GEO-206. Solid Earth Energy and Mineral Resources
The distribution in both space and time of fossil fuel (crude oil, natural gas and coal), nuclear fuel minerals, and geothermal sources in the earth’s crust; the formation, accumulation and extraction of these energy resources, and historical, current and projected consumption trends. Additionally, the occurrences and formational processes of metal and non-metal deposits are examined in the context of plate tectonics, earth’s geologic history and energy flow. Three hours of lecture per week. Requirements: open to majors and non-majors. GE0-206 qualifies for the Energy Minor and is cross-listed with EGY-206.
GEO-211. Physical Geology
Description, analysis, and laboratory studies of earth materials, structure, and processes,
including earth’s surface, interior, age, and origin. Three hours of lecture and three
hours of lab per week. Requirements: For CS, Engineering, Math, and Science majors
only. Cross listed with EES-211.
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GEO-212. Historical Geology
A study of the geologic record of the earth’s formation and evolution, including methods
of dating. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Cross listed with
EES-212.
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GEO-281. Mineralogy
The systematic study of the major classes of the mineral kingdom utilizing the department's
collection. Concepts in crystal chemistry, crystal structure, mineral behavior, crystallography
and optical mineralogy are studied and advanced techniques in mineral analysis are
used. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Cross listed with EES-381.
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GEO-282. Petrology
A study of the identification, classification, composition, genesis, and alteration
of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and their relation to crustal processes
and tectonic environments. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Cross
listed with EES-382.
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GEO-345. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
The study of the formation and interpretation of sedimentary systems, from sediment
grains to depositional basins. The course starts from the grain scale and moves up
to basin and global scales. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
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GEO-349. Structure and Tectonics
The study of rock deformational processes and resulting structures in the Earth's
crust with application to global and regional tectonics. Lab work and field trips
emphasize the use of methods to assist in the geometric and kinematic interpretation
of rock structures. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
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GEO-351. Paleoclimatology
The goal of this course is to present an overview of the methods used to reconstruct the earth’s climate history and the techniques used to determine the timing of environmental changes. Paleoclimate data from proxy records, such as ice cores or tree rings, provides a longer perspective on climatic variability than is possible from instrumental or historical records. Particular emphasis will be given to the natural controls on Earth’s climate across a variety of timescales, including plate tectonic, orbital, and millennial, to centennial and sub-decadal variations. The course will focus on the climatic changes during the late Cenozoic – the time of the ice ages. Topics to be discussed will include: paleoclimatic reconstruction, climate and climatic variation, dating methods, ice cores, marine and lake sediments, corals, speleothems, soils, pollen, dendrochronology, documentary data, and paleoclimate models. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab.
GEO-352. Hydrogeology
An introduction to the study of groundwater: groundwater flow, well hydraulics, groundwater
quality and pollution, and resource exploration, evaluation, and management. Lab activities
use a mix of field, wet lab, computer and mapping skills. Two hours of lecture and
three hours of lab per week.
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GEO-370. Geomorphology
Land forms, their evolution, and the human role in changing the surface of the earth,
utilization of geologic and hydrologic information, and field investigations. Two
hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Cross listed with EES-370.
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GEO-375. Geological Hazards
This course examines geologic processes that are a natural consequence of plate tectonics and hazardous to life and property. After establishing a framework for geologic hazards study, principle geologic hazards will be investigated. Emphasis will be placed on current scientific understanding, event frequency, forecasting and monitoring and mitigation. Several case studies will be included. Three hours of lecture per week.
GEO-380. Geology Field Camp
A four-week summer field course designed to train students in traditional and modern
methods of geologic investigations. Students learn to develop research strategies,
collect field observations and measurements, compile detailed rock descriptions, measure
stratigraphic sections and construct geologic maps and cross sections. Field locations
may range from local/regional to western U.S. depending on course emphasis and resources.
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GEO-383. Geochemistry
Application of chemistry to study the distribution and cycling of elements in the
crust of the earth. Includes chemical bonding and crystallization, phase rules and
phase diagrams, chemical equilibria, radiogenic and stable isotopes and origin of
elements. Geochemical environments of study include low-temperature aqueous solutions
and high-temperature magmatic systems. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab
per week.
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GEO-388. Regional Studies
This capstone course is an in-depth geological study of a region (global, or more
local) that requires students to apply fundamental knowledge and skills acquired through
the course of their college education. The region of study will be selected by the
instructor in advance of the course, taking into consideration student interest, accessibility,
and unique field opportunities. The course furthers student scientific research skills
and enhances learning through the involvement of advanced studies of primary rock/geologic/geophysical
relationships in a field setting, critical reading of published geological literature,
and interpretation and synthesis in oral/written formats. Topics and scale of examination
will vary from local to global scales, but focus heavily on the regional scale. Students
will be encouraged to think scientifically and creatively – to think from unique perspectives
and explore versatile solutions. Field study will play a significant role in this
course, and students will assist in organizing an optional research trip over spring
break to locations within the region of interest, enhancing their overall geologic
knowledge, research and interpretation skills, and application of principles and theories.
GEO-390. Applied Geophysics
An introduction to the application of geophysical methods to geological and environmental
investigations. Topics include fundamentals of geophysics and hands-on instrument
training and measurement. Instruments may include ground penetrating radar, seismic
reflection and refraction, electrical resistivity and electromagnetic induction.
Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
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GEO-391. Senior Projects I
Design and development of selected research projects in geology under the direction
of a faculty member. Capstone research deliverables include a proposal, detailed
progress reports and a formal mid-year report. Requirements: Senior standing in Geology
and department permission. (See the department for more details about the department
permission.)
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GEO-392. Senior Projects II
Second semester continuation of Senior Projects I. Capstone research deliverables
include detailed progress reports, a professional-grade poster, a final written report,
and a formal oral presentation of research project. Requirements: Senior standing
in Geology and department permission. (See the department for more details about the
department permission.)
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GEO-399. Cooperative Education
Professional cooperative education placement in a private or public organization related to the student’s academic objectives and career goals. In addition to their work experiences, students are required to submit weekly reaction papers and an academic project to a Faculty Coordinator in the student’s discipline. See the Cooperative Education section of this bulletin for placement procedures.