MSU :|: Department of Geosciences

Undergraduate Courses

GG 1113: Survey of Earth Science - Why is it pretty safe to live on Hawaii but not so smart to live on the side of Mt. St. Helens? When's the Big One coming? Why is Ole Miss more likely to be destroyed by an earthquake than any other SEC school? The answers to these and many more questions are found in this physical geology class. Starting with the origin of the universe and the Earth, topics proceed to the formation of minerals and the igneous-sedimentary-metamorphic rock cycle, through plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. Other topics include deserts, glaciers, coastlines, and energy and pollution. You'll learn why the area around Starkville looks the way it does and why our water tastes so bad! This class teaches you why the world is how it is. Airplane trips will never be the same once you understand what you're seeing down there! This 3 hour class can be taken with or without a 1 hour lab. Content varies slightly depending on the instructor. The course is offered every semester and during the summer and is taught at different times by the entire geology faculty.

GG 1123: Earth History - The course will formulate an understanding and working knowledge of time, events, changes and rates of change as they relate to earth history. During this class we shall examine the origin of the solar system and the planet, the stratigraphic record, and the origin of life, its fossil record and the rise of man. The course will provide a framework with which the student can interpret details of global history from the rock record and will demonstrate that the planet is a completely integrated, continually evolving and dynamic system. The study of earth history is not just a question of understanding the past it is also concerned with creating an awareness of man's responsibility to the planet and its future.

GG 1133: Planetary Geology - This is an introductory course designed to investigate the geology of the Moon and the "Earth-like" planets. Topics include the origin of impact craters and the use of craters for remote determination of age of planetary surfaces, volcanism, structure/tectonics, surficial processes, planetary atmospheres and climate and the origin of planetary magnetic fields. Additional topics are determined by time and group interest: history of early space flight and lunar missions, Martian meteorites, missions to Mars, possible life on Mars, geology of the moons of the outer planets.

GG 3133: Environmental Geology - This course is intended as an introduction to the study of the interactions between people and the physical environment. Specific topics of concentration are human interaction with the natural processes; the environmental concerns in relation to human need; and utilization of natural resources. Topics covered include natural hazards, the interaction of humans and the environment in terms of air, land, water, and biological pollution and in terms of environmental management (waste disposal, etc.). Also covered are the utilization of mineral and energy resources relative to the environment. All topics are related to the development of regulatory processes. A one day field trip is scheduled in order to see local examples of potential natural hazards, waste disposal facilities, water resources and natural resources development. This course is offered every spring semester.

GG 3603: Introduction to Oceanography - This is a three-credit course with no lab. The course covers the origin of the oceans starting with formation of the planet Earth. The history of ocean exploration is presented, with the development of the science of oceanography followed by a description of the major ocean basins and their configuration. The course moves through plate tectonics describing ocean evolution and destruction, the chemical and physical nature of sea water, and the nature of ocean sediments. Air-sea interaction and circulation leads into waves, tides and tsunamis, and coastal environments. Marine ecosystems and marine biology creates a pathway into ocean resources and ocean exploitation. The course culminates with legal and ethical issues involving use of the sea. The course is taught every odd-numbered fall semester (i.e. fall 1999, fall 2001, etc).

GG 3613: Water Resources - This is a three-credit course with no lab. Often described as a "baby hydro" course, no calculus is required. The course starts with an exploration the chemical and physical properties of water, the hydrologic cycle, and the distribution of water across the planet. Study of evaporation, condensation and precipitation lead to analysis of water infiltration, runoff and evapotranspiration. Groundwater has a major focus, including the unique settings of karst environments and islands as well as traditional study of porous media. The course closes with discussions of water quality and quantity, and the legal and environmental issues surrounding water as a resource. The course is taught every fall semester.

Courses for Undergraduate and Graduate Credit

GG 4203/6203: Paleontology - In this course we examine the nature of fossil invertebrate life on Earth. We shall describe and document the major groups of organisms that occur as fossils and discuss the mechanisms through which change occurs in life over time. Study will focus upon morphology, classification, evolution and ecology. We shall also examine current themes and trends in paleontological thought.

GG 4063/6063: Development of Fossil Fuel Resources - The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the basics of the geology of fossil fuel development. This includes topics typically found in "Petroleum Geology' and "Mining Geology." After an overview of all fossil fuel resources, petroleum and coal are discussed in detail. Origin, migration and accumulation of petroleum is discussed with detail given to the petroleum reservoir. Aspects of mining are covered by utilizing the specific example of coal. Coal origin and how deposits are evaluated are discussed in some detail as well as various mining processes and requirements. Environmental aspects of both petroleum and coal extraction are touched upon. A local field trip is conducted to observe coal mining operations and any petroleum operations in the area. This class is offered in odd numbered spring semesters.

