An understanding of geology involves a knowledge of the processes and events that shape the earth. By studying minerals, rocks, and fossils, as well as aspects of rivers, oceans and atmosphere, the geologist interprets earth history, the evolution of life, the movement and development of continents, and the changing aspects of the ocean basins. The study of earth materials takes place in the field and in the laboratory, and depends upon a rock hammer as well as sophisticated analytical equipment. Within the broad field of geology, professionals specialize in a variety of subjects including mineral resources, groundwater, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, volcanoes, geophysics, geochemistry, fossils and many others. This specialization leads to employment by private industry, federal, state, and local governmental agencies, consulting firms, and by secondary schools needing earth science teachers. Many of our graduates work in the fields of exploration and development for minerals and fuels. Others work in a variety of fields related to construction, site selection, water supply, environmental remediation and planning. Jobs in geology are available at the B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. level. However, the more creative the position, the higher level of education needed, and a master's degree is advisable for flexibility in professional employment.
The Department of Geology offers B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees; also available is a bachelor degree with a teaching major in earth sciences. All degree programs in the department involve field work and a combination of applied and theoretical approaches requiring sound general background in other sciences.
High School Preparation: In addition to the general requirements for University admission, recommended high school preparation includes as much mathematics and science as possible.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index. Science courses designed for education majors may not be counted toward Geology Department science requirements. Geology courses and allied science courses must be taken for a traditional grade.
Professional Emphases
The Geology Department offers three different emphases for students wishing to pursue geology as a profession. Although the three programs share many required courses, each prepares students for graduate studies or employment in different aspects of modern geoscience. Programs, as well as elective courses, should be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor in the Geology Department.
Emphasis in Geology
The following courses are required: Geology 100N, 101N, 130, 226, 330, 429. One course also must be selected from each of the following four categories: (1) Geology 378, 431, 480; (2) Geology 437, 430; (3) Geology 310 and 420; (4) Geology 306, 432.
Also required are at least 30 credits in cognate science courses including Math 142-153 or Math 150 and 158; Phys 121N-122N or Phys 221N-222N; and Chem 161N-162N.
Emphasis in Environmental Geology
The following courses in Geology are required: 100N, 101N, 105N, 130, 301, 226, 431, 480, 499 plus geology electives at the 300-level or above for a total of 33 credits. Also required are 38 credits in mathematics and allied sciences.
Cognate science courses must include: Math 152-153 or Math 150 and 158; Phys 121N-122N or Phys 221N-222N; Chem 161N-162N plus ten additional credits selected from: Biol 105N; CS 203, 204, 344, 365; Math 158, 251, 311, 312, 341; Chem 261, 262, 263, 264, 342, 344, 348, 370, 371, 452, 476; Micb 306.
Emphasis in Earth Science Education
Major Teaching Field of Earth Science: A student must complete Geol 100N, 101N, 105N, 130, 201, 226, 310, 330, 3 additional credits from any geology course numbered 100 or above and 12 credits from any geology courses numbered 300 or above. Also required are Geog 330N, Astr 131N-132N, Math 121, 344, CS 101, Chem 485, and C&I 426. One of Biol 121N-122N or Chem 151N-152N or Phys 121N-122N must be completed.
For endorsement to teach earth science, a student also must gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog). The demand in most Montana high school for teaching in this field may be limited, and students should complete the requirements for the required second teaching endorsement (major or minor).
Suggested Course of Study
For questions concerning your special interests or preparation, see a geology advisor.
Geology Emphasis
First YearA S
| Geol 100N-101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | - |
| Geol 130 Introductory Field Geology and Maps | - | 3 |
| Chem 161N-162N-College Chemistry and laboratory | 5 | 5 |
| Math 152 and 153 Calculus I, II or 150 and 158 | 4 | 4 |
| *Enex 101 Composition | - | 3 |
| Electives & General Education | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 16 | 17 |
*Semester of enrollment depends on beginning letter of student's last name.
Second Year
| Geol 202 Stratigraphy-Sedimentology | 4 | - |
| Geol 305, 306 Mineralogy-Petrology I, II | 3 | 3 |
| CS 101 Introduction to Programming | - | 3 |
| Phys 221N-222N General Physics or Phys 121N-122N | 5 | 5 |
| Electives & General Education | 5 | 3 |
| *Communication skills course | - | 3 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
*For list of applicable communication skills courses, see previous Special Degree Requirements.
Third Year
| Geol 330 Structural Geology | 3 | - |
| One course from the category of "additional geology requirements" | - | 3 |
| *Communication skills course | - | 3 |
| Electives & General Education | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 16 | 16 |
*For list of applicable communication skills courses, see previous Special Degree Requirements.
