Dedman College
(2010 Undergraduate Catalog)

Dedman College Catalog Contents
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Earth Sciences

 www.smu.edu/earthsciences

Professor Robert Gregory, Department Chair

Professors: David Blackwell, Robert Gregory, Eugene Herrin, Louis Jacobs, Lee McAlester, Jim Quick, Brian Stump, John Walther, Crayton Yapp. Associate Professors: Bonnie Jacobs, Neil Tabor. Research Professors: Steven Bergman, Anthony Fiorillo, Roy Mink, John Wagner, Alisa Winkler, Dale Winkler, Pierre Zippi. Research Associate Professor: H. Troy Stuckey. Research Assistant Professors: Jason McKenna, Mihan House McKenna, Yurena Yanes.

The Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences provides ways of understanding and appreciating dynamic earth processes, the physical environment, and the place of humanity in the long and complex history of the planet and solar system. They also provide the background for rewarding careers in industry, government and academia. The faculty offers exceptional learning and research opportunities in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, resource geology, planetary geology, paleontology, and natural resource and energy management.

Earth sciences attract students with broad interests in geology, chemistry, biology, environmental science, archaeology, physics, astronomy, oceanography, applied mathematics or engineering. The department strongly encourages combined majors. In addition to combinations with the above fields, many undergraduate earth science majors have double majors or minors in business (especially finance, real estate or marketing), economics, prelaw, computer science, archaeology, foreign languages, English, history, journalism and premed. Earth science is an interdisciplinary, applied science that integrates well with other fields.

Academic programs are tailor-made to the educational and career objectives of each student. Because of the heavily funded active research programs within the department and their close ties with the Dallas geological community, students often receive excellent pre- and post-graduation employment opportunities. The department also has some financial aid available for undergraduate majors, including department scholarships and support for off-campus field programs.

The department offers four different majors in earth sciences: geology B.A. and B.S., geophysics B.S., and resource geology B.S. A minor in geology or environmental earth science that can be combined with virtually any other degree program on campus is available. The department is the home of the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies programs. (See the degree program listing in the Dedman College section for details.)

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Major in Geology

 The B.A. or B.S. degree in geology consists of a core sequence that provides a basic background in plate tectonics, earth materials (mineralogy and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks) and field methods. Beyond the core sequence, all students are encouraged to include sedimentology and structural geology (required for the B.S.) in their programs. Students, in consultation with a faculty adviser, are encouraged to pursue concentrations in paleontology, geochemistry or resource geology that integrate classroom learning with field and laboratory experience.

Requirements for the B.A. Degree. A minimum of 28 hours in earth sciences, selected from the following:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. GEOL 3340, 3451, 3452 – 11 hours
  3. Earth science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
  4. Geology field studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3241, 3242, 3243, 3343) – 2 to 3 hours
Required support courses – 9 hours minimum:
  1. CHEM 1301 or 1303 – 3 hours
  2. PHYS 1301, 1303 (recommended) or 1313 – 3 hours minimum
  3. MATH 1337 – 3 hours
NOTE: Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended for all majors (B.A. and B.S.). Most earth science graduate programs in the United States require that a field course be completed.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree. A minimum of 36 hours in earth sciences, selected from the following:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. GEOL 3340, 3451, 3452, 3454 – 15 hours
  3. Earth science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
  4. Geology field studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3241, 3242, 3243, 3343) – 2 to 3 hours
  5. GEOL 4296 and 4298 or GEOL 4657 – 4 to 6 hours
Required support courses – 17 hours minimum:
  1. CHEM 1303, 1113; 1304, 1114 – 8 hours
  2. PHYS 1303 – 3 hours
  3. MATH 1337, 1338 – 6 hours
NOTES:
  • Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended for all majors (B.A. and B.S.). Most earth science graduate programs in the United States require that a field course be completed.
  • Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential. This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3359 Computer Methods in the Earth Sciences.
  • The requirements for the major are considered minimal. Students planning careers in the earth sciences should take additional coursework according to the geoscience emphasis that best fits their goals. Consult a faculty adviser for suggestions.


