Geology Minor

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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

About the Program

Geology is a particularly integrative field because in order to understand Earth’s physical processes, the vast network of interconnections within the Earth system must also be considered. As a consequence, geology incorporates ideas and perspectives from many different fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, water science, environmental science, mathematics, art, and more. These many connections make geology an appropriate and fascinating minor for students with any major. The geology minor offers a strong foundation for understanding how Earth has developed and changed through time. Students should consult with a department advisor to assist with program planning.

Program Requirements

This minor is a total of 24 credits.
Students must complete each course with a grade of “C-” or better.

Required Courses: 20 credits

GEL 1010 - Physical Geology Credits: 4
GEL 1030 - Historical Geology Credits: 4
GEL 3050 - Introduction to Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy Credits: 4 *
GEL 4450 - Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy Credits: 4 *
GEL 4460 - Structural Geology and Mapping Credits: 4 *

Elective Courses: 4 credits

Students are required to select at least 4 semester hours from the list below.

GEL 1020 - Geology of Colorado Credits: 3
GEL 2530 - Introduction to Geologic Fieldwork Credits: 2 *
GEL 3120 - Geomorphology Credits: 4 *
GEL 3420 - Soil Science Credits: 3 *
GEL 3440 - Energy and Mineral Resources Credits: 4 *
GEL 3510 - Advanced Geology of Red Rocks Park and Vicinity Credits: 1 *
GEL 3520 - Advanced Garden of the Gods-Front Range Geology Credits: 2 *
GEL 3530 - Field Geology: Variable Topics Credits: 3 *
GEL 3550 - Advanced Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument Credits: 2 *
GEL 3920 - Directed Study in Geology Credits: 1-4 *
GEL 4050 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Credits: 4 *
GEL 4150 - Hydrology (Surface Water) Credits: 4 *
GEL 4250 - Hydrogeology (Groundwater) Credits: 4 *
GEL 3540 - Geologic Hazards: Denver and Vicinity Credits: 2 *
ENV 3700 - Mountain Environments Credits: 3 *
ENV 4000 - Geologic Hazards Credits: 3 *
ENV 4010 - Environmental Hazards and GIS Credits: 4 *

Summary of Requirements

Required Courses	20 credits
Elective Courses	4 credits
Total for the Geology Minor	24 credits

* Course requires additional prerequisites or corequisites