GEL 1010-4 General Geology (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This course introduces the basic theories, concepts, and assumptions used in geology, utilizing both lecture and laboratory components. It includes internal and external processes, their products, and their effects on the environment. Students will learn to identify common rocks and minerals. A field trip is required. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1020-3 Geology of Colorado (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance-standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This course introduces the basic theories, concepts, and assumptions used in geology, focusing on the state of Colorado. The major geological provinces; mineral resources; common rock-forming minerals; and sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks of Colorado are covered. One field trip required. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1030-4 Historical Geology (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 or permission of instructor

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. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1150-3 Oceanography (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance-standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This introductory course studies the world's oceans, including historical explorations, physical and biological processes, energy sources, ocean resources, marine provinces, and geology of ocean basins. The course emphasizes global distribution, use, and control of ocean resources, and ocean pollution. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1200-2 Gem and Mineral Collecting in Colorado (1 + 2)

Corequisite: Physical ability to endure strenuous hiking at high elevations is necessary

This course focuses on the origin, geography and areas of occurrence of gemstones, as well as the physical mineral properties of gemstones.

GEL 1500-1-3 Current Topics in Geology: Variable Topics (1-3 + 0)

These courses cover topics of current geologic interest. The course content will vary and the course may be repeated for credit as the course topic changes.

GEL 1510-1 Geology of Red Rocks Park and Vicinity (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This course examines 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. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1520-2 Garden of the Gods-Front Range Geology (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This course examines 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 ages, rock types, origins and economic products, are examined within a context of geologic history. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1520 and GEL 3520 for credit. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 1530-2 Geology of the Colorado Plateau (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: None; GEL 1010, GEL 1510, GEL 1520 and/or GEL 1560 are recommended

This course examines the geology of the eastern Colorado Plateau, including the geology of the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park and northern and southern Canyonlands 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. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1530 and GEL 3530 for credit.

GEL 1540-2 Geologic and Environmental Hazards-Denver and Vicinity (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This courses examines the geologic and environmental hazards around the Denver region, including mass wasting, swelling clays, subsidence and flooding, as well as contamination and remediation efforts at the Lowry Landfill and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Future homeowners learn the meaning of "buyer beware." Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1540 and GEL 3540 for credit.

GEL 1550-2 Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

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.

GEL 1560-2 Canoeing the Canyon Country (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: GEL 1010, GEL 1510, GEL 1520 and/or GEL 1530 recommended

This course examines the spectacular geology along a 32-mile stretch of the Colorado River between Fruita, Colorado and Westwater, Utah. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed in this portion of the eastern Colorado Plateau, including their ages, rock types and origins, are discussed. Historical geology and geomorphology come to life in this geologic wonderland. Note: Students cannot take GEL 1560 and GEL 3560 for credit.

GEL 1570-2 Geology of the Flattops Volcanic Wilderness Area (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This course emphasizes the igneous processes and products of the Flattops Wilderness Area of northwestern Colorado. Students study the lava flows exposed in the area and determine their source area. The problems of mid-continent magma genesis and its relationship to plate tectonics are also explored. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1570 and GEL 3570 for credit.

GEL 1580-2 Geology of the Wheeler Geologic Area (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This course emphasizes the igneous processes and products of the Wheeler Geologic Area of southwestern Colorado. Students study the pyroclastic deposits exposed in the area and determine the sequence of events. The problems of mid-continent magma genesis and its relationship to plate tectonics are also explored. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1580 and GEL 3580 for credit.

GEL 1710-2 Terrestrial Navigation (1 + 2)

This course is an introduction to the science of land navigation. Students will use celestial sights, maps and Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate positions in the field. There are required field exercises.

GEL 3050-4 Mineralogy and Petrology (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010

This course examines minerals and rocks that make up the Earth's crust, including their origin, occurrence and identification. In addition to the recognition of hand specimens, this course utilizes the petrographic microscope and X-ray crystallography to identify minerals and rocks.

GEL 3060-4 Stratigraphy and Structure (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010; GEL 3050 recommended

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 are required.

GEL 3120-4 Advanced Geomorphology (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 3060 or permission of instructor

This course is 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 are required.

GEL 3150-3 Hydrogeology (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 1010, MTH 1110 and MTH 1210 recommended

This course is a practical approach to the study of groundwater flow, with emphasis given to its chemistry, mode of migration, pollution, and relationship to the geologic environment. The course includes methods of exploration, well-log analysis, numerous laboratory exercises and field sampling. A field trip is required.

GEL 3420-4 Soil Resources (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 3050 and GEL 3120 or GEG 1240, or permission of instructor

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 relationship to land-use patterns. Required field trips investigate soil mapping techniques.

