Department of Geosciences
William Woessner, Chairman
The Science of Earth directly involves the study of natural geological procedures processes and the interactions of these processes with the environment. The major in Geosciences prepares students to assist society in understanding and addressing complex science-based challenges such as climate change, and the utilization of finite energy, mineral, and water resources. Geoscientists are involved in deciphering both ancient and modern records that record Earth history.
Geoscientists advance our understanding of earthquakes, landslides, severe storms, and volcanic eruptions; explore the history of life; investigate changing glacial landscapes and watersheds; evaluate the inner-workings of our plant, and search for natural resources, including oil, gas, water, and minerals. Our classrooms include field and laboratory settings in which inquiry-based learning develops skills in creative thinking and problem solving. Geoscientists completing our program are employed by private industry; federal, state, and local governmental agencies; environmental consulting firms; non-profit organizations, and by secondary schools needing earth science teachers. Our graduates have a wide range of educational employment opportunities. They are sought after to work in other natural science fields, and as graduate students. Jobs in geosciences are available at the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. levels. The M.S. degree is highly prized by employers and is considered the working professional degree. The Ph.D. degree is required for positions at universities and with companies specializing in research.
The Department of Geosciences offers five B.S. degree options, and a M.S. and Ph.D. degree. The B.S. degree are Interdisciplinary Geosciences, Geosciences, Earth Science Education, and two dual degrees: International Field Geosciences dual degree with the University College of Cork (Ireland, and an International Field Geosciences dual degree with Potsdam University (Germany). All degree programs in the department require a student to develop a strong background in geosciences and a sound foundation in other sciences.
High School Preparation:In addition to the general requirements for University admission, recommended high school preparation includes a solid background in mathematics and science..
Special Degree Requirements
See index.
Science courses designed for education majors may not be counted toward Geosciences 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 GEOS 499. See index.
The Geosciences 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.
Interdisciplinary Geosciences B.S.This flexible option requires the following courses n Geosciences: GEOS 100N, GEOS 101N, GEOS 200, GEOS 226, and GEOS 230. In addition, thirteen credits of Geoscience coursework must be taken, relevant to student interests, at the 200, 300, or 400 levels. Thus a minimum of 27 credits from the Geosciences curriculum is required to earn this degree.
In addition to 27 credits in Geosciences, at least 27 credits from recognized cognate science classes are required to earn this degree. Required classes include Chemistry 151N or Chemistry 161N; Math 121 or a more advanced math class; and three credits in Computer Science (modeling or programming), or GIS or Statistics.
Additional cognate science courses must be completed from the list below such that the sum of all cognate science classes is a minimum of 27 credits. Student curricular planning should include awareness of prerequisites as listed in this catalog.
CHEM above 151N; MATH above 121; CS 131 or above; PHYSICS 121N or above; BIOL 100N or above; FOR 210N Introductory Soils, FOR 360 Range Management; FOR 380S Environmental Conservation
At the discretion of the academic advisor, other sciences courses such as some courses in physical geography may also be acceptable.
Geosciences B.S.This option is designed for students who seek post-graduate employment as a professional geoscientist and has two major suggested courses of study; Earth History, Evolution and Earth Resources, and Water, Climate, and Environment. The following Geosciences courses are required to earn this degree: GEOS 100N, GEOS 101N, GEOS 200, GEOS 226, and GEOS 230.
