General Catalog 2009-2010

Programs and Courses

Geology and Earth Science

• General Information
• Course Descriptions

General Information

For Information: Gary Calderone
Phone: 623.845.3654

Student Goals: Transfer, General Education

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth - its composition, structure, history, processes, and its interaction with biological systems and life forms, including humans. Geologists provide the fundamental information required by society to solve problems in resource development, land-use planning, water resource management, geologic hazards, and environmental policy. Furthermore, geologists perform the basic research necessary to understand such processes as global climate change, biological extinctions, earthquakes, and volcanic hazards. Finally, geologists are called upon to find new sources of useful earth materials to balance society’s growing demand for energy and materials and the need to conserve resources for future generations.

Employment opportunities for geologists include the areas of water resource management, environmental consulting for civil engineering and private development enterprises, oil and mineral exploration and production, geologic hazard assessment, federal/state research, management, and environmental agencies, and teaching.

The recommendations below are designed as the first two years for students intending to pursue the B.S. degree in geology, earth science, geophysics-geochemistry, or hydrology. Students should consult a department advisor for specific requirements of senior institutions.

(+) indicates course prerequisites.

GLG101    GLG103    GLG102    GLG104

Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lab Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture Intro to Geology II - Historical Lab

3 1 3 1

+ CHM151 + CHM151LL + CHM152 + CHM152LL + MAT220 + PHY111* + PHY112*

General Chemistry I General Chemistry I Laboratory General Chemistry II General Chemistry II Laboratory Analytic Geometry and Calculus I General Physics I General Physics II

3 1 3 1 5 4 4

GLG101 GLG103 GLG102 GLG104 GLG105 GLG110 GLG111

Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lab Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lab Introduction to Planetary Science Geologic Disasters and the Environment Geological Disasters and the Environment Lab

3 1 3 1 4 3 1

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Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally

Geology (GLG)

GLG101
Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture / 3 credits / 3 periods
A study of the kind and arrangement of materials composing the earth’s crust and the geological processes at work on and within the earth’s surface. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,D,E)

GLG102
Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture / 3 credits / 3 periods
Outlines the origin and history of the earth with emphasis on North America – its dynamic, geographic, and climactic changes; animals and plants of the past; the evolution of life. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

GLG103
Introduction to Geology I - Physical Laboratory / 1 credit / 3 periods
May accompany GLG101. Study of common rock-forming minerals, rocks and maps. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,D,E)

GLG104
Intro to Geology II - Historical Laboratory / 1 credit / 3 periods
May accompany GLG102. Study of geological structures and rocks, fossils, and geologic maps. May require field trips. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

GLG105
Introduction to Planetary Science / 4 credits / 6 periods
A survey of solar system objects and their geologic evolution, surfaces, interiors, and atmospheres, and the methods used to study them; weekly laboratory for data analysis and experiments; possible weekend field trip. Prerequisites: None. (S)

GLG110
Geologic Disasters and the Environment / 3 credits / 3 periods
Acquaints students with the use and importance of geological studies as they apply to the interactions between people and the earth. Includes geological processes and hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides; use of fossil fuels; mining of raw materials. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

GLG111
Geological Disasters and the Environment Lab / 1 credit / 3 periods
May accompany GLG110. Basic geological processes and concepts. Emphasis on geology-related environmental problems concerning Arizona. Case histories and field studies. May require field trips. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)

GLG114
Introductory Mineralogy I Lecture / 3 credits / 3 periods
Introduces students to the basic principles of mineralogy. Topics include crystallography, physical testing, chemical testing, crystal growth, gemstones, and mineral deposits. Special emphasis on recognition of Arizona minerals. Prerequisites: None. (O)

GLG229AA Field Studies for Educators / 1 credit / 5 periods
GLG229AB Field Studies for Educators / 2 credits / 10 periods
GLG229AC Field Studies for Educators / 3 credits / 15 periods
Field trips to selected geological areas in Arizona in order to collect and/or observe geological phenomena. Designed for pre-college teachers. Prerequisites: None. (O)

GLG230AA Field Geology of the Southwest / 1 credit / 5 periods
GLG230AB Field Geology of the Southwest / 2 credits / 10 periods
GLG230AC Field Geology of the Southwest / 3 credits / 15 periods
Field trips to selected areas in the Southwest, such as Arizona, Utah, California, and Sonora to observe and interpret various geological features and phenomena. Prerequisites: None. (O)
Course Note: GLG103 suggested but not required

GLG231AA Special Topics in Geology / .5 credit / .5 period
GLG231AB Special Topics in Geology / 1 credit / 1 period
GLG231AC Special Topics in Geology / 2 credits / 2 periods
GLG231AD Special Topics in Geology / 3 credits / 3 periods
Exploration of important topics in geology. Specific topic varies. Prerequisites: None. (O)

GLG280
Geology of Arizona Lecture / 3 credits / 3 periods
Acquaints students with the physical and historical geology of Arizona, including the origin of present-day land forms and outstanding modern geologic features and processes now in operation. Prerequisites: None. (O)

GLG281
Geology of Arizona Lab / 1 credit / 3 periods
May accompany GLG280. Examples of specific geologic processes and local areas. May require field trips. Prerequisites: None. (O)

GLG298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor. (O)

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