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
or by completing GEOL 499. 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
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
For questions concerning your special interests or preparation,
see a geology advisor.
General Option
First Year |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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* |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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
First Year |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
C&I Other |
- |
6 |
GEOL any 300 or above |
3 |
- |
*Electives and General Education |
9 |
12 |
Total |
|
|
*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
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.
Geology (GEOL)
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 intermittently. 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., MATH 153, GEOL 101-101N, prereq. or coreq., PHYS
121N. GPS, gravity, and electromagnetic methods with acquisition,
processing, and interpretation of locally-collected data. Applications
include environmental and crustal scale imaging, tectonic processes,
and whole-earth models.
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 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
Professors
Donald W. Hyndman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley),
1964
Johnnie N. Moore, Ph.D., University of California (Los Angeles),
1976
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
Donald Winston, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1963
William W. Woessner, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (Madison),
1978
Associate Professor
Marc S. Hendrix, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1992
Nancy W. Hinman, Ph.D., University of California (San Diego),
1987
Emeritus Professors
David Alt, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1961
Ian M. Lange, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1968
Raymond C. Murray, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1955
John P. Wehrenberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1956
Robert M. Weidman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley),
1959