Geological Sciences

GEOL 5001 (3) Physics and Chemistry of the Solid Earth

Reviews the physical and chemical characteristics of the solid earth, from the core to the crust, and the processes that govern behavior through the earth. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the recent literature. Topics include convection, phase transitions, melt generation, forces of plate tectonics, origin of continents and lithosphere, continental tectonics, and earthquakes.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Recommended: Requisite a course in basic chemistry and a course in physics.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5002 (3) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology of Sedimentary Systems

Reading and discussion of current issues and themes in the stratigraphic sciences, including stratigraphic and facies analysis, spatial heterogeneity and self-organization, numerical modeling; origin, evolution, mass extinctions, and megatrajectories of life; and paleooceanographic and paleoclimatic signals in sedimentary rocks. Goal is to diversify students' understanding of the role of physics, chemistry, and biology in attacking research problems in sedimentary systems.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5003 (2) Graduate Writing Seminar

Aims at improving graduate student writing, editing, and reviewing skills, while meeting student writing goals. Includes discussion of materials about effective writing, and peer-editing of text that students are producing for their graduate research endeavors.

GEOL 5021 (4) Petrology: Evolution of Crustal and Mantle Rocks

Origin, physical, and chemical properties of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This course develops a thermodynamic framework for the interpretation of geologic processes from observed mineral assemblages and rock textures. Laboratory component emphasizes the study of rocks in thin section and hand samples to understand earth processes in the mantle and crust.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4021
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

GEOL 5042 (3) Computational Tools in Geosciences

Scientific research and teaching in geological sciences and related disciplines relies increasingly on computational tools. This class aims to introduce graduate students in the geological, geophysical and biogeochemical sciences to a wide range of commonly used concepts and open source data tools to empower them to find the right tool for their computational needs in research and teaching. Previously offered as a special topics course.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Recommended: Prerequisite Prior experience with at least one programming language is recommended.

GEOL 5060 (4) Oceanography

Examines the ocean as a system influencing the Earth's surficial processes and climate. Composition and properties of seawater, ocean circulation, waves, tides, coastal-, shallow-, and deep-water processes, biogeochemical cycles, deep sea sediments. Laboratory emphasizes the use of oceanographic data.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4060
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5080 (1-3) Advanced Hydrogeology and Modeling Concepts

Introduces advanced groundwater flow and modeling concepts, equations for steady state and transient flow, saturated and unsaturated flow, finite difference method, application of modeling in geologic processes, radial flow and aquifer parameters, infiltration and groundwater recharge, model calibration, verification and prediction. Department enforced prerequisite: MATH 2300 or Fortran.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5093 (4) Remote Sensing of the Environment

Covers acquisition and interpretation of environmental data by remote sensing. Discusses theory and sensors as well as manual and computerized interpretation methods. Stresses infrared and microwave portions of the spectrum.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4093 and GEOG 4093 and GEOG 5093
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5101 (1) Introduction to Geological Sciences Faculty I

Welcomes and introduces all new graduate students to the Department of Geological Sciences. Faculty discuss their research and their academic trajectories. The week¿s geology colloquium is discussed. Tutorials from staff introduce how the university works, what funding opportunities exist, and how and when to apply for such funding.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5102 (1) Introduction to Geological Sciences Faculty II

Continues to introduce all new graduate students to the Department of Geological Sciences. Faculty discuss their research and their academic trajectories. The week¿s geology colloquium is discussed. In addition, students craft reports on their intended research.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5110 (3) Geomechanics

Introduces fundamental physical processes important to the transport of heat and mass in the Earth and on Earth's surface. Provides practice with quantitative treatment of geological problems. Solutions for each problem are derived from first principles, including conservation and flux laws. Emphasizes heat conduction and viscous fluid flow. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only and a course in calculus.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5111 (3) Rheology: Fracture and Flow of Rocks

Focuses on the elastic and plastic deformation of planetary materials (e.g. rocks and minerals, melts, tectonic plates, etc.). Topic include stress and strain, failure criterion, fracture propagation, creep (dislocation and diffusion), and deformation of multiphase materials. Prior coursework in basic chemistry, physics, mineralogy/petrology, and structure/geology is recommended.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5120 (3) Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics

Provides valuable exposure to theory and applications related to deformation (rheology) of solid Earth materials as well as the structural and geophysical characteristics of the world's major orogenic belts. The processes that will be covered span a wide range of Earth's depths, from compaction in sedimentary rocks and flow of ice/salt near Earth's surface to cataclastic mechanisms in fault rocks to plastic flow of deep crust and mantle rock. The course will involve lectures, some in-class and take home problem sets, some local field exercises and field data analysis, classic and modern paper discussions, and a research term project (written and oral presentation).

