GEOL Undergraduate Upper-Divison Courses

Courses

GEOL Undergraduate Upper-Divison Courses

GEOL 3050 - Introduction to Petrology

Texture, mineralogy, and chemical composition of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Rock classification, interpretation of origin and history of rocks. Emphasis on hand specimens and field determination. Field work and two weekend field trips. Req. GEOL 1010, GEOL 1020, GEOL 3410, and GEOL 4310.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 3120 - Structural Geology

Geometric techniques for describing and illustrating geological structures. Major topics include graphic methods and geometry of fractures, folds, and igneous bodies. Field work and two weekend field trips. Prer., GEOL 1020, GEOL 3410, and GEOL 4310.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 3170 - Geology and Our National Parks

Promotes an interest in and an appreciation of the geologic aspects of our national parks. The student will be given fundamental background in the geological processes which have worked to evolve the spectacular or unique scenery found in the national parks. Because the approach to this class is of a qualitative nature, the prospective student need not have a prior background in the earth sciences. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement.

  • 3 Credits
GEOL 3410 - Introduction to Paleontology

Collection, identification, classification, and uses of fossils in paleoecology, evolution, and biostratigraphy. Prer., GEOL 1020 or one year of biology or consent of instructor.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 3520 - Oceanography

Oceans and their basins, water masses, circulation patterns, climate regulation, life zones, bottom sediments, and resources. Geologic aspects of the sea, both modern and ancient.

  • 3 Credits
GEOL 3700 - Environmental Geology

Interaction of industrial society with earth resources and geologic processes. Investigation of geologic hazards to engineering systems and problems related to resource development. Evaluation of criteria for urban planning, land utilization, waste disposal, and resource conservation. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Sustainability; Explore-Physical and Natural World.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 4030 - Introduction to Hydrology and Ground Water

Occurrence, movement and properties of subsurface water; introduction to groundwater geology and hydrology. Prer., GEOL 1010, GES 1010 or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1040.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 4110 - Geologic Field Methods

Methods of geologic mapping including Brunton compass and plane table surveying utilization. Coreq., GEOL 3120. Additional field work required. Meets with GEOL 5110.

  • 3 Credits
GEOL 4310 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Study of the principles of sedimentation and stratigraphy. Principles are used to interpret the tectonic history of sedimentary basins. Field trips and projects are required. Prer., GEOL 1010, GEOL 1020.

  • 4 Credits
GES 4360 - Glacial and Periglacial Geology

Introduction to glaciology and periglacial geology and their influence on topography, crustal rebound, and sea level; and glacial chronology for northern North America. A study of cold-climate geomorphic and climatic processes. Prer., GEOL 1001 or GES 1010. Meets with GEOL 5360.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 4630 - Principles of Geomorphology

Systematic study of rock weathering, mass-wasting, fluvial, glacial, and aeolian processes and the landforms resulting from these processes. Climatic geomorphology, geomorphometry, and data collection technologies, e.g., lidar) are emphasized. Field trips required. Prer., GEOL 1010 or GES 1010 or consent of instructor. Meets with GEOL 5630, GES 4310 and GES 5310.

  • 4 Credits
GEOL 4660 - Field Study in Geology

A field trip to an area of special geologic interest which can occur during the winter, spring, or summer. Approved for LAS Natural Science area requirement. Meets with GEOL 5660.

  • 0.5 Credits (Minimum) 4 Credits (Maximum)
GEOL 4910 - Engineering Geology

Intensive literature review and field investigations leading to a recognition of the engineering and construction problems associated with natural hazards and earth materials such as mass movement, dam location, highway development, and building construction. Basic courses in physics, mathematics, and geology recommended. Meets with GEOL 5910.

  • 4 Credits