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Western Carolina University · Courses

GEOL

30 courses with the subject GEOL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

GEOL 103The Solar System3

A descriptive introduction to our solar system from a historical and evolutionary perspective (Liberal Studies C5). Cross-listed with AST 103 .

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 140Investigations in Environmental Geology3

Class will conduct a holistic investigation of a problem in environmental geology using basic principles and methods of science and geology; investigation topics will vary (Liberal Studies C5).

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 141Earth History and Prehistoric Life3

An examination of the origins and history of the Earth and life, based on fossils and the rock record. This will include geological, paleontological, and biological concepts (e.g., plate tectonics, how fossils form, prehistoric creatures such as dinosaurs, and the evolution and ecology of ancient ecosystems). The course will emphasize the scientific process, including the kinds of data and techniques scientists use to understand Earth history. It will also emphasize global change through time and humanity’s impacts on the Earth system. (Liberal Studies C5).

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 145Climate Change and Water Resources3

This course introduces the concepts of climate, climate changes and interconnection of energy, climate with water resources through understanding the structure and processes within our atmosphere, patterns of global climate change over time, global warming and water cycle, and human behaviors in terms of how likely they are to ensure the ability to live sustainably. This course also highlights the interconnections among climate change and affiliated water resource issues, by examining human influences, and synergistic linkages between climate change and freshwater quality and availability.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 150Methods in Geology4

Topics related to earth materials and solid and surficial earth processes explored through field, analytical, and computing methods, developing investigation and communication skills. 3 Lecture, 3 Lab. (Liberal Studies C5).

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
www.wcu.edu
GEOL 151Earth: Geology, Resources, Hazards, and Environment3

The course will study a variety of geoscience topics related to the earth materials, plate tectonics, natural hazards-from volcanoes to flooding, and earth physical resources-from rocks to water. These topics will be explored through field, analytical, research and computing methods, and developing investigation and communication skills. In the exploration, students will learn about the planet we live on, examine critical societal issues, and learn how to make a difference in stewardship of the earth. 2 Lecture, 2 Lab (Liberal Studies C5)

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 155Historical Geology4

Major events and changes in life forms in North American geological history; fossils, ancient environments, and geologic interpretation. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 140 . Credits: 4
GEOL 191Geology, Landscapes, and the Human Psyche3

How the physical world determines the appearance, climate, and ecology of our planet and how this physical landscape reflects a region’s history, literature, and human ecology.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 250Earth Materials4

Course focus on introduction of earth materials (e.g., minerals and rocks) through physical and chemical properties and various identification techniques. At the end of the course, students will be able to describe and identify common minerals and rocks, interpret features of rocks to make inferences about their formation, and understand the importance of Earth materials as resources as well as their impacts on the environment. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab. (Liberal Studies C5)

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 141 or GEOL 151 and CHEM 132 or CHEM 139 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite
CHEM 132 or CHEM 139 Credits: 4
GEOL 302Geomorphology4

An exploration of the Earth’s landscapes and the natural and anthropogenic processes that shape them; example topics are streams, landslides, weathering, glaciers, and climate change. Students will learn key skills, principles, and research approaches to geomorphology based on class, lab, and field-based activities. This course is cross-listed with GEOG 302. 3 Lecture, 3 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
ES 150 , or GEOL 141 , or GEOL 145 , or GEOL 151 , or NRM 210 . Credits: 4
GEOL 305Soils and Hydrology4

Soil genesis, properties, and classification; the hydrologic cycle; surface runoff and groundwater; water budgets and water quality; management of soils and water. This course is cross-listed with GEOG 305. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
BIOL 150 , or ENVH 230 , or ES 150 , or GEOL 141 , or GEOL 145 , or GEOL 151 or NRM 210 . Credits: 4
GEOL 310Principles of Soils and Hydrology for Construction Managers4

