Courses
Astronomy
A100 The Solar System (3 cr.)
Celestial sphere and constellations, measurement of time, astronomical instruments, Earth as a planet, moons, eclipses, planets and their satellites, comets, meteors, theories of origin of solar system.
A105 Stellar Astronomy (3 cr.)
The sun as a star, physical properties of stars, principles of spectroscopy as applied to astronomy, double stars, variable stars, star clusters, gaseous nebulae, stellar motions and distribution, Milky Way system, expanding universe, cosmic time scale.
A150 Introductory Astronomy Lab (1 cr.)
Note: This course may not be used to fulfill the B.A. degree distribution requirement of a laboratory science. The observation of selected celestial objects using astronomical binoculars and telescopes. Astronomical data will be gathered and plotted by the student using auxiliary equipment installed on the telescopes. May be repeated not to exceed a total of 3 credit hours with consent of instructor.
A151 Introductory Astronomy Research Lab (2 cr.)
Note: This course may be used to fulfill the B.A. distribution requirement of a laboratory science. Research projects include gathering and measuring data obtained from planets, variable stars, and deep-sky objects. Measurements made using optical telescopes, cameras, photoelectric photometer, charge-coupled device, and radio telescope. Also, simple problem-solving exercises in stellar and planetary astronomy.
Geography
G107 Physical Systems of the Environment (3 cr.)
An examination of the physical environment as the home of human beings, with emphasis on the distribution and interaction of environmental variables and energy flow through the system.
G108 Physical Systems of the Environment-Lab (2 cr.)
Laboratory study of the physical environment. (Lab fee required.)
G110 Introduction to Human Geography (3 cr.)
An exploration of social and cultural phenomena as these are expressed and distributed across the earth's surface. Topics include population, migration, language, religion, customs, political divisions, agriculture, industry, and urbanization.
G201 World Regional Geography (3 cr.)
Geographical analysis of regions occupied by European cultures and of indigenous spatial developments in non-Western areas.
G213 Introduction to Economic Geography (3 cr.)
Principles of economic geography, including theories concerning industrial location, competition for land, economic nature of resources, and geographic background of interregional trade.
G304 Meteorology and Physical Climatology (3 cr.)
Study of weather elements, processes, and patterns. Weather observation, analysis, and forecasting. Systematic and regional study of world climates. Relationship of climate to human activity.
G307 Biogeography (3 cr.)
An analysis of the spatial distribution of natural biota with regard to physical and ecological processes.
G308 Natural/Human-Induced Disasters (3 cr.)
Study and analysis of the causes, nature, and geographical occurrence of natural and human-induced disasters. Examines the workings and consequences of disasters and hazards facing humankind.
G314 Urban Geography (3 cr.)
Study and interpretation of urban spatial structure, policies, and problems with an emphasis on geographic perspectives.
G315 Environmental Conservation (3 cr.)
The study of the conservation of natural resources, including soil, water, air, wildlife, and forests, as interrelated components of the natural and human environments, emphasizing a unified ecological approach. Current problems relating to pollution and environmental quality.
G317 Geography of Developing Countries (3 cr.)
Analysis of spatial processes in the Third World with emphasis on the processes of migration, urbanization, and resource development.
G320 Population Geography (3 cr.)
Study of population growth, compositional change, and redistribution at regional, national and global scales. Topics include: population pressure, fertility control, aging of societies, AIDS, immigration, and population policies.
G323 Geography of Latin America (3 cr.)
Geographical analysis of the terrain, resources, climate, culture, and the historical and economic development of the nations south of the Rio Grande.
G326 Geography of North America (3 cr.)
Continental and regional variations in terrain and climate and the economic and social life of the United States and Canada, with emphasis on geographical principles, sources of data, and techniques of investigation.
G333 Introductory Cartography (3 cr.)
Use, interpretation, and sources of topographic maps, thematic maps, vertical aerial photographs, and related materials. Includes projections and grids, relief symbolization, map classification, mapping agencies, and the history of maps and mapping.
G335 Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (3 cr.)
Interpretation and measurement on aerial photographs and compilation of controlled maps. Geographical applications of color, infrared, radar, multiband, and other imagery from aerial and space-orbiting craft. Lectures and laboratory. (Lab fee required.)
G336 Environmental Remote Sensing (3 cr.)
Fundamental principles involved in remote sensing, including radiation character, instrumentation, and applications to research of spatial, environmental phenomena.
G418 Historical Geography (3 cr.)
Migration and diffusion, rural and urban settlement, industrialization, and transport development as spatial processes shaping the landscapes and geopolitical relationships of past places and peoples.
G425 Africa: Contemporary Geographic Problems (3 cr.)
Contemporary geographic problems confronting the countries of sub-Saharan Africa are examined. Topics include: urbanization, rural-urban migration, unemployment, agriculture, health care, analyses of terrain, resources, and aspects of the natural environment.
G428 Geography of Western Europe (3 cr.)
Emphasizes two interrelated topics within western Europe: common themes across the countries of Europe and the distinctive cultures that make up the region. Material includes: physical landscape of Europe, cultural and economic landscape of the region, and the various cultural regions of the continent.
G432 Current Issues in Environmental Conservation (3 cr.)
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of topics of special importance in regard to environmental quality, including such topics as air and water quality, radiation, energy, and waste disposal.
G435 Cartography and Graphics (3 cr.)
Compilation, design, reproduction, and evaluation of maps and related graphic materials, cartometric procedures, symbolization, selection of topographic maps, photographic manipulation, and editorial process employing traditional and computergenerated techniques. Lecture and laboratory. (Lab fee required.)
