Steven D. Sheriff, Chairman
An understanding of geology involves a knowledge of the processes
and events that shape the earth. By studying minerals, rocks, and
fossils, as well as aspects of rivers, oceans and atmosphere, the
geologist interprets earth history, the evolution of life, the movement
and development of continents, and the changing aspects of the ocean
basins. The study of earth materials takes place in the field and
in the laboratory, and depends upon a rock hammer as well as sophisticated
analytical equipment. Within the broad field of geology, professionals
specialize in a variety of subjects including mineral resources, groundwater,
sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, volcanoes, geophysics,
geochemistry, fossils and many others. This specialization leads to
employment by private industry, federal, state, and local governmental
agencies, consulting firms, and by secondary schools needing earth
science teachers. Many of our graduates work in the fields of exploration
and development for minerals and fuels. Others work in a variety of
fields related to construction, site selection, water supply, environmental
remediation and planning. Jobs in geology are available at the B.S.,
M.S., and Ph.D. level. However, the more creative the position, the
higher level of education needed, and a master's degree is advisable
for flexibility in professional employment.
The Department of Geology offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees; also
available is a bachelor degree with a teaching major in earth sciences.
All degree programs in the department involve field work and a combination
of applied and theoretical approaches requiring sound general background
in other sciences.
High School Preparation: In addition to the general requirements
for University admission, recommended high school preparation includes
as much mathematics and science as possible.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog.
See index.
Science courses designed for education majors may not be counted toward
Geology Department science requirements. Geology courses and allied
science courses must be taken for a traditional grade.
The Upper-division Writing Expectation must be met by successfully
completing an upper-division writing course from the approved list
in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. See
index.
The Geology Department offers four options for students wishing to
major in geology. The first option is a highly flexible program designed
for those who wish to double major in another science or who simply
wish to acquire a broad education of their own design. It features
a minimum number of specifically required courses in geology and other
sciences. The remaining three options are designed for students who
desire a more defined path through our curriculum or who are seeking
certification to teach. Some paths in each of the options may require
prerequisites that are not specifically listed or required.
General Option back
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This flexible option requires the following courses in geology: any
freshman geology course below GEOL 130, GEOL 101N, GEOL 130, and GEOL
226. At least 20 additional credits in geology must be completed with
at least 16 of the 20 at the 300-level or above.
In addition to thirty credits in geology, thirty additional credits
must be completed from among the following disciplines at the listed
level or higher or equivalent: MATH 117, CHEM 151N, PHYS 121N, ASTR
131N, CS 172, BIOL 101N, FOR 140 or equivalent. Additional courses
acceptable in this category include most of those offered in the Physical
Geography and Geographic Methodology and Techniques sections of the
Department of Geography's curriculum. Courses may be selected with
the consent of the advisor who can offer advice concerning additional
alternatives in cognate science courses.
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology
and a General Geology option is flexible. For example, for those interested
in community affairs, planning and environmental relations or policy,
GEOL 382, 378, 432, and 480 are recommended. For a broad interest
in evolution of Earth, GEOL 310, 330, 430, 432 and 429 are recommended.
Students are encouraged to consult with departmental advisors regarding
available choices.
Professional Options
The Geology Department offers three different options for students
wishing to pursue geology as a profession. Although the three programs
share many required courses, each prepares students for graduate studies
or employment in different aspects of modern geoscience. Programs,
as well as elective courses, should be chosen in consultation with
a faculty advisor in the Geology Department.
Option in Geology
The following courses are required: Geology 100N, 101N, 130, 226,
330, 429. One course also must be selected from each of the following
four categories: (1) Geology 378, 431, 480; (2) Geology 437, 430;
(3) Geology 310, 327, 438; (4) Geology 306, 432.
Also required are at least 30 credits in cognate science courses including
MATH 152 153 or MATH 150 and 158; PHYS 121N 122N or PHYS 221N 222N;
and CHEM 161N 162N. Completion of CS 172 early in the program is strongly
recommended.
Option in Environmental Geology
The following courses in Geology are required: 100N, 101N, 105N, 130,
301, 226, 320 or 327, 480, 499 plus geology electives at the 300 level
or above for a total of 33 credits. Also required are 38 credits in
mathematics and allied sciences.
