0836. Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

Clips from Hollywood disaster movies will drive our inquiry into geologic phenomena. Can you really drive over a lava flow in a jeep? (Dante’s Peak) Are we foolish not to prepare for a major earthquake in New York City? (Aftershock) Could global warming melt the polar ice caps turning “dry land” into a myth? (Waterworld) Would the impact of an asteroid the “size of Texas” kill half the Earth by heat and freeze the remainder in a nuclear winter? (Armageddon) Learn the fundamentals of plate tectonics, how petrologic properties control volcanic explosivity, how to calculate earthquake locations from seismic data, and prepare a disaster readiness plan for a major U.S. city.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

0837. Evolution & Extinctions (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

(Formerly: GE-SCI 0064.)

Did an asteroid impact wipe out the dinosaurs? Can “natural” Earth-based processes also cause mass extinctions? Long before the dinosaurs, another mass extinction destroyed 90 percent of life on Earth, without an impact. Should we be less worried about rocks from space, and more about “down to Earth” phenomena such as climate change, volcanism, or disease? Basic geologic principles and the fundamentals of evolutionary thought combine to bring to life the 4.6 billion year story of our planet and its creatures. Through hands-on experience with fossils and rocks, students investigate changes in life through time, and discover how to decipher past environments from the geologic record.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core. Mode: Lecture and Laboratory format.

0842. Sustainable Environments (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

Americans account for over a quarter of all fossil fuel consumption, own more cars than there are licensed drivers, and build new homes 40 percent larger than they did in 1975, despite shrinking household size. We feel for the pandas and polar bears, while contributing mightily to global climate change, resource inequity, and ecosystem destruction. How do we reckon with environmental crises at multiple scales, from the neighborhood to the atmosphere and oceans? “Think globally, act locally” environmentalists admonish us! Direct our vast human ingenuity and collective spirit toward technologies and behaviors that bring peace with the planet. Course mission: enhance your capability to make informed choices, based on a sound understanding of the ecological, technological, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability.

1001. Introductory Geology (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SA. $.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY C050.)

An introduction to the basic principles and processes of geology. Wide range of topics, including rocks and minerals, surface processes, plate tectonics, and the earth’s interior.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology First Level (SA) requirement. To determine if this course in combination with another course can satisfy the GenEd Science & Technology requirement, see your advisor. Mode: Lecture and laboratory.

1005. Evolution (4 s.h.) RCI: SB.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY C057.)

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of macroscopic organismal evolution as reflected in the geologic record, and the application of paleontologic data to solving basic geologic problems. Includes one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. Mode: Lecture and laboratory.

1015. Environmental Resources (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY C081.)

Interrelationships of people and the environment, problems of pollution, of availability, and of consumption of natural resources.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement. Mode: Lecture and Laboratory.

1021. Catastrophic Geology (4 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: SB.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY C051.)

Substantial description and theory of plate tectonics as related to the geological catastrophes: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and floods. Causes, occurrences, properties, and use are given a scientific basis.

2001. Physical Geology (4 s.h.)

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0155.)

Introductory geology course designed for geology and environmental studies majors and focused on theory and concepts needed for advanced study. Laboratory sessions (3 hrs/week) focus on the properties of mineral and rock specimens, map skills, and the development of basic field techniques.

2011. Mineralogy I (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0201.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or EES/GEOLOGY 2001 (0155).Co-Requisite: Chemistry 1031 (C071).

Fundamentals of hand-specimen analysis including crystallography, bonding, physical properties, chemical composition and growth of common minerals.

2012. Mineralogy II (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0202.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 2011 (0201).

Microanalysis by polarized light microscopy, powder x-ray diffractometry and microprobe including site occupancy, crystal growth, and microstructural defects with emphasis on silicates.

2015. Climate Change: Oceans To Atmosphere (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155).

The major topics in Oceanography will be covered in addition to introducing students to the Atmospheric circulation system. These topics will give students a better understanding of climate change and forecasting.

Note: This course is taught every other year. Mode: Lecture and Laboratory.

2021. Facies Models (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0211.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155), or equivalent.

Analysis of sedimentological and stratigraphic data to derive facies interpretations. Laboratory and field exercises emphasize data collection, interpretation and graphical presentation.

2022. Paleontology and Stratigraphy (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0212.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155), or equivalent.

