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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

(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 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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Blended

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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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Blended

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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)

Traditional

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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

*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)

Blackboard

*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)

Blended

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Professional Practices in GEOL

Introduces workplace ethics, responsibilities, and expectations of geologists in a professional role. Practices research methods, writing, and presentation techniques in the geosciences. Includes research design, proposal writing, resume and job applications, scientific writing, critical review, and oral presentation techniques. Registration Restrictions: BS Geological Science majors only

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

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Geologic Data Analysis

Introduces different types of geological data and basic computational methods for visualization and analysis. Provides skills to understand the nature of geoscience datasets and perform quantitative interpretation to fully understand many subject areas in geosciences.

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

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Volcanology

The description and classification of volcanoes, volcanic eruptions, and volcanic deposits. Includes the history of volcanic studies, myths, and legends. Emphasis on the dynamics of volcanic eruptions, pyroclastic rocks, lava flows, and volcanic hazard assessment.

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

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Mineralogy

Covers crystallography, including external form and internal order. Includes crystal chemistry, atomic structure, crystal structure, and compositional variation, nature and origin of physical properties of minerals. Mineral association, occurrence and paragenesis. Introduces x-ray crystallography and optical mineralogy. Laboratory includes determinative crystallography, optical mineralogy and systematic determinative mineralogy.

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

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Structural Geology

Covers fundamental concepts of rock deformation: description and formation of geologic structures; brittle and ductile deformation; characteristic structures in different tectonic environments; concepts of stress, strain and brittle failure mechanics; and salt tectonics. Laboratory includes analysis of structure contours, geologic maps and cross sections, stereonets, kinematic analysis, and the Mohr circle technique.

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

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No Distance Learning courses available.

Hydrogeology

Comprehensively covers the fundamentals of hydrogeology, including physical and hydraulic properties of subsurface aquifers, Darcy's Law and the groundwater flow equation, hydraulic head, storage and effective stress, regional groundwater flow, aquifer hydraulics, and water well design and development. Special Note: Laboratory time will be used to enhance data analysis, mathematical and problem-solving skill sets.

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

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*Earth Resources & Society

A global-scale investigation of the state of water, energy and mineral resources and the linkages to society and the environment. Review of historical sources, uses and demands on water, energy and mineral resources and the connection to human population growth over time. Investigation of the scientific and social motivations for shifting how humans use water, energy and mineral resources. Registration Restrictions: Junior or higher standing and completion of Tier 1 GER courses.

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

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Geologic Field Methods

Introduces principles and applications of basic geologic field methods including construction of bedrock geologic maps and cross-sections. Emphasizes field note taking, geologic mapping, stratigraphic section measurement and construction. Requires students to complete several field projects including written summary reports. Special Note: Students may be required to provide their own transportation to and from field sites.

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

Blended

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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)

Blackboard

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)

Traditional

Blackboard

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)

Traditional

Blackboard

No Distance Learning courses available.

Professional Project

Individualized professional project in an area of geological sciences as related to the profession. Project topic must be approved by the graduate committee. Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor permission.

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

Traditional

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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)

Traditional

Blackboard

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)

Traditional

Blackboard

No Distance Learning courses available.