2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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This section of the Catalog includes course descriptions, listed alphabetically by discipline. The descriptions provide information on course numbers, titles, the level of instruction, credit, course sequence, content, and prerequisites as shown in the following example:
CHE 2100 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: CHE 1100
Description: A study of the elements of organic and biological chemistry. This course satisfies requirements for nursing programs and other fields requiring a survey of organic and biological chemistry.
The first two to four letters, called the course subject code, represent the area of study or discipline, e.g., CHE represents chemistry. The course number follows the course subject code, e.g., 2100. The first digit in a four-digit course number designates the level of instruction. Only courses numbered 1000 or above will be included in credits toward a degree. Courses with numbers up to and including 1999 are primarily for freshmen, 2000 through 2999 primarily for sophomores, 3000 through 3999 primarily for juniors, and 4000 through 4999 primarily for seniors. In general, students should not take courses above the level of their class (based upon semester hours earned), but they may do so at one level above if they have the specified prerequisites. In special cases, students may be permitted to take courses more than one level above that designated for their class if they obtain the permission of their advisor and of the faculty member teaching the course and if they meet the prerequisite requirements. Course descriptions provide a summary of the content of the course. If a prerequisite must be met before a student can register for a course, this information is listed above the course description. Attributes, such as Multicultural, General Studies, or Guaranteed Transfer, are listed after the course description. A list of courses being offered in a given semester, instructors, class meeting times, and locations is described in the Class Schedule.
Types of Courses
- Regular courses appear in this section of the University Catalog and are offered on a regular basis.
- Independent study courses provide students the opportunity to pursue in-depth study of a topic of special interest. Independent study courses are specified as 498_ and include an alpha character in the course number. Independent study courses are published in the Class Schedule.
- Special topics or omnibus courses are temporary courses that are not listed in the Catalog. They may be used to pilot-test a course, present a special topic, or provide a unique, experiential-learning opportunity. Omnibus courses use a specified range of course numbers: 190_, 290_, 390_, 490_ and include an alpha character in the course number. Omnibus courses are published in the Class Schedule.
- Variable topics courses allow courses of varying titles under an overall theme or “umbrella” course. Variable topic courses include an alpha character in the course number and are published in the Class Schedule.
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Geology |
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GEL 1010 - Physical Geology
Credits: 4
Description: This course introduces the basic theories, concepts, and assumptions used in geology, utilizing both lecture and laboratory components. It includes earth’s internal systems from core to crust, as well as the dynamics of the lithosphere with its processes, products, and effects on the environment. Students will learn to identify common rocks and minerals.
Field Trips: A field trip is required.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC1
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GEL 1020 - Geology of Colorado
Credits: 3
Description: This science course focuses on the State of Colorado to introduce basic concepts, principles, theories, and assumptions in geology. The course covers Colorado’s major geological provinces and landforms; common minerals, rocks, and fossils; geologic processes; geologic resources and hazards; and important events in Colorado’s geologic history.
Field Trips: One field trip is required.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC2
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GEL 1030 - Historical Geology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 or Permission of the Instructor
Description: This course presents the origin and history of the Earth as well as the evolution of its life, based on the rock and fossil record. The course also reviews the changing geography of the Earth through geologic time, emphasizing the theory of plate tectonics. A field trip is required.
Field Trips: A field trip is required.
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GEL 1150 - Physical Oceanography
Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics pre-assessment placement tests
Description: This introductory course studies the world’s oceans, including geographic, geologic and physical features of the ocean basins and the physical and chemical properties of ocean water. Other major topics include ocean exploration, ocean waves, currents and tides, air-sea interactions, marine ecology, and geologic history. The course emphasizes the use and control of ocean resources and the impact of ocean pollution.
General Studies: Natural and Physical Sciences
Guaranteed Transfer: GT-SC2
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GEL 1510 - Geology of Red Rocks Park and Vicinity
Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 recommended
Description: This course examines the geology of Red Rocks Park and vicinity, including rocks formed over a period of approximately 1.7 billion years. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed along the Front Range, including their ages, rock types, origins, and economic products, are examined within a concept of geologic history. The geologic history includes Colorado’s famous “disappearing” mountain range (the Ancestral Rocky Mountains), evidence of ancient oceans and deserts, dinosaur bones and tracks and the uplift of the modern-day Rocky Mountains.
Note: Students may not receive credit for both GEL 1510 and GEL 1520. Students cannot enroll in both GEL 1510 and GEL 3510 for credit at the same time.
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GEL 1520 - Garden of the Gods-Front Range Geology
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 recommended
Description: This course examines the geology along the Front Range from Boulder to Colorado Springs through rock exposures covering a span of approximately 1.7 billion years. Basic concepts of geology are applied to the formations exposed along the Front Range. These formations are examined with respect to age, rock type, origin, and economic products. The geologic history includes Colorado’s famous “disappearing” mountain range (the Ancestral Rocky Mountains), evidence of ancient oceans and deserts, dinosaur bones and tracks, and the uplift of the modern-day Rocky Mountains.