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4120
Recommended: Prerequisite GEOL 3120.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5123 (3) Teaching and Learning in Post-Secondary Science Education

Introduces the science of learning and research-based instructional strategies. Open to students in any STEM discipline considering a career that involves college-level teaching. Students apply research on learning and teaching to the development of instructional materials for a target course they envision teaching at the college level in the future.

Recommended: Prerequisite at least one semester teaching/TAing undergraduate courses (waived with instructor approval).

GEOL 5125 (3) Communicating Earth Science with the Public

Introduces research on science communication and discusses examples drawn from geoscience. Students apply research on science communication to conceptualizing how to communicate about their specific geoscience research to the public in different contexts. Students should be familiar enough with their area of graduate research in geoscience to apply different models of science communication to it.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

GEOL 5150 (2) Planetary Field Geology

Provides an overview of the geology, age and origins of the solid (rocky) planets, dwarf planets and moons of our solar system and the processes that form them from comparative studies from comparative geology. Includes modules on volcanism, rifting, aeolian processes, fluvial erosion, impacts, climate change and paleontology.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4150
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 12.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5185 (3) Geomicrobiology

Examines how microbial and chemical processes interact on the Earth¿s surface today and have shaped the planet throughout its history. Emphasis will be placed on how the life styles and chemical ingenuity of microorganisms drive key biogeochemical processes including weathering and transformations of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, iron and nitrogen. Towards this goal, major geologic and evolutionary events will be examined through the lens of microbial diversity, metabolic energetics, microbe-mineral interactions, and molecular biomarkers.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4185, ENVS 4185, and MCDB 4185
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5215 (2) Geochronology and Thermochronology

Constraining the timing of events and rates of processes is fundamental to earth science research. The field of geochronology and thermochronology is rapidly evolving. Cutting-edge aspects of geochronologic methods and emerging techniques will be especially emphasized. Lectures will emphasize the principles and assumptions of each technique. Seminar discussions will focus on recent papers that demonstrate state-of-the-art applications to diverse problems.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4215
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5216 (1) Geochronology Reading and Discussion Seminar

The goals of this reading and discussion seminar are to: 1) learn key aspects of a selected geochronology topic, 2) read, critically evaluate, and discuss peer-reviewed scientific papers that include geochronology data, methods, and interpretations, and 3) set up a framework and appropriate environment in which participants will discuss the ¿next steps¿ to address the big problems associated with each theme. This course will focus on a different geochronology theme each time that it is offered. A theme will be selected based on conversations among interested participants. At the beginning of the semester, weekly discussion topics and associated papers will be chosen to systematically work through concepts associated with that theme. Previously offered as a special topics course.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 5.00 total credit hours.

GEOL 5253 (3) Stable Isotope Fractionation in Biogeochemical Processes

Investigates the origins of stable isotope fractionation in geochemical systems with special emphasis on the role of biological catalysts as key drivers of isotopic effects during biogeochemical transformations. The class will cover a wide range of topics relevant to isotope fractionation including partition functions, diffusional, enzymatic and equilibrium isotope effects, open and closed system behavior, Rayleigh distillation, reservoir effects, enzymatic catalysis, physiological drivers and signal preservation.

Recommended: Prerequisites MATH 1300 or APPM 1350.

GEOL 5270 (3) Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry

Examines the chemical, biological, geological and physical processes affecting (and affected by) the chemistry of the oceans. Topics include: chemical separation in seawater; the marine carbon cycle and its long-term control on atmospheric CO2; the large-scale interdependence of nutrient distributions and biological productivity, chemical tracers of ocean circulation; the chemistry of marine sediments, including early diagenesis.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4270
Recommended: Prerequisites introductory chemistry, introductory geology, introductory oceanography.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5280 (3) Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry

Explores the fundamentals of low-temperature geochemistry to investigate element speciation and chemical behavior in waters, soils and sediments. Topics include water-rock interaction and weathering, mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions, aqueous complexation, mineral surface chemistry, kinetics, element cycles, and redox biogeochemistry. Includes exposure to spectroscopic tools, computer simulations and microbial geochemistry. Department enforced prerequisite: GEOL 3320 or 2 year of college chemistry.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5305 (3) Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Focuses on the cycling of elements at the global scale with a particular emphasis on human modification of biogeochemical cycles. Major biogeochemical cycles, their past dynamics, present changes and potential future scenarios will be addressed. Ecosystem to global-scale model of the earth system will be discussed along with global scale measurements of element fluxes from satellites, aircraft and measurement networks. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only, general chemistry and some organic chemistry.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ENVS 5840
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5330 (3) Cosmochemistry

