01-02 LS&A Bulletin

Courses in Geological Sciences (Division 377)

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GEOSCI 100. Coral Reefs.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 156 (or 260). (1). (NS). (BS).; Coral Reefs is an in-depth tour of the biological and physical processes active in modern reef systems to provide a detailed understanding of the ecology of the individual organisms and the complex nature of their interactions within the reef community. Evolution of the reef community is examined, ranging from the crude framework structures formed over one billion years ago by primitive algae to luxuriant and diversified reefs of the modern-day oceans, to define the evolutionary strategies through geologic time, the implications of man's intervention with the Earth's hydrosphere and atmosphere on the character of future reef communities are considered.
GEOSCI 101. Waves and Beaches.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 152 (or 276). (1). (NS). (BS).; This course focuses on various coastal environments and the degree to which man has modified these natural systems. For example, the State of Louisiana is forty square miles smaller this year than last, and erosion along Michigan shores results in annual losses estimated at millions of dollars. These and other processes are directly or indirectly related to man's activities.
GEOSCI 102. Energy from the Earth.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); (1). (NS). (BS).; The nature, mode of occurrence, and the technology of exploration and exploitation of energy resources, and their relevance to the present and future world energy needs. Special attention is given to oil, gas, oil shale, tar sands, coal, uranium, and geothermal resources.
GEOSCI 103. Dinosaurs and Other Failures.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 149 (or 273). (1). (NS). (BS).; Some of the outstanding "failures" in evolutionary history also involve the most interesting success stories. This course looks at the fossil record and the ecological causes of diversification and extinction of the ruling reptiles.
GEOSCI 104. Ice Ages, Past and Future.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 151 (or 275). (1). (NS). (BS).; This course examines the effects of past glaciations on the landscape and on life, and on man in particular. Speculation on the causes of the ice ages that have dominated the earth for the past million years and predictions of future ice ages, based on current geological research, are examined. The course includes a half-day field trip in the area around Ann Arbor.
GEOSCI 105. Continents Adrift.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 205 or 146 (or 270). (1). (NS). (BS).; The seemingly stable land masses of the world are in motion. Continental collision and fragmentation are only a few of the attendant processes associated with these motions. This course deals with the modern concept of plate tectonics and continental drift, the processes, and the products of this dynamic system.
GEOSCI 106. Fossils, Primates, and Human Evolution.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 125. (1). (NS). (BS).; The fossil record, particularly that of primates, is used to document the course of human evolution.
GEOSCI 107. Volcanoes and Earthquakes.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 205, 146, or 147 (or 270 or 271). (1). (NS). (BS).; The earth in action; geography of earthquakes and volcanoes and catastrophic events in historic times; size and frequency of occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; the products of volcanism, volcanic rocks, and volcanic and geologic activity through geologic time; volcanic exhalations and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and oceans; the relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and the internal dynamics of the earth; and volcanism and geothermal energy, man-made earthquakes, and earthquake prediction and control.
GEOSCI 110. The History of the Oceans.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 222. (1). (NS). (BS).; The history of past oceanic life, events, and environments as recorded in seafloor sediments is examined and discussed.
GEOSCI 111. Climate and Mankind.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 201 or 151 (or 275). (1). (NS). (BS).; A short, half-term lecture course covering topics including weather, climate factors, climate classification, climate change and its influence on societies, climate change and pollution.
GEOSCI 113. Planets and Moons.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 204 or 158 (or 278). (1). (NS). (BS).; A current survey of the geology of the solar system in light of the extraordinary advances in planetary exploration during the past decade. Historical development of geological ideas about the solar system, including processes on earth and those of other bodies in the solar system.
GEOSCI 114. The Elements.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High School math, physics, and chemistry. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 142 (or 266). (1). (NS). (BS).; This is a half-term courses on the origin, abundance, and distribution of elements in the solar system. Topics include a review of the periodic table of elements; chemical and nuclear properties of elements; nuclide stability and reactions; nucleosynthesis (i.e., why do stars shine?) and element formation in stars (hydrogen burning, helium burning and subsequent processes, and s-, r-, and x-processes); abundance and distribution of elements and isotopes in the sun, Earth, and planets.
