Casper College has got to be one of the best places on earth to study Geology as Wyoming is replete with geological formations from the Pre-Cambrian era to recent.  The oil, mineral, and gas industries provide a strong economic base in Wyoming.  Tourism is enhanced by the numerous fossil beds, archeological sites, and geological formations within the state.  Visitors to the Casper College campus may have hands-on experiences at the Tate Geological Museum with rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossil casting, and dinosaur skeleton assembly.  Many of our geology courses are also offered via Internet.

• Kent Sundell
  • Phone: (307) 268-2498
  • Office: TM 103
  • Weblink

• Terry Logue (adjunct faculty)
  • Phone: (307) 268-2536
  • Office: TM 104A

• Dana Van Burgh (adjunct faculty)
  • Phone: (307) 268-2536
  • Office: TM 104A

• Associate of Science degree
  • Geology

• Related Degrees
  • Associate of Science - Geographic Information Systems
  • Associate of Science - Extractive Resources Technology
    
    
• Earth Science Department Degrees
  • Extractive Resources Technology
  • Geography
  • Geology

GEOL 1015 Geology in the Field (1L,2LB,2CR):
This course is designed to be lecture in the field about the spectacular geology of Wyoming. A great variety of Wyoming’s minerals, rocks, fossils, and scenic geology will be explored during field trips.

GEOL 1020 Geology of Wyoming (1L,1CR):
Topics in the geology of Wyoming; lectures and field trips which illustrate a major facet of Wyoming’s natural geological laboratory. Topics have included volcanoes, glaciers, Wyoming gem stones and precious metals, plate tectonics, and the oil and gas business.

GEOL 1021 Geology of Wyoming Field Trip (2LB,1CR):
Lecture in the field to observe first-hand the unique geological features of Wyoming. Optional field trip to be taken concurrently with GEOL 1020.

GEOL 1040 Gemstones and Their Geologic Origins (1L, 1CR):
This course is designed to acquaint the student with gemstone identification, faceting and the geology which produces these rare specimens.

GEOL 1070 Earth Science for Elementary Education Majors (3L,2LB,4CR)[E][SE]:
Covers processes that resulted in the present topography and the past events and the fossil or evolutionary response to changing geography through time. Includes energy reserves, pollution, ecology, mineral resources, the earth framed as a planet, and the solar system.

GEOL 1100 Physical Geology (3L,2LB,4CR)[E][SE]:
A lecture and laboratory survey of the composition and geologic features of the earth and the processes which have formed them.

GEOL 1200 Historical Geology (3L,2LB,4CR)[E][SE]:
A lecture and laboratory survey of the physical and biological history of the earth as interpreted from the sequence of rocks and fossil remains. Field trips will be included in the spring semester. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 recommended.

GEOL 1250 Paleontology and Geology Field Work (1CR):
Wyoming is one of the richest fossil regions in the world. This course offers the student an opportunity to look for and collect fossils from various field sites near Casper. These sites include fossils of early mammals as well as dinosaurs. All fossil specimens collected are the property of the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College. Exceptions for souvenir specimens can be made at the discretion of the Tate Museum staff.

GEOL 2000 Foundations of Geology (4L,4CR):
Geology applied to the complete Earth system including Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere, emphasizing rock associations and geochemical cycles on a global scale. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100.

GEOL 2010 Mineralogy and Petrography I (3L,4LB,5CR)[E]:
An in-depth introduction to the mineralogy of rock-forming minerals and minerals of economic interest. Lectures and labs will cover the chemical, physical and optical properties of minerals. The class will systematically cover minerals and mineral associations. Great emphasis will be placed on hand sample and microscopic identification of rock-forming minerals.

GEOL 2020 Introduction to Petrology (3L,2LB,4CR):
Introduces the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section. Covers textural and mineralogical features of igneous and metamorphic rocks, chemistry of igneous rocks, phase diagrams controlling mineral crystallization in igneous and metamorphic rocks and tectonic environments in which various igneous and metamorphic rocks are found. Field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOL 2010.

GEOL 2050 Principles of Paleontology (3L,3CR)[E]:
A systematic look at the evolution of life forms on Earth from the earliest traces of organic material in Archaen rocks billions of years ago to the great diversity of life we see today.

GEOL 2070 Oceanography (3L,2LB,4CR):
Deals with the ocean as a major environment of the earth. Includes the physical make-up of the ocean and the ocean as a climate controller and a resource for humans. Future pollution factors will also be discussed.

GEOL 2080 General Field Geology (3L,2LB,4CR)[E][SE]:
General Field Geology teaches students basic concepts of geology, field mapping, and sampling technique. Emphasizes recognition, recording, and interpretation of geologic and paleontologic features in the field. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 and at least two other geology classes.

GEOL 2100 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (3L,2LB,4CR)[E]:
A basic course in stratigraphy and sedimentation which stresses depositional, environmental, and age relationships of sedimentary rock. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL 2150 Geomorphology (3L,2LB,4CR)[E]:
The formation, description and study of land forms which are a result of destructional and constructional geologic processes. The study of topographic maps and aerial photographs are an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 recommended or permission of the instructor.

GEOL 2320 Petroleum Geology (3L,3CR):
The origin and properties of petroleum reservoirs with methods of exploring for structural and stratigraphic traps by subsurface and surface geologic techniques. Mode of petroleum genesis, preferential, habitat and migration, and accumulation will be discussed in depth. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or EXTR 1500, or permission of the instructor.

GEOL 2465 Research Problems in Geology (1-3CR) (Max. 3):
A comprehensive research study in geology is required, the topic must be selected in consultation with the instructor. Upon completing the project, the student will present a written and an oral report to the instructor.

GEOL 2490 Topics: (Subtitle) (1-4CR):
Offered in answer to specific need or public interest.

EARTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT NEWS

Renovation of room TM121 is now complete. The new cabinets, counters, tables, chairs, and microscope stations look Great!

Many of our geology majors (past and present) are getting temporary, summer, and permanent jobs with Uranium Exploration companies that have regional offices in Casper. As a result Dr. Sundell is teaching the topics course (GEOL 2490) about Wyoming Uranium Exploration this spring.

The Casper College Earth Science Department in cooperation with the Tate Museum has excavated more than 90% of a huge old Columbian Mammoth from a ranch north of Casper during the past two summers. Nine Casper College students were paid via via grants from Wyoming NASA Space Consortium, Wyoming NSF EPSCoR, and Natrona County BOCES to gain experience in both field and lab geological/paleontological projects. Dee the mammoth will be erected life size (14.5 feet at shoulders) at the Tate Museum over the next several years.

The purpose of the Geology Club is to enhance the learning experience in the various disciplines of Earth Science for Casper College students and members of the community.

Students gain hands-on experience and opportunities to meet professionals and non-professionals in the field. Field trips, events with the museum and other venues make every moment memorable and fun.

Meetings are held at Noon the first Tuesday of each month
In room 121 at the Tate Museum except during the summer.
See our events calendar for exact meeting times.

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| Earth Science Departmental Report |

The School of Science houses more than a dozen strong programs in the physical and life sciences. The faculty in the School of Science include accomplished paleontologists, physicists, engineers, mathematicians and seasoned professionals from agricultural, nutrition and other industries. Students have access to modern and well-equipped laboratories in the Loftin Life Science Center and the Wold Physical Science Center.

Casper College will be the foundation of your education and your career. START NOW!

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