USP Codes are listed in brackets by the 1991 USP code followed by the 2003 USP code (i.e. [M2<>QB]).

1001. Earth Science and Society. 1. [(none)<>I, L] Introduces students to the study of Earth Science and its role in society through examination and discussion of current events, and through projects researching geologic topics of social interest. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or concurrent enrollment.

1005. Earth History. 4. [(none)<>S] Reviews the evolution of the Earth including: the creation of the Universe, formation of a layered earth, development and history of continents, controls on climate change, and the origin and evolution of life. Class introduces basic geologic, chemical, physical and biologic concepts used to decipher Earth history. Prerequisites: none.

1070. The Earth: Its Physical Environment. 4. [S3<>SE] Discusses selected topics from geology, astronomy and meteorology illustrating fundamental concepts, processes, products and the interrelationships among them. Emphasizes nature of science and relationship between selected topics and society. Cross listed with ASTR 1070. Prerequisites: Math level 3 or equivalent courses, consent of instructor, elementary education major and EDCI 1450 must be taken concurrently.

1100. Physical Geology. 4. [S3<>SE] Studies modern concepts of Earth's physical makeup including minerals and rocks, topography, crustal structure, plate tectonics and processes and forces acting on and within the earth. (Normally offered fall, spring and summer)

1200. Historical Geology. 4. [S3<>SE] Reviews the evolution of the Earth including: the creation of the Universe, formation of a layered earth, development and history of continents, controls on climate change, and the origin and evolution of life. Class introduces basic geologic concepts used to decipher Earth history including structural, stratigraphic and geophysical methods, mineralogic and chemical data, age determination, and interpretation of fossil evidence.

1600. Global Sustainability: Managing Earth’s Resources. 4. [(none)<>G, S]. Uses biology, chemistry, physics and Earth science to examine Global Sustainability and how this worldview might guide our future management of Earth resources. Case studies in different international settings place questions of resource exploitation (discovery, extraction, processing, use and disposal) and sustainability in a larger global context. Prerequisites: none.

2000. Foundations of Geology. 4. [S3<>SE]. Introduces the Earth system, including the solid Earth, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Emphasizes the evolution of the Earth, rock associations and geochemical cycles. Cross listed with ESS 2000. Prerequisites: a 1000-level GEOL course with a lab and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1020. (Normally offered fall semester)

2005. Foundations of Geology II. 4. Mechanisms and driving forces of Earth deformation, at length-scales from the tectonic to the micro-structural. Introduces solid bodies, including stress and strain, rheologies and cracking, with applications to plate tectonics, deformation of rocks and surficial processes. Fluid and heat flow is introduced, with applications to tectonic and hydrologic problems. Prerequisites: MATH 2200 and GEOL 2000. (Normally offered fall semester)

2010. Mineralogy. 5. Introduction to rock-forming minerals. Includes introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and the occurrence and identification of common minerals, with emphasis on silicates. Field trip required. Prerequisites: GEOL 2000 and CHEM 1020. (Normally offered spring semester)

2020. Introduction to Petrology. 4. Introduces study of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section. Covers textural and mineralogical features of igneous and metamorphic rocks; chemistry of igneous rocks; phase diagrams controlling mineral crystallization in igneous and metamorphic rocks; and tectonic environments in which various igneous and metamorphic rocks are found. Field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOL 2010. (Normally offered fall semester)

2050. Principles of Paleontology. 3. [S3<>(none)] Examines scientific principles, biological and geological, that underlie general study of ancient life on Earth. Includes interactions of evolutionary, stratigraphic, taphonomic and paleogeographic concepts within various approaches to paleobiology and systematic paleontology.  Optional field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or LIFE 1000 or 1010. (Normally offered spring semester)

2070. Introduction to Oceanography. 4. [S3, G1<>(none)] Studies the form of the world ocean; circulation and currents; nutrients and organisms; origin and distribution of deep-sea sediments; and the oceanic crust. Discusses global chemical cycles and long-term controls on the global environment; effects of human activities; and law of the sea and international conventions. Prerequisites: GEOL 1100; CHEM 1020 or consent of instructor.

