Undergraduate Program - Description of Courses
SYGN 101 - EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (I, II, S)Sophomore YearGEOL 102 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (II)Fundamental concepts concerning the nature, composition and evolution of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere of the earth integrating the basic seciences of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics, Understanding of anthropological interactions with the natural systems, and related diescussions on cycling of energy and mass, global warming, natural hazards, land use, mitigation of environmental problems such as toxic waste disposal, exploitation and conservation of energy, mineral and agricultural resources, proper use of water resources, biodiversity and construction.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GEGN/GEOL 198 - SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (I, II)Presentations by faculty members and outside professionals of case studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the fields of Geology and Geological Engineering and the preparation necessary to pursue careers in those fields. A short paper on an academic professional path will be required.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101 or concurrent enrollment.
1 hour lecture; 1 semester hour.GEGN 199 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY (I, II)Special topics classes taught on a one-time basis. May include lecture, laboratory and field trip activities.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and department head.Variable credit.
1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit under different titles.GEOL 199 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY (I, II)Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geological engineering or engineering hydrogeology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours.
Repeatable for credit.Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours.
Repeatable for credit.
GEGN 202 - GEOLOGIC PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES (I)Junior YearGEGN 206 - EARTH MATERIALS (II)Introduction to principles of geomorphology and historical geology. Geomorphology of glacial, volcanic, arid, karst, and complex geological landscapes. Introduction to weathering, soils, hillslopes, and drainage systems. Geologic time scale and deep time, stratigraphic principles, evolution and the fossil record, geochronology, plate tectonics, and critical events in Earth history. Laboratories emphasize fieldwork in geomorphic regions of Colorado, map skills, time and ordering of geologic events, and fossil preservation and identification.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab: 4 semester hours.GEGN 212 - PETROGRAPHY FOR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERS (I)Introduction to Earth Materials, emphasizing the structure, composition, formation, and behavior of minerals. Laboratories emphasize the recognition, description, and engineering evaluation of earth materials.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN/GEOL 298 - SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (I, II)Introduction to concepts of rock forming processes as a basis for rock classification. The course will teach practical skills allowing identification of common rock types in hand specimen and in outcrop. Subsurface and near-surface alteration and weathering processes will be covered, emphasizing recognition of secondary mineral products and the changes to the physical properties of these minerals in the rock masses.
Prerequisites: GEGN 206 or equivalent.
1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab; 2 semester hours.GEGN 299 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY (I, II)Special topics classes taught on a one-time basis. May include lecture, laboratory and field trip activities.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and department head.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit under different titles.GEOL 299 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY (I, II)Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geological engineering or engineering hydrogeology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit.Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit.
GEGN 307 - PETROLOGY (II)Senior YearGEOL 308 - INTRODUCTORY APPLIED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (II)An introduction to igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes, stressing the application of chemical and physical mechanisms to study the origin, occurrence, and association of rock types. Emphasis on the megascopic and microscopic classification, description, and interpretation of rocks. Analysis of the fabric and physical properties.
Prerequisite: GEOL 321, DCGN 209.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEOL 309 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS (I) (WI)Nature and origin of structural features of Earth’s crust emphasizing oil entrapment and control of ore deposition. Structural patterns and associations are discussed in context of stress/strain and plate tectonic theories, using examples of North American deformed belts. Lab and field projects in structural geometry, map air photo and cross section interpretation, and structural analysis. Course required of all PEGN and MNGN students.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEOL 310 - EARTH MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (I)Recognition, habitat, and origin of deformational structures related to stresses and strains (rock mechanics and microstructures) and modern tectonics. Structural development of the Appalachian and Cordilleran systems. Comprehensive laboratory projects use descriptive geometry, stereographic projection, structural contours, map and air photo interpretation, structural cross section and structural pattern analysis. Required of Geological and Geophysical Engineers.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101, GEGN 202 and GEGN 206 or GPGN 210.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.GEOL 311 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY FOR MINING ENGINEERS (II)Introduction to Earth Materials, emphasizing the structure, formation, distribution and engineering behavior of minerals, rocks and ores. Laboratories emphasize the recognition, description and engineering evaluation of natural materials. Lectures present the knowledge of natural materials, processes and resources necessary for mining engineering careers.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab: 4 semester hours.GEOL 314 - STRATIGRAPHY (II)Nature and origin of structural features of Earth's crust emphasizing structural controls of ore deposits and analysis of structures related to rock engineering and mining. Structural features and processes are related to stress/strain theory and rock mechanics principles. Lab and field projects include deformation experiments, geologic map, cross section, and orientation data analysis of structural features including fractures, faults, folds, and rock cleavages.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