Provides an understanding of the distribution and genesis of soils, soil physical and geotechnical properties, and hydro-geological processes that impact construction; field and geologic analysis.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 330Geophysics4
Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Completion of either PHYS 130 or PHYS 230 ; and the completion of, or concurrent enrollment in either PHYS 131 or PHYS 231 . Credits: 4
GEOL 355Petrology4

Introduction to igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock genesis and their environments of formation; includes hand specimen and optical identification and fieldwork. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 250 . Credits: 4
GEOL 356Advanced Petrology2

Petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks using geochemistry and phase equilibria studies of mineral assemblages under various temperature-pressure conditions.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 355 . Credits: 2
GEOL 371Structural Geology4

Descriptive structural geology; emphasis on outcrop and regional scale deformational features; use of maps and graphic techniques in structural analysis. 3 Lecture, 3 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 141 or GEOL 151 . Credits: 4
GEOL 389Cooperative Education in Geology1

See Cooperative Education Program.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 393Special Problems in Geology1-4

Supervised research that includes a final oral presentation. Research requirements will vary with credit.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Permission of instructor. Credits: 1-4, R6
GEOL 394Geology Field Trip1-3

An extended field trip to see different geologic environments.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 395Careers in Earth Science1

This seminar is designed for Geology, Environmental Science, and Natural Resources majors when they are about 3 semesters away from graduation, although all 3rd year students interested in careers in the earth sciences are welcome. The seminar will introduce career options in the earth science job sectors, and MS and PhD graduate programs. Seminar participants will practice strategies for finding a first job after graduating, for finding and evaluating graduate school opportunities, and for professional networking in different venues. Seminar participants will draft CVs and resumes, cover letters and emails to potential supervisors, and elements of job and graduate school applications. The seminar concludes with an on-campus practice interview at the CCPD and 4-6 guest speakers at various points in their careers. The visitors talk about their career path and current position, day-to-day work life, and advice for success.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Junior Standing. Credits: 1
GEOL 405Hydrogeology4

Overview of basic principles and methods of hydrogeology with emphasis on groundwater, groundwater-surface water interactions, geologic controls, water chemistry, field investigations, and environmental problems.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOG 305 / GEOL 305 , or GEOG 302 / GEOL 302 , or permission of instructor. Credits: 4
GEOL 410Fluvial Geomorphology3

Survey of channel hydraulics, sediment transport and deposition, and channel responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances; emphasizes factors controlling channel form and process.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 422Sedimentation and Stratigraphy4

The origin and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, the study of depositional environments, and the use of layered rocks in the interpretation and synthesis of the geologic record. Field trips. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 141 or GEOL 151 Credits: 4
GEOL 423Contaminated Rivers: Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration3

Survey of trace metal transport and fate in riverine environments and their potential impacts on ecosystem and human health; emphasizes remediation techniques.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
GEOL 455Wetlands3

Wetland science and management with an emphasis on physical processes and field techniques.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Junior or Senior Standing, or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
GEOL 465Environmental Geochemistry3

Applying chemical principles in the study of geologic topics including environmental contaminants, element cycling, environmental reconstruction, and climate change; use of analytical equipment in geochemistry.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
CHEM 139 and ( GEOL 145 or GEOL 151 ). Credits: 3
GEOL 471Tectonics3

History and development of tectonic concepts; geometry and kinematics of plate mosaic; evolution of modern and ancient orogenic belts. 2 Lecture, 2 Lab. Field trips.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
GEOL 355 and GEOL 371 , or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
GEOL 494Topics in Geology1-4

Special course explores a current topic in geology or environmental geology.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Junior Standing or permission of instructor. Credits: 1-4, R8
GEOL 495Senior Seminar in Geology3

Investigations of problems in geology and environmental geology. Written and oral presentations of student research.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Senior Standing or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
GEOL 499Senior Thesis2-4

An original research project culminating in a written thesis and public presentation of results. Projects may last 1 or 2 semesters. Senior standing. 4 Lab.

Subject
GEOL
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027
Catalog
CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Source
catalog.wcu.edu
Prerequisite
Permission of instructor. Credits: 2-4, R6

Source: Western Carolina University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61