The origins, occurrences, crystal system, properties, and uses of common minerals. An introduction to the role of the polarizing microscope in mineral studies. The description, origin, and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. An examination of the solar system utilizing current information from landers, flybys, telescopes, and scanners. The planets, their satellites, asteroids, comets, meteorites, and other bodies are studied in detail.
Geochemistry is a quantitative treatment of fundamental geochemical processes.
It treats the controls and sampling of element distributions in nature for students of geology, chemistry or environmental sciences. Introduction to basic Hydrology. The Hydrologic cycle, aquifers and confining beds, porosity and hydraulic conductivity, groundwater movement, aquifer tests, well logs, groundwater quality and pollution. Lecture and laboratory. Geological processes and the origin and evolution of land forms.