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• Undergraduate Fall 2015
• Geology

Undergraduate Geology

2015 Fall Term

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY (GL)

Geology 100

An introduction to the concepts which describe the origin and evolution of the earth. Emphasis is on understanding (1) the material make-up of the earth, (2) the internal and external processes which affect the earth, (3) the scientific method as it applies to the study of the earth. One field trip is required. A special fee will be assessed to those students electing to participate on an optional field trip to cover the cost of chartering a bus. Four hours of lectures and two hours of lab each week.

Class Schedule

ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY (GL)

Geology 101

An introduction to the study of the earth. Emphasis is place on: (1) the materials which make up the earth, (2) the internal and external processes which affect the earth, (3) the length of geologic time, and (3) the methods of science, especially as they apply to the study of the Earth. One half-day field trip in the immediate area is required. An optional field trip, requiring a transportation fee, will be conducted to the Baraboo Hills reagion. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.

Class Schedule

VOLCANOES (GM)

Geology 203

The course examines the processes that lead to different types of volcanic activities, role of volcanism on development of continents, oceans, and atomsphere, and its various impacts on the biosphere on planet earth. Volcanism on other planets and satellites within the solar system will also be explored. Special emphasis will be place on volcanoes as major economic resources and potential alternate energy sources.

Class Schedule

EARTH AND LIFE HISTORY (GM)

Geology 204

A study of the changes in the Earth's crust and life through geologic time and the methodology used in reconstructing Earth history, including plate tectonics, organic evolution and stratigraphy. A special fee will be assessed to cover transportation costs for those students selecting to participate on an optional field trip.

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF OCEANOGRAPHY (GM)

Geology 300

A study of the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the major water masses of the world and human dependency on these water masses. One field trip to observe shoreline processes is required. A special fee will be assessed to students electing to participate in an optional field trip to cover the transportation costs.

Class Schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (GM)

Geology 301

A study of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass movements, river processes, coastal processes etc. and their impacts on society and enviroment. Special emphasis will be placed on examining remedial measures against geological hazards and how human actions influence natural geological processes. Three lecture hours per week.

Class Schedule

DINOSAURS (GM)

Geology 307

The course will examine all aspects of Dinosaurs from Earth System Science perspective. Who were the Dinosaurs? When, how and where did they live on earth? What is their relationship to birds? What were the circumstances of their extinction?

Class Schedule

ROCKS AND MINERALS

Geology 310

This course will study the formation processes of common rocks and minerals, their physical properties and their various uses will be covered in detail. Rock and mineral identification techniques will be especially emphasized during the laboratory sessions. Students will be expected to devote significant amounts of time towards the lab assignments.

Class Schedule

PALEONTOLOGY

Geology 317

A detailed study of the history of life on Earth. Lectures focus on concepts in paleontology including paleoecology; evolution; paleobiogeography; and use of fossils in the solution of geologic problems. Characteristics of common fossils will be the focus of the exercises. One field trip is required; up to two optional field trips possible (fee assessed to cover transportation costs of optional trips).

Class Schedule

GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES AND FIELD METHODS

Geology 318

A study of the causes behind the formation of the major structural features of earth as well as identification techniques and description of geologic structures in the field. Emphasis is placed on (1) Understanding and quantifying geologic deformation, (2) material response to different conditions of deformation (3) identification and description of geologic structures in microscopic, macroscopic and regional scale (4) geologic field and data analyses techniques such as stereographic projections and preparation and interpretation of geologic maps. Offered in Spring semesters. One field trip to the Baraboo area is required. A special fee will be assessed to those students electing to participate on an optional field trip to cover transportation costs.

Class Schedule

STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION

Geology 319

Classification and description of the various kinds of sediments and sedimentary rock units; with emphasis on carbonates; cyclic sedimentation and sequence stratigraphy. Techniques of correlating sedimentary rocks will be the focus of the exercises. One field trip is required. A special fee will be assessed to cover transportation costs to those students electing to participate on any optional field trips.

Class Schedule

GEOHAZARDS

Geology 352

The course will focus on the physical processes that create environmental hazards (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather), the primary controls on their frequency and intensity, and how human decision-making can influence the magnitude of impact that they have when they inevitably occur. Comparisons are made between impacts of hazards on developing versus developed countries. .

Class Schedule

NATURAL HISTORY OF YELLOWSTONE NP AND THE UPPER GREAT PLAINS

Geology 451

This is an introductory, multi-disciplinary, summer field course open to all. It is held at Yellowstone National Park and locations in route. Students will learn field methods, geology, ecology and natural history. It is suitable for biology and geology majors and anyone interested in field science or natural history.

Class Schedule

FIELD STUDIES IN GEOLOGY

Geology 492

Field studies of classic geologic regions. Emphasis will be placed on training in the basic techniques and methods of field studies, recognition and interpretation of geologic structures, and the use of field observations to develop both geologic understanding of the region studied and geologic reasoning ability. Students will be responsible for the cost of the university van rental and other trip expenses. Repeatable 3 times in the major and degree, up to 9 credits total.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

Geology 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Geology 498R

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable

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GEOLOGY THESIS

Geology 499

Individual research for major writing a thesis under direct supervision of a member of the faculty. Available only for senior students.