Course Search Results

  • GEO 1001: Sustainable Energy

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Energy is an important resource at all levels of social development. Course examines the dependency of societies on energy resources and the interaction between social goals, technology, economics, environmental concerns, and energy resources. Fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy resources are discussed. Natural laws, the scientific method, and the application of technology are presented in the context of energy production and efficiency of utilization. Environmental pollution and energy conservation are stressed. Importance of energy resources in sustaining the world population, improving the quality of life, and assisting developing countries is also discussed.
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  • GEO 1030: Living with Quakes

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Where and why do earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur today? How do local cultural attitudes and economic conditions affect the local consequences of earthquakes and volcanoes? The concept of plate tectonics explains global patterns of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Hazards, prediction, and societal impacts are considered, using examples from many countries.
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  • GEO 1040: World of Dinosaurs

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Dinosaurs are the most celebrated fossil organisms. These remarkably diverse and successful animals inhabited every major continent, persisted more than 150 million years, and evolved numerous bizarre forms of varying body sizes. This course presents an overview of the major dinosaur groups and places them into temporal, biogeographic, and ecological context. Topics include modes of preservation, feeding adaptations, social behavior, evolution, extinction, and the origin of birds. Dinosaurs are also used as a vehicle to introduce the scientific method.
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    General Education Course

  • GEO 1050: National Parks Geology

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    National parks are one of the United States' greatest treasures. But what makes these places so beautiful and unique? How did the amazing landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite come to be? In this course we will address these questions from the perspective of earth science. Students will be introduced to fantastic geologic processes that make natural wonders like the collision of tectonic plates, the eruption of supervolcanoes, and the sculpting of mountains by glaciers. In addition to exploring national parks as an expression of the earth system, we will also consider them as a cultural phenomenon. We will address how natural wonders become national parks and how the social, political and economic history of parks varies around the globe in fascinating ways.
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  • GEO 1100: Evolving Earth

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    This course will explore the different systems that shape our evolving Earth through time. We will consider the planet's formation and composition; history of continents and oceans; and balance of life and energy. We will introduce the many systems that drive change on Earth through time: tectonics, water, carbon, life, and climate. Students will learn what distinguishes the major phases of Earth's past and they will become familiar with the fundamental cycles that shape present environments and ecosystems. This course serves as context for subsequent Geology and Geophysics core curriculum. GEO1220 at other USHE institutions articulates to this course.
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    General Education Course

  • GEO 1110: Intr to Earth Systems

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Overview of Earth materials, structure, history and processes from a systems perspective. Methods of geological observation and measurement, and their applications to problems in science and engineering. Must also register for GEO 1115.
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  • GEO 1120: Earth System Science

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Ice sheets are melting, biodiversity is being lost, and the climate is warming. An understanding of these processes and their relationship to imbalances in the components of the Earth system is fundamental for all citizens. The Earth system components, i.e. the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the solid Earth, and the biota interact at various temporal and spacial scales and through positive and negative feedback mechanisms to determine the state of our planet. Major environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion and human threats to biodiversity indicate that the systems are out of balance. In this course, students will introduced to the physical processes that underlie global change using a systems approach. Courses with similar titles at the university are at a level too advanced for first-year students, focus on one component of the Earth System , e.g. the solid Earth, or focus specifically on the effects of/solutions to global warming and solutions. This course will provide an interdisciplinary overview of the integrated Earth System. Case study investigations and an active classroom environment will equip students with the critical thinking and quantitative skills to engage with modern environmental issues that span disciplinary boundaries. and solutions.
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  • GEO 1130: Contaminant Threats

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Frequently we hear about threat of exposure to toxic spills, PFAS, microplastics, and dust from the Great Salt Lake. We exist within an ecosystem built on a foundation involving bacteria that mediate unintended consequences of human industry. There is a need to impart perspective that allows rational scaling of risks from various exposures according to perceived versus actual risk. This class explores conceptually and in simple terms the intertwined life and physical science origins of, impacts from, and solutions for, contaminant exposures.
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  • GEO 1150: Solar System

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    Astronomy--from ancient to modern times. Central theme will be the attempt to understand the nature and origin of our solar system starting with early ideas of the cosmos, proceeding through investigations that led to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and culminating with the observations and discoveries made by the 20th-century space program. Topics will include apparent motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars; seasons and eclipses; principles of light and telescopes. Current films of the planets and their moons, demos and other multimedia activities will enhance the course. The latest Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and other modern satellite images will supplement the course. Discovery of thousands of planets orbiting other stars will be discussed and related to the creation of our own solar system.
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  • GEO 1180: Marine Bio Through Time

    3.00 Credits
    University of Utah

    This course explores animals & ecosystems of Earth's oceans ' today and from deep prehistory. Each week features a key animal or ecosystem, showcasing emerging research of living and fossil examples. Topics include the rise of whales and penguins; boom and bust reefs; and ways that animals swim, glide, and build homes in the seas. Two half-day field trips take students to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Salt Lake City's own Permian fossil beds. No Prerequisite, 3 credits, two 80-minute sessions weekly for discussion, lecture, and hands-on activities with fossils.
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