Brigham Young University
Back Geology

   

Bart J. Kowallis, Chair
673 WIDB, PO Box 24653, (801) 378-3918

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Advisement Center
1116 TMCB, PO Box 26539, (801) 378-6270

Admission to Degree Program

All degree programs in the Department of Geology are open enrollment. However, special limitations apply for teaching majors.

The Discipline

Geology is the study of the earth's origin and development and of the natural processes that have operated upon it and within it from the time the solar system was created. With the development of remote sensing technology and the exploration of the solar system by manned and unmanned spacecraft, geology has expanded to include the moon, other planets and their moons, and small bodies that orbit the sun. A student of geology will study the major features of the earth: the continents, the ocean basins, the structure of mountains, the origin of minerals, the nature of fossils, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and glaciers.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have the opportunity to work both in the great outdoors and in the laboratory, pursuing careers in energy, mineral, and water resources or in environmental evaluation with industry, government, or consulting firms. The substantial preparation in basic sciences and mathematics also leads to a broad spectrum of teaching opportunities.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree a student must fill three groups of requirements: (1) general education requirements; (2) university requirements; and (3) major requirements.

General Education Requirements

Please see your college advisement center for information about general education courses you should take to dovetail with your major program.

Languages of Learning

Precollege Math (zero to one course)
(or Math ACT score of at least 22)
0–3.0 hours
First-Year Writing (one course) 3.0
Advanced Writing (one to four courses) 3–8.0
Advanced Languages/Math/Music
(one to four courses)
3–20.0

Liberal Arts Core

Biological Science (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Physical Science (one to two courses) 3–7.0
American Heritage (one to two courses) 3–6.0
Wellness (one to three courses) 1.5–3.0
Civilization (two courses) 6.0

Arts and Sciences Electives

Arts and Letters (one course) 3.0
Natural Sciences (one course) 3–4.0
Social and Behavioral Sciences (one course) 3.0

Note 1: For a complete list of courses that will fill each GE category, see the General Education section of the current class schedule.

Note 2: Additional information about general education requirements can be found in the General Education section of the current class schedule or this catalog.

Minimum University Requirements

Religion 14.0
Upper-division hours 40.0
Residency 30.0
Total hours 128.0

Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0.

Note: See the Graduation section of this catalog for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete the major requirements listed for one of the folowing undergraduate degree programs.

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BA Earth and Space Science Education
BS Engineering Geology
BS Geology
Emphasis (optional):
Environmental Geology
Minors Geology
Geology Teaching

For help or information on the undergraduate programs, please see your college advisement center.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS Geology

For more information see the 1998-99 BYU Graduate Catalog.



BA Earth and Space Science Education (83-87 hours,* including certification hours)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Geol 111, 112, 210, 411.

  3. Complete 2 hours of the following:
    Geol 491R (four enrollments).

  4. Select three courses from the following:
    Geol 109, 286, 311, 351, 352, 370, 404, 420, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 480.

  5. Complete the following:
    Chem 105, 106, 107.
    Math 119.
    Phil 423.

  6. Select one course from the following:
    Engl 315, 316.

  7. Select one of the following options:
    Either Phscs 121, 122, 127, 137
    Or Phscs 105, 106, 107, 108, 127, 137.

  8. Complete the Professional Education Component (28–29 hours): see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for certification requirements.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Engineering Geology (86-89 hours*)

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Geol 112, 210, 311, 351, 352, 370, 410.

  3. Complete 2 hours of the following:
    Geol 491R (four enrollments).

  4. Select three courses from the following:
    Geol 411, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 511, 520, 559, 560.

  5. Complete the following:
    CEEn 103, 113, 203, 332, 341, 431.

  6. Select one course from the following:
    Geol 111, 330.

  7. Complete the following:
    Engl 316.
    Math 112, 113, 312.
    Phscs 121, 122, 221.

  8. Select one of the following options:
    Either Chem 105, 106, 107
    Or Chem 111, 112.

Recommended Course

Stat 221.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geology (69 hours*)

This basic degree in geology prepares graduates for professional employment in industry, government, or private sectors or for advanced studies in geology, business, or law.

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Geol 111, 112, 210, 311, 351, 352, 370, 410.