GEOSCI 115. Geologic Time.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 135 or 145 (or 269). (1). (NS). (BS).; Examines various aspects of geologic time, its measurement, its dimensions and its implications with respect to rates and events of geological and biological change.
GEOSCI 116. Introductory Geology in the Field.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Reduced credit is granted for GS 116 to those with credit for an introductory course in geology on campus (GS 117, 118, 119, 120, 205, or 206). Contact the department undergraduate advisor for details about reduced credit. IIIb at Camp Davis, Wyoming. (8). (NS). (BS).; An introduction to geology in the field, this course is the equivalent of Geology 117 or 121 but is taught at Camp Davis, the University's Rocky Mountain Field Station near Jackson, Wyoming. The principles and procedures involved in the study of earth materials and processes are stressed. Minerals, rocks, and fossils are studied in their natural settings. Lectures are given both in camp and in the field, but a majority of time is spent outdoors in the nearby Teton, Hoback, Gros Ventre, and Snake River Ranges. Trips are also taken to areas of special significance including the Wind River Range, Craters of the Moon, and Yellowstone Park. Lectures, laboratory, and extensive field studies. Contact the department at 1006 C. C. Little Building between November and February for application form and more detailed information.
GEOSCI 117. Introduction to Geology.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 116, 119, or 120. Those with credit for GS 205 may only elect GS 117 for 4 credits. I and II. (5). (NS). (BS).; A basic single-term course in introductory geology concentrating on the evolution of the earth in physical and chemical terms. Reference to the interaction of the external biosphere- atmosphere- hydrosphere with the earth's interior is an essential component of the course. The laboratory provides a practical study of minerals, rocks, fossils and geologic maps. One hour each week is scheduled for review and discussion of topics covered in class. Lectures, laboratory and discussion.
GEOSCI 118. Introductory Geology Laboratory.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Prior or concurrent enrollment in GS 119, or 205 and 206, or 135. Credit is not granted for GS 118 to those with credit for an introductory course in geology (GS 116, 117, or 218). I and II. (1). (NS). (BS).; A one-term laboratory course covering the laboratory portion of Geology 117. Provides background in physical aspects of geological materials.
GEOSCI 119. Introductory Geology Lectures.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 116, 117, 120. No credit granted to those who have completed both 205 and 206. Those with credit for GS 205 may only elect GS 119 for 3 credits. I and II. (4). (NS). (BS).; Consists of lectures shared with Geology 117 but does not include the laboratory section. A separate discussion section is also scheduled to ensure continuity with class material and student-teacher contact. Students interested in a one-term laboratory introductory science course should elect Geology 117. Lectures and discussion.
GEOSCI 120. Geology of National Parks and Monuments.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Credit is not granted for GS 120 to those with credit for an introductory course in geology (116, 117, 119). No credit granted to those who have completed both GS 205 and 206. II. (4). (NS). (BS).; This course approaches earth history by examining the geology of places rather than geological processes. There are three lectures each week and one two-hour demonstration. Lecture material covers the geologic history of selected National Parks and Monuments chosen so that those in which the oldest rocks are exposed are discussed first. The demonstrations provide first-hand experience with rocks, minerals, and fossils and an opportunity to discuss these in small groups.
GEOSCI 124 / ENVRNSTD 124 / AOSS 124. Environment, People, Resources.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); (2). (NS). (BS).; Human interaction with the environment including the history and politics of environmental change, an introduction to ecology, population and hunger, agriculture, and the exploitation of biological resources.
GEOSCI 125. Evolution and Extinction.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Those with credit for GS 106 may only elect GS 125 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS). May not be included in a concentration plan in geological sciences.; This course presents a review of the origin and development of animal life with special emphasis on the fossil record. Other sources of data in support of the evolutionary concept, some of the general principles and procedures for the interpretation of such data, and the historical and philosophical impact of the concept of evolution are also considered.
GEOSCI 130 / PHYSICS 119 / CHEM 108. The Physical World.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High-school algebra. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).; A lecture course which introduces physics, chemistry and algebraic concepts of Earth and Planetary Science on a quantitative basis.
