Geology and Geological Engineering

GEGN101. EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with SYGN101,
(I, II, S) Fundamental concepts concerning the nature, composition and evolution of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere of the earth integrating the basic sciences of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. Understanding of anthropological interactions with the natural systems, and related discussions on cycling of energy and mass, global warming, natural hazards, land use, mitigation of environmental problems such as toxic waste disposal, exploitation and conservation of energy, mineral and agricultural resources, proper use of water resources, biodiversity and construction. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.

GEGN198. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEGN199. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEGN203. ENGINEERING TERRAIN ANALYSIS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Geomorphology of landscapes and the physical processes that shape them. Landform morphology, evolution and complex connections to climatic, tectonic, geologic, biotic, anthropogenic and geomorphic processes. Theoretical and practical introduction to weathering, hillslopes, drainage systems, rivers and glaciers. Collection, analysis and interpretation of geomorphic data and maps. Applications of geomorphic information to solve geological engineering problems with emphasis on ethical and environmental considerations. Course will include fieldwork in Colorado, with analysis of landforms and geomorphic processes. Prerequisite: GEGN101, MATH111. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEGN204. GEOLOGIC PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Processes and deposits on the Earth and other Celestial bodies that shape the worlds around us. Formation of the Earth and our Solar System. Evolution of the Earth as we know it today including the continents, oceans and processes that form and mold the natural world. Scientific methods for how we learn about our worlds Examination of the influences on energy and mineral resource development and distribution, as well as the impact of extraction and utilization in the built world. Collection and analysis of data from modern systems and application to understanding ancient systems imaged in seismic, geophysical borehole, and reflected in the occurrence of ancient fauna and flora. Data collection and application for assessing risk and solving geologic questions of past world and future environmental and engineering challenges. Course will include in-class exercises in interpretation of ancient landscapes, seascapes and deposits utilizing a variety of different types of data. Prerequisite: GEGN101.

GEGN212. THE ROCK CYCLE. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to Earth materials. This course will teach foundations of mineralogy and petrology in lecture, including an introduction to crystal chemistry and mineral classification schemes and the concepts of rock forming processes as a basis for rock classification. Students will be able to link chemistry, mineralogy, and tectonic processes to rock forming processes and the associated rock classification. The associated laboratory will focus on practical skills used to identify minerals and rocks in hand sample. Prerequisite: CHGN122 or CHGN125. Co-requisite: GEGN217.

GEGN217. GEOLOGIC FIELD METHODS. 2.0 Semester Hrs.

Methods and techniques of geologic field observations and interpretations. Lectures in field techniques and local geology. Laboratory and field project in diverse sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, structural, and surficial terrains using aerial photographs and topographic maps. Geologic cross sections, maps, and reports. Weekend exercises required. Prerequisite: GEGN101.

GEGN298. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEGN299. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEGN307. PETROLOGY. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with GEOL307,
An introduction to igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes, stressing the application of chemical and physical mechanisms to study the origin, occurrence, and association of rock types. Emphasis on the megascopic and microscopic classification, description, and interpretation of rocks. Analysis of the fabric and physical properties. Prerequisite: GEOL321.

GEGN316. FIELD GEOLOGY. 6.0 Semester Hrs.

Six weeks of field work, stressing geology of the Southern Rocky Mountain Province. Mapping of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary terrain using air photos, topographic maps, and other methods. Diversified individual problems in petroleum geology, mining geology, engineering geology, structural geology, and stratigraphy. Formal reports submitted on several problems. Frequent evening lectures and discussion sessions. Field trips emphasize regional geology as well as mining, petroleum, and engineering projects. Prerequisite: GEGN203, GEGN204, GEGN205, GEGN212 or GEOL314, GEGN317.

GEGN317. GEOLOGIC FIELD SKILLS. 1.0 Semester Hr.

Advanced methods and techniques of geologic field observations and interpretations. Field mapping projects in diverse sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, structural, and surficial terrains using aerial photographs and topographic maps. Geologic cross sections, maps, and reports. Weekend exercises required. Course includes an introduction to camping skills and working in remote field locations. Prerequisite: GEGN217, GEGN212, GEOL309. Co-requisite: GEOL314.

GEGN330. GEOSCIENTISTS THERMODYNAMICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to fundamental principles of thermodynamics applied to geosciences and geoengineering. Thermodynamics are used as a tool for evaluating the stability and chemical transformation of minerals and rocks, evolution of vapors and liquids and their reaction paths when subjected to different P-T geological regimes. The course will focus on basic principles of thermodynamics and make use of examples relevant to geoscientists encompassing: i) calculation of thermodynamic properties (volume, heat capacity, enthalpy and entropy) as a function of pressure, temperature and composition, ii) the study of heat transfer and volume change associated to chemical reactions and iii) evaluation of phase stabilities using Gibbs energy minimization and law of mass action. Introduction to pure phase properties, ideal and non-ideal solutions, activities, equilibrium constants, chemical potential, electrolytes, phase rule and Gibbs energy function. May not also receive credit for CHGN209 or CBEN210. Prerequisite: CHGN121, CHGN122 or CHGN125, MATH111, MATH112.

