Geological Sciences 1

GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES (Earth and Environmental Systems) - Bachelor of Science Geology ( Education) - Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Program Information Master Degree(s) A degree in geology leads to a wide variety of career choices. Geology - Master of Science Students can access careers in the geosciences through one of three concentrations in the BS Geology degree. The first concentration is Minors for the Department Geological Sciences. This is a traditional geology curriculum, in which students take geology classes, augmented with calculus, physics, Geology - Undergraduate Minor and ; this concentration leads to graduate study in the Professor, Nancy J. McMillan, Department Head geosciences and careers in industry, academia, government, and policy. The second concentration is Earth and Environmental Systems. Students Professors Amato, McMillan, Ramos; Associate Professor Hampton; take geology classes, augmented with a variety of environmental, Assistant Professors Burgette,Johnson; Adjunct Professors G. Brown, K. economic, and political classes; this concentration leads to careers in Davis, J. Witcher; Emeritus Faculty Lawton, Mack the environmental industry. The third concentration is Earth Science Education. Students take geology and education classes, and are N. J. McMillan, Department Head, Ph.D. (Southern Methodist)– igneous certified to teach science at New Mexico middle and high schools after , ; J. M. Amato, Ph.D. (Stanford)– structural geology, completing the BS and one year of graduate work in the College of tectonics; F. C. Ramos, Ph.D. (California- Los Angeles)– isotope geochemistry, Education. petrology; R. J. Burgette, Ph.D. (Oregon)- neotectonics; B.A. Hampton, Ph.D. (Purdue)- sedimentology, tectonics; E.R. Johnson, Ph.D. (Oregon)- igenous Students earning the BS in Geology, any concentration, may also earn petrology, ; T.F. Lawton, Ph.D. (Emeritus) (Arizona)- , the Undergraduate Research Certificate in the Department of Geological basin analysis; G.H. Mack, Ph.D. (Emeritus) (Indiana-Bloomington)- Sciences. Completion of the Undergraduate Research Certificate includes sedimentary petrology, sedimentology. completion of an undergraduate research project, participation in the department's undergraduate research meetings and one of the following: Geology Courses GEOL 1110G. Physical Geology 1. a senior thesis; 4 Credits (3+3P) 2. a manuscript submitted for a publication; or Physical Geology is an introduction to our dynamic Earth introducing 3. an oral or poster presentation at a national or regional meeting. students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and ) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. Undergraduate Research Certificates are presented at the department's The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how annual awards ceremony. volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice The Department of Geological Sciences also cooperates with the can shape landscapes. Students will also develop a basic understanding Department of Physics in offering a BS degree in physics with a of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on concentration in geophysics. Requirements are listed in the Department natural resources and global climate change. of Physics section of this catalog. Learning Outcomes 1. Recall, describe or explain geologic vocabulary. Graduate Program Information 2. Identify or explain aspects of the geologic time scale and compare the uses and limitations of relative and absolute dating. The Department of Geological Sciences offers graduate study leading to 3. Recognize or explain the evidence used to support the theory of plate the Master of Science degree in geology. The department offers excellent tectonics. Describe or identify how is related to the laboratory facilities for research in , igneous petrology, structure and features of the Earth. geochemistry, stratigraphy, , and sedimentology. Available are a large, fully equipped rock preparation laboratory, separation 4. Describe the formation of, and describe, compare, and classify laboratory, plus computer, geochemical and petrographic labs. Major minerals. equipment includes a Gemeni heavy mineral separation table, Laser- 5. Identify or describe the three main rock types, how each forms in Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), a class 1000 clean lab, Thermal the context of the rock cycle and what each indicates about its Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Laser-Ablation Multi-Collector environment of formation. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The 6. Recognize or explain the fundamentals of surface and groundwater department maintains its own fleet of field vehicles. Also available are hydrology and discuss the impact of human activities on water computing facilities that include an HP color plotter and GIS system. quality and quantity. Financial support is available to graduate students in geology through 7. Describe or discuss the processes that are responsible for specific teaching and research assistantships and scholarships. Inquiries geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass regarding financial aid should be directed to the graduate advisor. movement, flooding, etc.). Admission to the program is in accord with the general regulations of the 8. Recognize or describe the geologic processes involved in the Graduate School. formation and concentration of geologic Degrees for the Department 9. resources. Bachelor Degree(s) Geology (Geological Sciences) - Bachelor of Science 2 Geological Sciences