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Minor in Geology

 Requirements for the Minor. A minimum of 17 hours in earth sciences, selected from the following:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. Earth science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
  3. Geology field studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3241, 3242, 3243, 3343) or an earth sciences elective at the 3300 level or higher, if not used to meet the requirement listed above – 2 to 3 hours


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Major in Geophysics

 Geophysical techniques are used to understand the physical behavior of Earth, including plate-tectonic processes, earthquake mechanisms and nuclear test-ban verification. The B.S. degree in geophysics provides a strong quantitative background in seismology, geothermics and digital signal processing.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree. A minimum of 33 hours in earth sciences, selected from the following:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. GEOL 3340, 3451, 3452 – 11 hours
  3. GEOL 3454, 5320, 5392 – 10 hours
  4. Earth science electives at the 3000 level or above, one of which must be in geophysics – 9 hours minimum
Required support courses – 30 hours minimum:
  1. CHEM 1303, 1113 – 4 hours
  2. PHYS 1303, 1105; 1304, 1106 – 8 hours
  3. MATH 1337, 1338, 2339, 2343, 3337, 3353 – 18 hours
NOTES:
  • Participation in a recognized geology or geophysics summer field camp is strongly recommended for all geophysics majors.
  • Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential. This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3359 Computer Methods in Earth Sciences.
  • The requirements for the geophysics major are considered minimal. Students should consult a faculty adviser for recommendations on additional coursework that best fits their goals.
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Major in Resource Geology

 Resource and environmental issues are central to the important challenges facing the world today. As a result, resource and environmental problems are being addressed by a growing number of disciplines, including the sciences, engineering, the legal profession, economics, journalism and ethics. Yet, most of these problems are rooted in geological processes. The B.S. degree in resource geology is intended to provide students with a quantitative understanding of the chemical and physical processes involved in the formation and production of a particular resource and the environmental consequences. The degree is preparation for the practice of geology in the public sector. Because of the multidisciplinary scope of most resource problems, students are strongly encouraged to take appropriate courses in other departments.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree. A minimum of 33 hours in earth science, selected from the following:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301 (recommended), 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. GEOL 3340, 3451, 3452 – 11 hours
  3. GEOL 3330, 5384, 5386 – 9 hours
  4. Two electives chosen from GEOL 3343, 3353, 3374, 3454, 3472, 4390, 5459 – 6 to 8 hours minimum
  5. GEOL 4296 and 4298 or GEOL 4657 – 4 to 6 hours
Required support courses – 23 hours minimum:
  1. CHEM 1303, 1113; 1304, 1114 – 8 hours
  2. PHYS 1303 – 3 hours
  3. MATH 1337, 1338, 2339, 2343 – 12 hours
NOTES:
  • Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential. This experience can be gained in a course such as GEOL 3359 Computer Methods in Earth Sciences.
  • The requirements for the resource geology major are considered minimal. Students should consult a faculty adviser for recommendations on additional coursework that best fits their goals.
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Minor in Environmental Earth Sciences

 The minor in environmental earth sciences is designed with a two-course geology core as background to an interdisciplinary course of study. The minor is freestanding and is not intended to feed into a major. Instead, it should provide an excellent and substantive background for students heading into the environmental field from other disciplines. The minor is not suitable for a student majoring in the earth sciences. The Department of Earth Sciences is responsible for administration of this minor.

Requirements for the Minor. A minimum of 17 hours, to be selected from the following, with at least nine hours at the 3000 level or above:
  1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315 – 3 hours
  2. One course chosen from GEOL 3330, 33401, 33532, 3363, 33662 – 3 hours
  3. Four courses to be selected from GEOL 1315, 3241–43, 3307, 3330, 3340, 3343, 3353, 3363, 3366, 5384, 5386 (if not used to meet the requirement listed above); BIOL 1305*, 33073, 33423, 33433*; CEE 5311* – 11 to 12 hours
* Course is taught only at SMU-in-Taos

Course prerequisites:
  1. One 1300-level GEOL course or permission of instructor
  2. High school chemistry and algebra
  3. BIOL 1401 and 1402 or permission of instructor


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The Courses (GEOL)

 1301. Earth Systems. Examines geologic change within the earth as governed by physical, chemical and biological processes, and interactions between the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere and biosphere. 3 hours of lecture and one 2-hour laboratory each week. Recommended for all geology tracks.

