DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY

VISION

            Our Geology Department objectively aims to constantly strive, achieve, and maintain a worthy and commendable position in the field of geology. We endeavor to accomplish this in our students by imparting, disseminating, participating, and contributing knowledge, skills, and rational values with a local, national, and global perspective, to them.

MISSION

Our mission objectives are:

  • To provide, promote and sustain an enriching and transformative educational experience for our students with a strong foundation of basics and applied knowledge in the geological sciences.
  • To promote relevant pedagogical and research practices within and outside the department to enable our students to think critically, visualize and synthesize ideas with originality and application.
  • To impart and imbibe in them, necessary skills like problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills which they may transfer to their job or vocation that they wish to pursue.
  • To engage actively with relevant stake holders and society in general, via participation, co-operation, and consultation outside the traditional borders of the department, locally, nationally, and globally.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)

            The following constitute the PEOs for the Master of Science program in Applied Geology offered by the Department of Geology, Government Arts College (A), Salem – 636007. Applied Geology is the combination of pure geology courses with other courses which overlap with physics, chemistry, mathematics, computing, and engineering such as geophysics, geochemistry, geostatistics, mining geology, mineral exploration, remote sensing, engineering geology and others. Like Geology, Applied Geology is a field oriented programme with mandatory field training/internships throughout the duration of the course. The course offers a viable scope for job opportunities or consulting work in geology or options in non-geological fields, after the completion of the post graduate degree. Progression to higher degrees is an option for those who want to continue their education for which the post graduate degree qualification is eligible for the varied and relevant job opportunities.

PEO1

The Master of Science Applied Geology program aims to expand, increase, strengthen and usefully broaden the knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level with reasonable scope for progression to higher degree programs and jobs relevant to the course.

PEO2 The student is introduced to the different components of the earth system including its composition, and operative processes active in the geological past and present in order to understand the different times scales of geological processes.
PEO3 The student acquires an advanced and in depth theoretical and relevant practical framework for understanding the nature and origin of different types of geological materials – rocks, minerals, fossils, and fluids.
PEO4 The student learns to understand and apply established fundamental scientific principles using relevant interdisciplinary skills in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computing, engineering and others.
PEO5 The student learns to apply the knowledge of the different earth materials and related geological processes in geological mapping, mineral and fuel exploration, groundwater exploration, environmental assessments, natural disasters, mining geology, engineering geology and others.
PEO6 The student also learns to visualize, synthesize, apply and integrate field work observations withtheory via practical knowledge and skills acquired in the class room and laboratory in order to describe natural geological processes.

 Programme Specific Outcomes (PSOs)

            As Applied Geology is partly interdisciplinary, the student is provided with courses which bridge both geology and other natural sciences as geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, palaeontology, and others. The broad course objectives and teaching methodology are outlined under the appropriate courses and papers. After the successful completion of the Master of Science in Applied Geology program the student acquires the following programme specific outcomes (semester wise):

PSO1

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the terminology of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and others, with a comprehensive understandingof the earth’s interior, surface, resources, climate, biosphere, and the different methods used to study them.

PSO2 Identify with confidence the different minerals, rocks, ores, and fossils in the field or outcrop or laboratory,based on their megascopic and microscopic characters and natural crystals based on their morphology along with a working knowledge of their geological origin and significance.
PSO3 Identify with confidence the different geomorphic features and geological structures in the field and map with emphasis of their origin and configuration.
PSO4 Identify, interpret, synthesizeand evaluate topographic and geological maps, terrain models, draw profiles and geological cross sections.
PSO5 Identify, interpret, visualize, synthesizeand evaluate geophysical data, geochemical data, and remote sensing images.
PSO6 Apply the acquired knowledge to mineral and fuel exploration, mine planning and mining geology, remote sensing geology and engineering geology.
PSO7 Apply and handle Brunton and clinometer compasses, different surveying equipment, geophysical surveying equipment, remote sensing images, topographic maps, terrain models, and others in geological mapping, mineral exploration and other geological investigations.
PSO8 Apply the relevant principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, computing and engineering to varied geological problems.
PSO9 Discuss with confidence the theories and principles for major processes, phenomena and observations within Applied Geology. Synthesize recorded observations, evidences and theory across different areas of earth and planetary science, recognising and explaining similarities and differences between different regions, times, planets and geological processes.
PSO10 Develop proficiency in understanding and conveying complex geological ideas and concepts with clarity in written, online and oral communication and to develop positive values and aptitude necessary to obtain and maintain employment as a professional geologist or to further their education.

Course Outcomes

Course Name : ADVANCED MINERALOGY, OPTICAL  MINERALOGY AND ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES                     Course Code: 17PGL01

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

CO1

The student in introduced to the topics in advanced crystallography. The use and application of the stereographic projection. Relevant topics related to x ray mineralogy is also discussed.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

CO2

The student is able to describe the different megascopic characteristics of mineral groups and understand their diagnostic properties for nomenclature and identification purposes. The physical properties of minerals are also discussed along with their paragenesis.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

CO3

The student is able to describe the different megascopic characteristics of mineral groups and understand their diagnostic properties for nomenclature and identification purposes. The physical properties of minerals are also discussed along with their paragenesis.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
CO4 The student is introduced to isotropic and uniaxial mineral optics in detail for application to mineral microscopy.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply and assess.
 