2080. General Field Geology. 4. [S3<>SE] Discusses basic concepts of geology and field mapping. Emphasizes recognition and interpretation of geologic features in the field. Teaches basic field techniques. Credit not allowed for those who complete GEOL 4717. Two field trips per week required. Identical to GEOL 3080. Prerequisite: GEOL 1000 or 1100. (Normally offered the first half of the fall semester)

2100. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. 4. Introduces principles of stratigraphy, materials and processes of sedimentation. Laboratory includes study and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures and stratigraphic techniques. Field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100. (Normally offered fall semester)

2150. Geomorphology. 4. Discusses general principles of landform description and analysis. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or equivalent.

3080. General Field Geology. 4. [S3, W3<>SE, WC] Studies basic concepts of geology and field mapping. Emphasizes recognition and interpretation of geologic features in the field. Teaches basic field techniques. Credit not allowed for those who complete GEOL 4717. Two field trips per week and term paper required. Identical to GEOL 2080. Prerequisite: GEOL 1000 or 1100. (Normally offered the first half of the fall semester)

3110. Invertebrate Paleontology. 4. Encompasses taxonomy and morphology of major groups of invertebrate fossils. Includes examples of their use in correlation, environmental reconstruction and interpretation of evolution. Prerequisite: GEOL 1200. (Normally offered spring semester)

3400. Geologic Hazards: A Historical and Scientific Review. 4. [S3<>SE] Geologic hazards include well-known catastrophic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides, as well as lesser known processes such as soil expansion, land subsidence and ground failure. Economically, the latter process have a much greater impact each year than the more notorious geologic events. This course reviews geologic hazards from a historical and scientific perspective. It describes relevant geologic processes, how geologic evidence is used to identify regions at risk, monitoring procedures and the role of the scientist in predicting catastrophic geologic events. Prehistoric and historic events are used to illustrate the temporal and spatial scales of geologic hazards. Prerequisite: junior standing

3500. Global Change: A Geologic Perspective. 4. [S3<>(none)] Considers the geochemcial and geophysical systems that control the Earth’s climate, the geological and historical record of climate change, and then discuss the possible effect that human activities will have upon these chemical and geophysical systems. Prerequisites: junior standing and an introductory course in the physical sciences.

3600. Earth and Mineral Resources. 4. [(none)<>SE, G] Explores the geologic formation, production, and use of Earth and mineral resources, including building materials, chemical minerals, industrial minerals and metals.  For each resource, the geologic environment and processes of formation are discussed.  Exploration and mining techniques for each resources are also reviewed and associated environmental problems and regulations examined.  Beneficial and detrimental aspects of the use of each resource are also discussed.  Prerequisite: completion of USP QA and L.

3650. Energy: A Geological Perspective. 4. [(none)<>SE, G] Examines the energy needs of a modern industrialized society.  Looks at the types of energy, the natural laws that govern its use, transformation, and conservation.  The different sources of energy available to modern societies are examined.  Examination includes fossil fuels, nuclear power as well as alternative energy sources.  The formation of the resource is discussed, how it is extracted, and any environmental consequences associated with its extraction and use.  Prerequisite: completion of USP QA and L.

4000. Paleomagnetism in Geology/Geophysics. 3. Studies paleomagnetic solutions in geoscience topics. Includes plate reconstructions; sea-floor formation; structural geology; dating of structural/tectonic events; western North American tectonics; global geomagnetic polarity reversals and time scale; magnetostratigraphic correlation; stratigraphic dating; dating diagenetic events; characteristics of core and mantle; extraterrestrial impacts and geologic phenomena; environmental and climate change applications. Field trip and laboratory project required. Dual listed with GEOL 5000. Prerequisite: GEOL 1000 or 1100; GEOL 1200 desirable.

4001. Modeling the Earth System. 4. Takes a modeling approach to demonstrate how the Earth is integrated into an interconnected system through exchanges of energy and matter, and how Earth system functioning is susceptible to human alteration.  Unifying concepts focus on quantitative interactions between the Earth and the Sun, and between the Earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Cross listed with ATSC/BOT 4001. Prerequisites:  MATH 2205 or equivalent and [ESS 2000 or GEOL 2000].

4050. Geology of Wyoming 3. Survey of the geologic history of Wyoming beginning in the Precambrian and extending to the present. Stratigraphic and sedimentation history, igneous activity, metamorphism, and orogenic activity are emphasized in the lectures. Occasional field trips are required. Offered typically during the fall semester. Prerequisite: GEOL 1100 or an equivalent course.