Note: Students may not receive credit for both GEL 1510 and GEL 1520. Students cannot enroll in both GEL 1520 and GEL 3520 for credit at the same time.
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GEL 1530 - Geology of the Colorado Plateau
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): None; GEL 1010, GEL 1510, GEL 1520 and/or GEL 1560 are recommended
Description: This course examines the geology of the eastern Colorado Plateau, including the geology of the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, and Southern Canyon lands National Parks. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed in the eastern Colorado Plateau, including their ages, rock types and origins, are examined. Historical geology and geomorphology come to life in this beautiful, desolate, arid country. Students must be in good physical condition because strenuous hiking is involved, and students must have prior camping experience.
Note: Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1530 and GEL 3530 for credit.
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GEL 1550 - Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 recommended
Description: This course emphasizes the processes and landforms associated with the eolian (wind) and desert environments at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, located in the San Luis Valley between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Investigations of the dune fields allow students to identify various types of dunes, as well as damage related to desertification. The relationships of sand source areas, cross-bedding, and transport directions are investigated.
Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1550 and GEL 3550 for credit.
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GEL 2530 - Introduction to Geologic Fieldwork
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010, GIS 1220 or equivalent
Description: This course is an introduction to field measurements and data collection for earth scientists. It examines methods and procedures in sampling, measuring, describing, mapping, and ascertaining field data. The heart of the course is a week-long field experience studying a variety of geologic features where students are trained in hands-on practices pertinent to industry and academia, such as strike and dip measurements, triangulation procedures, field notebook entries, and orienteering. Students must be in good physical condition because strenuous hiking is involved. Additional field trip fees are required.
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GEL 3050 - Introduction to Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010, CHE 1800
Description: This course examines common minerals, their origin, associations within rocks, their basic geochemistry and identification. It includes a discourse in crystallography, as well as methodologies of identification utilizing practical laboratory and field techniques such as hand specimens analysis, chemical methods, X-ray crystallography, and the use of optical microscopy.
Field Trips: A field trip is required.
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GEL 3060 - Stratigraphy and Structure
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 and GEL 3050; MTH 1120 or MTH 1400
Description: This course analyzes vertical and horizontal stratigraphic and structural relationships within the Earth’s crust. The stratigraphic portion of the course emphasizes transgressive and regressive sequences and unconformity boundaries (sequence stratigraphy) while the structural portion emphasizes three-dimensional relationships found in folded and faulted rocks.
Field Trips: Field trips are required
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GEL 3120 - Geomorphology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010 or GEG 1100
Description: This course is a detailed analysis of the Earth’s landforms, including their origins and sequential changes due to internal and surficial processes. Maps and aerial photographs are extensively used for geomorphic interpretations.
Field Trips: Field trips are required
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GEL 3420 - Soil Resources
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): ENV 1200 and completion of General Studies
Description: This course analyzes the materials and processes that combine to produce various soil types. Soil types are examined in relationship to climate, landforms, vegetation, and geology, as well as in relation to land-use patterns.
Field Trips: Required field trips investigate soil-mapping techniques
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GEL 3440 - Energy and Mineral Resources
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): ENV 1400 and GEL 3050, or Permission of instructor
Description: This course investigates mineral resources and reserves that serve our industrial society. It includes a detailed examination of the origin, physical characteristics, and distribution of mineral resources, including metals and nonmetals, and energy resources, including fossil fuels and alternative energy resources.
Field Trips: Field trips are required
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GEL 3510 - Advanced Geology of Red Rocks Park and Vicinity
Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor
Description: This course requires an analytical approach to the geology of Red Rocks Park and vicinity, including rocks formed over a period of approximately two billion years. The geologic history includes Colorado’s famous “disappearing” mountain range (the Ancestral Rocky Mountains), evidence of ancient oceans and deserts, dinosaur bones and tracks, and the uplift of the modern-day Rocky Mountains.
Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1510 and GEL 3510 for credit.
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GEL 3520 - Advanced Garden of the Gods-Front Range Geology
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor
Description: This course requires an analytical approach to the geology along the Front Range from Boulder to Colorado Springs through rock exposures covering a span of approximately two billion years. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed along the Front Range, including their age, rock types, origins and economic products, are analyzed within a context of geologic history.
Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1520 and GEL 3520 for credit.
