GEL - Geology
An introductory exploration of the Earth system in the context of global change. Topics include the rock cycle, geologic time, climate change, and plate tectonics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both
GEL 100 and 130QR, 101, 102, or 105. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
An introduction to the surficial and internal earth processes that shape our world. Topics include plate tectonics, rock cycle, volcanoes, geologic time and climate change. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 101 and GEL 100, GEL 105, or GEL 130. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and geologic processes. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in GEL 102 and GEL 100 or GEL 130. Pre/Co-Requisite: GEL 101 or GEL 105. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
1(0-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
A survey of the socially important geological topics that affect people and their environment with a focus on natural and anthropogenic geologic hazards. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 105 and GEL 100, GEL 101, or GEL 130QR. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Our planet is in peril Investigations of processes essential for a sustainable Earth. Availability, quality, and responsible extraction of water, energy, and solid materials. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 130 and 100, 101, or 105. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
The Earth’s history as revealed in the rock record. Geologic processes and concepts are applied to the evolution of North America and life through geologic time. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: One of:
GEL 100; or
GEL 101, 102; or GEL 130QR.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 130QR
Corequisites
None.
Introduction to oceans including properties and movement of water, oceanic formation, ocean life, role of ocean in global climate, and relationship between humans and oceans. Identical to GEO 205, credit may not be earned in both courses. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Cross Listed Courses
GEO 205
An introduction to the history of life on Earth. Topics include geologic time, plate tectonics, evolution, origin of life, and the evolutionary history of vertebrates. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
Credits
3(3-0)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
An introduction to methods of geologic investigation in the field including geographic positioning, observations, measurements, sampling, data processing, and geologic map-making. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: Math Competency. Pre/Co-requisite:
GEL 201. Recommended:
MTH 132.
Credits
2(0-4)
Prerequisites
Math Competency
Corequisites
None.
A focus on effective scientific research and communication skills necessary to succeed in geoscience careers. Prerequisites: Oral Competency;
ENG 101; one of:
GEL 100; or
GEL 101, 102; or
GEL 102, 105; or GEL 130QR.
Credits
1(0-2)
Prerequisites
Oral Competency; ENG 101; one of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 102, GEL 105; or GEL 130QR
Corequisites
None.
Students learn to solve geoscience-specific problems through application of quantitative methods, graphs, and spreadsheets. Prerequisites:
MTH 132; One of:
GEL 100; or
GEL 101, 102; or
GEL 130.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
MTH 132; One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 130
Corequisites
None.
Inquiry based survey of Earth systems (solid Earth, surface, and atmospheric) tailored to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Quantitative skills are emphasized. Identical to GEO 285. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: PHS 265, CHM 265. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Cross Listed Courses
GEO 285
Application of geologic processes and quantitative methods to analyze engineering problems involving soils, rocks, surface water and groundwater. Prerequisites: One of:
GEL 280 or ENS 401 or junior standing with a signed major in EGR;
PHY 145QR. Recommended:
PHY 146.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
One of: GEL 280 or ENS 401 or junior standing with a signed major in EGR; PHY 145QR
Corequisites
None.
Study of water on Earth; includes atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. Explore interactions between the hydrosphere, biosphere, earth system, and human processes. Prerequisites:
GEL 101 or 105 or 100 or 130 or
MET 140 or 260 or
ENS 101QR;
MTH 105 or 107 or 109 or 113 or 130 or 132 or 133. Recommended:
GEL 280 or
CPS 106; familiarity with spreadsheet software (i.e., Microsoft Excel or similar) is expected.
Credits
3(3-0)
Prerequisites
GEL 101 or GEL 105 or GEL 100 or GEL 130 or MET 140 or MET 260 or ENS 101QR; MTH 105 or MTH 107 or MTH 109 or MTH 113 or MTH 130 or MTH 132 or MTH 133.
Corequisites
None.
