Geology

Credits: 1-3

This course is devoted to the study and practice of geological field investigations. Students will first learn basic field investigative methods. Students will then be appropriately versed in the geological history and importance of a region selected for in-depth study. Finally, students will participate in a field trip to a regional site of geological importance over an extended weekend (4-6 days). Potential study sites may include Minnesota's North Shore and Iron Range, the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, the Ozarks, or the Rocky Mountains.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Study of the origin, composition, texture, morphology, and stratigraphy of glacial deposits. Topics include the geologic record of glaciation, techniques used to reconstruct histories of glaciation, glacial depositional systems, provenance of glacial sediments, influence of glaciation on soil texture, and interpretation of glacial geologic maps. Emphasis will be placed on description and interpretation of glacial features in southern Minnesota. Field trips required.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Comprehensive survey of ore deposit and petroleum geology, including exploration and production technologies. Course emphasizes projects using industry data.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

The application of geoscience data and principles to problems created by human occupancy and use of the biogeochemical-physical environment. Areas of study include pedogenesis, hydrology, hydraulics and surface water quality, watershed analysis, regulatory practices, site evaluation and remediation.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course introduces physical and chemical studies of hydrogeology. The main area of discussion will include the physical and chemical attributes of aquifiers, movement of groundwater and solute through soils and rocks, and reactions between earth materials and pollutants in groundwater systems. The class includes extensive use of MODFLOW and MT3D, the two most commonly used groundwater modeling programs currently available.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Biogeochemical processes specific to soil and engineered sediments, including applications of solubility, adsorption/desorption, ion exchange, oxidation/reduction, acidity, alkalinity. Discussion of problems related to environmental degradation, plant nutrition, soil genesis, and element cycling (e.g. P, N, C). Structural chemistry, origin/identification of crystalline soil clay minerals, and soil organic matter will be covered in context with the mechanisms for reactivity in the soil environment. Students will contextualize soil processes and differentiate between chemical species in natural, agricultural, and contaminated systems.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

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Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

A course designed to upgrade the qualifications of a person on the job. Content is variable. The course can be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

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Prerequisites: none