CO5

The student is introduced to biaxial mineral optics in detail for application to mineral microscopy.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY                                                     Course Code: 17PGL02

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

CO1

The student is introduced to landforms, geomorphic cycle, and concepts in geomorphology. Weathering and related aspects of denudational geomorphology are discussed in detail.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO2

The student is introduced to tectonic and volcanic geomorphology with a detailed discussion of processes, landforms, resources, hazards and others.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO3

The student is introduced to coastal and aeolian geomorphology with a detailed discussion of processes, landforms, resources, hazards and others.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to fluvial and glacial geomorphology with a detailed discussion of processes, landforms, resources, hazards and others.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO5

An outline of geomorphic features of the Indian subcontinent and Tamil Nadu are discussed. Meteorite craters are discussed in detailed as a geomorphic feature.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : PALEONTOLOGY & STRATIGRAPHY                                   Course Code: 17PGL03

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to the detailed study and applications of lithostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. Discussion of the methods to determine way up criteria in a stratigraphic sequence; stratigraphic      correlation and magnetostratigraphy are discussed.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion and field applications of sequence stratigraphy. Detailed study and discussion of the following geological formations: Archaean, Proterozoic, Gondwana, Triassic and Jurassic.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

 

CO3

The student is introduced to a detailed study of the following: Cretaceous and Siwalik formations. Detailed discussion of different age problems in Indian Stratigraphy, pleistocene ice ages, and Indian Stratigraphical Scale. Detailed study, discussion and field applications of subsurface stratigraphy.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed study of the recent theories on the origin and evolution of life; Descriptive study of the evolutionary trends and stratigraphic importance of trilobites, cephalopods, brachiopods and graptolites. Detailed outline of evolution of Foraminifera and Ostracoda along with field methods in micropaleontology.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply,

and assess.

 

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed study and application of taphonomy; vertebrate origins; evolutionary history of man and horse; Indian dinosaurs localities; important Gondwana flora; varied applications of paleobotany and paleopalynology.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY & GEOTECTONICS                  Course Code: 17PGL04

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, identification, experimental procedures, and application of strain in rock deformation; foliation, linear structures, and to therepresentation of lines on the stereograms.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

CO2 The student is introduced to a detailed study, discussion, identification, experimental procedures, and genesis of folds and faults.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO3

The student is introduced to a detailed study, discussion, identification, experimental procedures, recognition, and genesis of strike slip faults, joints, shear zones, petrofabric analysis and tectonites.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed study and discussion of geotectonics, tectonic framework of earth’s crust, isostasy, convection currents, continental drift, and sea-floor spreading. The student is introduced to a detailed study and discussion of plate tectonics and neotectonism.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO5

The student is introduced to advanced topics in plate tectonics, Wilson cycle, tectonic mélanges, thrust sheets, heat flow in the Earth, continental and oceanic geotherm, supercontinents in earth history, and tectonic framework of İndia.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : ECONOMIC GEOLOGY & ENGINEERING GEOLOGY     Course Code: 17PGL05

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to the detailed study, discussions,recognition, and applications of ore deposit localization, morphological characters of ore deposits, crustal evolution and metallogeny, ore deposits and plate tectonics settings, and modern classification schemes of ore deposits.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed study, discussion, identification, recognition, and field applications of magmatic deposits, magmatic hydrothermal deposits, and hydrothermal vein deposits.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO3

The student is introduced to a detailed study discussion, identification, recognition, and field applications of sediment hosted Cu-Pb-Zn deposits, sedimentary exhalative deposits, ore deposits related to weathering, and stratifrom & stratabound deposits.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study, and application ofengineering properties of rocks; geotechnical significance of fault & folds; engineering properties of soils; engineering problems in loess areas and engineering significance of alluvial deposits.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study, and application of foundations; hill slopes; slope stability studies; engineering significance of swamps; residual soil;  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS   AND GEOCHEMISTRY                  Course Code: 17PGL06

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the basic theory, principles, instruments, field procedures, interpretation of field data, modelling of anomalies, and application of the gravity methods of geophysical prospecting.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the basic theory, principles, instruments, field procedures, interpretation of field data, modelling of anomalies, and application of the magnetic methods of geophysical prospecting.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO3

The student   is   introduced   to   a   detailed discussion on the basic theory, principles, instruments, field procedures, interpretation of field data, modelling of anomalies, and application of the electromagnetic, GPR, and electrical methods of geophysical prospecting.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the basic theory, principles, instruments, field procedures, interpretation of field data, modelling of anomalies, and application of the self potential, induced polarization, and seismic reflection methods of geophysical prospecting.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the basic theory, principles, instruments, field procedures, interpretation of field data, modelling of anomalies, and application of the seismic refraction and well logging methods of geophysical prospecting.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : IGNEOUS & METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY                                    Course Code: 17PGL07

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on magma properties; generation of magma; tectonic environments of melting in the lithosphere; application of phase rule in igneous petrology and petrological significance of important synthetic magma systems; along with a short account of mantle plumes, magma plumbing,and large igneous provinces.  