Cognate science courses must include: MATH 152 153 or MATH 150 and
158; PHYS 121N 122N or PHYS 221N 222N; CHEM 161N 162N plus ten additional
credits selected in consultation with your advisor. Examples include:
BIOL 105N; CS 203, 204, 344, 365; MATH 158, 251, 311, 312, 341; CHEM
261, 262, 263, 264, 342, 344, 348, 370, 371, 452, 476; MICB 306.
Option in Earth Science Education
Major Teaching Field of Earth Science: A student must complete GEOL
100N, 101N, 105N, 130, 226, 301, 310, 330, 3 additional credits from
any geology course numbered 100 or above and 12 credits from any geology
courses numbered 300 or above. Also required are GEOG 330N, ASTR 131N
132N, MATH 121, 341, CS 101, CHEM 485, and C&I 426. One of BIOL
121N 122N or CHEM 151N 152N or PHYS 121N 122N must be completed.
For endorsement to teach earth science, a student also must gain admission
to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements
for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education
section of this catalog). The demand in most Montana high school for
teaching in this field may be limited, and students must complete
the requirements for the required second teaching endorsement (major
or minor).
Suggested Course of Study
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For questions concerning your special interests or preparation, see
a geology advisor.
General Option
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
CHEM 151N
General and Inorganic Chemistry or
162N College Chemistry |
-
|
3-5
|
ENEX 101
Composition |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 100N
101N General Geology and Lab |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 130
Introductory Field Geology and Maps |
-
|
3
|
*MATH
121 Precalculus |
4
|
-
|
General
Education |
5
|
9
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Second
Year |
|
|
*BIOL
121N Introductory Ecology |
3
|
-
|
*CHEM
152N Organic and Biological
Chemistry or 162N College Chemistry |
3-5
|
-
|
GEOL 202
Stratigraphy Sedimentology |
-
|
4
|
GEOL 226
Mineralogy and Petrology |
4
|
-
|
Additional
science course |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
3
|
9
|
Total |
15
|
16
|
Third
Year |
|
|
GEOL any
300 and above |
4
|
4
|
Science* |
6
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
4
|
8
|
Total
|
14
|
15
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
GEOL any
300 and above |
4
|
4
|
Science* |
6
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
6
|
6
|
Total |
16
|
13
|
*Suggested, a total of
30 additional science credits are required. See special degree requirements.
Geology Option
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
GEOL 100N
101N General Geology and Lab |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 130
Introductory Field Geology and Maps |
-
|
3
|
CHEM 161N
162N College Chemistry and Lab |
5
|
5
|
MATH 152
and 153 Calculus I, II or 150 and 158 |
4
|
4
|
ENEX 101
Composition |
-
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
3
|
-
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Second
Year |
|
|
GEOL 202
Stratigraphy Sedimentology |
-
|
4
|
GEOL 226
Mineralogy and Petrology |
4
|
-
|
CS
172 Introduction to Computer Modeling or equivalent |
-
|
3
|
PHYS
221N 222N General Physics or PHYS 121N 122N |
5
|
5
|
Electives
and General Education |
6
|
3
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Third
Year |
|
|
GEOL 330
Structural Geology |
3
|
-
|
Two courses
from Category 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
3
|
3
|
Electives
and General Education |
9
|
12
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Summer
Session |
|
|
GEOL 429
Field Geology |
6
|
-
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
Two
courses from Category 1, 2 or 3, 4 as needed |
3
|
3
|
Geology
and non geology electives and General Education |
12
|
12
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Option in Environmental Geology back
to top
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
GEOL 100N
101N General Geology and Lab |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 130
Introduction to Field Methods |
-
|
3
|
CHEM 161N,
162N College Chemistry and Lab |
5
|
5
|
MATH 152,
153 Calculus I, II or 150 and 158 |
4
|
4
|
CS
172 Introduction to Computer Modeling or equivalent |
-
|
3
|
ENEX
101 Composition |
3
|
-
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Second
Year |
|
|
GEOL 301
Environmental Geology |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 226
Rock, Mineralogy and Petrology |
-
|
4
|
PHYS 221N
222N College Physics |
5
|
5
|
Other
science electives |
3
|
3
|
General
Education and electives |
3
|
5
|
Total |
14
|
17
|
Third
Year |
|
|
Credits
from 300 level or above geology courses |
3
|
3
|
Other
science electives |
6
|
-
|
General
Education and electives |
7
|
12
|
Total |
16
|
15
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
GEOL 320
Global Water or 327 Geochemistry |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 480
Hydrogeology |
4
|
-
|
GEOL 499
Undergraduate Thesis |
2
|
3
|
General
Education and electives |
6
|
12
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Earth Science Education Option
First
Year |
A
|
S
|
CS
172 Introduction to Computer Modeling or equivalent |
-
|
3
|
ENEX 101
Composition |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 100N-101N
General Geology and Laboratory |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 105
Oceanography |
-
|
2
|
GEOL 130
Introductory Field Geology and Maps |
-
|
3
|
MATH 121
Precalculus |
4
|
-
|
PSYC 100S
Introduction to Psychology |
4
|
-
|
*Electives
and General Education |
3
|
6
|
Total |
17
|
14
|
Second
Year |
|
|
ASTR 131N-132N
Elementary Astronomy I, II |
3
|
3
|
CHEM 151N
General and Inorganic Chemistry |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 226
Mineralogy and Petrology |
-
|
4
|
GEOL 301
Environmental Geology |
3
|
-
|
GEOL any
100 |
-
|
3
|
*Electives
and General Education |
6
|
6
|
Total |
15
|
16
|
Need to formally gain
admission to the Teacher Education Program. See requirement in
the School of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Deadlines: March 1 and October 1.