GG 4114/6114: Mineralogy - The course begins with hands-on experience in the X-ray diffraction lab (Mud Lab) and the acquisition of a mineral "fingerprint." The goal of this class is to understand that fingerprint. Crystallography is covered with reference to explaining the similarities and differences in mineral fingerprints. A later section on crystal chemistry provides more details. A major portion of the class is a systematic study of minerals, mineral families, and their geologic occurrence, significance, and use. There is at least three hours of laboratory work per week including field trips to the Mud Lab and the other analytical facilities at MSU. The study of minerals in thin section (optical mineralogy) is introduced at the end of the semester. This class is a geology student's organic chemistry.

GG 4123/6123: Petrology - Petrology is an in-depth study of igneous and metamorphic rocks and processes. The course begins with plutonic and volcanic rock nomenclature, the use of phase diagrams to understand the crystallization of laboratory melts and magmatic differentiation. The knowledge of laboratory systems will be applied to understanding the geology of layer mafic-ultramafic intrusions, ocean ridge volcanism, subduction zone volcanic arcs and batholiths, hot spots and volcanic flood provinces. The laboratory is designed to give students experience in hand sample identification and basic proficiency in the use of the polarizing light petrographic microscope. The metamorphic portion of the course is somewhat abbreviated but provides for the description and naming of metamorphic rocks, the fundamental processes of metamorphism and metamorphic phase diagrams and the use of metamorphic petrology in illuminating the geology of subduction and collision zones.

GG 4133/6133: Geochemistry: This is a survey class that introduces students to the broad topic of geochemistry. Radiometric techniques are introduced by a discussion of atoms and isotopes before particular systems and techniques (such as K-Ar, Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr, and U) are covered. Another topic is stable isotope systematics and application of O, C, and S isotopes to geologic investigations. Classic low-temperature aqueous geochemistry and the concepts of mass-balancing and open and closed systems are also reviewed. Over the course of the semester students will read and discuss a large number of papers that apply geochemistry techniques and ideas to current research questions.

GG 4133/6133: Clay mineralogy and X-ray diffraction analyses: This class investigates the nature of clay minerals and their importance in geologic and soil science. The first half of the class is a discussion of clay mineralogy and chemistry. Shale mineralogy and the role of clay minerals in sandstones and energy exploitation are topics. The second half of the class concerns the importance of clays in the composition and reaction of soils. Topics include the relationships between clays and organic matter and fertilizer and pesticide. Extensive hands-on laboratory work is included.

GG 4304/6304: Sedimentary Rocks I (Principles of Sedimentary Deposits I) - Only 9% of the Earth's crust is sediment or sedimentary rocks, but most of the geologic resources humans need come from that thin coating. This class begins with a discussion of water and wind as agents of sediment transport. Field trips (including a visit to an operating open pit lignite mine) help illustrate sedimentary structures and facies. Clastic, carbonate, and evaporite rocks are examined in lecture and in several extensive core and petrographic (the study of rocks by light microscope) projects which emphasize the relationship between the rocks and hydrocarbon exploitation.

GG 4403/6403: Gulf Coast Stratigraphy - The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the stratigraphy in the Gulf Coast region. This will include field experience in addition to formal instruction. The structural and tectonic setting of the Gulf of Mexico Basin is introduced followed by events leading to the present-day gulf coast. The major tectonic events and depositional events of the northern Gulf of Mexico Basin are discussed in a manner as to "build-up" the geology from Pre-Triassic to late Quaternary. Two field trips are an integral part of this course. One trip is a four day trip to central Texas where the Llano Uplift provides a "window" into the geologic past of the gulf coast. A local one-day trip provide exposure to gulf coast stratigraphy in this area. This class id offered in even-numbered fall semesters.

GG 4133/6133: Paleoecology - This course examines the principles of paleoecology. It requires that you be conversant with the basic literature concerning paleontology, sedimentation, diagenesis and stratigraphy. Using these data we shall seek ways in which we can understand the fossil record from the perspective of life and its relationships to habits and habitats. Palaeoecology is an applied science and is intended to supply paleoenvironmental data that would otherwise not be possible. It shows how biological communities have changed through time, and helps us to understand the ways in which modern communities are susceptible to change.

GG 4153/6153: Engineering Geology - The purpose of this course is to introduce the history, definitions, methods and applications of engineering geology to the types of fixed engineering projects likely to be addressed in practice. The study should be able to understand economy of engineering projects through their life cycle from conception through design, construction, operation and decommissioning. This involves sufficient understanding of the opportunities, and hazards from the earth science perspective. Emphasis will be placed on developing conceptual skills in this course, rather than the learning of technique.

GG 4333/6333: Geowriting - In order to insure adequate written communication skills, the college requires students to take a course emphasizing discipline specific writing. Students learn to develop themes citing observational evidence to arrive at logical, well-reasoned interpretations. There is relatively little lecture in this course. Instead, students learn by writing, aided by instructor critiques. A variety of assignments, give experience working with diverse data sets, while learning the subtleties of scientific terminology usage.

