G.S. 100-115 are short (half-term) courses. They consist of detailed examinations of restricted geologic topics. The department lists the specific courses from this series in the Time Schedule for the terms they are offered (fall and winter terms only). Each course, when offered, meets twice weekly for half of the term (first half or second half), and the specific dates for each course are printed in the Time Schedule. These courses are designed primarily for students with no prior geologic training and they are open to all interested persons. G.S. 100-115 are offered on the graded pattern (optional pass/fail).
100. Coral Reefs. (1). (NS).
Coral Reefs will be 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 will be examined, ranging from the crude framework structures formed over one billion years ago
by primitive algae to the luxuriant and diversified reefs of the
modern-day oceans, to define the evolutionary strategies of reef
building organisms. By tracking these 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 will be considered. Cost:1 WL:4 (Lohmann)
102. Energy from the Earth. (1). (NS).
A survey of the principle energy resources from the Earth; hydrocarbon
(oil and natural gas), coal, tar sand, oil shale, uranium, and geothermal. Discussions will cover the geology of these resources (e.g., composition, setting, and nature of deposits), recovery technology, use, and the impact of energy resources on
social, political and ecological policies. No prerequisites; a
course in elementary chemistry (high school or university) would
be helpful. Lecture only. No text. Grade is based on one short
assignment or quiz and a final examination. Cost:1 WL:4 (Richards)
103. Dinosaurs and Other Failures. (1).
(NS).
This course will provide an introduction to our current understanding
of dinosaurs and certain other reptilian groups of the Mesozoic
Era. It is intended for students with an interest in geology, paleontology, or evolution, but does not require prior training
in these fields. The course will deal with broad features of the
evolutionary history of dinosaurs, methods of reconstructing dinosaur
behavior and ecology, new developments in our interpretation of the biology of dinosaurs, and possible causes for the extinction
of dinosaurs. There will be two lectures each week and a single
exam at the end of the course. Cost:1 WL:3 or 4 (Cox)
105. Continents Adrift. (1). (NS).
In this one-credit course we will explore the mobility of the
continents and oceans in present and past times. The goals of this course are to present the most exciting recent developments
in the earth sciences, a unifying concept that explains ocean
evolution, mountain building, earthquakes and volcanoes. Conceptual
and factual material will be used to explain the principles of
plate tectonics and the dynamics of the solid earth. No special
background is needed. Evaluation will based on a final exam. Cost:1
WL:4 (Meert)
106. Fossils, Primates, and Human Evolution. (1).
(NS).
Anatomical and behavioral characteristics of living primates are
reviewed, and the fossil record is used to document the course
of human evolution through the past 60 million years. No special
background is required. Students seeking a more detailed course
with laboratory exercises may follow this with Geology 438 (Evolution
of the Primates). Course consists of 12 lectures, and a one-hour
final examination. Cost:1 WL:4 (Gingerich)
107. Volcanoes and Earthquakes. (1). (NS).
The course is a study of the earth in action and includes the
following topics: geography of earthquakes and volcanoes; catastrophic
events in historic times; size and frequency of occurrence of
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; the products of volcanism;
volcanic rocks; volcanic activity through geologic time; volcanic
exhalations and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and oceans;
relationship of earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics and the internal dynamics of the earth; volcanism and geothermal energy;
manmade earthquakes; and earthquake prediction and control. Instruction
by lecture, evaluation on basis of final exam. Cost:NA WL:NA (Ruff)
110. The History of the Oceans. (1). (NS).
The history of past oceanic inhabitants, events, and environments
is recorded in the sediments which have accumulated on the ocean
bottom throughout geological time. Fossils of marine plants and animals are a major part of the historical record; they give evidence
of past oceanic living conditions and the evolution of life forms
in the sea. Sediment particles eroded from land and carried to the oceans by rivers and winds provide insights into past climates
on continents. Changes in ocean currents and in seawater chemistry
have left their mark on the sediment record; the possible causes
of these changes are explored. Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading
have rearranged the shapes of ocean basins and repositioned continents
over time. These processes are reflected in the record in marine
sediments still present on the ocean floor and also in those now
uplifted to form part of the continents. These topics are presented
in lectures held twice weekly for a half term. A single exam at the end of the course will determine the course grade. Cost:1
WL:4 (Meyers)
111. Climate and Man. (1). (NS).
The intent of GS 111 is to give a heightened awareness to students
of the nature and fragility of the Earth's climate, and how changes
in climate have affected past civilizations and may affect our
future. Course topics will include: a description of the climate
systems of the Earth, the atmosphere, oceans and polar ice caps; the information we gather to understand the history of those systems;
how changes in climate have affected past civilizations, and what
we think will happen to the planet when the long expected "Greenhouse
Effect – Global Warming" finally arrives. Cost:1 WL:4 (Moore)
115. Geologic Time. (1). (NS).
Until the middle of the 18th century the Earth was generally thought
to be less than 10,000 years old, and according to many, close
to its apocolyptic end. We now know that the Earth formed 4.5
billion years ago and that the entire history of mankind is nothing
but the latest tiny fraction of Earth history. This course explains the formation of rocks, continental drift, volcanoes and earthquakes.