GEOSCI 135. History of the Earth.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school chemistry, physics, and mathematics recommended. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 145 (or 269). Those with credit for GS 115 may only elect GS 135 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Methods of measuring time and determining age. Accretion, primary differentiation, and thermal, compositional, and structural evolution of the bulk earth. Development of continental and oceanic lithosphere, plate tectonics through time. History of the crust, sediments, oceans, atmosphere, and life. Earth history from the perspective of the moon and other terrestrial planets.
GEOSCI 140. Science and the Media.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school science highly recommended. Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS).; Examines the relationship between science and the media through a series of case studies of recent and important scientific breakthroughs, primarily from earth and environmental sciences.
GEOSCI 141. How to Build a Habitable Planet.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS).; This seminar ranges from the formation of the universe, stars and planets, to Earth's earliest beginnings and subsequent evolution, to societal interactions with natural hazards, resources, and environment.
GEOSCI 142. From Stars to Stones.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school math and science. Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 114 may only elect GS 142 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; This course journeys from stellar evolution and the make-up of the elements in stars, to the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets.
GEOSCI 145. Evolution of the Earth.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 135. Those with credit for GS 115 may only elect GS 145 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; This course explains the evidence for the formation and subsequent evolution of the Earth, including how time is measured using nuclear techniques and how the Earth is changing at the present.
GEOSCI 146. Plate Tectonics.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed three of GS 105, 107, and 205. Those with credit for one of GS 105 and 107 may only elect GS 146 for two credits. Those with credit for GS 205, or both GS 105 and 107, may only elect GS 146 for one credit. (3). (NS). (BS).; The theory of plate tectonics explains the mobility of continental and oceanic domains ("continental drift") with respect to each other. Earthquakes, volcanoes and fossil magnetism in rocks provide the evidence.
GEOSCI 147. Natural Hazards.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 107 or 205 may only elect GS 147 for 2 credits. Those who have credit for both GS 107 and 205 may only elect 147 for 1 credit. (3). (NS). (BS).; Seminar exploring various kinds of natural hazards, with emphasis on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or tsunamis. Includes current status of prediction research.
GEOSCI 148. Seminar: Environmental Geology.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school math and science. Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 284. Those with credit for GS 109 may only elect GS 148 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Examination of interactions between people and their physical environment: case histories and discussions of selected environmental problems including natural hazards, water resources, nuclear waste disposal and geologic aspects of environmental health.
GEOSCI 149. Contemporary Dinosaurs.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 103 may only elect GS 149 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Contemporary Dinosaurs examines in a seminar format an understanding of dinosaurs and other fossil reptiles, and the history and philosophy of their study.
GEOSCI 150. Dinosaur Extinction and Other Controversies.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS).; This course examines the philosophical issues raised: (1) What constitutes scientific evidence?; and (2) How do we distinguish science from non-science? Controversies examined include the possibility that the dinosaur extinction was caused by meteor impact, creationism vs. evolution and global warming.
GEOSCI 151. The Ice Ages: Past and Present.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 104 may only elect GS 151 for 2 credits. I. (3). (NS). (BS).; Characteristics of the Earth's climate system and how the various components of that system operate to produce times when extensive ice sheets cover large parts of the Earth's surface. The role in climate change of the ice sheets themselves, the astronomical inputs, the oceans, the atmosphere, and the movement of the continental and ocean boundaries are presented and discussed.
GEOSCI 152. Coastal Systems and Human Settlements.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 101 may only elect GS 152 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Introduces students to those geologic processes which have given rise to coastlines of the world, establishing a basis for understanding why these regions have been in a state of rapid change for thousands of years, examining the reasons why human modification of coasts and adjacent rivers has commonly exacerbated this situation, and explores the ramifications of anticipated global warming and attendant global sea level rise in the coming decades.
GEOSCI 153. Earthlike Planets.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school science and math recommended. Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All other students need permission of instructor. Those with credit for GS 113 may only elect GS 153 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Introduces students, in a seminar format, the freshman or sophomore undergraduate to the terrestrial planets. Studies of solid planets are used as a vehicle to better understand our own world and the methodology and limitations of science in the presence of conflicting hypotheses and ambiguous data.
