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    Dr. Thomas E. Brady, Dean
    Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Associate Dean
    Dr. E. Alan Dean, Assistant Dean

    Bell Hall, Room 100
    Phone: (915) 747-5536
    Fax: (915) 747-6807

    		• Geological Sciences
    Web site at: http://www.geo.utep.edu/

    1.- Department Information
    2.- Baccalaureate Degrees
    3.- Geography (GEOG) Courses
    4.- Geology (GEOL) Courses
    5.- Geophysics (GEOP) Courses

    4.- Geology (GEOL) Courses

    Lower-Division Courses

    1101 Laboratory for Geology 3101 (0-3) (Common Course Number GEOL 1103)

      Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 3101 suggested. Laboratory fee required.
    1102 Laboratory for Geology 3102 (0-3) (Common Course Number GEOL 1104)
      Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 3102 suggested. Laboratory fee required.
    3101 Introduction to Physical Geology (3-0) (Common Course Number GEOL 1303)
      An introductory study of the earth's composition, structure, and internal and external processes. Concurrent enrollment in laboratory (1101) suggested but not required. A student may not receive credit for both GEOL 3101 and GEOL 3103.
    3102 Introduction to Historical Geology (3-0) (Common Course Number GEOL 1304)
      An integrated study of the geologic history of the earth with a consideration of the history of life as documented by the fossil record. Concurrent enrollment in laboratory (1102) suggested but not required. A student may not receive credit for both GEOL 3102 and GEOL 3104. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101.
    3103 Principles of Earth Sciences (2-2) (Common Course Number GEOL 1301)
      Study of the earth as a planet. A survey of the physical processes operating in the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Includes an introduction to meteorology, physical geology, soils, and vegetation. Concurrent laboratory enrollment is required. A student may not receive credit for both GEOL 3103 and 3101. Laboratory fee required.
    3104 Principles of Earth Sciences (2-2) (Common Course Number GEOL 1302)
      Study of the earth as a planet. A survey of earth history as interpreted from and exhibited by plants, animals, rocks, and minerals; a study of the earth in space; a survey of the physical processes operating in the hydrosphere. Includes an introduction to historical geology, astronomy, physiography, and oceanography. Concurrent laboratory enrollment is required. A student may not receive credit for both GEOL 3104 and 3102. Laboratory fee required.
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    3214 Geological Microscopy (2-3)

      Study of rock-forming minerals and crystals with the petrographic microscope. Prerequisite: GEOL 4211. Laboratory fee required.
    4211 Mineralogy and Petrology (3-3) (Common Course Number GEOL 2409)
      Study of the crystallography, physical properties, classification, and identification of rock-forming minerals and ores. Prerequisite: CHEM 3105 with a grade of "C" or better. Laboratory fee required.
    4212 Geoscience Processes (3-3)
      Field-oriented, problem-solving studies emphasizing field identification of rocks; study of landforms and processes that create them and the use of maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. Emphasis on developing observational and analytical skills and the use of multiple working hypotheses. Prerequisites: GEOL 3101-1101 and 3102-1102 (or GEOL 3103 and 3104) and GEOL 4211.
    Upper-Division Courses--Junior standing prerequisite. All required lower-division courses in the major must be completed with a "C" or better in order to enroll in upper-division courses in the major. Some upper-division courses may be applied toward graduate degrees; consult the Graduate Studies Catalog for the listing of these courses.

    3311 Geology of El Paso (2-3)

      An introduction to the stratigraphy, tectonic history, paleontology, and geomorphology and geoscience-related environmental issues of the El Paso area. Lectures will stress use of basic geologic principles to develop understanding of the geologic processes which have shaped the area. Laboratory will consist of a series of field trips during the semester. Students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465 may use this course for elective credit only. Prerequisites: (1) GEOL 3103 and GEOL 3104 or (2) GEOL 3101 and GEOL 3102. Laboratory fee required.
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    3315 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (2-3)

      Petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including the thermodynamics and physical properties of minerals and metals and the petrography of samples in thin-section. Prerequisites: GEOL 3214 and CHEM 3105. MATH 4111 recommended. Laboratory fee required.
    3321 Geology for Engineers (2-3)
      The principles of physical geology and their practical applications to civil engineering. This course cannot be counted as a required upper-level course in Geology. Prerequisite: Junior standing in engineering or instructor's approval. Laboratory fee required.
    3325 Sedimentology (2-3)
      An introduction to sedimentary processes, environments, and deposits. Ancient deposits and modern analogs are examined in the field. Laboratory work will introduce techniques for the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Prerequisite: GEOL 4211 or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
    3330 Applied Geomorphology (2-3)
      An introduction to the genesis of landforms and the processes that shape the earth's surface. Geomorphic data are applied to solving environmental problems. Topics include earth surface processes, internal forces, climate and climatic change, weathering, mass movement and erosion, channels and stream channel evolution, drainage basins, fluvial landforms, coastal landforms, arid landforms, and glacial landforms. Prerequisite: GEOL 3214. Laboratory fee required.
    3340 Vulcanology (3-0)
      A study of the origin, eruption patterns, and products of volcanoes. Discussion of thermal energy resources. Students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465 may use this course for elective credit only. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101 or GEOL 3103 or GEOL 3321.
    3345 Planetary Geology (3-0)
      A survey of the composition, evolution, and geologic features of planetary bodies in the solar system. Heavy use is made of resources on the Internet. Prerequisites: GEOL 3101-1101 (or GEOL 3103) or GEOL 4305 or GEOL 3321.
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    3350 Oceanography (3-0)

      Introduction to submarine geology, physical and chemical oceanography, marine organisms, marine resources, shore processes, and methods of marine technology. Students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465 may use this course for elective credit only. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101 or GEOL 3103 or GEOL 3321.
    3355 Structure of the Earth (2-3)
      An introduction to geological and geophysical methods employed to study the structure of the earth. Structures at all scales will be studied. The emphasis will be on how plate tectonics operates to form the structures we see at the surface and how we delineate deep structures. Students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465 may use this course for elective credit only. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101 or GEOL 3103 or GEOL 3321. Laboratory fee required.
    3359 Minerals, Economics and the Environment (3-0)
      Geological characteristics and classification of metallic, non-metallic, and fuel resources. Economic factors and problems related to development. Students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465 may use this course for elective credit only. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101-1101 (or GEOL 3103) or GEOL 4305 or GEOL 3321.
    3360 Geology and the Environment (3-0)
      A study of the applications of the science of geology to the problems of urban development and environmental control. Prerequisite: GEOL 3101 or GEOL 3103 or GEOL 3321 or instructor approval. For non-majors.
    3380 Fossils (2-3)
      Survey of the evolution of ancient life on earth and the consideration of the practical application of fossils as time and environmental indicators as revealed by the rock record. Not open to students whose degree plans require GEOL 6465. Prerequisite: GEOL 3102 or GEOL 3104. Laboratory fee required.
    3416 Geochemistry (3-0)
      Low-Temperature aqueous geochemistry emphasizing the chemistry and chemical processes in ground and surface water important as water supplies or supporting important ecosystems, rock- and soil-fluid interactions important in determining water chemistry, and waste-rock-fluid system chemistry and processes. Prerequisite: CHEM 3106.
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    4305 Rocks and Minerals (2-6)

      Hand specimen, microscopic, and field study of the common rock-forming minerals; and of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Prerequisite: (1) GEOL 3103, (2) GEOL 3101 and GEOL 1101, or (3) instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
    4320 Invertebrate Paleontology (3-3)
      A survey of the classification, paleoecology, and stratigraphic distribution of fossil invertebrates. Prerequisite: GEOL 3102-1102 or GEOL 3104 or GEOL 3305 or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
    4323 Structural Geology (3-6)
      An introduction to the recognition, description, and analysis of deformed rocks, spanning the spectrum from microscopic structures to mountain belts and plate tectonics. Geometric and stereographic analysis of map-scale structures. Introduction to stress, strain, and constitutive laws for rocks. Processes of rock deformation including folding, fracturing, and grain-scale processes. Correlation of structural styles with tectonic environments. Prerequisites: (1) GEOL 3101-1101 and GEOL 3102-1102, or (2) GEOL 3103 and GEOL 3104, or (3) instructor approval. PHYS 4210 recommended. Fees required.
    1425 Sedimentary Petrography (1-2)
      Introduction to the petrographic study of siliciclastic, carbonate, and volcaniclastic sediments and sedimentary rocks. Prerequisite: GEOL 3214.
    1455 Vertebrate Paleontology Techniques (0-3)
      Collection, preservation, identification, and curation of vertebrate fossils. Prerequisite: GEOL 3454; GEOL 3454 may be taken concurrently with GEOL 1455. Laboratory fee required.
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    1457 Advanced Vertebrate Paleontology Techniques (0-3)

