Geology
Department of Chemistry/Geology/Physics
The College of Arts and Sciences
Chair
Brian K. Mohney, Professor of Chemistry
Faculty
William A. Reinthal, Professional Instructor of Geology
Mission and Goals
The geology program seeks to provide workable knowledge of geological concepts and principles in order for students to gain an understanding of the forces and processes that shape the world. Field and laboratory exercises are project-oriented and problem-based. Students develop a deeper familiarity with the scientific method by critically examining the physical evidence upon which current geological models of the earth are built.
Facilities and Equipment
Four laboratories and sufficient classroom space meet the needs of the faculty and students in the geology program. The Fran and Warren Rupp Environmental Geochemistry laboratory, shared with the chemistry program, houses a variety of equipment and provides a clean chemical environment for the analysis of liquids and solids. Instruments in the chemistry program's Ingmand laboratory, especially the ion chromatographs and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectophotometer, are also utilized in the geology curriculum. A research grade polarizing microscope with audio, video, and photographic capabilities is used for mineralogical analyses. These instruments plus extensive mineral, rock, thin section, fossil, and map collections, rock preparation equipment, and an active field trip program give geology students a significant amount of hands-on exposure.
Student Honor Society
Students who have excelled in geology courses are eligible for membership in the Zeta Lambda chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national honor society for the earth sciences. Membership is by invitation, selected from students who have completed 12 hours or more of geology courses with a 3.0 GPA and who have greater than a 2.75 overall GPA.
Geology Courses and Descriptions