Geology Courses
GLG101 - 103, Introduction to Geology I - Physical Geology
Lecture 3 credits/ Lab 1 credit
Topics covered: The scientific study of the Earth- its composition and the processes that operate on and beneath its surface. This course covers basic mineral/rock formation, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, stream processes, groundwater, glacial, desert and coastal processes; basic geological time principles, mineral and energy resources, the Earth's deep interior, and the theory of plate tectonics and continental drift. Lab covers mineral and rock identification, geologic time principles, and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps.
Prerequisites: none; lab may require field trips.
Intended Clientele: geology majors (AGEC-S), non-majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A, and AGEC-B
Transferability: Equivalent to GLG 101/103 at ASU SQ/SG credit, Equivalent to GLG 101/103 at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, Equivalent to GEOS 251 at U of A
GLG102 - 104, Historical Geology
Lecture 3 credits/ Lab 1 credit
Topics covered: formation and evolution of the Earth, oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere through geologic time. This course covers the formation of the Earth in the solar system, the formation of the early atmosphere and oceans, the evolution and motion of continents (emphasis on North America) and oceans basins, the formation of the great mountain ranges, the evolution of landscapes, the fossil record and the evolution of life and the development of the geologic time scale. Lab covers mineral, rock, and fossil identification, interpretation of ancient geographies as indicated by rocks and geologic maps.
Prerequisites: none; lab may require field trips.
Intended Clientele: geology majors (AGEC-S), non-majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A, and AGEC-B
Transferability: Equivalent to GLG 102/104 at ASU SG & H (Historical Awareness) credit, Equivalent to GLG 102/104 at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, Department Elective at U of A
GLG105 Introduction to Planetary Science
Lecture / Lab 4 Credits
Topics covered: A survey of solar system objects (planets, moon, and asteroids) and their geologic evolution, surfaces, interiors, and atmospheres and the methods used to study them; current space missions and the search for life beyond Earth; weekly laboratory for data analysis and experiments.
Prerequisites: none; possible weekend field trip.
Intended Clientele: non-majors, education majors, liberal studies science credit, AGEC-A, and AGEC-B
Transferability: ASU Elective Credit, Natural Science - General (SG), Equivalent to GLG 190 & 190L at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, UA PTYS Departmental Elective, Tier 1 & 2 Natural Sciences (NS)
GLG110 - 111 Geologic Disasters and the Environment (Environmental Geology)
Lecture 3 credits/ Lab 1 credit
Topics covered: Acquaints students with the use and importance of geological studies as they apply to the interactions between people and the Earth. Includes geologic processes and hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides; use of fossil fuels; mining of raw materials. Lab covers basic mineral, soil, and rock identification, map uses, water resources, land stability, and waste disposal.
Prerequisites: none
Intended Clientele: non-majors, education majors, liberal studies science credit AGEC-A, and AGEC-B
Transferability: Equivalent to GLG 110/111 at ASU SQ/SG credit and G (Global Awareness)
** only G credit if lecture only is taken (3 credits), Equivalent to GLG 112L at NAU Liberal Studies Lab Science credit, Department Elective at U of A
GLG229 - Field Studies for Educators, 1, 2, or 3 credits
Topics covered: Field trips to selected areas in Arizona, the southwestern U. S. in order to collect and/or observe geological phenomena. This course will help familiarize Earth Science educators with geologic history of Arizona, rock and mineral collection localities, and potential field trip localities. Under some circumstances, K-12 educators can earn continuing education units by repeating different versions of this course.
Prerequisites: none
Intended Clientele: K-12 educators, geology majors
Transferability: Elective Credit at ASU, NAU and UA
GLG230 - Field Geology of the Southwest, 1, 2, or 3 credits
Topics covered: Field trips to selected areas in the Southwest, such as Arizona, Utah, California, and Sonora) to observe and interpret various geological features and phenomena. This course will help familiarize Geology majors and Earth Science educators with the geology and geologic history of the southwestern U. S. Students will have the opportunity to collect and identify rocks, rock formations, and fossils and make field measurements of geologic structures. Under some circumstances, K-12 educators can earn continuing education units by repeating different versions of this course.
Prerequisites: none
Intended Clientele: Geology majors and minors; K-12 educators
Transferability: Elective Credit at ASU, NAU and UA
GLG231 - Special Topics in Geology, 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 credits
Topics covered: Exploration of important topics in geology. Specific topic varies. Previous offerings have focused on field based studies of volcanoes and volcanic processes in northern Arizona. Under some circumstances, K-12 educators can earn continuing education units by repeating different versions of this course.
Prerequisites: none
Intended Clientele: Geology majors and minors; K-12 educators
Transferability: Elective Credit at ASU, NAU and UA
GLG280 - 281 - Geology of Arizona
Lecture 3 credits/ Lab 1 credit
Topics covered: Acquaints students with the physical and historical geology of Arizona, including the origin of present-day land forms and outstanding modern geologic features and processes now in operation.
Prerequisites: none
Intended Clientele: geology majors, non-majors, liberal studies science credit
Transferability: Elective Credit at ASU, NAU and UA
See course competencies at Maricopa Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation.