrs
3. Four geology electives (3000+) - 12 hrs minimum
4. Geology Field Studies (one of GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, or 3243) - 2 hrs

Required support courses - 9 hrs minimum:

1. CHEM 1301 or 1303 - 3 hrs
2. PHYS 1301, 1303 (recommended), 1313, or 1407 - 3 hrs minimum
3. MATH 1337 - 3 hrs
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NOTE:

1. Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended.  (Most geology graduate programs in the U.S. require that a field course be completed.)
 

GEOLOGY B.S.

A minimum of 36 or 38 hrs in geology, selected from the following:

1. One of GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, or 1315 - 3 hrs
2. Face of the Earth (GEOL 3340), Earth Materials I & II (GEOL 3451, 3452), Structural Geology (3454) - 15 hrs
3. Four geology electives (3000+) - 12 hrs minimum
4. Geology Field Studies (one of GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, or 3243) - 2 hrs
5. Integrative Research (4296 & 4298) or Field Geology (4657) - 4 or 6 hrs

Required support courses - 17 hrs minimum:

1. CHEM 1303, 1113, 1304, 1114, or 1307, 1113, 1308, 1114  - 8 hrs
2. PHYS 1303 (recommended) or 1407 - 3 hrs minimum
3. MATH 1337, 1338 - 6 hrs
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NOTES:

1. Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended for the B.S. (even for students electing to do Integrative Research).  Most geology graduate programs in the U.S. require that a field course be completed.
2. Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential.  This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3159 (Computer Methods in the Geological Sciences).
3. The basic requirements for the major are considered minimal.  Students planning careers in the earth sciences should take additional coursework according to the geoscience emphasis which best fits their goals.  See a faculty adviser for suggestions.
 

MAJOR IN GEOPHYSICS (B.S.) Geophysical techniques are used to understand the physical behavior of planet Earth, including plate-tectonic processes, earthquake mechanisms, and nuclear test-ban verification.  The B.S. degree in Geophysics provides a strong quantitative background in seismology, geothermics, and digital signal processing.

A minimum of 33 hrs in the geological sciences, selected from the following:

1. One of GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, or 1315 - 3 hrs
2. Earth Materials I & II (GEOL 3451, 3452) - 8 hrs
3. Structural Geology (GEOL 3454), Dynamic Earth I (5320), Introduction to Seismology (5392) - 10 hrs
4. Four geoscience electives (3000+), one of which must be in geophysics - 12 hrs minimum

Required support courses -- 30 hrs minimum:

1. CHEM 1303, 1113 or 1307, 1113 (General Chemistry) - 4 hrs
2. PHYS 1303, 1105, 1304, 1106 (recommended) or 1407, 1408; - 8 hrs
3. MATH 1337, 1338, 2339 (Calculus I, II, III), 2343 (Differential Eqs.), 3337 (Adv. Math for Sci. & Engin. I), 3353 (Linear Algebra) - 18 hrs
________________________________________

NOTES:

1. Participation in a recognized geology or geophysics summer field camp is strongly recommended for all geophysics majors.
2. Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential.  This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3159 (Computer Methods in the Geological Sciences).
3. The basic requirements for the Geophysics major are considered minimal.  Consult a faculty adviser for recommendations on additional coursework that best fits your goals.
 

MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (B.S.) Environmental problems in the world today are being addressed by a growing number of disciplines including the sciences, engineering, the legal profes-sion, economics, journalism, and ethics. Yet, most of the earth's envi-ronmental problems are rooted in geological pro-cesses. The B.S. degree in Environmental Geology is intended to provide students with a quantitative understanding of the chemical and physical processes of environmental change.  Because of its interdisciplinary scope, students are strongly encouraged to take appropriate courses in other departments.

