Fort Lewis College

Geol 107NX Earth Systems Science (3-3) 4
This course explores the solid earth, the oceans, and the atmosphere as an integrated set of systems that act together to control climate, topography, and other physical aspects of the natural environment. The lab work includes field trips and the study of rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, ocean systems, and weather. There is one semester-long independent project in which students apply the scientific method to understand a local environmental issue. Fall and winter terms.

Geol 110N Earth Science (3-3)4
A review of the earth sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Laboratory required. Course is appropriate for non-science majors. Fall and winter terms.

Geol 113TX Physical Geology (3-3) 4
The study of geologic processes and materials within the Earth’s interior and on the Earth’s surface. Laboratory work on minerals, rocks, and maps. Field trips. Fall, winter, and summer terms.

Geol 114 Historical Geology (3-3) 4
The geologic history and development of life on Earth. Laboratory work on rocks, fossils, and maps. Field trips. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Geol 113Tx.

Geol 120 Geologic Field Excursions (0-3) 1
This is a field lab. We will visit and discuss various geologic points of interest in the Durango and Four Corners region. There will be at least one weekend field trip. There is a field trip fee. Fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: Geol 110 or Geol 113Tx or Geol 150, or concurrent enrollment in one of these courses.

Geol 150N Geology of the Southwest (3-0) 3
A survey of the historical, economic, and structural geology and geomorphology of the Southern Rockies, Colorado Plateau, and the Basin and Range Provinces. Emphasis is on classic geologic areas, national parks, natural resource development, and problems associated with human activity in this delicate environment. Fall and winter terms.

Geol 180 Introduction to Oceanography (3-0) 3
All of Earth’s residents, even those of us in landlocked Colorado, are profoundly influenced by the world’s oceans. Using a multidisciplinary science approach, this course looks at the physical aspects of oceans, their aquatic life, and environmental pressures on the oceans affecting us all. Fall term.

Geol 202 Geologic Methods (1-3) 2
An introduction to basic field and computer techniques used in geology. Fall term and first summer session.
Prerequisites: Geol 113Tx.

Geol 207 Mineralogy (2-3) 3
The elements of crystallography and the classification and identification of minerals. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Geol 113Tx and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Chem 150.

Geol 208 Optical Mineralogy (2-6) 4
Procedures for identification of minerals in thin section, with emphasis on the optical determination of rock-forming minerals. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Geol 207.

Geol 210 Petrology (2-3) 3
The megascopic study of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on the physical and chemical conditions governing the origins, occurrences, and associations of various rock types. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Geol 207.

Geol 323 Geomorphology (3-3) 4
The classification, description, nature, origin, and development of present landforms and their relationships to underlying structures. Field trips. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Geol 202.

Geol 325 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3-3) 4
Remote sensing is the study of the earth’s land, water, atmospheric, and human-made features using imaging devices on both airborne and spaceborne platforms. The course includes the study of electromagnetic energy and the application of remote sensing in geology, urban geography, meteorology, archaeology, agriculture, hydrology, etc. Lab work involves image interpretation using aerial photographs and computer-based digital image processing. Winter term of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Geol 110 or Geol 113Tx, Math 110, and junior standing.

Geol 333 Introductory Paleontology (2-3) 3
The systematic study of fossils, primarily invertebrate fossils, used in the identification and correlation of geologic formations. Winter term, alternate years.
Prerequisites: Geol 114 or consent of instructor.

Geol 337 Structural Geology (3-3) 4
The geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of structural features in the Earth’s crust. Techniques in field mapping will be emphasized throughout the course. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Math 121, Geol 113Tx and 202.

Geol 361 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (3-3) 4
Sediments and sedimentary rocks—their characteristics and classification; sedimentary processes, tectonics, and sedimentation. Stratigraphy—its history, stratigraphic nomenclature, facies relationships, and correlation. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Geol 207 and 210.

Geol 363 Sedimentary Petrology (3-2) 4
The origin, occurrence, and classification of sedimentary rocks. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 364.
Prerequisites: Geol 208, 210, and 361.

Geol 364 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3-3) 4
The origin, occurrence, classification, and petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 363.
Prerequisites: Geol 208 and 210.

Geol 380W Technical Writing in Geology (3-0) 3
Technical writing in the geological sciences will focus on the preparation of geological reports, analysis of data, resumes, proposals, and bibliographic documentations. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Comp 150, Lib 150, and junior standing.

Geol 401/Ts391N Natural Resources and the
Environment (3-0) 3
A critical study of the need for development of fossil fuel and industrial mineral deposits and the need to preserve regions in their natural state. Fall term.

Geol 405 Geologic Data Analysis and
Modeling by Computer (2-6) 4
Use of the computer to help transform geologic data into information. Covers computer fundamentals, univariate and multivariate statistics, contouring/mapping algorithms, trend surface analysis, variograms, and kriging. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Geol 202 and junior or senior standing.

Geol 420 Introduction to Geochemistry (3-0) 3
Behavior of the common rock-forming oxides in endogenic and exogenic processes; isotope geochemistry; geochemical exploration. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 435.
Prerequisites: Geol 207, 210 and 405, or consent of the instructor.

Geol 430 Engineering Geology (3-3) 3
Application of geological sciences to the location, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering works. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 325.
Prerequisites: Geol 210, Math 121.

Geol 435 Groundwater (3-3) 4
The qualitative and quantitative aspects of the occurrence of water in the ground. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 420.
Prerequisites: Geol 361.

Geol 441 Field Geology 6
The fundamental procedures and practices in geologic mapping. Summer term.
Prerequisites: Geol 114, 202, 210, and 337, or consent of instructor.

Geol 442 Field Studies 5
Intensive field work on various geological problems emphasizing interpretation of petrologic and structural relationships. Summer term.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in geology or consent of instructor.

Geol 461 Depositional Systems (2-3) 3
Modeling of sedimentary deposits with respect to time and the development of stratigraphic sequences. Fall term. Alternates with Geol 415.
Prerequisites: Geol 361.

Geol 496 Senior Seminar I – Research (1-0) 1
Preparatory to Geol 497, students initiate and conduct independent, original research as part of a senior thesis project. Students work with faculty advisors and produce written and oral progress reports. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Geol 380W and senior standing.

Geol 497 Senior Seminar – Thesis (2-0) 2
Emphasis on the preparation, writing, and public presentation of the senior thesis project. A component of original research is central to the project and must be completed prior to the course. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Geol 496.

Geol 499 Independent Study 1-3
Individual research under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered on demand.
Prerequisites: Consent of department chair.