GEGN340. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION. 1-3 Semester Hr.

(I, II, S) Supervised, full-time, engineering-related employment for a continuous six-month period (or its equivalent) in which specific educational objectives are achieved. Prerequisite: Second semester sophomore status and a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00. 1 to 3 semester hours. Cooperative Education credit does not count toward graduation except under special conditions. Repeatable.

GEGN342. ENGINEERING GEOMORPHOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Study of interrelationships between internal and external earth processes, geologic materials, time, and resulting landforms on the Earth?s surface. Influences of geomorphic processes on design of natural resource exploration programs and siting and design of geotechnical and geohydrologic projects. Laboratory analysis of geomorphic and geologic features utilizing maps, photo interpretation and field observations. Prerequisite: GEGN101. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEGN351. GEOLOGICAL FLUID MECHANICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Properties of fluids; Bernoulli's energy equation, the momentum and mass equations; laminar and turbulent flow in pipes, channels, machinery, and earth materials; subcritical and supercritical flow in channels; Darcy's Law; the Coriolis effect and geostrophic flow in the oceans and atmosphere; sediment transport. Prerequisite: CEEN241. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

GEGN398. SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEGN399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEGN401. MINERAL DEPOSITS. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

Introductory presentation of magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary metallic ore deposits. Chemical, petrologic, structural, and sedimentological processes that contribute to ore formation. Description of classic deposits representing individual deposit types. Review of exploration sequences. Laboratory consists of hand specimen study of host rock-ore mineral suites and mineral deposit evaluation problems. Prerequisite: GEGN330 or CHGN209 or MEGN361, GEGN307, GEGN316.

GEGN403. MINERAL EXPLORATION DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(WI) Exploration project design: commodity selection, target selection, genetic models, alternative exploration approaches and associated costs, exploration models, property acquisition, and preliminary economic evaluation. Lectures and laboratory exercises to simulate the entire exploration sequence from inception and planning through implementation to discovery, with initial ore reserve calculations and preliminary economic evaluation. Prerequisite: GEGN401, EDNS264.

GEGN404. ORE MICROSCOPY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Identification of ore minerals using reflected light microscopy, micro-hardness, and reflectivity techniques. Interpretation of common ore mineral textures, including those produced by magmatic segregation, open space filling, replacement, exsolution, and recrystallization. Guided research on the ore mineralogy and ore textures of classical ore deposits. Prerequisite: GEOL321, GEGN401. 6 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEGN432. GEOLOGICAL DATA MANAGEMENT. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I, II, S) Techniques for managing and analyzing geological data, including statistical analysis procedures and computer programming. Topics addressed include elementary probability, populations and distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of data sequences, mapping, sampling and sample representativity, linear regression, and overview of univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Practical experience with principles of software programming and statistical analysis for geological applications via suppled software and data sets from geological case histories. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Geological Engineering. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEGN438. PETROLEUM GEOLOGY. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Source rocks, reservoir rocks, types of traps, temperature and pressure conditions of the reservoir, theories of origin and accumulation of petroleum, geology of major petroleum fields and provinces of the world, and methods of exploration for petroleum. Term report required. Laboratory consists of study of well log analysis, stratigraphic correlation, production mapping, hydrodynamics and exploration exercises. Prerequisite: GEOL308 or GEOL309 and GEOL314 or GEOL315; and GEGN316 or GPGN486 or PEGN316. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.

GEGN439. PETROLEUM EXPLORATION DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with PEGN439,
(II) (WI) This is a multi-disciplinary design course that integrates fundamentals and design concepts in geology, geophysics, and petroleum exploration. Students work both individually and in teams on multiple open-ended design problems in oil and gas exploration, including integration of well and seismic reflection databases, seismic interpretation in different tectonostratigraphic settings, and the development of a prospects in a variety of exploration plays. Several detailed written and oral presentations are made throughout the semester. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEOL309, GEOL314, and GEGN438.

GEGN466. GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Theory of groundwater occurrence and flow. Relation of groundwater to surface water; hydraulic head distribution and flow; theory of aquifer tests; water chemistry, water quality, and contaminant transport. Prerequisites: MATH213 or MATH223 or MATH224 and MATH225 or MATH235. 3 hours lecture, 3 semester hours.

