Undergraduate Programs

PALEONTOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

Department of Geology and Geological Engineering



Undergraduate Programs

       Four degrees are offered in Geology and Geological Engineering (GGE) –
In the College of Arts and Sciences:
         • B.S., Bachelor of Science in Geology
         • B.A., Bachelor of Arts with a major in Geology
In the School of Engineering and Mines:
         • B.S., Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering
         • B.S., Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology and Technology

Graduate Programs

       Three degrees are offered in Geology and Geological Engineering (GGE) –
          • M.S., Master of Science
          • M.A., Master of Arts
          • Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy
Paleontology Certificate Program

       A separate program to note concentration in paleontology for teachers or others with this interest. Course requirements include the following:

• Earth Through Time (G102)
• Introduction to Paleontology (G415)
• Paleontology Museum Methods (G303)
• Paleontology Field School (G-303/G491/G591)) (one to two weeks, conducted in cooperation with the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum, Bowman, North Dakota)


Degree Studies with a Focus on Paleontology

(See GGE Web site for other course work and requirements related to degree programs –
www.geology.und.nodak.edu

Note that the numbering system is flexible to offer special courses on demand.


UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Geol 100 Earth Science (4 Credits)
Fall, Spring.
The geologic aspects of earth science are featured. Geologic hazards, mineral and energy resources, and the significance of geology in the national parks are among the topics covered. This lecture–recitation course will fulfill part of the nonlaboratory General Education Requirement (GER).

Geol 102 The Earth Through Time (3 Credits)
Fall, Spring.
The tracing of changes in Earth and life through time, with emphasis on the record from North America. Geol 102L may be taken concurrently. Geol 102 fulfills the lab science GER when taken in conjunction with Geol 102L or satisfies a portion of the nonlaboratory science GER when taken alone.


Geol 102L The Earth Through Time Laboratory (1 Credit)
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Geol 102. Fall, Spring.
An introductory laboratory to complement Geol 102. Field trip included.


Geol 105 Selected Topics (1–4 Credits)
Repeatable when topics vary. Fall.
A special topic course intended for nongeology majors. Subjects will include many issues of interest to nongeologists and nonscientists, such as earthquakes, fossils, evolution, and extinction, gems, and the geology of National Parks. Some Geol 105 titles will satisfy a portion of the nonlaboratory science. GER; contact the instructor for details. A paleo-based course taught under this header is:

       Fossils, Evolution, and the Road to Extinction.


Geol 303 Selected Topics in Geology (1–4 Credits)
Prerequisite: Geol 100, 101, 102, 103 or consent. Fall, Spring.
Each topic is concerned with a special aspect of geology. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 hours. Courses taught under this header include:

       Geological Uses for Modern Technology
       Using GeoDIL in Geological Education
       Paleontology Museum Methods


Geol 356 Geoscience Lectures (1 Credit)
Fall, Spring.
Students attend and evaluate departmental lectures given by visiting scientists and engineers, faculty, and students. May be repeated once. S-U grading. May not be taken concurrently with Geol 422.

Geol 411 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (5 Credits)
Prerequisites: Geol 320. Fall.
Origin, transportation, deposition, and diagenesis of sediments; principles and applications of stratigraphy. Includes field trip and laboratory.

Geol 415 – Introduction to Paleontology (4 Credits)
Prerequisite: Geol 102. Fall.
Principles of paleontology, including paleobiology, paleoecology, paleobiogeography, and biochronology of selected invertebrate, vertebrate, and microfossil groups.

Geol 420 The Evolving Earth (3 Credits)
Prerequisite: Senior standing in Geology.
A synthesis of the physical, biological, and chemical changes on Earth through time set within geologic systems and unifying concepts. Spring.

Geol 422 Seminar (1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Senior or graduate status in departmental major. Fall and Spring.
Preparation and delivery of oral presentations on research, engineering design project or other topic. Includes evaluation of departmental seminars and lectures. May not be taken concurrently with Geol 356.

Geol 491 Geologic Problems (1–4 Credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. On Demand.
May be taken more than one semester to maximum of 8 hours. Individualized or group study on selected geoscience topics. Courses taught under this header include:
                       K/T Boundary Mass Extinction
                       Mass Extinctions
                       Paleontology in the Geological Sciences