Graduate Courses in Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 201 - Advanced Field Geology

Advanced field mapping techniques, analysis of field data, preparation of geological maps and reports. Prerequisite: 260.

Credits: 3

GEOL 217 - Vermont Field Geology

Field observations of rocks and surficial materials across northern Vermont are utilized to decipher the region's geologic history. Reading complement field work. Pre/co-requisites: Graduate student standing.

Credits: 4

GEOL 230 - Adv Igneous&Metamorphic Petrol

Application of phase equilibria, elemental and isotopic data, and textural interpretations to problems in igneous and metamorphic petrology, stressing modern theories of tectonics and petrogenesis. Prerequisite: 131.

Credits: 0 or 4

GEOL 233 - Environmental Isotope Geochem

Course focuses on stable isotope geochemistry of low temperature processes occurring on and near the earth surface through lecture, laboratory, and seminar. Prerequisite: Introductory chemistry.

Credits: 3

GEOL 234 - Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Integrated perspective on biogeochemical cycles describing the transformation and movement of chemical substances in the natural environment, as seen on the global context. Prerequisite: Introductory chemistry.

Credits: 3

GEOL 235 - Geochemistry of Natural Waters

Basic concepts of chemical equilibria applied to natural waters, including thermodynamics, pH, oxidation-reduction, weathering, and solution equilibria. Prerequisites: CHEM 031, CHEM 032.

Credits: 3

GEOL 240 - Tectonics

Applications of igneous and metamorphic petrology to problems in tectonophysics, including petrochemistry of the earth's crust and upper mantle and the internal structure of orogenic belts. Prerequisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 110.

Credits: 3

GEOL 241 - Clastic Depositional Systems

Selected readings and field studies emphasizing the interpretation of clastic sedimentary deposits including transportation, processes of sedimentation, and geomorphology of ancient and recent sedimentary environments. Prerequisites: 153. Alternate years.

Credits: 3

GEOL 243 - Clastic Petrology Laboratory

Study of clastic rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in 241.

Credits: 1

GEOL 245 - Carbonate Depositional Environ

Paleoenvironmental analysis of carbonate rocks including selected readings, field investigations, and petrographic studies. Prerequisite: 153. Alternate years.

Credits: 3

GEOL 247 - Carbonate Petrology Lab

Study of carbonate rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in 245.

Credits: 1

GEOL 255 - Geohydrology

Field-based projects address hydrologic processes in geological context; precipitation, runoff, ground water flow, river behavior, and hillslope stability. Stresses data analysis, writing, and practical approaches to water-related environmental problems. Prerequisite: Major in science or engineering or permission.

Credits: 4

GEOL 260 - Structural Geology

Examines processes and problems concerning the mechanical behavior of the Earth's crust and surface. Includes rock deformation stress, strain, and the interpretation of geological structures. Prerequisites: GEOL 101, GEOL 110, PHYS 011 or permission.

Credits: 0 or 4

GEOL 272 - Regional Geology

Discussion of the geology of a selected region of North America; a four-week summer field trip to the area in question. Prerequisites: 101, 110, 272a for 272b or equivalent.

Credits: 0 or 4

GEOL 273 - Geology of the Appalachians

Origin of mountain belts; the Appalachian mountain system discussed in terms of tectonics and geologic processes active in modern continental margins. Prerequisites: GEOL 101, GEOL 110, or permission.

Credits: 3

GEOL 278 - Principles of Aquatic Systems

(See Natural Resources 278.)

Credits: 3

GEOL 295 - Advanced Special Topics

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Credits: 1 to 6

GEOL 296 - Advanced Special Topics

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Credits: 1 to 6

GEOL 301 - Intro to Graduate Studies

For first year graduate students in Geology. Includes orientation to faculty, abstract and grant writing, comprehensive exams, talk preparation and scientific method in the Geosciences. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Geology.

Credits: 1

GEOL 302 - Intro Graduate Studies Geology

For first year graduate students in Geology. Includes orientation to faculty, abstract and grant writing, comprehensive exams, talk preparation and scientific method in the Geosciences. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Geology.

Credits: 1

GEOL 335 - Aqueous Environmental Geochem

This course focuses on the chemical equilibrium and kinetics principles governing water chemistry, including water interaction with the atmosphere, microbes and minerals. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Credits: 3

GEOL 350 - Paleogeography

Paleopositions of continents and the distribution of land areas and ocean basins through geologic time in the context of plate tectonics. Prerequisite: Permission.

Credits: 3

GEOL 351 - Surface Proc & Quaternary Geol

Discussion and critique of scientific literature pertaining to Earth surface history and processes. Critical examination of author's methods, data, and assumptions. Student-led discussions. Specific focus changes yearly. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Science, Natural Resources or Engineering or permission.

Credits: 1 to 3

GEOL 352 - Environmental Geology Seminar

Geologic constraints on environmental problems including: groundwater flow, contaminant transport, slope stability, climate change, sedimentation, deforestation and earthquake hazards. Extensive readings and student-led discussions. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Science, Natural Resources or Engineering or permission.

Credits: 1 to 3

GEOL 360 - Structural Anyl Deformed Rocks

Mechanisms of rock deformation; fracture phenomena and analysis; fault zone characteristics; fold generation analysis. Stress and strain interpretation of deformational features in rocks and minerals. Field work. Prerequisite: GEOL 260 or equivalent.

Credits: 4

GEOL 361 - Advanced Structural Geology

Selected topics in analytical structural geology. Prerequisite: GEOL 260 or equivalent.

Credits: 3

GEOL 371 - Advanced Readings

Readings and research problems intended to contribute to the program of graduate students in areas of geology for which formal courses are not available. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geology.

Credits: 1 to 3

GEOL 391 - Master's Thesis Research

Credits: 1 to 9