G438 Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.)
Basic concepts and principles underlying polygon and grid-based geographic information systems are explored. Computerized data capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display techniques, as applied to geographic information, are explored through the development of individual student projects.
G439 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.)
Extension of G438 that develops advanced methods of spatial data analysis in the context of GIS. Emphasis on applications and individualized projects.
G450 Undergraduate Readings and Research in Geography (1-3 cr.)
Individualized readings and research in geography. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
G490 Senior Seminar in Geography (3 cr.)
Open to majors only. Research in selected problems and study of geographic thought.
Geology
G100 Earth Science: Geologic Aspects (5 cr.)
Broad study of the earth. The earth in the solar system, earth's atmosphere. Formation and modification of earth materials, landforms, continents, and oceans throughout geologic time. Geological records in selected areas. Lectures, laboratory, field trips. Credit given for only one of the following geology courses: G100, G103, or G110. (Lab fee required.)
G103 Earth Science: Materials and Processes (3 cr.)
Introduction to the origin and classification of minerals and rocks. Relationships between rock types, rock structures, surficial geological processes of running water, subsurface water, glaciation, wind, tides, and landform evolution. Credit given for only one of the following geology courses: G100, G103, or G110. (Lab fee required.)
G104 Earth Science: Evolution of the Earth (3 cr.)
Principles of interpretation of earth history. Geologic age dating, correlation, facies analysis, fossils, fold mountain belts, isostasy, and plate tectonics as applied to reconstructing selected geological events. Credit given for only one of the following geology courses: G100, G104, or G109. (Lab fee required.)
G121 Meteorites and Geological Processes in Planets (3 cr.)
Geological processes operative on earth-like planetary bodies and asteroids; evidence from current meteorite, lunar, martian, and space research.
G180 Dinosaurs (3 cr.)
A survey of the characteristics and evolution of dinosaurs. Topics include: the occurrence of dinosaur remains in the fossil record, basic anatomy, principles used in classification, types of predatory and plant-eating dinosaurs, environments occupied during life, behavior, extinction theories, dinosaurs in the media and the public eye. (Credit not given for both GEOL G180 and GEOL G301.)
G210 Oceanography (3 cr.)
Study of the physical and biological features of the ocean environment.
G221 Introductory Mineralogy (3 cr.)
The study of minerals, including chemical composition, classification, crystallography, description, identification, occurrence, origin, and physical properties.
G222 Introduction to Petrology (3 cr.)
The study of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks: composition, occurrence, characteristics, classification, origin, description, and identification.
G300 Environmental and Urban Geology (3 cr.)
Significance of regional and local geologic features and processes in land use. Use of geologic factors to reduce conflict in utilization of mineral and water resources and damage from geologic hazards. Credit not given for both GEOL G300 and GEOG G315.
G334 Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (3 cr.)
Interrelationship of sedimentation and stratigraphy; processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary strata; provenance, depositional environment, sedimentary facies, paleoecology; analytical techniques; application of principles of interpretation of stratigraphic record. Laboratory study of sediments and sedimentary rocks.
G341 Natural History of Coral Reefs (BIOL L341, SPEA E400) (3cr.)
Introduction to principles of biology, ecology, and geology as aplied to coral reef ecosystems.
G400 Energy: Sources and Needs (3 cr.)
Scientific and political constraints on the production and utilization of energy from various sources. Energy balance of the United States.
G404 Geobiology (3 cr.)
Application of biological principles and use of fossils in the study of earth history. Origin of life and the early fossil record; evolution; approaches to taxonomy; chemistry of fossils, ecology of ancient life; use of fossils in the solution of geologic problems.
G409 Independent Study in Geology (1-3 cr.)
Supervised independent study of topics and techniques in geology that are not available in formal courses in the department.
G410 Undergraduate Research in Geology (1-6 cr.)
Field and laboratory research in selected problems in geology. May be repeated.
G411 Invertebrate Paleontology (3 cr.)
Structure, classification, habitats, and geological history and significance of the invertebrate phyla. Laboratory study of fossils.
G415 Geomorphology (3 cr.)
Origin, classification, description, and interpretation of landforms. Natural processes that form landscapes, surficial geologic materials, and soils. Credit not given for both GEOL G415 and GEOG G407.
G417 Optical Mineralogy (3 cr.)
Theory and use of optics in the identification and classification of rockforming minerals in fragments and thin sections.
G419 Sedimentary Geology of Dinosaur-Bearing Rocks (2 cr.)
Five-day, six-night field course in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Focus is on presenting simple concepts of geology and paleontology utilized in reconstructing the ancience landscape, climate and environments of deposition of important dinosaur-bearing formations. Additional course fee required.
G420 Regional Geology Field Trip (1-3 cr.)
Seminar and field investigation of selected regions for study of mineralogic, lithologic, stratigraphic, structural, paleontologic, geomorphologic, or other geological relationships.
G427 Introduction to X-ray Mineralogy (1 cr.)
Theory and practice of X-ray powder diffraction. Diffractometer methods and their application to the identification and the characterization of minerals.
G451 Elements of Hydrogeology (3 cr.)
Physical and chemical properties of water, chemical equilibria and stable isotopes in groundwater; acid drainage, landfills, and agricultural pollution; Darcey's Law, fluid potential, unsaturated flow, fluid and aquifer properties affecting groundwater flow; fluid mass balance and its application; contaminant transport.
