Course Listing
GEOLOGY COURSES
Geology Department Course Offerings
Catalog Entries |
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GY 100 - Studies in Geology |
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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.) Prerequisite: Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 101 - Catastrophic Geology: Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters |
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An examination of the nature and causes of earthquakes, volcanos, and floods through in-depth study of several seminal hazardous events and regions. Unique and occasionally conflicting perspectives from historic/pre-historic records, modern science and present/future economics and politics underscore the slow progress in our understanding of these catastrophes. The events will also be examined within the global framework of plate tectonic theory to enhance understanding of dynamic earth processes. .5 or 1.0 unit. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. .5 to 1 unit |
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GY 115 - Oceanography |
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Basic principles of physical and chemical oceanography. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 140 - Introduction to Earth Systems |
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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 |
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GY 150 - Environmental Geology |
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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. 1 unit |
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GY 205 - Historical Geology |
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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 |
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GY 207 - Independent Study in Geology |
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Independent research projects based on laboratory, field or library investigations. May be taught in extended format or regular course. Prerequisite: Geology 140, consent of instructor and registration at least 1 block prior. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. .5 to 1 unit |
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GY 211 - Earth as a Chemical System |
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Study of the earth as a chemical system where a limited number of elements react over a range of geologic conditions to form igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks characterized by unique mineral assemblages. Topics covered include processes driving rock-forming reactions, where they take place, and why certain minerals are associated with each rock type. Also included is a study of the chemistry, crystallography and identification of silicate and other common minerals based on their physical, optical and diffractive properties. Field and lab projects enable students to build upon their knowledge of Rocky Mountain geology. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140;CH 107. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 212 - Investigating Earth as a Physical System |
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Studies of rock deformation, landscape formation and earth structure are used as a framework for developing skills in hypothesis formation, project design, data analysis and scientific writing. These skills serve as a foundation for work in higher-level Geology courses and on independent research projects. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140; Physics 141 or 241 No credit if taken after Geology 210. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 230 - Volcanology |
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Volcanic types, processes and products. Volcanic hazards and prediction. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or Geology 210 or Geology 211. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 240 - Plate Tectonics |
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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 GY course. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 250 - Studies in Geology |
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Geological topics, such as Advanced Environmental Geology, Hydrology, Mineral Resources Problems and Policies, and Colorado Alpine Environments, offered in different years. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. May meet the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences. 1 unit |
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GY 300 - Invertebrate Paleontology |
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Microscopic and megascopic study of the significant fossil invertebrate phyla with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, ecology and evolution. Prerequisite: Geology 130 or Geology 140 and Geology 210 or Geology 212. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 305 - Stratigraphy & Sedimentation |
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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 210 or Geology 211. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 307 - Independent Study in Geology |
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Independent research projects based on laboratory, field or library investigations. May be taught in extended format or regular course. Prerequisite: One prior course in the discipline of study, consent of instructor and registration at least 1 block prior. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. .5 to 1 unit |
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GY 310 - Igneous Petrology |
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Classification, modes of occurrence and origin of igneous rocks. Prerequisite: Geology 210 or Geology 211 and Chemistry & Biochemistry 107. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 313 - Metamorphic Petrology |
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Classification, modes of occurrence and origin of metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is on field relations and thin section work. Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 107 and Geology 210 or Geology 211. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 315 - Structural Geology |
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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 210 or Geology 212 and Physics 141 or Physics 241. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 316 - Field Analysis of Geological Structures |
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Techniques of field and laboratory analysis of deformed rocks. Geological mapping in metamorphic and sedimentary terrains. Prerequisite: Geology 315. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 320 - Surface Processes and Geomorphology |
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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 210 or Geology 212 and Physics 141 or Physics 241. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 335 - Geochemistry of the Rock Cycle |
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Atomic-scale to lithospheric-scale investigation of geologic processes that occur as a result of chemical reactions, and the evidence of these reactions in the rock record. Includes study of chemical behavior of common and rare elements in the earth, and of isotopes of these elements. Theoretical concepts are reinforced by collection and analysis of geochemical data by students, critical reading of journal articles, and by scientific writing summary papers and research proposals. Prerequisite: Geology 210 or Geology 211 and Chemistry & Biochemistry 107. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 370 - Advanced Studies in Geology |
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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. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 400 - Senior Seminar in Geology |
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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. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 405 - Research Topics in Geology |
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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. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |
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GY 445 - Regional Studies in Geology |
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An in-depth study of a geological region that requires students to apply fundamental knowledge and skills acquired through the course of their college education. Involves in-depth study of primary rock relationships in a field setting, critical reading of published geological literature, and interpretation and synthesis in oral/written formats. Prerequisite: Senior Geology major and consent of instructor. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. 1 unit |