Summer Session
Geol 429 Field Geology 6 -
Fourth Year
| Two courses from the category of "additional geology requirements" | 3 | 3 |
| Geology and non-geology electives and General Education must bring total for mathematics and supporting sciences to 41) | 13 | 13 |
| Total | 16 | 16 |
Emphasis in Environmental Geology
First Year
| Geol 100N-101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | - |
| Geol 130 Introduction to Field Methods | - | 3 |
| Chem 161N, 162N College Chemistry and Laboratory | 5 | 5 |
| Math 152, 153 Calculus I, II | 4 | 4 |
| CS 101 Introduction to Programing. | - | 3 |
| General Education including Enex 101* and electives | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
*Semester of enrollment depends on beginning letter of student's last name.
Second Year
| Geol 301 Environmental Geology | 3 | - |
| Geol 226 Rock, Minerals and Resources | - | 3 |
| Phys 221N-222N College Physics | 4 | 4 |
| Other science electives | 3 | 3 |
| *Communications skills course | 3 | - |
| General Education & electives | 4 | 7 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
*For a list of applicable communication skills courses, see previous Special Degree Requirements.
Third Year
| Nine credits from 300-level or above geology courses | 6 | 3 |
| Other science electives | 4 | - |
| *Communications skills courses | - | 3 |
| General Education & electives | 7 | 11 |
| Total | 17 | 17 |
*For a list of applicable communication skills courses, see previous Special Degree Requirements.
Fourth Year
| Geol 431 Environmental Geology | 3 | - |
| Geol 480 Hydrogeology | 4 | - |
| Geol 499 Undergraduate Thesis | 2 | 3 |
| General Education & electives | 7 | 14 |
| Total | 16 | 17 |
Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R.
U 100N General Geology 3 cr. General geology including the work of wind, flowing water, glacial ice, gravity, earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics in shaping the earth.
U 101N General Geology Laboratory 1 cr. Prereq. or coreq., any geology courses below Geol 130. A series of laboratory and field experiences designed around basic geologic processes and materials. Familiarization with common minerals, rocks, land forms, and structures. Intended to provide laboratory experience with any geology course below Geol 130. Credit not allowed for both Geol 101N and 109N.
U 102N Roadside Geology of Montana and Idaho 2 cr. Geology of Montana and Idaho; glaciers, streams, catastrophic floods, landforms, and geologic history of the region.
U 103N Volcanoes and Earthquakes 2 cr. Examination of volcanism, earthquakes and landforms related to constructional and destructive plate boundaries, rifts, hot spots and extra terrestrial impacting. Exploration of hazards to mankind associated with these phenomena.
U 105N Oceanography 2 cr. Offered alternate years. Origin of sea-water and ocean basins; currents, tides, and coastal processes; use and misuse of the oceans by humans.
U 106N History of Life 3 cr. Offered alternate years. Evolution of plants and animals; highlights in the development of life.
U 109N Environmental Geoscience 2 cr. An introduction to geology emphasizing the effects of geologic processes and events on humans, and interactions of humans with the Earth. Includes geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and landslides; soil and erosion; ground and surface water resources; global climate; and mineral and energy resources. Credit not allowed for both Geol 100N and 109N.
U 130 Introductory Field Geology and Maps 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N-101N. Basic geologic field observations and methods, geological map interpretation. All day Saturday field trips to key areas of western Montana.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr.(R-6) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 202 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N-101N. Concepts and methods of lithostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy including classification and correlation of sedimentary rocks. Interpretation of ancient environments from analysis of sedimentary structures.
U 226 Mineralogy and Petrology 4 cr. Prereq., any 100-level geology course, Geol 101N, and college-level chemistry. The mineralogy of rock-forming minerals and other important mineral groups; an introduction to igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and processes.
U 301 Environmental Geology 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N-101N, 130; Math 117 or 121; CS 170 or equiv. experience with spread sheets and word processors. Human effects on geologic processes and the effect of geologic processes on humans. Group and independent research projects on local and regional environmental geology problems are used to teach scientific problem solving. Topics include population growth, management of surface and groundwater quantity and quality, resource use, global environmetal change.
U 306 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 226, Chem 162N. Igneous rock associations, igneous processes and origins; metamorphic minerals and phase relationships, metamorphic zones, facies, and conditions; metamorphic environments, metallic minerals and mineral deposits.
UG 310 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N, 202 or equiv. Principles of paleontology including morphology, classification and evolution of major groups of fossils and their application to paleoecology and biostratigraphy.