1305. Oceanography. A study of the physical (geological), biological and chemical processes responsible for the existence of the ocean as we know it today. Examines the impact of man on the oceans and oceanography’s role in resource development, climatic and environmental modification, and other human concerns. 3 hours of lecture and one 2-hour laboratory each week.

1307. The Solar System. A study of the formation and evolution of the solar system. Discussion of solar system materials, nebular processes, meteorites, the formation and evolution of the planets and their satellites, the origin of stars, and the evidence for the standard model of cosmology. 3 hours of lecture and one 2-hour laboratory each week.

1308. Evolution and Life History. Evolution as observed in the fossil record in light of biological principles. Evolution as a process, origins of life, adaptation and extinction, emphasizing examples from the geological record. One 4-hour field trip each week. Recommended for the paleontology track.

1313. Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Seismic and volcanic activity are two important manifestations of plate tectonics on the earth. They are also two major natural hazards affecting humankind. This course will emphasize the geologic insights provided by earthquakes and volcanoes, and their impact on society.

1315. Introduction to Environmental Sciences. Fundamental principles of ecology, hydrology, geology, population dynamics, land-use management and related fields will be used as the basis for understanding many of the major environmental issues that face our planet – greenhouse climate changes, soil and water pollution, acid rain and related atmospheric pollution problems, habitat destruction and species extinctions, waste disposal, land use management, energy resource development, geologic hazards, and others. 3 hours of lecture and one 2-hour laboratory. Field trips will take the place of some laboratory classes.

2320, 2321. Southwestern Environments: A Geologic Approach. Practice of the scientific method by investigation of the processes affecting geologic and environmental change in the southwestern United States. Offered only through the SMU-in-Taos program. Course will satisfy either the laboratory science requirement (2320) or the second-term writing requirement (2321). Either course can fulfill a 1300-level geology major or minor course requirement.

3107. Departmental Seminar. Students attend and critically evaluate departmental seminars given by visiting scientists, visiting engineers, faculty and graduate students. Prerequisite: Major in geology, geophysics or environmental geology.

3241, 3242, 3243, 3343. Geology Field Studies. Project- and mapping-oriented, two-week field trips to classical geological localities inside or outside of the United States. Trips will normally be conducted either during the May interterm or between terms. Examples of planned trips include the Caribbean, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Lake Superior/Canada and New Mexico/Colorado. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in earth sciences and permission of instructor.

3307 (BIOL 3307). Ecology. Basic principles and concepts of ecology with emphasis on population and community interactions. 3 lecture hours each week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402 or permission of instructor.

3330. Resources and the Environment. A study of earth materials and processes and how they bear on planning, resource, conservation and pollution problems arising from humankind’s intense use of the earth. Prerequisites: High school algebra and chemistry, and one 1300-level course in earth sciences, or permission of instructor.

3340. Face of the Earth. A study of the theory of plate tectonics for understanding earthquake, volcano and mountain-belt formations. Specific application of the theory is illustrated in terms of its application to understanding features of the regional geology of North America such as the coastal region and the San Andreas Fault. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in earth sciences or permission of instructor.

3353. Modern and Ancient Climates. Science of the modern atmosphere, modern climate, and evidence of historical climatic change. Geological evidence for atmospheric and climatic changes throughout Earth’s history. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in earth sciences or permission of instructor.

3359. Computer Methods in Earth Sciences. Solutions to geological, geochemical, and geophysical problems unique to earth sciences using computer methods. Focuses on computer application to geologic mapping, modeling and data analysis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

3360. Process Geomorphology. Analysis of geological processes and other factors that influence or control the origin and development of landforms of the earth. Laboratory exercises and field trips are included. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in earth sciences or permission of instructor.

3361, 3363. Environmental Geology Seminar. Focuses on timely geoscience-based environmental problems and addresses scientific, environmental, political, economic, legal and social aspects of potential “solutions” through selected readings, seminars, guest speakers and research projects. Prerequisite: One 1300-level earth sciences course or permission of instructor.

3366. Environmental Geology and Geochemical Cycles. An introduction to the physical and chemical processes occurring in the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, rivers and groundwater at both a local and a global scale. Prerequisites: High school algebra and chemistry and one 1300-level course in earth sciences.

