Department of Geology
Department Chair: Mark Lovell
Department Secretary: Jeanine Nielson (208) 496-1905
Department Faculty: Glenn EmbreeSteve HansenRoger HogganMark LovellDan Moore

 
Introduction
Students  interested  in  Physical  or  Life  Science  and  who  enjoy  the  opportunity  to  work  outdoors  as  well  as  the  laboratory  may  find  a  satisfying  and  well  paying  career  in  geology.  Geology  professions  provide  experiences  suited  for  those  who  enjoy  working  as  teams  as  well  as  those  who  enjoy  tackling  projects  on  their  own.  Careers  include  opportunities  in  mineral  or  energy  exploration  and  development,  geological  engineering,  geophysics,  environmental  geology,  water  resources,  computer  application  to  geology,  paleontology,  and  many  other  related  fields.  Careers  also  exist  in  education,  consulting  firms,  and  with  local  and  federal  government  agencies.  The  broad  academic  background  of  a  geology  major  would  also  prepare  one  for  careers  in  business,  law,  or  many  other  fields.  The  entry  level  for  most  jobs  is  a  master’s  degree  but  some  employment  opportunities  require  only  a  bachelor’s  degree. 

Most  geologic  concepts  are  best  understood  by  leaving  the  classroom  and  spending  time  studying  the  rocks  and  geologic  features  where  they  exist.    Outings  off  campus  are  described  as  field  experiences.    The  unique  location  of  BYU-Idaho  offers  an  exceptional  opportunity  to  study  geology  in  the  midst  of  some  of  the  finest  geologic  settings  in  the  world.  Local  and  regional  field  trips  to  Yellowstone  and  Grand  Teton  National  Parks,  Snake  River  Plain  volcanic  and  hydrologic  features,  Hebgen  Lake  and  Borah  Peak  earthquake  localities,  and  the  Grand  Canyon,  Arizona,  provide  for  more  effective  learning,  enhanced  student  understanding  of  geologic  processes,  and  a  better  preparation  for  future  careers. 

Study  of  Geology  offers  the  non-science  majors  an  opportunity  to  fill  Physical  Science  General  Education  requirements  and  gain  a  better  understanding  of  their  natural  environment. 

Geology  102  lab  is  a  hybrid  course  utilizing  both  in  the  classroom  learning  and  online  or  Internet  learning.    Taken  as  the  lab  with  Geology  101,  Geology  104,  and  Geology  110,  this  class  also  fulfills  the  online  learning  requirement  of  the  University.

 
Natural Science Field Expedition
The  Intermountain  West  is  the  outdoor  classroom  for  the  Expedition  which  is  taught  during  the  second  summer  term.    This  program  offers  students  an  experiential  approach  to  the  study  of  Geology,  Biology,  Religion,  and  other  courses  as  available.    Since  these  are  the  only  classes  taken  that  term,  most  of  the  time  is  spent  in  the  field  away    from  the  BYU-Idaho  campus.    Field  trip  fee  is  $950,  which  includes  a    non-refundable  fee  of  $100.    Applicants  must  be  accepted  by  BYU-Idaho  before  entering  this  program.    For  information  visit  out  website  accessible  from  the  home  page  of  the  Department  of  Geology  (http://www.byui.edu/Geology/home/),  or  contact  Mark  Lovell  (lovellm@byui.edu),  telephone  (208)356-1903,  or  Ed  Williams  home  telephone  (208)496-6590.    Mailing  address  for  both  instructors  is:  Geology  Department,  BYU-Idaho,  Rexburg,  ID    83460-0510.    Send  Applications  to:  Ed  Williams  at  the  address  listed.   
 
Program Description
 


B.S.  in Geology (740)
The Department of Geology at BYU-Idaho will begin the official offering of a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 2003. Students who previously entered the two-year associate degree program are still able to complete that degree. All incoming majors will be enrolled into the Bachelor of Science in Geology Program. This program is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible for the individual student. It is strongly recommended that you meet with a member of the faculty for advising as early as possible to design a curriculum which will meet your specific needs and minimize the time and courses required to complete the program.