GEGN466L. GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING. 1.0 Semester Hr.

Laboratory and field methods for groundwater hydrology, including groundwater occurrence and flow and contaminant transport. Prerequisite: MATH213 or MATH223 or MATH224, MATH225 or MATH235.

GEGN468. ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICS. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Application of geology to evaluation of construction, mining, and environmental projects such as dams, water ways, tunnels, highways, bridges, buildings, mine design, and land-based waste disposal facilities. Design projects including field, laboratory, and computer analysis are an important part of the course. Prerequisite: MNGN321 and CEEN312/CEEN312L. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 semester hours.

GEGN469. ENGINEERING GEOLOGY DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) (WI) This is a capstone design course that emphasizes realistic engineering geologic/geotechnics projects. Lecture time is used to introduce projects and discussions of methods and procedures for project work. Several major projects will be assigned and one to two field trips will be required. Students work as individual investigators and in teams. Final written design reports and oral presentations are required. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEGN468.

GEGN470. GROUND-WATER ENGINEERING DESIGN. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) (WI) Application of the principles of hydrogeology and ground-water engineering to water supply, geotechnical, or water quality problems involving the design of well fields, drilling programs, and/or pump tests. Engineering reports, complete with specifications, analysis, and results, will be required. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEGN466L or GEGN467 or equivalent and GEGN351 or MEGN351 or CEEN310.

GEGN473. GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING SITE INVESTIGATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Methods of field investigation, testing, and monitoring for geotechnical and hazardous waste sites, including: drilling and sampling methods, sample logging, field testing methods, instrumentation, trench logging, foundation inspection, engineering stratigraphic column and engineering soils map construction. Projects will include technical writing for investigations (reports, memos, proposals, workplans). Class will culminate in practice conducting simulated investigations (using a computer simulator).

GEGN475. APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications to all areas of geology and geological engineering. Lecture topics include: principles of GIS, data structures, digital elevation models, data input and verification, data analysis and spatial modeling, data quality and error propagation, methods of GIS projects, as well as video presentations. Prerequisite: GEGN101. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEGN481. ANALYTICAL HYDROLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Equivalent with GEGN581,
(I) Introduction to the theory, and hydrological application of, probability, statistics, linear algebra, differential equations, numerical analysis, and integral transforms. Prerequisites: GEGN467. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

GEGN483. MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Lectures, assigned readings, and direct computer experience concerning the fundamentals and applications of analytical and finite-difference solutions to ground water flow problems as well as an introduction to inverse modeling. Design of computer models to solve ground water problems. Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and GEGN467. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

GEGN498. SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEGN499. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOC407. ATMOSPHERE, WEATHER AND CLIMATE. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) An introduction to the Earth?s atmosphere and its role in weather patterns and long term climate. Provides basic understanding of origin and evolution of the atmosphere, Earth?s heat budget, global atmospheric circulation and modern climatic zones. Long- and short-term climate change including paleoclimatology, the causes of glacial periods and global warming, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Causes and effects of volcanic eruptions on climate, El Nino, acid rain, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and avalanches are also discussed. Microclimates and weather patterns common in Colorado. Prerequisite: Completion of CSM freshman technical core, or equivalent. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered alternate years.

GEOC408. INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) An introduction to the scientific study of the oceans, including chemistry, physics, geology, biology, geophysics, and mineral resources of the marine environment. Lectures from pertinent disciplines are included. Recommended background: basic college courses in chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered alternate years.

GEOL102. INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING. 1.0 Semester Hr.

(II) Presentations by faculty members and outside professionals of case studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the fields of Geology and Geological Engineering and the preparation necessary to pursue careers in those fields. A short paper on an academic professional path will be required. Prerequisite: GEGN101 or concurrent enrollment. 1 hour lecture; 1 semester hour.

GEOL198. SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEOL199. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL298. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEOL308. INTRODUCTORY APPLIED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Nature and origin of structural features of Earth's crust emphasizing structural controls on oil and gas entrapment. Structural patterns and associations are discussed in context of plate tectonic theories, using examples from across the globe. In class exercises and field projects in structural geometry, mapping and cross section construction and seismic reflection data interpretation. Course required of all PEGN students. Prerequisite: GEGN101.

GEOL309. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) (WI) Recognition, habitat, and origin of deformational structures related to stresses and strains (rock mechanics and microstructures) and plate tectonics. Structural development of mountain belts, rift, strike-slip and salt systems. Comprehensive field and laboratory projects use descriptive geometry, stereographic projection, structural contours, map and cross section construction, air photo interpretation, and seismic reflection data analysis. Required of Geological Engineers. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEGN204, GEGN217.

