Department of Geology


	Department of Geology
	Department Chair: Mark Lovell Department Secretary: Jeanine Nielson (208) 496-1905 Department Faculty: Robb Clayton, Glenn Embree, Roger Hoggan, William Little, Mark Lovell, Dan Moore

Graduation Requirements

Majors

	B.S. in Geology
	B.S. in Earth Science Education

Minors

	Geology
	Earth Science Education

Course Descriptions

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. For each major, a minimum of "C" grade is required on all required courses taught within the department. A minimum of "C-" is required on all required courses taught outside the department.

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 and Geology 104, this class also fulfills the online learning requirement of the University.

Natural Science Field Expedition
The Intermountain West is the outdoor classroom for Field 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 our website accessible from the home page of the Department of Geology at http://www.byui.edu/geology or contact Dan Moore (moored@byui.edu), telephone (208)496-1902 or Mark Lovell (lovellm@byui.edu), telephone (208)496-1903. Mailing address for both instructors is: Geology Department, BYU-Idaho, Rexburg, ID 83460-0510. Send Applications to Dan Moore at the address listed.

Program Description

B.S. in Geology (740)
This integrated degree is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible for the individual student. It is strongly recommended that you meet with a faculty member 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 attend a summer term to complete their program. Geology majors will take Advanced Field Methods (Geol 410) offered second block of summer.

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.

Minor or 2 Clusters Required

University Requirements

Religion Requirements

(Book of Mormon Courses)
Take these Courses
REL 121, 122

       OR
          Take these Courses
          REL 121H, 122H

                 OR
                    Take this Course
                    REL 221

AND
(Scripture Based Courses)
Take 6 Credits
REL 211, 212, 301, 302, 324

       OR
          Take 6 Credits
          REL 211H, 212H, 301H, 302H, 324H

AND
(Other Religion Courses)
Take 4 Credits
REL 100, 130, 215, 234, 235, 260, 261, 264, 333, 341, 341H, 342, 342H, 351, 352, 370, 431, 471, 475

Online Learning

Each student is required to take at least one online course. For more information about the online requirement please visit the Online Learning section found in the Graduation & Transfer section of the catalog or visit http://web.byui.edu/Catalog/2005-2006/generalEducation.htm.

Other online course information is available at http://www.byui.edu/insttech/online.htm. A list of online courses is available at http://www.byui.edu/insttech/OnlineCourses/onlinecalendar.htm (select a semester or term).

GE Requirements

Students choosing Math 112 must have previously completed Math 111.

I. Reading and Writing

   Take 1 Course
   ENG 111, 111C, 111H

AND
   Take 1 Course
   ENG 316, 316C

II. Mathematics

Math 101 may be used as meeting the Math General Education requirement if all of the following criteria are met: 1)Student was enrolled and completed Math 101 prior to Fall 2001; 2)The student's major does not require a higher math class; 3)There is no break in enrollment.

Students initiating their studies at BYU-Idaho Fall Semester 2001 or later are not eligible for the ACT math waiver and must take one of the following courses to fill the math requirement.

   Take 1 Course
   MATH 110, 110H, 112

III. Basic Skills

   Take 1 Course
   COMM 102, 150, 150H
   CS 100
   HS 131, 131W
   IS 140

          OR
             Take this Course
             PE 177

          AND
             Take 1 Course
             PE 100, 101, 102, 110, 115, 117, 118, 119, 121, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 139, 140, 141, 144, 145, 147, 148, 160, 161, 162, 175, 178, 179, 195, 196

IV. Arts

   Take 1 Course
   ART 101, 160, 201, 202
   HFED 140
   HORT 230
   HUM 101, 101H, 201, 201H, 202, 202H
   MUSIC 100, 101
   TA 115, 117

AND
   Take this Course
   FA 100

V. Letters
Generally the Letters requirement is filled by taking one of the courses listed below. However, HUM 201 and 202, taken together, can be used to fill both the Arts and Letters requirement.

   Take 1 Course
   CHIN 347
   ENG 250, 250H, 251, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 351, 352, 353, 354, 362, 373, 373H
   FR 202
   GER 202
   HON 200, 220, 221H, 222
   LANG 202
   PH 314
   PHIL 110, 110H, 201, 201H, 202, 202H, 313, 313H, 314, 315, 315H
   RUSS 340, 340H
   SPAN 202, 302

VI. Biological Science

   Take 4 Credits
   AGRON 122, 270
   BIO 100, 100H, 102, 102H, 118, 120, 130, 150, 150L, 176, 200, 202, 208, 221, 222, 230, 250, 264, 265, 268

VII. Physical Science

   Take 4 Credits
   CHEM 105, 105H

VIII. American Institutions

   Take 1 Course
   AMHER 170, 170H
   ECON 111, 111H
   HIST 120, 121
   POLSC 110

IX. Social Science
This course must be in a different discipline from the course taken to fill the American Institutions requirement.