GG 4413/6413: Structural Geology - Structural Geology (alias folds & faults) is the study of rock deformation, from the microscopic to the regional scale. The course begins with a physical discussion of stress and strain. These concepts are then applied to the various types of faults and folds, the fabrics and offsets produced and the implications for regional tectonics. The purpose of the lab is to develop the student's sense of 3-dimensional geometry of folds and faults, to practice a variety of graphical methods (e.g. orthographic and stereographic projections) for analyzing positions, trends and depths to different structures and ultimately to read geologic maps to glean important deformational information. In addition to its importance from an academic perspective, a knowledge of structural geology is critical to applied fields such as petroleum and mineral exploration, hydrogeology and engineering geology.

GG 4443/6443: Sedimentary Deposits II - The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the manner in which sedimentary environments can be identified in the rock record. The primary tool used in paleoenvironmental analysis of sedimentary deposits is the "facies model." Each facies model is defined by a unique set of characteristics with respect to lithology, architecture, stratigraphy and geography. These characters can then be used to recognize a finite number of possible models, each of which is diagnostic of a particular depositional setting. The course will establish the criteria necessary for understanding each facies model and illustrate the models with examples from both Recent and ancient sedimentary settings.

GG 4433/6433: Subsurface Methods - The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with methods and the use of those methods in subsurface geological investigations. This includes use of computer programs. This is a laboratory oriented class with several projects utilizing various types of subsurface data. Data utilized includes direct access and indirect accessed information. Direct accessed information is from geologic maps, drilling, and coring. Indirect accessed information is from borehole and surface geophysical methods including electrical, gravity, and magnetics. Projects require interpretation and presentation of data by construction of maps and cross-sections, as well as written reports. This class is offered in even-numbered fall semesters.

GG 4503/6503: Geomorphology - This is a three-credit class with no lab. The course opens with a discussion of the processes that create landforms on the earth, such as weathering, water flow, wind, gravity and ice. A progression then follows through the major landforms: mass movement, fluvial landforms, eolian features, periglacial and glacial landforms, karst areas, and coastal zones. Landforms have a substantial impact on human activity, and the interaction of people with landforms is also investigated. The role of landform evolution, and its utility to determine paleoclimate, is the final focus of the course. The course will be offered in the spring of 2002, and then switch to an every even-numbered fall semester rotation starting in fall 2002.

GG 4613/6613: Physical Hydrogeology - The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the physical components of hydrogeology at the advanced undergraduate and the beginning graduate level by providing the fundamentals in a manner that can be understood and used. Theoretical aspects are provided for the purpose of understanding application of the course material, with the application of the course material being emphasized rather than the derivation of theory.

GG 4623/6233: Applied Geophysics - This is a three-credit course with no lab. The course has two parts, an initial Planetary Geophysics component, and a subsequent Exploration Geophysics component. In the Planetary section, the earth's situation in space introduces a presentation on the composition and structure of the planet. Phenomena such as seismology, density distribution, heat flow and magnetism are studied. The Planetary section ends with a review of plate tectonics and crustal evolution as viewed from first principles. The Exploration section reviews the basic tools of exploration geophysics, including seismic analysis, gravity techniques, magnetic methods, electrical survey, radioactive study, and borehole approaches. Practical applications, legal considerations, and environmental policies are also presented. The course is taught every even-numbered spring semester (i.e. spring 2000, spring 2002, etc.).

Graduate Courses

GR 8403: Field Methods in Geoscience (Hydrology) - This is primarily a field based class emphasizing various field methods utilized in ground water. After initial introductory instruction emphasizing various requirements for conducting field work, actual field exercises are conducted. These include drilling, well installation, sampling, and conducting aquifer tests. A final report providing the field data and interpretation of the data in proper written form is required. This class is offered in even-numbered fall semesters.

GG 8713: Eastern Regional Geology - The purpose of Eastern Regional is to provide a detailed examination of the building of North America east of the Mississippi. The course takes an in-depth look at the pre-Cambrian assembly of the North American Craton, the building of the Appalachian and Ouachita orogenic belts and their associated clastic wedges as well as the development of the continental interior basins. This course will examine the most recent research data and require a familiarity with aspects of mineralogy and petrology, structural geology, paleontology and economic geology. As such, this course is a capstone course designed to "bring it all together."

GG 8993: Special Topics in Geology: Karst Processes - This is a three-credit course with no lab. The course is an in-depth study of karst (dissolutional) processes and the landforms and hydrology that results from those processes. The course studies the basic principles of bedrock dissolution, and advances into the hydrology that dissolution produces in the subsurface. Karst landform development and evolution includes the unique minerals and sediments found in caves. Water quality and quantity issues are different in karst compared to traditional landscapes, and these issues are analyzed in detail, along with the consequences of human use of karst lands. Related issues such as island karst and pseudokarst are also examined. The course is taught every odd-numbered spring (i.e. 2001, 2003, etc.).

Picture credits: "Research" pictures are from us. Mineral pictures are from "Simon and Schuster's Guide To Rocks & Minerals," edited by Prinz et al., 1978. Astronomical pictures are from NASA (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/). Other pictures are from the USGS (http://www.usgs.gov/).