The Geology Program is designed to meet two of the tracks offered at BYU-Idaho, Fall-Winter and Summer-Fall. With a strong emphasis on outdoor experiences, each student will be required to devote the equivalent of a full summer in course work to be able to complete the program. The summer program would preferably occur after completion of the sophomore year of course work, but could also be done after the junior year. If needed, students would be encouraged to lie out of school a winter semester to earn money.

After consultation with an advisor, students may be able to complete some course requirements by taking classes taught by University of Idaho or Idaho State University in Idaho Falls.

To meet the needs of the Earth Science Education majors, a limited number of upper division geology courses will be offered beginning second summer term, 2002. Additional courses will be available in 2003.

General Education Requirements

As you fill the General Education and University Requirements take the classes listed below and then go to General Education for a complete listing of the requirements

 Take all of these courses 

 CHEM 105
 ENG 111
 ENG 316
 MATH 110


Major Requirements

 Take all of these courses
 GEOG 230
 GEOL 111
 GEOL 111L
 GEOL 112
 GEOL 112L
 GEOL 210
 GEOL 311
 GEOL 350
 GEOL 370
 GEOL 404
 GEOL 410
 GEOL 412
 GEOL 497


AND
 Take 1 Course 
Geology
 GEOL 498
 GEOL 499


AND
 Take 1 Course 
Math
 MATH 112
 MATH 119


AND
 Take all of these courses 
Physics
 PH 105
 PH 107

OR
      Take all of these courses
      PH 121
      PH 150


AND
OTHER OPTIONS: Geophysics, Applied GIS
 Take 2 Courses
 GEOL 380
 GEOL 420
 GEOL 435
 GEOL 480

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.S.  in Geology
First Semester
ENG 1113
GEOL 1113
GEOL 111L1
GEOL 4970
MATH 1103
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits15
Second Semester
CHEM 1054
GEOL 1123
GEOL 112L1
GEOL 4970
Math 4
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits17
Third Semester
GEOG 2303
GEOL 2101
GEOL 3504
GEOL 4970
Religion2
General Education3
Minor Courses3
Total Credits16
Fourth Semester
ENG 3163
GEOL 4970
Physics 4
Religion2
General Education3
Minor Courses4
Total Credits16
Fifth Semester
GEOL 3114
GEOL 3704
GEOL 4103
GEOL 4123
Total Credits14
Sixth Semester
GEOL 4043
GEOL 4970
Religion2
General Education3
Major Courses4
Minor Courses4
Total Credits16
Seventh Semester
GEOL 4970
Geology 3
Religion2
General Education3
Minor Courses4
Total Credits12
Eighth Semester
GEOL 4970
Religion2
General Education4
Major Courses4
Minor Courses4
Total Credits14
 


B.S.  in Earth Science Education (840)
Students who are planning for a career in education and who enjoy the sciences should consider majoring in Earth Science Education. Nationally, as well as regionally, there is a significant demand for science teachers. A major in Earth Science Education, connected with a minor in Physical Science gives the broadest possible background in the physical sciences, including courses in geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and weather and climate. This combination of courses qualifies graduates to teach high school and junior high school classes in earth science, geology, chemistry and physics. With a minor in Natural Science, zoology and botany classes are added to the list above, and qualify graduates to teach biology as well. Such a degree is very marketable, especially in small school districts where there is a great demand for teachers capable of teaching a variety of courses.

Students intending to minor in Natural Science should select Bio 208 to fill their general education requirement in biology. Check with an advisor as early as possible to help you design a schedule to utilize your time as efficiently as possible.

After consultation with an advisor, students may be able to complete some course requirements by taking classes taught by University of Idaho or Idaho State University in Idaho Falls.

{The only education minor endorsements allowed for this major are minors in Physical Science Education-(117 total credits) or Natural Science Education-(120 total credits).}

Geology 380 and Religion 333 are shown in the 5th semester. These courses are taught, however, during 2nd Term of Summer. Completion of prerequisites allow you to take these courses any time after your sophomore year.

General Education Requirements

As you fill the General Education and University Requirements take the classes listed below and then go to General Education for a complete listing of the requirements

 Take all of these courses
 CHEM 105
 ENG 316
 MATH 110


Major Requirements

Please see your advisor for a list of approved courses to choose from in Geology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Geography, and Oceanography.
 Take all of these courses
 GEOL 111
 GEOL 111L
 GEOL 112
 GEOL 112L
 GEOL 137
 GEOL 250
 GEOL 380
 GEOL 404
 GEOL 405
 GEOL 497
 MATH 111
 PH 112
 PH 127
 PH 128


Core
 Take all of these courses
 ED 200
 ED 300
 SECED 205
 SECED 252
 SECED 322
 SECED 382
 SECED 405
 SECED 492

Sample Sequence of Courses

Consult with your advisor as you plan each semester.
 
