Undergraduate Geology Courses

GE111 Physical Geography I
(3,2) 4

The study of processes and features of the rocks and surficial materials that form the Earth's crust. Emphasis will be placed on the dynamic earth including volcanoes, sea level change, catastrophic surface processes such as flooding and landslides, and energy fuels and waste disposal as they impact on society. Laboratory exercises involve minerals, rocks, topographic maps, geologic maps, aerial photographs and local field trips (as weather permits). SA091 or equivalent/satisfactory score on ACT or Placement exam.

GE112 Physical Geology II
(4,1) 4

Surficial processes and landforms continued from GE111. Geologic time, earthquakes, earth's interior, ocean basins, mountains, plate tectonics and other aspects of our dynamic earth are also studied, supplemented by appropriate laboratory exercises and two field trips. Prerequisite: GE111 or NS102.

GE114 Field Excursions in Earth Science
(1,4) 3

A field-based educational experience in which aspects of geology, including environmental geology and the interrelationships among geology and other natural sciences will be addressed. Travel destinations will vary to include regions with unique natural history. Trip expenses are the responsibility of the student. Prerequisite: SA 091 or equivalent/satisfactory score on ACT or placement Exam.

GE215 Historical Geology
(3,2) 4

Summary review of the geologic record concerning origin and evolution of Earth through geologic time. Emphasis upon stratigraphic principles, depositional environments, the tectonic framework of North America and significant events in the history of plants and animals. Laboratory exercises involve stratigraphic maps and introductory paleontology. Prerequisite: GE112.

GE216 Structural Geology and Geologic Graphics
(3,3) alternate years 4

Study of stress, strain and deformation of rocks and the structural features commonly occurring in them. Laboratory exercises deal with structures in three-dimensional space and emphasize graphic methods of solving problems and of communicating geologic data. Prerequisite: GE215.

GE221 Crystallography and Mineralogy
(3,4) 4

A laboratory course initially emphasizing the crystalline structure of minerals followed by mineral identification techniques. Major topics include symmetry, crystals, physical properties, composition and related topics. Prerequisite: GE112 or NS102. Pre or corequisite CH115.

GE222 Mineralogy and Petrography
(3,4) 4

A continuation of GE221 emphasizing mineral identification leading to hand lens identification of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and other rocks. Related topics include chemical tests and a student research project. Prerequisite: GE 221.

GE290 Independent Study in Geology
(1-4,0) 1-4

Special studies and/or research in geology for individuals or small seminar groups. Course content to be arranged with instructor and with approval of the school dean. This course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.

GE311 Principles of Hydrology
(3,0) alternate years 3

Origin, movement and uses of water with emphasis on water resources in relation to human needs and environmental considerations. Hydrologic principles, runoff analysis, flood routing, urban hydrology, floodplain hydraulics, groundwater hydrology. Prerequisite: PH221 or PH231. Prior computer programming experience recommended.

GE312 Groundwater Hydrology
(3,0) alternate years 3

Uses, preservation and protection of ground water. Physics and chemistry of ground water. Influences of geological structures and ground water exploration. Hydraulics and modeling techniques for ground water and water wells. Water well design, construction and testing. Prerequisites: PH221, 222 or PH231, PH232; GE311; and a course in computer programming.

GE 321 Optical Mineralogy
(2,3) alternate years 3

Optical properties of minerals and their underlying principles studied by oil immersion and thin section methods. Laboratory work consists of measuring optical properties and learning to identify unknown non-opaque minerals. Prerequisite: GE221.

GE331 Introduction to Geophysics
(4,0) alternate years 4

This course will include an introduction to gravity, magnetic, electric, seismic and radiometric geophysical, geological and environmental problems. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the principles, techniques and applications of each to solving specific geologic/environmental problems and to understanding the structure and history of the earth. Prerequisites: GE112, MA112 or MA143 or MA151, and PH222 or PH232 (mathematics may be taken concurrently).

GE351 Invertebrate Paleontology I
(3,1) alternate years 3

Common invertebrate fossils, their evolutionary trends, anatomical features and geological significance. Special emphasis upon use of fossils for geologic dating and correlation, fossil description and classification. prerequisite: GE215.

GE352 Invertebrate Paleontology II
(3,1) alternate years 3

Common invertebrate fossils and microfossils, their evolutionary trends, anatomical features and geological significance. Special emphasis upon use of fossils for geologic dating and correlation and use of paleontologic data. Prerequisite: GE351.