  3. Complete 2 hours of the following:
    Geol 491R (four enrollments).

  4. Select three courses from the following:
    Geol 411, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 480.

  5. Complete the following:
    Chem 105, 106, 107.
    Engl 316.
    Math 112, 113.
    Phscs 121, 122, 221.

Recommended Courses

Stat 221.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



BS Geology: Environmental Geology Emphasis (70-73 hours*)

Increasing concern with environmental degradation and natural geologic hazards has led to a demand for geologists who are both well grounded in the fundamentals of the science of geology and specifically prepared to address environmental problems. This degree prepares students for careers either in the environmental services industry or government or for advanced studies.

Major Requirements

  1. No D credit is allowed in major courses.

  2. Complete the following:
    Geol 111, 112, 210, 311, 351, 352, 370, 404, 410, 420, 435.

  3. Complete 2 hours of the following:
    Geol 491R (four enrollments).

  4. Select two courses from the following:
    AgHrt 303, 407.
    CEEn 351.
    Geog 310.
    Geol 411.

  5. Complete the following:
    Engl 316.
    Math 112, 113.
    Phscs 121, 122.

  6. Select one of the following options:
    Either Chem 105, 106, 107.
    Or Chem 111, 112.

Recommended Course

RelC 491.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill GE or university requirements.



Minor Geology (16 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geol 111, 112.

  2. Select 8 hours from the following:
    Geol 210, 286, 311, 351, 352, 355, 370, 404, 411, 420, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 480.



Minor Geology Teaching (16 hours)

  1. Complete the following:
    Geol 111, 112.

  2. Select 8 hours from the following:
    Geol 109, 210, 286, 311, 351, 352, 355, 370, 404, 411, 435, 440, 445, 460, 480.



Geology (Geol)

Class Schedule Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Undergraduate Courses

101. Introduction to Geology. (3:2:1) F, W, Sp Honors also.

Cultural focus on physical and environmental geology for nonscience majors; rocks and minerals. Field trips.

103. Life of the Past. (3:2:1) F, W, Sp

Cultural focus on historical geology for nonscience majors; fossils. Field trips.

109. Geology of the Planets. (3:3:0) W

Origins and distinctive histories of the planets in our solar system as revealed by study of their surface features. For nonscience and science majors.

111. Physical Geology. (4:3:2) F, W Prerequisite: Math 112 or concurrent registration.

Materials, structure, and surface features of the earth and the geologic processes involved in their development. Field trips and lab studies, use of aerial photos.

112. Historical Geology. (4:3:2) W Prerequisite: Geol 111.

Developmental history of the earth, its landforms, and life forms, emphasizing the North American continent. Field trips and lab studies.

199R. Cooperative Education. (1–3:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: department chair's and cooperative education coordinator's consent.

Work experience evaluated by supervisor and posted on student's transcript.

210. Field Studies. (3:0:9) F Prerequisite: Geol 111, 112.

Procedures in observing, collecting, and recording field data concerning properties of rock units; interpretive concepts; use of Brunton compass, topographic maps, and aerial photos. Contact Geology Department before fall semester for dates of trips.

286. Prehistoric Vertebrates. (3:3:0) W alt. yr.

Major groups of prehistoric vertebrates, emphasizing reptiles (especially dinosaurs) and mammals. Scientific and cultural values considered.

311. Structural Geology. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Geol 111, 210; Phscs 121 or concurrent registration.

Geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of tectonic features. Practical exercises. Use of aerial photos. Field trips.

330. Geology for Engineers. (3:2:2) F, W

Geological processes and materials bearing on engineering practices. Field trips.

351. Mineralogy. (4:3:2) F Prerequisite: Chem 105 or 111 or concurrent registration.

Principles of crystallography and crystal chemistry. Physical, chemical, and crystallographic properties of minerals.

352. Petrology. (3:3:2) W Prerequisite: Geol 210, 351, Chem 105 or 111.

Compositions, fabrics, and field relations of igneous and metamorphic rocks; behavior of rock-forming systems. Field trips.

355. Gemology. (3:2:2) F Prerequisite: PhyS 100.

Those minerals used as gems: crystallography, crystal chemistry, physical and optical properties, geologic occurrence, mining methods; evaluation, traditions, and history. Lab: identification and testing.

370. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. (3:3:3) W Prerequisite: Geol 111, 112.

