GEOLOGY COURSES 2009-2010

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 1:

  Studies in Geology: Planets, Moons, & Meteorites. Explore the nature and evolution of our solar system from the inner planets, including earth and its moon, the outer planets and their moons, meteorites, asteroids and comets. This course will investigate geologic observations of these celestial bodies from recent robotic spacecraft missions. Coursework will be complimented by telescopic observations of planets and moons as well as museum meteorite collections. 1 unit - Mercer.

  Block 3:

  Studies in Geology:  Geologic Hazards — Past, Present, and Future. A survey of the Earth's greatest disasters within the timeframe of human history: volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods. Course work will center on a careful understanding of a few distinct hazardous events and regions within a historical context, with the perspective of modern science, and culminating in a discussion of how our current societies will interact with hazards in the future. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit – Anderson.

  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 2009-10) .5 unit.
  
  GY115: Oceanography
  Basic principles of physical and chemical oceanography. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 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, Kehrwald, Leonard, Mercer, Siddoway.
  
  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 2009-10.) 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  —  Mercer.
  
  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  —  Fricke.
  
  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  —Fricke.
  
  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.) (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit.
  
  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. (Not offered 2009-10.) 1 unit  

  
  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 4:

  Studies in Geology: Watershed Hydrology.  This course discusses the physical properties of water, hydrologic processes at the catchment scale affecting surface and near-surface hydrology, including precipitation, evaporation, groundwater, runoff and surface water processes, anthropogenic and climatic effects on the hydrologic cycle, and the analysis of hydrologic data including hydrograph and frequency analysis.  Prerequisite: Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit  —  Jaeger.

  Block 7:

  Studies in Geology: Bubbling Magmas, Hot Springs, and Colorado's Premier Ore Deposits. Hot springs and hydrothermal ore mineralization are natural consequences of magmatic evolution within the Earth's crust. This course explores the nature of magma-fluid-rock interactions that lead to distinctive hot spring environments and ore deposits. Field trips will focus on Colorado's premier ore deposits and mining history. Prerequisites: Geology 130 or 140. Recommended: Chemistry 107. 1 unit – Mercer.

  
  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 2009-10.) 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  —  Snell.
  
  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 2009-10.) 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 2009-10.) 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 2009-10.) 1 unit.

  GY320 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 — Leonard.

   
  
  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.  1 unit -- Leonard.
  
  GY335: Geochemistry of the Rock Cycle
  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 of summary papers and research proposals.  Prerequisite: GY210 or EV210. No credit if taken after GY335-Geochemistry. (Not offered in 2009-10.)

  1 unit.
  
  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 2:	Advanced Studies in Geology: Rocky Mountains Evolution — Wyoming.  Field and laboratory investigation of contemporary geological questions, explored within the setting of Laramide basins and arches of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. Interpretation of paleoenvironments, lithospheric scale structure, and tectonic evolution will be achieved through study of field relationships; use of instrumentation and analytical tools; and critical reading of published literature. The course involves a peer mentoring component for students with prior coursework at 300-level. Prerequisite: COI. 1 unit – Anderson.
  Block 3:	Advanced Studies in Geology: Rocky Mountains Evolution — Colorado.  Field and laboratory investigation of little known geological features of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, including a thin-skinned fold-thrust belt, Miocene volcanoes, and an off-axis rift basin that hosts Pliocene fossils. Study of field relationships; use of instrumentation and analytical tools; and critical reading of published literature will be used to address key questions about the origin of these features. The course offers  mentoring opportunities for students with prior coursework at 300-level. Prerequisite: COI. 1 unit – Siddoway.

  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 2009-10.) 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.) 1 unit -- Anderson, Fricke, Leonard, Siddoway.

  GY445 Regional Studies in Geology. 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 tock relationships in a field setting, critical reading of published geological literature, and interpretation and synthesis in oral/written formats. Prerequisite: Senior Geology major and COI. 1 unit — Anderson, Leonard.