Earth History, Evolution, and Earth Resources
- GEOS 306 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology........ 4
- GEOS 310 Invertebrate Paleontology........................... 3
- GEOS 311 Paleobiology................................................... 3
- GEOS 327 Geochemistry................................................. 4
- GEOS 330 Structural Geology........................................ 3
- GEOS 429 Field Geology................................................. 6
- GEOS 430 Global Tectonics............................................ 3
- GEOS 432 Architecture of Sedimentary Deposits....... 4
- GEOS 433 Sedimentary Petrology................................. 4
- GEOS 437 Seismology and Magnetics.......................... 4
- GEOS 438 Gravity and Electromagnetics.................... 4
- GEOS 460 Process Geomorphology.............................. 4
Water, Climate, and Environment
- GEOS 320 Global Water................................................... 3
- GEOS 327 Geochemistry.................................................. 4
- GEOS 330 Structural Geology......................................... 3
- GEOS 382 Global Change................................................ 3
- GEOS 395 Glacial and Alpine Processes........................ 3
- GEOS 432 Architecture of Sedimentary Deposits........ 4
- GEOS 433 Sedimentary Petrology.................................. 4
- GEOS 437 Seismology and Magnetics........................... 4
- GEOS 438 Gravity and Electromagnetics..................... 4
- GEOS 460 Process Geomorphology............................... 4
- GEOS 480 Hydrogeology................................................. 4
At least 32 credits of Geoscience courses must be completed, of which 18-24 are upper-division (300-400 level) credits.
In addition to completing the coursework in Geosciences, students must also complete a minimum of 30 credits in cognate sciences classes. Required are the following: PHYS 121N/122N or PHYS 221N/222N; CHEM 151N/152N/154N or CHEM 161N/162N; MATH 150/158 or MATH 152/153; three credits in Computer Science (modeling or programming), or GIS, or Statistics.
Additional cognate science courses must be completed such that the sum is a minimum of 30 credits. These may include additional courses in Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, and Physics above the listed minimum levels specified above. Biology 100N or above is also appropriate, but substitutions or other science courses must be approved b y the student’s advisor.
This option is designed specifically for students who seek to combine a rigorous education in the Geosciences with a year long international geosciences experience and an emphasis on field-based learning. It requires attending classes and living overseas. Student demonstrating a high level of performance at the University will be eligible for partial financial support as funds are available. Although most of the course work completed during the year abroad will take place at University College Cork in Ireland, additional course work is required at Potsdam University in Germany. For students who satisfy all degree requirements, a B.S. degree in Geosciences will be awarded by the University of Montana and a second B.S. degree in International Field Geosciences will be awarded by the University College Cork.
The following UM Geoscience courses are required to earn this degree: GEOS 100N; GEOS 101N; GEOS 108N; GEOS 200; GEOS 226; GEOS 230; GEOS 330; GEOS 432 or 433; and GEOS 429. Also required are a minimum of 12 credits in upper division UM Geoscience courses selected from among the following: GEOS 306, 310, 311, 320, 327, 430, 432, 433, 460, 480, 495.
In addition to Geoscience coursework completed at UM, the following overseas field-based Geoscience courses are required: BP15 (Field course C–France, run by Potsdam) or both BW01 (Field course-Norway, run by Potsdam) and BW02 (Field course-Alps, run by Potsdam); plus two formal field course modules run by University College Cork, selected from GL 2016 (pre-Easter Field Course-Scotland), GL3019 (Easter Field Course-Greece), GL4008 (Easter Field Course-Canary Islands). In addition, while in residence at Cork, students must take at least two of the following courses in consultation with their UM advisor:
- GL2011 Sedimentologic Processes and Petrology
- GL2012 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GL2015 Invertebrate Paleontology and Evolution
- GL2018 Plate Tectonics and Global Geophysics
- GL3010 Igneous Petrogenesis and Geochemistry
- GL3012 Advanced Structural Geology
- GL3013 Sedimentary Environments
- GL3014 Stratigraphy and Geologic Maps
- GL3017 Environmental Geology
- GL3024 Terrestrial Ecosystems Through Time
- GL4001 Micropaleontology and Palynology
- GL4003 Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis
- GL4003 Applied Geophysics and Computer Applications
- GL4004 Advanced Igneous Petrology
- GL4005 Hydrogeology
Students seeking this degree must also complete one additional formal upper-level Geosciences course at Potsdam University during their year abroad. Recommended is a 3 credit course in GIS offered prior to the start of the academic year.