It will discuss the discovery of time from the Renaissance to the latest high tech developments in radioactive dating. Finally, the history of planet Earth will be described including its accretion
out of dust and giant impacts, the origin of the Moon, the formation
of the atmosphere and oceans, the development of life and the
building of continents. The course will draw upon examples meaningful
to the student to illustrate the principles. Lectures twice weekly
for half the term. Course pack provides most of the diagrams.
A final one hour examination. Cost:1 WL:3/4 (Halliday)
120. Geology of National Parks and Monuments. Credit
is not granted for G.S. 120 to those with credit for an introductory
course in geology. (4). (NS).
Geology of National Parks and Monuments approaches Earth history
by examining the geology of places rather than by taking a process
approach. It is designed for all interested undergraduates at
The University of Michigan. The course format consists of three
lectures each week and one two-hour demonstration-laboratory period, for four hours credit. Lecture material deals with the geologic
history of selected National Parks and Monuments, which are chosen
(largely by enrolled students) and scheduled so that those in
which the oldest rocks are exposed (thus relating to the earliest
portions of Earth history) are covered first. In so doing, we
cover Earth history in a temporal progression, but do so by discussing
different geographic areas. The demonstration-laboratory portion
of the course will give you first-hand experience with rocks, minerals, and fossils; and an opportunity to discuss these in
small groups. [Cost:2] [WL:1] (Wilkinson)
123. Life and the Global Environment. (2).
(NS).
Since life emerged on Earth more than 3 billion years ago it has
profoundly affected the properties of its environment, including the compositions of atmosphere and ocean and the climate. The
environment, in turn, has constrained the evolution of life. While the interaction of life and the global environment has been important throughout Earth history, the changes brought about by human beings, particularly in the last century, are much more rapid than any the planet has experienced before. Humans are affecting global
climate, the composition of air and water, and global ecology
in ways that are unprecedented and probably harmful. This course
views the global change of the present from the perspective of
planetary history. Grades are based on multiple choice examinations.
Instruction is by lectures, films, and assigned reading, with
classroom discussion. The text is The Next 100 Years
by Jonathan Weiner published by Bantam Books in 1990. Cost:1 WL:1
(Walker)
125. Evolution and Extinction. May not
be included in a concentration plan in geological sciences. (3).
(NS).
The course will cover the history of life, mechanisms of evolution
and extinction, and arguments and evidence for and against evolution.
A secondary focus will be certain problems in the philosophy and methodology of science arising in connection with these topics.
Requirements include lectures, discussion sections, readings, exams, and short papers. Readings consist of primary literature
in a course pack and selections from Darwin's Origin of Species.
Prerequisites: science and math at the high school level;
no background in paleontology or evolutionary biology expected.
Cost:2 WL:NA (McShea)
135. History of the Earth. High school
chemistry, physics and mathematics recommended. (3). (NS).
This course provides a broad and fundamental introduction to the
earth and explains the formation of rocks and the major geological
features, as well as the changes that have occurred over the 4.5
billion years of earth history. The course is intended for students
considering a Geological Sciences concentration, as well as for
students interested in studying earth sciences as part of their
general educational background. Topics include minerals and the
formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, fossils
and the evolution of life, the interior of the earth, the measurement
of time, continental drift, and the effect of the earth's atmosphere, climate, oceans and rivers on shaping the surface of the earth.
The history of the planet will be followed from earth's accretion
from dust, origin of life, through building of the current continents
and ocean basins, to the origin of humankind. Lectures three times
a week for the full term. Textbook required: Earth: Then and Now by C.W. Montgomery and D. Dathe, (W.C. Brown, publ).
Evaluation will be based on three exams. Cost:2 WL:3/4 (Halliday)
201/Geography 201. Introductory
Geography: Water, Climate, and Man. (4). (NS).
This course is a basic introduction to the field of physical geography
and emphasizes many topics including maps, seasons, time, the
atmosphere, greenhouse gasses, radiation and heat balance, the
dangers of global warming, circulation, moisture and precipitation, air masses (fronts), and water supply. Students also study climate
classification, and historical changes in global climate. Students
in this lecture-lab course are evaluated by midterm and final
examinations with satisfactory completion of the lab work a prerequisite
to the final course evaluation. Cost:NA WL:NA (Opdyke)
222. Introductory Oceanography. No credit
granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in AOSS 203.