GEOL310. EARTH MATERIALS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Introduction to Earth Materials, emphasizing the structure, formation, distribution and engineering behavior of minerals and rocks. Structural features and processes are related to stress/strain theory and rock mechanics principles. Laboratories and field exercises emphasize the recognition, description and engineering evaluation of natural materials. Lectures and case study exercises present the knowledge of natural materials and processes necessary for mining engineering careers. Prerequisites: GEGN101. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEOL311. MINING GEOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Introduction to Mining Geology, emphasizing the formation, distribution, engineering behavior, exploration for and geological aspects of development of ore materials. Laboratories emphasize the recognition, description and engineering evaluation of ores and their hosts. Lectures and case study exercises present the knowledge of ores and ore-forming processes necessary for mining engineering careers. Prerequisites: GEGN101 and GEOL310 or MNGN310. 2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEOL314. STRATIGRAPHY. 4.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Lectures and laboratory and field exercises in concepts of stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, facies associations in various depositional environments, sedimentary rock sequences and geometries in sedimentary basins, and geohistory analysis of sedimentary basins. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEGN101, GEGN212, GEGN217.

GEOL315. SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Integrated lecture, laboratory and field exercises on the genesis of sedimentary rocks as related to subsurface porosity and permeability development and distribution for non-geology majors. Emphasis is placed on siliciclastic systems of varying degrees of heterogeneity. Topics include diagenesis, facies analysis, correlation techniques, and sequence and seismic stratigraphy. Application to hydrocarbon exploitation stressed throughout the course. Required of all PEGN students. Prerequisite: GEGN101, PEGN308. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.

GEOL321. MINERALOGY AND MINERAL CHARACTERIZATION. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(I) Principles of mineralogy and mineral characterization. Crystallography of naturally occurring materials. Principles of crystal chemistry. Interrelationships among mineral structure, external shape, chemical composition, and physical properties. Introduction to mineral stability. Laboratories emphasize analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab: 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: GEGN101, GEGN212, CHGN122 or CHGN125.

GEOL398. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEOL399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL399. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.

GEOL410. PLANETARY GEOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to the geology of planets, moons, and other bodies within and beyond our solar system. Focusing on topics such as (a) the origin and composition of our solar system and its constituent materials, (b) geologic processes occurring on planetary surfaces (e.g. cratering) and shallow and deep interiors (e.g. volcanism, mantle convection), (c) methods of solar system exploration, and potential for resource discovery and utilization on near-neighbors and asteroids, and (d) comparative planetology (thermal histories, evidence for plate tectonics, origin and retention of atmospheres, exobiology).

GEOL440. PLATE TECTONICS. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

Introduction to the theory of plate tectonics as a first-order framework with which the evolution of the Earth?s lithosphere in space and time may be described and understood. Key topics include plate boundaries, the mechanisms of mountain building, crustal growth and destruction, volcanism and seismicity in intraplate and plate-margin settings, and secular changes in plate tectonic processes and products over geological time. Formation of all rock types (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) will be discussed in the context of plate tectonics. Other planets and planetary processes will be discussed and compared to Earth. Prerequisite: Basic geology knowledge; Consent from instructor.

GEOL443. UNDERGRADUATE FIELD SEMINAR. 1-3 Semester Hr.

Special advanced classroom and field programs emphasizing detailed study of some aspects of the geology of an area or region. Field studies normally conducted away from the Golden campus. Classroom course content dependent on area of study. Fees assessed for field and living expenses and transportation. 1 to 3 semester hours; may be repeated for credit.

GEOL444. INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Fossils are the basis for establishing global correlation among Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks, and thus are critical to the reconstruction of the past 550 million years of Earth history. This is a lecture elective course that will aid in rounding out undergraduate Earth science/engineering geological knowledge. Fossil preservation, taphonomy, evolution, mass extinctions, biostratigraphy, graphic correlation, invertebrate phyla and their geologic history and evolution. Prerequisites: GEGN204, GEGN205, GEGN206. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

GEOL470. APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING. 3.0 Semester Hrs.

(II) Students are introduced to geoscience applications of satellite remote sensing. Introductory lectures provide background on satellites, sensors, methodology, and diverse applications. One or more areas of application are presented from a systems perspective. Guest lecturers from academia, industry, and government agencies present case studies focusing on applications, which vary from semester to semester. Students do independent term projects, under the supervision of a faculty member or guest lecturer, that are presented both written and orally at the end of the term. Prerequisites: PHGN200 and MATH225. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.

GEOL498. SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: none. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.

GEOL499. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY. 1-6 Semester Hr.

(I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: ?Independent Study? form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.