Courses

    Examines scientific tools, data, and theories related to the dramatically varied past climate of Earth. Focus will be on marine records of climate change and ocean circulation, but ice core and continental archives will also be discussed. Course will cover the Cretaceous Period to the present, with particular emphasis on the past 150,000 years (the last ice age cycle). Prereq., intro geology or equivalent. Recommended prereq., intro oceanography or atmospheric science. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Same as GEOL 4474 and MUSM 5474.

    Restricted to graduate students. Same as GEOL 4550.

    Same as GEOL 4670.

    Provides students with the practical tools needed to make tectonic interpretations through study of the geologic history of the western United States and the geodynamic models used in interpreting that history. Paleomagnetism, geobarametry, geothermometry, geodynamic modeling, and elements of structural geology and stratigraphy are topics considered in this class. Prereqs., GEOL 3120 and PHYS 1110.

    Seminar studies in geological subjects of special current interest are offered primarily for graduate students, as departmental staff and facilities permit. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Investigates major problems in the study and understanding of Quaternary climate variation, in seminar format. Each year one major topic will be addressed, such as: the physics and chemistry of the Ice Age ocean circulation; the theory and mechanics of glacial/interglacial atmospheric C02 change; or the origins of the 20, 40, and 100 kyr orbital (Milankovitch) climate cycles. Prereqs., introduction geology, climatology or oceanography. Recommended prereqs., paleoclimatology or paleoceanography.

    Explores the dynamics and forms of the earth's surface through critical reading and discussion of both classical and modern literature.

    Focuses on a wide variety of topics related to crust, mantle, and whole earth tectonics. Published papers from recent peer-reviewed literature are read and discussed. The format and specific topics will vary each semester (e.g., a relatively focused theme or open format) and will in part be determined by the makeup of enrolled students. Prereqs., graduate standing or instructor consent. Offered Pass/Fail only.

    Applies field techniques to interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Field exercises and lectures focus on collecting data required to map igneous and metamorphic rock units. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2011 and GEOL 3020 or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Methods of field study of structure of rocks, including observations, data collection, and interpretation to understand geometry of deformation and causative processes and kinematics. Field projects are mapped using different scales, air photos, topographic maps, and compass and tape. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and GEOL 3120, or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

    Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical measurements. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110 or equivalent, or instructor consent required. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Introduces various field techniques and data analysis methods in hydrogeologic studies for students in geology, environmental studies, geography, and civil engineering. Exercises include mapping ground water levels, conducting slug and pumping tests, measuring steam flows, interpreting aquifer parameters from geophysical measurements, and using field data for water budget analysis. Prereqs., GEOL 2001 or 2700, or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

    Develops basic field skills in the most commonly performed tasks required for the environmental characterization of solid and aqueous wastes. Media of study include soils, stream sediments, surface waters, ground waters, and atmospheric particulates. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and CHEM 1011 and 1031, or CHEM 1113 or 1133 and GEOL 3320 or equivalent, or instructor consent required. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.

    Studies geologic features in and around Colorado to gain an overview of the geologic and tectonic evolution of the western U.S. Prereqs., GEOL 2700 or 2001 and one or more of GEOL 3120, 3320 or 3430 or equivalent. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Examines processes operating on the surfaces of solid planets and in their interiors. Emphasizes spacecraft observations, their interpretation, the relationship to similar processes on Earth, the relationship between planetary surfaces and interiors, and the integrated geologic histories of the terrestrial planets and satellites. Same as ASTR 5800. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Covers the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres. Includes the origin of planetary atmospheres, chemistry and cloud physics, greenhouse effects, climate, and the evolution of planetary atmospheres - past and future. Same as ATOC 5810 and ASTR 5810.

    Considers the origin and evolution of planetary systems, including protoplanetary disks, condensation in the solar nebula, composition of meteorites, planetary accretion, comets, asteroids, planetary rings, and extrasolar planets. Applies celestial mechanics to the dynamical evolution of solar system bodies. Same as ASTR 5820 and ATOC 5820. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

    Current topics in planetary science, based on recent discoveries, spacecraft observations, or other developments. Focuses on a specific topic each time it is offered, such as Mars, Venus, Galilean satellites, exobiology, comets, or extrasolar planets. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided the topics vary. Prereq., graduate standing in physical sciences or instructor consent. Same as ATOC/ASTR 5830.

    Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Same as ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Numbered GEOL 5840 through GEOL 5851. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Numbered GEOL 5840 through GEOL 5851. May be repeated for a total of 7 credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Numbered GEOL 5840 through GEOL 5851. May be repeated for a total of 7 credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Numbered GEOL 5840 through GEOL 5851. May be repeated for a total of 7 credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
    Numbered GEOL 5840 through GEOL 5851. May be repeated for a total of 7 credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

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