Courses

Introductory geology for majors and nonmajors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is optional. Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: nonlab. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Examines how Earth's interior and surface, the atmosphere and climate, the oceans, and life interact and have changed over the immensity of geologic time. For majors and non-majors. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is optional. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1040. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Features field trips to local points of geologic interest. Studies rocks and topographic and geologic maps. Prior or current registration in 1000-level geology recommended. Meets MAPS requirements for natural science lab, if taken with GEOL 1010. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Formerly GEOL 1080.

Reviews the geologic evolution and history of Colorado. It first develops the basic concepts needed to interpret the geology, and then systematically shows how the state evolved through geologic time.The course is designed for those who enjoy understanding the beauty and splendor of the state. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1020. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Focuses on evidence for planetary warming, climate change, glacier and ice-sheet melting, and sea level rise both now and in the recent past. Attempts to develop understanding of the interactions within the coupled Earth system that regulate such changes. Utilizes examples from the geological and instrumental records, and evaluates the global warming forecast. Prereq., GEOL 1010. Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: nonlab. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Explores the dynamics of planet Earth with particular emphasis on the factors that make the planet habitable. Includes examination of heat balance, hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry and climate history through both lecture and lab-based activities. The course is required for the Environmental Geoscience track within the Geology major and will introduce students to the major concepts in contemporary Earth system science. Prereqs., GEOL 1010, 2100 or ENVS 1000 or instructor consent required.

Introduces the influences of geologic processes on human lives and the changes human actions cause in geologic systems. Uses examples and case studies from Colorado and the West. Approved for the arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Introduces basic field techniques necessary to collect geologic data and samples, and necessary to map geologic units. Prereqs., GEOL 1030 and either GEOL 1010 and 1020; or GEOL 1010 and 1040; or GEOL 1010 and 1060; or GEOG 1001 and 1011.

Two lects. and one lab per week. Origin, occurrence, identification, classification, and uses of minerals. Applications of mineralogy to economic geology and petrology are emphasized. Prereq., Chem 1111 and Math 1300.

Field relations, petrography, petrology, chemistry, and origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks are studied by means of lectures, reading, and lab and field experience. Labs include instruction in the fundamentals of optical petrography and the study of rocks in thin section. Prereq., GEOL 3010.

Introduces parametric and distribution-free statistics, emphasizing applications to earth science problems. Same as GEOG 3023.

Introduces groundwater flow concepts, hydrologic cycle, physical and chemical properties, flow net, hydraulic potential, geologic controls on heterogeneity and anisotropy, aquifers and aquitards in a geologic system, saturated and unsaturated flow, flow to a well, pumping tests, and role of groundwater in geologic processes. Prereqs., GEOL 1010 or 2001, and MATH 1300; or instructor consent.

Geological records in lakes, oceans, deserts, and around glaciers indicate the significant changes in the global systems that have taken place over the last few hundred or thousand years. Explores the timing and nature of these changes. Prereqs., any two-course sequence of natural science core courses. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 4070. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques focused on geological applications. GIS analyzing, mapping, and GPS use are covered. Basic computer skills are a plus before entering the class.

Investigates the broad-scale features and dynamics of Earth's oceans. The course is roughly divided amongst the four major, interrelated disciplines of oceanography: marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography (i.e. circulation), and marine biology. Specific topics include seafloor spreading, marine sediments, salinity, biogeochemical cycles, currents, waves, tides, primary production, marine ecology, marine resources, global warming, and much more. Prereq., any two-course sequence of natural science courses. Same as ATOC 3070. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Focuses on the development of scientific writing skills. Enhances student ability to write professionally, revise text, and review the work of others. Writing assignments integrate the subject matter of different topics in earth science. Prereq., a lower division writing course and one of the following: GEOL 2001, 2700, 3010, 3030, 3120, 3230, 3320, 3430, or 3820. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: written communication.

Geometrical techniques for describing and illustrating geological structures. Major topics include graphic methods and geometry of fractures and folds. Prereqs., any 1000-level sequence in geological sciences.

Uses the example of man-made climate change to develop an analytical understanding of the Earth system (solid, fluid, and living) that can be used to interpret the complex and uncertain forecast. Emphasis is given to the concepts of forcing, feedback and response in order to examine natural vs. man-made environmental changes and climate change mitigation strategies.

Provides introduction to the classification, composition and properties of Earth rocks and minerals, with emphasis on near surface Earth materials. Two lectures and one lab per week. Labs include instruction on optical mineralogy and on the study of rocks in thin section. Prereqs., CHEM 1111 and MATH 1300.

Discusses the scientific basis for the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth; possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system, including Mars; and the possibility of life on planets around other stars. Prereq., one-year sequence in a natural science. Same as ASTR 3300.

Introduces chemical principles as applied to geologic processes. Includes an introductory discussion of mineral and rock chemistry, aqueous geochemistry, and organic geochemistry. Prereqs., CHEM 1111 , CHEM 1133, and MATH 1300.

Surveys morphology, ecology, and evolution of ancient animal and plant life and their interactions on Earth. Fossils used to solve geological and biological problems. Prereqs., any 1000-level sequence in geological science or environmental, population, and organismic biology or instructor consent.

Introduces the study of sedimentary rocks emphasizing their origin, characteristics, and interpretation; and the principles and techniques for establishing the temporal order and spatial distribution of sedimentary layers. Prereq., GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1020 or 1040, and GEOL 1030, and GEOL 2700 or 3010, or instructor consent.

Examines Earth's most important natural resources and their impact on society and the environment. Addresses the geology, occurrence, production, and use of petroleum, coal, mineral, and water resources. Future world energy supply and demand, conservation, and the transition from fossil fuels to non-polluting renewable resources are discussed. Prereq., GEOL 1010 or 1060. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

Examines sources of energy and other resources in light of their availability, use, environmental impact, as well as their impact on policy, economics and values. As fossil fuels are the dominant energy source today, particular emphasis is placed on climate impacts and the carbon cycle. All material is assessed through the lenses of the physical sciences, policy, ethics and economics. Prereq., a two-course sequence in any natural science. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Same as ENVS 3520. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.