GEOLOGY COURSES 2008-2009

Mapping sources of acid mine drainage at California Gulch Superfund Site, Leadville, Colorado.

Imaging spectroscopy is used to map iron-bearing minerals, Source, USGS

GEOLOGY COURSE LIST

• GY100: Studies in Geology
  Geological topics, such as environmental hazards, plate tectonics, and mineral resources and society, offered in different years. No prior knowledge of geology is assumed. May not be taken for credit after 130. (Only one Geology 100 course unit may be applied toward divisional credit in the natural sciences.) (May meet the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.)

  Block 4:	Studies in Geology: Floods and Landslides and Earthquakes! Oh, my!. Causes and consequences of geological hazards and natural disasters, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, asteroid impacts, and tsunamis (tidal waves). The course begins by examining popular media portrayal of hazards and disasters, then explores the science behind these natural phenomena. Prerequisite: No credit if taken after 130 or 140. 1 unit  —  Ouimet.
  Block 6:	Studies in Geology: Geology of Antarctica - a Record of Global Change. The course centers on geological records of environmental change from Antarctica, including rock successions, ice cores, and dynamic contemporary glacial-marine systems. These records illuminate plate tectonic and supercontinent cycles over geological time scales and fossil lineages of extinct organisms, on through to glacial cycles that correspond more closely to human time scales and contemporary climate warming. Prerequisite: No credit if taken after 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Siddoway.
  Block 8:	Studies in Geology: Life and Death of Dinosaurs. The study of these enigmatic creatures living on a landscape much different that our own will be used to illustrate how geologists study plants, animals, ecosystem relations and climates of the past, and why extinctions can occur. Class work will be complemented by field trips to both paleontological digs and to museums. Prerequisite: No credit if taken after 130 or 140. 1 unit  —  Fricke.

  GY101: Catastrophic Geology: Earthquakes and Volcanos
  An examination of the nature and causes of earthquakes and volcanos, including historical events, impact on humans, current hazardous regions and forecasting abilities. The class will culminate in a discussion of plate tectonic theory to explain these phenomena globally. Interactions amongst politics, economics and geology will be emphasized in understanding current approaches to handling potential catastrophes. (Not offered 2008-09.) .5 unit.
  
  GY115: Oceanography
  Basic principles of physical and chemical oceanography. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY130: Introductory Geology
  The materials of the earth, earth processes and interrelationships between these domains. History of the earth, with emphasis on how geologists accomplish their historical inquiries. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) Prerequisite: No credit after Geology 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Not offered 2008-09.) 2 units.
  
  GY140: Physical Geology
  The fundamentals of physical geology: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; basic mineralogy; structural geology; mapping; and examination of local stratigraphic units. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences.) Prerequisite: No credit after Geology 130. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit  —  Anderson, Fricke, Myrow, Ouimet, Quane.
  
  GY150: Environmental Geology
  A survey of environmental issues from the geologist's perspective, including such topics as: hazards from volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods, bio-geochemical cycles and atmospheric change, and energy and mineral resources. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY201: Mineralogy
  Crystallography and crystal chemistry; optics; systematic mineralogy of the silicates and non-silicates. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140, Chemistry 107 and Trigonometry. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Fricke.
  
  GY202: Introduction to Petrology
  Survey of processes in igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis; phase equilibria; microscope analysis of rocks. Prerequisite: Geology 201. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Quane.
  
  GY205: Historical Geology
  Historical development of the Earth and life history emphasizing the major tectonic and stratigraphic patterns and the feedback between the physical Earth and biological evolution. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Myrow.
  
  GY207: Independent Study in Geology
  Independent research projects based on laboratory, field or library investigations. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and registration at least 1 block prior. 1 unit.
  
  GY210: Fundamental Geological Methods and Rocky Mountain
  Foundational methods in geology, taught through field studies that examine the regional geology and tectonic evolution of the Rocky Mountain Region. Prerequisite: Geology 140. 1 unit  —  Siddoway.
  
  GY230: Volcanology
  Volcanic types, processes and products. Volcanic hazards and prediction. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Geology 201 and 202. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Quane.
  
  GY240: Plate Tectonics
  History of Plate Tectonics and its formulation, paleomagnetic record of ocean crust, geodynamics and tectonic theory, active tectonics, current frontiers. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140 and one 200-level Geology course. 1 unit  —  Anderson.
  
  GY250: Studies in Geology
  Geological topics, such as Advanced Environmental Geology, Hydrology, Mineral Resources Problems and Policies, and Colorado Alpine Environments, offered in different years. (May meet the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.)

  Block 6:

  Studies in Geology: GIS, Remote Sensing, and Image Interpretation for Geological Applications. Principles and methods of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and image interpretation for geological applications. Practical use of data and methods leads to interpretations about geologic processes and landforms on Earth and on Mars. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Ouimet.

