GY 110 - Physical Geology

 An introduction to the basic principles of Geology and processes of earth history, including geologic time, weathering and erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building and the earth model. Emphasis on the scientific method of investigation. Three class hours per week. Students who complete GY 110 may not receive credit for GY 112. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, B, 2}

GY 112 - Physical Geology with Laboratory

An introduction to the basic principles of Geology and processes of earth history, including geologic time, weathering and erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building and the earth model. Three class hours per week and one lab session per week. The laboratory will involve a study of the physical characteristics of rocks and minerals, and interpretation of topographic and geologic features. The work if the lab will be integrated with that of the class. Students who complete GY 112 may not receive credit for GY 110. 4 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, B, 2}

GY 199 - Special Topics

A course designed to permit the offering of special subjects appropriate to the program of the department. Such offerings will fill special needs of specific students, take advantage of the expertise of a visiting professor, or serve as an initial experimental offering of a contemplated regular course. Lower divisional offerings will be listed as 199. Regular or frequently recurring topics are not offered under this title. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated as new topics are presented. Credit variable, 1-4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 205 - Weather & Climate

A study of the nature of the Earth's atmosphere, atmospheric circulation and energy, clouds and precipitation, frontal systems and other weather phenomena that affect our everyday lives. The relationship between weather and climate and global problems related to sustainable human existence will be considered. Not open to freshmen except by permission. Satisfies the non-laboratory science requirement. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II,B,2.}

GY 210 - Hydrology and Water Resources

A study of water properties, occurrence, distribution, and movement and their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrological cycle. The course also examines water quantity and quality issues, and water management policies. Prerequisite: BI 203 or GY 110 or GY 112 or consent of the instructor. Three class hours and one two to three-hour laboratory per week. 4 Sem. Hrs

GY 212Q - Historical Geology

Investigation of the development of, and distribution of, the continents through time based upon evidence of the geologic record; and of the evolution of life based upon the fossil record. Prerequisite: GY 110 or GY 112. Five to six class/laboratory hours per week. 4 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, B, 2 and III, B}

GY 215 - Environmental Geology

The relationships between humans and their geological environments. Topics discussed will vary but may include: geologic hazards, the impact of civilization upon streams and ground water, problems related to development of coastal regions, the availability and development of natural resources, waste disposal and urban planning. Three class hours per week. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II,B,2.}

GY 220 - History of Life

A study of the basic principles used by paleobiologists to understand the history of life on Earth, and an application of those principles through a survey of major events and trends in the evolution and diversification of life. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. 3 Sem. Hrs. {GenEd: II, B, 2}

GY 299 - Special Topics

A course designed to permit the offering of special subjects appropriate to the program of the department. Such offerings will fill special needs of specific students, take advantage of the expertise of a visiting professor, or serve as an initial experimental offering of a contemplated regular course. Lower divisional offerings will be listed as 199 or 299. Regular or frequently recurring topics are not offered under this title. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated as new topics are presented. Credit variable, 1-4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 301 - Mineralogy

Introduction to crystallography, physical mineralogy, crystal chemistry, optical mineralogy, and x-ray diffraction. Identification, classification and interpretation of minerals. Prerequisite: GY 110 or GY 112. Five to six class/laboratory hours per week. 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 302 - Petrology

GY 302 Petrology. Study of the evolution and occurrence of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Physical and chemical classification of rocks based upon mineralogy and textures. Prerequisite: GY 301. Five to six class/laboratory hours per week. 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 310 - Regional Geology

The geology and geomorphology of selected regions of the United States and North America. Emphasis on the use of basic geologic principles in the interpretation of geologic features and landforms. Prerequisites: GY 110 or GY 112, GY 212, or permission of the instructor. A full-year course with three class/laboratory hours per week. Offered in alternate years. 5 Sem. Hrs. (A student electing to complete only the first semester of this course will receive 2 Sem. Hrs. credit.)

GY 320 - Paleontology

 Introduction to classification and identification of fossils. Evolution and distribution of the major invertebrate phyla through geologic time. Prerequisites: GY 110 or GY 112 or GY 212, or permission of the instructor. Five to six class/laboratory hours per week. This course is offered in alternate years. 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

Principles of stratigraphy and sedimentation involving studies of the components and structures of sediments. Correlation, classification, and interpretation of sedimentary deposits. Prerequisites: GY 110 or GY 112, GY 212. GY 301, GY 302 and GY 320 are recommended but not required. Five to six class/laboratory hours per week. Offered in alternate years. 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 330 - Structural Geology

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A study of the principles of and causes of deformation in the Earth's crust at all scales. Recognition and analysis of structural and tectonic features. Prerequisites: GY 110 or GY 112; GY 212, MA 120 or equivalent. Four to five class/laboratory hours per week. Offered in alternate years. 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 385 - Directed Studies in Earth Sciences

. Studies relevant to a topic selected by the student in conference with the instructor. The study may take the form of library research, discussion, or field or laboratory investigation under close supervision of the instructor. The study may represent an extension of previous course work. Open to advanced students majoring in geology. Prerequisite: Registration only by permission of the instructor. May be taken more than one semester. 1- 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 399 - Special Topics

GY 399 Special Topics. A course designed to permit the offering of special subjects appropriate to the program of the department. Such offerings will fill special needs of specific students, take advantage of the expertise of a visiting professor, or serve as an initial experimental offering of a contemplated regular course. Upper divisional offerings will be listed as 399. Regular or frequently recurring topics are not offered under this title. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated as new topics are presented. Credit variable, 1-4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 400W - Seminar (W)

Four semesters of seminar are required of geology majors. Normally each student will give six presentations which may include reviews of classical papers and current publications relevant to the broad spectrum of earth science. Advanced students are encouraged to present the results of original research and study. Regular attendance at scheduled seminars is expected. Course may be entered in sophomore or junior year. 3 Sem. Hrs.

GY 410 - Research

Independent study and research in earth science may be taken on an interdepartmental basis with permission of the departments involved. Research projects are determined by the student s interest. A formal presentation of the results of the research is required. Open to advanced students majoring in geology who have demonstrated a desire and an aptitude for independent research. Prerequisite: Registration only by permission of the instructor. May be taken more than one semester. 1 - 4 Sem. Hrs.

GY 494 - Honors Thesis/Project

A research/project course designed to meet the needs of the individual student seeking honors in the major at graduation. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, and approval of the instructor, the department chair and the Honors Review Board. Credit variable, 3-6 Sem. Hrs.

GY 499 - Internship in Geology

Students are provided with a significant learning experience outside the classroom setting. Although the program is designed to be fundamentally an educational experience, professionally productive work will constitute an integral part of the internship. Specific arrangements and requirements will vary with the program. A contract will specify the activities with which the student will be involved. Taken under Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade option only. Only one internship may be taken for credit but may, in certain cases, be repeated for audit. 1-15 Sem. Hrs.