Majors Related to Geology

Compare Four

Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives.

Here we can compare four related majors through select second and third year courses.

Geology

GE 2300 - Mineral Science

Chemical composition, crystal structure, physical properties, and identification of minerals. Environmental controls on their formation. Formation processes, characterization of and exploration of ore deposits. Laboratory focuses on hand specimen identification and introduction to X-ray diffraction and SEM mineral analysis techniques.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1000 or CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

GE 3050 - Structural Geology

Rock structures and regional settings resulting from the application of deforming forces, including the geometry, origin, and mechanics of folds, foliations, lineations, faults ad joints, and structures in orogenic belts.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000

GE 3200 - Geochemistry

Introduction to elements of modern geochemistry including aqueous solutions, isotopes, age dating, etc. Emphasizes concepts and quantitative methods. Teaches principles of thermodynamics and phase equilibria from an introductory perspective as they pertain to geologic systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150 and CH 1151

GE 3320 - Earth History

This course covers the history of the Earth from 4.5 billion years to the present. Plate tectonics is the organizing theme with emphasis on recognizing and evaluating the evidence for the major reorganizations of the Earth's crust.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 or GE 2100

GE 3850 - Geohydrology

Geologic and hydrologic factors controlling the occurrence, movement, and development of subsurface water. Quantitative methods for analyzing groundwater systems are introduced.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and MA 2160

Forestry

FW 3020 - Forest Ecology

Environmental factors and plant and animal characteristics which control composition, structure, and function of forest ecosystems. Emphasis on how ecosystems change across space and time and knowledge needed to sustainably manage forest ecosystems for social, economic, and ecological benefits.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051(C)

FW 3200 - Biometrics and Data Analysis

Sampling design, implementation and analysis for inventory and monitoring of attributes of stands, forests and landscapes. Includes computing skills for data entry, storage and analysis and application of statistical techniques to answer questions about ecological data.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051 and (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710)

FW 3150 - Timber Harvesting

Methods and techniques used in lake states timber harvesting systems. Introduces best management practices, aesthetic and ecological impacts, logging cost analysis, timber appraisal, and timber sale preparation and administration. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Forestry
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051

FW 3190 - Multi-resource Assessment

Develops a basic proficiency in the application of multiple-resource measurement techniques. Gain familiarity with the application of individual tree and landscape measurements as well as estimation of growth, sampling techniques, computational procedures, and mapping procedures commonly used in forest and land management. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-4)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051 and FW 3020 and FW 3200 and (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710)

FW 3840 - Forest Health

Drawing on examples from the Great Lakes region, and other parts of North America, this course will consider which type of insects and pathogens attack our trees and forests, how they interact with each other, and what tools we can use to effectively reduce their negative impacts of forest pests. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3020

Applied Ecology and Environmental Science

FW 3012 - Survey of Silviculture

An introduction to the practice of silviculture including ecological principles which form the basis for forest management. The course emphasizes proper use of silviculture terminology and includes field examples of management practices. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2010 and FW 2051

FW 3110 - Natural Resource Policy

Covers concepts related to social systems and natural resources. Explores natural resource policy foundations and partners, rights and responsibilities, and approaches and practices within and between state, tribal, and federal levels of policy making, policy processes, implementation, and evaluation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

FW 3330 - Soil Science

Introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112(C) or (CH 1150(C) and CH 1151(C))

FW 3600 - Wildlife Habitat

Understand the ecological basis for management of forest wildlife and how forest management influences wildlife populations. Laboratory introduces techniques in wildlife research and management, especially methods of habitat analysis. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

FW 3800 - Insect Ecology

Insects are widespread and diverse components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This course will consider aspects of insect ecology, including biodiversity and conservation of insects, the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on insect populations, and the trophic diversity of insects. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Natural Resources Management

Chemistry

CH 2210 - Quantitative Analysis

This course examines the principles of analytical chemistry with emphasis on gravimetric, volumetric, spectrophotometric, and potentiometric analyses for separation, identification and quantification of chemical substances.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

CH 2410 - Organic Chemistry I

A study of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Review of hybrid orbitals, covalent bonding, and resonance. Introduction to nomenclature, stereochemistry, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, functional group chemistry based on reaction mechanisms, and multi-step synthesis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

CH 2430 - Mechanistic Organic Chemistry

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry focusing on providing the understanding of chemical reactivity of various types of organic molecules through a mechanistic perspective. The emphasis is given to mastering substitution, elimination, and addition mechanisms and their relevance to various kinds of organic compounds

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Co-Requisite(s): CH 2411
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1160 and CH 1161