A minimum of 33-37 hrs in geology, selected from the following:

1. One of GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, or 1315 - 3 hrs1
2. Face of the Earth (GEOL 3340), Earth Materials I & II (GEOL 3451, 3452) - 11 hrs
3. Environmental Geology and Geochemical Cycles (GEOL 3366), Hydrogeology (GEOL 5384), and Geochemistry (GEOL 5386) - 9 hrs
4. Two geology electives (GEOL), selected from:  Modern & Ancient Climates (3353), Structural Geology (3454), Sedimentology (3472), or Geophysical Prospecting (4390) - 6-8 hrs minimum
5. Integrative Research (4296 & 4298) or Field Geology (4657) - 4 or 6 hrs

Required support courses - 26 hrs minimum:

1. CHEM 1303, 1113, 1304, 1114, or 1307, 1113, 1308, 1114 (General Chemistry) - 8 hrs
2. PHYS 1303 (recommended) or 1407 - 3 hrs minimum
3. MATH 1337, 1338, 2339 (Calculus I, II, III), 2343 (Differential Equations) - 12 hrs
4. SEAS  SSH 5311 (Environmental and Hazardous Waste Law) - 3 hrs
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NOTES:
1. GEOL 1301 (Earth Systems) is the course recommended from this group.
2. Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential.  This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3159 (Computer Methods in the Geological Sciences).
3. The basic requirements for the Environmental Geology major are considered minimal.  Consult a faculty adviser for recommendations on additional coursework that best fits your goals.
 

MINOR IN GEOLOGY

A minimum of 17-18 hrs in geology, selected from the following:

1. One of GEOL 1301 (Earth Systems), 1305 (Oceanography), 1307 (Solar System), 1308 (Evolution and Life History), or 1315 (Intro. to Environmental Sciences) - 3 hrs
2. Four advanced-level (3000+) geology electives - 12 hrs minimum
3. Geology Field Studies (one of GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, or 3243) or a geology elective of 3300 or higher level (if not used in 2) - 2-3 hrs
 

MINOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE. The Minor in Environmental Earth Sciences is designed with a two-course geology core as background to an interdisciplinary course of study. The minor is free-standing and is not intended to feed into a major. Instead, it should provide an excellent and substantive background for students heading into the environmental field from other disciplines. The minor is not suitable for a student majonng in the Geological Sciences.

A minimum of 18 hrs, selected from the following*:

1. One of GEOL 1301 (Earth Systems), 1305 (Oceanography), 1307 (Solar Systems), or 1308 (Evolution and Life History) - 3 hrs

2. One of GEOL 1315 (Introduction to Environmental Science), 33401 (Face of the Earth), 33532 (Modern and Ancient Climates), 3363 (Environmental Geology Seminar), or 33662 (Environmental Geology and Geochemical Cycles)  -  3 hrs

3. Four courses to be selected from the following list:  -  12 hrs
 GEOL 3330, 3340, 3353, 3363, 3366 (if not used in 2)
 BIOL 1305    (Our Natural Environment)**
 BIOL 33073   (Ecology)
 BIOL 33423  (The Plant Kingdom)
 BIOL 33433  (Field Botany)**
 ME 1304    (Control of Environmental Pollution)
 SSH 5311   (Environmental and Hazardous Waste Law)
 CF 2317    (Geological/Social Perspectives on Global Environmental Problems)
 CAPS 3396   (Science and Politics in the Nuclear Age)
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NOTES:

* At least 9 of the 18 semester hours must be 3000-level or above.
** Course taught only at S.M.U. in Taos

COURSE PREREQUISITES:
1One 1300-level GEOL course or consent of instructor
2High school chemistry and algebra
3BIOL 1401 and 1402, or consent of instructor.
 

