Fall 2024

  • GEOL 110: Introduction to Geology & Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental and wondrous processes that shape the Earth. We approach learning through outdoor and laboratory problems, which are often complicated and messy, like the planet itself. Topics may include the formation of rocks, minerals, and mountains, the water cycle, plate tectonics, climate change, volcanoes, and earthquakes. One all-day weekend field trip is typically required. No previous outdoor experience or gear is needed. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson, Bereket Haileab, Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 110: Introduction to Geology & Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental and wondrous processes that shape the Earth. We approach learning through outdoor and laboratory problems, which are often complicated and messy, like the planet itself. Topics may include the formation of rocks, minerals, and mountains, the water cycle, plate tectonics, climate change, volcanoes, and earthquakes. One all-day weekend field trip is typically required. No previous outdoor experience or gear is needed. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson, Bereket Haileab, Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 125: Introduction to Field Geology & Lab

    This course introduces fundamental principles of geology and geological reasoning using the geology of southern Minnesota as a guide. Weather permitting, much of the classroom and lab time will be spent outdoors at nearby sites of geological interest. Using field observations, descriptions, data-gathering and interpretation, supplemented by lab work and critical reading, students will piece together the most important elements of the long and complex geologic history of southern Minnesota. Field trips, including one or two all-day weekend trips, and laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 125: Introduction to Field Geology & Lab

    This course introduces fundamental principles of geology and geological reasoning using the geology of southern Minnesota as a guide. Weather permitting, much of the classroom and lab time will be spent outdoors at nearby sites of geological interest. Using field observations, descriptions, data-gathering and interpretation, supplemented by lab work and critical reading, students will piece together the most important elements of the long and complex geologic history of southern Minnesota. Field trips, including one or two all-day weekend trips, and laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 220: Tectonics and Lab

    This course focuses on understanding the plate tectonics paradigm and its application to all types of plate boundaries. We will explore the historical development of the paradigm, geophysical tools used for imaging the structure of the Earth and determining plate motions, and possible driving mechanisms of this global system. Students will independently explore a particular tectonic plate in detail throughout the term. Laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Fall 2024 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 220: Tectonics and Lab

    This course focuses on understanding the plate tectonics paradigm and its application to all types of plate boundaries. We will explore the historical development of the paradigm, geophysical tools used for imaging the structure of the Earth and determining plate motions, and possible driving mechanisms of this global system. Students will independently explore a particular tectonic plate in detail throughout the term. Laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Fall 2024 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 358: Soils and Lab

    The study of soil formation including the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils especially as related to land use and climate. Laboratories and field trips will include how to describe and interpret soils.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): Two 200 level GEOL courses with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024 · Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 370: Geochemistry of Natural Waters & Lab

    The main goal of this course is to introduce and tie together the several diverse disciplines that must be brought to bear on hydrogeochemical problems today. This course will explore: principles of geochemistry, applications of chemical thermodynamics to geologic problems, mineral solubility, stability diagrams, chemical aspects of sedimentary rocks, geochemical tracers, radiogenic isotopes and principles of stable isotope fractionation. Laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): Chemistry 123 – Principles of Chemistry with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Fall 2024 · Bereket Haileab

Winter 2025

  • GEOL 130: Geology of National Parks & Lab

    This course introduces fundamental principles of geology and geologic reasoning with natural examples from the National Park system. Topics may range from volcanic hazards of Yellowstone to the geologic history recorded in the walls of the Grand Canyon to the effects of climate change on the Everglades. A multiday field trip over mid-term break is required; no camping experience or equipment is required but students should be prepared to spend time outdoors. The field trip may include some strenuous hiking. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Winter 2025 · Cameron Davidson

  • GEOL 215: Paleoclimate & Lab

    This course focuses on reconstructing climate and environmental conditions of the past using local archives of climate. Lab and some class time will be dedicated to group research projects. Weekly laboratories and one Saturday field trip included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-Level GEOL course with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 250: Mineralogy and Lab

    The study of the chemical and physical properties of minerals, their geologic occurrence and associations. Topics include crystallography, crystal chemistry, x-ray analysis, phase equilibria, classification, optical mineralogy, and environments of formation. Laboratories are included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-level GEOL course or CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I & Lab or CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving or CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry & Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Winter 2025 · Bereket Haileab

  • GEOL 285: Geology in New Zealand: North Island

    In this course, participants will study modern and ancient geologic systems in the North Island with a view to understanding the tectonic, volcanic, and sedimentary history of New Zealand. The course will include projects in a wide range of geological settings. Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Geology in New Zealand Program and student has completed any of the following course(s): Any 100 Level Geology course and at least one 200 Level Geology course with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; offered Winter 2025 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 286: Geology in New Zealand: Topics in North Island Geology

