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• Undergraduate Spring 2010
• Geology

Undergraduate Geology

2010 Spring Term

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY (GL)

GEOLGY 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

VOLCANOES (GM)

GEOLGY 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)

GEOLGY 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

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (GM)

GEOLGY 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

PALEONTOLOGY

GEOLGY 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

STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTATION

GEOLGY 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

GEOLGY 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

FIELD STUDIES IN GEOLOGY

GEOLGY 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.

Class Schedule

SPECIAL STUDIES (GM)

GEOLGY 496

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings. Repeatable. Prereq: Consent of instructor.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDY

GEOLGY 498

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