GEOL 1150. Introduction to Rocks and Minerals GEOL 2130. Introduction to Meteorology 3 Credits (2+3P) 4 Credits (3+3P) This course is an introduction to the characteristics and the formation of Introduction to Earth's atmosphere and the dynamic world of weather as the three main types of rocks, the rock-forming minerals, and important it happens. Working with current meteorological data delivered via the ore minerals. An outline of Plate Tectonics will give students the basis Internet and coordinated with learning investigations keyed to the current to understand how many of these rocks and minerals form. In laboratory weather; and via study of select archives. exercises, students will gain practice in describing and identifying hand- Learning Outcomes specimens of the main types of rocks and minerals. 1. Recall, describe, or explain the various elements of the Earth’s Prerequisite(s)/Corequisite(s): GEOL 1110G. atmosphere, Earth’s relation to the sun, incoming solar radiation, Learning Outcomes the ozone layer, the primary temperature controls, and the unequal 1. The student Identify the main rock-forming minerals from each heating of land and water. mineral group as demonstrated by scoring a total of 70% or more on 2. Recall, describe, or explain weather variables and parameters. the relevant laboratory exercise component. Studying minerals, the 3. Recall, describe, or explain air masses, pressure systems, the various student will: Identify the main minerals in hand specimens; Describe fronts and associated types of storms, weather symbols, monsoons, the environments in which these minerals form; Identify the rock the various forms of precipitation, along with causes and effects of types in which these minerals are found. lightning. 2. The student will understand the structure, composition, and genesis 4. Recall, describe, or explain the hydrologic cycle, the characteristics of rocks by identifying the principal igneous, sedimentary, and and influences of the oceans and continents on the weather, the metamorphic rocks, as demonstrated by scoring a total of 70% or Southern Oscillation (i.e., El Nino), and the effects of land/water more on the relevant laboratory exercise components. distribution. 3. Studying rocks, the student will: Define the principal igneous 5. Recall, describe, or explain specific impacts by humans on weather, processes and features, identify the most common igneous climate, and on the ecosystem at large. rocks and their constituting minerals in hand specimens, and 6. Evaluate and interpret information from maps, diagrams, remote discuss their origin and interpretation; Describe the principles of sensing devices, graphs, and tables. sedimentary processes and features, identify the most common sedimentary rocks in hand specimens, and discuss their origin and 7. Apply critical thinking skills such as inductive, deductive, and interpretation; Describe the principles of metamorphic processes mathematical reasoning to solve problems using the scientific and features, identify the most common metamorphic rocks and method. constituting minerals in hand specimens, and discuss their origin and 8. Recognize and discuss the effect of human activity on climate, interpretation. climate change and the greenhouse effect. 9. Synthesize information from external, current sources and personal observations and discuss their relationships to class material.

GEOL 2996. Special Topics 1-3 Credits Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Community Colleges only. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Learning Outcomes 1. Varies

GEOL 305V. Fossils and the Evolution of Life 3 Credits (3) Examination of the fossil record within the context of geologic time. Special emphasis on critical evaluation of possible terrestrial and extra- terrestrial causes for the evolution of plants and animals and for periods of mass extinction. GEOL 310. Mineralogy 3 Credits (2+3P) and the physical and chemical aspects of minerals. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 1110G and CHEM 1215G. Geological Sciences 3