2 semester hours combined lecture and lab.GEOL 315 - SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY (I)Lectures and laboratory and field exercises in concepts of stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, facies associations in various depositional environments, sedimentary rock sequences and geometries in sedimentary basins, and geohistory analysis of sedimentary basins.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101, GEGN 202.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.GEGN 316 - FIELD GEOLOGY (S)Integrated lecture, laboratory and field exercises on the genesis of sedimentary rocks as related to subsurface porosity and permeability development and distribution for non-geology majors. Emphasis is placed on siliciclastic systems of varying degrees of heterogeneity. Topics include diagenesis, facies analysis, correlation techniques, and sequence and seismic stratigraphy. Application to hydrocarbon exploitation stressed throughout the course. Required of all PEGN students.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101, PEGN 308, or consent of instructor.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 317 - GEOLOGIC FIELD METHODS (II)Six weeks of field work, stressing geology of the Southern Rocky Mountain Province. Measurement of stratigraphic sections. Mapping of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary terrain using air photos, topographic maps, plane table, and other methods. Diversified individual problems in petroleum geology, mining geology, engineering geology, structural geology, and stratigraphy. Formal reports submitted on several problems. Frequent evening lectures and discussion sessions. Field trips emphasize regional geology as well as mining, petroleum, and engineering projects.
Prerequisite: GEGN 202 , GEGN 206, GEOL 314, GEOL 309, and GEGN 317.
6 semester hours (Field Term).GEOL 321 - MINERALOGY AND MINERAL CHARACTERIZATION (I)Methods and techniques of geologic field observations and interpretations. Lectures in field techniques and local geology. Laboratory and field project in diverse sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, structural, and surficial terrains using aerial photographs, topographic maps and compass and pace methods. Geologic cross sections maps, and reports. Weekend exercises required. Prerequisite to GEGN 316.
Prerequisite: GEGN 202, GEOL 309 or GEOL 308. Completion or concurrent enrollment in GEGN 206 and GEOL 314.
1 hour lecture, 8 hours field; 2 semester hours.GEGN 340 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (I, II, S)Principles of mineralogy and mineral characterization. Crystallography of naturally occurring materials. Principles of crystal chemistry. Interrelationships among mineral structure, external shape, chemical composition, and physical properties. Introduction to mineral stability. Laboratories emphasize analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101, CHGN 124, GEGN 206.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab: 3 semester hours.GEGN 342 - ENGINEERING GEOMORPHOLOGY (I)Supervised, full-time, engineering-related employment for a continuous six-month period (or its equivalent) in which specific educational objectives are achieved.
Prerequisite: Second semester sophomore status and a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00.
1 to 3 semester hours.
Cooperative Education credit does not count toward graduation except under special conditions.
Repeatable.GEGN 351 - GEOLOGICAL FLUID MECHANICS (II)Study of interrelationships between internal and external earth processes, geologic materials, time, and resulting landforms on the Earth’s surface. Influences of geomorphic processes on design of natural resource exploration programs and siting and design of geotechnical and geohydrologic projects. Laboratory analysis of geomorphic and geologic features utilizing maps, photo interpretation and field observations.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN/GEOL 398 - SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (I, II)Properties of fluids; Bernoulli’s energy equation, the momentum and mass equations; laminar and turbulent flow in pipes, channels, machinery, and earth materials; subcritical and supercritical flow in channels; Darcy’s Law; the Coriolis effect and geo strophic flow in the oceans and stomosphere; sediment transport.
Prerequisite: DCGN 241 or permission of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.GEGN 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY (I, II)Special topics classes taught on a one-time basis. May include lecture, laboratory and field trip activities.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and department head.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit under different titles.GEOL 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY (I, II)Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geological engineering or engineering hydrogeology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours.
Repeatable for credit.Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit.
GEGN 401 - MINERAL DEPOSITS (I)OceanographyGEGN 403 - MINERAL EXPLORATION DESIGN (II) (WI)Introductory presentation of magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary metallic ore deposits. Chemical, petrologic, structural, and sedimentological processes that contribute to ore formation. Description of classic deposits representing individual deposit types. Review of exploration sequences. Laboratory consists of hand specimen study of host rock-ore mineral suites and mineral deposit evaluation problems.