Sediments, sedimentary rocks, and principles of stratigraphy. Field trips.

399R. Cooperative Education. (1–9:0:0 ea.) F, W, Sp, Su

404. Environmental Geology. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Geol 111 or 330.

Theoretical and applied environmental geology; groundwater and soil contamination, waste disposal, mine tailings and drainage; natural and man-made geologic hazards. Field trips.

410. Geological Field Methods. (6:0:46) Sp Prerequisite: Geol 311, 352, 370.

Methods used to observe, collect, and interpret field data in geologic and environmental investigations. Fee.

411. Geomorphology. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Geol 111.

Interpretive analysis of landforms and their geologic and environmental significance. Use of aerial photos. Field trips.

420. Environmental Geophysics. (3:2:2) F Prerequisite: Phscs 121, 122, Geol 111, 112, Math 113.

Applications of various geophysical survey methods to assess shallow geological problems, especially near-surface environmental problems, such as groundwater contaminants, sinkholes, faulting, etc.

435. Introduction to Groundwater. (3:3:0) F Prerequisite: Geol 111 or 330; Math 110.

Introduction to the occurrence, movement, and properties of subsurface water; surface and groundwater relationships.

440. Introductory Geophysics. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Phscs 221.

Physics of the earth, including earthquake seismology. Gravity, seismic, magnetic, electrical, and heat flow properties and methods.

445. Geochemistry. (3:3:0) W Prerequisite: Chem 106, 107; or 112; Geol 352.

Applying elementary chemical principles to understand geologic processes and materials.

451. Optical Mineralogy. (3:2:2) W Prerequisite: Geol 351.

Fundamentals of optical crystallography and mineral identification techniques.

460. Economic Geology. (3:2:2) F Prerequisite: Geol 352.

Principles, genesis, and localization of ore deposits, including laboratory study of ore minerals. Field trips.

480. Paleontology. (3:3:2) F Prerequisite: Geol 112.

Distribution, morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and stratigraphic significance of organisms in the geologic record. Field trips.

491R. Geology Seminar. (0.5:1:0 ea.) F, W

Seminars on various geologic topics by guest speakers.

499R. Honors Thesis. (1–6:Arr.:Arr. ea.) F, W, Sp, Su

500-Level Graduate Courses (available to advanced undergraduates)

510. Conducted Field Trips. (1:Arr.:3) F, W, Sp, Su Prerequisite: any college-level geology course and instructor's consent.

Geology field trips.

511. Advanced Structural Geology. (3:2:3) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 311, 410.

In-depth discussions of a variety of topics in structural geology, emphasizing current literature and problems.

520. Petroleum Geology. (3:2:2) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 311, 370.

Origin, migration, and entrapment of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.

521. Borehole Geophysics and Geology. (3:3:0) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Phscs 121, 122, Geol 351, 370.

Applied well log analysis, including conventional and new techniques. Subsurface geology and lithology determined from electrical, acoustical, radioactive, and other logs.

525. Basin Analysis. (3:3:0) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 370.

Tectonic basin development, including extensional, compressional, flexural, and strike-slip processes. Processes of basin-fill and thermal histories emphasizing sequence and seismic stratigraphy.

545. Isotope Geochemistry. (3:1:4) W alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 352.

Use of stable and radioactive isotope systematics in geochronology and investigation of origins of rocks and waters.

551. Advanced Mineralogy. (3:2:2) W alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 351, Phscs 121, 122, 221.

Crystallography, structure, and crystal chemistry of major silicate mineral groups.

556. Applied Geomathematics. (3:3:0) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Math 112, 113, Phscs 121, 122.

Applications of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, matrices, computers, and statistics to the analysis and interpretation of geoscience data.

559. Applied Geophysics 1. (3:3:0) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 311, Phscs 121, 122, 221.

Principles, tools, and methods in gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic exploration. Includes acquisition, processing, and interpretation of gravity and magnetic data.

560. Applied Geophysics 2. (3:3:0) W alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 311, 559, Phscs 121, 122, 221.

Principles, tools, and methods used in seismic geophysics, with engineering, environmental, exploration and hydrological applications. Includes acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic data.

