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100 — 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.) Prerequisite: No credit if taken after 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Department.
Block 5: Resources, Geology, and Equipment
Block 8: Natural Hazards and Geology - Scott.
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101 — 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 2005-06.) .5 unit.
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115 — Oceanography. Basic principles of physical and chemical oceanography. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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130 — 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. (Not offered 2005-06.) 2 units.
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140 — 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 — Department.
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150 — 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 lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Fricke.
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201 — 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 lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Fricke.
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202 — 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 lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Scott.
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205 — 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 lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Myrow.
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207 — 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. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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230 — Volcanology. Volcanic types, processes and products. Volcanic hazards and prediction. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Geology 201 and 202. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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250 — 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.) Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (May meet the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Department.
Block 2: Great Orogenies of the World – Siddoway
Block 3: Field Instrumentation in Geology and Geophysics
Block 5: Marine Geology – Myrow
Block 6: Climate Change – Leonard (also EV 320)
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260 — 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 lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Leonard.
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300 — 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. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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305 — Stratigraphy and 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.
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307 — 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. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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310 — Igneous Petrology. Classification, modes of occurrence and origin of igneous rocks. Prerequisite: Geology 201 and 202. 1 unit — Weaver.
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313 — 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 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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315 — 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.
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316 — 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 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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321 — 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 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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335 — 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. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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340 — Plate Tectonics. Origin and mechanisms of continual change of the earth's surface; sea-floor spreading; continental drift.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Geology 310 or 315. (Not offered 2005-06.) 1 unit.
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345 — 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 consent of instructor. 1 unit — Myrow.
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370 — 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. Prerequisite: depending on topic. 1 unit — Department. (Not offered 2005-06.)
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400 — 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. 1 unit — Department.
Block 3: Tectonics, Climate and Topography – Leonard, Department
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405 — 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.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 1 unit — Department
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