   Take 1 Course
   ANTH 101, 101H
   CHILD 210, 210H
   ECON 111, 111H, 112, 112H
   ED 270
   GEOG 120
   HIST 201, 202
   HON 201
   PHIL 203, 203H, 204, 204H
   POLSC 110, 170
   PSYCH 111, 111H, 201, 201H
   SOC 111, 111H, 112, 112H

Major Requirements

   Take these Courses   Minimum Grade: C
   GEOL 111, 111L, 112, 112L, 210, 311, 350, 370, 404, 410

AND
   Take these Courses   Minimum Grade: C
   PH 105, 105L

          OR
             Take these Courses   Minimum Grade: C
             PH 121, 150

AND

   Take 1 Course   Minimum Grade: C
   GEOL 498R, 499

AND
Choose either Option A or Option B:

   Option A:
   Take these Courses   Minimum Grade: C
   MATH 111, 112

Option B:
          OR
             Take this Course   Minimum Grade: C
             MATH 113

AND

   Take 3 Courses   Minimum Grade: C
   GEOG 230
   GEOL 380, 390, 411, 412, 420, 435, 440, 445, 480

B.S. in Earth Science Education (840)
Students 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. An Earth Science Education major can be combined with any education minor. This degree qualifies graduates to teach high school and junior high school classes in earth science, geology, and other areas depending upon which minor is completed.

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

Geology 380 is only offered during 2nd Term of Summer and because of the extensive field trips, students are only allowed to register for courses offered as part of the Natural Science Field Expedition. Completion of prerequisites allow you to take this course any time after your sophomore year. Religion 333 is offered as part of the Field Expedition and could be taken to fill electives credits. Field trip fee for Earth Science Education Majors is $650.00.

For a listing of approved Secondary Education majors and minors see the Teacher Education section of this catalog.

Minor Required

University Requirements

Online Learning

Students choosing Math 112 must have previously completed Math 111.

I. Reading and Writing

   Take 1 Course
   ENG 111, 111C, 111H

AND
   Take 1 Course
   ENG 316, 316C

II. Mathematics

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 recreation, wildlife management, 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 (Geol 250) provides more depth and understanding to mineral identification and the classification of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Students choosing to take Mineralogy/Petrology (Geol 350) must also complete Chem 105. Three additional courses (with at least two courses being upper division) fulfill the requirements for the minor.

Take these Courses   Minimum Grade: C
GEOL 111L, 112, 112L, 380

AND
Take 1 Course   Minimum Grade: C
GEOL 101, 104, 111

AND
Take 1 Course   Minimum Grade: C
GEOL 250, 350

AND

Take 3 Courses Minimum Grade: C
GEOG 230
GEOL 311, 370, 390, 404, 411, 412, 420, 435, 440, 445, 480

Minor in Earth Science Education (181)
For a listing of approved Secondary Education majors and minors see the Teacher Education section of this catalog.

Take these Courses Minimum Grade: C
GEOL 111, 111L, 112, 112L, 137, 250
PH 127, 127L, 137L

Course Descriptions

GEOL 101 Introduction to Geology (3:3:0)

Fulfills GE Physical Science requirement.

General non-technical course for the non-science student who desires a broad introduction to Geology. 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.
(Winter, Summer, Fall)

GEOL 102 Introduction to Geology Lab (1:0:1)

Fulfills GE Physical Science requirement.

Fee:  $7.00

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.
(Winter, Summer, Fall)

GEOL 103 Life of the Past (3:3:0)

Fulfills 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)

Fulfills 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)

Fulfills 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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 110 Earth Science (3:3:0)

Fulfills 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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 110L Earth Science Lab (1:0:2)

Fulfills 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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 111 Physical Geology (3:3:0)

Fulfills GE Physical Science requirement.

Prerequisite: Geol 111Lab, 112 or instructor's consent. Must be taken concurrently with Geol 311 and Geol 370.

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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 111L Physical Geology Lab (1:0:2)

Fulfills 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.
(Winter, Fall)

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.
(Winter, Fall)

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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 137 Oceanography and Weather (3:3:0)

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.
(Winter, Fall)

GEOL 137L Oceanography & Weather Laboratory (1:0:2)

Fulfills 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.
(Winter, Fall)

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.
(Fall)

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.
(Fall)

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.
(Winter, Summer, Fall)

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.
(Fall)

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.
(Fall)

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.
(Fall)

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.
(2nd Summer term)

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.
(Winter, Fall, Summer)

GEOL 404 Environmental Geology (3:3:2)

Fee:  $30.00

Prerequisite: Geol 111 or 101 & 102

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.
(Winter, Fall)

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.
(Winter, Fall)

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.
(2nd Summer Term)

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.
(Winter & Fall 2005, 2007, 2009)

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.
(Winter 2006, Fall 2007, Winter 2009)

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.
(Fall 2005, Winter 2007, Fall 2008)

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.
(Winter)

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.
(Fall 2006, Winter 2007)

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.
( Winter/Fall '06, Winter/Fall '08)

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.
(Fall 2005, Winter 2007, Fall 2008)

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.
(Fall, Winter, Summer)

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.
(Fall, Winter, Summer)