Prerequisite: DCGN 209, GEGN 307, GEGN 316, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.GEGN 404 - ORE MICROSCOPY (II)Exploration project design: commodity selection, target selection, genetic models, alternative exploration approaches and associated costs, exploration models, property acquisition, and preliminary economic evaluation. Lectures and laboratory exercises to simulate the entire exploration sequence from inception and planning through implementation to discovery, with initial ore reserve calculations and preliminary economic evaluation.
Prerequisite: GEGN 401 and EPIC 251.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 432 - GEOLOGICAL DATA MANAGEMENT (I)Identification of ore minerals using reflected light microscopy, micro-hardness, and reflectivity techniques. Interpretation of common ore mineral textures, including those produced by magmatic segregation, open space filling, replacement, exsolution, and recrystallization. Guided research on the ore mineralogy and ore textures of classical ore deposits.
Prerequisites: GEOL 321, GEGN 401, or consent of instructor.
6 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 438 - PETROLEUM GEOLOGY (I)Techniques for managing and analyzing geological data, including statistical analysis procedures and computer programming. Topics addressed include elementary probability, populations and distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of data sequences, mapping, sampling and sample representativity, linear regression, and overview of univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Practical experience with principles of software programming and statistical analysis for geological applications via suppled software and data sets from geological case histories.
Prerequistes: Senior standing in Geological Engineering or permission of instructor.
1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN/GPGN/PEGN 439 - MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PETROLEUM DESIGN (II) (WI)Source rocks, reservoir rocks, types of traps, temperature and pressure conditions of the reservoir, theories of origin and accumulation of petroleum, geology of major petroleum fields and provinces of the world, and methods of exploration for petroleum. Term report required. Laboratory consists of study of well log analysis, stratigraphic correlation, production mapping, hydrodynamics and exploration exercises.
Prerequisite: GEOL 309 and GEOL 314; GEGN 316 or GPGN 486 or PEGN 316.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.GEGN 442 - ADVANCED ENGINEERING GEOMORPHOLOGY (II)This is a multi-disciplinary design course that integrates fundamentals and design concepts in geological, geophysical, and petroleum engineering. Students work in integrated teams from each of the disciplines. Open-ended design problems are assigned including the development of a prospect in an exploration play and a detailed engineering field study. Detailed reports are required for the prospect evaluation and engineering field study.
Prerequisite: GE Majors: GEOL 309, GEGN 438, GEGN 316, EPIC 251;
PE majors: PEGN 316, PEGN 414, PEGN 422, PEGN 423, PEGN 424 (or concurrent) GEOL 308, EPIC 251;
GP Majors: GPGN 302, GPGN 303 and EPIC 251.
2 hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 466 - GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING (I)Application of quantitative geomorphic techniques to engineering problems. Map interpretation, photo interpretation, field observations, computer modeling, and GIS analysis methods. Topics include: coastal engineering, fluvial processes, river engineering, controlling water and wind erosion, permafrost engineering. Multi-week design projects and case studies.
Prerequisite: GEGN 342 and GEGN 468, or graduate standing; GEGN 475/575 recommended.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 467 - GROUNDWATER ENGINEERING (I)Theory of groundwater occurrence and flow. Relation of groundwater to surface; potential distribution and flow; theory of aquifer tests; water chemistry, water quality, and contaminant transport.
Prerequisite: mathematics through calculus and MATH 225, GEOL 309, GEOL 315, and GEGN 351, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 semester hours.GEGN 468 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICS (I)Theory of groundwater occurrence and flow. Relation of groundwater to surface water; potential distribution and flow; theory of aquifer tests; water chemistry, water quality, and contaminant transport. Laboratory sessions on water budgets, water chemistry, properties of porous media, solutions to hydraulic flow problems, analytical and digital models, and hydrogeologic interpretation.
Prerequisite: mathematics through calculus and MATH 225, GEOL 309, GEOL 314 or GEOL 315, and GEGN 351, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.GEGN 469 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY DESIGN (II) (WI)Application of geology to evaluation of construction, mining, and environmental projects such as dams, waterways, tunnels, highways, bridges, buildings, mine design, and land-based waste disposal facilities. Design projects including field, laboratory, and computer analysis are an important part of the course.
Prerequisite: MNGN 321 and concurrent enrollment in EGGN 361
GEGN 470 - GROUND-WATER ENGINEERING DESIGN (II) (WI)This is a capstone design course that emphasizes realistic engineering geologic/geotechnics projects. Lecture time is used to introduce projects and discussions of methods and procedures for project work. Several major projects will be assigned and one to two field trips will be required. Students work as individual investigators and in teams. Final written design reports and oral presentations are required.