UG 311 Paleobiology 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 310 or equiv. Offered alternate years. Application of geologic and biologic principles to problems in paleontology.
U 327 Geochemistry 3 cr. Prereq., one year of college chemistry. Chemical principles applied to geologic processes. Origin and chemical composition of atmosphere and hydrosphere. Methods of radiometric dating and isotope applications.
U 330 Structural Geology 3 cr.Prereq., Geol 130 and 226. Structures of deformed rocks; mechanical principles; graphical interpretation of structural problems, tectonic principles.
U 340 Geology of Soils 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 226. Offered alternate years. Origins, properties and nature of mineral components of soils; stress on clay minerals. Analytical methods for determination of soil mineralogy and nutrient reservoirs.
U 378 Geomorphology 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N-101N. Landforms in terms of processes which create them. Emphasis on glacial and fluvial systems and watershed equilibrium.
UG 382 Global Change 3 cr.Prereq., consent of instr. Offered alternate years. Lectures, readings, and discussions on geological and geochemical processes that affect global change using recent literature; carbon dioxide buildup, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, desertification, ice ages, and other global events.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr.(R-9) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., 12 credits in geology. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Cooperative Education Office. No more than 3 credits of Geol 398 may be applied to the geology minor.
UG 412 Invertebrate Biostratigraphy 3 cr. Prereq.,Geol 202, 310 or equiv. Offered alternate years. Principles and concepts of the classification of rock utilizing the occurrences and distributions of invertebrate fossils. Examples extracted from case studies in the Paleozoic.
UG 420 Optical Mineralogy 3 cr.Prereq., Geol 306. Theory and use of polarizing microscope in identification of non-opaque mineral fragments and minerals in thin section.
U 429 Field Geology 6 cr. Prereq., Geol 330 and consent of instr. Geologic mapping on aerial photos and topographic base maps. Field interpretation in a variety of rock types and structures. Taught every summer near Dillon, Montana. Extra fees. Pre-registration in early spring.
UG 430 Geotectonics and Earth History 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 202, 306, 330, and 2.25 or better overall GPA in geology courses. Examination of large scale structural features of earth's surface, processes responsible for their origin, and earth history in light of global tectonics.
UG 431 Environmental Geochemistry 3 cr. Prereq., advanced or graduate standing in sciences. Processes of contamination on the Earth related to natural and anthropogenic causes; presenting the sources and sinks of contaminants and the byproducts of resource extraction and utilization. Chemical and physical processes of transport in surface and subsurface.
UG 432 Architecture and composition of Sedimentary Deposits 4 cr.Prereq., Geol 202. Study of the architectural elements and composition of sedimentarydeposits in the context of their tectonic environments and their influence on petroleum and hydrogeologic systems.
UG 433 Sedimentary Petrology 4 cr. Prereq., graduate standing or Geol 432. Field, hand specimen and thin section petrology of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks, emphasis on tectonic and diagenetic interpretation of siliciclastic rock and environments of deposition and diagenesis of carbonate rocks.
UG 437 Introduction to Geophysics 4 cr. Prereq., Math 153, Phys 121N, Geol 100N-101N. Techniques of seismic refraction, seismic reflection, gravity, and magnetic prospecting. Applications include groundwater, crustal imaging, and whole-earth models.
UG 438 Environmental Geophysics 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 437. Exploration geophysics of the shallow subsurface. Acquisition, processing, and interpretation of locally collected data. Major methods include: gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic, seismic, and electrical resistivity.
UG 480 Hydrogeology 4 cr. Prereq., Geol 100N-101N; Phys 121N or 221N; Math 152 strongly recommended. Occurrence, movement, quality, and methods of quantification of groundwater. Geological framework and physics of groundwater flow. Supply, contamination, and management problems.
U 493 Omnibus Variable cr. (R-10) Independent work under the University omnibus option. See index.
UG 494 Senior Seminar 1-10 cr.(R-10) Prereq., upper-division standing in geology or consent of instr. Independent study of various topics under the direction of a faculty member.
UG 495 Special Topics 1-8 cr. (R-8) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 499 Undergraduate Thesis 3-10 cr. (R-10) Prereq., 18 credits in geology. Independent research project in any geologic topic supervised by faculty member, and leading to completion of baccalaureate degree.
G 501 Advanced General Geology 2 cr. (R-6) Prereq., geology graduate student or consent of instr. A review and synthesis, at advanced level, of general physical geology. Regional geology of the Pacific Northwest, and discussion of faculty research. Required of all incoming graduate students.
