Geology

Academics at Hanover:

As a geology student at Hanover, you will develop your scientific reasoning through discoveries in the classroom and in the field. Geology studies are supported by a wide range of hands-on experiences that make learning come to life.

Our small class sizes allow for lively discussions about compelling issues in geology, ranging from global warming to depletion of our natural resources. You will have opportunities to work with state-of-the-art laboratory technology and pursue research in collaboration with our faculty. You will gain valuable field experience in at least one of Hanover’s off-campus travel courses to the Grand Canyon, Ghost Ranch, N.M., or even northwest Scotland, where you will learn how to recognize rock types and geological structures, as well as apply your knowledge to field-mapping and problem-solving.

Our students are prepared for graduate school or careers in environmental geology, geotechnical consulting, hydrology and the energy and mineral industries. As a Hanover geology graduate, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address critical issues that will shape our planet’s future.

WHAT MAJORS AND COURSES CAN I PURSUE?

We offer majors in Geology, Environmental Geology, Geochemistry, and Geophysics; the latter three majors are offered within our interdisciplinary Environmental Science Program.

Courses taught by our faculty:

GEO 161 – Physical Geology
GEO 162 – Geology of National Parks and Monuments
GEO 163 – Environmental Geology
GEO 221 – Introduction to Geographic Information Science
GEO 224 – Mineralogy and Petrology
GEO 237 – Field Study
GEO 239 – Field Studies in Historical Geology
GEO 261 – Issues in Environmental Geology
GEO 262 – History of Life
GEO 323 – Structural Geology
GEO 327 – Sedimentary Deposits
GEO 328 – Physical Hydrogeology
GEO 334 – Geomorphology
ENV 265 – Global Environmental Change
ENV 201/401 – Environmental Science Seminar

We also offer directed studies (GEO 370) developed by students in collaboration with a faculty member and special topics courses (GEO 160/260/360) when student demand merits a course not normally taught in our curriculum.

All of our majors are required to complete either an Internship (ENV 457), a Senior Seminar (GEO 461), or Senior Thesis (GEO 471 or ENV471).

STUDENTS IN THE FIELD

The geology department offers numerous exciting opportunities for studying geology in the field:

Field-based courses
Research opportunities
Geology Club field trips

Our program considers getting students into the field, examining the real thing, to be its highest priority. As such, we offer several field courses during the college’s May Semester:

GEO 162 – Geology of National Parks and Monuments
An investigation of geological features, processes, and history through field studies conducted in selected national parks and monuments in the southwestern United States. The course normally culminates with an extended backpacking trip to describe and interpret the geology of the Grand Canyon.
GEO 237 – Field Study
Field study of geologic principles, processes, and features as observed on field trips to selected areas of geologic interest near Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. Geologic mapping, aerial photograph interpretation, description and interpretation of stratigraphy and geologic structures are emphasized.
GEO 239 – Field Studies in Historical Geology
An introduction to the scientific study of geology with an emphasis on reconstructing the regional geologic and tectonic history of a geologically significant national or international setting. Students learn to identify and describe rock types, rock sequences, fossils, geologic structures, and surficial deposits and landforms; understand their formative processes; and place them within a given region’s developmental history.

Bevis, K. A., Neace, S. D., Redmond, M., Slover, H. In the Playground of Giants; A Geo-educational Website for Any Audience.
Ford, J. and VAN ITEN, H. Slope processes and geological hazards in the Ohio River Valley near Hanover. Indiana.
Neace, S. D., and Bevis, K.A. The Grand Canyon as an Undergraduate Field Laboratory.
Neace, S. D., and Bevis, K. A. Improved Sinkhole Mapping in Jefferson County, Indiana Using LiDAR Technology.
Rice, A. B., and Van Iten, H. Gravicalymene Celebra (Raymond) from the Silurian Laurel Dolostone: Where are the Pieces?
Rogers, K., and Bevis, K.A. Revised Mapping of the Location and Extent of Glaciation in the Central Oregon Cascades Based on LiDAR Data.
Slover, H., and Bevis, K. A. Rock Falls and Debris Flows in Semiarid Canyons of the Southwestern United States.
Van Iten, H. Tollerton, V. P. Jr., Ford, R. and Hunter, K. Taphonomy and Paleoecology of Paraconularia planicostata (Dawson) (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) from the Late Mississippian Big Cove Formation (Newfoundland) and Lower Windsor Group (Nova Scotia), Eastern Canada.

Learn about the Summer Research program

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY?

