Course Search Results

  • GEO 3550: Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

    4.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    Sedimentology is the study of the transport, deposition, arrangement, and diagenesis of sediment. Stratigraphy is the interpretation of preserved sedimentary rock layers, which record much of Earth's geologic history. Both grant insight into depositional environments, tectonic settings, changes in sea level, and climate. In this course, students will learn strategies and techniques to read, interpret, and communicate the sedimentary rock record. Required field trips include one weekend-long regional trip and approximately six local field trips during scheduled lab time. Alternative arrangements will be made for students not able to attend field trips. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs): At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe and identify sedimentary rock types and the sedimentary processes and conditions that led to their formation. 2. Collect, analyze, and communicate data characterizing stratigraphic sequences. 3. Use sedimentologic and stratigraphic data to make and test hypotheses about depositional and tectonic environments and geologic history. 4. Make predictions about the types of sedimentary rocks likely to be found in different tectonic environments around the world and in the geologic past. Course fee required. Prerequisites: GEO 1220 AND GEO 1225. FA (even)
    ShareGEO 3550 - Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

  • GEO 3600: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

    4.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    An examination of igneous and metamorphic rocks including their classification, petrogenesis, evolution, and field settings. Tectonic associations, thermodynamic processes, mineralogy, and chemistry of these types of rocks will also be explored. Three lecture hours, and one three-hour lab per week. Laboratories emphasize mineral and rock studies at macro and micro scales, and interpretation of petrographic data. One required field trip. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)** At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to: At the conclusion of this course, a successful student will be able to: 1) Classify igneous and metamorphic rocks based on mineralogical and geochemical data (PLO 1, 4). 2) Explain the petrogenetic history of these rocks within the context of various tectonic settings (PLO 4, 5). 3) Interpret geochemical data, including isotopes, to identify sources and protoliths, and calculate ages of these rocks, and understand the theory of dating techniques (PLO 1, 2). 4) Apply principles learned in the classroom and lab to field and real-life based problems and investigations (PLO 1,3). Course fee required. Prerequisites: GEO 1110 and 1115; Math 1050 (or higher); Chem 1210 and 1215; GEO 3200 - all a grade of C or higher. SP (even)
    ShareGEO 3600 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

  • GEO 3700: Structural Geology and Tectonics

    4.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    Examination of the geometries, mechanisms, and mechanics of rock deformation. Includes stress and strain relationships, fault and fold classification, and relationships to major tectonic features of Earth, with application to geological engineering, petroleum geology, mining, water recovery and waste disposal. Labs present techniques to interpret and evaluate deformed rock in map, cross section, and three-dimensional views. Three lecture hours and one 3-hour lab per week. Field trips are required, although alternative arrangements will be made where necessary. Course fee required. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify in the field and interpret both brittle and ductile structural deformation. 2. Produce a viable geological cross section from structural data. 3. Conduct a kinematic structural analysis of an area and relate deformation kinematics to tectonic processes. 4. Conduct a dynamic structural analysis, formulate constitutive equations for deformation, and quantify the contribution of each deformational mechanism in a region. 5. Assess and justify the best location to drill for water, oil, or gas, predict the location of mineral resources, and/or judge the environmental impact of toxic waste disposal from a set of structural data. Prerequisites: GEO 1110 and 1115; and MATH 1060 or MATH 1080 or higher level MATH (All grade C or higher). SP (odd)
    ShareGEO 3700 - Structural Geology and Tectonics

  • GEO 3710: Hydrology

    3.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    This course includes the study of some important aspects in the field of hydrology including hydrological cycle and its components such as precipitation, infiltration and evapotranspiration. In this course, students will learn how to collect hydrological data, understand and employ the common numerical methods, and analyze the data to estimate the hydrologic cycle components. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and differentiate the essential components of the hydrologic cycle. 2. Complete engineering hydrology computations and water balance. 3. Analyze experimental hydrological data. 4. Collaborate with other students and serve as effective members of multidisciplinary project teams. SP (even)
    ShareGEO 3710 - Hydrology

  • GEO 3910: Applied Geologic Investigation of Iceland

    3.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    Iceland, the land of fire and ice, offers students an experiential learning opportunity to study nearly every basic topic in Geology. Both tectonic processes powered by Earth's internal energy such as plate boundaries, volcanoes, earthquakes, and geysers, and gradation processes powered by the sun such as glaciers, rivers, shorelines, weathering and erosion are observed first hand. Environmental issues like resource use and its relationship to climate change and utilizing geothermal as a green energy resource to generate electricity are also examined. Course participants will meet for an hour a week during the semester then travel to Iceland for a six day travel abroad experience. Pre-trip classes include the above topics to prepare students to understand their experiences in Iceland. For international travel, see studyabroad.utahtech.edu for additional travel costs that may apply. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify evidence that meets the criteria of science in recognizing and differentiating hypotheses, theories and/or laws using the resources of Iceland. 2. Apply the concepts of both stratigraphic and radiometric dating to interpret physical and biologic events in Earth history as evidenced in Iceland. 3. Identify Iceland's geologic and geographic landforms and explain both their formation (origin) and potential geologic hazards. 4. Identify Iceland's economically important Earth materials and natural resources and their impacts on global climate change, politics, and economics. 5. Describe how the geology of Iceland is explained by the theory of plate tectonics. SP
    ShareGEO 3910 - Applied Geologic Investigation of Iceland