G 511 Metallic Mineral Deposits 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 306, 430, or consent of instr. Theoretical and descriptive aspects of mineralization processes and ore deposits; relationships to geologic environments and plate tectonics are stressed; exploration procedures; field trips to mines and districts.
G 525 Igneous Petrology 4 cr.Prereq., Geol 420. Description, classification, interpretation, and origin of igneous rocks; processes leading to their formation and evolution. Study of thin sections.
G 526 Metamorphic Petrology 4 cr.Prereq., Geol 525. Description, classification, interpretation, and origin of metamorphic rocks; processes leading to their formation and evolution. Study in thin section and field.
G 554 Paleomagnetism 3 cr. Prereq., Geol. 437. Introduction to the field, laboratory, and statistical techniques of paleomagnetism. Application of paleomagnetism to the history of Earth's magnetic field, regional structure, and tectonics.
G 555 Structure of the Crust 2 cr.Prereq., Geol. 437. Offered alternate years. Geophysical investigation of the middle crust, lower crust, and uppermost mantle including geophysical limits, geophysical application and geological constraints on the structure and evolution of the crust.
G 570 Advanced Geochemistry 3 cr.Prereq., Chem 371, Geol 431 or consent of instr. Chemistry of aqueous systems including acid/base concepts; redox chemistry in natural systems; solid and solution interfacial processes; and selected advanced topics. Includes numerical calculations, pe-pH diagram construction and use, and concepts of geochemical modeling.
G 572 Advanced Hydrogeology 3 cr.Prereq., Geol 480 or consent of instr. Advanced concepts used in groundwater investigations, incluing flow systems analysis, hydrogeologic monitoring and sampling, resource evaluation, exploration, development and monitoring. Special problem areas in groundwater exploration and management.
G 573 Applied Groundwater Modeling 3 cr. Prereq., Geol 480 and consent of instr. Development of numerical modeling techniques, finite difference and finite element modeling of groundwater flow systems. Application of standard 2D and 3D models to field problems.
G 575 Clays and Clay Petrology 3 cr. Prereq., consent of instr. Clay mineralogy including fundamental particle theory; x-ray identification methods. Origins of clays; petrology of shales through low-grade metamorphism.
G 580 Topics in Mineralogy and Petrology Variable cr. (R-6 for M.S., R-12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: tectonics and petrology; alkaline igneous rocks.
G 581 Topics in Economic Geology Variable cr. (R-6 for M.S., R-12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: exploration geochemistry; gold deposits; stratiform sulphide deposits; and applications of stable isotopes to ore genesis and exploration.
G 582 Topics in Structure and Geophysics Variable cr. (R-6 for M.S., R-12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: structural analysis, Precambrian crustal evolution, field trips on Rocky Mountain structure.
G 583 Topics in Stratigraphy, Paleontology and Sedimentation Variable cr. (R-6 for M.S., R-12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: evolution of life; Proterozoic stratigraphy; reefs through time.
G 585 Topics in Hydrogeology and Low-Temperature Geochemistry Variable cr. (R-6 for M.S., R-12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: field methods, well design, contaminant transport, geochemical modeling.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr.(R-8) Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 597 Advanced Problems Variable cr. (R-10) Prereq., consent of instr. Investigations of geological problems exclusive of thesis or dissertation research.
G 599 Thesis Research Variable cr.(R-6) Prereq., thesis proposal approval. Directed research to serve as thesis for the master degree. Credit assigned upon submittal of final copy of approved and bound thesis.
G 699 Dissertation Research Variable cr. (R-12) Prereq., dissertation proposal approval. Directed research to serve as dissertation for the Ph.D. degree. Credit assigned upon submittal of final copy of approved and bound dissertation.
Faculty
Professors
David Alt, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1961
Donald W. Hyndman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1964
Ian M. Lange, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1968
Johnnie N. Moore, Ph.D., University of California (Los Angeles), 1976
Raymond C. Murray, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1955 (Associate Provost for Research and Economic Development and Dean of the Graduate School)
James W. Sears, Ph.D, Queen's University, 1979
Steven D. Sheriff, Ph.D., University of Wyoming, l981 (Chair)
Arnold J. Silverman, Columbia University, Ph.D., 1963 (Emeritus)
George D. Stanley, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1977
Graham R. Thompson, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve, 1971
John P. Wehrenberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1956 (Emeritus)
Robert M. Weidman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1959 (Emeritus)
Donald Winston, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1963
William W. Woessner, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (Madison), 1978
Assistant Professors
Marc Hendrix, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1992
Nancy W. Hinman, Ph.D., University of California (San Diego), 1987