Along with the formal Geoscience course work, students earning this degree must complete a minimum of 27 credits in cognate sciences classes, including the following: PHYS 121N/122N or PHYS 221N/222N; CHEM 151N/152N or CHEM 161N/162N; MATH 150/158 or MATH 152/153; three credits in Computer Science (modeling or programming), or GIS or Statistics. Also required is one year of college German (GERM 101/102) and completion of general education requirements relevant to German and Irish culture and history.
International Field Geosciences Dual Degree with Potsdam University (Germany)
This option is designed specifically for students who seek to combine a rigorous education in the Geosciences with a year long international geosciences experience and an emphasis on field-based learning. It requires attending classes and living overseas. Student demonstrating a high level of performance at the University will be eligible for partial financial support as funds are available. Although most of the course work completed during the year abroad will take place at University Potsdam in Germany, additional course work is required at the University College Cork in Ireland. . For students who satisfy all degree requirements, a B.S. degree in Geosciences will be awarded by the University of Montana and a second B.S. degree in International Field Geosciences will be awarded by Potsdam University.
The following UM Geoscience courses are required to earn this degree: GEOS 100N; GEOS 101N; GEOS 108N; GEOS 200; GEOS 226; GEOS 230; GEOS 302; and GEOS 429. Also required are a minimum of 15 credits in upper division UM Geoscience courses selected from among the following: GEOS 306, 310, 311, 320, 327, 330, 430, 432, 433, 437, 438, 460, 480, 495.
In addition to Geoscience coursework completed at UM, the following overseas field-based Geoscience courses are required: BP15 (Field course C–France, run by Potsdam) or both BW01 (Field course-Norway, run by Potsdam) and BW02 (Field course-Alps, run by Potsdam); plus one of the following courses offered by University College Cork; GL 2016 (pre-Easter Field Course-Scotland), GL3019 (Easter Field Course-Greece), GL4008 (Easter Field Course-Canary Islands). Students seeking this degree must also complete any four of the following courses offered by Potsdam University:
- BW04 Regional Geology (6)
- BW05 Paleoclimate and Quaternary Geology (6)
- BW06 Analysis of Geologic Maps(6)
- BW07 Analytic Geochemistry (6)
- BW16 Natural Hazards (6)
- BW15 Tectonophysics and Rheology (6)
- BW11 Seismology (6)
- BW12 Seismics (6)
- BW13 Geoelectrics (6)
- BWP05 Sedimentary Systems and Stratigraphy (6)
- BWP06 Geomorphology (6)
- BWP16 Tectonics and Geodynamics (6)
Along with the formal Geoscience course work, students earning this degree must complete a minimum of 27 credits in cognate sciences classes, including the following: PHYS 121N/122N or PHYS 221N/222N; CHEM 151N/152N or CHEM 161N/162N; MATH 150/158 or MATH 152/153; three credits in Computer Science (modeling or programming), or GIS or Statistics. While overseas, the students must complete tow of the following cognate science courses at Potsdam University:
- BWP07 Basics in GIS
- BWP08 Basics in Remote Sensing
- BWP09 Numerical Methods
- BWP10 Basic Data Analysis
Also required is one year of college German (GERM 101/102) and completion of general education requirements relevant to German and Irish culture and history.
Option in Earth Science Education
Major Teaching Field of Earth Science: A student must complete GEOS 100N, 101N, 105N, 130, 226, 301, 310, 330, 3 additional credits from any geosciences course numbered 100 or above and 12 credits from any geosciences 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.
Interdisciplinary Geosciences B.S.
