Geology (GEOL)

University Directory
University Courses

GEOL 420/520 INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 123 and PHYS 113 or permission of instructor. An introduction to the theory and applications of remote sensing. Students will study the electromagnetic spectrum as it applies to remote sensing as well as the physical principles of imaging system technologies. Imaging and applications of visible, near-infrared, thermal infrared, and microwave band remote sensing are discussed. Environmental remote sensing applications to be covered include terrestrial and ocean ecology, resource exploration, land use and land cover change, natural hazards, and atmospheric constituents. Image processing techniques will be introduced. This course is the first remote sensing course in the Remote Sensing/GIS study sequence. Students enrolled in GEOL 520 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 420.

GEOL 473/473L/573/573L MUSEUM PREP TECH & EXHIBIT DES
(1-2) 3 credits. Techniques in vertebrate fossil preparation and museum exhibit design will be the focus in this course. Students will be required to prepare fossils and design an exhibit for actual display in the museum or other designated locations. Proposal writing is another important facet of this course and will provide the background needed to those that pursue a museum career. Students enrolled in GEOL 573 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 473.

GEOL 417/517 GIS DATABASE DEVELOPMENT
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 416 or GEOL 516 or permission of instructor. Building on basic principles of Geographic Information Systems developed in GEOL 416, this course launches students into developing GIS databases for research projects in geology, engineering, or environmental science. Students learn to compile and analyze spatial data with ArcGIS, the most utilized GIS software in science, government, and industry. Assignments include hands-on practice downloading, processing, editing, scanning and digitizing data. The class also includes an extensive introduction to the software documentation to build independent learning and problem-solving ability. Students are expected to complete a semester GIS project that relates to their own research interests. Students are expected to complete a semester GIS project that relates to their own research interests. Students enrolled in GEOL 517 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 417.

GEOL 572/572L Museun Conservation/Curation

GEOL 103 INTRODUCTION TO BLACK HILLS GEOLOGY
(2-0) 2 credits. An introductory view of geological features unique to Black Hills, e.g., Devil’s Tower, Harney Peak granite and pegmatites, gold deposits, caves, and fossils such as those of the Badlands. Also includes an introduction to the general principles used to study the evolution of the Earth.

GEOL 162 WATER RESOURCES OF THE BLACK HILLS
(2-0) 2 credits. A study of the basic concepts of hydrology with emphasis on precipitation, lakes, streams, and ground water in the Black Hills. The course will concentrate on data collection techniques such as stream gauging and pumping tests and on the use of hydrologic data for watershed, pollution, and management studies. Field trips will emphasize engineering projects such as dams, reservoirs, municipal water supplies, and monitoring well systems.

GEOL 201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
(3-0) 3 credits. Basic concepts in the study of the earth and its history. Brief introduction to the earth’s place in the universe and solar system and the evolution, composition and structure of the earth. Introduction to minerals, and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Survey of geological processes acting at the surface of the earth such as wind, rivers, glaciers, ground water and the sea; introduction to internal processes regarding plate tectonics theory and growth of mountains. Societal implications of geological processes are emphasized throughout the course. Students taking GEOL 201L should take it concurrently with GEOL 201.

GEOL 201L PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY
(0-1) 1 credit. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 201. Classification and identification of the important rocks and minerals. Interpretation of topographic and geologic maps. Field trips to view representative rock types of the Black Hills area.

GEOL 207 EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
(3-0) 3 credits. A non-technical interdisciplinary course for majors or non-majors. The goal is to introduce the major processes affecting global change in the interdisciplinary context. The course will include a brief introduction to Earth history, the evolution of life on earth, and the geologic record of past climate and environmental changes. The main emphasis of the course will be the interdependence of processes in the solid Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Humans’ role in influencing the course of global change will also be critically examined, along with various societal, political, and economic aspects of environmental change.

GEOL 212/212L MINERALOGY AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2-1) 3 credits. A study of morphological and geometrical crystallography followed by determinative mineralogy. The 32 crystal classes and about 120 minerals are studied in detail. Course includes a brief introduction to optical microscopy. Emphasis in the laboratory is directed toward descriptive and determinative mineralogy.

GEOL 235 GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS
(3-0) 3 credits. A survey of the U.S. National Park system to understand the geologic diversity and significance of the preserved natural and historic areas of the United States. Field trip to an area park is required.