GEOL 312. Mineralogy and Optics GEOL 442. Zuhl Collection Internship 3 Credits (2+3P) 1-3 Credits (3-9P) Principles of crystallography, optical mineralogy, and mineral chemistry Applied experience with the NMSU Zuhl Collection, under supervision as applied to the identification and characterization of rock-forming of the Zuhl Collection Director. Possible activities include developing minerals. May be repeated up to 3 credits. displays, giving tours, developing outreach materials, etc. May be Prerequisite(s): GEOL 1110G and GEOL 1150. repeated up to 6 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Learning Outcomes GEOL 444. GIS for Geology 1. Students will understand how polarized light interacts with isotropic, 3 Credits (3) uniaxial, and biaxial crystals. Students will be able to recognize Tools-based introduction to using GIS software for solving problems optical phenomena resulting from the interaction of polarized light in geology. Emphasis on effectively portraying and analyzing geologic with minerals. Students will become proficient in the recognition maps. One required field trip. Crosslisted with: GEOG 544. of the major rock-forming minerals in thin section. Students will Prerequisite(s): GEOL 470. recognize crystal faces according to the Miller Indices. Students will be able to calculate the structural formula of any mineral. GEOL 449. The Geological Profession 1 Credit (1) GEOL 320. Special Topics Outcomes assessment exit exams. For graduating seniors only. May be 1-3 Credits repeated up to 1 credits. Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be Prerequisite(s): Graduating seniors only. repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. GEOL 452. Geohydrology GEOL 335V. Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Hurricanes, and Floods: The Role of 4 Credits (3+2P) Natural Hazards in Civ Past and Present Origin, occurrence, and movement of fluids in porous media assessment 3 Credits (3) of aquifer characteristics. Development and conservation of ground This class willl provide an introduction to geologic hazards and natural water resources, design of well fields. May be repeated up to 4 credits. disasters, their effects on society and the attempts at preparation and Crosslisted with: ENVS 452 and C E 452. mitigation for these events. Hazards to be covered include earthquakes, GEOL 455. Undergraduate Research volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, hurricanes, tsunamis and others. 1-3 Credits GEOL 353. Geological research and field projects for the advanced student. May be 3 Credits (2+3P) repeated for a total of 6 credits. May be repeated up to 6 credits. Consent Same as GEOG 353. May be repeated up to 3 credits. of Instructor required. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. GEOL 360. General Geochemistry 3 Credits (3) GEOL 465. Isotope Geochemistry The chemistry of the earth and its parts, with emphasis on geochemical 3 Credits (3) systems and cycles, distribution of the elements, and mineral equilibria. Geochemistry of stable and radiogenic isotopes and its application to a Crosslisted with: CHEM 360 wide range of problems in the earth and planetary sciences. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1215G or CHEM 1120G. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1225G, GEOL 360, GEOL 399. GEOL 399. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology GEOL 470. Structural Geology 3 Credits (2+3P) 3 Credits (2+3P) Mineralogical composition, classification, and genesis of igneous and Deformation of rocks of the earth. Prerequisite: GEOL 310 metamorphic rocks. GEOL 471. Volcanology Prerequisite(s): GEOL 312 for geology majors, GEOL 310 for majors other 3 Credits (3) than geology. Identification and interpretation of volcanic deposits (including air fall, GEOL 401. Geology Colloquium ash flow tuffs, surges, lava flows), with focus on how the characteristics 1 Credit (1) of these deposits can reveal eruption styles and eruption dyanmics. Presentations by visiting speakers and students. May be repeated up to 6 Other topics covered include: migration and storage, volcanic credits. hazards, volcano monitoring and volcanoes and climate. Crosslisted with: GEOL 571. GEOL 420. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Prerequisite(s): GEOL 399. 3 Credits (2+3P) Identification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks with emphasis on GEOL 477. Special Problems classification, deposition, and stratal geometry. 1-3 Credits Prerequisite: GEOL 310. Selected advanced topics of current interest or importance. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. GEOL 424. Soil Chemistry Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 3 Credits (3) Same as SOIL 424, CHEM 424. GEOL 478. Petroleum Systems and Stratigraphy 3 Credits (2+3P) GEOL 441. Tutorial Geology Sedimentation, stratigraphy, depositional environments, and tectonics 2 Credits (1+3P) in relation to the occurrences and exploration of hydrocarbons. Course Participation in teaching lower-division laboratories and conducting includes two off-campus field trips. May be repeated up to 3 credits. tutorial sessions. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 420. Prerequisite: junior or above standing and nomination by faculty. 4 Geological Sciences

