The science of geology integrates physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology in order to better understand the planet earth. Students typically choose geology because of an interest in the natural world and a desire to work outdoors. Some geologists explore for energy, mineral, and water resources; some evaluate the potential hazards of earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions; and others locate, contain, or remove pollutants. The geology program prepares students for professional careers in the geosciences and provides the background required for graduate studies. The program offers a major and a minor in geology. A geology emphasis is also offered with the environmental science degree.

The geology program is broadly based in the traditional geologic disciplines with an emphasis on field studies in the Rocky Mountains. Geology majors and minors should expect numerous field trips that require camping and sometimes strenuous hiking in mountain settings. Rocky Mountain College geology students work on independent study/research projects with individual faculty. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical equipment within the geology department and through collaboration with other academic institutions.

Major in Geology

A minimum of 53 semester hours is required, including
GEO101/104 Fundamentals of Geology
GEO204 Earth Materials I
GEO218 Evolution of the Earth
GEO302 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
GEO305 Earth Materials II
GEO343 Field Methods for Geoscientists
GEO350 Applied Field Geology
GEO411 Structural Geology and Tectonics
GEO490 Geology Field Seminar
CHM101 General Chemistry I

Choose one of the following:
PHS101 Fundamental Physics I
PHS201 General Physics I
Choose one of the following:
MAT175 Calculus I
MAT210 Probability and Statistics

12 semester hours from
GEO 245 Geoscience Research Methods
GEO301 Paleontology
GEO310 Geomorphology
GEO320 The Geology of Natural Resources
GEO345 Practical Geoscience Research I
GEO415 Hydrogeology
GEO445 Practical Geoscience Research II
GEO483 Thesis in Geology
or other courses approved by the geology faculty

Minor in Geology

A minimum of 19 semester hours is required:

GEO101/104 Fundamentals of Geology
GEO204 Earth Materials I
GEO302 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
GEO343 Field Methods for Geoscientists
IDS243 Scientific Writing and Analysis

Plus four semester hours of geology electives approved by the geology faculty (of which at least two semester hours must be upper division).

GEO101 - Fundamentals of Geology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the science of earth materials, earth systems, and earth history, including the study of minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, rock deformation and metamorphism, weathering, and erosion within the modern paradigm of plate tectonics. Special emphasis is placed on interpreting the geologic landscape and history of the Rocky Mountains through an understanding of Earth processes. Three hours of lecture and one recommended two-hour laboratory per week, plus field trips. This course fulfills a natural lab science general education requirement if taken concurrently with GEO104.

GEO104 - Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Focus on description of the earth materials and earth systems within the framework of plate tectonic theory. Introduction to identification of minerals, rocks, geologic maps and structures.
Co-requisite: GEO 101

GEO204 - Earth Materials I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
This course involves detailed study of rocks and minerals and the environments in which they form. The course is very hands-on with emphasis placed on the identification of minerals and rocks in hand specimens and under the optical microscope. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory per week, and occasional all-afternoon field trips.
Prerequisites: GEO 101 and GEO 104
Co-requisite: CHM 101

GEO218 - Evolution of the Earth

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
A survey of the major geologic events that have shaped the Earth through time, techniques for telling time geologically, and the connections between the evolution of life and geologic processes and/or events. Special attention will be given to the regional geologic and environmental history of Montana and the surrounding area. This course will fulfill the non-lab science General Education Requirement for non-Geology/Environmental Science majors. Additionally, this course will provide a temporal context for many geologic features and concepts for geology majors and minors. Three hours of lecture per week and several day- or weekend- long field trips to examine local geologic features will be required.

GEO245 - Geoscience Research Methods

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Sophomore level course intended for Geology majors that plan to conduct an undergraduate research project. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of Geoscience research. Topics will include research hypothesis generation, literature searches, scientific literature interpretation, data collection, and the basics of presenting findings in written and oral formats. Students must apply for acceptance to the course. Students who complete this course are eligible to enroll in Practical Geoscience Research I.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, GEO 101, GEO 104, GEO 280, and permission of instructor.

GEO301 - Paleontology

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 4
This course explores the morphology, classification, paleoecology, biogeography and biostratigraphy of important fossil groups. Three hours of lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week, plus fossil collecting trips.
Prerequisites: GEO 101, GEO 104, and GEO 204

GEO302 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
This course provides an introduction to the properties, classification, depositional environments, and diagenesis of sediments and sedimentary rocks and their stratigraphic nomenclature and correlation. Field trips required. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 204 and GEO 343

GEO305 - Earth Materials II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
Build on skills learned in Earth Materials I with emphasis on origin and makeup of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Recognition, description, and classification using hand specimen and optical microscopy. Textures, occurrences, and processes are emphasized in practical exercises. The course provides an introduction to geochemical data and field occurrences of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory per week, and occasional all-afternoon field trips. Final project is a poster presentation involving literature review and synthesis of a major igneous or metamorphic region (e.g., Yellowstone, Hawaii, Beartooth Mountain Range).
Prerequisite: GEO 204

GEO310 - Geomorphology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
Students study landforms and the processes that create them. Topics include surface processes of erosion and deposition by rivers, glaciers, wind, waves, and mass wasting. Field trips required. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 305 and GEO 343

GEO316 - Geochemistry

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
Scientific literature and other resources will be used to illustrate the current ideas about the mechanisms that control water quality and chemistry in aqueous systems. Lecture topics will include: Hydrogeology, acid-base and reduction-oxidation reactions in natural systems, the geochemistry of metals, stable isotope geochemistry, and case studies of contaminated sites in Montana and throughout the West. Laboratory exercises will include basic sample collection, measurement of major ion concentration, and geochemical modeling with several field exercises. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 101, CHM 101