GEOSCI 154(279). Ocean Resources.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school science and math recommended. Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. II. (3). (NS). (BS).; Survey of oceanography and the resources of the ocean. Consideration of conflicts arising from overexploitation and competing uses of the ocean and its resources.
GEOSCI 155. Evolution of North America.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students (including first-year students with sophomore standing) may pre-register for this course. All others need permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 411. (3). (NS). (BS).; This course is intended to develop concepts about earth history based on the midcontinental rock record available on a field trip encircling Lake Huron, including southern Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula, the Laurentian Shield via Perry Sound, Sudbury, Elliot Lake and the east shore of Lake Superior, and returning through northern Michigan. Through seminar discussion and individual presentation the students master a geological framework from which to examine corresponding rocks in the field.
GEOSCI 157. History of Earth Science.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All others need permission of instructor. (3). (NS). (BS).; This course explores the development of ideas in the history of earth science and the evolution of our understanding of the earth and its environment, from the classical scholars to the plate tectonic revolution. Students learn central geological concepts and develop a sense for the nature of science and the scientific method within the historical context.
GEOSCI 171 / UC 110 / BIOLOGY 110 / NRE 110 / AOSS 171. Introduction to Global Change I.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); I. (4). (NS). (BS).; The University of Michigan offers an interdisciplinary three semester introductory course sequence which investigates the causes and potential impacts of these changes using a combination of traditional lecture-based and modern web-based teaching methodologies. This first semester course deals with issues relating to the physical, chemical and biological cycles contributing to Global Change. Students apply learned knowledge by using systems modeling software to investigate the dynamics of natural systems.
GEOSCI 201 / GEOG 201. Introductory Geography: Water, Climate, and Mankind.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 144 (or 268). Those with credit for GS 111 may only elect GS 201 for 3 credits. I. (4; 3 in the half-term). (NS). (BS).; Introduction to hydrology and climatology. Emphasizes the study of maps, seasons, time, atmosphere, radiation, heat balance, circulation, moisture, precipitation, changes in climate (glaciers), air masses (fronts) and water supply. Lectures and laboratory.
GEOSCI 204 / AOSS 204 / ASTRO 204. The Planets: Their Geology and Climates.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); High school mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry. Those with credit for GS 113 may only elect GS 204 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).; Structure, composition and evolutionary history of the surfaces and atmospheres of the planets and their satellites, with special emphasis given to comparative aspects of geology and climatology. Intended for non-science concentrators with a background in high school math and science.
GEOSCI 205. How the Earth Works: the Dynamic Planet.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 117, 119, or 146 (or 270). No credit granted to those who have completed both GS 105 and 107. Those with credit for one of GS 105 and 107 may only elect GS 205 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).; An integrated look at the dynamic earth. Processes from its formation 4.56 billion years ago, its subsequent evolution to today's earthquake and volcanic activity are examined in a view of a continuously evolving planet.
GEOSCI 206. How the Earth Works: the Water Cycle and Environment.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Those with credit for GS 109 may only elect GS 206 for 1 credit. (2). (NS). (BS).; Earth surface processes as they affect water and the global biogeochemical environment. Quantifies rates of water and elemental exchange between major earth surface reservoirs. Surface rock weathering and geochemical exchange described.
GEOSCI 207. How the Earth Works: A Hands-On Experience.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 116, 117, 118, or 120. (2). (NS). (BS).; A practicum for students that combines a lecture and a laboratory session on environmental geology issues.
GEOSCI 222. Introductory Oceanography.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in AOSS 203. (3). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).; The oceans of earth, their circulation, biology, chemistry, geology of the sea floor, and marine resources. Emphasis is on understanding the oceans as a single ecosystem.
GEOSCI 223. Introductory Oceanography, Laboratory.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Concurrent enrollment in GS 222. (1). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).; Laboratory course to be elected concurrently with Geology 222. One three-hour lab each week.
GEOSCI 231. Elements of Mineralogy.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Prior or concurrent enrollment in Chem. 125/130 or 210/211. Those with credit for GS 232 may elect GS 231 for only 2 credits. I. (4). (Excl). (BS). No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Geology 431.; General survey of properties of inorganic solids including elementary crystallography and crystal chemistry, with emphasis on application to mineralogical and geological problems. Laboratory study of the properties of the more important minerals and an introduction to the optical properties of minerals. Field trips required.