B.S.  in Earth Science Education
First Semester
ENG 1113
GEOL 1113
GEOL 111L1
MATH 1103
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits15
Second Semester
CHEM 1054
GEOL 1123
GEOL 112L1
MATH 1112
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits15
Third Semester
ED 2002
GEOL 2504
GEOL 4970
SECED 2521
General Education3
Minor Courses4
Total Credits14
Fourth Semester
ED 3002
GEOL 4970
PH 1273
PH 1281
SECED 2051
Religion2
Minor Courses4
Total Credits13
Fifth Semester
GEOL 3803
GEOL 4043
Religion4
General Education6
Minor Courses4
Total Credits20
Sixth Semester
ENG 3163
GEOL 1373
GEOL 4970
PH 1121
SECED 3222
Religion2
General Education3
Total Credits14
Seventh Semester
GEOL 4053
SECED 3823
Religion2
General Education4
Major Courses3
Total Credits15
Eighth Semester
SECED 4052
SECED 49210
Total Credits12



Minor in  Natural Science Education (130)
This minor is designed to give students a broad background in the natural sciences and fills the minimum requirements for students wishing to receive state endorsement certification in the natural science areas of chemistry, physics, geology (earth science), and biology. This minor pertains only to Secondary Education Majors.


Minor Requirements

 Take all of these courses

 BIO 204
 BIO 208
 CHEM 105
 CHEM 106
 GEOL 111
 GEOL 111L
 GEOL 112
 GEOL 112L

AND
      Take all of these courses

      PH 105
      PH 107

     OR
      Take all of these courses

      PH 201


AND
 Take all of these courses

 PH 106
 PH 108

OR
      Take all of these courses

      PH 202




Minor in  Geology (154)
A Minor in Geology will provide the student with a solid understanding of basic geologic concepts. Analytical and decision making skills acquired through completion of this minor add depth to those exploring careers in business, journalism, and almost any other discipline. This is a great minor for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Three required courses are at the heart of the program. Physical Geology addresses the processes that create the surface features of the earth such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, glaciers, etc. Historical Geology explores the changes that have occurred to the land masses and the fauna and flora through geologic time. The Rocks and Minerals class provides more depth and understanding to mineral identification and the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Two additional courses (with at least two of the five courses being upper division) fulfill the requirements for the minor.


Minor Requirements

 Take all of these courses

 GEOL 111
 GEOL 111L

OR
      Take all of these courses

      GEOL 101
      GEOL 102


AND
 Take all of these courses

 GEOL 112
 GEOL 112L

OR
      Take all of these courses

      GEOL 103
      GEOL 103L


AND
 Take 1 Course

 GEOL 250
 GEOL 350

AND
      Take 2 Courses

      GEOG 230
      GEOL 311
      GEOL 370
      GEOL 380
      GEOL 404
      GEOL 420
      GEOL 435
      GEOL 480

 
Course Descriptions

GEOL 101 Introduction to Geology (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
General non-technical course for the non-science student who desires a broad introduction to Geology. Students should also take Geol 102 Lab. Students who take Geology 101 may not also receive credit for Geology 111. This class is also taught as part of the off-campus Discovery and Natural Science Field Expedition programs. Contact the directors of these programs for fees and other information.
 
GEOL 102 Introduction to Geology Lab (1:0:1)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $5.00
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or previous completion of Geol 101 or 104.
General experience with (1) mineral and rock identification and interpretation and (2) the use and geologic interpretation of topographic maps. This course also fulfills online learning requirement.
 
GEOL 103 Life of the Past (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
A non-technical study of the development of life and major events of earth history. For non-science students.
 
GEOL 103L Life of the Past Lab (1:0:2)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $7.00
Lecture/lab experience with rock and fossil identification as well as application of basic geologic principles.
 