4060. Rocky Mountain Field Trip 1 (MAX 3). A six-day geological field trip to various classic localities in the Rocky Mountains. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing in GEOL 1100 is recommended.

4111. Remote Sensing of the Environment. 3. Acquaints students with various methods of aircraft and satellite remote sensing of the environment. Emphasizes geologic application and includes photographic, infrared, ultraviolet, radio frequency, multiband and radar sensing. Studies applications of techniques to earth science. Dual listed with GEOL 5111. (Normally offered spring semester)

4125. Igneous Petrology. 2. Studies igneous rocks in thin section. Lectures cover mineralogy, geochemistry, phase equilibria and occurrence of igneous rocks. Labs study suites of igneous rocks in thin section. Prerequisite: GEOL 2010. (Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years)

4130. Metamorphic Petrology. 2. Studies metamorphic rocks in thin section. Lectures cover mineralogy, phase equilibria and occurrence of metamorphic rocks. Labs study suites of metamorphic rocks in thin section. Prerequisite: GEOL 2010. (Offered spring semester of odd-numbered years)

4150. Paleontology of Lower Vertebrates. 4. Explores evolutionary histories of lower vertebrates including fishes, amphibians, reptiles and birds. Optional field trip. Prerequisites: acceptable previous training in geology or zoology, 12 hours of biology and/or geology or ZOO 4000 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered every third year)

4160. Paleontology of Early Mammals. 4. Examines evolutionary histories of mammals characteristic of Mesozoic era, plus Cenozoic monotremes and marsupials, as documented through fossil record study. Optional field trip. Prerequisites: 12 hours of biology and/or geology, ZOO 4000 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered every third year)

4170. Paleontology of Cenozoic Placental Mammals. 4. Explores evolutionary histories of placental mammals characteristic of Cenozoic era as documented through fossil record study. Optional field trip. Prerequisites: 12 hours of biology and/or geology, ZOO 4000 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered every third year)

4190. Petroleum Geology. 3. Principles governing the exploration for hydrocarbons; characteristics of reservoirs and traps; origin, migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons; subsurface evaluation techniques. Dual listed with GEOL 5190. Prerequisite:  GEOL 2005 or PETE 3000.

4200 [4010]. Topics in Geology. 1-3 (Max. 9). Studies particular geology topics in-depth at undergraduate level. Prerequisites: senior standing and 20 hours in geology.

4210 [4020]. Topics in Geophysics. 1-3 (Max. 9). Studies particular geophysics topics in-depth at undergraduate level. Prerequisites: senior standing and 20 hours in geology.

4310. Advanced Stratigraphy. 3. Deals with characterizing and predicting the vertical and lateral distribution of sedimentary rocks. Includes correlation methods; use of facies models; facies delineation; impact of tectonics and changes in relative sea level on sedimentary record; transgressions and regressions; concept and construction of stratigraphic framework; and sequence stratigraphy. Prerequisite: GEOL 2100. (Normally offered spring semester)

4320. Cenozoic Stratigraphy. 4. Studies areal distribution, lithogenesis, depositional environment, correlation and faunas of North America's Cenozoic deposits. Optional field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 2100 or consent of instructor. (Offered based on sufficient demand and resources)

4420. Sedimentary Rocks. 4. Encompasses origin, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks including sandstones, mudrocks and carbonates. Topics also include diagenesis and basin analysis. Field trip required. Prerequisites: GEOL 2010 and GEOL 2100. (Offered every other even-numbered year)

4444. Geohydrology. 4. [M3<>(none)] Discusses principles governing occurrence, movement and extraction of water in subsurface geologic environment. One required weekend field trip in September. Dual listed with GEOL 5444. Prerequisite: MATH 2205. (Normally offered spring semester)

4490. Geochemistry. 3. [M3<>(none)] Discusses chemical evolution of the Earth and details of chemical thermodynamics, phase rule chemistry, equilibrium reactions and reaction kinetics as applied to geology. Prerequisites: GEOL 2010, CHEM 1020, MATH 2200, 2205. (Normally offered spring semester)

4500. Photogeology. 3. Studies how photointerpretation is a primary tool for field geologists. Photogeology instructs and provides practical experience in interpretation of structure, lithology, land forms and surface processes from stereographic air photos and satellite imagery. Optional field trip. Prerequisite: GEOL 2100. (Normally offered spring semester)