COURSE OFFERINGS

• 1301. EARTH SYSTEMS. This course will examine the origin of the earth, its composition, structure, antiquity, and the processes which shape it. The best overview of the geological sciences. Very environmentally oriented. Optional field trip. This course may also be taken during the summer at the beautiful Fort Burgwin Campus in New Mexico. Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory each week. Recommended for most geology tracks.
• 1305. OCEANOGRAPHY. A study of the physical (geological), biological, and chemical processes responsible for the existence of the ocean as we know it today. Examines the imact of man on the oceans and oceanography's role in resource development, climatic and environmental modification, and other human concerns. Two lecture and one two-hour laboratory each week.
• 1307. THE SOLAR SYSTEM. A study of the formation and evolution of the solar system. Discussion of solar system materials, nebular processes, meteorites, the formation and evolution of the planets and their satellites, the origin of stars and the evidence for the standard model of cosmology.
• 1308. EVOLUTION AND LIFE HISTORY. Evolution as observed in the fossil record in light of biological principles. Evolution as a process, origins of life, adaptation, extinction, emphasizing examples from geological record. Field trips. Recommended for the paleontology track.
• 1313. EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES. Seismic and volcanic activity are two important manifestations of plate tectonics on the earth. They are also two major natural hazards affecting humankind. This couse will emphasize the geologic insights provided by earthquakes and volcanoes, and their impact on society.
• 1315. INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES. Fundamental principles of ecology, hydrology, geology, population dynamics, land-use management, and related fields will be used as the basis for understanding many of the major environmental issues which face our planet -- greenhouse climate changes, soil and water pollution, acid rain and related atmospheric pollution problems, habitat destruction and species extinctions, waste disposal, land use management, energy resource development, geologic hazards, and others.
• 2320/2321. SOUTHWESTERN ENVIRONMENTS: A GEOLOGIC APPROACH. Practice of the scientific method by investigation of the processes affecting geologic and environmental change in the southwestern U.S. Offered only through SMU-in-Taos program. Course will satisfy either the laboratory science requirement (2320) or the second-semester writing requirement (2321). Either course can fulfill a 1300-level geology major or minor course requirement.
• 3159. COMPUTER METHODS IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES. Elements of high-level computer programing applied to geological and geophysical problems. Designed to give the student sufficient skill to efficiently program geoscience problems using the application of computer languages such as MATLAB. Prerequisites: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences and consent of instructor.
• 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243. GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES. Project- and mapping- oriented, two-week field trips to classical geological localities in or outside of the United States. Trips will normally be conducted either during the May Interterm or between semesters. Examples of trips planned are to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Grand Canyon area, Lake Superior/Canada, and New Mexico/Colorado. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences and consent of instructor.
• 3330 RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT. A study of earth materials and processes and how they bear on planning, resource, conservation, and pollution problems arising from humankind's intense use of the planet earth. Class projects and/or fiels trips are an integral part of this timely course. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor.
• 3340. FACE OF THE EARTH. A study of the theory of plate tectonics on understanding earthquake, volcano, and mountain belt formations. Specific application of the theory is illustrated in terms of its application to understanding features of the regional geology of North America such as the Coastal Region and the San Andreas fault. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor.
• 3353. MODERN AND ANCIENT CLIMATES. Science of the modern atmosphere, modern climate, and evidence of historical climatic change. Geological evidence for atmospheric and climatic changes throughout Earth's history. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or permission of instructor.
• 3360. PROCESS GEOMORPHOLOGY. Analysis of geological processes and other factors which influence or control the origin and development of landforms of the earth. Laboratory exercises and field trips are included. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor.
• 3363. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY SEMINAR. This seminar will focus on timely geoscience-based environmental problems and address scientific, environmental, political, economic, legal, and social aspects of potential "solutions" through selected readings, seminars, guest speakers, and research projets. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor.
• 3366. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMICAL CYCLES. An introduction to the physical and chemical processes occurring in the earth's atmosphere, oceans, rivers and groundwater at both a local and global scale. Prerequisites:High school algebra and chemisty as well as one 1300-level course in Geological Sciences.