Third
Year |
|
|
CHEM 485
Laboratory Safety |
-
|
1
|
C&I
200 Exploring Teaching Through Field Experience |
2
|
-
|
C&I
303 Educational Psychology & Measurements |
-
|
4
|
C&I
Other |
3
|
6
|
GEOG 330
Meteorology |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 310
Invertebrate Paleontology |
3
|
-
|
GEOL 330
Structural Geology |
3
|
-
|
GEOL
any 300 or above |
3
|
6
|
Total |
17
|
17
|
Fourth
Year |
|
|
C&I
426 Teaching Science in Middle and Secondary Schools |
3
|
-
|
C&I
Other |
-
|
6
|
GEOL any
300 or above |
3
|
-
|
*Electives
and General Education |
9
|
12
|
Total |
15
|
18
|
*C&I recommends a
minor teaching field. A fifth year may be required to obtain a minor
field endorsement.
Requirements
for a Minor
To earn a minor in Geology the student must complete GEOL 100N, 101N,
130, 226, plus at least 12 credits in other geology courses numbered
300 or above. All courses must be taken for a traditional letter grade.
Courses back
to top
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate
credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the
course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the
R.
U 100N General Geology 2 cr. Offered autumn and spring. General
geology including the work of wind, flowing water, glacial ice, gravity,
earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics in shaping the earth. Credit
not allowed for both GEOL 100N and 109N.
U 101N General Geology Laboratory 1 cr. Offered autumn and
spring. Prereq. or coreq., any geology courses below GEOL 130. A series
of laboratory and field experiences designed around basic geologic
processes and materials. Familiarization with common minerals, rocks,
land forms, and structures. Intended to provide laboratory experience
with any geology course below GEOL 130.
U 103N Volcanoes and Earthquakes 3 cr. Offered autumn. Examination
of volcanism, earthquakes and landforms related to constructional
and destructive plate boundaries, rifts, hot spots and extra terrestrial
impacting. Exploration of hazards to mankind associated with these
phenomena.
U 105N Oceanography 2 cr. Offered spring. Origin of sea water
and ocean basins; currents, tides, and coastal processes; use and
misuse of the oceans by humans.
U 106N History of Life 3 cr. Offered spring. Evolution of plants
and animals; highlights in the development of life.
U 109N Environmental Geoscience 2 cr. Offered autumn. An introduction
to geology emphasizing the effects of geologic processes and events
on humans, and interactions of humans with the Earth. Includes geologic
hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and landslides; soil
and erosion; ground and surface water resources; global climate; and
mineral and energy resources. Credit not allowed for both GEOL 100N
and 109N.
U 130 Introductory Field Geology and Maps 3 cr. Offered autumn
and spring. Prereq., GEOL 100N 101N. Basic geologic field observations
and methods, geological map interpretation. All day Saturday field
trips to key areas of western Montana.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 6) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.
U 202 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 100N 101N. Concepts and methods of lithostratigraphy,
and biostratigraphy including classification and correlation of sedimentary
rocks. Interpretation of ancient environments from analysis of sedimentary
structures.
U 207 Geological Hazards and Disasters 2 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., minimum grade of C in any 100-level geology course except
106. Study of major geological catastrophes, their causes and effects.
Probability, frequency and recurrence intervals, magnitudes, the role
of overlapping/ unrelated events. Examples of floods, hurricanes,
landslides, submarine landslides, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, asteroid impacts.
