GEO
Geology
GEO 101IN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOLOGY GEO 103CS INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY GEO 105IN OCEANOGRAPHY GEO 111IN DINOSAURS GEO 140IN PLANETARY GEOSCIENCE GEO 205 MINERALOGY GEO 211 EARTH HISTORY AND EVOLUTION GEO 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH GEO 291 SPECIAL TOPICS GEO 307 SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY GEO 308 METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY GEO 309 SEDIMENTATION AND STRATIGRAPHY GEO 310 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY GEO 312 DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY GEO 315 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY GEO 330 PALEONTOLOGY LAB TECHNIQUES GEO 411 VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY GEO 413 MACROEVOLUTION/FOSSIL RECORD GEO 417 TAPHONOMY:FOSSIL PRESERVATION GEO 419 FIELD PALEONTOLOGY GEO 420 HYDROGEOLOGY GEO 429 FIELD GEOLOGY GEO 433 GL0BAL TECTONICS GEO 439 GEOPHYSICS GEO 440 VOLCANOLOGY GEO 445 GLACIAL GEOLOGY GEO 450 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY GEO 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH GEO 491 SPECIAL TOPICS GEO 492 INDEPENDENT STUDY GEO 494 SENIOR GEOLOGY SEMINAR GEO 497 GEOLOGY INSTRUCTION GEO 498 INTERNSHIP GEO 499 SENIOR THESIS/CAPSTONE GEO 508 DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS GEO 510 IGNEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY GEO 515 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY GEO 517 TAPHONOMY: DECIPHERING THE FOSSIL RECORD GEO 520 ANCIENT OCEAN SYSTEMS GEO 521 HELL CREEK PALEONTOLOGY GEO 530 TECTONICS OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS GEO 533 GLOBAL TECTONICS GEO 535 ADVANCED STRATIGRAPHY GEO 540 VOLCANOLOGY GEO 542 COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY GEO 581 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS GEO 583 APPLIED GEOLOGICAL HYDROLOGY GEO 591 SPECIAL TOPICS GEO 592 INDEPENDENT STUDY GEO 594 SEMINAR GEO 598 INTERNSHIP
GEO 101IN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
-- Examination of basic geologic processes, Earth and planets through
geologic time, internal geosystems, and surficial geosystems.
GEO 103CS INTRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL
GEOLOGY
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
-- Application of geologic principles to topical problems in environmental
and resource geology. Topics include analysis of environmental issues
such as earthquake disaster preparedness, landslides, land use, floods
and human occupation, ground water withdrawal and contamination issues,
volcanic and coastal hazards, and the response of landscapes and people
to resource development (minerals/air/water/energy). Laboratories will
be used to analyze and debate data relevant to environmental problems
from a geologic perspective.
GEO 105IN OCEANOGRAPHY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
-- Introduction to the formation, distribution, history, and resources
of the oceans of the world. Emphasis is on the geologic, physical, chemical
and biological processes operating in the ocean system, distribution
of life in marine ecosystems, effects of human activity on ocean resources
and the interdisciplinary perspective necessary to understand ocean
dynamics.
GEO 111IN DINOSAURS
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 RCT 1
-- This course provides an introduction to dinosaur paleontology. Students
will learn how hypotheses about extinct animals are formulated and tested,
with comparisons to modern sedimentary environments and living animals.
Recitation sections allow discussion of current research and hands-on
experience with sedimentary rocks and fossils. Field trips provide additional
education opportunities.
GEO 140IN PLANETARY GEOSCIENCE
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 3
-- Introduction to the formation, geochemical development, interior and surficial processes, and exobiology of the planets, moons, and other objects of our solar system, as well as known exoplanets. Observations and data relative to planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres, using principles derived from integration of chemical, physical, geologic, biologic, and engineering sciences are addressed.
GEO 205 MINERALOGY
S 4 cr. LEC 2 LAB 2
PREREQUISITE: GEO 111, CHMY 143.