      Collection, preservation, identification, and curation of vertebrate fossils. Prerequisite: GEOL 3456; GEOL 3456 may be taken concurrently with GEOL 1457. Laboratory fee required.
    1466 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-1)
      Directed study problems in geology; hours and subjects to be arranged with each student; for undergraduate students who wish to do special work on a special problem. No student may receive credit for more than six hours of directed study work. Application of a directed study towards required upper division elective hours in the major is subject to prior approval by the departmental undergraduate studies committee. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
    1489 Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-1)
      This course provides undergraduates with a research experience working with a faculty mentor. It cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements. Grade of S or U. Requires advising from an instructor.
    2466 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-2)
      Directed study problems in geology; hours and subjects to be arranged with each student; for undergraduate students who wish to do special work on a special problem. No student may receive credit for more than six hours of directed study work. Application of a directed study towards required upper division elective hours in the major is subject to prior approval by the departmental undergraduate studies committee. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
    2489 Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-2)
      This course provides undergraduates with a research experience working with a faculty mentor. It cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements. Grade of S or U. Requires advising from an instructor.
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    3415 Topics in Geological Sciences (3-0)

      Study of topics in fields such as structural geology, environmental geosciences, economic geology, paleontology, petrology, and geochemistry. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
    3454 Paleozoic and Mesozoic Vertebrate Paleontology (3-0)
      Study of evolution, biologic history, biostratigraphy, and classification of Paleozoic and Mesozoic vertebrates with emphasis on the lower vertebrates with an introduction to early mammalian development. Prerequisites: (1) GEOL 3102-1102 (or GEOL 3104), (2) ZOOL 4206 (or BIOL 3106-1108), or (3) instructor approval; GEOL 1455. GEOL 1455 may be taken concurrently with GEOL 3454.
    3456 Cenozoic Vertebrate Paleontology (3-0)
      Study of the evolution, biologic history, biostratigraphy, and classification of the Cenozoic vertebrates with major emphasis on the mammals. Prerequisites: (1) GEOL 3102-1102 (or GEOL 3104), (2) ZOOL 4206 (or BIOL 3106-1108), or (3) instructor approval. GEOL 1457 may be taken concurrently with GEOL 3456.
    3462 Stratigraphy (2-3)
      A study of the fundamental principles of stratigraphy with special emphasis on the stratigraphy of Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Prerequisites: (1) GEOL 3325 and GEOL 4320 or (2) instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
    3466 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-3)
      Directed study problems in geology; hours and subjects to be arranged with each student; for undergraduate students who wish to do special work on a special problem. No student may receive credit for more than six hours of directed study work. Application of a directed study towards required upper division elective hours in the major is subject to prior approval by the departmental undergraduate studies committee. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
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    3480 Environmental Geology and Geophysics (2-4)

      Geology and geophysics applied to environmental studies with emphasis on site characterization. Subjects include surficial processes, tectonic processes, general hydrology, soils data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: GEOL 4323 or GEOL 3321 or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
    3483 General Hydrogeology (3-0)
      An introduction to the hydrosphere, which consists of surface water, groundwater, and water in the atmosphere. Topics include evaporation, transpiration, weather and climate, precipitation, runoff, flooding, infiltration, groundwater migration in the vadose and phreatic zones, regional groundwater flow, fluid mechanics, water quality, applications to other geologic disciplines. Prerequisite: GEOL 4211 or GEOL 3321.
    3484 Nuclear Waste Disposal (3-0)
      Examination of the problems involved in the control of nuclear waste. Characterization, treatment, shipping, and permanent disposal of the nuclear waste will be discussed. The problems of decontamination, decommissioning, and site restoration, as well as quality assurance and control of nuclear waste, will be examined. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in the College of Science or the College of Engineering or instructor approval.
    3489 Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-3)
      This course provides undergraduates with a research experience working with a faculty mentor. It cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements. Grade of S or U. Requires advising from an instructor.
    3499 Senior's Thesis (0-0-3)
      Guided program of research culminating in the writing of a senior thesis.
    6465 Field Geology (Summer Field Course) (0-0-32)
      A six-week summer course in field geology. The work will include preparation of topographic and geologic maps, cross-sections, columnar sections, and detailed structural studies of areas embracing both sedimentary and igneous rocks; plane table and aerial photo mapping techniques will be used. A report will be required of each student. Thirty-two hours of field work per week. Prerequisites: GEOL 3315, GEOL 4320, and GEOL 4323. Transportation fee varies.
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