School of Arts
& Sciences

Geography

Geog 250T Introduction To Computer Mapping And Geographic Information Systems (3-3) 4

An introduction to basic mapping concepts and technologies using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lecture sessions will discuss map use and analysis, principles of mapmaking, cartographic communication, and geographic visualization. Lab assignments will focus on map skills and interpretation, the use of GPS, and map construction using PC-based GIS software. Fall term

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

Geog 271R World Regional Geography (4-0) 4

An introduction to the major regions of the world and their physical, environmental, cultural, geopolitical, and economic characteristics. This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of current events that are changing the world map and causing the globalization of world society. Fall and occasional summer terms.

Geog 300 Intermediate Geographic Information Systems: Vector-Based Analysis (2-3) 3

This course focuses primarily on vector-based GIS analysis and the applications of GIS in the physical sciences, social sciences, and business. Lab sessions will introduce students to the use of GIS in spatial querying and database management, site suitability analysis, proximity analysis, geocoding, CAD theme analysis, overlay operations, etc. Winter term.

Prerequisites: Geog 250 or consent of the instructor.

Geog 320 Natural Regions of North America (3-0) 3

A survey of the origin and nature of the landscapes of North America. Emphasis is placed upon the relationships between natural resources, topography, geology, climate and soils. Map work is required.

Prerequisites: Geol 113Tx or 107Nx.

Geog 335 Global Climates: Past, Present, And Future (3-0) 3

An introduction to the atmospheric processes that produce our daily weather patterns and climates. Paleoclimates and potential future climate changes will also be discussed in detail. Special emphasis will be placed on the human impact of severe storms, climatic variations, and global warming. Winter term.

Geog 400 Advanced Geographic Information Systems: Network And Spatial Analysis (2-3) 3

This course focuses primarily on network analysis and grid-based spatial analysis using GIS. Programming for GIS will also be investigated. Lab sessions will focus on route finding, travel cost analysis, traffic modeling, digital elevation models (DEMs), surface interpolation, hydrologic modeling, and viewshed analysis.

Prerequisites: Geog 300 or consent of instructor.

Geog 499 Independent Study 1-3

Individual research under the supervision of a geography faculty member. Offered on demand.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Geology

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 110Nx 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 or Geol 107Nx.

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. On demand. Prerequisites: Geol 107Nx or Geol 113Tx or Geol 150N, 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 170N Earth Shock (3-0) 3

This course focuses on some of the phenomena that give rise to the unpredictable, violent, and calamitous events that cause enormous destruction of life and property and shape our view of natural disasters. Major concepts and topics are explored to give a basic understanding of the causes and effects of these catastrophic phenomena. The impacts of these events on humankind will be addressed, as well as case histories of natural disasters. This course is intended for students of any major and has no prerequisites.

Geol 180N 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.

Prerequisites: Geol 113Tx or Geol 107Nx.

Geol 207 Mineralogy (2-3) 3

The elements of crystallography and the classification and identification of minerals. Fall term.

Prerequisites: Geol 107Nx or 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 107Nx or Geol 113Tx, Math 110, and junior standing.

Geol 332 Plate Tectonics (3-0) 3

An introduction to crustal plates, their boundaries, and their interactions given in terms of classic geological settings throughout the world. Fall term. Alternate years.

Prerequisites: Geol 107Nx or Geol 113Tx, Math 121Q.

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. On demand.

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. On demand.

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 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. Alternates with Geol 420.

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 405.

Prerequisites: Geol 207, 210 and 405, or consent of the instructor.

Geol 430 Engineering Geology (3-0) 3

Application of geological sciences to the location, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering works. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 435.

Prerequisites: Geol 210, Math 121.

Geol 435 Groundwater Geology (3-3) 4

The qualitative and quantitative aspects of the occurrence of water in the ground. Winter term. Alternates with Geol 430.

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. On demand.

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.

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.

Prerequisites: Geol 496.

Geol 499 Independent Study 1-6

Individual research under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered on demand.

Prerequisites: Consent of department chair.