• 3369. PALEOBIOLOGY. A survey of biological diversity, phylogenetic analysis, rates of evolution, extinction, biogeography, taphonomy and paleoecology. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor. BIOL 1401 also a suitable prerequisite.
• 3451, 3452. EARTH MATERIALS I AND II. The study of minerals and rocks: elementry crystallography, crystal chemistry, mineral structures and physical properties, rock classification and identification of rocks and minerals in hand specimen, principles of mineral optics, identification of minerals in thin section, introduction to relationships among rock textures, origins, and rock-forming processes. Prerequisites: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences, credit or registration for CHEM 1301 or 1303.
• 3454. STRUCTURAL OF GEOLOGY. Introduction to the stress-strain relations of rocks, the origin of faults, the brittle to ducitle transition, mechancis of thrusting and folding. Laboratory problems in structure contouring, fault solutions, stereonet manipulation, analysis of folded terrains. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or consent of instructor.
• 3472. PRINCIPLES OF SEDIMENTATION. A study of the origin and post- depositional modification of sediments, sedimentary structures, and sedimentary rocks. Application to the recognition and interpretation of ancient marine and nonmarine sedimentary depositional sequences. Required weekend fieldtrips. Prerequisites: Credit or registration for GEOL 3451 or consent of instructor.
• 3374. INTRODUCTION TO PETROLEUM GEOLOGY. An introduction to stratigraphy, sedimentation, and petroleum geology. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in Geological Sciences or consent of instructor.
• 4296, 4298. INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH. Faculty-supervised independent geoscience research project designed to acquaint the student with current scientific techniques in data gathering (in field and/or laboratory and/or library), data processing, and presentation of results. Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor.
• 4390. INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING. Introduction to geophysicl exploration techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 1338 or consent of instructor.
• 4657. FIELD GEOLOGY. Geologic mapping and field trips. Taught at Fort Burgwin during the first summer session. Prerequisite: GEOL 3454, 3472, or 5380 or consent of instructor.
• 5320. DYNAMIC EARTH I. Physical and chemical structure of the Earth and its evolution through geologic time. Dynamic processes in the mantle and crust. Development of the theory of plate tectonics as a unifying mechanism for large-scale geologic processes. Implications of plate tectonics and contemporary applications to geological and geophysical problems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
• 5366. VERTEBRATE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION. An introduction to biological and geological processes that have affected the diversity of vertebrate oranisms throughout the Earth's history, including origination, biogeography, adaption, and extinction. Strong emphasis on vertebrate anatomy. Prerequisite: GEOL 1308 or consent of instructor. The accompanying laboratory is strongly recommended.
• 5166. VERTEBRATE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION LABORATORY. This is a laboratory course to accompany GEOL 5366. Exercises include basic anatomy, dissections, and examination of fossils. Corequisite: GEOL 5366.
• 5368. PALEOECOLOGY. Interactions between the living world and the Earth's changing environments through geologic time. Prerequisite: GEOL 3369 or consent of instructor.
• 5380. PRINCIPLES OF STRATIGRAPHY. Evolution and application of modern stratigraphic concepts and the development of stratigraphic nomenclature. Emphasis on the integration of physical, biological, and chemical parameters in interpretation of the rock record. Prerequisite: GEOL 3340 or consent of instructor.
• 5481. IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY. The origin, occurrence, and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Problems of genesis are considered in e light of chemical equilibria and features of geologicl occurrence. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or consent of instructor.
• 5384. HYDROGEOLOGY. An introduction to the chemical and physical behavior of natural waters and the role of fluids in geologic processes. The course will stress the application of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics to understand such geologic processes as ore formation, sediment diagenesis, isograd formation, acid rain, global warming, and groundwater contamination. Prerequisites: MATH 1338 and CHEM 1304 or consent of instructor.
• 5386. GEOCHEMISTRY. A survey of geochemicl processes within the Earth and at the Earth's surface, emphasizing mineral water interactions and application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to solution of geochemical problems. Prerequisites: CHEM 1303 and 1304.
• 5389. THEORY OF DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING IN GEOPHYSICS. Linear transform theory, convolution, correlation, linear systems, Shannon sampling theorem, discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transform, Z transform, inverse filtering, recursive filtering, optimum filtering, deconvolution, and power spectrum analysis. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
• 5392. INTRODUCTION TO SEISMOLOGY. Basic principles of seismology. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
• 5394. GEOPHYSICAL PROBLEM SOLVING. Approaches to problem solving. "Back-of-the-envelope" approximations to dimensional analysis. Analytical solutions and numerical techniques on the computer. Inverse theory and error propagation. Using models in the real world. Term project. Prerequisites: MATH 2343, 5353; knowledge of a programming language.