4610. Structural Geology and Tectonics. 4. Encompasses lectures, readings and problems dealing with character and causes of structures that deform Earth's crust. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 2010 or consent of instructor. (Normally offered fall semester)

4666. Plate Tectonics. 3. Studies theory of plate tectonics including quantitative assessment of observations which lead to its acceptance. Includes geometry of plate tectonics, plate boundaries and plate motions at present and in the past, evolution of plates including sea floor spreading and subduction processes, as well as driving mechanisms. Two lectures, one laboratory/discussion per week. Dual listed with GEOL 5666. Prerequisites: GEOL 4610, geology/geophysics math requirements. (Offered based on sufficient demand and resources)

4717 [5100]. Field Course in Geology. 2-6 (Max. 6). Reviews field observation of geologic phenomena, methods of geologic mapping and interpretation of data collected. Course includes a six-week field trip. Prerequisites: GEOL 2100, 4610. (Offered early summer)

4720 [4700]. Ore Deposits. 4. Teaches principles of economic geology of ore minerals. Lectures cover geochemistry of ore minerals and environments in which various ore minerals are found. Labs include identification of ore minerals in hand sample and under microscope and methodology of economic geology. Dual listed with GEOL 5720. Prerequisite: GEOL 2020. (Normally offered fall semester)

4777. Geochemistry of Natural Waters. 3. [M3<>(none)] Studies physical chemistry applied to natural waters, and chemistry of rock weathering, sources and controls on major, minor and trace elements, plus problems related to introduced pollutants. Dual listed with GEOL 5777. Prerequisites: GEOL 2010, MATH 2205, CHEM 1060 or consent of instructor.

4800. Independent Study. 1-3 (Max. 6). Encompasses field, laboratory or library research for senior students in department. Prerequisites: senior standing and not fewer than 20 hours in geology. (Offered fall, spring and summer)

4820. Capstone. 3. [W3<>WC] Critical examination of landmark papers and their influence on the Earth sciences. Through readings, lectures, discussions and in oral and written presentations, the student will gain a broad perspective over the impact of key issues in the field. Prerequisites: junior standing and 26 hours in the department or consent of the instructor. (Normally offered spring semester)

4835 [4970]. Applied/Exploration Geophysics. 3. Discusses the fundamentals of Applied or Exploration Geophysics, encompassing lecture, laboratory classes and discussion of case histories. It covers the Seismic Refraction, Seismic Reflection, Gravity, and Magnetics methods. Provides a solid grounding about the exploration of the Earth’s subsurface for mineral and hydrocarbon resources, and environmental issues. Dual listed with GEOL 5835. Prerequisites: GEOL 1100, one year of physics and MATH 2210. (Normally offered spring semester)

4850. Principles of Digital Filtering and Time Series Analysis. 3. Studies principles and applications of data processing techniques as used in seismic exploration, oceanography, gravity and magnetic prospecting, remote sensing and other areas of earth science. Includes discrete versus continuous time series; fourier and Z-transforms; layer matrix analysis; reflectivity function; deconvolution and predictive deconvolution; digital filter design; array analysis; velocity filters and migration. Prerequisite: mathematics through calculus. (Normally offered fall semester)

4880. Earth Surface Processes. 3. [M3<>(none)] Quantitative interpretation of Earth's surface processes. Uses a quantitative approach to demonstrate how the development of landforms can be modeled. Prerequisite: MATH 2205 ( 2210 preferred), PHYS 1210 or consent of instructor.

4888. Glaciology. 3. [M3<>(none)] Dynamics of frozen water. Covers behavior of ice masses, in the form of glaciers or ice-sheets, and geomorphic aspects of glacial erosion and deposition. Includes forcing and feedbacks between cryosphere and global climate. Prerequisite: MATH 2205, PHYS 1210 ( 1310) or consent of instructor. (Offered every second year spring semester)

4990. Gravity Prospecting. 3. Encompasses lectures and laboratory treating gravity methods applied to structural interpretation and prospecting techniques. Discusses potential field theory gravity methods and case histories. Laboratory exercises cover topics discussed and include field work to conduct gravity measurements. Prerequisites: GEOL 4610 and one year of calculus. (Offered based on sufficient demand and resources)