 

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the classification of igneous rocks; magmatic differentiation; magma mixing and mingling; magma assimilation; detailed petrology and petrogenesis of: basalts; ophiolites; alkaline rocks; and ultramafic rocks.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

CO3 The   student   is   introduced   to    a          detailed discussion on Bowen’s Reaction Series and its petrological  Significance;      variation  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

diagrams in igneous petrology; use of trace and REE in petrogenesis; detailed petrology and petrogenesis of anorthosites; lamprophyre; granite; pegmatite; carbonatite; kimberlite.
 

 

 

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the classification schemes of metamorphic rocks; crystalloblastic series and interpretation of metamorphic rock textures; metamorphic reactions; regional metamorphic gradients and their types; protoliths that undergo metamorphism; Barrovian and Buchan metamorphic zones; isograds; burial metamorphic zones; metamorphic geothermometers and geobarometers. detailed petrology and petrogenesis of eclogites; migmatites; amphibolite.  

 

 

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

 

CO5

The student   is   introduced   to   a   detailed discussion on distribution of metamorphic rocks with plate tectonic environments; paired metamorphic belts; phase rule in metamorphic systems; metamorphic facies; ACF, AKF, and AKFM diagrams; petrogenetic grids; P-T-t paths;detailed petrology and petrogenesis of granulites; charnockite; khondalites; gondites.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY & MARINE GEOLOGY                    Course Code: 17PGL08

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on the classification of sedimentary rocks; sedimentary facies, facies models and detailed study of sandstones, conglomerates, breccias, and mud rocks.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion and study of limestones, evaporites, cherts, siliceous sediments, and volcano-clastic sediments.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO3

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on different aspects of sedimentology, including generation of sediment, lithification & diagenesis of

sediments, and grain size determination.

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

CO4 The   student   is   introduced   to    a   detailed discussion on palaeocurrent data; grain size analysis; provenance of sedimentary rocks;  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

heavy      minerals;      and      detailed      study ofsedimentary iron and phosphates.
 

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on analysis of sedimentary rocks; role of colloids in sedimentation.; sedimentary basins;  sedimentary   depositional environments; trace fossils in sedimentary rocks;.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : HYDROGEOLOGY, GEOSTATISTICS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN GEOLOGY                          Course Code: 17PGL09

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on aquifers; hydrological properties of rocks; ground water flow equations; D’Arcy’s law; pumping tests and their interpretation by Theis, Cooper-Jacob’s, and Chow’s method.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion and study of water quality standards and guidelines; physical parameters of groundwater quality; analysis of major and minor elements in groundwater; water quality parameters; and graphical representation and interpretation of water quality data.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

 

CO3

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on different aspects of groundwater basins; methods of determining groundwater flow and preparation of water table contour maps; tracer studies relevant to groundwater flow; over exploitation of groundwater; groundwater recharge; and rainwater harvesting.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

 

CO4

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on water shed management; outline of methods of groundwater exploration; aquifers: Ghyben-Herzberg relation and saline water intrusion.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion on water wells; drilling in hard rock and soft rock; wetlands; groundwater provinces of Tamil  Nadu;  and  groundwater basins in Tamil Nadu.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : MINING GEOLOGY, ORE BENEFICIATION &   ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY                    Course Code: 17PGL10

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

CO1

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study, and application ofpreparing mining geology report and mine plans; mine valuation;    classification,    estimation,    and evaluation of ore bodies for mining; open cast  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.

 

mining      methods;      open      cast                  mining equipment; and mechanised mining.
 

 

CO2

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study and application of mine operations: drilling; removal of broken ores and rock: manual and mechanised; alluvial mining methods; quarrying methods; subsurface mining methods.  

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

CO3 The   student   is   introduced to  a          detailed discussion, study, and          applications of subsurface mining methods; mine ventilation.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
CO4 The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study and application of ore beneficiation techniques.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Understand, apply, and assess.
 

 

 

CO5

The student is introduced to a detailed discussion, study, and application of classification and types of natural resources; renewable and non renewable resources; impact of man on the environment; groundwater pollution; geological factors in environmental health; trace elements and human health; and chronic disease and geological environment.  

 

 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

 

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

Course Name : PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, COAL GEOLOGY  AND NUCLEAR GEOLOGY           Course Code: 17PGLM2

S.

NO.

COURSE OUTCOME PSOs Addressed BLOOMS VERB
 

CO1

The student is introduced to petroleum with a detailed study of its origin, kerogen and distribution of petroleum in space and geological time.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO2

The student is introduced to the different petrographic and geochemical methods of petroleum exploration along with their applications and limitations.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

 

Understand, apply, and assess.

 

CO3

The student is introduced to coal with a detailed study of its origin, lignite and distribution of lignite and peat in space and geological time.  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
CO4 The student is introduced to petroleum with a detailed study of coalification and gentrification process  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.
 

CO5

The student is introduced to nuclear geology , distribution of U,Th and other REEs in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks  

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Remember, understand, apply, and assess.