GEOL 271 THE SEARCH FOR OUR PAST
(3-0) 3 credits. The history of life on earth as revealed by fossils with emphasis on the principles used in interpretation of fossils, the common fossils of South Dakota, and human origin.

GEOL 276 DINOSAURS
(3-0) 3 credits. An introduction to the study of dinosaurs with emphasis on their origin, diversification, ecology, and extinction.

GEOL 321 SEARCH FOR OUR PAST
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 201 or GEOE 221. Study of the geologic history of North America. The formation and early history of the earth, the tectonic evolution of the continents, and the history of evolution of life are studied. Current scientific issues regarding tectonics and the biosphere are also discussed, such as evolutionary theory, the Gaia hypothesis, and biocomplexity.

GEOL 331/331L STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201 and GEOL 201L or GEOE 221, or permission of instructor. The principles of correlation and sediment analysis are discussed. A background in sedimentary source materials, depositional environments, nomenclature and classification of stratigraphic units, and the interpretation of stratigraphic units will be presented. Emphasis is placed on modern depositional systems and their ancient counterparts. Laboratory exercises stress field trips to local sections, facies descriptions, rock analysis, and interpretation of an exploration prospect. This course is cross-listed with ENVE 331/331L.

GEOL 341/341L ELEMENTARY PETROLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201L or GEOE 221, and GEOL 212 or GEOL 214L. Identification and classification of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks in hand sample and thin section. Emphasis is on environments of formation as deduced from textures and structures. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips.

GEOL 351 EARTH RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201, or permission of instructor. This course will examine the distribution, origin, use, and future of earth’s energy, metallic, and non-metallic resources. Economic, political, sociological, and environmental implications of the resource industries will be emphasized. Resource issues of topical interest will be discussed.

GEOL 361 OCEANOGRAPHY I
(3-0) 3 credits. An introductory course in oceanography that focuses on ocean basins of the world, their composition and processes by which they formed. Other subjects to be examined include the “hot springs” of the deep oceans, patterns of sediment distribution, life in the oceans, the role of the oceans as an integral part of global climatic cycles including the “greenhouse effect.”

GEOL 371 FIELD PALEONTOLOGY
(0-2) 2 credits. An introduction to the methods of prospecting, collecting, and documenting fossils for exhibition and research. Field trips will be made to the productive fossil sites in western South Dakota and elsewhere. This course can only be taken twice to fulfill graduation requirements.

GEOL 372/372L VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES AND EXHIBIT DESIGN
(1-2) 3 credits. Techniques in vertebrate fossil preparation and museum exhibit design will be the focus in this course. Students will be required to prepare fossils and design an exhibit for actual display in the Museum or other designated locations. Proposal writing is another important facet of this course and will provide the background needed to those that pursue a museum career.

GEOL 403/503 REGIONAL FIELD GEOLOGY
(0-1) 1 credit. Prerequisites: GEOL 201 or GEOE 211. A one-week guided field trip to an area of outstanding geological interest in a global context. Students enrolled in GEOL 503 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 403.

GEOL 407/507 GEOLOGY OF THE BLACK HILLS
(0-2) 2 credits. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. A field course which entails inspection of major rock types and structures in the Black Hills area. Daily field trips in the Black Hills and Badlands. Major geologic and scenic features such as Mt. Rushmore, the Needles, Devil’s Tower, the Homestake Gold Mine’s open cut, pegmatite mines, Spearfish Canyon, the Hot Springs Mammoth Site, and many others will be visited and studied. The cause, composition, unique features, economic potential, the possible alteration of land forms will be emphasized to gain an understanding of how exposed rock forms originated and changed. Taught in the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station. Students enrolled in GEOL 507 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 407.

GEOL 410 FIELD GEOLOGY
(0-6) 6 credits. Prerequisites: Completion of junior year studies. This five-week course focuses on the instruction and practice in the use of surveying instruments and aerial photographs for the purpose of completing large and intermediate-scale geologic maps, structure sections, and structure contour maps of Precambrian metasediments, Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks, and Tertiary intrusions within designated areas of the Black Hills region. A written geologic report will accompany the maps and sections conducted for five (5) weeks during the summer in the northern Black Hills. Field equipment will be furnished by the department. Arrangements for transportation, room, and board are made through the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station.