565R. Special Topics in Geology. (2–4:Arr.:Arr. ea.) On dem. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

The following topics may be offered on demand:
—Geology for Teachers
—X-Ray Crystallography
—Instrumental Methods
—Ore Deposits

574. Advanced Stratigraphy. (3:3:0) Alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 370 or equivalent. Recommended: Geol 480.

Studying the stratigraphic record through modern methods of correlating stratal packages, emphasizing concepts of sequence and seismic stratigraphy, and utilizing methods of chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy, and absolute dating. Extended field trip required.

580. Principles of Paleontology. (3:3:0) W alt. yr. Prerequisite: Geol 480.

Modern approaches to fossil study applied to areas of evolution, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy.

586. Vertebrate Paleontology. (4:3:2) F alt. yr. Prerequisite: instructor's consent.

History of vertebrate fossils. Field trips required. Credit applies in either zoology or geology. Lab studies.

590R. Short Courses. (1–3:3:3 ea.) F, W on dem.

Short graduate-level courses offered on a random basis.

591R. Seminar. (0.5:1:0 ea.) F, W

Seminars on various geologic topics by guest speakers. Total of 1 credit hour required.

599R. Cooperative Education. (1–9:0:0 ea.) F, W, Sp, Su

Graduate Courses

For 600- and 700-level courses, see the 1998-99 BYU Graduate Catalog.



Geology Faculty

Professors

Baer, James L. (1969) BS, Ohio State U., 1957; MS, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1962, 1968.

Benson, Alvin K. (1986) BS, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1966, 1972.

Best, Myron G. (1965) BS, U. of Utah, 1957; PhD, U. of California, Berkeley, 1961.

Christiansen, Eric H. (1986) BS, Brigham Young U., 1977; ScM, Brown U., 1978; PhD, Arizona State U., 1981.

Griffen, Dana Thomas (1979) BS, U.S. Naval Academy, 1965; MS, PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Inst., 1973, 1975.

Keith, Jeffrey D. (1990) BS, Brigham Young U., 1977; MS, PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1980, 1982.

Kowallis, Bart J. (1982) BS, Brigham Young U., 1977; MS, PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1979, 1981.

Mayo, Alan L. (1987) BS, MS, San Diego State U., 1970, 1972; PhD, U. of Idaho, 1981.

Miller, Wade E. (1971) AA, El Camino Coll., 1957; BS, Brigham Young U., 1960; MS, U. of Arizona, 1963; PhD, U. of California, Berkeley, 1968.

Ritter, Scott M. (1991) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1981, 1983; PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1986.

Associate Professor

Morris, Thomas H. (1990) BS, Brigham Young U., 1981; MS, PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1985, 1986.

Assistant Professors

Mabey, Matthew A. (1996) BS, U. of Utah, 1981; MS, PhD, Brigham Young U., 1989, 1992.

Nelson, Stephen T. (1997) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1984, 1987; PhD, U. of California, Los Angeles, 1991.

Associate Scientist

Tingey, David G. (1990) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1983, 1989.

Adjunct Faculty

Nixon, R. Paul (1989) BS, MS, U. of Utah, 1955, 1955; PhD, Brigham Young U., 1972.

Proctor, Paul D. (1990) BS, U. of Utah, 1942; MA, Cornell U., 1943; PhD, Indiana U., 1949.

Emeriti

Brimhall, Willis H. (1955) BS, Brigham Young U., 1949; MS, U. of Arizona, 1951; BES, Brigham Young U., 1960; PhD, Rice U., 1966.

Bullock, Kenneth C. (1943) BS, MA, Brigham Young U., 1940, 1942; PhD, U. of Wisconsin, Madison, 1949.

Bushman, Jess R. (1955) BA, Brigham Young U., 1949; PhD, Princeton U., 1958.

Hamblin, Wm. Kenneth (1962) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1953, 1954; PhD, U. of Michigan, 1958.

Hintze, Lehi F. (1955) BA, U. of Utah, 1941; MA, PhD, Columbia U., 1949, 1951.

Petersen, Morris S. (1966) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1955, 1956; PhD, U. of Iowa, 1962.

Phillips, Wm. Revell (1957) BS, MS, PhD, U. of Utah, 1950, 1951, 1954.

Rigby, J. Keith (1953) BS, MS, Brigham Young U., 1948, 1949; PhD, Columbia U., 1952.






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