Course Descriptions

GEOL 100 Survey of Earth Science (3)

Physical makeup of the earth, its history, and geology. One field trip is required. Intended for students with majors other than one of the sciences. (Fall/Spring)

GEOL 103 Weather and Climate (3)

Non-mathematical introduction to elements of local and global weather: the atmosphere, cloud formation, precipitation, seasons, optical phenomena and violent storms. Students practice making 24-hour weather forecasts. (Fall/Spring)

GEOL 104 Oceanography (3)

Non-mathematical introduction to the scientific study of the ocean. While the course focuses on the hydrosphere subsystem of the Earth System, the atmosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and biosphere interrelationship with hydrosphere are also examined. (Spring)

GEOL 105 Geology of Colorado (3)

Introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic time scale and basic geologic terms, followed by geology of Colorado taught with the aid of slides and overheads. A one-day field trip is required. (Fall/Spring)

GEOL 107 Natural Hazards and Environmental Geology (3)

Introduction to geologic aspects of our environment. Includes studies of natural hazards, global climate change, geologic resources and emphasizes human interactions with the environment. (Spring)

GEOL 111 Principles of Physical Geology (3), and GEOL 111L Laboratory (1)

Materials that make up the earth and surface and interior processes that interact to produce the present features of the earth. Laboratory: minerals, rocks, topographic maps, earthquakes, and land forms. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. (Fall/Spring)

GEOL 112 Principles of Historical Geology (3), and GEOL 112L Laboratory (1)

Origin of the earth and life, changes recorded in rocks and fossils using the geologic time scale and techniques of dating to place events in sequence. Laboratory: topographic and geologic maps, hand samples of rocks, reconstruction exercises, and fossils to interpret regional and general geologic history. One all-day field trip is required. Four lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 111 or consent of instructor. (Spring)

GEOL 202 Introduction to Field Studies (3)

Mapping of several small areas using plane table and alidade, transit, and pace and compass methods. Profiles, cross-sections, and maps are prepared. Three lectures per week and some unscheduled time is required to do mapping projects. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Spring)

GEOL 250 Introduction to Environmental Geology (3)

Relationship of man to the geological environment through consideration of population, pollution, waste disposal, resource depletion, land use, govern-mental policy and natural hazards. One field trip required. (Fall/Spring)

GEOL 301 Structural Geology (3), and GEOL 301L Laboratory (1)

Descriptive geometry, occurrences of rock structures, principles of rock deformation, and origin of stresses. Laboratory: stereographic and graphical solution of structural problems, the study of maps and cross sections, and some field problems. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111 and Math 130. (Fall)

GEOL 321 Introduction to Remote Sensing (2) and GEOL 321L Laboratory (1)

Remote sensing systems and applications; characteristics of photographs, scanner and radar imagery interpretation. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 111L, 202. (Alternate Spring)

GEOL 325 Introduction to Engineering Geology (3)

Geologic principles applied to construction problems; case histories of major projects. Field trips and term project required. Prerequisite: GEOL 111 or consent of instructor. (On demand)

GEOL 331 Crystallography-Mineralogy (3), and GEOL 331L Laboratory (1)

Morphology and classification of crystals; chemistry and genesis of minerals. Laboratory: identification of minerals and crystals by spectroscope, X-ray diffraction, and hand specimens. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 131 or consent of instructor. (Fall)

GEOL 332 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (2) and GEOL 332L Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory (1)

Basic knowledge of the fundamentals of GIS with regard to the theoretical, technical and application issues. Prerequisites: ENGR 131, STAT 200 or STAT 214 or consent of instructor, and GEOL 111 and 111L (recommended). (Fall/ Spring)

GEOL 333 Geology of the Canyon Country (1)

Three, two-hour evening lectures with films and slides used to preview geology of the Colorado Plateau. A five-day field trip to the selected sites is conducted during spring break. Prerequisites: GEOL 100, 105 or 112. (Spring)

GEOL 340 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3) and GEOL 340L Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory (1)

Origin, composition, and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory: identification of rocks in hand specimens and some thin sections, and some analytical techniques. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEOL 331. (Spring)

GEOL 351 Applied Geochemistry (3)

Geochemistry and its relationship to weathering and soils, geochemical surveys and prospecting techniques, reactions of contaminants with earth materials, and methods of reducing environmental degradation. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 111L, CHEM 121, 121L, 122 and 122L. (On demand)

GEOL 359 Survey of Energy-Related Natural Resources (3)

Origin, location, and economics of non-metallic geologic commodities, including phosphates, evaporites, oil, gas, coal, and sedimentary uranium deposits. Students prepare a case history report. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 111L; CHEM 131,131L, or consent of instructor. (Alternate Spring)

GEOL 361 Survey of Mineral-Related Natural Resources (3)