3369. Paleobiology. A survey of biological diversity, phylogenetic analysis, rates of evolution, extinction, biogeography, taphonomy and paleoecology. Prerequisites: One 1300-level course in earth sciences or permission of instructor; BIOL 1401 is also a suitable prerequisite.

3374. Introduction to Petroleum Geology. An introduction to stratigraphy, sedimentation and petroleum geology. Prerequisite: One 1300-level course in earth sciences or permission of instructor.

3451, 3452. Earth Materials I and II: Mineralogy and Petrology. The study of minerals and rocks: elementary crystallography; crystal chemistry; mineral structures and physical properties; rock classification and identification of rocks and minerals in hand specimen; principles of mineral optics; identification of minerals in thin section; and introduction to relationships among rock textures, origins and rock-forming processes. Prerequisites: One 1300-level course in earth sciences and credit or registration in CHEM 1301 or 1303 (for 3451); credit or registration in GEOL 3340 (for 3452).

3454. Structural Geology. Introduction to the stress-strain relations of rocks, the origin of faults, the brittle to ductile transition, and mechanics of thrusting and folding. Laboratory problems in structure contouring, fault solutions, stereonet manipulation and analysis of folded terrains. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in GEOL 3452, or permission of instructor.

3472. Principles of Sedimentation. A study of the origin and post-depositional modification of sediments, sedimentary structures, and sedimentary rocks. Application to the recognition and interpretation of ancient marine and nonmarine sedimentary depositional sequences. Required weekend field trips. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in GEOL 3451, or permission of instructor.

4199, 4299, 4399. Integrative Research. Faculty-supervised independent geoscience research project designed to acquaint the student with current scientific techniques in data gathering (in field and/or laboratory and/or library), data processing and presentation of results. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty adviser. 4296, 4298. Senior Thesis Research Project. Significant scientific project is undertaken during the student’s senior year. GEOL 4296 and 4298 are a 1-year sequence.

4321. Internship in Geoscience. Direct experience using applied geoscience techniques in a work environment, including resource recovery companies; environmental companies; law firms; nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; and municipal, state or federal agencies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing in a geoscience major, overall GPA of at least 3.0, and completion of GEOL 3452; sponsorship of a professor and approved organization, agency or company.

4390. Introduction to Geophysical Prospecting. Introduction to geophysical exploration techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 1338 or permission of instructor.

4600. Earth and Planetary Geology. Field camp that provides intensive, hands-on experiences with physical geology and observational planetary geology. Prerequisites: GEOL 3451, 3452 and permission of instructor. 4657. Field Geology. Geologic mapping and field trips in a summer field-camp setting. Prerequisites: GEOL 3454, 3472 or permission of instructor.

5110, 5210, 5310. Independent Study in Geoscience. Independent study of a selected topic in geoscience. Individual study under direction of a faculty member allowed for 5110 or 5210; group projects allowed for 5310.

5166 (BIOL 5166). Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory. A laboratory course to accompany GEOL 5366. Exercises include basic anatomy, dissections and examination of fossil skeletons. Corequisite: GEOL 5366.

5199, 5299, 5399. Special Topics in Earth Sciences. Topics of special interest not covered by the regular curriculum, taught by visiting scientists and those with temporary appointments at SMU. Can be cotaught together with faculty of the department. Prerequisite: GEOL 3340 or permission of instructor.

5261. Mineral Chemistry. A study of the major rock-forming minerals with emphasis on solid solution, chemistry in relation to crystal structure, conditions of occurrence and stability relations.

5320. Dynamic Earth I. Physical and chemical structure of the earth and its evolution through geologic time. Dynamic processes in the mantle and crust. Development of the theory of plate tectonics as a unifying mechanism for large-scale geologic processes. Implications of plate tectonics, and contemporary applications to geological and geophysical problems. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

5360. Electron Microprobe Analysis. Design and operation of the instrument. Correction procedures and computer automation. Analytical techniques and mineral chemistry.

5366 (BIOL 5366). Vertebrate Anatomy and Origins. An introduction to vertebrate anatomy with emphasis on structure and function. Additionally, the course examines processes that have affected the diversity of vertebrate organisms, including origination, biogeography and adaptation. Prerequisites: BIOL 1401, 1402 and GEOL 1308, or permission of instructor. The accompanying laboratory, BIOL 5166, is strongly recommended.

