Introductory geology for majors and non-majors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: non-lab. 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 recommended. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1040. Approved for GT-SC2. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 1010 (minimum grade D-).
Features field trips to local points of geologic interest. Studies rocks and topographic and geologic maps. Recommended prereq., prior or current registration in 1000-level geology course. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirements for natural science lab, if taken with GEOL 1010. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
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. Credit not granted for this course and GEOL 1020. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 1010 (minimum grade D-).
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. Department enforced prereq., GEOL 1010 (minimum grade D-). Meets MAPS requirement for natural science: non-lab. Credit not granted for this course and ATOC 1060. 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 Geology major and will introduce students to the major concepts in contemporary Earth system science. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2100 or ENVS 1000 (minimum grade D-).
Provides introduction to the classification, composition, and properties of the materials that compose the Earth, how these materials are studied, and how they are used to interpret Earth history and processes. The course is required for the Geology major. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2100 and CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114 (all minimum grade D-).
Introduces the scientific basis for the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for evidence of life in our solar system, including Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. Discusses the conditions necessary for life and whether they might arise on planets around other stars. Same as ASTR 2040. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
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. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1030 (all minimum grade D-).
Covers origin, occurrence, identification, classification, and uses of minerals with emphasis on applications of mineralogy to economic geology and petrology. Two lectures and one lab per week. Recommended prereq., GEOL 2005. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114 and MATH 1300 (all minimum grade D-).
Studies field relations, petrography, petrology, chemistry, and origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks 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. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 2005 or GEOL 3010 (minimum grade D-).
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. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2100 and MATH 1300 (all minimum grade D-).
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. Department enforced 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.
Provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques focused on geological applications. Covers GIS analyzing, mapping and GPS use. 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. Department enforced 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. Department enforced prereq., a lower division writing course and one of the following: GEOL 2001 or 2005 or 2700 or 3010 or 3030 or 3120 or 3320 or 3430 or 3820. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: written communication.
Introduces the basic principles and processes involved in deformation of natural rocks and minerals and the techniques used to analyze a variety of common geological structures (e.g., fractures, folds, fault zones). Recommended prereq., GEOL 2001. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2005 (minimum grade D-).
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.
Discusses the scientific basis for the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth; the possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system, including Mars; and the possibility of life on planets around other stars. Department enforced 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. Department enforced prereqs., CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1114 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. Department enforced prereqs., GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1020 or GEOL 2005 or any EBIO lower division sequence.
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. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 2005 or GEOL 3010 (minimum grade D-).
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. Department enforced 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.
