An introduction to the nature of the fossil record and a review of the major events in the history of life, including the rise of dinosaurs and mass extinctions. A writing intensive course requiring a term paper using library resources. Three lectures per week.
The causes, distribution, and effects of earthquakes and volcanoes within the framework of global plate tectonics. Development of problem solving and analytical thinking skills are emphasized through homework assignments related to geologic processes. Three lectures per week.
The scientific study of the interaction of humans and earth systems including topics of natural hazards; soil, water, energy and mineral resources; and issues of global change. Three lectures per week.
Laboratory and field exercises involving analysis of geologic data related to environmental issues or problems. Application of the scientific method and development of basic computational and map interpretation skills will be stressed. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS1060, or concurrent enrollment.
Fundamental principles of geology emphasizing physical aspects of the Earth including earth materials, plate tectonics, and the effects of water, wind and ice on the Earth's surface. Useful for all students, and recommended as the first geology course for students with majors/minors in geosciences, science teaching, archaeology, and pre-engineering. Three lectures per week. Optional field trip to observe local geologic features.
The study of minerals and rocks in hand specimens, as well as surficial processes of the Earth revealed by topographic maps and air photos. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS/SI1110 or GEOG PS/SI1000, or concurrent enrollment in either class.
Survey of atmospheric processes that create weather. Topics include solar radiation, temperature, moisture, pressure, wind, storm systems, weather forecasting, and air pollution. Problem solving skills and use of satellite imagery included. Three lectures per week.
The history of the Earth and the methods used to interpret this history. Short field trips required. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS/SI1110 and GEO SI1115.
Overview of Earth's systems, including weather, climate, seasons, rocks and minerals, processes that change Earth's surface, earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics. Data collection and analysis are included. Two lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Designed for Elementary Education majors.
An introduction to the origin, classification, and identification of minerals and rocks including topics related to crystallography, mineral chemistry, petrology, and the importance of mineral and rock resources to our society. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: GEO SI1115 or permission of instructor.
An interdisciplinary, team-taught course that will be an overview of the major chemical, biological and physical safety issues related to science laboratories and field work. Class will meet once per week and will be taught in a lecture/demonstration format.
Open to all students in Geosciences who meet the minimum Cooperative Work Experience requirements of the department. Provides academic credit for on-the-job experience. Grade and amount of credit will be determined by the department.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
Application of basic Geoscience field methods during fieldtrips. Readings, written and oral reports, and/or examinations may be required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Study of the world's oceans as a framework for examining the major issues in Earth system science. Topics include plate tectonics and the origin of ocean basins, atmosphere-ocean linkages and feedbacks, El Niño events, the ocean's role in biogeochemical cycles, structure and organization of marine ecosystems, and the scientific basis for understanding human impacts on marine systems. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS1110 or GEO PS1130 or GEOG PS/SI1000.
Origin and characteristics of structural features in deformed rock. Topics include basic principles of stress, strain, and rock deformation; analysis of faults and folds; and relations to major tectonic features of Earth. Field trips required. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: GEO 2050 and either MATH QL1050 or MATH QL1080; or consent of instructor.
A detailed examination of the water cycle, including, precipitation, surface water, groundwater, glaciers, water conservation, water management, and water pollution with special emphasis on the water resources of Utah and neighboring areas. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO SI1115.
A study of landforms, surficial deposits, and geomorphic processes operating in fluvial, coastal, eolian, and glacial environments. Laboratory exercises employ maps, aerial photographs, and field analysis to understand the interactive nature of geomorphic processes and landform development. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO 1220 and MATH QL1050 or QL1080.
Characteristics of important fossil groups and their geologic distribution and paleoecology. Emphasis on the invertebrate record with some treatment of vertebrates and plants. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO 1220 or ZOOL SI1110 or consent of instructor.
Overview of the geologic and paleoclimatic history of the Earth during the last 2 million years (the "Ice Age"), focusing on the interactions between geological, climatological, and biological processes and systems. Topics include the methods used to date Quaternary deposits, nature of Quaternary glaciations, use of proxy data to model past climates, causes of Quaternary climatic oscillations, history of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, and the increasing role of humans as agents of environmental change. Field trips required. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO 1220 or GEOG PS/SI1000 or ANTH SS2030.
The study of Utah's geologic history, rocks, minerals, fossils, and landforms and their relationship to regional and global events. Field trips required. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO 1220.
An introduction to traditional photographic analysis and digital image processing of remotely sensed imagery (satellite and low-altitude aerial platforms) for earth scientists. An assessment of the electromagnetic spectrum with regard to spectral ranges of reflected and emitted energy as a means of identifying, interpreting, and analyzing earth surface phenomena. Image processing techniques are introduced through ERDAS Imagine software. Prerequisites: MATH QL1040 or consent of instructor. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week.