    This course is tied to the North Island half of the program. Readings and discussions will cover a broad range of topics appropriate to North Island geology. Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Geology in New Zealand Program and student has completed any of the following course(s): Any 100 Level Geology course and at least one 200 Level Geology course with a grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Winter 2025 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 287: Geology in New Zealand: South Island

    In this course, students will study the tectonic evolution of the South Island. Participants will work in small teams to hone their field observation skills, make structural measurements, and develop their mapping skills in several field sites across the South Island. Visits to additional field sites such as glaciers, fjords, and the Alpine fault are possible. Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Geology in New Zealand Program and student has completed any of the following course(s): Any 100 Level Geology course and at least one 200 Level Geology course with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; offered Winter 2025 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 288: Geology in New Zealand: Topics in South Island Geology

    This course is tied to the South Island half of the program. Readings and discussions will cover a broad range of topics appropriate to South Island geology. Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Geology in New Zealand Program and student has completed any of the following course(s): Any 100 Level Geology course and at least one 200 Level Geology course with a grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Winter 2025 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 289: Geology in New Zealand: Basic Field Drawing

    Formal and informal instruction and opportunity to improve field drawing skills. This course will include an independent field drawing assignment during midterm break in New Zealand. Prerequisites:

    Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Geology in New Zealand Program and student has completed any of the following course(s): Any 100 Level Geology course and at least one 200 Level Geology course with a grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; S/CR/NC; No Exploration; offered Winter 2025 · Sarah Titus, Clint Cowan

Spring 2025

  • GEOL 110: Introduction to Geology & Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental and wondrous processes that shape the Earth. We approach learning through outdoor and laboratory problems, which are often complicated and messy, like the planet itself. Topics may include the formation of rocks, minerals, and mountains, the water cycle, plate tectonics, climate change, volcanoes, and earthquakes. One all-day weekend field trip is typically required. No previous outdoor experience or gear is needed. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson, Bereket Haileab, Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 110: Introduction to Geology & Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental and wondrous processes that shape the Earth. We approach learning through outdoor and laboratory problems, which are often complicated and messy, like the planet itself. Topics may include the formation of rocks, minerals, and mountains, the water cycle, plate tectonics, climate change, volcanoes, and earthquakes. One all-day weekend field trip is typically required. No previous outdoor experience or gear is needed. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson, Bereket Haileab, Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 110: Introduction to Geology & Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental and wondrous processes that shape the Earth. We approach learning through outdoor and laboratory problems, which are often complicated and messy, like the planet itself. Topics may include the formation of rocks, minerals, and mountains, the water cycle, plate tectonics, climate change, volcanoes, and earthquakes. One all-day weekend field trip is typically required. No previous outdoor experience or gear is needed. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students who have taken another 100-level Geology course.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024, Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson, Bereket Haileab, Dan Maxbauer

  • GEOL 230: Paleobiology and Lab

    Fossils: their anatomy and classification, evolution, and ecology. Special emphasis on the paleobiology of marine invertebrates. Field trips and laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-level GEOL course or BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution and Development & Lab or BIOL 126 – Energy Flow in Biological System & Lab with a grade of C- or better or or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Spring 2025 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 230: Paleobiology and Lab

    Fossils: their anatomy and classification, evolution, and ecology. Special emphasis on the paleobiology of marine invertebrates. Field trips and laboratories included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 100-level GEOL course or BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution and Development & Lab or BIOL 126 – Energy Flow in Biological System & Lab with a grade of C- or better or or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Spring 2025 · Clint Cowan

  • GEOL 240: Geophysics and Lab

    This applied geophysics course focuses on understanding the near-surface structure of the Earth using a hand-on approach. Students will collect, process, model, and interpret geophysical data using gravitational, magnetic, and seismic methods. Weekly laboratories and one weekend field trip will be required. Prerequisites:

    Student must have completed any of the following course(s): one 100-level GEOL course and one 100-level PHYS course with grade of C- or better

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 240: Geophysics and Lab

    This applied geophysics course focuses on understanding the near-surface structure of the Earth using a hand-on approach. Students will collect, process, model, and interpret geophysical data using gravitational, magnetic, and seismic methods. Weekly laboratories and one weekend field trip will be required. Prerequisites:

    Student must have completed any of the following course(s): one 100-level GEOL course and one 100-level PHYS course with grade of C- or better

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Sarah Titus

  • GEOL 255: Petrology and Lab

    An introduction to the fundamental physical, chemical and tectonic principles that are relevant to the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Labs emphasize description and interpretation of the origin of rocks based on hand specimen and thin section study. Field trips and laboratories are included. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): GEOL 250 – Mineralogy & Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Spring 2025 · Cameron Davidson