GEOL 101
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Physical Geology can be divided into three categories:

• Earth Materials – the origin, formation and identification of minerals and rocks
• Earth Processes – planetary formation, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, erosion, groundwater flow, and processes characteristic of deserts, glaciers, rivers, and oceans
• Natural Resources – formation and occurrence of non-living earth resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, minerals, gems, rock, soil, geothermal heat, wind and water

Most of the course will be spent on the first two categories.  The study of minerals and rocks lays a foundation that allows us to understand and even predict earth processes such as volcanism and earthquakes, and where to look for natural resources such as coal and minerals.

This course offers three (3) hours of academic credit.

COURSE EXAMS AND FINAL EXAMINATION

The student will take TWO Course Exams and a Final Examination at a physical location in a college or university setting. Detailed instructions and Course Exam and Final Examination applications are included in the syllabus. Information regarding tests and procedures can be found in General Information.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Gregg Davidson received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Hydrology from the University of Arizona and his B.S. in Geology from Wheaton College.  He has been an Associate Professor of Geology at the University of Mississippi since 2001.

TEXTBOOKS

The Ole Miss Bookstore currently stocks the textbooks needed for Independent Study courses. Click here to order textbooks online. Select the term, department, and course number. Select “I Study” for the section number. To order by phone, call 662-915-7137 and be sure to indicate that you are ordering textbooks for an Independent Study course.

To apply for the course, go here.

If you need assistance or have additional questions please email us at indstudy@olemiss.edu.