GEL - Geology
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. Credit may not be earned in both
GEL 100 and
GEL 101,102, 105 or 130. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
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. Credit may not be earned in both
GEL 101 and
GEL 100,
GEL 105, or GEL 130. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and geologic processes. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in
GEL 102 and 100 or 130.This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Pre/Co-Requisite:
GEL 101 or 105. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
1(0-2)
A survey of the socially important geological topics that affect people and their environment with a focus on natural and anthropogenic geologic hazards. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Credit may not be earned in both
GEL 105 and 100, 101, or 130. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Introduces geologic processes from a quantitative perspective. Students will investigate, graph, and calculate rates and scales of processes including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and groundwater flow. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 130 and 100, 101, 102, or 105. Quantitative Reasoning. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
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. Prerequisites: One of:
GEL 100; or
GEL 101, 102; or
GEL 105, 102; or GEL 130.
Credits
3(2-2)
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.
Credits
3(3-0)
Introduction to the properties and movements of ocean waters; to marine life, the ocean floors, and the effects of the oceans on humans. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Identical to
GEO 205, credit may not be earned in both courses. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Cross Listed Courses
GEO 205
An introduction to the history of life on Earth. Topics include geologic time, plate tectonics, evolution, origin of life, and the evolutionary history of vertebrates. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
This course explores applications that aid in the analysis of geoscience data. Integration of various geospatial data sources and analysis pertinent to geoscientists. Identical to
MET 250; credit may not be earned in both of these courses. Prerequisites: GEO 203; One of: ENS 101 or MET 101 or
MET 140 or
MET 260 or
GEL 100 or
GEL 101, 102 or
GEL 105, 102 or GEL 130.
Credits
3(3-0)
Cross Listed Courses
MET 250
A study of special topics presented on demand when sufficient students and interested faculty are available.
Credits
1(Spec)
Students learn to solve geoscience-specific problems through application of quantitative methods, graphs, and spreadsheets. Prerequisites:
MTH 132; One of:
GEL 100 or
GEL 101, 102 or
GEL 105, 102 or GEL 130.
Credits
2(0-4)
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
GEL 105, and
GEL 102; or
GEL 100 or GEL 130.
Credits
3(2-2)
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. Recommended:
GEL 102 co-registration.
Credits
3(3-0)
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,
GEL 101,
GEL 105, GEL 130,
GEL 203,
GEL 301, or GEO/
GEL 205.
Credits
3(3-0)
Mineral, energy, water, and soil resources, including geological origin, location, extraction, and environmental consequences of their usage. Prerequisites:
GEL 101 or 105, and
GEL 102; or
GEL 100 or 130.
Credits
3(3-0)
Application of geologic processes and quantitative methods to analyze engineering problems involving soils, rocks, surface water and groundwater. Prerequisites:
GEL 201;
MTH 130; PHY 130 or 145. Recommended:
MTH 132.
Credits
3(3-0)
Study of water on Earth; includes atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. Explore interactions between the hydrosphere, biosphere, earth system, and human processes. Prerequisites:
GEL 101 or 105 or 100 or 130 or
MET 140 or
MET 260 or ENS 101;
MTH 105 or higher; Recommended:
GEL 280; familiarity with spreadsheet software (i.e., Microsoft Excel or similar) is expected.
Credits
3(3-0)
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 102; or
GEL 100 or 130. Pre/Co-requisites:
CHM 131;
GEL 280.
Credits
4(3-3)
Origin, interpretation, and hand-specimen identification of natural materials including minerals, rocks, and various mineral and energy resources; for non-geology majors. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites:
GEL 101 or 105, and 102; or
GEL 100; or GEL 130.
Credits
3(2-3)
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. Prerequisites:
GEL 290, 310; Pre/Co-requisite:
CHM 132.
Credits
3(2-3)
Patterns and processes in the formation and distribution of selected glacial features. Prerequisite:
GEL 290.
Credits
3(3-0)
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,
GEL 321.
Credits
2(Spec)
Production, transport, and deposition of sediments. Emphasis on fundamentals of fluid flow, transport, mineral processes, physical properties, formation of sedimentary structures, and depositional environments. Field trip fee required. Pre/Co-requisites: One of:
GEL 310; or
GEL 320; or
ENS 307.
Credits
3(2-3)
Theoretical and applied study of structures developed by deformation of the Earth's crust and their tectonic environment. Field trip fee required. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites:
GEL 201, 280, 290.
Credits
3(2-3)
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:
GEL 280 or
ENS 401;
PHY 145QR.
Credits
3(2-3)
Introduction to the study of groundwater: groundwater occurrence and flow, groundwater in the hydrological cycle, groundwater quality and pollution, groundwater exploration, evaluation, and management. Field Trip Fee Required. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: One of:
GEL 100 or
GEL 101, 102 or
GEL 105, 102 or GEL 130 or ENS 101;
MTH 132 with a C- or better. Recommended:
GEL 280.
Credits
3(2-3)
Petroleum deposits of the earth: location, origin, and occurrence. Technical aspects of exploration and production, emphasizing petroleum and natural gas formations of Michigan. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite:
GEL 201.
Credits
3(2-2)
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. Prerequisites: One GEL course at 200 level or above; and permission of instructor.
Credits
1-3(Spec)
Fundamentals of research and problem solving utilizing geochemical analytical methods. Emphasizes project planning, sampling techniques, data collection and interpretation. Pre/Co-Requisites: GEL 402 or
GEL 460.
Credits
1(0-3)
The student conducts a senior-level research project, writes a thesis, and gives an oral presentation with guidance from a thesis advisor. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Senior standing; permission of instructor. Recommended:
GEL 397 or 597.
Credits
3(Spec)
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
GEL 321; ESC 210 and STA 282 recommended.
Credits
3(3-0)
Application of geostatistical methods to various scientific and engineering domains. Emphasis on analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Kriging, variography and simulation methods. Prerequisites:
GEL 280, 290; GEL/
MET 250. Recommended:
MTH 223; STA 382.
Credits
3(2-2)
A general survey of the taxonomy, phylogeny, identification, stratigraphy, and paleoecology of the major fossil invertebrate groups. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites:
GEL 201. Recommended:
BIO 110, 218.
Credits
3(2-3)
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
GEL 321;
GEL 370, 440, and permission of department chair.
Credits
5(Spec)
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. Pre/Co-Requisites:
GEL 320 or
GEL 321;
CHM 131 or
CHM 120 and 127.
Credits
3(3-0)
Biogeochemical processes governing the chemistry of water, with a focus on the distribution of natural and anthropogenic chemical species. Prerequisites:
CHM 132;
BIO 208 or CHM 211 or
GEL 310; or graduate status in a CST program. Recommended: GEL 380.
Credits
3(3-0)
Isotope geochemistry plays an important role in geological, biological, and environmental investigations. The isotopic geochemistry of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur will be covered. Prerequisites:
CHM 132;
GEL 321 or GEL 380; or graduate status in a CST program.
Credits
4(4-0)
Metallic and nonmetallic ore deposits, fossil fuels, and their tectonic settings; general principles of exploration for natural resources within the context of responsible environmental stewardship. Prerequisite:
GEL 320 or 321 or graduate status in the College of Science and Technology.
Credits
3(2-3)
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than 3 credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: department chairperson and instructor approval.
Credits
1-6(Spec)