Catalog - Geology

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Geology (070)

Department Information

Steven C. Hansen, Department Chair
Roger D. Hoggan, (Division Chair, Natural Science)
Glenn F. Embree, Edmund J. Williams
Departmental Office (208) 356-1905

Students interested in physical or life science may find a satisfying and well paying career in Geology. Domestic employment opportunities will be primarily in geological engineering, environmental geology, water resources, and computer application to geology. Future employment opportunities continue to exist in mineral or energy exploration and development. Careers also exist in education, and with local and federal government agencies. The geological sciences often appeal to those who enjoy outdoor field studies as well as indoor laboratory investigation. Majors may transfer into a four year baccalaureate program with the essential preparation necessary to succeed in undergraduate as well as graduate study.

The study of Geology also offers the non-science majors an opportunity to fill Physical Science requirements as well as to gain a better understanding of their natural environment.

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Geology (070)

Recommended sequence of courses.

First Semester
Religion 2
General Education 2-3
Geol 111 Physical Geol 3
Geol 111L Lab 1
Math 4
Chemistry 4
Total Credits 16-17

Second Semester
Religion 2
General Education or electives 6
Geol 112 Historic Geol 3
Geol 112L Lab 1
Chemistry 4
Total Credit 16

Third Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Electives 4
Geol 251 Mineralogy 4
Total Credits 16

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Electives 4
Geol 252 Petrology 4
Total Credit 16

General Education Requirements

As you fill the GE requirements, we suggest that you include one of the following:
BS 250 Environmental Biology 3
Econ 111 Econ Prin 3
Econ 112 Econ Prin 3
Econ 240 Environmental Econ 3
Geog 120 Geog Wld Affrs 3
PS 110 American Govt 3
PS 111 State/Lcl Govt 3
CIS 140 Micro Comp Appl 3

Courses for Majors

Mathematics: A strong background in mathematics is required in all physical sciences. If a student has not completed precalculus and trigonometry, Math 110 and 111 should be taken in the first semester of the freshman year. Upon completion of Math 110 and 111 or equivalent courses, the calculus sequence should be started as soon as possible with Math 162.

Chemistry: Take the following:
Chem 105 General Chem 4
Chem 106 General Chem 4

Electives: We suggest the following electives if time and schedules permit:
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Pol Sci 263 Env Law & Soc 3

Please contact a Geology advisor at 208-356-1905 if you have questions.

Natural Science Field Expedition

The Intermountain West is the outdoor classroom for the Expedition. This program is planned to offer students an experiential approach to the study of Geology, Biology, and Religion. Since these are the only classes taken the first block of fall semester, the class is not restricted to the Ricks College Campus. Classes taught include: Geol 101 Introduction to Geology, Geol 102L, Int. Geol Lab, Psy 240, Psych-ology of Effective Living, and Rel 231 Doctrines of the Gospel. Other classes start 2nd block on campus when the Expedition is over. Field trip fee is $750, which includes a non-refundable fee of $50. Applicants must be accepted by Ricks College before entering this program. For information write to Ed Williams, Ricks College Geology, Rexburg ID 83460-0510.

Course Descriptions

Geol 095 Field Expedition 0
Class Fee: $750 includes a $50 non-refundable application fee.
Students are expected to cover their own costs while on campus.

Geol 101* Introduction to Geology 3
Three hours lecture per week
Required field trip with fee of approximately $12
Students selecting the lab option take Geology 102.
General non-technical course for the non-science student who desires a broad introduction to Geology. Not recommended for students who have had Geol 104 previously. Students who take Geol 101 may not also receive G.E.credit for Geog 101, Geol 110 or Geol 111.
This class is also taught on Discovery and Natural Science Field Expedition. Contact directors of these programs for special fees and other information.

Geol 102L* Introduction to Geology Lab 1
One 2-hour lab per week
Required field trip
General experience with mineral and rock identification. Map studies and interpretation with application to the environment. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Geol 101 or 104 required

Geol 103* Life of the Past 3
Three hours lecture per week
Required field trip with fee of approximately $7
A non-technical study of the development of life and major events of earth history. For non-science students.

Geol 103L* Life of the Past Lab 1
One 2-hour lab per week
Required field trip
Lecture/lab experience with rock and fossil identification. Basic Geology principles are studied in a lab experience. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Geol 103 required

Geol 104* Environmental Geology 3
Three hours lecture per week
Required field trip Field trip fee: Approximately $12
Students selecting the lab option take Geology 102L
For the non-science majors emphasizing physical geology related to geologic hazards, mineral and energy resources, and the environmental consequences of urban and rural development. Not recommended if Geol 101 has been taken previously.

Geol 110* Earth Science for Teachers 3
Concurrent registration in Geol 110L required
Three hours of lecture per week
One or more field trips may be required
Field trip fee will be approximately $12
This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of his natural environment and how to relate it in his life, and covers basic concepts and methods used in geology, astronomy, and meteorology. It prepares education majors with knowledge and skills necessary to teach these concepts in the classroom. This class is to be taken as part of a two semester sequence in conjunction with PhS 110A (Physical Science for Teachers.)
Students who take Geol 110 may not also receive credit for PhS 100, Geol 101 or Geol 111.

Geol 110L* Earth Science Lab 1
Prerequisite: Geol 110 concurrent registration required
One 2-hour lab per week
Lab studies, field trips, and home projects emphasize rock, mineral, and fossil classification. Interpretation. as well as development of demonst-rations and experiments for future classroom use are included.

Geol 111* Physical Geology 3
Three hours lecture per week
Concurrent registration in Geol 111L required
One or more field trips may be required
Field trip fee will be approximately $35
For majors in Geology, Engineering, Forestry, and other sciences. Includes a study of our earth and the processes that formed its features. Students who take Geol 111 may not receive credit for Geol 101 or Geol 110. (Fall)

Geol 111L* Physical Geology Lab 1
2 hour lecture/lab per week
Concurrent registration in Geol 111 required
Mineral and rock identification in hand samples and large specimens are studied. Also extensive map exercises are included. (Fall)

Geol 112* Historical Geology 3
Prerequisite: Geol 101, 110 or 111
Three hours lecture per week
One or more field trips may be required
Field trip fee will be approximately $50
A study of the geological history of the earth and the evolution of its life forms.Students who take Geol 112 may not receive credit for Geol 103. (Winter)

Geol 112L* Historical Geology Lab 1
Concurrent registration in Geol. 112 required
Two hour lecture/lab per week
Examination of the principles of historic geology, along with the study of fossils, special attention given to identification, type of preservation and environments of fossils. (Winter)

Geol 251 Mineralogy 4
Prerequisite: Geol 101, 110 or 111, and Chem 105 Concurrent registration accepted
Three hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab per week
One or more field trips may be required Field trip fee approximately $40
The study of crystallography and other important physical, optical and chemical properties of minerals, with emphasis on hand specimen and microscope identification of rock-forming minerals. (Fall)

Geol 252 Petrology 4
Prerequisite: Geol 251
Three hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab per week
One or more field trips may be required
Field trip fee will be approximately $50
A detailed hand specimen and microscopic study of the genesis and classification of important igneous, and metamorphic rocks. (Winter)

Geol 290 Directed Study 1-3
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Faculty student consultation will determine a special area of study and/or research problems that will give students greater preparation for advanced work in geology and related fields. Term of enrollment, credit, and other details will be arranged with instructor. Recommended for students in Field Expedition or Discovery who have taken Geology 101 previously.

*Gives G.E. credit in the Physical Science area of the Natural Science requirement.

divNaturalScience@ricks.edu