GEOSCI 232. Earth Materials.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Prior or concurrent enrollment in Chem 125/130 or 210/211. Those with credit for GS 231 may elect GS 232 for only 2 credits. (4). (NS). (BS).; This course is a required part of the Environmental Geology concentration program. It comprises an introduction to the inorganic materials, and processes involving materials, which occur at or near the earth's surface and which therefore are fundamental to processes of environmental significance. The order of major subjects is (1) fluids and their properties, (2) crystal structural and crystal chemical properties of crystalline solid phases, (3) general chemical relationships among phases, (4) systematics of significant mineral groups, especially clay minerals, and (5) minerals and processes among minerals in weathering, diagenetic, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic systems.
GEOSCI 280 / ENVRNSTD 280. Mineral Resources, Economics, and the Environment.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); II. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).; This course deals with mineral resource-related problems in a complex society. The course discusses the origin, distribution, and remaining supplies of mineral resources in terms of the economic, engineering, political, and environmental factors that govern their recovery, processing, and use.
GEOSCI 284. Environmental Geology.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 148 (or 272). Those with credit for GS 147 (or 271) may only elect GS 284 for 3 credits. (4). (NS). (BS).; Deals with interactions between people and Earth. It begins with an introduction to geologic materials and processes and goes on to specific topics such as soil, surface and groundwater, natural hazards (volcanism, landslides, earthquakes, floods, coastal processes), geomedicine, and waste disposal.
GEOSCI 305. Sedimentary Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); An introductory geological sciences laboratory course. I. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Properties of sediments and their origin, transportation, deposition, lithification, and diagenesis followed by ecology and environmental analysis, paleoecology, facies analysis, and an introduction to stratigraphic methods and principles. Lectures, laboratory, and field trip.
GEOSCI 310. Petrology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 231 and either an introductory geological sciences course or GS 351 to be elected prior to or concurrently with GS 310. II. (4). (Excl). (BS).; An introductory course on igneous and metamorphic rocks. Principles of partial melting, crystallization, intrusion and eruption, followed by a systematic examination of metamorphism of common rock types, all placed in a platetectonic context.
GEOSCI 351. Structural Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 117 or 119. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 451. II. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Description and analysis of geological structures in the Earth's crust and introduction to global tectonics. Three lectures and one laboratory session weekly. The following topics are covered: the description of geological structures; the kinematics and dynamics of folding and faulting; stress, strain, deformation and rheology; introduction to dislocation theory; micro-structural analysis; principles of plate tectonics; selected orogenic systems of the world. This is a core course for concentrators, but is open to all who want to have a basic knowledge of geology.
GEOSCI 411. Geology of Michigan.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 155 (or 283). (3). (Excl). (BS).; Suitable for students with a limited background in science and geology. Basic principles of geology are outlined in the course and used to explore the four billion years of geologic evolution of the Upper Great Lakes region by way of lectures, interpretation of geologic maps, and field exercises.
GEOSCI 415. Introductory Economic Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 310 or 351. I. (4). (Excl). (BS).; An introduction to the geology of mineral deposits and to the scientific principles and economics involved in their discovery and utilization. Weekly, problem oriented laboratories provide experience in the identification and interpretation of ores in hand specimens, thin sections, and polished sections.
GEOSCI 416. Organismal Function and Evolution.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); Biol. 162 or Geol. 418; Math. 115; Physics 125. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Organisms must obey the law of physics, thus their morphology is governed or constrained by them. This course introduces the relevant principles of physics and explores how organisms can be understood in terms of the environment they encounter. The course illustrates why physics is important to biology and broadens the physics background of biology/paleontology students.
GEOSCI 417. Geology of the Great Lakes.: (Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-concentrators); One college level science course. Permission of instructor. (2). (Excl). (BS).; Geologic history of the late-glacial and post-glacial Great Lakes of North America, with emphasis on evaluation of evidence. Related topics such as lake circulation, bedrock setting, and physical environment of sedimentation, and paleoclimate records are examines
GEOSCI 418. Paleontology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 117 or Biol. 162. I. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Introduction to the principles, methods of analysis, and major controversies within paleontology; familiarization with the fossil record (primarily, but not exclusively, of invertebrates) and its use in problems involving evolutionary biology, paleoecology, and general earth history. Lectures and required field trip.
