Geology Course Schedule

*Physical Geology

Introduction to physical geology, study of earth and its materials. Processes that operate on and within earth. Formation of common rocks and minerals, and basics of mineral and rock identification and classification. Registration Restrictions: MATH A055 or higher

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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*Physical Geology Lab

Laboratory skills in physical geology. The identification and classification of minerals and rocks. The use and interpretation of maps and remote sensing techniques, and application of lab skills to interpret evidence of geologic processes. Includes a field trip led by the instructor.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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*Environmental Geology

Introduces the study of applied environmental geology with a focus on geologic processes and linkages to how humans interact with the geologic environment. Includes both internal and external Earth processes and related topics such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, coastal processes, and mineral and energy resources. Registration Restrictions: MATH A055 or higher

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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*Environmental Geology Lab

Investigation of problems in environmental geology related to volcanic and earthquake hazards, surface and groundwater pollution, landslides, coastal processes, and waste disposal with emphasis on the local areas in Alaska. Several local field trips are included. Registration Restrictions: MATH A055 or higher

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

*Introduction to Oceanography

Study of the oceans combining insights from geological, chemical, physical and biological oceanography. Topics include plate tectonics and the evolution of the ocean basins, the chemical composition of seawater, forces acting on water to generate waves and currents, interrelationships among physical, chemical and biological processes, and complex societal issues such as global climate change, fisheries management and pollution. Registration Restrictions: Placement into Quantitative Skills GER Crosslisted with BIOL A178

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Introductory Topics in Geology

Introductory study of a selected topic in geology. Special Note: May be repeated with change of topic.

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No Distance Learning courses available.

*Historical Geology

Introduces the history of the earth through geologic time, emphasizing North America. Includes major events in plate tectonics, evolution of life forms and interpretation of the rock record. Lab includes invertebrate fossil identification, geologic map interpretation, stratigraphic principles and field trip.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Earth Surface Processes

Introduces the identification and mapping of landforms, and quantitative study of processes that shape the earth's surface. Combines theory, field observations, basic data analysis, and modeling to investigate geomorphic systems that affect humanity.

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Igneous &Metamorphic Petrology

Covers identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks, interpretation of textures, structures, and mineralogy of rocks. Includes the study of chemical and physical principles controlling the formation of rocks, importance of various rock types in economic and industrial arenas. Extensive study of hand specimens with emphasis on composition, texture and structure.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

Survey of sediments including origins, classification, transportation, composition, structures, and diagenesis. Stratigraphic principles including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and seismic stratigraphy. Lab includes grain size analysis, sedimentary structures, correlation, and field practicum.

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Paleoclimatology

Examines the fundamentals of climate science, changes in Earth's climate, and methods used to reconstruct past climates. Use of paleoclimate data from proxy records like cores of ice, peatland and ocean sediments, and tree rings to help understand how Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land interact with climate through time. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A641. May be stacked with: GEOL A641

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

The Cryosphere

Examines the components of the cryosphere: sea ice, freshwater ice, snow, glaciers, permafrost and ice sheets. Addresses how the cryosphere is changing, including interconnections with Earth systems such as climate. Explores various datasets and models, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, to learn about the fundamental geoscience processes that govern this critical Earth system component.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Geochemistry

Introduction to principles and applications of inorganic geochemistry. Emphasis on crystal structures and substitution in crystals, equilibrium geochemistry, dissociation of acids and bases, and mineral stability. Applying the laws of thermodynamics, Eh-pH diagrams, and oxidation-reduction reactions to geologic problems. Principles of radioactivity and geochronometers for age determination. A review of applications of stable isotopes to geologic problems. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A661. Registration Restrictions: BS Geological Science majors May be stacked with: GEOL A661

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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Applied Geophysics

Overview of geophysical techniques used for subsurface visualization, mapping and interpretation, with applications to natural resource exploration, geotechnical investigations and environmental studies. Techniques include gravity, magnetic, electric, seismic and well logging. Applications of mathematics and physics-based principles to image shallow and deep subsurface at local and regional scales. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A676. Registration Restrictions: Instructor permission required for non-majors. Background in calculus-based mathematics or physics is required for geology non-majors. May be stacked with: GEOL A676

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Geology Seminar

Lecture series with invited professional geologists, discussion of relevant professional papers and research. Topical nature of material. Special Note: May be repeated under different subtitles for a maximum of 3 credits.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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Student Research

Student research conducted on specific subjects in geology. Research topic to be approved and directed by a faculty member in the Department of Geological Sciences. Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Registration Restrictions: Faculty permission.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Senior Thesis

Planning, preparation and completion of senior thesis for the BS in Geological Sciences. Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Registration Restrictions: Senior standing and faculty permission.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Paleoclimatology

Examines the fundamentals of climate science, changes in Earth's climate, and methods used to reconstruct past climates. Use of paleoclimate data from proxy records like cores of ice, peatland and ocean sediments, and tree rings to help understand how Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land interact with climate through time. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A441. Graduate students have additional student learning outcomes and course expectations. May be stacked with: GEOL A441

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Advanced Geochemistry

Introduction to principles and applications of inorganic geochemistry. Emphasis on crystal structures and substitution in crystals, equilibrium geochemistry, dissociation of acids and bases, and mineral stability. Applying the laws of thermodynamics, Eh-pH diagrams, and oxidation-reduction reactions to geologic problems. Principles of radioactivity and geochronometers for age determination. A review of applications of stable isotopes to geologic problems. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A461. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor permission May be stacked with: GEOL A461

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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Applied Geophysics

Overview of geophysical techniques used for subsurface visualization, mapping and interpretation, with applications to natural resource exploration, geotechnical investigations and environmental studies. Techniques include gravity, magnetic, electric, seismic and well logging. Applications of mathematics and physics-based principles to image shallow and deep subsurface at local and regional scales. Special Note: Not available for credit to students who have completed GEOL A476. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor permission. May be stacked with: GEOL A476

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Geology Professional Practices

Professional development of graduate students in preparation for careers in the geosciences. Registration Restrictions: Graduate students must take this course by the end of the second semester of their degree program.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Directed Research

Thesis-specific research for the Master of Science in Applied Geological Sciences. Research topic must be approved by thesis advisor. Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and permission of thesis advisor

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Graduate Thesis

Preparation and completion of thesis for the Master of Science in Applied Geological Sciences. Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and permission of graduate advisor required.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

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No Distance Learning courses available.

*Physical Geology

Introduction to physical geology, study of earth and its materials. Processes that operate on and within earth. Formation of common rocks and minerals, and basics of mineral and rock identification and classification. Registration Restrictions: MATH A055 or higher

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

Blackboard

*Physical Geology Lab

Laboratory skills in physical geology. The identification and classification of minerals and rocks. The use and interpretation of maps and remote sensing techniques, and application of lab skills to interpret evidence of geologic processes. Includes a field trip led by the instructor.

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

Blackboard

*Environmental Geology

Introduces the study of applied environmental geology with a focus on geologic processes and linkages to how humans interact with the geologic environment. Includes both internal and external Earth processes and related topics such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, coastal processes, and mineral and energy resources. Registration Restrictions: MATH A055 or higher

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

Blackboard

Directed Research

Thesis-specific research for the Master of Science in Applied Geological Sciences. Research topic must be approved by thesis advisor. Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and permission of thesis advisor

(Click on an individual CRN for more information on each offering)

Traditional

Blackboard

No Distance Learning courses available.