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. Readings complement field work. Pre/co-requisites: Graduate student standing.

Credits: 4

GEOL 231 - Petrology

The course covers the scope and methods of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, and the geologic environments and processes relevant to the major rock types. Pre/co-requisites: GEOL 110 Earth Materials.

Credits: 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: 101, 110.

Credits: 3

GEOL 242 - Basin Analysis

This course examines the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins, including tectonic setting, sediment supply, and subsidence history. Prerequisite: GEOL 153.

Credits: 3

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: 101, 110, Physics 11 or permission.

Credits: 0 or 4

GEOL 263 - Geochronology

This course will survey the basic concepts of radioactive decay, mass spectrometry, and isotopic systems commonly used to quantify the timing of geologic events. Prerequisite: GEOL 110.

Credits: 3

GEOL 265 - Geomicrobiology

An introduction to microbial control of redox chemistry on Earth's surface, including field techniques and a detailed look at how microbes affect element cycling. Prerequisite: GEOL 135.

Credits: 3

GEOL 266 - Microstructures

This course will focus on deformation of rocks and minerals at the microscopic scale and the practical use of photographic analyses to unravel tectonic histories. Pre/co-requisite: GEOL 260.

Credits: 3

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: 101, 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 12

GEOL 296 - Advanced Special Topics

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Credits: 1 to 12

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 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: 260 or equivalent.

Credits: 4

GEOL 361 - Advanced Structural Geology

Selected topics in analytical structural geology. Prerequisite: 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 384 - Teaching in the Geosciences

A review of the pedagogical underpinnings of introductory geology and its laboratory activities. Prerequisite: Geology Graduate Teaching Assistantship.

Credits: 1

GEOL 385 - Teaching in the Geosciences

A review of the pedagogical underpinnings of introductory geology and its laboratory activities. Prerequisite: Geology Graduate Teaching Assistantship.

Credits: 1

GEOL 391 - Master's Thesis Research

Credits: 1 to 9