  • GEO 3920: Applied Geological Investigation of the Andes

    3.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    A course that introduces students to the incredible geology of the Andes. The course will meet for one hour per week during the semester; participants will also travel to the Andes for a study abroad experience. Students will travel to multiple locations across the Andes mountain belt to develop a synoptic perspective of crustal deformation, magmatism, Earth resources, and how they relate to plate tectonics in Earth's second largest mountain belt. Classroom work will include readings and assignments related to Andean geology. Offered upon sufficient student need. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will: 1. Make observations and interpretations about the geologic processes and evolution of the Andean mountain belt. 2. Evaluate geologic hypotheses using evidence from field observations and scientific literature. 3. Present scientific information about geologic processes and topics to peers. 4. Engage in scientific discussions across cultural boundaries. Prerequisites: GEO 1110 (Grade C- or higher) or instructor permission.
    ShareGEO 3920 - Applied Geological Investigation of the Andes

  • GEO 4000R: Selected Geology Field Excursions

    1.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    The course consists of a 1-week geological field trip to a rotating location, typically during Spring Break and within the western US. Students will build on their classroom learning to investigate the broad range of geologic processes that have affected and are affecting the Earth's lithosphere, climate, and landscapes. Field observational skills and application of geological knowledge are emphasized. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)** At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe geologic processes that affect or have affected the investigated area. 2. Assess the importance of the studied processes to the evolution of the Earth. 3. Evaluate scientific literature on the selected areas and topics. 4. Prepare and present scientific information about the areas and topics to peers. 5. Describe how these geologic processes affect human society and economics. Course fee required. Prerequisites: GEO 1110 or instructor permission.
    ShareGEO 4000R - Selected Geology Field Excursions

  • GEO 4600: Field Geology

    5.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    An intensive, field-based course that gives students hands-on experience with geoscience field research, including geologic mapping, data collection, and interpretation and communication of field results. Important note: the course meets only for mandatory field exercises throughout the semester as follows: 3 day trip over Presidents Day weekend; 8 day trip over Spring Break; 12 day trip immediately following commencement. The course additionally touches on several societally relevant applications of geologic data, including analysis of geologic hazards and resource distribution. The techniques and scientific reasoning students gain in the course provide a foundation for pursuing a variety of different geoscience career paths. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Develop a map and interpret the geology of a given area to understand its regional geologic history. 2. Apply a hypothesis-based framework to field observation and interpretation. 3. Use geologic mapping and related techniques to characterize geologic hazards and natural resource potential. 4. Communicate their findings both in writing and verbally, and produce standard geologic data products, including geologic maps, cross sections, and reports. Prerequisites: GEO 2700R, and GEO 3550, and GEO 3700 (GEO 3700 can be taken concurrently); All grade C or higher. Course fee required. SP (odd)
    ShareGEO 4600 - Field Geology

  • GEO 4800R: Independent Research

    1.00 - 3.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    An independent research course that allows the students to explore science through the scientific method, and allows close interaction between the student and faculty member to address scientific problems through experiment design and execution. Projects are at the discretion of the faculty member, in line with the student's interests in the various scientific areas. Repeatable up to 6 credits subject to graduation and program restrictions. Variable credit: 1-3. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Use the scientific method to develop hypothesis for a research project in the environmental sciences, design experiments or identify resources from which to collect data, and draw conclusions from results. 2. Design and modify experiments throughout the progress of a research project. 3. Complete research projects independently while also interacting with other students and faculty that are engaged in the project. 4. Utilize outside resources (scientific databases, literature, etc) to interpret results and compare to existing and previous work in the field of your research project. Prerequisite: GEO 2700R (Grade C- or higher) or instructor permission. FA, SP, SU
    ShareGEO 4800R - Independent Research

  • GEO 4890R: Geological Sciences Internship

    1.00 - 3.00 Credits
    Utah Tech University

    For students who are granted and accept an internship with an approved employer, or a governmental, non-profit, or private agency, that provides an extensive learning experience in the field of Geological Sciences. Students must be supervised by an agency representative and a faculty advisor. Written contracts of expectations and terms and permission of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department Chair are required. No more than 6 credits in any combination of internship, independent research, or senior thesis can count toward Geological Sciences degree requirements. Variable credit: 1.0 - 3.0. Repeatable up to 8 credits subject to graduation and program restrictions. Offered based upon sufficient student need. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will: 1. Acquire work experience and an insight as to the type of career possible by observing a qualified provider. 2. Employ proficient writing skills by producing a summary paper at the conclusion of the internship. 3. Demonstrate collaborative team skills while participating in the internship experience. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. SU
    ShareGEO 4890R - Geological Sciences Internship