CH 3500 - Physical Chemistry for Environmental and Life Sciences

Equilibrium thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, transport properties, gas laws, and phase equilibria with an emphasis on solution behavior and applications to molecules important in the environmental and life sciences.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or CH 1170 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161) and MA 2160

CH 3510 - Physical Chemistry I - Thermodynamics, Equilibrium and Kinetics

Ideal and non-ideal gas laws, the kinetic theory of gases, equations of state, liquid-vapor equilibrium, the laws of thermodynamics, solid-liquid-vapor equilibria, the chemical potential, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, the phase rule, phase diagrams, and chemical kinetics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161) and MA 2160 and (PH 2200(C) or PH 2260(C))

Review Sample Plans for Course Sequences

Advisors create sample plans and flow charts to help you understand course requirements, electives, pre-requisites, and credit loads.

These depend on the year you enroll, or your audit year. Students can take courses in the summer, if needed.

Common First Year

Engineering majors have a common first year program.

Finding the right major means navigating a landscape of options. In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across majors. This allows you to complete many course requirements and still be on track if you should decide to change majors. In engineering, the first year may look like this:

Year 1 Fall

CH 1150 - University Chemistry I

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

GE 1100 - Geological Engineering and Sciences Orientation

Introduction to geosciences as a profession, including discussions of career opportunities and geoscience programs. Earth materials and the earth's processes are also introduced. Includes frequent field trips. Intended for freshman or sophomore students in geological engineering, geology, applied geophysics, hydrology, geotechnics, earth science teaching, or any other geoscience program.

Credits: 1.0; Graded Pass/Fail Only
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Geological Engineering, General Sciences and Arts, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, Applied Geophysics, Geology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

GE 2000 - Understanding the Earth

Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

UN 1015 - Composition

Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Year 1 Spring

MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

PH 1200 - Physics by Inquiry II

Experiments covering Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, induction, and geometric optics are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100 or PH 1111 or PH 1141 or PH 1161

PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

CH 1160 - University Chemistry II

A continuation of CH 1150. Introduces more complex concepts in chemistry, including kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Additional topics may include chemistry of the metals and non-metals, biochemical systems, and nuclear chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture concepts.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1161
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

CH 1161 - University Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory to accompany CH1160.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1160
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

UN 1025 - Global Issues

Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

In this sample plan, there are only two major-related courses required during the first two semesters, GE 1100 and GE 2000.

Design and Research Capstone

You will have the design and research experience as a senior.

Engineering students and those in the sciences will participate in a research or design project for their capstone or senior year. Engineering students can choose Senior Design or Enterprise for their capstone initiative. A student may find a research project at any time in their undergraduate career. Geology majors have summer field courses and geology electives.

Geology Summer Field Courses

GE 4090 - Field Geophysics

Introduction to field geophysical techniques including basic land surveying. Emphasizes the recording, reduction, presentation, and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and electromagnetic data as well as the proper use, care, and calibration of equipment used to collect the data. Requires report writing. Students must provide their own transportation.

Credits: 5.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
Semesters Offered: Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3040 and GE 3010

GE 4091 - Field Geology with Engineering Applications

Introduction to methods and problems of field geology, interpretation of field relationships, and engineering site investigation. Field areas are located in northern Michigan. Requires geological and/or engineering report and memo writing.

Credits: 5.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
Semesters Offered: Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310 and GE 3050 and GE 3010

Geology Electives

GE 4250 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

This course focuses on the basic physics behind above- surface remote sensing and remote sensing systems. Topics covered include: properties of the atmosphere, absorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation, instrument design, data acquisition and processing, validation, and basic applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 and MA 2160

GE 4530 - Planetary Geology & Geophysics

Geological, geophysical, and geochemical processes in the Solar System are examined. Topics include the formation and evolution of the Solar System, planetary surface processes and water distribution, impact structures, composition, structure, and dynamics of planetary interiors, geophysical exploration of planets.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and PH 2200 and MA 2160

GE 4560 - Earthquake Seismology

Course covers fundamentals of the physics of earthquakes and seismic energy propagation, and seismic methods to determine Earth structure. Emphasis is placed on natural source techniques, with extension to exploration applications. Weekly labs apply techniques.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3050 and PH 2100

GE 4610 - Formation Evaluation and Petroleum Engineering

Principles and practice of formation evaluation, primarily through analysis of well logs and the principles and practice of petroleum engineering. Emphasizes reservoir engineering and simulation. Students conduct projects using actual field data.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

GE 4933 - Special Topics in Geophysics

Study and discussion of geophysics topics.

Credits: variable to 5.0; Repeatable to a Max of 10
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

GE 4962 - Independent Geophysics Research Project

Approved literature, laboratory, and/or field geophysics research problem originated by the student or assigned by the instructor. A final report is required.

Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore