GEOL 100 - Earth Resources and Natural Hazards (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

Examines the effects of geologic processes and hazards on human activities, the appraisal of human impact on the natural physical environment and the geologic occurrence, availability and use of mineral and energy resources.

GEOL 105 - Exploring Earth (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

Develops understanding of physical aspects of the science of geology, including study of the earth's materials, processes and structure.

GEOL 106- The Earth Through Time (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

Examines the historical aspects of geology, including the history of the physical events and life during the planet's evolution.

GEOL 305 - Professional Skills in the Geosciences (4)  
Two hours lecture; four hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: Eight hours of geology and ITEC 100.

Introduces students to the concept of professionalism in the geosciences and develops communication, leadership, organizational and other practical skills essential to the successful professional geoscientist. One or more field trips may be required.

GEOL 311 -  Mineralogy (5)  
Three hours lecture; six hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

Introduces students to concepts and techniques involved in the study of minerals, both on a macroscopic and microscopic scale. Study of mineral formation, major mineral groups, their crystallography, compositions, structures, classifications, identification and environmental aspects. Introduction to principles involved in the investigation of optical properties of minerals in thin section under petrographic microscope. Techniques include microphotography and auto-mated, digital image analysis of minerals. Introduction and demonstration of the X-Ray Diffractometer, Scan-ning Electron Microscope and Electron Microprobe as instruments for mineralogical analysis.

GEOL 261 - Geology of Virginia (4)  
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105; and GEOL 100 or GEOL 106.

Survey of geologic features of Virginia, emphasizing minerals, rocks, fossils and physiographic/geologic provinces; development of Virginia through geologic time; mineral wealth and environmental issues in Virginia.

GEOL 312 -  Petrology (5)  
Three hours lecture; six hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOL 212.

Introduction to composition, texture, classification, origin, evolution and distribution of the major rock groups based on established field relationships and experimental determinations. Laboratory emphasis on hand samples and thin-sections.

GEOL 320 - Sedimentation and          Stratigraphy (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106.

Introduction to origin, transportation and deposition of sediments and interpretation of sedimentary deposits. Study of principles involved in describing, classifying and interpreting stratified sedimentary rocks.

GEOL 330 - The Age of Reptiles (3)
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisites: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 10 or GEOL 106 or BIOL 112 or BIOL 215 and BIOL 216; or permission of the instructor.

This course will investigate the geology, paleoecology, and flora and flora and fauna of the Mesozoic Era, rise evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs and other large reptiles such as the pleisiosaurs, icthyosaurs, mosasaurs, and pterosaurs; the origins of mammals and birds; as well as the climate, paleography, plate tectonics, and flora extant during this span of geologic time.

GEOL 335 - General Paleontology (4)  
Two hours lecture; four hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 106.

Study of fossil plant and animal phyla; emphasis on principles of paleontology as well as the taxonomic classification, principal morphologic characters and general evolutionary development of important fossil groups.

GEOL 360 (GEOG 350 - Geomorphology (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105.

Introduction to surficial processes and landforms. Fluvial, aeolian, glacial, karst and coastal zone processes analyzed. Map and air photo interpretation included.

GEOL 365 - Oceanography  (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory 
Prerequisite: Eight hours of any of the following natural sciences: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Science Processes or Physics.

Introduction to physical, chemical, geological and biological processes in the marine environment and their interaction. Includes analysis of topical issues such as global climate and sea level changes, mineral and energy resources from the sea, marine pollution, and law of the sea.

GEOL 406/PHYS 406 - Geophysics (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. 
Prerequisites: GEOL 105 or ASTR 111; and PHYS 221:222 or PHYS 111:112; and MATH 152; or permission of instructor.

Examination of the basic principles and techniques of modern geophysical methods, and the applications of these methods to site investigations for environmental and engineering geologic projects. Some Saturday labs may be required.

GEOL 408 - Spatial Data Applications in Geology (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. 
Prerequisites: Twelve hours of geology and permission of instructor.

Introduction to the study of the theoretical and practical analysis of spatial data in geology. Included will be map reading, photo interpretation and the use of remote sensing, image processing, and geographic information systems to interpret geologic spatial information for resource ex-ploration and environmental management.

GEOL 415 - X-Ray Diffraction in Geology (4)  
Two hours lecture; four hours lab-oratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 212.

This course includes a presentation of the basic theory of X-ray diffraction, the use of X-ray diffraction equipment to identify minerals, determine lattice types, parameters and the indexing of diffraction lines. The application of the techniques and equipment to various geologic problems will be investigated. Laboratory hours will be scheduled on an individual basis with the instructor.

GEOL 440 - Structural Geology (4)
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 212.