Investigates chemical and isotopic data to understand the composition of the solar system: emphasis on the physical conditions in various objects, time scales for change, chemical and nuclear processes leading to change, observational constraints, and various models that attempt to describe the chemical state and history of cosmological objects in general and the early solar system in particular. Department enforced prerequisite: graduate standing in physical science and graduate chemistry or physics or math courses.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4330 and ASTR 4330 and ASTR 5330
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5341 (3) The Cryosphere: Earth's Icy Environments

Serves as an advanced introductory course in to the cryosphere. The course covers the nature of ice and the icy component of the Earth System, and how changing ice affects society. The course will not cover sea ice. Formerly offered as a special topics course.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4341
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

GEOL 5380 (3) Fundamentals of Stable Isotope Geochemistry

This course teaches students the fundamental principles of stable isotope fractionation during physical and biological processes, and the application of these behaviors to a wide range of important geologic questions. The course will use classic case studies from the geologic record to illustrate these principles.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4380
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.

GEOL 5420 (3) Quaternary Dating Methods

Features in-depth survey of standard and experimental dating methods that provide absolute ages for events of the last two million years of Earth history. Includes theory and application of radiocarbon, uranium series, amino acid, thermo-luminescence, fission track, potassium/argon, hydration, light stable isotopes, and other radioactive techniques.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5430 (3) Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology

Examines scientific tools, data, and theories related to the dramatically varied past climate of the Earth. Focus will be on marine records of climate change and ocean circulation, but ice cores and other continental archives will also be discussed. Course covers the Cenozoic Era (66 Ma to present), but with particular emphasis on the Quaternary ice age cycles.

Recommended: Prerequisites Introductory geology and introductory oceanography or atmospheric science.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5432 (3) Active Tectonics

Considers the physical processes that drive coseismic and interseismic strain in the upper crust on Earth. It is focused on recognition and interpretation of surface strain produced by active faulting, folding and flexure at a range of timescales. This includes defining how coseismic strain cycles act to build geologic structures while considering methods of analysis with rapidly emerging remotely sensed and geochronologic datasets to quantify strain rates for seismic hazard assessment. Previous coursework in structural geology, geomorphology and remote sensing is recommended.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5474 (4) Vertebrate Paleontology

Discusses the history and evolution of the vertebrates, including the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns of the major groups. Lab focuses on comparative vertebrate osteology and fossil representation of major groups.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4474 and MUSM 5474
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5555 (3) Topics in Macroevolution

Macroevolution extends beyond the limits of microevolution by including processes that encompass many species, in both recent and fossils organisms. Some of the topics include evolutionary novelty and innovation, developmental evolution, disparity and diversity dynamics, and extinction. We will survey case studies, methods, and the current literature.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.

GEOL 5611 (3) Organic Geochemistry

Explores the ¿biomarker concept¿ as a tool to elucidate microbial, biogeochemical, and climatic processes in natural systems through three fundamental goals: a) characterization and classification of organic molecules in complex, natural mixtures; b) biosynthesis, transport, transformation, preservation and destruction of organic matter in nature; c) application of lipid biomarkers and their stable isotope composition to study biological, biogeochemical, and climatic processes in modern and ancient systems.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4611
Recommended: Prerequisites CHEM 1113 or equivalent from undergraduate degree and GEOL 5270 or GEOL 5280 or GEOL 5305 or GEOL 5675.

GEOL 5612 (3) Techniques in Organic Geochemistry

Explores the techniques in analytical chemistry and organic geochemistry for the study of lipid biomarkers in the environment, which include the following topics: a) Extraction of environmental samples and separation of lipid classes; b) Analysis of apolar lipids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS); c) Determine the stable isotope composition of lipids using GC-isotope ratio-MS (GC-IR-MS); d) Analysis of polar lipids using high performance liquid chromatography-MS (HPLC-MS). Requires previous coursework in general chemistry and Organic Geochemistry.

Recommended: Prerequisites Introductory or advanced courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, geochemistry, geomicrobiology, paleoclimate, or geology.