Introduction to mineral science and rock-forming processes. Characterization, identification, and classification of minerals, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Earth materials in context of plate tectonics. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: GEL 101, 102; or GEL 100; or GEL 130QR. Pre/Co-requisites: GEL 270; CHM 131. Recommended: GEL 280.
Credits
4(2-5)
Prerequisites
GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 100; or GEL 130QR
Corequisites
None.
Interpretation and identification of natural materials including minerals, rocks, and various energy resources, their geological origin, extraction, and environmental impact of their usage. For nongeology majors. Prerequisites: One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 105, GEL 102; or GEL 130QR. Pre/Co- requisites: GEL 201 or GEL 230.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 105, GEL 102; or GEL 130QR
Corequisites
None.
Production, transport, and deposition of sediments. Emphasis on fundamentals of fluid flow, transport, mineral processes, physical properties, formation of sedimentary structures, and depositional environments. Field trip fee required. Pre/Co-requisites: One of:
GEL 310; or
GEL 320; or
ENS 307.
Credits
4(3-3)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Theoretical and applied study of structures developed by deformation of the Earth’s crust and their tectonic environment. Field trip fee required. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Pre/Co-requisites: GEL 277, 340.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Students learn about geophysical techniques used to study physical properties and structure of the Earth. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites:
GEL 280 or ENS 401;
PHY 145QR. Recommended:
PHY 146.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
GEL 280 or ENS 401; PHY 145QR
Corequisites
None.
Various special topics in geology that are not included in existing courses. Specific topic will be listed on student’s transcript. Repeatable up to 6 credits when content previously studied is not duplicated. Prerequisite: See course search and registration.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Prerequisites
See course search and registration
Corequisites
None.
Introduction to the study of groundwater: groundwater occurrence and flow, groundwater in the hydrological cycle, groundwater quality and pollution, groundwater exploration, evaluation, and management. Field trip fee required. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, 102; or GEL 130; or ENS 101; MTH 132 with a C- or better. Recommended: GEL 280.
Credits
4(3-3)
Prerequisites
One of: GEL 100; or GEL 101, GEL 102; or GEL 130; or ENS 101; MTH 132 with a C- or better
Corequisites
None.
Petroleum deposits of the earth: location, origin, and occurrence. Technical aspects of exploration and production, emphasizing petroleum and natural gas formations of Michigan. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Pre/Co-requisites:
GEL 340 or 380WI.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Subsurface investigation and analytical methods applied to geological and environmental problems such as water and energy resources or environmental contamination and remediation. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing with 12 credit hours in GEL, EGR, and/or ENS courses. Recommended: GEL 340, EGR 408, or ENS 307; GEL 380WI.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
Junior or Senior standing with 12 credit hours in GEL, EGR, and/or ENS courses.
Corequisites
None.
Protocols for design and construction of groundwater monitoring and production wells in accordance with ASTM standards and national guidelines. Identical to ENS 389. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisite: GEL 380WI.
Credits
1(1-0)
Prerequisites
GEL 380WI
Corequisites
None.
Cross Listed Courses
ENS 389
Self-directed students explore special topics and/or conduct a research project with instructor’s guidance. Laboratory and/or field safety training may be required. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites:
GEL 277 and permission of instructor.
Credits
1-3(Spec)
Prerequisites
GEL 277 and permission of instructor
Corequisites
None.
The student conducts a senior-level research project, writes a thesis, and gives an oral presentation with guidance from a thesis advisor. Typically completed within 3 hours per semester. Repeatable up to 6 hours to finalize proposed outcomes. Only 3 hours may be credited towards the writing intensive requirement. Writing Intensive.
Credits
3-6(Spec)
Prerequisites
Senior standing; Permission of instructor.
Corequisites
None.
Preparation for entry into the fields of Environmental Science and Geoscience. Identical to ENS 409. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Pre/Co-requisite: ENS 401 or GEL 340.
Credits
1(0-2)
Prerequisites
None.
Corequisites
None.