5368. Paleoecology. Interactions between the living world and the earth’s changing environments through geologic time. Prerequisite: GEOL 3369 or permission of instructor.

5369. Introduction to Palynology. The course provides an overview of palynology: concepts and uses. Taphonomic processes and applications in paleoecology, paleoclimatology, archeology, plant taxonomy and plant evolution are considered. No prerequisites. One field trip.

5370. Global Change. An introduction to relatively short-term geologic changes in the earth’s environments. Tempo and mode in the three principal sources of such changes – extraterrestrial events, variations in the earth’s internal dynamo, and the evolving ocean-atmosphere-biosphere system – will be emphasized. Prerequisite: GEOL 3340 or permission of instructor.

5371. Paleontology of Quaternary Vertebrates. The history of vertebrate life in North America during the last 3 million years, with special emphasis on mammals. Origins, distribution, distinctions, environmental interpretations, and faunal analysis. Prerequisite: GEOL 3369 or consent of instructor.

5372. Principles of Sedimentation. Study of the origin and evolution of sedimentary rocks in terms of interpretation of marine and nonmarine sedimentary record.

5374. Petroleum Geology. Application of geologic principles to the location and recovery of hydrocarbon resources in the crust of the earth. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

5380. Principles of Stratigraphy. Evolution and application of modern stratigraphic concepts, and the development of stratigraphic nomenclature. Emphasis on the integration of physical, biological and chemical parameters in interpretation of the rock record. Prerequisites: GEOL 3340 and CHEM 1304, or permission of instructor.

5382. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. The origin, occurrence and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Problems of genesis are considered in the light of chemical equilibria and features of geological occurrence. Lecture, no lab. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

5384. Hydrogeology. An introduction to the chemical and physical behavior of natural waters and the role of fluids in geologic processes. The course will stress the application of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics to understand such geologic processes as ore formation, sediment diagenesis, isograd formation, acid rain, global warming and groundwater contamination. Prerequisites: MATH 1338 and CHEM 1304, or permission of instructor.

5386. Geochemistry. A survey of geochemical processes within the earth and at its surface, emphasizing mineral water interactions and application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to the solution of geochemical problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

5389. Theory of Digital Data Processing in Geophysics. Linear transform theory, convolution, correlation, linear systems, Shannon sampling theorem, discrete Fourier transform, Fast Fourier Transform, Z transform, inverse filtering, recursive filtering, optimum filtering, deconvolution and power spectrum analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 2343 or permission of instructor.

5391. Potential Field Methods in Geophysical Exploration. Introduction to potential theory in geophysics. The emphasis is on gravity and magnetic techniques with a brief introduction to heat flow and electrical methods. Basic concepts and their application to hard and soft rock exploration are covered.

5392. Introduction to Seismology. Basic principles of seismology. Prerequisites: MATH 2343 and permission of instructor.

5394. Geophysical Problem Solving. Approaches to problem solving in geophysics. “Back-of-the-envelope” approximations and dimensional analysis. Analytical solutions and numerical techniques on the computer. Inverse theory and error propagation. Using models in the real world. Term project. Prerequisites: MATH 2343, 5353; knowledge of a programming language.

5398. Geomorphology. Analysis of endogenic and exogenic processes that influence the origin or development of planet surfaces, with an emphasis on the Earth’s large-scale processes and phenomena. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

5399. Special Topics in Earth Sciences. Topics of special interest not covered by the curriculum, taught by visiting scientists and those with temporary appointments at SMU. Can be co-taught together with faculty of the department. Prerequisite: GEOL 3340 or permission of instructor.

5459. Soils and Paleosols. This is a lecture, lab and field-based course about modern and ancient (paleosol) soil description, classification and genesis. The course emphasizes environmental controls on soil formation and distribution across Earth's landscapes. Recommended: CHEM 1303, 1304, 1113, 1114, 3351; CEE 4385. Prerequisites: One from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313, 1315; and GEOL 3343, 3451, 3452, 3472.

5481. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. The origin, occurrence and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Problems of genesis are considered in the light of chemical equilibria and features of geological occurrence. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 3452 or permission of instructor.

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