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151N/153 N or CHEM 161N | 4(5) | – |
| CHEM 152N/154N or CHEM 162N | – | 5 |
| ENEX 101 Composition | 3 | – |
| GEOS 100N 101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | – |
| GEOS 108N Climate Change | – | 3 |
| CS 172 Intro to Computer Modeling | – | 3 |
| General Education | 5(4) | 4 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| MATH 121 Precalculus | 4 | – |
| MATH 152 Calculus | – | 4 |
| FOR 210N Introductory Soils | 4 | – |
| GEOS 200 Earth’s History and Evolution | 4 | – |
| GEOS 226 Earth Materials | – | 4 |
| GEOS 230 Geosciences Field Methods | – | 4 |
| Electives and General Education | 3 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Third Year | A | S |
| PHYS 121N/221N | 5 | – |
| Additional cognate science* | – | 5 |
| GEOS any 300 and above | 6 | 6 |
| Electives and General Education | 4 | 4 |
| 14 | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | A | S |
| GEOS any 300 and above | 6 | 6 |
| Additional cognate science* | 3 | 3 |
| Electives and General Education | 6 | 6 |
| 16 | 15 |
Geosciences B.S.
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151N/153 N or CHEM 161N | 4(5) | – |
| CHEM 152N/154N or CHEM 162N | – | 5 |
| ENEX 101 Composition | 3 | – |
| GEOS 100N 101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | – |
| GEOS 108N Climate Change | – | 3 |
| CS 172 Intro to Computer Modeling | – | 3 |
| MATH 121 Precalculus (if needed) | – | 4(0) |
| General Education | 2(1) | 3(7) |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| MATH 152 Calculus | 4 | – |
| MATH 153 Calculus II | – | 4 |
| GEOS 200 Earth’s History and Evolution | 4 | – |
| GEOS 226 Earth Materials | 4 | – |
| GEOS 230 Geosciences Field Methods | – | 4 |
| Electives and General Education | 3 | 7 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Third Year | A | S |
| PHYS 121N (221N) | 5 | – |
| PHYS 122N (222N) | – | 5 |
| GEOS at 300 level or above | 6 | 6 |
| Electives and General Education | 4 | 4 |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | A | S |
| GEOS at 300 level or above | 6 | 6 |
| Additional cognate science* | 3 | 3 |
| Electives and General Education | 6 | 6 |
| 15 | 15 |
International Field Geosciences Dual Degree with University College Cork (Ireland)
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151N/153 N | 4 | – |
| CHEM 152N/154N | – | 5 |
| ENEX 101 Composition | 3 | – |
| GEOS 100N–101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | – |
| GEOS 108N Climate Change | – | 3 |
| GEOS 200 Earth’s History and Evolution | – | 3 |
| MATH 121 Precalculus (if needed) | – | 4(0) |
| General Education | 5 | 0(4) |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| MATH 152 Calculus (or MATH 150) | 4 | – |
| MATH 153 Calculus II (or MATH 158) | – | 4 |
| GEOS 226 Earth Materials | 4 | – |
| GEOS 230 Geosciences Field Methods | 4 | – |
| GEOS 330 Structural Geology | – | 3 |
| GEOS 432 Architecture of Sedimentary deposits or GEOS 433 Sedimentary Petrology | – | 4 |
| GERM 101 German I | 5 | – |
| GERM 102 German II | – | 5 |
| 17 | 16 | |
| Summer (in Potsdam) | ||
| BP15 (or BW01 and BW02) | 6 | |
| BWXX (GIS class) | 6 | |
| 12 | ||
| Third Year (in Cork) | A | S |
| Formal GL field courses | – | 5 |
| Formal GL classroom courses | 10.5 | 2.5 |
| General Education | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 13 | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| GEOS 429 Field Geology | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | A | S |
| PHYS 121N (221N) | 5 | – |
| PHYS 122N (222N) | – | 5 |
| GEOS at 300 level or above | 6 | 6 |
| Electives and General Education | 4 | 4 |
| 15 | 15 |
International Field Geosciences Dual Degree with Potsdam University (Germany)
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151N/153 N | 4 | – |
| CHEM 152N/154N | – | 5 |
| ENEX 101 Composition | 3 | – |
| GEOS 100N–101N General Geology and Lab | 3 | – |