U 226 Mineralogy and Petrology 4 cr. Offered autumn and spring.
Prereq., any 100 level geology course, GEOL 101N or SCI 227, and college
level chemistry. The mineralogy of rock forming minerals and other
important mineral groups; an introduction to igneous, metamorphic,
and sedimentary rocks and processes.
U 301 Environmental Geology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
GEOL 100N 101N, 130; MATH 117 or 121; CS 172 or equiv. experience
with spread sheets and word processors. Human effects on geologic
processes and the effect of geologic processes on humans. Group and
independent research projects on local and regional environmental
geology problems are used to teach scientific problem solving. Topics
include population growth, management of surface and groundwater quantity
and quality, resource use, global environmetal change.
UG 302 Sedimentary Geology Field Trip 2 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 100N; coreq., GEOL 130. Examination of modern and ancient
sedimentary depositional systems in the field through a 9-day spring
break field trip. Possible areas of focus include the Permian Reef
Complex of West Texas, the California convergent margin, Oregon coastal
processes, geology of the Basin and Range, Death Valley Region, Colorado
Plateau, and Oklahoma Aulacogen.
U 306 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 226, CHEM 162N. Igneous rock associations, igneous processes
and origins; metamorphic minerals and phase relationships, metamorphic
zones, facies, and conditions; metamorphic environments, metallic
minerals and mineral deposits.
UG 309 Planetary Science 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered
years. Prereq., PHYS 121N or 221N and MATH 150 or 152. Same as ASTR
351. Physical and geological characteristics of planets, satellites,
asteroids, comets, and meteoroids with an emphasis on comparative
planetology.
UG 310 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
GEOL 100N, 202 or equiv. Principles of paleontology including morphology,
classification and evolution of major groups of fossils and their
application to paleoecology and biostratigraphy.
UG 311 Paleobiology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOL 310
or equiv. Application of geologic and biologic principles to problems
in paleontology.
UG 313 Curation Techniques 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., basic
course in natural sciences. Instruction in basic techniques of managing
natural history collections. Focus on practical applications.
U 320 Global Water 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., one semester
of college chemistry. Study of the chemistry of water in the hydrological
cycles; how water picks its chemical attributes as it moves through
the hydrological cycle. Atmospheric water, precipitation, ground water,
and surface water are discussed.
U 327 Geochemistry 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., one year
of college chemistry. Chemical principles applied to geologic processes.
Origin and chemical composition of atmosphere and hydrosphere. Methods
of radiometric dating and isotope applications.
U 330 Structural Geology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOL
130 and 226. Structures of deformed rocks; mechanical principles;
graphical interpretation of structural problems, tectonic principles.
UG 332 Modern Concepts in Geology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
upper class standing in geology. Discussion of several controversial
topics, including asteroid impacts, flood basalt provinces, continental
rifting, time of onset of plate tectonics and others.
U 350 Computation and Computer Techniques in Geology 2 cr. Offered
autumn. Prereq., geology major and two semesters of calculus. Exploration
of several computer programs used in geology; how the software works
and how to handle a number of different data formats, programs and
problem-solving techniques.
U 378 Geomorphology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq.,
GEOL 100N 101N. Landforms in terms of processes which create them.
Emphasis on glacial and fluvial systems and watershed equilibrium.
UG 382 Global Change 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
consent of instr. Lectures, readings, and discussions on geological
and geochemical processes that affect global change using recent literature;
carbon dioxide buildup, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, desertification,
ice ages, and other global events.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.
U 396 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term.
Specific topics of particular interest to individual students.
U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R 9) Offered
every term. Prereq., 12 credits in geology. Extended classroom experience
which provides practical application of classroom learning during
placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty
supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning. No more than 3
credits of GEOL 398 may be applied to the geology minor.
UG 402 Sedimentary Geology Field Trip 2 cr. Examination of
sedimentary depositional systems through a nine-day spring break field
trip off campus.
U 425 Geology of the Pacific Northwest 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 100N. Narrative discussion of the evolutions of the
Pacific Northwest from Archean time to present.
U 429 Field Geology 6 cr. Offered summer. Prereq., GEOL 330
and consent of instr. Geologic mapping on aerial photos and topographic
base maps. Field interpretation in a variety of rock types and structures.
Taught every summer near Dillon, Montana. Extra fees. Pre registration
in early spring.