The genesis, description, and exploitation of metallic and non-metallic natural resources consumed by modern society, such as base-metals, precious metals and gems, aggregates and construction materials, fertilizers, and chemical-industrial commodities. Environmental, economic, and socio-political issues associated with utilization of these resources are addressed. At least one field trip to a local resource area will be arranged. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 111L, and CHEM 131, 131L, or consent of instructor. (Alternate Spring)

GEOL 375 Global Positioning Systems for GIS (2) GEOL 375L Global Positioning Systems for GIS Laboratory (1)

GPS techniques and applications as they relate to GIS data collection. Prerequisites: GEOL 332 and 332L, or BIOL 322 and 322L, or ENGS 332 and 332L. (Spring)

GEOL 380 Field Studies (6)

Techniques used by the field geologist including section measuring, use of aerial photographs, plane table and alidade, and collection of samples. Data used to prepare geologic maps and reports. Students will camp out approximately three weeks during this course. Five, eight-hour days per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111,112,301,331,340. (Summer, alternate years)

GEOL 390 Computer Applications in Geology (3)

Quantitative methods of geologic data analysis with the data manipulated on the computer. Methodical approach with limited theoretical emphasis; statistical concepts; special programs for graphical presentation and analysis. Three lectures per week and computer laboratory time to complete exercises are required. Prerequisite: GEOL 111, 111L, 112, 112L, STAT 200 or consent or instructor. (Fall)

GEOL 395 Independent Study (1-3)

GEOL 396 Topics (1-3)

GEOL 402 Applications of Geomorphology (3), and GEOL 402L Laboratory (1)

Knowledge of land-form genesis and shaping processes is applied to solve modern problems with emphasis on local soils, slopes, rivers, erosional surfaces, and structural framework. Laboratory and field studies used to explore frost, running water, slope movement, ground water, wind, and glaciers which have affected the local environment. Practical techniques of measurement and interpretation, including statistical and computer techniques, used to produce models of landscape development. A term project must be completed. Two major field trips are required. Four lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Fall)

GEOL 404 Geophysics (3), and GEOL 404L Laboratory (1)

Exploration for mineral and petroleum and preliminary investigation of sites for engineering and environmental projects with emphasis on refraction and reflection seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic ground-penetrating radar, and radioactive methods. Laboratory: interpretation of data, computer applications, and field trips. Four lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 111,112, PHYS 112, (calculus is recommended but not required) or consent of instructor. (Fall)

GEOL 405 Solid Earth Geophysics (3)

Classical physics applied to the study of the earth with emphasis on the origin of the earth, its gravitational, geomagnetic, and geothermal characteristics, seismicity, the dynamics of the earth's crust, plate tectonics, and continental drift. One field trip required. Prerequisites: GEOL 404 or consent of instructor. (On demand)

GEOL 411 Paleontology (3), and GEOL 411L Laboratory (1)

Taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and geologic ranges of most groups of invertebrate fossils. Laboratory: field identifications of guide fossils. A one-day field trip is required. Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: beginning biology course or consent of instructor. (Spring)

GEOL 415 Introduction to Ground Water (3), and GEOL 415L Laboratory (1)

Relationships of ground water to other water sources, hydrologic cycle, water balance, hydrologic characteristics of rocks, hydraulics and equations defining flow, ground water quality, and contamination, exploration and measurement techniques (including geophysical procedures), state and federal regulations, and computer modeling. Laboratory: Acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of ground water data. Prerequisites: GEOL 111, 111L, MATH 151, and at least high school level biology, chemistry, and physics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. (Fall)

GEOL 432 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3) and GEOL 432L Advanced Geographic Information Systems Laboratory (1)

Emphasis on the set of analytical operations provided by this technology and the specific conditions, requirements, and processing considerations surrounding effective GIS modeling and decision making. Prerequisites: GEOL 332 and 332L, or BIOL 332 and 332L, or ENGS 375 and 375L. GEOL 321 and 321L recommended. (Fall)

GEOL 444 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (3), and GEOL 444L Laboratory (1)

Sequences of sedimentary rocks with emphasis on rock classification and the correlation between the local section and nearby areas, including the Grand Canyon. Sedimentary environments are stressed. Laboratory: field identification of sedimentary rocks using laboratory samples and local outcrops. Two one-day field trips are taken. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. (Fall)

GEOL 476 Optical Mineralogy and Petrography (2), and GEOL 476L Laboratory (2)

Theories and principles of optical mineralogy and the microscope descriptions of rocks are applied to their classifications. Laboratory: study of thin sections. Two lectures and two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 331,340, PHYS 112. (On demand)

GEOL 490 Seminar (3)

Well logging techniques and characteristics of well logs; recent developments, concepts, and theories relating to petroleum, mineral deposits, tectonics; and other topics of current interest are discussed by students in a seminar setting. Prerequisites: upper division standing and consent of instructor. (Spring)

GEOL 495 Independent Study (1-3)

GEOL 496 Topics (1-3)

GEOL 497 Structured Research (1-3)

Geological research under the direct guidance of a faculty member. Designed for junior and senior level students. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. (Fall/Spring/Summer)

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