• GEO 3500: Geomorphology

  4.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University

  
  The course focuses on understanding the physical and chemical processes that affect landscapes including erosion, sediment transport, and soil development. Students will become familiar with interpreting landscape evolution in the field and from data products such as geologic/geomorphic maps, digital topography datasets, and aerial photography. Societally important applications will be considered, such as hazards associated with active faults, landslides, soil properties, and rockfall. Field trips required during class/lab time, plus one weekend trip, although alternative arrangements are available for students with differing abilities. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify major landforms and describe the conditions that contributed to their formation. 2. Analyze landforms within a given area using topographic maps, aerial imagery, and field observations, interpret the ages of these landforms, and hypothesize about why they formed. 3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the mass balance of physical and chemical transport at the Earth's surface. 4. Evaluate hazards associated with Earth surface processes, such as floods and landslides. 5. Employ software including Google Earth and GIS to conduct geomorphic analyses. Prerequisites: GEO 1110 or GEO 1010 or GEOG 1000 (Grade C or higher), AND GEOG 3600 (Grade C or higher, may be taken concurrently with this course), AND MATH 1060 or higher (Grade C or Higher) OR ACT Math score of 25 or higher or equivalent placement score. Course fee required. SP (even)
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• 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)
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• 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)
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• 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)
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• 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)
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• 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
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• GEO 4100R: Jewels of Oman: 9-Day Cultural and Archaeological Expedition

  1.00 Credits

  Utah Tech University

  
  Embark on a transformative 9-day journey through the heart of Oman's cultural heritage and archaeological wonders. "Jewels of Oman" is a captivating travel study program designed to immerse participants in the vibrant tapestry of Omani traditions, history, and archaeological marvels. This experiential course offers a unique blend of in-depth cultural exploration and hands-on archaeological adventures. A highlight of this course is an archeological dig and exploration at Khor Kharfot, a candidate location of Bountiful (Nephi's Bountiful) in the Book of Mormon. *COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO's) At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Compare literary and scientific readings. 2. Produce and analyze scientific data from field investigations. 3. Interpret the local context of collected data. 4. Apply the concepts and skills they are acquiring in their own areas of study.
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• 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. The course occupies 8-10 hours/day for 5 weeks. 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 (All grade C or higher). Course fee required. FA (even)
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