GEL 3440-4 Energy and Mineral Resources (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 3050 and GEG 1400, or permission of instructor

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 are required.

GEL 3510-1 Advanced Geology of Red Rocks Park and Vicinity (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor

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. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Sciences)

GEL 3520-2 Advanced Garden of the Gods-Front Range Geology (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor

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. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

GEL 3530-2 Advanced Geology of the Colorado Plateau (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor; GEL 3510, GEL 3520 and/or GEL 3560 recommended

This course requires an analytical approach to the geology of the eastern Colorado Plateau, including the geology of the Colorado National Monument, Arches National Park, and northern and southern Canyonlands National Parks. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed in the eastern Colorado Plateau, including their ages, rock types and origins, are analyzed. Historical geology and geomorphology come to life in this beautiful, desolate, arid country. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1530 and GEL 3530 for credit.

GEL 3540-2 Advanced Geologic and Environmental Hazards-Denver and Vicinity (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor

This course requires an analytical approach to the geologic and environmental hazards around the Denver region, including mass wasting, swelling clays, subsidence and flooding, as well as contamination and remediation efforts at the Lowry Landfill and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Future homeowners learn the meaning of "buyer beware." Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1540 and GEL 3540 for credit.

GEL 3550-2 Advanced Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor

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. 

GEL 3560-2 Advanced Canoeing the Canyon Country (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor; GEL 3510, GEL 3520 and/or GEL 3530 recommended

This course requires an analytical approach to the spectacular geology along a 32-mile stretch of the Colorado River between Fruita, Colorado and Westwater, Utah. Along with basic concepts of geology, the formations exposed in this portion of the eastern Colorado Plateau, including their ages, rock types and origins, are analyzed. Historical geology and geomorphology come to life in this geologic wonderland. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1560 and GEL 3560 for credit.

GEL 3570-2 Advanced Geology of the Flattops Volcanic Wilderness Area (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor; GEL 3050 recommended

This course requires an analytical approach to the igneous processes and products of the Flattops Wilderness Area of northwestern Colorado. Students analyze the lava flows exposed in the area to determine their source area. The problems of mid-continent magma genesis and its relationship to plate tectonics are also explored. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1570 and GEL 3570 for credit.

GEL 3580-2 Advanced Geology of the Wheeler Geologic Area (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: nine hours of geography or geology or permission of instructor; GEL 3050 recommended

This course requires an analytical approach to the igneous processes and products of the Wheeler Geologic Area of southwestern Colorado. Students analyze the pyroclastic deposits exposed in the area and determine the sequence of events. The problems of mid-continent magma genesis and its relationship to plate tectonics are also explored. Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1580 and GEL 3580 for credit.

GEL 3920-2-6 Directed Study in Geology (0 + 4-12)

Prerequisites: 15 hours in geology; approval of instructor and department chair

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.

GEL 4000-3 Environmental Geology (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 1010 plus a minimum of six hours in geology or physical geography or permission of instructor; GEL 3120 (or GEG 1240) and GEL 2020 strongly recommended

The close relationship of the environment to the geology of the earth is examined. Basic geology, geologic processes, and geologic techniques are applied to the environment in a series of practical problems. Interpretation of topographic and geologic maps is required. Natural geologic hazards are revealed in a series of actual case studies performed by the student.

GEL 4010-3 Environmental Hazards and Planning (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: GEL 4000; GEG 3610 recommended

This course evaluates environmental hazards relative to various land-use patterns. It utilizes case studies and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to examine hazards and prepare model and alternative plans. Environmental audit procedures and environmental impact statements (EIS) are studied as part of the planning process.

GEL 4150-3 Hydrology (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: GEL 3150

This course examines surface and subsurface waters with respect to water flow, drainage systems, storage, pollution and environmental relationships. The hydrologic cycle is studied with respect to surface water distribution. This course uses knowledge gained from GEL 3150 (Hydrogeology) in practical applications.

GEL 4950-2-15 Internship in Geology (0 + 6-45)

Prerequisites: land use major with geology emphasis with upper division standing plus 12 upper-division hours in geology, permission of the chair of the earth and atmospheric science department

This course provides an on-the-job internship experience with a geology-related company or agency. The experience must be done under qualified supervision and the auspices of an earth and atmospheric sciences faculty member.

GEL 4960-3 Environmental Field Studies (1 + 4)

Prerequisites: 12 hours of upper-division courses in geology, physical geography, biology, and/or meteorology or written permission of instructor; completion of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, senior standing

A senior-level capstone course for land use majors. Students will use field geologic techniques which are essential to environmental site analysis. These techniques will include preparation of various maps, use of geologic surveying instruments and field methods of description of earth materials. Students will prepare and present final reports from these exercises. (Senior Experience)