Graduate School

Some of our recent graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in graduate programs around the country:
Juris Doctor with Dual Master of Arts, Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Annandale on Hudson, NY
Master of Science, Geophysics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Master of Science, Sedimentary Geology, Miami University Oxford, OH
Master of Science, Applied Geophysics, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
Master of Science, Geology, Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
Master of Science, Geology, Delta State University Cleveland, MS

Start a Career

Many of our recent graduates have obtained a variety of positions in geology and related fields:
Agricultural Resource Specialist Johnson City Soil & Water Conservation Dist., Franklin, IN
Environmental Scientist, Aerotek Indianapolis, IN
Environmental and Safety Oversight, Environmental Consulting, Inc. Stoughton, WI
Environmental Specialist, Sanitation District I, Villa Hills, KY
Field Chemist, Clean Harbors, Cincinnati, OH
Geologist, Shelby Materials, Columbus, IN
Geologist, Wilcox Environmental Engineering, Indianapolis, IN
Geologist, Environmental Resources Management, Carmel, IN
Geologist, Cardno ATC, Evansville, IN
Hydrologist, IDEM, Indianapolis, IN
Owner/CEO Travis Thompson Oil Corp., Mount Carmel, IL
Project Inspector CTL Engineering, Indianapolis, IN

Two students pose in front of a rock face

GEOLOGY CLUB

The geology department also partners with an active student-lead Geology Club to offer several field trips annually during the college’s Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks. These adventures provide great opportunities to learn geology while interacting in a nonacademic setting. Travel destinations include:

Death Valley National Park; February, 2019
Great Smoky Mountains National Park; October, 2019
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks; August, 2020 (tentative)

Geology Courses

Number

Name

Units

Description

GEO 167 Our Dynamic Planet 1.00 This course explores the fundamentals of science through the lens of geology. Students will learn about earth processes that shape and govern the natural world, understand how those processes may impact their lives, and practice the scientific skills of observation, description, and data collection. Labs introduce mineral and rock identification, topographic and geologic map interpretation, plate tectonics, hazardous processes, field observation, and other subjects. Not open to students with prior credit in a 16X course. Partially satisfies the SM CCR. Satisfies the SL CCR. Partially satisfies SM Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Satisfies SL Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Fee charged.

GEO 168 Exploring the Geo of National Parks 1.00 This course travels to several National Parks in the American Southwest on a 3-week, camping and hiking excursion. Standing among America’s most distinctive landscapes, students will investigate the geological processes that formed them while being introduced to the fundamental skills of a geologist: identifying minerals and rocks, characterization of rock units, recognition of geologic structures, interpreting topographic and geologic maps, and more. Designed for those with limited outdoor or geological experience. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Partially satisfies the Knowledge SL/SM in the Hanover Core. Not open to students with prior credit in a Geo16X course. Offered Spring Term alternate years. Partially satisfies the SM CCR. Satisfies the SL CCR. Partially satisfies SM Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Satisfies SL Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Fee charged.

GEO 222 Fundamentals of Geospatial Science 1.00 This course is devoted to learning ArcGIS, the main software suite used worldwide for developing and displaying geographic information systems. It covers the nature and presentation of geographic information, basic cartographic (map making) concepts, data models and structures for manipulation and display of geographic information, geographic data input, and basic spatial analysis and interpretation. Using the ArcGIS software, students learn the basic techniques, and then develop, implement, and present an independent geospatial project. With a hands-on emphasis, lectures are a minor component of this course, focusing on discussion of software use, project development, troubleshooting, and problem solving. Not open to students with credit in GEO 221. Satisfies the QL ACE. Satisfies the QL Skills in the Hanover Core. Fee charged.

GEO 225 Mineralogy and Petrology 1.00 Introduction to the classification and identification of the major rock-forming minerals and the evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Labs focus on rock and mineral identification through hand specimens and petrographic thin sections. Prerequisite: a 16X course. Not open to students with credit in GEO 224. Offered Fall Term alternate years. Fee charged.

GEO 235 Earth Processes & Human Interaction 1.00 An introduction to geologic principles and processes applied to humans and the physical environment. Describes the natural components and processes of geological systems and their interactions and places humans within these systems through an investigation of geologic hazards, environmental pollution, natural resource management, and land-use planning. Labs emphasize reducing the impacts of geologic hazards on humans and mitigating potentially harmful human influences on natural systems. Partially satisfies the SM CCR. Satisfies the SL CCR. Partially satisfies SM Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Satisfies SL Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Not open to students with prior credit in GEO 236. Fee Charged.

GEO 240 Field Studies in Historical Geology 1.00 This course is taught at various field locations during May Term with an emphasis on reconstructing regional geologic and tectonic history. Students learn to identify and describe rock types, rock sequences, fossils, geologic structures, and surficial deposits and landforms; understand their formative processes; and place them within a given region’s developmental history. Students develop skills and experience using topographic maps, geologic maps, aerial photographs, and GPS for navigation and for recognition and mapping of geological features; with proper field descriptions and drawings; and synthesizing and interpretating geologic data. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A GEO 16X course is recommended. Not open to students with credit in GEO 239. Partially satisfies the SM CCR. Satisfies the SL CCR. Partially satisfies SM Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Satisfies SL Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Offered May Term of alternate years.

