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• Undergraduate Spring 2020
• Geology

Undergraduate Geology

2020 Spring Term

Class Schedule

PRINCIPLES OF GEOLOGY

GEOLGY 100

This course provides an introduction to the concepts which describe the origin and evolution of the earth. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding 1) the internal and external earth processes, 2) material composition of the earth, 3) the scientific method as applied to the study of the earth, and 4) the evolution of earth through time.

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ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY

GEOLGY 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 (4) the methods of science, especially as they apply to the study of the Earth. One field trip is required.

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VOLCANOES

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 placed on volcanoes as major economic resources.

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EARTH AND LIFE HISTORY

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.

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ECOLGY & GEOLGY OF YELLOWSTONE NATL. PARK & UPPER GRT PLAINS

GEOLGY 250

An interdisciplinary introduction to field methods, geology, ecology and natural history. Involves on-line work with additional lectures and labs at Yellowstone National Park and locations en route. Additional course fees apply. Students with disabilities may be accomodated. Biology or Geology/Geography majors take Bio/Geo 451 or see Department Chair. Summers only.

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PRINCIPLES OF OCEANOGRAPHY

GEOLGY 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.

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ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

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.

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DINOSAURS

GEOLGY 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?

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ROCKS AND MINERALS

GEOLGY 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.

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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).

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GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES AND FIELD METHODS

GEOLGY 318

Study of causes behind formation of major structural features of earth plus identification techniques and description of geologic structures in field. Emphasizes (1) Understanding and quantifying geologic deformation, (2) material response to conditions of deformation, (3) identification/description of geologic structures in multiple scales, and (4) geologic field/data analyses techniques such as stereographic projections and preparation and interpretation of geologic maps.

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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.

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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. .

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NATURAL HISTORY OF YELLOWSTONE NP AND THE UPPER GREAT PLAINS

GEOLGY 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.

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WORKSHOP

GEOLGY 490

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable.

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TRAVEL STUDY

GEOLGY 491

Variable topics. Faculty-led field courses.

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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.

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INTERNSHIP IN GEOLOGY

GEOLGY 493

Students will be placed in an outside private or governmental agency where they will utilize geographic techniques in approaching practical problems relevant tothe agency's mission. An on-campus seminar with fellow interns and the supervisory instructor is required.

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SEMINAR

GEOLGY 494

An intensive study of one or more philosophical issues that supplement the curriculum. Original research papers may be expected as partial fulfillment of the course requirements.

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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.

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EXCHANGE STUDY

GEOLGY 497

Variable Topics

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

GEOLGY 498

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

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

GEOLGY 498R

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

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GEOLOGY THESIS

GEOLGY 499

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