GEOL 104 Natural Disasters and Resources (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $12.00
For the non-science majors emphasizing physical geology related to geologic hazards, mineral and energy resources, and the environmental consequences of urban and rural development. Associated lab for this class is Geol 102. Students who take Geol 104 may not receive credit for Geol 111.
 
GEOL 110 Earth Science (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geology 110L.
This course is designed to enhance the student's understanding of their natural environment and how to relate it to their lives. It will cover basic concepts and methods used in geology, astronomy and meteorology. It helps prepare Education majors with the knowledge necessary to teach these concepts in the classroom.
 
GEOL 110L Earth Science Lab (1:0:2)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $7.00
Prerequisite: Must have taken Geol 110, concurrent enrollment in Geol 110 or instructor approval.
Lab studies and field trips emphasize rock, mineral, and fossil classification and interpretation; map and photo interpretation; as well as weather and astronomical observation and interpretation. Emphasis on learning and teaching directed towards elementary education majors.
 
GEOL 111 Physical Geology (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
For majors in Geology, Engineering, Forestry, Construction and other programs. Includes a study of our earth and the processes that formed it's features. Students who take Geology 111 must register for Geology 111L. Students who take Geology 111 may not receive credit for Geology 101 or Geology 104.
 
GEOL 111L Physical Geology Lab (1:0:2)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $35.00
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geol 111 or instructors' consent.
Mineral and rock identification and interpretation, as well as, map and photo interpretation. Students who take Geology 111 lab may not receive credit for Geology 102.
 
GEOL 112 Historical Geology (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Geol 101, 104, 110, or 111.
A study of the geological history of the earth and the evolution of it's life forms. For geology and related majors. Students who take Geol 112 may not receive credit for Geol 103. Students taking Geol 112 are required to take Geol 112L.
 
GEOL 112L Historical Geology Lab (1:0:2)
Fee:  $25.00
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geol 112.
Two hour lecture/lab per week. Examination of the principles of historical geology, along with the study of fossils, special attention given to identification, type of preservation and environments of fossils. Geologic map studies are included.
 
GEOL 137 Oceanography and Weather (3:3:0)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Prerequisite: Must also take Geol 137Lab
An introductory study of oceanography and weather including major features of oceans (topography, chemistry, geologic history, waves, tides, currents, environmental diversity, etc,), weather, climate, methods of weather forecasting and the environmental impact of man.
 
GEOL 137L Oceanography & Weather Laboratory (1:0:2)
Fullfills GE Physical Science requirement.
Fee:  $5.00
Laboratory is designed to give the student experience in observing and analyzing basic oceanographic and weather related phenomena.
 
GEOL 210 Introduction to Field Geology (1:0:0)
Fee:  $120.00
Prerequisite: Geol 111Lab, 112 or instructor’s consent. Must be taken concurrently with Geol 311 and Geol 370.
One week field course covering basic methods of observing, collecting, and recording field data. Students register for this course as part of the fall semester. Field work for the course takes place the week prior to the start of the fall semester.
 
GEOL 250 Rocks and Minerals (4:3:3)
Fee:  $35.00
Prerequisite: Geol 101 & 102, or Geol 104 & 102 or Geol 110 & 110L, or Geol 111 & 111L or instructor's consent.
Hand specimen study of common rocks and minerals, including their identification, classification, and interpretation. Recommended for Earth Science Secondary Education majors, and Geology Minors as well as, any other students interested in rocks and minerals. Not for Geology Majors.
 
GEOL 290 Directed Study (1-3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Faculty student consultation will determine a special area of study and/or research problems that will give students greater preparation for advanced work in geology and related fields. Term of enrollment, credit, and other details will be arranged with instructor. Contact the instructor prior to registering for credit.
 
GEOL 311 Structural Geology (4:3:3)
Fee:  $10.00
Prerequisite: Geol 111Lab & 112. Must be taken concurrently with Geol 210 and Geol 370.
Fundamentals of rock deformation and rock structures. Introduction to tectonics. Field Trips.
 
GEOL 350 Mineralogy & Petrology (4:3:3)
Fee:  $35.00
Prerequisite: Geol 111 & 112; Chem 105 or 111
The constitution, origin, and identification of minerals. The genesis, interpretation, and identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
 
GEOL 370 Stratigraphy & Sedimentation (4:3:3)
Fee:  $10.00
Prerequisite: Geol 111 or 101, Geol 112. Must be taken concurrently with Geol 210 and Geol 311.
Covers the origin, classification, distribution and correlation of sedimentary rock bodies and their use in interpreting geological history.
 