GE410 Engineering Geology
(3,2) 4

This course examines rock types and stratigraphy, geological structures, surface processes, earth materials and methods of geological investigation in the context of behavior of soils and rocks as related to planning and construction. The course includes coverage of in-situ investigations including shallow geophysical methods and emphasizes environmental applications and concerns. Prerequisites: MA 141 or MA151, CS100 or CS111, PH221 or PH231.

GE422 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrography
(2,3) alternate years 3

Description and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks including laboratory study of rocks in thin section. Prerequisite: GE321.

GE423 Sedimentary Petrography
(2,2) alternate years 3

The study of the history of sedimentary rocks with emphasis upon depositional models. Major topics include lithology, facies and microfacies recognition and relationships, and diagenesis. Prerequisites: GE215 and GE321.

GE434 Geotectonics
(2,2) alternate years 3

A study of the general structure of the earth with emphasis on the dynamics of continental and oceanic crust. Includes a history of geologic thought leading to plate tectonics, with appropriate laboratory and student research projects. Prerequisites: GE222 and GE216.

GE461 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
(4,1) alternate years 4

The study and interpretation of sedimentary processes and stratigraphic principles, emphasis on sedimentary relationships and depositional environments. Prerequisite: GE 215.

GE471 Economic Geology I
(3,2) alternate years 4

A survey of major resource-forming processes, including ore deposits, industrial minerals and rocks, coal, crude oil and natural gas. Related topics include land ownership and mineral rights, exploration techniques, production methods, marketing strategies and economic aspects. Case studies related to resource exploration and extraction, as well as environmental impact of such activities, are incorporated to illustrate ethical dilemmas in the geosciences and approaches for resolving them. Laboratory exercises appropriate to the topics and a student research project. Prerequisites: GE112 and GE222 or equivalent.

GE472 Economic Geology II
(2,2) alternate years 3

A continuation of the resource forming processes and deposits begun in GE471. Coverage of minor metals, industrial minerals, energy resources, and the economic, environmental and political aspects of the demand for limited resources are included as time permits. Student research project and field trip.
Prerequisite: GE471.

GE490 Research Topics in Geology
(1-4, 0) 1-4

Special studies and/or research in Geology for individuals or small seminar groups. Course content to be arranged with instructor and with approval of the school dean. This course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher.

Geology Summer Field Camp

GE436 Field Geology
(0,16) alternate summers 6

Six weeks of training and field experience in the observation, mapping, recording and interpretation of the great variety of geologic features in the Sault Ste. Marie region. Some extended field trips will be required. A supply and travel fee will be charged. Prerequisites: GE216 and GE222 and senior status.

Undergraduate Natural Science Courses
in Physics, Geology, and Astronomy

NS101 Conceptual Physics
(3,2) 4

A survey of basic physical science principles emphasizing their applications in daily life. Prerequisite: MA086 or equivalent/satisfactory score on ACT or Placement Exam.

NS102 Introduction to Geology
(3,2) 4

A survey course to acquaint students with the major concepts and phenomena inherent in a study of geology. It will also provide sufficient background for a better understanding of human relationships to the physical environment. Prerequisite: None.

NS119 Descriptive Astronomy
(3,2) 4

Introductory course with a balanced, comprehensive account of contemporary astronomy with emphasis placed on the broad principles of astronomy rather than on a chronological or historical framework. Prerequisite: MA086 or equivalent/satisfactory score on ACT or Placement Exam.

Undergraduate Physics Courses

Special topics courses will be available as need and interest develop. Consult the semester course schedule for these.

PH221 Elements of Physics I
(3,2) 4

General principles of rigid body mechanics (kinematics, laws of motion, energy and momentum), fluid mechanics and thermal physics. Prerequisites: MA109, and either MA111 or MA140.

PH222 Elements of Physics II
(3,2) 4

Vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, relativity and modern physics. Prerequisite: PH221 with a grade of C or better.

PH224 Topics in Physics for Electrical Technology
(3,2) 4

Vibrations and waves, optics, relativity and modern physics. (Identical to PH222). Electricity and magnetism topics of particular relevance to electronic engineering technology. Prerequisites: PH221 with a grade of C or better, sophomore standing in EET coursework, and MA141 (which may be taken concurrently.

PH231 Applied Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
(3,2) 4

An introductory course in rigid body mechanics and fluid mechanics using calculus with emphasis on practical applications. Intended primarily for students of engineering, physical science and mathematics. Prerequisite: MA152 or MA143.

PH232 Applied Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
(3,2) 4

Continuation of PH231. Introduction to thermal physics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Prerequisite: PH231 with a grade of C or better.

PH290 Independent Study in Physics
(1-4,0) 1-4

Special studies and/or research in physics for individuals or small seminar groups. Course content to be arranged with instructor and with approval of the school dean. This course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or higher and permission of instructor.