(3). (NS).
This course introduces students to the scientific study of the
oceans. Contents include the shape, structure, and origin of the
ocean basins; the sedimentary record of oceanic life and conditions
in the past; the composition of seawater and its influence on
life and climate; waves and currents; the life of the oceans and how it depends upon the marine environment; the resources of the
ocean and their wise use by society. The course format consists
of lectures and readings from an assigned textbook. The course
grade will be based on three one-hour exams and a two-hour final
exam. Cost:2 WL:4 (Owen)
223. Introductory Oceanography, Laboratory. Concurrent
enrollment in G.S. 222. (1). (NS).
This course is an optional laboratory intended to provide students
with opportunities to explore further various oceanography topics
presented in the G.S. 222 lectures. Laboratory sessions will include
sampling procedures, use of equipment, discussions, and demonstrations
of how data are generated. The course grade will be based on written
laboratory exercises and a final exam. Cost:1 WL:4 (Owen)
277. Humans and the Natural World. (3).
(Excl).
How humans affect and are affected by the natural environment, including other living creatures, the chemistry of air, water, and land, and the physical environment, particularly climate.
Problems of pollution, changes in land use including destruction
of natural habitats, population pressure, and climate change.
The histories of these assaults on the environment and their underlying
causes, with possible solutions. Ethical and political aspects
of human interaction with the natural world and the place of humans
in nature, particularly from the perspective of biological evolution
and Earth history. Two hours of lecture each week in conjunction
with GS 123, Life and the Global Environment. The third hour will
be a seminar and discussion led by Professor Walker. Textbook
and supplementary readings. Short written assignments and a term
paper. Exams will include multiple choice and essay questions.
Cost:3 WL:3 (Walker)
278. Earthlike Planets. High school science
and math recommended. (3). (Excl).
In a small class room setting, Earthlike Planets introduces the
freshman or sophomore undergraduate to the terrestrial planets:
Mercury, Venus, Earth, moon, and Mars. Studies of solid planets
will be 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. Since western society
has made a significant commitment of resources toward he exploration
of the planets, we must consider not only the scientific merits
of the endeavor but also its historical origins. Grades will be
based upon class participation, a midterm exam, and a final project.
The final project will provide the basis for a written report
and an in-class oral presentation. Cost:2 WL:3 (Gurnis)
279. Ocean Resources. High school science
and math recommended. (3). (Excl).
This seminar course will address some of the equivocal issues
facing ocean scientists and makers of marine policy. The course
will combine an introduction to ocean science with discussions
of the conflicting demands placed on marine resources. Some possible
issues include: Why save the whales? Why has the U.S. not ratified the Law of the Sea treaty? How much energy can be obtained from
ocean tides and waves? How bad are oil spills? Student teams will
select weekly topics and lead class discussions, and there will
be one major whole-class assignment. Course grade will be determined
from two written papers, two hour exams, and participation in
discussions. Cost:1 WL:1 (Meyers)
B. Primarily for Concentrators
310. Petrology. G.S. 231 and either an introductory
geological sciences course or G.S. 351 to be elected prior to
or concurrently with G.S. 310. (4). (Excl).
Petrology is the study of the origins of rocks. Emphasis is placed
on igneous and metamorphic rocks in this course. The evidence
for the deep crustal and upper mantle sources of igneous rocks
is traced using petrographic, geochemical, and phase diagrammatic
observations. In metamorphic petrology the response of metamorphites
to changes in pressure, temperature, and fluid composition will
be evaluated, primarily using petrographic and phase equilibrium
data. Plate tectonic processes will be tied in to the origin and evolution of many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Some comparisons
with extra-terrestrial igneous petrology will be made. The lectures
are coordinated with microscopic laboratories using optical techniques
to identify and evaluate mineral assemblages. The grade is determined through a combination of midterms, laboratory exams and a final.
Cost:5 WL:3 (Mukasa)
351. Structural Geology. G.S. 117 or 119
or the equivalent; or permission of instructor. (4). (Excl).
The description and analysis of geological structures in the earth's
crust and an introduction to global tectonics. Three lectures
and one laboratory session weekly. The following topics will be
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. Evaluation
is based on graded lab assignments, a lab test, a midterm and a final exam. Textbooks: Structural Geology by M.G. Dennis
(lectures) and Basic Methods of Structural Geology by
S. Marshak and G. Mitra (labs). In addition, hand-outs (text and figures) will be used throughout the course. Cost:3 WL:4 (van
der Pluijm)
422. Principles of Geochemistry. G.S.
231, 305, 310 and Chem. 125/130. (3). (Excl).