GEOL 380 Regional Geology (4:0:0)
Fee:  $650.00
Prerequisite: Geol 101 & 102 or Geol 111 & 111L; Geol 250 or 350, or instructor's consent.
Travel to different geologic regions to learn the local stratigraphy and geologic history. Written reports will summarize observations from each area visited. A final oral presentation, summarizing all observations will take place on campus.
 
GEOL 390 Directed Studies (1-3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Demonstrated abilities to tackle desired subject.
Directed studies in Geology is designed to allow a student to obtain greater depth of understanding in subject matter not readily available through normal course work. Contact the instructor prior to registering for credit.
 
GEOL 404 Environmental Geology (3:3:2)
Fee:  $30.00
Prerequisite: Geol 112 or instructors consent
A detailed look at the environmental issues impacting societies today. Common geologic hazards associated with floods, landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes will be discussed. The course will also focus on the issues of an increasing demand for natural resources by an ever-growing population. Related impacts of waste management and pollution are also addressed.
 
GEOL 405 Methods of Teaching Earth Science (3:2:3)
Prerequisite: Geol 380 or instructor's consent and Ph 127 or 227. This course should not be taken until the semester immediately proceeding student teaching.
Earth Science and general science teaching methods needed for certification in Earth Science secondary education are taught. The course focuses on classroom and laboratory techniques utilized in the earth sciences. Practical experience in teaching laboratories, lectures and demonstrations will be emphasized. Students will build a science unit which demonstrates their understanding and application of inquiry and the use of multiple teaching and asssessment strategies.
 
GEOL 410 Advanced Field Methods (6:0:46)
Fee:  $250.00
Prerequisite: Geol 311, 350, 370, Math 110, 111 or instructors concent.
Field experience covering mapping skills, sample data collection, synthesis of field work and literature, and report writing.
 
GEOL 411 Geomorphology (3:3:2)
Fee:  $40.00
Prerequisite: Geol 111 or 101, Math 110/111
Anyalysis of the origin of earth's major landforms emphasizing the interrelationship between plate tectonics and hydrology in producing the features we see on the earth's surface.
 
GEOL 412 Geology of North America (3:3:1)
Prerequisite: Geol 250 or Geol 350.
The study of the geologic history of North America. In addition to the topic studied, students will develop skill in searching and comprehending the geologic literature, presenting geologic concepts, and scientific writing.
 
GEOL 420 Geochemistry (3:2:2)
Fee:  $20
Prerequisite: Geol 111, Chem 105, (Chem 106 recommended)
Applying elementary chemical principles to understand natural water systems.
 
GEOL 435 Hydrology (3:3:2)
Fee:  $15.00
Prerequisite: Geol 101 & 102 or Geol 111 & 111L, Math 110.
In depth study of hydrologic issues focusing on groundwater. Movement of water in the aquifer, impacts of pumping and management of water as a natural resource are some of the main topics.
 
GEOL 440 Applied GIS (3:2:2)
Fee:  $15.00
Prerequisite: Geography 230 - Introduction to GIS and one of the following: Geog 101, or Geol 101, Geol 104, Geol 110, Geol 111, or instructors consent.
Applied GIS (Geographic Information Systems) allows students to apply GIS skills to geologic topics and problems with real-world data sets.
 
GEOL 445 Applied Geophysics (3:3:2)
Fee:  $30.00
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent registration in Phys 220 or Instructor's approval
Learning and applying various geophysical methods to explore and characterize materials in the subsurface. Field trips included.
 
GEOL 480 Paleontology (3:3:2)
Fee:  $50.00
Prerequisite: Geol 112 or a general biology class.
Distribution, morphology, paleoecology, and evolution of organisms in the geologic record. Includes vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant life.
 
GEOL 498R Geology Internship (1-3:0:0)
Prerequisite: To have completed at least through junior level geology courses.
An on-the-job experience related to the area of geological sciences.
 
GEOL 499 Senior Project (1-3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of senior level courses in geology. English 316 should have been completed also.
A course which includes original research or field work and results in a publishable paper.