GEOSCI 419. Paleontology Laboratory.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Prior or concurrent enrollment in GS 418. I. (1). (Excl). (BS).; This laboratory course involves observation, analysis, and interpretation of fossil and relevant recent materials, primarily invertebrates. Its goal is to give the student experience in dealing with paleontological problems and to develop a familiarity with the systematics and morphology of important groups of fossil organisms.
GEOSCI 420. Introductory Earth Physics.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Math. 116. I. (3). (Excl). (BS).; This course is intended to be a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the solid earth. Topics to be included are: seismology and structure of the earth's interior; geodynamics; gravity and the figure of the earth; isostasy; geomagnetism and paleomagnetism and its implications for plate tectonics; geothermics and the thermal history of the earth.
GEOSCI 422. Principles of Geochemistry.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 231, 305, 310 and Chem. 125/130. II. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Instruction is directed toward how geochemical methods, such as stable isotope and trace element analysis, radioactive age dating, determination of phase relations of minerals and melts at low to high temperature and pressure, and computation of or experimentation on equilibria in the hydrosphere, hydrothermal solutions, and metamorphic and igneous systems, can unravel and provide insight into the origin and chemical evolution of the earth and its parts (core, mantle, crustal rocks).
GEOSCI 425. Environmental Geochemistry.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Introductory chemistry. (3). (Excl). (BS).; This course deals with the geochemistry of our environment. It focuses on the geochemistry of the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere and the ways in which they affect the biosphere. Applications of these principles to present-day problems in environmental geochemistry are discussed.
GEOSCI 426. Quantum Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Math through 216, and one of: mineralogy, petrology, solid-state chemistry, solid-state physics, or materials science; or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl). (BS).; This course provides a foundation in basic physical principles for the interpretation of the state and behavior of earth materials in the field and laboratory, including fluids, minerals, and melts. Central geological concepts from mineral and fluid chemistry, thermodynamics, and transport are analyzed in terms of the underlying quantum and statistical mechanics.
GEOSCI 427. Environmental and Technological Applications of Mineralogy.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Geology 231/232, comparable courses in the solid-state, or the approval of the instructor. (3). (Excl). (BS).; This course introduces basic principals in mineralogy and materials science with their application to environmental and technological problems. Topics include phase transitions, corrosion and alteration, trace element behavior, colloids and surfaces. Materials discussed include clays, soils, cement, zeolites, and actinide/toxic metal phases.
GEOSCI 430. Depositional Environments.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Deals with advanced concepts in the deposition of sedimentary rocks. Includes an examination of important processes and products of sediment accumulation in the major terrigenous clastic, carbonate, and evaporite depositional systems including both continental and oceanic settings where appropriate.
GEOSCI 433. Field Studies in Economic Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-4). (Excl). (BS). May be repeated for credit.; Field Studies in Economic Geology.
GEOSCI 435. Field Studies in Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-4). (Excl). (BS). May be repeated for credit.; Field Studies in Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry.
GEOSCI 437. Evolution of Vertebrates.: (Primarily for Concentrators); A course in general biology or historical geology. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Lectures and laboratory exercises on the anatomy, ecology, and phylogeny of vertebrates with emphasis on adaptation and evolution.
GEOSCI 438. Evolution of the Primates.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Survey of living primates and analysis of the primate fossil record. Reconstruction of paleobiology of fossils Plesiadapis, Notharctus, Aegyptopithecus, Proconsul, etc., is followed by analysis of the origin, systematic relationships, and major adaptive radiations of primates.
GEOSCI 439. Fossil Record and Evolution of Mammals.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Contribution of fossil record to our understanding of the evolutionary process and the origin, radiation, and systematic relationships of mammals. Emphasis on functional anatomy, origin of modern mammalian orders in the Paleocene and Eocene, and the Miocene to recent faunal history of mammals.