| GEOS 108N Climate Change | – | 3 |
| GEOS 200 Earth’s History and Evolution | – | 3 |
| MATH 121 Precalculus (if needed) | – | 4(0) |
| General Education | 5 | 0(4) |
| 15 | 15 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| MATH 152 Calculus (or MATH 150) | 4 | – |
| MATH 153 Calculus II (or MATH 158) | – | 4 |
| GEOS 226 Earth Materials | 4 | – |
| GEOS 230 Geosciences Field Methods | 4 | – |
| GEOS 302 Sedimentary Geology Field Trip | – | 2 |
| GERM 101 German I | 5 | – |
| GERM 102 German II | – | 5 |
| Electives and General Education | – | 4 |
| 17 | 15 | |
| Summer (in Potsdam) | ||
| BP15 (or BW01 and BW02) | 6 | |
| Third Year (in Potsdam) | A | S |
| Formal BP or BWP class work | 6 | 6 |
| BWP cognate science classes | 3 | 3 |
| Electives and General Education | 3 | 3 |
| 12 | 12 | |
| Winter (in Cork) | ||
| Formal GL field courses | – | 2.5 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| PHYS 121N (221N) | 5 | – |
| PHYS 122N (222N) | – | 5 |
| GEOS at 300 level or above | 6 | 6 |
| Electives and General Education | 4 | 4 |
| 15 | 15 |
Earth Science Education Option
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CS 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling or equivalent | – | 3 |
| ENEX 101 Composition | 3 | – |
| GEOS 100N–101N General Geology and Laboratory | 3 | – |
| GEOS 105 Oceanography | – | 2 |
| GEOS 130 Introductory Field Geology and Maps | – | 3 |
| MATH 121 Precalculus | 4 | – |
| PSYC 100S Introduction to Psychology | 4 | – |
| *Electives and General Education | 3 | 6 |
| 17 | 14 | |
| Second Year | A | S |
| ASTR 131N–132N Elementary Astronomy I, II | 3 | 3 |
| CHEM 151N General and Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | – |
| GEOS 226 Earth Materials | – | 4 |
| GEOS 301 Environmental Geology | 3 | – |
| GEOS any 100 | – | 3 |
| *Electives and General Education | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | A | S |
| 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 | – |
| GEOS 310 Invertebrate Paleontology | 3 | – |
| GEOS 330 Structural Geology | 3 | – |
| GEOS any 300 or above | 3 | 6 |
| 17 | 17 | |
| Fourth Year | A | S |
| C&I 426 Teaching Science in Middle and Secondary Schools | 3 | – |
| C&I Other | – | 6 |
| GEOS any 300 or above | 3 | – |
| *Electives and General Education | 9 | 12 |
| 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 Geosciences the student must complete GEOS 100N, 101N, 130, 226, plus at least 12 credits in other geoscience 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. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Geosciences (GEOS)
- 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 GEOS 100N and 109.
- U 101N General Geology Laboratory 1 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. or coreq., any geoscience courses below GEOS 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 geoscience course below GEOS 130.
- U 103N Volcanoes, Earthquakes and other Natural Hazards 3 cr. Offered spring. Examination of volcanism, earthquakes, landslides, floods, coastal erosion, hurricanes, and asteroid impacts. Emphasis on processes, recognition and consequences of catastrophic events, and how to minimize their societal impacts.
- U 105N Oceanography 3 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 autumn. The evolution of plants, invertebrates and vertebrate animals, highlighting major events in the evolution of life on Earth. Includes laboratory experience with fossils.
- U 108N Climate Change–Past and Future 3 cr. Offered autumn. The geoscience perspective on the earth’s climate system. Climate processes and feedbacks, climate history from early earth to the ice ages, present and future changes due to natural processes and human activities.
- U 109 Environmental Geoscience 2 cr. Offered autumn. An introduction to geoscience 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 GEOS 100N and 109.
