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GEOL
Geology
Department of Earth Sciences
(406) 994-3331
GEOL 100IN DINOSAURS
GEOL 102CS ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
GEOL 204R MINERALOGY
GEOL 210 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
GEOL 280 SPECIAL TOPICS
GEOL 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
GEOL 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
GEOL 306 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY
GEOL 307 SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY
GEOL 308 METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
GEOL 309 SEDIMENTATION AND STRATIGRAPHY
GEOL 310 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
GEOL 312 DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY
GEOL 315 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
GEOL 316 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
GEOL 330 PALEONTOLOGY LABORATORY AND RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
GEOL 400 SEMINAR
GEOL 411 VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
GEOL 413 MACROEVOLUTION AND THE FOSSIL RECORD
GEOL 417 TAPHONOMY:FOSSIL PRESERVATION
GEOL 419 FIELD PALEONTOLOGY
GEOL 423 FIELD GEOLOGY
GEOL 433 TECTONICS
GEOL 437 GEOPHYSICS
GEOL 440 VOLCANOLOGY
GEOL 445 GLACIAL GEOLOGY
GEOL 451 GEOLOGY INSTRUCTION
GEOL 470 INDEPENDENT STUDY
GEOL 480 SPECIAL TOPICS
GEOL 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
GEOL 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
GEOL 500 SEMINAR
GEOL 508 DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS
GEOL 510 IGNEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOL 515 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
GEOL 521 HELL CREEK PALEONTOLOGY
GEOL 530 TECTONICS OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS
GEOL 533 TECTONICS
GEOL 535 ADVANCED STRATIGRAPHY
GEOL 542 COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY
GEOL 570 INDEPENDENT STUDY
GEOL 580 SPECIAL TOPICS
GEOL 581 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS
GEOL 583 APPLIED GEOLOGICAL HYDROLOGY
GEOL 100IN 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.
GEOL 102CS 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.
GEOL 204R MINERALOGY
S 4 cr. LEC 2 LAB 2
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111, CHEM 132.
-- 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.
GEOL 210 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
S 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111.
-- 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.
GEOL 280 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.
GEOL 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S 1-3 cr. RCT may be repeated
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
GEOL 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
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.
GEOL 306 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY
F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 204.
-- 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.
GEOL 307 SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY
F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 204.
-- 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.
GEOL 308 METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 306, GEOL 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.
GEOL 309 SEDIMENTATION AND STRATIGRAPHY
S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 210, GEOL 307, MATH 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.
GEOL 310 INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 210.
-- 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.
GEOL 312 DINOSAUR PALEONTOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 210 and BIOL 101.
-- 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.
GEOL 315 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 306 or GEOL 307, MATH 181.
-- Geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of natural rock deformation. Laboratory will focus on analytical and graphical techniques of modern structural analysis. Field trip fee required.
GEOL 316 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY
S 4 cr. LEC 2 LAB 2
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101.
-- A comparative study of organ systems of vertebrates. Laboratory utilizes representative vertebrate types. Cross-listed with BIOL 310.
GEOL 330 PALEONTOLOGY LABORATORY AND RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
COREQUISITE: GEOL 210
-- 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.
GEOL 400 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.
GEOL 411 VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111, GEOL 210, BIOL 101.
-- 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.
GEOL 413 MACROEVOLUTION AND THE FOSSIL RECORD
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 310 or GEOL 312 or BIOL 301.
-- 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.
GEOL 417 TAPHONOMY:FOSSIL PRESERVATION
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 307 or GEOL 309 or BIOL 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.
GEOL 419 FIELD PALEONTOLOGY
Su alternate years, to be offered even years 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 210 or GEOL 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.
GEOL 423 FIELD GEOLOGY
Su 6 cr. LAB 6
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 307, GEOL 210, GEOL 307, GEOL 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.
GEOL 433 TECTONICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 315.
-- History of tectonic theory; modern view of plate tetonics; in-depth case studies of orogenic belts; neotectonics; geophysics.
GEOL 437 GEOPHYSICS
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 204, GEOL 210, MATH 181.
PREREQUISITE: PHYS 206.
-- Geophysical surveying, seismology, gravity, isostasy, magnetism and paleomagnetism, electrical methods, radioactivity, geothermics, applications of geophysics.
GEOL 440 VOLCANOLOGY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 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.
GEOL 445 GLACIAL GEOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1 SEM 1
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 307
-- In-depth study of the processes of glaciation and the resulting land forms. Includes class and library readings, quantitative laboratory exercises and modelling, and field examination of features of mountain and continental glaciation.
GEOL 451 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.
GEOL 470 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.
GEOL 480 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.
GEOL 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Max 4 cr.
COREQUISITE: GEOL 490.
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
GEOL 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
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.
GEOL 500 SEMINAR
F,S,Su 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.
GEOL 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.
GEOL 510 IGNEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 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.
GEOL 515 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 315 or equivalent.
-- Techniques of modern structural analysis, including strain analysis, folds and fractures, and applications of continuum mechanics.
GEOL 521 HELL CREEK PALEONTOLOGY
Su 2 cr. LEC 2
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111 and consent of instructor.
-- This course is an introducation 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.
GEOL 530 TECTONICS OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOG 307 and GEOG 309 and GEOG 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.
GEOL 533 TECTONICS
F 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 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.
GEOL 535 ADVANCED STRATIGRAPHY
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 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.
GEOL 542 COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 310, GEOL 316, 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.
GEOL 570 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.
GEOL 580 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.
GEOL 581 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 RCT 1
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 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.
GEOL 583 APPLIED GEOLOGICAL HYDROLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or ESCI 440.
-- Application of ground-water principles to ground-water resource, contamination and remediation problems.
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