Iowa State University

Iowa State University

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences

Got a question or comment?
Contact us at 515-294-4477 (geology) or 515-294-4758 (meteorology)
geology@iastate.edu
meteorology@iastate.edu

Carl Jacobson
Chair
Department of Geological & Atmospheric Sciences
253 Science I
Ames, Iowa 50011

FAX: 515-294-6049

William Gallus
Professor-in-Charge
Meteorology Program
3010 Agronomy Hall
515-294-2270


Courses taught by Paul Spry


Geol 105X Gems and Gemstones
(1 credit; second-half of Fall semester)
What should you pay, where should you buy, and how much is that gemstone worth? This 7-week course provides an introduction to almost everything you ever wanted to know about gems and gemstones. The important 4C’s (carats, cuts, clarity, color), gemstone flaws, physical and optical properties of gems, how to identify gems and gemstones, the difference between synthetic and natural gems will be covered. There will also be a demonstration to show how gems are characterized through the use of basic gemological equipment such as a gemscope, loupe, dichroscope, polariscope, and refractometer. Guest lectures by local gem dealers. No prerequisite.
PowerPoint
Syllabus

Geol 311 Mineralogy and Earth Materials (5 credits; Fall semester)
Introduction to mineral classification, elementary crystal chemistry, crystal morphology, mineral stability, and optical mineralogy with a transmitted light microscope. Laboratory problems in mineral identification methods, including hand-specimen identification and x-ray diffraction. Nonmajor graduate credit. Prerequisites: Geol 100 or 201, 305, Chem 163.

Geol 324/Env St 324/Mteor 324 Energy and the Environment (3 credits, Spring semester)
This course is an introduction to the effects that renewable and non-renewable energy production and consumption have on the environment. There will be discussion of the origin, occurrence, and extraction of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, and methane hydrates) as well as nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectric energy, and other "alternative" energy sources. The environmental effects of energy production and use, including air pollution, acid drainage, groundwater contamination, nuclear waste disposal, and global warming, will also be a focus of the class. Course is largely designed for non-science majors. No prerequisites.

Geol 365 Petrology (5 credits, Spring semester)
Nature and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on important rock-forming environments and processes and their influence on rock characteristics. Laboratory includes thin section study of rock textures and mineralogy and the interpretation of these features. Non-major graduate credit.
Prerequisite: Geol 311.

Geol 507 Midwestern Geology Field Trip (1 credit, Fall semester)
On-site inspection of various metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, ore districts, mining operations, and mineral processing plants. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only. Field trips each year alternate between ore districts in Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Prerequisite: Geol 365