- 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 200 Earth’s History and Evolution 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., any 100–level GEOS course. Traces the history of the earth since its inception 4.5 billion years ago. Presents scientific theories for the origin of the earth and the nature of important earth shaping events of the past, including the development of the oceans, atmosphere and climate.
- U 202 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 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 geoscience 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 Earth Materials 4 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., any geoscience 100–level lecture course, GEOS 101N, CHEM151 or CHEM 161. Study of minerals and rocks utilizing an Earth Systems approach; mineral identification and paragenesis; survey of the distribution of minerals from the interior to the surfaces of planets and the processes that led to their formation.
- U 230 Geosciences Field Methods 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., GEOS 100–N–101N. Field methods and interpretations. This course introduces students to a variety of field methodologies routinely used in the collection and interpretation of geoscientific field data.
- U 260 River Systems 3 cr. Offered spring alternate years. Hydrologic and geomorphic basis of environmental management problems concerning river systems. Analysis of the processes of flooding, sedimentation, and morphological change in channels, flood plains, deltas, and alluvial fans. Effects of climate, land use and engineering.
- U 295 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 301 Environmental Geology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOS 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 environmental change.
- UG 302 Sedimentary Geology Field Trip 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 100N; coreq., GEOS 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 304E Science and Society 3 cr. Offered autumn. Role of scientific knowledge in human societies from the pre–Classical to the present. Discussion of tools for integrating science into ethical, political, and social decisions, including analyses of modern case studies from physical sciences.
- U 306 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 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., GEOS 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., GEOS 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 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., one semester of college chemistry, ENEX 101 or equiv. Study of the chemistry of water as it moves through the hydrological cycles; discussion of how water chemistry evolves through atmospheric water, precipitation, ground water, and surface water.
- U 327 Geochemistry 4 cr. Offered autumn even–numbered years. 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., GEOS 130 and 226. Structures of deformed rocks; mechanical principles; graphical interpretation of structural problems, tectonic principles.
- 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 Internship Variable cr. Offered every term. Prereq., 12 credits in geosciences. 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 Internship Services office. No more than 3 credits of GEOS 398 may be applied to the geosciences minor. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.
- 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 intermittently. Prereq., GEOS 100N. Narrative discussion of the evolutions of the Pacific Northwest from Archean time to present.
- U 429 Field Geology 6 cr. Offered summer. Prereq., GEOS 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 Global Tectonics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 330, MATH 150, and 2.25 or better overall GPA in geosciences courses. Examination of large scale structural features of earth's surface and their relation to tectonic processes as well as active tectonic phenomena including seismicity, volcanism, and crustal deformation.
- UG 432 Architecture of Sedimentary Deposits 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 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 GEOS 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. or coreq., MATH 153, GEOS 100N–101N, 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. or coreq., MATH 153, GEOS 100N–101N, 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 460 Process Geomorphology 4 cr. Offered autumn, alternate years. Coreq., one year college calculus and physics. Quantitative examination of landforms, runoff generation, weathering, mechanics of soil erosion by water and wind, mass wasting, glacial and periglacial processes and hillslope evolution.
- UG 465 Computer Modeling in the Physical Sciences with Matlab 3 cr. Offered spring alternate years. Coreq., one year college calculus and physics. Introduction to Matlab and writing and using computer models to address typical problems faced by physical scientists. Topics include heat diffusion, carbon storage, and landscape evolution. No previous computer experience required.
- UG 480 Hydrogeology 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOS 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.
- UG 488 Snow, Ice and Climate 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., MATH 100. Study of basic physical processes occurring n snow and ice, and how these processes govern the interaction between frozen water and the climate system. The first half of the course focuses on snow, with special attention to snow formation in the atmosphere, snow metamorphism, water flow through snow, and basic avalanche mechanics. The second half of the course focuses on ice and includes glacier and ice sheet flow dynamics, glacier hydrology, and ice age theory. Graduate students will be required to compete additional problem sets requiring higher level math; perform additional reading assignments; perform at a higher level on assignments and exams where students are asked to outline and describe various physical processes; submit a well researched and reference research proposal that is able to synthesize previous research and provide a sophisticated research plan.