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GEL 3530 - Advanced Geology of the Colorado Plateau Field Course: Variable Topics
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010, at least one prior lower-division field course (e.g., GEL 1510, GEL 1520, GEL 1530, GEL 2530) or permission of instructor
Description: This advanced field course requires an analytical approach to the geology of the Colorado Plateau and surrounding areas. Variable topics include a variety of geological destinations, such as, but not limited to, the Colorado National Monument, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park and Utah’s Basin and Range province, Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed in the Colorado Plateau, including their ages, rock types, and origins are analyzed. Historical geology, geomorphology, stratigraphy, geological structures and field geology come to life in this beautiful,
desolate, arid country. Students must be in good physical condition because strenuous hiking is involved. Prior field and camping experience is also recommended.
Note: Students cannot enroll concurrently in GEL 3530 and GEL 1530 during the same semester.
Field Trips: Additional field trip fees for transportation, food, lodging, etc. are required.
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GEL 3550 - Advanced Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Nine hours of geography or geology or Permission of instructor
Description: This course analyzes the processes and landforms associated with the eolian (wind) and desert environments at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, located in the San Luis Valley between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Analysis of the dune fields allows students to identify various type of dunes, as well as damage related to desertification. The relationships of sand source areas, cross-bedding and transport directions are analyzed.
Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1550 and GEL 3550 for credit.
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GEL 3920 - Directed Study in Geology
Credits: 2-6
Prerequisite(s): Fifteen hours in geology; Permission of instructor and department chair
Description: This course provides an opportunity for upper-division students with a strong background in geology to pursue study in a specific topic of interest and value. The course requires permission of the instructor and chair of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department and frequent meetings between student and instructor.
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GEL 4050 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 3050
Description: This course involves the study of the nature, composition, origin, and history of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Students will be introduced to the principles that govern the mineralogical and textural diagenesis of these systems and their unique mineral assemblages. Lab exercises in optical microscopy, geochemical data interpretation, graphical analysis and classification modalities are essential components. Prior working knowledge of polarized optical microscopy, mineralogy, and chemistry is prerequisite. Familiarity with programming simple electronic spreadsheet algorithms is highly recommended. A fieldtrip is required.
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GEL 4150 - Hydrology (Surface Water)
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEG 1100 or GEG 1910 or ENV 3400
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): CSS 1010 or CIS 1010, MTH 1210
Description: In this course, students examine surface waters with respect to water flow, drainage systems, storage, pollution and environmental relationships. The hydrologic cycle is studied with respect to the amount and distribution of water, the movement and fluxes of water and current water-related issues. Topics addressed include hydrologic data sources, statistical analysis in hydrologic problem-solving, hydrograph analysis, hydrographic routing, hydrologic modeling and current challenges of urban hydrology, hydrologic models and hydrologic design.
Note: Credit will be granted for only one prefix: GEL, GEG, or HON.
Cross Listed Course(s): GEG 4150, HON 4150
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GEL 4250 - Hydrogeology (Groundwater)
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1010, CHE 1800, MTH 1110
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): GEL 3420
Description: This course is a practical approach to the study of groundwater with emphasis on water quality, underground flow, pumping, and infiltration/recharge principles in relationship to the geologic environment. The course includes practical methods of laboratory water quality testing, groundwater flow analysis and experimentation, as well as septic system design and evaluation. Since mathematical models are involved, familiarity with graphing and algebraic operations is of essence. A foundational knowledge in geology is prerequisite.
Field Trips: Self-guided group fieldtrips are required for this course.
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GEL 4400 - Applied Field Volcanology
Credits: 5
Prerequisite(s): GEL 3050
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): GEL 4050
Description: This hybrid field and lecture course explores volcanic activity both past and present. Eruptive mechanisms, lithology, geomorphology, environmental and economic impacts as well as geologic hazards are discussed. Hands-on field work applying theoretical knowledge to the active study of volcanic geology, associated petrology, and eruptive geohazard assessment by visiting several active volcanoes is an integral part of the course. Additional trip fees apply.
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GEL 4450 - Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 1030, GEL 3050, and MTH 1120 or MTH 1400
Description: This course focuses on geologic concepts, principles, theories, and techniques for investigating how sedimentary rocks and strata develop and change through space and time. Within this framework, the course covers the origin and transport of sediment; physical properties and classification of sedimentary rocks; sedimentary diagenesis; depositional environments; depositional basins; stratigraphic classification systems; and field techniques for sedimentary geology and stratigraphy. Field trips are required.
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GEL 4460 - Structural Geology and Mapping
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): GEL 4450
Description: This course focuses on concepts, principles, theories, and techniques to investigate the development and spatial orientation of geologic structures such as folds and faults, as well as the mapping of geologic structures. Field trips are required.
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GEL 4970 - Undergraduate Research in Geology
Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): MTH 1210, GEL 3050, senior standing
Description: This course is a senior-level capstone course for geoscience majors that focuses on independent research to investigate a selected geological problem involving field and/or laboratory observations. Preparation of a paper or poster suitable for professional presentation is required.
University Requirement(s): Senior Experience
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