GEOL 413/413L/513/513L ORE MICROSCOPY
(1-2) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 451. Polished surfaces of ores and rocks are examined in reflected light to identify opaque minerals, study textures and their interpretation, and determine paragenesis. Additional techniques of ore mineral identification such as micro-hardness determination, reflectivity measurements, SEM, and electron microprobe will be covered. There will be a project involving preparation and description of polished sections, and their interpretation. Students enrolled in GEOL 513 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 413.

GEOL 416/416L/516/516L GIS I: INTRODUCTION TO GIS
(2-1) 3 credits. Introduction to principles and application of geographic information systems, with emphasis on GIS analysis techniques. Laboratory work will involve introduction to PCbased GIS software, and data sets. A semester project and presentation is required. Students are expected to have basic computer system, word processing, and spreadsheet skills prior to taking this class. Students enrolled in GEOL 516 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 416.

GEOL 417/417L/517/517L GIS II: SPATIAL DATABASE DEVELOPMENT
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 416 or GEOL 516 or permission of instructor. Building on basic principles of Geographic Information Systems developed in GEOL 416, this course launches students into developing GIS databases for research projects in geology, engineering, or environmental science. Students learn to compile and analyze spatial data with Arc/Info, the most utilized GIS software in science, government, and industry. Lab assignments include hands-on practice downloading, processing, editing, and digitizing map and image data. Students are expected to complete a semester GIS project that relates to their own research interests. Students enrolling in GEOL 517 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolling in GEOL 417.

GEOL 419/519 ADVANCED GIS ANALYSIS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 416 or GEOL 516 or permission of instructor. This course will introduce those already familiar with GIS systems to advanced spatial analysis techniques. Specific topics may change from year to year depending on student interests, and may include advanced vector and raster analysis, 3-D surface modeling, GIS programming or and network modeling. Students will complete one or more real-life GIS projects and may be required to work individually or on small research teams. Students enrolled in GEOL 519 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 419. May be repeated once for additional credit.

GEOL 442/442L/542/542L OPTICAL PETROLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 341. The study of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and ore samples in thin and polished section, with emphasis on their identification, classification, and genesis. Students enrolled in GEOL 542 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 442.

GEOL 461/461L INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. A systematic study of the structure and classification of selected invertebrate taxa. The course will provide a useful tool for field and laboratory work involving fossil-bearing rocks and will form a background for advanced work in paleontology or paleontological stratigraphy.

GEOL 464 SENIOR RESEARCH I
(1-0) 1 credit. Prerequisite: GEOL 410. A study of scientific research methodology with emphasis on identifying research problems and formulating a methodology to address a specific research question. Students will identify a topic of study chosen with the advise and approval of an instructor, and develop a proposal for their senior research project.

GEOL 465 SENIOR RESEARCH II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 464. The student undertakes a field and/or laboratory study of a topic chosen with the advice and approval of an instructor. This work is the basis for a thesis written in a standard format.

GEOL 472/472L MUSEUM CONSERVATION AND CURATION
(2-1) 3 credits. Ethics, theories, and methodology behind conservation and curation in natural history museums. Laboratory covers conservation techniques and curation training in systematically organizing a collection, in addition to training in computer database collection management systems. Students enrolled in GEOL 572 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOL 472.

GEOL 491 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic. May be repeated to a total of three (3) credit hours.

GEOL 492 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.

GEOL 585 GLACIAL AND PLEISTOCENE GEOLOGY
(3-0) 3 credits. A systematic study of glacial geology and related geologic and climatologic effects during the Pleistocene Epoch. Focus is on glacial mechanics and sedimentary deposits of both continental and alpine settings. An extended field trip to a nearby glaciated region will acquaint the student with glacial settings and resulting landforms. Laboratory work consists of analysis of aerial photos and topographic maps that illustrate glacial principles.

GEOL 604 ADVANCED FIELD GEOLOGY
(0-3) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 410. Field techniques and related laboratory methods of investigation in moderately complicated geologic environments. Includes data collection, presentation, and interpretation. Laboratory work involving aerial photographs, drilling projects, and miscellaneous work may be introduced during inclement weather in December.

