Course Descriptions

GEOS 102 : General Oceanography - NS, SM

Oceanography and its relationship to other fields; physical, chemical, biological, climatic, and geological aspects of the sea. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

GEOS 103 : Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Geologic Hazards - NS, SM

Study of the geologic environment and its relationship to humans, with emphasis on geologic features and processes that create hazards when encroached upon by human activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches, and solutions to problems created by these hazards. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

GEOS 104 : Conservation of Natural Resources - NS, SM

Principles and problems of public and private stewardship of our resources with special reference to the Pacific Northwest. Includes labs and field trips. Cross-listed with ENVT 104. (4)

GEOS 105 : Meteorology - NS, SM

A full, balanced, and up-to-date coverage of the basic principles of meteorology. Examination of the impacts of severe weather on humans and the environment. Includes labs. (4)

GEOS 106 : Geology of National Parks - NS

Study of the significant geologic features, processes, and history as illustrated by selected National Parks. Relationship between human history and geology and the impact of geology on our lives will be included. (4)

GEOS 107 : Global Climate Changes - NS

A survey of current climate change research. Students will develop and apply a fundamental understanding of earth systems through evaluation of geologic and other scientific evidence for long- and short-term climate change. (4)

GEOS 109 : The Geology of Energy - NS, SM

Geoscientific exploration of natural systems and processes that create non-renewable and renewable energy resources. Issues of extraction and exploitation of diverse energy resources in a global context. May not be repeated for credit. (4)

GEOS 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar

A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

GEOS 201 : Geologic Principles - NS, SM

This course prepares students for upper-division classes in geosciences by investigating earth materials and tectonic processes across spatial scales from the microscopic to the planetary and through geologic time. Emphasis is placed on learning how to form and answer geologically appropriate questions. Includes labs and field trips outside of class time. This course meets state education certification requirements for content in physical and historical geology. Prerequisite: none (4)

GEOS 287 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 288 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 289 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

GEOS 325 : Structural Geology

The form and spatial relationships of various rock masses and an introduction to rock deformation; consideration of basic processes to understand mountain building and continental formation; laboratory emphasizes practical techniques which enable students to analyze regional structural patterns. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 327 : Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

Formational principles of surface-accumulated rocks, and their incorporation in the stratigraphic record. This subject is basic to field mapping and structural interpretation. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 331 : Maps: Computer-Aided Mapping and Analysis

Computer-based Geographic Information Systems, digital maps, and data sources. The creation, interpretation, and analysis of digital maps from multiple data sources. Analysis of spatial information from sciences, social sciences, and humanities using sets of digital maps. Prerequisite: previous science (geosciences preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. Familiarity with maps recommended. (4)

GEOS 332 : Geomorphology

Study of the processes that shape the Earth's surface with emphasis on the effects of rock type, geologic structure, and climate on the formation and evolution of landforms. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 336 : Geochemistry

Study of fundamental geochemistry principles with focus on applications to investigations into a wide-range of earth and atmospheric processes and systems. Analysis and interpretation of student-collected and published field and lab data. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 and either CHEM 104 or 115, or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 342 : Climate and Earth Systems

Study of climate and climate change, past and present, including the impact of climate changes on earth systems, and the disproportionate impact these changes will have on communities around the globe. Prerequisite: GEOS 201. (4)

GEOS 345 : Tectonic Petrology

This class introduces igneous and metamorphic petrology by following rock compositions through several tectonic processes to see how petrology can be used to better understand large-scale tectonics. Students will interpret rock samples and 8 datasets to produce a comprehensive petro-tectonic analysis in a research-group like setting. Includes labs. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

GEOS 387 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 388 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 389 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 401 : Field Trip

Field and on-campus study of major geologic sites in western U.S. Trips take place during spring break or at end of spring semester. Prerequisite: GEOS 201 or consent of instructor. A minimum of 4 semester hours of 300-level geosciences courses. Pass/Fail. (1)

GEOS 487 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 488 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 489 : Special Topics in Geosciences

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

GEOS 491 : Independent Study

Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Requires regular supervision by a faculty member. (1 to 4)

GEOS 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

GEOS 498 : Seminar

Discussion of professional papers and introduction to directed research for the Capstone project. Required of all majors in their senior year. December graduates should complete the sequence (GEOS 498-499) in their final full year. Prerequisite: at least 8 semester hours of 300-level or above courses in geosciences. Pass/Fail. (1)

GEOS 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR

Culminating experience applying geological methods and theory through original literature or field or laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with written and oral presentation of results. Required of all majors in their senior year. Prerequisite: GEOS 498. (4)