GEOSCI 440. Field Course in Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Elementary trigonometry, GS 310 and 351. IIIb at Camp Davis, Wyoming. (8). (Excl). (BS).; Field instruction in structural geology, geomorphology, stratigraphy, and economic geology taught at Camp Davis, the University's Rocky Mountain Field Station near Jackson, Wyoming. Includes use of plane table and aerial photographs in geologic mapping. Contact the department in 2534 C.C. Little Building between November and February for application form and more detailed information.
GEOSCI 441. Field Course in Environmental Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); One of GS 116, 117 or 119; or GS 205 and 206. IIIb at Camp Davis, Wyoming. (4 in the half-term). (Excl).; A four week field course in general and environmental geology held at Camp Davis, Wyoming for students concentrating in Environmental or General Geology. Students are introduced to the basics of geologic mapping and the tectonic evolution of North America. The course culminates with a final project on surficial, geological processes of environmental importance. Contact the department in 2534 C.C. Little Building for application form and more detailed information.
GEOSCI 442. Earth Surface Processes and Soils.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Upperclass standing; an introductory course in physical geology is recommended but not required. I. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Study of processes occurring on the Earth's solid surface that determine its landforms, as well as the processes by which soils form on the surface. The emphasis is on both processes in the present environment and the evolution of landforms over geological time. Several required field trips investigate landforms and processes around southern Michigan.
GEOSCI 445 / BIOLOGY 445. Biogeography.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Biol. 162. Historical Geology (or equivalent) is recommended. (3). (Excl). (BS).; The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how evolution proceeds through time in relation to geography. The course explores the limitation of distributions of organisms by barriers, including climate, effects on species formation and extinction, species abundance and richness, dispersal, and vicariance.
GEOSCI 449. Marine Geology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 222/223 or introductory physical geology. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Topography, geomorphology, sediments, processes, and environments of the oceans; characteristics of oceanic segments of the earth's crust; seafloor spreading and plate tectonics; paleooceanography and paleoclimatology.
GEOSCI 450 / BIOLOGY 485 / NRE 450 / NAVARCH 450. Aquatic Science Field Studies.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Junior science or engineering concentrators. Those with credit for GS 223 may only elect GS 450 for 5 credits. IIIa in Grand Haven, Michigan. (6 in the half-term). (Excl). (BS).; Taught near Lake Michigan. Basic concepts of physical, chemical, biological, and geological sciences as they apply to the aquatic environment are covered in lectures. Students participate in a field program and carry out an independent research project. There will be collections of many different types of organisms with various gear, measurement of temperature and nutrients in the water, monitoring of the waves and currents, and sojourns into adjacent streams and rivers to collect organisms and observe relationships with their environment.
GEOSCI 451. Introductory Earth Structure.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of Instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in GS 351. (3). (Excl). (BS). Geology and oceanography concentrators should not enroll in GS451, but elect GS 351.; Description and interpretation of geological structures in the Earth�s crust and introduction to global plate tectonics. Topics covered are: mechanics, stress, strain and deformation; hand-specimen and field description of geological structures; the kinematics and dynamics of folding and faulting; flow of rocks (rheology); introduction to dislocation theory; microstructural analysis; principles of plate tectonics; tectonic evolution of selected regions. The course is aimed at those with an interest in geology beyond the introductory level, as well as students who want a basic understanding of the outer Earth�s physical properties.
GEOSCI 455. Determinative Methods in Mineralogical and Inorganic Materials.: (Primarily for Concentrators); One term of elementary chemistry and physics. II. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Introduction to the principal quantitative methods of characterizing the chemistry and structure of inorganic phases, including X-ray diffraction, XRF, microprobe, SEM, wet chemical, optical, resonance, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Laboratory provides student with practical experience with principles covered in lectures. Designed for geologists, chemists, physicists, metallurgists, and materials scientists.
GEOSCI 465 / CHEM 467 / AOSS 467. Biogeochemical Cycles.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Math. 116, Chem. 210, and Phys. 240 (or 260). (3). (Excl). (BS).; The biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur; the atmosphere and oceans as reservoirs and reaction media; the fate of natural and human-made sources of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds; the interactions among major biogeochemical cycles and resultant global change: greenhouse gases, acid rain, and ozone depletion.
GEOSCI 467. Stratigraphy.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 305, 310, and 351. I. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Principles underlying correlation, sedimentation, and paleogeographic interpretation. Regional stratigraphy and sedimentary tectonics.