-- Identification, properties, occurrence, and associations of the rock-forming
minerals; introduction to crystallography (crystal classes, lattice
types, and external morphology) and crystal chemistry (bonding and crystal
structure types); analytical techniques including mineral optics, x-ray,
and SEM analysis. Laboratory fee included.
GEO 211 EARTH HISTORY AND EVOLUTION
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 101.
-- Evolution of the earth and its life from origin to present configuration.
Role of plate tectonic processes in the geologic development of the
continents and ocean basins. Major evolutionary developments and crises
in the history of life.
GEO 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
F,S 1-6 cr. IND may be repeated
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate
in a written work or other creative project. Course will address responsible
conduct of research.
GEO 291 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by
each offering department.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand before requesting a regular course number.
PREREQUISITE: GEO 205.
-- Detailed analysis and interpretation of the mineralogy, fabric, and genesis of terrigenous clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks. Use of thin-section microscopy, the scanning electron microscope, and x-ray diffraction techniques are emphasized in the laboratory.
GEO 308 METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 306, GEO 307.
-- Introduction to the principles of metamorphic petrology; metamorphic
facies, reactions, phase equilibria, processes, petrographic analysis,
deformation, and interpretation of metamorphism in the context of global
tectonics.
GEO 309 SEDIMENTATION AND STRATIGRAPHY
S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 211, GEO 307, M 182.
-- Physical, chemical, and biological processes and their effects on
sediment dispersal, deposition, and diagenesis. Geometry and lateral
and vertical relationships between sedimentary rock bodies. Labs emphasize
the description and analysis of sedimentary rock bodies.
GEO 310 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 211.
-- Investigation of invertebrate organisms and their evolution through
time as preserved in the sedimentary rock record. Emphasis is on the
morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and stratigraphic and environmental
significance of important fossil groups. Labs stress fossil recognition.
GEO 312 DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 211 and BIOB 170.
-- Dinosaur Paleontology covers the origin, evolution and extinction
of dinosaurs. Topics of special emphasis include phylogeny, the origin
of birds, and functional adaptations. Labs examine dinosaur skeletons,
their novel adaptations and role in developing evolutionary trees.
GEO 315 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 306 or GEO 307, M 171.
-- Geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of natural rock deformation. Laboratory
will focus on analytical and graphical techniques of modern structural
analysis. Field trip fee required.
GEO 330 PALEONTOLOGY LAB TECHNIQUES
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
COREQUISITE: GEO 211
-- Provides laboratory and research experience in vertebrate paleontology,
including: training in fossil preparation, identification of osteological
specimens, documentation (photographic and scientific illustration),
molding and casting, specimen curation, and other skills necessary for
professional presentation of research.
GEO 411 VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 111, GEO 211, BIOB 170.
-- This course traces the history of vertebrates from the earliest chordates
to synapsids, dinosaurs, and hominids. Lectures and labs emphasize phylogeny,
anatomy, novel adaptations, and major evolutionary events such as the
conquest of land, flight, and mass extinctions.
GEO 413 MACROEVOLUTION/FOSSIL RECORD
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 310 or GEO 312 or BIOB 375.
-- Macroevolution explores major trends in evolution through geologic
time. The course examines such topics as whether communities evolve,
cladogenesis, mass extinctions, rates of speciation and extinction,
controls of biodiversity, and the role of sex and body size in evolution.
GEO 417 TAPHONOMY:FOSSIL PRESERVATION
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 307 or GEO 309 or BIOO 310.
-- Scattered dinosaur bones lie entombed in a rock; what do they mean?
Taphonomy examines the processes that act on an organism from the time
of its death until its discovery and how these processes bias or help
in fossil interpretation.
GEO 419 FIELD PALEONTOLOGY
Su alternate years, to be offered even years 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 211 or GEO 307. Consent of instructor for non-majors.