Fundamental concepts of stratigraphy combined with functional analysis of fossil organisms. Two four-day field trips focused on paleoecologic analysis and correlation of strata.

Note: Two four-day field trips. Mode: Lecture and laboratory.

2061. Introduction to Geochemistry (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0261.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155), or equivalent.Co-Requisite: Chemistry 1031 (C071).

Application of chemical principles and quantitative methods to understand and solve various geological problems. Field trips and laboratory exercises will emphasize techniques of obtaining and measuring geological samples. Students will analyze, summarize, and present data in oral and written reports.

3001. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0301.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 2011 (0201).

Chemistry, physical properties, distribution, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Term paper required.

3011. Remote Sensing and GIS (4 s.h.)

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0310: Use of Microcomputers in Geology.)

Prerequisite: C+IN SC 1055 (C055) or higher and science or engineering majors with Junior or Senior level standing.

The focus of this class is on remote sensing technologies and geographic information systems. Remote sensing is a dynamic field; new, high-resolution satellites are coming online almost daily, and there has been an exponential growth in applications of remote sensing data during the past decade, including: mineral exploration, precision agriculture, watershed management, land use classification, military intelligence, and climate monitoring. The demand for college graduates with experience in this field is growing exponentially as well. By the end of this class you won’t be a remote sensing expert, but you will have a fundamental understanding of the uses and limitations of remote sensing data for geologic and environmental applications, as well as fundamental geographic information systems skills.

Note: Prior to Spring 2009, this course was titled “Use of Microcomputers in Geology.” Mode: Lecture and Computer Laboratory.

3021. Introduction to Hydrology (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0210.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155) or equivalent, MATH 1021 (C073) or higher.

This course provides an introduction to the science of hydrogeology. Topics include how geology influences groundwater flow and geochemistry, how groundwater and surface water interact, and contamination and remediation issues. Student understanding of groundwater and contaminant movement is developed though a series of take-home problem sets that require basic algebra skills.

4082. Individual Study Program (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0293.)

Prerequisite: Written permission of the faculty member who will be responsible for their program and approval of the undergraduate advisor.

Individual independent study and research under supervision of a member of the Earth & Environmental Science Faculty. A final written report will be submitted to the faculty member. For further information and details, see the undergraduate advisor.

Note: Student must have a GPA of 3.25 at the end of the first semester of their junior year.

4096. Structural Geology (4 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY W302.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (CO50) or 2001 (0155), 2011 (0201), 2021 (0211).

Basic principles of natural rock deformation and the description and origin of structures.

Note: Geology B.S. Capstone. Mode: Lecture and Laboratory.

4197. Environmental Seminar (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY W381.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155). Must have Junior or Senior level standing as defined by credit hours completed.

In this class you will study the environmental controversies that are in the news, specifically focusing on global warming and the energy industry. We discuss both the scientific evidence at the heart of environmental controversies and the techniques, foul or fair, that try to persuade us to take sides.

Note: This course is designed for upper level Geology Majors and Environmental Studies students. Geology B.A. Capstone. Mode: Seminar.

4200. Topics in Geoscience (3 to 4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155), and permission of instructor.

This seminar will allow students to study current problems in geology and environmental science.

Note: Elective for Earth and Environmental Science majors (Geology and Environmental Science). May be taken multiple times (on different topics) with permission of instructor.

4589. Field Geology (6 s.h.)

(Formerly: GEOLOGY 0352.)

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior level standing and EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050), 2011 (0201), 2021 (0211) or 2022 (0212), and 4096 (W302).

The purpose of this course is to train students in the techniques and methodologies of field geology. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret field data across a variety of geologic disciplines. Results are presented as maps, reports, measured sections, and computer models.

Note: Students take this course through other institutions. The selection of the camp must be approved by the Geology undergraduate advisor.

4997. Honors Environmental Seminar (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: GEOLOGY H391.)

Prerequisite: EES/GEOLOGY 1001 (C050) or 2001 (0155); Must be a Junior or Senior level student.

In this class you will study the environmental controversies that are in the news, from ozone depletion to Superfund reauthorization to Clean Water Act Amendments. We discuss both the scientific evidence at the heart of environmental controversies and the techniques, foul or fair, that try to persuade us to take sides.

Note: This course is for Geology Majors, Environmental Studies students, and Honors Students. Mode: Seminar.
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