The processes, origin, classification, identification, and basic petrology of sedimentary rocks and the principles, concepts, and applications of stratigraphy. Field trips required. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: GEO 1220 and GEO 2050; or consent of instructor.
A thorough investigation of research in science learning and curricular standards at the state and national levels. Foundations of the philosophy of science and scientific inquiry as applicable to science teaching at the secondary level. This course serves as a foundation to a preservice science teacher’s education coursework.
Origin, occurrence, behavior, and use of groundwater, with special emphasis on practical applications in Utah. Three lectures and one three hour lab per week. Prerequisites: GEO SI1115 and either MATH QL1050 or MATH QL1080; or consent of instructor.
A multi disciplinary seminar course that will explore both physical and biological methods of interpreting ancient environments and ecology. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO 3180, or GEO 3550, or ZOOL 3450, or BTNY 3454, or CHEM 3070, or consent of instructor.
A capstone course in the collection and analysis of field data for various Geoscience applications. Topics include introductory surveying, geologic mapping of bedrock and surficial deposits, measuring stratigraphic sections, GPS surveying, groundwater monitoring, and analysis of geologic hazards. Results are presented in maps, computer graphics, written reports, and oral presentations. One hour of lecture and six hours of lab/field work per week. Prerequisites: GEO 2050, GEO 3150, and GEO 3550.
Introduction to basic concepts in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering; emphasizes problem solving as the primary method. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS1060 and GEO 1065, or GEO 2050, or consent of instructor.
Interdisciplinary study of geology applied to transport of contaminants in groundwater, environmental site assessment and remediation. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: GEO PS1060 and GEO 1065, or GEO 2050, or consent of instructor.
Principles of spatial analysis including data base design, data input, and spatial modeling in the context of an information system using the ArcGIS family of software. The nature of computer mapping is examined with an emphasis on scale, minimum mapping unit, topology, and projected mapped features. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: MATH QL1040 and proficiency in the Windows operating system, or consent of instructor.
A capstone course in spatial analysis in which data entry, data manipulation, spatial modeling, and analysis are addressed through the completion of the research project addressing a spatial problem using GIS and the computer as a modeling instrument. Advanced level, computer-intensive applications are employed using the ArcGIS family of software. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO 4210.
The origin, classification, and identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and understanding of igneous and metamorphic processes. Laboratory includes analysis of rocks in thin section and an introduction to optical mineralogy. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: GEO 2050 and CHEM SI1220; or consent of instructor.
A laboratory intensive assessment of digital (raster) imagery using advanced computer-assisted digital processing procedures with an emphasis on quantitative statistical analysis through ERDAS Imagine image processing software. The focus is on feature classification of multi spectral imagery, principle components analysis, georectification, and error assessment. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: GEO 3400.
Integrated approach to collecting field data and interpreting geologic processes and history. Includes geologic mapping and analysis of bedrock, surficial deposits, and geologic structures using aerial photographs, topographic maps, and surveying techniques. Results presented in written reports, maps, and graphical formats. About forty hours of lab per week for about 4 weeks. Prerequisites: GEO 3060, GEO 3550, and GEO 4060; or consent of instructor.
The chemical evolution of the Earth and geochemical processes operating in the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Applications to chemical reactions, mineral stability, aqueous solutions, geochemical cycles, and isotope geochemistry. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHEM SI1220 and GEO 2050; or consent of instructor.
Acquaintance and practice with various teaching and assessment methods. Development of science curricula including lesson and unit plans. It is recommended that this course be completed immediately before student teaching. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
Principles and techniques of geophysical exploration, including gravity, magnetic, electric, and seismic methods. Course includes field collection and computer modeling of geophysical data. Three lectures per week. Field trips required. Prerequisites: GEO 3060 and MATH SI1220; or consent of instructor.
Large-scale structure and dynamics of the Earth. Framework of plate tectonics including plate motion, processes at plate boundaries, and driving mechanisms. Processes of crustal deformation and evolution of orogenic belts over time, with examples from North America. Three lectures per week. Field trips required. Prerequisites: GEO 2050 and GEO 3060; or consent of instructor.
An opportunity to examine in depth topics in the Geosciences not regularly offered as part of the standard course offerings. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript. The course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: GEO PS/SI1110, GEO SI1115, and any specific courses selected by the instructor.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor prior to registration. (May be repeated for a maximum of five credit hours.)
A continuation of GEO 2890. Open to all students.
Consult the semester class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
Application of Geoscience field methods during fieldtrips. Readings, written and oral reports, and/or examinations required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
A thesis to be written by a student at the culmination of a period of individual field/laboratory and library research, under the direction of a specific faculty person. Prerequisites: Senior standing and departmental approval of the thesis topic.
Science content course for teachers in the M.Ed Science Emphasis Program. To register, select another departmental course and develop a contract detailing additional work required for graduate credit. Course may be repeated. Contract must be approved by instructor, department chair, and Director of the Master of Education Program.
Weber State University 2009-2010 Catalog