Cross Listed Courses
ENS 409
Geologic approach to geomorphology with emphasis on quantitative analysis, dynamics of landform evolution, and use of geomorphology in solving geologic problems. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites:
GEL 310 or 320;
MTH 132. Recommended:
GEL 280.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
GEL 310 or GEL 320; MTH 132
Corequisites
None.
Application of geostatistical methods to various scientific and engineering domains. Emphasis on analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Kriging, variography and simulation methods. Prerequisites:
GEL 270, 280;
GEO 203QR. Recommended:
GEO 303 or 308;
MTH 223; STA 382.
Credits
3(2-2)
Prerequisites
GEL 270, GEL 280; GEO 203QR
Corequisites
None.
Review and preparation for the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) Examination. ASBOG exam fee required. Pre/co-requisites: GEL 340, GEL 370; Prerequisite: senior standing. Recommended: GEL 450.
Credits
1(1-1)
Prerequisites
Senior standing
Corequisites
None.
Capstone field experience including geologic mapping and interpreting the tectonic history of complex terrains based on geographic, structural, and lithological data. Field camp fee required by external institution. Must receive a C- or better or the equivalent to transfer to CMU. Prerequisites: GEL 340, 370; approval of geology advisor. Recommended: GEL 523.
Credits
4-6(Spec)
Prerequisites
GEL 340, GEL 370; approval of geology advisor
Corequisites
None.
Geochemical processes governing the chemistry of water, with a focus on the distribution of natural and anthropogenic chemical species. Prerequisite:
CHM 132 or 141; or graduate standing. Pre/Co-requisite:
BIO 320 or
CHM 351 or
GEL 340 or
ENS 323 or
EGR 305; or graduate standing.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
CHM 132 or CHM 141; or graduate standing
Corequisites
None.
Design, construction, calibration, history matching, and verification of hydrologic models including rivers and watersheds, groundwater, and lakes. Prerequisites:
GEL 380WI and 308 with a C or better; or
EGR 408 with a C or better; or Graduate Standing in a CSE program.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
GEL 380WI and GEL 308 with a C or better; or EGR 408 with a C or better; or Graduate Standing in a CSE program
Corequisites
None.
Isotope geochemistry applied to geological and environmental problems, including the use of non-traditional isotopes to understand low and high temperature geochemical processes. Prerequisite:
CHM 132 or 141; or graduate standing. Pre/Co-requisite:
BIO 320 or
CHM 351 or
GEL 340 or
ENS 323 or
EGR 305; or graduate standing.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
CHM 132 or CHM 141; or graduate standing
Corequisites
None.
Igneous and metamorphic processes revealed from textural, mineralogical, and quantitative-geochemistry characteristics. Physicochemical-evolution paths of magmas and metamorphic assemblages through quantitative methods. Field trip fee required. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite:
GEL 310 or graduate standing; Pre/Co-requisite:
CHM 132 or
PHY 146 or graduate standing.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
GEL 310 or graduate standing
Corequisites
None.
Metallic and nonmetallic ore deposits, including critical mineral resources, and their tectonic settings; principles of resource exploration in context of responsible environmental stewardship. Prerequisite:
GEL 310 or 320 or graduate standing. Recommended:
GEL 523.
Credits
3(2-3)
Prerequisites
GEL 310 or GEL 320 or graduate standing
Corequisites
None.
Special topics and recent developments in geosciences that arenot included in existing courses. Specific topic will be listed on student’s transcript. Repeatable up to 6 credits when content previously studied is not duplicated. Prerequisite: See Course Search and Registration.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Prerequisites
See Course Search and Registration
Corequisites
None.
Self-directed students conduct an advanced research project with instructor’s guidance. An EAS Independent Study proposal form must be completed and signed by student and instructor at the time of enrolling. Laboratory and/or field safety training may be required. Prerequisites: At least 27 credits of geology courses or graduate standing; permission of instructor.
Credits
1-6(Spec)
Prerequisites
At least 27 credits of geology courses or graduate standing; permission of instructor
Corequisites
None.