Academic Catalog

Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 110  The Dynamic Earth  4.00  
An introductory science class that emphasizes the foundational principles and concepts of geology. Topics include: minerals, rocks, Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, geologic structures, the rock cycle, climate change, glaciers, groundwater, geologic structures, the rock cycle, climate change, glaciers, groundwater, geologic resources and earthquakes. One weekend field trip. (lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours).
Core General Education Requirement:
  • NSWL - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab
Typically Offered:
  • On-Campus: Fall;
  
GEOL 120  Our Water Resources  4.00  
This course is a study of the global water cycle in which water moves through the Earth system (defined, for example, as the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere). This course explores how the water cycle exchanges matter and energy, controls climate, and influences life on Earth. This course also explores how the water cycle is impacted by human activity, as water is acquired, conveyed, managed, and used by societies as a critical resource. The laboratory offers students an opportunity to use industry-standard software to improve their conceptual understanding and technical skills. In the laboratory, Earth science and hydrologic concepts are reinforced through data analysis, visualization, and interpretation. Throughout this course, students carry out a research project on the water cycle. (3 lecture and 1 laboratory credits)
Core General Education Requirement:
  • NSWL - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring;
  
GEOL 170  Earth Science for Teachers  2.00  
Broad survey of basic concepts and principles of astronomy, geology, oceanography and meteorology. Emphasizes the relationship between Earth processes and the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and biology. Designed especially for elementary education majors in order to fulfill an earth science requirement. This class does not meet the University Studies requirement for a laboratory science. (Lecture one hour, laboratory two hours.)
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
GEOL 189  Geology Elective  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 289  Geology Elective  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 289ES  Geology Elective Environmental Science  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 289GA  Geology Elective Global Awareness  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 289LS  Geology Elective Lab Science  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 289NSL  Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
Core General Education Requirements:
  • NSWL - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab
  • NSWL-NS - Natural Science & Wellness - Natural Science + Lab
GEOL 315  Climatology  3.00  
Exploration of the processes that control Earth's climate and influence climate change affect the environment on timescales of hundreds of millions to tens of years. The first half of the course focuses on understanding the various components of the Earth system that affect climate. The second half emphasizes case studies and techniques useful for understanding climate change.
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
  
GEOL 360  Geomorphology  4.00  
Geomorphology is the study of landscapes and landforms. Geomorphology entails the systematic description of landforms, analysis of the processes that form them, and understanding their response to changes in climate, tectonics, human disturbance, and the progression of time. Includes field trips. (Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours)
Prerequisites:
    Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of GEOL 110 and completion or co-enrolled in GEOG 241 or instructor permission.
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
  
GEOL 389  Geology Elective  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 389NSL  Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
Core General Education Requirements:
  • NSWL - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab
  • NSWL-NS - Natural Science & Wellness - Natural Science + Lab
GEOL 400  Watershed Hydrology  4.00  
A study of water properties, occurrence, distribution, and movement and their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrological cycle. Examines water quantity and quality issues, and water management policies. Uses mix of lecture- and problem-based approaches. Students will be introduced to techniques used in addressing environmental problems such as flooding, water supplies, and groundwater contamination and evaluation. Recommended for science students interested in the environmental sciences and/or securing a position in the environmental field. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
Prerequisites:
  
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
GEOL 481  Special Topics  1.00  
In-depth study of specialized current topics in geology selected by the faculty on the basis of student/community interest. May include workshops, seminars, field trips, special problems, independent study, etc. May be repeated when topics are different. Offered on demand. Instructor consent required.
Typically Offered:
  • On-campus: Select Semesters;
  
GEOL 489  Geology Elective  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 489ES  Geology Elective Environmental Science  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
GEOL 489GA  Geology Elective Global Awareness  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
GEOL 489LS  Geology Elective Lab Science  1.00  
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.