The course is designed to provide a quantitative introduction
to geochemical aspects of the rock cycle. Topics which will be
covered include: thermodynamic and kinetic controls on the distribution
of the elements, trace element and isotope geochemistry, geochemistry
of the oceans and atmosphere, environmental geochemistry, and geochemical cycles. Instruction will consist of lectures and discussion
of homework problems. The course is intended primarily for seniors
concentrating in the geological sciences, but is also open to
graduate students with advisor approval. Evaluation will be based
on homework problems, a short term paper, a midterm examination
and a final comprehensive examination. Required text: Faure, Principles
and Applications of Inorganic Geochemistry, (1991). Cost:3
WL:4 (O'Neil)
449. Marine Geology. G.S. 222/223 or introductory
physical geology. (3). (Excl).
This course is an examination of the geology of the ocean basins
and the adjacent continental margins. Topics covered include methods
of marine data collection, geologic structure of the ocean floor
and margins, sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics, the processes
of terrigenous, biogenous and chemical sedimentation, and the
interpretation of the sedimentary record in terms of past ocean
circulation and global climate history. Grades are based on a
midterm and final examination and a term project designed to reveal the geologic history of one of the major ocean basins to be selected
each year by the class. The class is given in a lecture format, class discussions are encouraged. The textbook is Marine Geology
by J.P. Kennett. Prerequisites are an introductory course in geology
or oceanography (G.S. 222). Cost:2 WL:2 (Rea)
455. Determinative Methods in Mineralogical and Inorganic
Materials. One term of elementary chemistry and physics.
(4). (Excl).
Determinative methods is a course in techniques of analysis of
inorganic materials with lectures aimed at providing theoretical
background for understanding of the techniques as practiced in
laboratory exercises. The major emphasis is placed on x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, x-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption, and mass spectrometry. Although silicate and mineralogical analysis
is emphasized, no background in geology is required. Entrance
to the course is by permission of the instructors. The grade is
determined by laboratory grades, three midterms, and a final.
Cost:NA WL:NA (Peacor)
458. X-ray Analysis of Crystalline Materials. G.S.
455 or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
This course is an introduction to single-crystal diffraction (principally
X-ray) theory and techniques through the basics of crystal structure
analyses. In the first two weeks, symmetry theory is covered, emphasizing space groups. In the following six weeks the theory
and techniques (rotating crystal, Weissenberg, precession) of
X-ray diffraction are developed. In succeeding weeks general diffraction
relations are developed into the techniques of crystal structure
analyses. There is a laboratory. Students are encouraged to provide their own original research materials (or they are provided) to
serve as a vehicle for learning the techniques of determination
of unit cell and space group parameters. Single crystal X-ray
equipment is used on an individual, self-paced schedule. In suitable
cases, this may be expanded into a crystal structure analysis
or refinement. Cost:NA WL:NA (Peacor)
478. Aqueous Geochemistry. Chem. 365 or the equivalent. (3). (Excl).
Solution-mineral-gas equilibrium and mass transfer in geochemical
environments ranging from near surface to deeper crustal temperature/pressure
regimes. Models for ion activity/concentration relations, reaction
path for rock/water interactions, mineral dissolution and precipitation
mechanisms and reaction kinetics, adsorption and incorporation
of ions. Geochemical links between atmosphere, ocean and crustal
reservoirs will be quantified in light of equilibrium and kinetic
constraints. Examples focus on surface waters, oceans and crustal
fluids. Integrated lecture, laboratory and problem solving to
relate chemical concepts to actual field and laboratory measurement
of natural water chemistries. Computer modeling of activity-concentration
and mineral equilibria. Two hours of lecture and two hours of
practicum per week. Evaluation based on weekly problem sets, two
examinations and a focused research project. Cost:2 WL:4 (Walter)
483. Geophysics: Seismology. Prior or
concurrent election of Math. 215 and Phys. 240; or permission
of instructor. (4). (Excl).
This course presents some basic information about earthquakes
and the Earth's interior, as inferred from seismic waves. Most
treatments are quantitative, and some knowledge of math and physics
is required. The course material includes: spatial and temporal
distribution of earthquakes, magnitude and intensity scales, earthquake
location techniques, seismometry, stress and strain, and crustal
deformation due to earthquakes. Also covered are seismic wave
equations, refraction and reflection of seismic waves, free oscillations
of the Earth, methods of computing synthetic seismograms, Earth's
structure as inferred from seismic waves, and earthquake source
models. Lecture and laboratory. Cost:1 WL:4 (Satake)
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