UG 430 Geotectonics and Earth History 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 202, 306, 330, and 2.25 or better overall GPA in geology
courses. Examination of large scale structural features of earth's
surface, processes responsible for their origin, and earth history
in light of global tectonics.
UG 431 Environmental Geochemistry 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
advanced or graduate standing in sciences. Processes of contamination
on the Earth related to natural and anthropogenic causes; presenting
the sources and sinks of contaminants and the byproducts of resource
extraction and utilization. Chemical and physical processes of transport
in surface and subsurface.
UG 432 Architecture of Sedimentary Deposits 4 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., GEOL 202. Study of the architectural elements and composition
of sedimentary deposits in the context of their tectonic environments
and their influence on petroleum and hydrogeologic systems.
UG 433 Sedimentary Petrology 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
graduate standing or GEOL 432. Field, hand specimen and thin section
petrology of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks, emphasis on tectonic
and diagenetic interpretation of siliciclastic rock and environments
of deposition and diagenesis of carbonate rocks.
UG 437 Seismology and Magnetics 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
MATH 153, GEOL 100N 101N; prereq. or coreq., PHYS 121N. Theory and
global aspects of seismology and magnetics as well as their practical
application to environmental problems.
UG 438 Gravity and Electromagnetics 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
GEOL 437. Theory and global aspects of the Geodetic Positioning System,
gravity and electromagnetics as well as their practical application
to environmental problems.
UG 480 Hydrogeology 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOL 100N
101N; PHYS 121N or 221N; MATH 150 or 152 strongly recommended. Occurrence,
movement, quality, and methods of quantification of groundwater. Geological
framework and physics of groundwater flow. Supply, contamination,
and management problems.
U 493 Omnibus Variable cr. (R 10) Offered intermittently. Independent
work under the University omnibus option. See index.
UG 494 Senior Seminar 1-10 cr. (R 10) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., upper division standing in geology or consent of instr. Independent
study of various topics under the direction of a faculty member.
UG 495 Special Topics 1-8 cr. (R 8) Offered intermittently.
Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings
of new courses or one time offerings of current topics.
UG 496 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term.
Specific topics of particular interest to individual students.
U 499 Undergraduate Thesis 3-10 cr. (R 10) Offered every term.
Prereq., 18 credits in geology. Independent research project in any
geologic topic supervised by faculty member, and leading to completion
of baccalaureate degree.
G 502 Thesis/Dissertation Proposal 1 cr. Offered spring. Work
with advisors to choose a research project and write a proposal.
G 512 Applications of Isotope Systematics to Geologic Problems
3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., graduate or senior standing. Use
of stable and unstable (radioactive) isotope systematics in solving
geologic problems including those related to carbonate formation,
air and ground water pollution and ore deposit genesis. Examination
of absolute age dating, rock petrogenesis and ore genesis problems
utilizing the Rb/Sr, K/Ar, Sm/Nd and 14C decay schemes.
UG 520 Optical Mineralogy 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOL
306. Theory and use of polarizing microscope in identification of
non opaque mineral fragments and minerals in thin section.
G 525 Igneous Petrology 4 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
GEOL 520. Description, classification, interpretation, and origin
of igneous rocks; processes leading to their formation and evolution.
Study of thin sections.
G 526 Metamorphic Petrology 4 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
GEOL 525. Description, classification, interpretation, and origin
of metamorphic rocks; processes leading to their formation and evolution.
Study in thin section and field.
G 528 Sedimentary Basin Analysis 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
GEOL 202. Influence of allocyclic processes (tectonism, climate, eustacy,
etc.,) in shaping the evolution of sedimentary basins. Emphasis on
integration and synthesis of tools of sedimentary basins analysis,
including the study of depositional systems, provenance, paleocurrents,
subsidence, sequence stratigraphy, and well logs.
G 531 Advanced Environmental Geochemistry 4 cr. Offered autumn.
Prereq., graduate standing in geology, chemistry, biology or consent
of instr. Integration of major processes and cycles transporting,
fixing, and transforming inorganic contaminants in aquatic systems,
soils, sediments and subsurface environments. Concentration on multicisciplinary
research to solve complex environmental problems.
G 540 Paleontological Techniques 3 cr. Offered spring even-numbered
years. Prereq., introductory course in geology and/or natural science.
Hands-on course dealing with the conservation and preparation of fossils
and geologic samples and the techniques and methods employed.