Prerequisite: GEGN 468 or equivalent and EPIC 251.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEOL/GPGN 470 - APPLICATIONS OF SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING (II)Application of the principles of hydrogeology and ground-water engineering to water supply, geotechnical, or water quality problems involving the design of well fields, drilling programs, and/or pump tests. Engineering reports, complete with specifications, analysis, and results, will be required.
Prerequisite: GEGN 467 or equivalent or consent of instructor and EPIC 251.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 473 - GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING SITE INVESTIGATION (II)Students are introduced to geoscience applications of satellite remote sensing. Introductory lectures provide background on satellites, sensors, methodology, and diverse applications. One or more areas of application are presented from a systems perspective. Guest lecturers from academia, industry, and government agencies present case studies focusing on applications, which vary from semester to semester. Students do independent term projects, under the supervision of a faculty member or guest lecturer, that are presented both written and orally at the end of the term.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.GEGN 475 - APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (II)Methods of field investigation, testing, and monitoring for geotechnical and hazardous waste sites, including: drilling and sampling methods, sample logging, field testing methods, instrumentation, trench logging, foundation inspection, engineering stratigraphic column and engineering soils map construction. Projects will include technical writing for investigations (reports, memos, proposals, workplans). Class will culminate in practice conducting simulated investigations (using a computer simulator).
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GEGN 476 - DESKTOP MAPPING APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECT DATA MANAGEMENT (I, II)An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications to all areas of geology and geological engineering. Lecture topics include: principles of GIS, data structures, digital elevation models, data input and verification, data analysis and spatial modeling, data quality and error propagation, methods of GIS projects, as well as video presentations.
Prerequisite: SYGN 101.
2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.GEGN 481 - ADVANCED HYDROGEOLOGY (I)Conceptual overview and hands-on experience with a commercial desktop mapping system. Display, analysis, and presentation mapping functions; familiarity with the software components, including graphical user interface (GUI); methods for handling different kinds of information; organization and storage of project documents. Use of raster and vector data in an integrated environment; basic raster concepts; introduction to GIS models, such as hill shading and cost/distance analysis.
Prerequisite: No previous knowledge of desktop mapping or GIS technology assumed. Some computer experience in operating within a Windows environment recommended.
1 hour lecture; 1 semester hour.GEGN 483 - MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS (II)Lectures, assigned readings, and discussions concerning the theory, measurement, and estimation of ground water parameters, fractured-rock flow, new or specialized methods of well hydraulics and pump tests, tracer methods, and well construction design. Design of well tests in variety of settings.
Prerequisites: GEGN 467 or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.GEGN/GEOL 498 - SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY OR GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (I, II)Lectures, assigned readings, and direct computer experience concerning the fundamentals and applications of analytical and finite-difference solutions to ground water flow problems as well as an introduction to inverse modeling. Design of computer models to solve ground water problems.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and GEGN 467.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.GEGN 499 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OR ENGINEERING HYDROGEOLOGY (I, II)Special topics classes taught on a one-time basis. May include lecture, laboratory and field trip activities.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and department head.
Variable credit: 1 to 6 semester hours.
Repeatable for credit under different titles.GEOL 499 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOLOGY (I, II)Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geological engineering or engineering hydrogeology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours.
Repeatable for credit.Individual special studies, laboratory and/or field problems in geology.
Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours.
Repeatable for credit.
GEOC 407 - ATMOSPHERE, WEATHER AND CLIMATE (II)GEOC 408 - INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY (II)An introduction to the Earth’s atmosphere and its role in weather patterns and long term climate. Provides basic understanding of origin and evolution of the atmosphere, Earth’s heat budget, global atmospheric circulation and modern climatic zones. Long- and short-term climate change including paleoclimatology, the causes of glacial periods and global warming, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Causes and effects of volcanic eruptions on climate, El Nino, acid rain, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and avalanches are also discussed. Microclimates and weather patterns common in Colorado.
Prerequisite: Completion of CSM freshman technical core, or equivalent.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
Offered alternate years.An introduction to the scientific study of the oceans, including chemistry, physics, geology, biology, geophysics, and mineral resources of the marine environment. Lectures from pertinent disciplines are included.
Recommended background: basic college courses in chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
Offered alternate years.