GEO 260 Special Topics 1.00 Fee maybe charged.

GEO 263 Evolution and the Fossil Record 1.00 Introduction to the study of past life (paleontology). Survey of major evolutionary changes through geologic time and the scientific methods used to interpret the fossil record. Labs emphasize fossil identification and data collection. Field trips to local fossil collecting localities. BIO 161 and/or a GEO 16X course recommended. Not open to students with credit in GEO 262. Partially satisfies the SM CCR. Satisfies the SL CCR. Partially satisfies SM Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Satisfies SL Knowledge in the Hanover Core. Fee charged

GEO 321 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 1.00 This course emphasizes the classification, description, and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and the gaps within them. Examines how sediments are used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction and correlation across the sedimentary rock record. Lab work focuses on hand sample descriptions, sedimentary petrology, field methods, and solving correlation problems across distance/time. Prerequisite: a Geo 16X course. Not open to students with credit in GEO 327. Offered Winter Term alternate years. Fee charged.

GEO 324 Structural Geology 1.00 The study of the three-dimensional distribution, geometry, and formation of rock structures caused by deformation. The course focuses on analyzing how tectonic forces (stress) change the shape and volume of rock bodies (strain) over time to produce faults, folds, and joints. Labs utilize geometric analysis from geologic maps and cross-sections, as well as field trips to examine geologic structures at microscopic to megascopic scales. Prerequisite: a 16X course. Not open to students with credit in GEO 323. Offered Winter Term alternate years. Fee Charged.

GEO 328 Physical Hydrogeology 1.00 Introduction to groundwater chemistry and the physical principles governing groundwater flow. Integration of geomorphic, stratigraphic, geochemical, and hydraulic date concepts in building mathematical models of groundwater systems. Heavy emphasis on analysis of numerical problems and, in laboratory, use of physical and computer models. Prerequisite: a Geo 16X course and permission of the instructor. Offered Fall Term. Lab fee.

GEO 335 Geomorphology 1.00 An examination of the landforms that characterize the intersection between earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems as a means of understanding the forces that create and modify landscapes. Labs emphasize the analysis and interpretation of earth’s surficial features and formative processes from topographic maps, digital imagery, and field observation. Prerequisite: a 16X course. Not open to students with credit in GEO 334. Offered Fall Term alternate years. Fee charged.

GEO 337 Geological Field Methods 1.00 This course is taught at various field locations during Spring Term and emphasizes application of field-based geological methods, including mapping of rock units and structures, section measuring, GPS data collection and navigation, and wilderness safety. Additionally, field work addresses data collection and interpretation of stratigraphic relationships, depositional environments, and formation of geologic structures. It serves as the recommended culminating experience for geology and environmental science (geology, geochemistry, geophysics) majors and geology minors. Prerequisites: a 16X course and permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit in GEO 237. Offered Spring Term alternate years.

GEO 357 Internship 1.00 Off campus supervised experience in geology

GEO 457 Internship 1.00 Off-campus supervised field experience in geology. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

GEO 496 Major Comprehensive Evaluation .25 Major Comprehensive Evaluation

Environmental Science Courses

Number

Name

Units

Description

ENV 201 Environmental Science Seminar .25 An interdisciplinary seminar that will introduce students to the environmental sciences. Must first be taken by students in the freshman or sophomore year. May also be taken by students not enrolled in the Environmental Science Minor or Major. Pass/Fail only. 0.25 unit. Offered Winter Term only.

ENV 265 Global Environmental Change 1.00 Introduction to the influence of human civilization on Earth's environmental systems: describes the natural components of these systems and their interactions, places humans within these systems, details the effects of human activity, and suggests alternative human practices that lessen the severity of their impacts. Laboratories emphasize practical, project-based experience. Partially satisfies the SM/SL CCR. Satisfies the S ACE. Lab fee.

ENV 401 Environmental Science Seminar .25 An interdisciplinary seminar that will serve as the culminating experience for seniors as they complete the Environmental Science Minor or Major. Students will make a presentation of their work related to the Environmental Science Major or Minor. Must be taken in the senior year. Pass/Fail only. 0.25 unit. Offered Winter Term only.

ENV 408 Senior Thesis .50 Only available to students majoring in Env Geochemistry or Geophysics; combined with ENV 409.

ENV 409 Senior Thesis .50 Only available to students majoring in Env Geochemistry or Geophysics; combined with ENV 408.

ENV 457 Internship 1.00 Off-campus supervised experience in environmental science; must involve active participation in environmental research or related activities. Permission of advisor.

ENV 471 Senior Thesis 1.00 Individual investigation of a topic of special relevance to student’s interest in environmental science; may take the form of a laboratory or field research investigation, library research, or internship resulting in written and oral reports. Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of the directing professor.

ENV 496 Major Comprehensive Evaluation .25 Major Comprehensive Evaluation, only required in the Environmental Geology track.