GEOL 5660 (3) Sedimentology & Geobiology of Carbonates

Carbonate sedimentary rocks are a significant component of the geobiological rock record, capturing a history of organisms and the environments they inhabit. This course will focus on how carbonate sediments are formed, deposited, and lithified and what influences the preservation and alteration of textural and geochemical signals. We will cover facies identification, interpreting depositional environment, and carbonate geochemistry, with a particular emphasis on recent advances and unanswered questions at the intersection of carbonates and geobiology, including the role of microbial carbonate precipitation and/or dissolution in the formation and degradation of stromatolites, carbonate mud, ooids, etc.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4660
Recommended: Prerequisite prior coursework in Sedimentology.

GEOL 5670 (3) Isotope Geology

Introduces principles of stable and radiogenic isotope systematics in inorganic and organic geochemistry. Emphasizes application of isotope data to problems in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, geobiochemistry, and petroleum genesis.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4670
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5675 (3) Stable Isotopes in Paleoclimate and Paleoecology

Explores the use of stable isotope geochemistry for research questions in paleoclimatology and paleoecology. Covers physical and biological drivers of isotopic fractionation, systematics and applications of light elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur and boron and some less traditional isotopic systems. Applications include marine and terrestrial paleoclimate proxies and some uses for ecology and paleoecology.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4675
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5690 (3) Tectonic History of the Western United States

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.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of GEOL 3120 and PHYS 1110 (all minimum grade D-).
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5700 (1-4) Geological Topics Seminar

Offers seminar studies in geological subjects of special current interest. Primarily for graduate students, as departmental staff and facilities permit.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 15.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5701 (2) Super-Problems in Quatrnary Climate

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; the origins of the 20, 40, and 100 kyr orbital (Milankovitch) climate cycles.

Recommended: Prerequisites Introductory geology and climatology, oceanography, paleoclimatology, or paleoceanography.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5702 (1-3) Geomorphology Seminar

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

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 10.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5703 (1) Seminar in Tectonics

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. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5704 (1) Carbonates Seminar

Focuses broadly on the topic of carbonates, including sedimentology, geochemistry, and geobiology of carbonates. Each semester will have a distinct theme under these sub-topics. Students will be responsible for leading discussion on individual readings and will be able to provide input on both the theme and the individual reading selections. Upper-level GEOL majors can register with instructor approval.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 10.00 total credit hours.

GEOL 5705 (1-3) Seminar in Paleoclimate

Investigates major problems in the study and understanding of past climate variations as preserved in the geologic record. Course format is a seminar-style critical reading and discussion of journal articles in paleoclimatology and paleoceanography. Topical focus varies from year to year. Prior coursework in geology, climate science, and/or paleoclimate is recommended.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.

GEOL 5711 (1-3) Igneous and Metamorphic Field Geology

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. Department enforced prerequisites: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and GEOL 3020.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5712 (1-3) Structural Field Geology

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. Department enforced prerequisites: GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and GEOL 3020.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5714 (2) Field Geophysics

Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical measurements. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5715 (1-3) Field Techniques in Surficial Geology and Geohydrology

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. Department prerequisite: GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5716 (1-3) Environmental Field Geochemistry

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. Department enforced prerequisites: GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1031 or CHEM 1113 or CHEM 1133 and GEOL 3320.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5717 (2) Field Seminar in Geology and Tectonics

Studies geologic features in and around Colorado to gain an overview of the geologic and tectonic evolution of the western U.S. Department enforced prerequisites: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and at least one of the following: GEOL 3120 or GEOL 3320 or GEOL 3430.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5719 (2) Field Analysis and Tectonics of Crystalline Rocks

Introduces basic and advanced mapping tools and concepts for structural and tectonic analysis of solid-state and magmatic deformation, metamorphism, and fluid flow in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Includes some digital mapping concepts using smartpad and smartphone applications, and computer-based analysis of structure data. Includes multi-day mapping projects in the Front Range, and in western Colorado, southern Wyoming, or northern New Mexico. Also includes introductions to Precambrian tectonic history of western North America and mineral resources of Colorado.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4719
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 5725 (1-4) Field Based Special Topics in Geoscience

Explores selected geological subjects of special interest in a field setting.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4725
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 8.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5755 (2) Field Geobiology

Provides students technical fieldwork skills in the interdisciplinary field of geobiology, spanning modern environments and to ancient environments in preserved in rock record, and spanning techniques from geochemistry, environmental microbiology, and sedimentology.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4755
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 8.00 total credit hours.

GEOL 5775 (3) Introduction to Numerical Modeling in Geoscience

Numerical models play an essential role across the geosciences, with applications that include hypothesis exploration, data interpretation, and prediction. This course provides a hands-on introduction to numerical modeling. Students learn scientific programming and modeling concepts by iterating through a series of model-development assignments in Python and Matlab. Applications span a range of topics in the geosciences, with emphasis on physical processes that involve mass, energy, and/or momentum transport.