- 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 geosciences 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 geosciences. Independent research project in any geosciences 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 508 Fundamentals of Academic Research 3 cr. Offered fall. Prereq., graduate standing. An introduction to research methods and tools in the academic setting intended for first semester graduate students in geosciences. Topics include proposal writing, presenting research results in oral and written formats, using computer tools for research in the geosciences, and ongoing research of department faculty.
- G 522 Metamorphic Terrain Analysis 3 cr. Offered autumn. Introduction to techniques used to analyze burial and uplift histories of metamorphic terrains. Topics include: geochronology, including closure temperature theory and the use of geochronologic systems as thermochronometers; geothermometry and geobarometry; quantitative thermodynamic modeling of P–T paths; heat flow and the thermal structure of orogenic belts.
- G 528 Sedimentary Basin Analysis 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOS 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 Environmental Geochemistry of Metal Contamination 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., GEOS 570, 579; CHEM 442; FOR 511 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 548 Topics in the Cryosphere 3 cr. (R–6 M.S., R–12 Ph.D.) Offered spring. Prereq., graduate standing or consent of instructor. Readings, discussions, lectures, and field experiments on various topics related to snow, ice, and climate processes. Recent topics: meltwater infiltration in snow, glacier hydrology, climate cycles, ice, and sea level rise.
- G 560 Fluvial Geomorphology 4 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., one year college calculus and physics. Application of fluid mechanics to sediment transport and development of river morphology. Form and process in river meanders, the pool–riffle sequence, aggradation, grade, and baselevel.
- G 570 Advanced Geochemistry 4 cr. Offered autumn even–numbered years. Prereq., one year college chemistry. Chemistry of aqueous systems including aqueous kinetics, aqueous thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, carbonate systematics, oxidation/deduction reactions, mineral solubility, and complexation. Includes an introduction to the use of geochemical models. Concepts applied to natural systems.
- G 572 Advanced Hydrogeology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., GEOS 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., GEOS 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 579 Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Systems 3 cr. Offered autumn, even–numbered years. Prereq., one year of college of chemistry of consent of instr. Chemistry and geology of hydrothermal systems including solute/gas geothermometry, acid/base reactions, oxidation/reduction reactions, mineral equilibrium, and microbial ecology as applied to terrestrial and submarine hydrothermal systems. Includes an introduction to the use of geochemical models.
- 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 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 587 Topics in Geomorphology Variable cr. (R–6 for M.S., R–12 for Ph.D.) Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Reading and discussion of relevant papers. Offerings on request of graduate students by arrangement with appropriate faculty. Recent topics: landscape evolution; weathering processes; tectonic geomorphology.
- 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
- Marc S. Hendrix, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1992
- Johnnie N. Moore, Ph.D., University of California (Los Angeles), 1976
- James W. Sears, Pd.D., Queen's University, 1979
- Steven D. Sheriff, Ph.D., University of Wyoming, l981 (Chair)
- George D. Stanley, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1977
- William W. Woessner, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (Madison), 1978
Associate Professor
- Nancy W. Hinman, Ph.D., University of California (San Diego), 1987
Assistant Professors
- Julia A. Baldwin, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2003
- Rebecca O. Bendick, Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder, 2000
- Joel T. Harper, Ph.D., University of Wyoming, 1997
- Andrew C. Wilcox, Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2005
Emeritus Professors
- David Alt, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1961
- Donald W. Hyndman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1964
- Ian M. Lange, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1968
- Raymond C. Murray, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1955
- Graham R. Thompson, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve, 1971
- John P. Wehrenberg, Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1956
- Robert M. Weidman, Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley), 1959
- Donald Winston, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1963