-- This two-week class provides field experience in vertebrate paleontology,
including sedimentology, facies analysis, measuring stratigraphic sections,
microsite screening, field identification of vertebrate and invertebrate
fossils, excavation of fossil specimens, and taphonomic data collecting.
GEO 420 HYDROGEOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, M 170 or M 182; CHMY 143, PHSX 205 or
PHSX 220, GEO 101 and GPHY 111.
-- The relationship between ground-water and other parts of the hydrologic
cycle: ground-water availability, movement, chemistry, exploration,
geology, and aquifer tests. The ground-water resource in terms of regional
supply and human use and intervention.
GEO 429 FIELD GEOLOGY
Su 6 cr. LAB 6
PREREQUISITE: ERTH 307, GEO 211, GEO 307, GEO 309, GEOL 315. Must receive
a minimum grade of "C" in these areas.
-- A senior capstone course for the geology, geohydrology and paleontology
options. Early summer field course with application of field procedures
and mapping techniques to a variety of field problems and exercises.
Extensive hiking and outdoor physical challenges require that students
be physically fit. A fee for supplies, transportation, and other logistical
expenses is required.
GEO 433 GLOBAL TECTONICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 315.
-- History of tectonic theory; modern view of plate tetonics; in-depth
case studies of orogenic belts; neotectonics; geophysics.
GEO 439 GEOPHYSICS
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 205, GEO 211, M 171.
PREREQUISITE: PHSX 207.
-- Geophysical surveying, seismology, gravity, isostasy, magnetism and
paleomagnetism, electrical methods, radioactivity, geothermics, applications
of geophysics.
GEO 440 VOLCANOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 306.
-- Overview of current ideas concerning volcanic eruptions and their
resulting deposits, concentrating on examination of processes as elucidated
from the study of modern volcanic environments. Required weekend field
trip and field trip fee.
GEO 445 GLACIAL GEOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1 SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: ERTH 307
-- In-depth study of the processes of glaciation and the resulting land
forms. Includes class and library readings, quantitative laboratory
exercises and modeling, and field examination of features of mountain
and continental glaciation.
GEO 450 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY
F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 205.
-- Introduction to the distribution, mineral associations, and chemical
compositions of igneous rocks in the earth's crust and upper mantle.
Emphasis is on the use of petrographic features and chemistry to identify
igneous rocks and interpret rock-forming processes.
GEO 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
F,S,Su 1 - 6 cr. IND May be repeated. Max 12 cr.
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate
in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course
will address responsible conduct of research.
GEO 491 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand.
GEO 492 INDEPENDENT STUDY
On Demand 1 - 3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of
department head.
-- Directed research and study on an individual basis.
GEO 494 SENIOR GEOLOGY SEMINAR
On Demand 1 cr. SEM 1 Maximum 4 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and as determined for each offering.
-- Topics at the upper division level not covered in regular courses.
Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material.
GEO 497 GEOLOGY INSTRUCTION
F,S,Su 1-2 cr. LAB
PREREQUISITE: Junior or senior standing in geology and consent of instructor
and Department Head.
-- Student works as a tutor and undergraduate teaching assistant in
a teaching laboratory under close academic supervision. Weekly meeting
focuses on geology, teaching, organization of class materials, and student
supervision. Weekly lab emphasis on applying active learning concepts
in a geologic laboratory context.
GEO 498 INTERNSHIP
On Demand 2 - 12 cr. IND
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of
department head.
-- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or
other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
GEO 499 SENIOR THESIS/CAPSTONE
F,S 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing; minimum 3.0 cum gpa; faculty recommendation.
-- Senior thesis provides an opportunity to conduct research under the
supervision of a faculty member leading to the production of a research
paper ("mini-thesis") and an oral presentation to the department
or at a professional meeting. Excellent preparation for graduate school
and professional work.
GEO 508 DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. SEM 3 cr
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 309.
-- Facies models for terrestrial and marine depositional environmentals
and their application to interpreting the stratigraphic record.
