Dr. Liane M. Stevens

GEOL 1301 - Fundamentals of Earth Science. (3 credits) An introduction to the fundamental principles of Earth science. Topics include the Earth's structure and surface landforms; mineral and energy resources; geologic hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides; water resources; and the unifying theory of plate tectonics. Corequisite GEOL 1001.

​

GEOL 2341/2041 - Mineralogy. (Fall, 3 credits) The properties, identification, classification, occurrence, and applications of minerals; crystallography (crystal classes, lattices, and external morphology); crystal chemistry (bonding and crystal structures); and optical mineralogy (mineral optics, polarized light microscopy). Prerequisites GEOL 1303, CHEM 1311. Required field trip.

​

GOL 2342/2042 - Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology. (Spring, 3 credits) The petrology (origin, composition, distribution) and petrography (detailed description and systematic classification) of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section. Prerequisites GEOL 1304, GEOL 2341, CHEM 2341. Required field trip.

​

GEOL 4171 - Arkansas Field Trip. (2 credits) A weekend of camping in the beautiful Ouachita mountains of Arkansas. Collect big quartz crystals and explore the folds and fractures caused by building of the mountains. Arkansas Virtual Field Trip. (2 credits) Learn about the geologic history and resources (fossil fuels, minerals, water) of East Texas and Arkansas by vitually visiting significant geologic sites (outcrops, mines, factories, etc.) across the region. No prerequisites.

​

GEOL 4330 - Fundamentals of Plate Tectonics. (3 credits) Plate tectonic theory provides a fundamental framework for understanding of Earth's geological and geophysical phenomena. This course will explore the development, strengths, and limitations of plate tectonic theory. Topics include Earth's structure and isostasy, paleomagnetic data, detailed examination of plate boundaries and orogenesis, modern and reconstructed plate configurations, plate kinematics and controlling forces, and the supercontinent cycle. Prerequisite GEOL 1304.

​

GEOL 4344 - Geoanalytical Methods (3 credits) The application of common geoanalytical methods to geologic materials (minerals, rocks, engineering samples), and approaches to accurate and effective data analysis and communication. Prerequisites GEOL 2342 and GEOL 2343, or permission of instructor.

​

GEOL 4345 - Geochronology (3 credits) The principles and practical applications of using radiogenic isotope systems to determine the timing of geologic events and the rates of geologic processes. Prerequisite: GEOL 1304. Required field trip.

​

GEOL 5340 - Metamorphic Basement Geology. (Graduate, 3 credits) This course explores 1) geologic processes that affect the middle and lower crust, 2) modern analytic techniques applied to the study of basement processes, and 3) connections between basement geodynamics and surface/near-surface processes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

​

GEOL 5344 - Geoanalytical Methods. (3 credits) The application of common geoanalytical methods to geologic materials (minerals, rocks, engineering samples), and approaches to accurate and effective data analysis and communication. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

​

GEOL 5345 - Geochronology. (3 credits) The principles and practical applications of using radiogenic isotope systems to determine the timing of geologic events and the rates of geologic processes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Required field trip.

​

Other courses taught at SFA include: GEOL 1303 Introductory Geology; GEOL 3338 Structural Geology; GEOL 3664 Field Geology; GEOL 4333 Optical Mineralogy (no longer offered); GEOL 4171 Hill Country Field Trip; GEOL 4171 Local Field Trip.