G 554 Paleomagnetism 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq.,
Geol. 437. Introduction to the field, laboratory, and statistical
techniques of paleomagnetism. Application of paleomagnetism to the
history of Earth's magnetic field, regional structure, and tectonics.
G 555 Structure of the Crust 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
Geol. 437. Offered alternate years. Geophysical investigation of the
middle crust, lower crust, and uppermost mantle including geophysical
limits, geophysical application and geological constraints on the
structure and evolution of the crust.
G 570 Advanced Geochemistry I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
one year college chemistry. Chemistry of aqueous systems including
aqueous kinetics, aqueous thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, carbonate
systematics, mineral solubility, and complexation. Concepts applied
to natural systems.
G 571 Advanced Geochemistry II 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
GEOL 570. Continuation of GEOL 570. Chemistry of aqueous systems including
oxidation/reduction reactions, surface chemistry, absorption, and
microbial mediation of aqueous geochemistry. Includes an introduction
to the use of geochemical models. Concepts applied to natural systems.
G 572 Advanced Hydrogeology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
GEOL 480 or consent of instr. Advanced concepts used in groundwater
investigations, including flow systems analysis, hydrogeologic monitoring
and sampling, resource evaluation, exploration, development and monitoring,
and contaminant transport. Special problem areas in groundwater exploration
and management.
G 573 Applied Groundwater Modeling 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
GEOL 480 and consent of instr. Development of numerical modeling techniques,
finite difference and finite element modeling of groundwater flow
systems. Application of standard 2D and 3D models to field problems.
G 575 Clays and Clay Petrology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
consent of instr. Clay mineralogy including fundamental particle theory;
x ray identification methods. Origins of clays; petrology of shales
through low grade metamorphism.
G 580 Topics in Mineralogy and Petrology Variable cr. (R 6
for M.S., R 12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on
request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty.
Recent topics: tectonics and petrology; alkaline igneous rocks.
G 581 Topics in Economic Geology Variable cr. (R 6 for M.S.,
R 12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on request of
graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent
topics: exploration geochemistry; gold deposits; stratiform sulphide
deposits; and applications of stable isotopes to ore genesis and exploration.
G 582 Topics in Structure and Geophysics Variable cr. (R 6
for M.S., R 12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr. Offerings on
request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty.
Recent topics: structural analysis, Precambrian crustal evolution,
field trips on Rocky Mountain structure.
G 583 Topics in Stratigraphy, Paleontology and Sedimentation Variable
cr. (R 6 for M.S., R 12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr.
Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate
faculty. Recent topics: evolution of life; Proterozoic stratigraphy;
reefs through time.
G 585 Topics in Hydrogeology and Low Temperature Geochemistry Variable
cr. (R 6 for M.S., R 12 for Ph.D.) Prereq., consent of instr.
Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate
faculty. Recent topics: field methods, well design, contaminant transport,
geochemical modeling.
G 590 Supervised Internship 1-12 cr. Offered intermittently.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 8) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors,
experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current
topics.
G 597 Advanced Problems Variable cr. (R 10) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., consent of instr. Investigations of geological problems exclusive
of thesis or dissertation research.
G 599 Thesis Research Variable cr. (R 6) Offered every term.
Prereq., thesis proposal approval. Directed research to serve as thesis
for the master degree. Credit assigned upon submittal of final copy
of approved and bound thesis.
G 699 Dissertation Research Variable cr. (R 12) Offered every
term. Prereq., dissertation proposal approval. Directed research to
serve as dissertation for the Ph.D. degree. Credit assigned upon submittal
of final copy of approved and bound dissertation.
Faculty back
to top
Professors
David Alt, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1961 (Emeritus)
Donald W. Hyndman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1964
Ian M. Lange, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1968 (Emeritus)
Johnnie N. Moore, Ph.D., University of California (Los Angeles), 1976
Raymond C. Murray, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1955 (Emeritus)
James W. Sears, Ph.D, Queen's University, 1979
Steven D. Sheriff, Ph.D., University of Wyoming, l981 (Chair)
George D. Stanley, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1977
Graham R. Thompson, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve, 1971
John P. Wehrenberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1956 (Emeritus)
Robert M. Weidman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1959
(Emeritus)
Donald Winston, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1963
William W. Woessner, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (Madison), 1978
Associate Professors
Marc S. Hendrix, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1992
Nancy W. Hinman, Ph.D., University of California (San Diego), 1987