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Course Descriptions

Geology (GEL)                          Course Schedules

GEL 515 Advanced Mineralogical Techniques 3(2-3) D
Development of analytical techniques in mineralogy, including identification methods, composition determinations, and procedures in petrofabric analysis. Prerequisite: GEL 315.

GEL 521 Petrology II 3(2-3) D
Genesis of metamorphic and non-clastic sedimentary rocks including thin-section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisite: GEL 315.

GEL 522 Petrology II 3(2-3) D
Genesis of igneous and clastic sedimentary rocks including thin-section investigation of examples of these rocks. Prerequisites: GEL 321, GEL 315, with a grade of C + or better, or permission of instructor.

GEL 525 Sedimentology 4(3-2) D
Mechanisms of transport and deposition of sediments. The physical bases for textures, structures, and fabrics in sedimentary rocks. Environmental and facies analyses. Prerequisites: GEL 440 or permission of instructor.

GEL 530 Practicum: Paleontology and Stratigraphy 6(Spec) D
Study of invertebrate fossils (shells and biochemical products), stratigraphic sections, and the sedimentary environments as they are related. Prerequisite: GEL 201.

GEL 531 Micropaleontology 3(0-6) D
The classification, stratigraphy, paleoecology, and laboratory preparation of the major groups of microfossils. These include foraminifera, ostracods, conodonts, radiolarians, diatoms, cocco-lithophorids, dinoflagellates, and acritarchs. Prerequisite: GEL 430, or permission of instructor.

GEL 545 Biostratigraphy 3(2-2) D
The principles and concepts of graphic and quantitative biostratigraphic correlation. Paleoecology and how it affects and relates to biostratigraphy. Prerequisites: GEL 430, GEL 440, or equivalent.

GEL 572 Advanced Geophysics 4(2-6) D
Detailed aspects of theory, procedures and analysis of seismology, gravity, magnetics and resistivity as applied to investigations of specific structural and tectonic problems. Prerequisites: GEL 370 and GEL 372, MTH 133 or MTH 137, or permission of instructor.

GEL 575 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
Announced topics of special interest to mature students who wish to explore a problem in depth with a staff member who wishes to direct the group. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

GEL 597 Independent Study 1-6(Spec)
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of special interest with faculty guidance. More than 3 credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: department chairperson and instructor approval.

GEL 619 Continuing Registration for Final Research Project 1(1-0)
A non-credit course intended for students who have completed all program credits but still need to use university resources to complete their degree requirements.

GEL 650 Geologic Materials for Science Teachers 3(3-0) D
Study of geologic topics treated in primary and secondary curricula. Development of field and laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: 6 credits in earth science and geology; graduate standing or permission of instructor or department chairperson.

GEL 660 Organic Geochemistry 3(3-0)
The source, deposition, alternation, and composition of organic materials found in sediments. Emphasis will be on geochemistry of petroleum and natural gas. Prerequisites: CHM 132 and CHM 342 or CHM 346, GEL 440, GEL 385 recommended; or equivalent.

GEL 665 Inorganic Geochemistry 3(3-0)
The application of physiochemical principles to inorganic processes on and within the earth with emphasis on geochronology and igneous rocks. Prerequisites: GEL 520 or GEL 521, CHM 351.

GEL 670 Advanced Structural Geology 3(2-2)
Principles and concepts of quantitative structural geology with emphasis on application to exploration. Prerequisites: GEL 370, GEL 372.

GEL 675 Special Studies in Geology 1-6(Spec) D
Announced topic of special interest to a student group and to faculty member who wishes to work with the group. Prerequisites: major or minor in geology or permission of department chairperson.

GEL 690 Earth Evolution 3(2-2)
An integrated course in which many of the advanced theories of geology are interwoven in the context of plate tectonics and planetary evolution. Prerequisites: GEL 370, GEL 372.

GEL 697 Independent Study 1-6(Spec) D
Qualified self-directed students may explore topics of personal interest with faculty guidance. More than 3 credits permitted only rarely. Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of geology faculty member.

GEL 730 Seminar in Geology 1-4 (Spec)
Seminar on various general and specific topics of a timely nature in geology. Prerequisite: graduate status in geology.

GEL 798 Thesis 1-6 (Spec)
A demonstration of research skills based on a laboratory and/or field study culminated in a scientific report. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: graduate status.

Unspecified content or variable credit courses. The following courses offered through the department are of unspecified content or variable credit: GEL 575, 597, 650, 675, 697 and 730.

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