GEOL 621/621L ADVANCED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 322 or permission of instructor. Examination of selected geologic terrains such as fold-thrust belts, Laramide foreland uplifts and basins, wrench and rift systems, etc., concentrating on geometric styles, sequential and mechanical development and regional models. Includes selected readings and laboratory examinations of maps regarding the various types of terrains.

GEOL 622 GEOTECTONICS
(3-0) 3 credits. The course examines development of regional and world-wide structures of the earth in regard to plate tectonic processes and current thought regarding concepts of sea-floor spreading, continental drift, paleomagnetism, origin of continents, ocean basins, and mountain building.

GEOL 623/623L REGIONAL TECTONICS
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 322. Detailed study by the student of a region, preferably in the U.S., in order to synthesize existing maps and reports into a tectonic map. Analysis of structures and litho-tectonic rock packages leads to a final report outlining structural development of the region. Lectures detail techniques of synthesis, analysis and report preparation.

GEOL 631 ROCKY MOUNTAIN STRATIGRAPHY I
(3-0) 3 credits each. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing in geology or geological engineering. Stratigraphic sequences in the Rocky Mountain area are studied with emphasis on the paleoenvironmental and tectonic conditions under which the strata were deposited. First semester considers Paleozoic strata; the second semester considers Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks.

GEOL 632 ROCKY MOUNTAIN STRATIGRAPHY II
(3-0) 3 credits each. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing in geology or geological engineering. Stratigraphic sequences in the Rocky Mountain area are studied with emphasis on the paleoenvironmental and tectonic conditions under which the strata were deposited. First semester considers Paleozoic strata; the second semester considers Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks.

GEOL 633/633L SEDIMENTATION
(2-1) 3 credits. Sedimentary process-response models are studied. The procedures for classification and description of sedimentary rocks are reviewed. Numerous field trips to localities illustrating a variety of sedimentary facies are conducted. Laboratory determinations are made of such parameters of sedimentary particles as size, shape, and degree of roundness, mineralogy, and chemical composition. An analysis is made of field and laboratory data by graphical and statistical methods and a geological interpretation is made of the results. Natural resources associated with various facies are emphasized.

GEOL 643/643L INTRO TO MICROBEAM INSTRUMENTS
(2-1) 3 credits. An introduction to electron optics, electron-beam - specimen interactions, and qualitative and quantitative x-ray microanalysis in the scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe. One three (3)-hour laboratory demonstration per week.

GEOL 644/644L PETROLOGY OF THE IGNEOUS ROCKS
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL 341. Discussion of partial melting in mantle and crustal source regions, transport, fractionation and final emplacement. Heavy emphasis will be placed on phase diagrams, equilibria, and geochemistry of igneous rocks from the standpoint of constraining evolutionary models. Basaltic and granitic systems will be emphasized. Problems involving the use of the petrographic microscope will be assigned and several field trips are planned.

GEOL 650 SEMINAR IN ORE DEPOSITS
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 451 or permission of instructor. Studies by a group of advanced students, under the guidance of one or more selected instructors, of topics of special and current interest to the group. Involves a combination of lectures, papers, readings, oral and/or written presentations, and discussions. Course focuses on different themes in ore deposits, and varies each time offered. Themes that will be offered include such topics as the geology of gold deposits, uranium deposits, porphyry copper deposits, volcanogenic massive sulfides, and sediment-hosted metal deposits. Emphasis is placed on gaining an in-depth knowledge on the controls of localization of a specific class of mineral deposits.

GEOL 652 PROBLEMS IN ORE DEPOSITS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 451 or permission of instructor. Emphasis is placed on the principles of hydrothermal ore deposits, and techniques used to study hydrothermal ore deposits. Modern theories on metallic ore deposition will be applied to the critical study of major classes of metallic ore deposits.

GEOL 672/672L MICROPALEONTOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. A comparison of recent and fossil vertebrate skeletons and dentitions with emphasis on the skeletons and teeth of sharks, bony fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, alligators, lizards, birds, and mammals to establish a thorough understanding of diversity of the form and function of the vertebrate skeleton. A major objective is the identification of vertebrates based on osteology and odontology. This course is cross-listed with PALE 673/673L.

