Geology courses currently using the Cowling Arboretum for an outdoor classroom are: GEOL 125 Intro to Field Geology, GEOL 135 Introduction to Climate Science and GEOL 315 Paleoclimate.
Geology students frequently conduct field investigations in the Arb during their lab periods. These include mapping elevation changes in and around the Cannon River using survey equipment in Professor Mary Savina’s class on Geomorphology (210) and investigating the flooding potential on athletic fields near the river in Intro to Environmental Geology (110).
Geology 100: Geology in the Field. This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of geology through first-hand field work. The great majority of time is spent outdoors at nearby sites of geological interest. Using field observations, descriptions, data-gathering, hypothesis-testing, and interpreting, supplemented by lab work and reading, students will gradually piece together the most important elements of the long and complex geologic history of Southern Minnesota.
Geology 110: Introduction to Geology An introduction to the study of earth systems, physical processes operating on the earth, and the history of the earth.
Geology 120: Introduction to Environmental Geology. An introduction to geology emphasizing environmental health and humankind’s use and abuse of soil, water, fuels, and other resources.
Geology 258: Geology of Soils. The study of soil formation, physical and chemical properties of soils especially as related to geomorphology and land use.
Geology 210: Geomorphology. Study of the geological processes and factors which influence the origin and development of the surficial features of the earth.
Geology 370: Geochemistry of Natural Waters. The main goal of this course is to introduce and tie together the several diverse disciplines that must be brought to bear on hydrogeochemical problems today. This course explores: principles of geochemistry, applications of chemical thermodynamics to geologic problems, mineral solubility, stability diagrams, chemical aspects of sedimentary rocks, geochemical tracers, radiogenic isotopes and principles of stable isotope fractionation.