GEO 510 IGNEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 306, consent of instructor.
-- Major element, trace element, and isotopic distribution in igneous
rocks obtained from natural and experimental systems. Emphasis on models
describing the origin of compositional diversity in rock suites.
GEO 515 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEO 315 or equivalent.
-- Techniques of modern structural analysis, including strain analysis,
folds and fractures, and applications of continuum mechanics.
GEO 517 TAPHONOMY: DECIPHERING THE FOSSIL
RECORD
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing and GEO 307 or GEO 309 and GEO 310 or
GEO 312 or GEO 411 or their equivalents.
-- Before one can ask questions about a fossil organism's anatomy, paleoecology
or evolution, one must clearly understand its geologic context. Taphonomy
investigates the death to discovery history of fossils and the biases
created by post-mortem processes to the fossil record.
GEO 520 ANCIENT OCEAN SYSTEMS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: Course limited to graduate students or senior undergraduates
with permission.
-- Seminar on marine geology with emphasis on ancient deep-marine outcrops.
GEO 521 HELL CREEK PALEONTOLOGY
Su 2 cr. LEC 2
PREREQUISITE: GEO 111 and consent of instructor.
-- This course is an introduction to Dinosaur Paleontology and Hell
Creek Formation of Eastern Montana. It will provide information and
hands-on experience in field techniques used in vertebrate paleontology,
including interpretation of sedimentary environments and taphonomy.
GEO 530 TECTONICS OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS
On Demand 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 307 and GEO 309 and GEO 315.
-- This course examines the plate tectonic setting and controls on development
of modern and ancient sedimentary basins. Includes investigation of
sediment provenance, facies patterns, methods of basin analysis, and
subsidence history.
GEO 533 GLOBAL TECTONICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEO 315.
-- History of tectonic theory; modern view of plate tectonics; in-depth
case studies of orogenic belts; neotectonics; geophysics. Graduate students
will be required to present a term paper and oral presentation on a
topic chosen in consultation with the instructor.
GEO 535 ADVANCED STRATIGRAPHY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing.
-- Weekly lecture and lab, including one-week field excursion, examines
different approaches in stratigraphy used to reconstruct ancient terrains.
Course emphasizes advanced correlation techniques and interpretation
methods applied in sedimentary geology.
GEO 540 VOLCANOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
-- Understand processes by which magma and associated gases rise into
the crust and are extruded onto the Earth's surface and atmosphere,
interpret the forms of volcanoes and their magmatic products, and provide
the necessary background to perform research in volcanology.
GEO 542 COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: BIOO 310, BIOL 504.
-- Fossil bone histology and comparative osteology including encochondral
ossification, epiphysedal ontogeny, cortical ossification, bone remodeling,
special bone tissues, fossil bone content, bone architecture and biomechanics,
bone chemistry and diagenesis, comparative bone morphology, and functional
anatomy.
GEO 581 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 2 RCT 1
PREREQUISITE: ERTH 307.
-- The last two million years of earth history as interpreted from geologic,
biologic, and pedologic proxy data. Includes both global and regional
analyses of changing climates and their effects on earth surface processes
and land forms.
GEO 583 APPLIED GEOLOGICAL HYDROLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or GEO 420.
-- Application of ground-water principles to ground-water resource,
contamination and remediation problems.
GEO 591 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Upper division courses and others as determined for each
offering.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular
one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability
and demand before requesting a regular course number.
GEO 592 INDEPENDENT STUDY
On Demand 1 - 3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, approval of
Department Head and Dean of Graduate Studies.
-- Directed research and study on an individual basis.
GEO 594 SEMINAR
On Demand 1cr. SEM 1 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or seniors by petition. Course prerequisites
as determined for each offering.
-- Topics offered at the graduate level which are not covered in regular
courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion
material.
GEO 598 INTERNSHIP
On Demand 2 - 12 cr. IND
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor and approval
of department head.
-- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or
other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