GEOL 673/673L COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. A comparison of recent and fossil vertebrate skeletons and dentitions with emphasis on the skeletons and teeth of sharks, bony fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, alligators, lizards, birds, and mammals to establish a thorough understanding of diversity of the form and fuction of the vertebrate skeleton. A major objective is the identification of vertebrates based on osteology and odontology. This course is cross-listed with PALE 673/673L.

GEOL 674/674L STRATIGRAPHIC PALEONTOLOGY OF THE CONTINENTAL MESOZOIC AND PALEOGENE
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL/PALE 676. The stratigraphic section of the Mesozoic and Paleogene vertebrate-bearing formations of North America is reviewed. Evolution of mammalian faunas and the succession of land-mammal ages is coordinated with this section. Extensive use is made of the published literature and the Museum of Geology collections. This course is cross-listed with PALE 674/674L.

GEOL 675/675L STRATIGRAPHIC PALEONTOLOGY OF THE CONTINENTAL NEOGENE
(2-1) 3 credits. The stratigraphic section of the Neogene vertebrate bearing formations of North America is reviewed. Evolution of mammalian faunas and the succession of land-mammal ages are coordinated with this section. Extensive use is made of the published literature and the Museum of Geology collections. This course is cross-listed with PALE 675/675L.

GEOL 676/676L VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(3-1) 4 credits. An in-depth assessment of the fossil record of vertebrates with special emphasis on current problems in the evolution of vertebrates and the tangible record preserved in the collections of the Museum of Geology. This course is cross-listed with PALE 676/676L.

GEOL 678/678L VERTEBRATE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY
(3-1) 4 credits. Prerequisite: GEOL/PALE 676. The principles and practices for establishing the distribution of vertebrate fossils in the rock record. This course will include a brief history of biostratigraphy, methodology, and the content and assessment of vertebrate ages, particularly of Mesozoic and Cenozoic mammals. This course is cross-listed with PALE 678/678L.

GEOL 684/684L PALEOENVIRONMENTS
(2-1) 3 credits. This course will integrate topics from paleobotany, vertebrate paleontology, and paleoclimatology in a study of paleontological communities through time. Laboratories will include studies of fossil materials. Note: This course is to be offered both through Black Hills State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. This course is crosslisted with PALE 684/684L.

GEOL 691 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory or field work, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the department office. This course is cross-listed with PALE 691.

GEOL 692 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Department of Geology/Geological Engineering. This course is cross-listed with PALE 692.

GEOL 770 SEMINAR IN VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2-0) 2 credits. Studies by a group of advanced students, under the guidance of one or more selected instructors, on topics of special and current interest to the group. Involves a combination of lectures and discussions. Review of current literature in vertebrate paleontology of special topics and/or analysis of new procedures and techniques. Emphasis will be on mammalian paleontology. This course is cross-listed with PALE 770.

GEOL 790 SEMINAR
(1-0) 1 credit. May not be repeated for degree credit. Preparation, oral and/or written presentation, and group discussion of a research problem. The student is expected to present orally the results of his/her own research. This presentation normally will directly precede the final oral defense of the thesis. This course is cross-listed with PALE 790.

GEOL 798 MASTER'S THESIS
Credit to be arranged; not to exceed six (6) credits toward fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements. Open only to students pursuing the M.S. thesis option. Supervised original or expository research culminating in an acceptable thesis. Oral defense of thesis and research findings are required. This course is cross-listed with PALE 798.

GEOL 808 FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS IN GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(3-0) 3 credits. The course, available only for doctoral candidates, involves description, analysis, and proposed methods of attack of longstanding, fundamental problems in science and engineering. Independent work is emphasized with goals of understanding these basic questions and proposing practical designs and experiments for the solution. This course is cross-listed with AES 808.

GEOL 898 DISSERTATION
Credit to be arranged; not to exceed 30 credits toward fulfillment of Ph.D. degree requirements. Open only to doctoral candidates. Supervised original research investigation of a selected problem, with emphasis on independent work, culminating in an acceptable dissertation. Oral defense of dissertation and research findings are required.

GEOL 214L MINERALOGY FOR MINING ENGINEERS
(0-1) 1 credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 114. Systematic description and identification of silicate and nonsilicate minerals are address in this course.

Contact: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
http://www.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/directory/courses/geol