GEOL 5800 (3) Planetary Surfaces and Interiors

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.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 5800
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5820 (3) Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems

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.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 5820
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5830 (3) Topics in Planetary Science

Examines current topics in planetary science, based on recent discoveries, spacecraft observations and other developments. Focuses on a specific topic each time the course is offered, such as Mars, Venus, Galilean satellites, exobiology, comets or extrasolar planets. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students in the physical sciences.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ATOC 5830 and ASTR 5830
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5835 (1) Seminar in Planetary Science

Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 4.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5840 (1-3) Independent Study-Quaternary Geology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5841 (1-3) Independent Study-Economic Geology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5842 (1-3) Independent Study-Petrology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5843 (1-3) Independent Study-Sedimentology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5844 (1-3) Independent Study-Structure/Tectonics

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5845 (1-3) Independent Study-Geochemistry

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5846 (1-3) Independent Study-Geophysics

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5847 (1-3) Independent Study-Hydrology

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Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5849 (1-3) Independent Study-Paleontology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5851 (1-3) Independent Study-Sediment Petrology

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5852 (1-3) Independent Study--GIS Applications in Quaternary Geosciences

Leads students through quantitative spatial analysis of environmental and paleoclimatic problems. Each student will develop a project from start to finish, with emphasis on raster GIS for building large empirical databases that bear on process and variability.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 5862 (1-4) Geology Independent Study

Students may not enroll in this course without completing the Independent Study Contract.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 4862
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.

GEOL 5910 (3) Geothermodynamics

Provides a solid foundation in chemical thermodynamic concepts and calculations as applied to geochemistry and geobiology.

GEOL 6050 (3) Space Instrumentation

Provides an overview of the relevant space environment and process, the types of instruments flown on recent mission and the science background of the measurement principles.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 6050 and ASEN 6050
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6060 (4) Petroleum Geology of Turbidite Systems

Covers the exploration and production aspects of petroleum submarine fans and turbidite systems.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of GEOL 6330 (minimum grade B).
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6310 (3) Sedimentary Petrology

Covers interpretation of depositional and diagenetic history of sedimentary rocks as determined from thin-section studies. Department enforced prerequisites: GEOL 3010 and GEOL 3020 and GEOL 3430 or equivalents.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6330 (4) Applied Sequence Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis

Develops skills in the stratigraphic interpretation of seismic reflection data, recognition of sequence stratigraphy in well logs and outcrop and their applications to basin analysis in petroleum exploration. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only and introductory undergraduate physics and sedimentology/stratigraphy.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6610 (3) Earth and Planetary Physics 1

Examines mechanics of deformable materials, with applications to earthquake processes. Introduces seismic wave theory. Other topics include inversion of seismic data for the structure, composition and state of the interior of the Earth.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 6610 and PHYS 6610
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6620 (3) Earth and Planetary Physics 2

Covers space and surface geodetic techniques as well as potential theory. Other topics are the definition and geophysical interpretation of the geoid and of surface gravity anomalies; isostasy; post-glacial rebound; and tides and the rotation of the Earth.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 6620 and PHYS 6620
Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6630 (3) Earth and Planetary Physics 3

Examines the solar system, emphasizing theories of its origin and meteorites. Highlights distribution of radioactive materials, age dating, heat flow through continents and the ocean floor, internal temperature distribution in the Earth, and mantle convection. Also covers the origin of the oceans and atmosphere.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 6630 and PHYS 6630
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6650 (1-3) Seminar in Geophysics

Advanced seminar studies in geophysical subjects for graduate students.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 6650 and PHYS 6650
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6655 (3) InSAR Processing and Interpretation

Understand the concepts and applications of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and differential InSAR, to include an introduction to physical geodesy and satellite techniques.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: PHYS 6655
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

GEOL 6670 (2) Geophysical Inverse Theory

Principles of geophysical inverse theory as applied to problems in the Earth sciences, including topography, Earth structure and earthquake locations. Department enforced prerequisites: a course in calculus and a course in computer programming (any language).

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: PHYS 6670
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6940 (1) Master's Candidate for Degree

Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.

Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6950 (1-6) Master's Thesis

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 6960 (1-3) Plan II Master's Research

The Plan II program requires at least 3 credit hours of GEOL 6960 (Plan II Master¿s Research) under the supervision of the advisory committee.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course

GEOL 8990 (1-10) Doctoral Dissertation

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 30.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Graduate Course