  Block 7:

  Studies in Geology: Economic Geology. This course will be designed as a survey of the current theories and techniques involved in using our earth resources to benefit society. We will explore the geologic and tectonic situations that have the capacity to generate valuable mineral deposits and oil and gas reserves. We will employ various geologic techniques including structural analysis, geochemical analysis, rock and mineral identification to best assess resource potential. In addition, we will visit industries that excavate (mines, oil and gas wells) and process raw earth materials and field sites representing potential sites for resource deposits. Lastly, we will discuss policy aspects of the world's current and future use of natural resources. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Quane.

  GY260: Surface Processes and Geomorphology
  Mechanical and chemical processes involved in the development of landforms. Discussion of weathering and soils, mass movement, fluvial, and glacial/periglacial processes and landforms, tectonic geomorphology, and landscape evolution. Course involves significant components of laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140 (PC 141 or 241 recommended). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Ouimet.
  
  GY300: Invertebrate Paleontology
  Microscopic and megascopic study of the significant fossil invertebrate phyla with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, ecology and evolution. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY305: Stratigraphy & Sedimentation
  Transport and deposition of sediment, modern and ancient depositional systems, basin analysis, and correlation of sedimentary rocks. Field work emphasizes analysis of sedimentary structures and facies models for paleoenvironmental interpretation. Prerequisite: Geology 260 or 320. 1 unit  —  Myrow.
  
  GY307: Independent Study in Geology
  Independent research projects based on laboratory, field or library investigations. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and registration at least 1 block prior. 1 unit.
  
  GY308: Introductory Geophysics
  Applications of physics to the study of Earth structure from crust to core. Seismology, magnetics, gravity, and geodesy. Explores history of Earth's formation, current geologic and tectonic problems, and uniqueness of interpretation issues. Prerequisite: Calc 1 (MA 125 or 126). Introductory Physics (PC 141 or 241), and Geology 260 or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Physics 308.) 1 unit  —  Anderson.
  
  GY310: Igneous Petrology
  Classification, modes of occurrence and origin of igneous rocks. Prerequisite: Geology 201 and 202. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY313: Metamorphic Petrology
  Classification, modes of occurrence and origin of metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is on field relations and thin section work. Prerequisite: Geology 201 and 202. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY315: Structural Geology
  A study of the geometry and origin of rock structures from microscopic to continental scale. Mechanical behavior of rocks, stress and strain, plate tectonic context of rock deformation. Prerequisite: Geology 202 and 260 or 320. 1 unit  —  Siddoway.
  
  GY316: Field Analysis of Geological Structures
  Techniques of field and laboratory analysis of deformed rocks. Geological mapping in metamorphic and sedimentary terrains. Prerequisite: Geology 315. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY321: Glacial Geology
  An introduction to glaciology and glacial geomorphology. Course also examines the nature, history, and causes of Quaternary glaciation. Prerequisite: Geology 260 or 320 or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY335: Geochemistry
  Thermodynamics and phase equilibria; trace element geochemistry; stable and radioactive isotope geochemistry; and crystal chemistry; all in relation to petrogenesis. Prerequisite: Geology 310 and Mathematics 126. 1 unit  —  Fricke.
  
  GY345: Regional Studies in Geology
  An in-depth study of an area of the earth with students preparing papers on various aspects of the region. Prerequisite: Geology 130 and. 1 unit  —  Quane, Siddoway.
  
  GY370: Adv Studies in Geology
  Advanced geological topics. These courses are aimed at students with considerable background in geology and will generally involve critical reading of current literature. Topics will vary year-to-year.

  Block 6:

  Advanced Studies in Geology: The Sedimentary Record and Earth History. The course will explore the sedimentary record of significant events in the evolution of the Earth. Analysis of ancient sedimentary environments and associated fossil records will elucidate patterns of marine biodiversity, including mass extinctions and radiations. Prerequisite: Geology 305. 1 unit  —  Myrow.

  Block 8:

  Advanced Studies in Geology: Uplift and Incision of the Colorado Plateau. Advanced seminar in tectonic geomorphology, focused on the late Cenozoic evolution of the Colorado Plateau. The course investigates how and when the Colorado Plateau achieved high elevations and when the incision by large rivers began, and examines the scientific techniques and approaches being used to study this. Involves field study of river incision in western CO and eastern Utah. Prerequisite: Geology 260. 1 unit  —  Ouimet.

  GY400: Senior Seminar in Geology
  Thematic capstone seminar designed to integrate aspects of several geologic disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on current topics in the geological literature, including their historical and philosophical contexts. Topics will vary year-to-year. Senior standing in geology is required. Class size limit is 15 students. Prerequisite: Senior Geology Major. (Not offered 2008-09.) 1 unit.
  
  GY405: Research Topics in Geology
  Student participation in original research. The particular topic, chosen in conjunction with a faculty member, to be included in the course title whenever offered. (May be taken either as a block course or as an extended format course with 1/2 unit of credit per semester.)