GEOL 480. Seminar GEOL 544. GIS for Geology 1-3 Credits 3 Credits (3) Supervised study of a subject not covered by regular courses. For Tools-based introduction to using GIS software for solving problems in organized group meetings treating selected advanced topics. May be geology. Emphasis on effectively portraying and alayzing geologic maps. repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. One required field trip. Crosslisted with: GEOL 444. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Prerequisite(s): GEOL 470 or equivalent. GEOL 482. Zuhl Collection Internship GEOL 558. Neotectonics 1-3 Credits (1-3) 3 Credits (3) Applied experience working with the Zuhl Collection of rocks, minerals, Recognition, measurement, and dating of deformation related to fossils, and petrified wood, supervised by the Director of the Zuhl earthquakes in the Quaternary geologic record. Collection. Activities include tours, display development, research GEOL 562. Analytical Geochemistry on aspects of the collection, and other work in the museum. May be 3 Credits (3) repeated up to 6 credits. Consent of Instructor required. Restricted to: Techniques used to determine the major element, trace element and GEOL majors. isotopic composition of rocks and minerals and the determination of GEOL 490. Field Geology mineral structure. 3 Credits (9P) GEOL 565. Isotope Geochemistry Mapping, instrumentation, and interpretation of geology in the field. 3 Credits (3) Prerequisites: either GEOL 420 and GEOL 470. Trace element partitioning and isotope systematics applied to problems GEOL 491. Tectonic Evolution of North America in petrology and ore genesis. 3 Credits (3) GEOL 571. Volcanology Current ideas regarding the plate-tectonic evolution of North America 3 Credits (3) from Archean through Holocene time, emphasizing the use of regional Identification and interpretation of volcanic deposits (including air fall, stratigraphy and structural geology to interpret mountain building, ash flow tuffs, surges, lava flows), with focus on how the characteristics magmatism, and basin development. of these deposits can reveal eruption styles and eruptions dynamics. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110G, GEOL 399, GEOL 420 and GEOL 470. Other topics covered include: magma migration and storage, volcanic GEOL 495. Geology Field Camp hazards, volcano monitoring and volcanoes and climate. Crosslisted with: 4 Credits (12P) GEOL 471. Three week intensive summer course. Geologic mapping in a site-based GEOL 578. Petroleum Systems and Stratigraphy setting, emphasizing spatial relations, cross-section construction, and 3 Credits (2+3P) preparation of geologic reports. Prerequisite: GEOL 490 Sedimentation, stratigraphy, depositional environments and tectonics GEOL 499. Senior Thesis in relation to the occurences and exploration of hydrocarbons. Course 1-3 Credits includes two off-campus field trips. Writing a formal paper describing original geologic research conducted GEOL 582. Plate Tectonics under supervision of a faculty advisor. Restricted to majors. 3 Credits (3) Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Plate tectonics as a fundamental model for geological activity on a GEOL 501. Geology Colloquium dynamic earth. Focuses on plate tectonic theory development and 1 Credit (1) mechanisms, plus modern analogs of ancient processes. Presentations by visiting speakers and graduate students. GEOL 585. Geochronology GEOL 520. Selected Topics 3 Credits (3) 1-3 Credits The principles, analytical methods, and interpretation of the most Selected topics in geology. May be repeated for unlimited credit. common geochronologic methods. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of instructor. GEOL 598. Special Research Programs GEOL 534. Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins 1-3 Credits 3 Credits (3) Investigations into contemporary geological problems. May be repeated Origin of sedimentary basins with emphasis on mechanisms, for unlimited credit. geometry of basin fill, depositional systems and tectonic setting. Course Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of instructor. includes two off-campus field trips. Restricted to: GEOL majors. GEOL 599. Master's Thesis Prerequisites: GEOL 420 or equivalent or consent of instructor. 15 Credits GEOL 537. Topics in Volcanology Thesis research. 3 Credits (3) A seminar-style class exploring volcanic processes. Course topics vary Name: Nancy J. McMillan ([email protected]), Department Head by semester and include: magmatism and volcanism at different tectonic Office Location: Gardiner Hall, Room 171 settings (subduction zones, intraplate) and plumbing systems and eruptions of volcanoes (calderas, monogenetic volcanoes). Phone: (575) 646-2708

Website: http://geology.nmsu.edu

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