GEOSCI 473. Fundamentals of Organic Geochemistry.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 305 or Chem. 215/216. (3). (Excl). (BS).; An introduction to the fundamentals of the sources, transport, accumulation, and alterations of organic matter in sediments and sedimentary rocks. Elemental, isotopic, and molecular indicators of origins, diagenetic and catagenetic pathways of constituents of organic matter, and carbon, biogeochemical cycles. Formation of petroleum and coal.
GEOSCI 477. Hydrogeology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Phys. 140 (or 160)/141, Chem. 125/130, and Math. 116; Math. 215/216 are recommended. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Introduction to physical and chemical hydrogeology, with emphasis on process and application to geological settings. Quantification of the hydrologic cycle and physical framework and properties of aquifer systems. Development of transport equations and examples of fluid, energy, and chemical transport in porous and fractures media.
GEOSCI 478. Geochemistry of Natural Waters.: (Primarily for Concentrators); College chemistry. (4). (Excl). (BS).; The application of chemical principles to the study of rock/water interactions in natural systems. Importance of kinetics, thermodynamics and activity/concentration relating to geologic problems.
GEOSCI 479. Marine Geochemistry.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Chem. 125/130. (3). (Excl). (BS).; Distribution and composition of marine sediments, marine cycles and budgets of the elements, paleoceanography, conceptual and quantitative models of ocean composition, thermodynamic and kinetic controls on composition, seafloor hydrothermal systems, current research topics.
GEOSCI 483. Geophysics: Seismology.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Prior or concurrent election of Math. 215 and Phys. 240 (or 260). (4). (Excl). (BS).; Elastic properties of rocks, elastic waves, seismological instruments and data, use of body wave travel times, surface wave dispersion, and periods of free vibrations to infer the structure and composition of the earth's interior; earthquake intensity and magnitude scales; spatial, temporal, and magnitude distribution of earthquakes, earthquake source mechanisms, seismological contributions to understanding of earth dynamics and global tectonics, moonquakes, underground nuclear explosions and "man-made" earthquakes, and earthquake prediction and control. Lectures and laboratory.
GEOSCI 486. Geodynamics.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 420 and prior or concurrent election of Math. 215 and Phys. 240 (or 260). (3). (Excl). (BS).; Analysis of dynamic problems in geology through application of continuum and thermal physics. Concepts of stress, strain and elasticity; flow of viscous fluids; and conduction and advection of heat are developed in geological contexts. Physical basis for plate tectonics considered in detail.
GEOSCI 489. Geological Sciences Honors.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.; Readings, discussions, and special work in geological sciences for undergraduate honors students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 490.
GEOSCI 490. Geological Sciences Honors.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.; Readings, discussions, and special work in geological sciences for undergraduate honors students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 489.
GEOSCI 498. Research or Special Work.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.; Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 499.
GEOSCI 499. Research or Special Work.: (Primarily for Concentrators); Permission of instructor. (1-6). (Excl). (BS). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for a total of six credits.; Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with Geol. Sci. 498.
GEOSCI 515. Tectonics of Oceans and Continents.: (Primarily for Concentrators); GS 351. (4). (Excl). (BS).; Modern tectonic processes of plate boundaries. Tectonic evolution of oceans and continents.
GEOSCI 525. Tectonophysics.: (Primarily for Graduate Students); A basic knowledge of mathematics and physics is required; Permission of permission. (4). (Excl). (BS).; This course is aimed at incoming graduate students and senior undergraduates, and examines the basic physical processes of the dynamic Earth. The material will cover a broad range of topics that include: plate kinematics, spherical geometry, hotspot tracks, polar wander, gravity, isostasy, geoid, heat sources and heat transport, thermal structure, crystal defect-structure, brittle and ductile processes, crustal geometry, tectono-chronology, plate deformation, processes at plate boundaries, plate-driving forces, basin formation, fluid dynamics, rheologic models, whole-earth structure, mantle and core dynamics. Graduate and interested undergraduate students of all backgrounds are encouraged to take this course that offers a broad and intellectually diverse overview of the physical Earth.

Graduate Course Listings for GEOSCI.

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