Description and field recognition of geological structures of the earth's crust; includes fundamentals of rock mechanics and applications of stress and strain theory to the origin of structures, tectonics of mountain-building, and global plate tectonics.

GEOL 441 - Geologic Field Methods (3)  
One hour lecture; four hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: GEOL 440.

Introduction to techniques and basic concepts of geologic field methods.

GEOL 445 - Applied Geology Summer Field School (6)
Approximately two months corres-pondence and 40 hours of field work and classroom instruction per week. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106.

Intensive training in geologic field methods with emphasis on mapping, data collection and the geology of Virginia with applications to environmental and engineering concerns and to land use planning. The Radford University campus serves as the base from which field studies are conducted. The course requires overnight excursions permitting the examination of a wide variety of geologic field conditions including field trip stops in all the geologic provinces of Virginia. Course may require transportation, food and camping fees. Course will not substitute for GEOL 441, Geologic Field Methods, for students majoring in geology.

GEOL 451 - Regulatory Issues of Engineering Geology (4)  
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 474 and either senior standing or permission of the instructor.

This course investigates the societal and regulatory framework within which much of the professional practice of environmental geology occurs. The relevant current and developing legislation will be addressed, along with the roles of federal, state, and municipal authorities in promulgation of the law. Class discussions and assignments will emphasize the functions of the practicing professional geologist in the various research, regulatory, and consulting roles related to environmental regulation.

GEOL 455 - Principles of Engineering Geology (4)  
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106; and mathematics through trigonometry. Minimum of one semester of physics is strongly recommended.

A study of the application of geologic principles and data collection techniques to the evaluation of design and construction problems relating to engineering projects including dams, highways, landfills, tunnels, and reservoirs, including an overview of availability and suitability of soil and rock as construction materials.

GEOL 457 - Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Management (3)  
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisites: Enrollment as a major in any natural science or Geography; or at least eight hours of geology courses.

A study of the principles of erosion and sediment control and stormwater management as these apply to construction sites. Topics emphasized include regulatory and legal aspects, techniques of estimating rainfall runoff, use of soil loss estimators examination of structural and non-structural methods of erosion and sediment control, and preparation of erosion and sediment control plans.

GEOL 461 - Regional Geology of the United States (4)  
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 320.

Regional survey of structural and stratigraphic framework of geologic provinces of United States; emphasis on geologic features and evolution of Appalachian and Western Interior regions.

GEOL 472 - Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry (3)  
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisites: CHEM 101 and CHEM 102, GEOL 212, mathematics through trigonometry, or consent of instructor. General computer literacy will be expected and required for success in the course.

This course investigates the principles which determine the chemical quality of surface and subsurface waters in the environment and application of these principles to solving of environmental and engineering problems. Emphasis is on the interactions between water (both pristine and polluted) and their geologic setting. Use of quantitative solution methods including computer modeling is generously incorporated.

GEOL 474 - Hydrogeology (4)  
Three hours lecture; two hours lab-oratory. 
Prerequisites: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106; Math 151; or permission of the instructor. Minimum of one semester of physics is strongly recommended.

A qualitative and quantitative study of groundwater availability and movement, and the development of groundwater as a resource. Included will be pertinent geologic and engineering aspects of groundwater flow and the effect of man on the groundwater regime. Laboratory includes a field investigation.

GEOL 476 - Watershed Management (3)  
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisites: Eight hours of geology, math through pre-calculus, and senior standing or consent of instructor.

This course investigates the physical watershed system and the effects of land use on the quantity and quality of water resources. Students will be exposed to a variety of "tools" available to manage the watershed and water as a product of the watershed. Included will be an introduction to the roles of the various governmental agencies and private organizations in the practice of watershed management.

GEOL 481 - Seminar in Modern Topics in Geology (3)  
Three hours lecture. 
Prerequisite: GEOL 105;  and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106; and permission of instructor.

Emphasis on geologic literature, classroom presentation and group discussion of current geologic topics.

GEOL 488 - Final Honors Project (2-3)  
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Honors Academy and completion of all other Honors Academy requirements; a minimum 3.5 GPA in all courses and in geology.

To earn a bachelor's degree with honors in geology, a student must conduct research and write a thesis based on the research. In order to receive honors credit, a student must earn a grade of "A" or "B" for the final project. Course may not be repeated.

GEOL 498 - Independent Study (1-6)  
Prerequisite: Any one of the following: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106 or BIOL 102.

Designed to permit students to investigate independently specific problems or areas of interest under the direction of a faculty adviser. An Independent Study course must be approved by the appropriate department curriculum committee and chairperson prior to the deadline for adding courses in the term in which the study is to be undertaken. Independent Study courses may be taken either on a pass-fail basis or for a letter grade. No student may apply more than six hours of credit for Independent Study toward graduation requirements.