GEO320 - The Geology of Natural Resources

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
This course involves the study of geologic processes that produce mineral, coal, crude oil and natural gas (e.g. coalbed methane) deposits and environmental issues associated with their extraction and use. Emphasis is placed on regional deposits with field trips to appropriate sites. Two hours of lecture per week and field trips.
Prerequisites: GEO 101 and GEO 104

GEO330 - Paleoclimate and Global Change

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course is designed for Geology majors, Geology minors, upper-level Environmental Science, and other upper level science majors with interest in the climate of the Earth throughout its history. Scientific literature and other resources will be used to illustrate the current ideas about the mechanisms that drive Earth’s climate system on the plate tectonic timescale, glacial timescale, and short-term timescale. Topics will include: Earth’s climate system, paleoclimate proxies and paleothermometers, atmospheric chemistry and climate, controls and effects of oceanic circulation on climate, the effects of geologic features on climate (volcanoes, supercontinents, ice sheets, etc), and the effects of biologic organisms on climate and vica versa. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 101, CHM 101

GEO343 - Field Methods for Geoscientists

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
This practical course in basic field techniques focuses on the use of the fundamental tools of geologic field work including topographic and geologic maps, air photos, the Brunton compass, hand-held GPS, and Jacob's staff. Students draft cross-sections, geologic maps, and stratigraphic columns, and prepare geologic reports using proper scientific writing and data analysis techniques. This course should be taken during sophomore or junior year. One hour of lecture and a two-hour laboratory per week. This course does not serve as a substitute for GEO350 or equivalent. Students should expect several mandatory field trips. Some will require camping and strenuous hiking in mountain settings.
Prerequisites: GEO 101, GEO 104, and MAT 110 or a satisfactory score on a math placement exam.

GEO345 - Practical Geoscience Research I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Junior level course for students that have completed Geoscience Research Methods and have initiated an undergraduate research project. Topics will include a continuation of the concepts introduced in GEO 245 tailored to the students’ specific research project. Emphasis will be on identifying appropriate methods of data collection, manipulation, and presentation. Students will meet regularly as a group for discussion and literature review and one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
Prerequisite: GEO 245

GEO350 - Applied Field Geology

Semester: Summer
Semester hours: 6
Must be taken through another academic institution and approved by RMC academic advisor prior to enrollment in the course. An approved course must have the following components: Geologic mapping on topographic and aerial photograph bases, use of the geologic compass as a mapping and field surveying tool, coverage of a wide variety of rock types and geologic setting, and use of hand-held GPS. Students will also learn the preparation and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections, and the measurement and interpretation of stratigraphic sections. A special emphasis is placed on using appropriate methods to solve a variety of complex geologic problems. Five or six weeks. Additional field fee required.
Prerequisites: GEO 302, GEO 305, GEO 343, GEO 411

GEO380 - Special Topics: Oil and Gas Geology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
A lecture and laboratory course designed for Geology majors and minors. Course materials will provide an introduction to oil and gas geology, illustrating the various processes that take place from petroleum source to sink. Lectures will focus on the generation of oil and gas, the nature of source rocks and reservoirs, exploration of petroleum traps, as well as drilling and production. Special consideration will be given to regional oil and gas fields in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Laboratory exercises will include basic rock and mineral description, geologic map and seismic interpretation, and data analysis. Assignments will focus on weekly reading and laboratory assignments, as well as several day or multi-day field trips.
Prerequisites: Either GEO 101/104, CHM 101

GEO411 - Structural Geology and Tectonics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
This course involves the study of rock deformation at all scales, from microscopic analysis of fault rocks to mountain building processes. Topics include the classification and characterization of structural elements such as faults, folds, foliations and lineations. Emphasis is placed on methods of structural analysis including stereographic projection, construction of accurate cross sections, and kinematic analysis. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory per week, and occasional all-afternoon field trips. Final project is a poster presentation involving literature review and synthesis of a major orogenic belt.
Prerequisites: GEO 204, GEO 343, MAT 110 or satisfactory score on a math placement exam.

GEO415 - Hydrogeology

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 4
Students explore the qualitative and quantitative relationships among geologic materials, geologic processes, and water. Includes precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, streamflow, aquifers, groundwater flow, wells, water chemistry, water quality, and contamination. Field trips required. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: GEO 101, GEO 104, and MAT 175

GEO445 - Practical Geoscience Research II

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Senior level course for students that have completed Practical Geoscience Research I and are in the final stages of an undergraduate research project. Topics will include written and oral presentation skills and strategies and research grant proposal preparation. Students will meet regularly as a group for discussion and literature review and one-on-one with a faculty mentor. Additionally, students will meet with and serve as mentors for students in GEO 245 and GEO 345.
Prerequisite: GEO 345

GEO450 - Internship

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-12
This course is a guided experience either in industry or governmental work or as a teaching assistant in Geology. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with the instructor and the office of career services. The internship should relate to the student's major or minor area of study. Pass/no pass grading. Contract is required.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission of instructor

GEO483 - Thesis in Geology

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
This course provides research in geology resulting in a formal written paper, oral presentation, and approval by faculty.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission of professor

GEO490 - Geology Field Seminar

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-4
This capstone course in the geology degree program combines literature reviews with local field research. The focus is on collection and synthesis of field data in order to solve geologic problems. Field skills along with oral and/or written presentations are emphasized. All field trips are mandatory. These trips will involve hiking, camping and fairly strenuous outdoor activities in mountainous terrain.
Prerequisite: Senior standing in geology or permission from instructor.

GEO499 - Independent Study

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing