Geology 1000 or IDS 1700 topics course. Theory and technique of mineral identification using the optical properties of light and X-rays. An introduction to crystalline order and the crystal systems using crystals, block models, stereograms, the petrographic microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and the scanning electron microscope. Instruction and use of the petrographic microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope in the identification of minerals. Physical properties, origin, occurrence, geochemistry, atomic structures, and use of minerals.
Laboratory emphasizes the physical identification of minerals in hand samples.
Classification and morphology of fossil invertebrates with reference to evolutionary history and environment. Field trips to collect representative fossils. Introduction to the genesis, global distribution, associations, compositions, and classifications of rocks. Laboratory emphasis is on macroscopic and microscopic identification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Rock sequences, lithologic and paleontologic facies of various parts of the United States and basic sedimentological principles.