Master's in Geology

GEOL 512. Advanced Petrology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in petrology taught using conventional lecture and laboratory/field approach. Prerequisite: GEOL 320.

GEOL 515. Advanced Paleontology. 3 Credits.

Selected topics include (but not limited to): Invertebrate paleontology; vertebrate paleontology; paleoecology; taxonomy; museum studies; western continental stratigraphy; critical boundaries. May be repeated. Prerequisites: GEOL 415, BIOL 150, or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 40 credits. On demand.

GEOL 522. History and Philosophy of Geology. 3 Credits.

Historical and philosophical development of the science of geology. Prerequisite: Permssion of instructor.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

GEOL 540. Water Sampling and Analysis. 3 Credits.

Techniques of water and sediment sampling and analysis using equipment in the UND Water Quality Laboratory. Results are interpreted in the context of the natural systems from which the samples are taken. Enrollment is limited to eight students per section. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

GEOL 516. Earth Materials: Components of a Diverse Planet. 3 Credits.

This course has three components. (1) We examine the context in which Earth materials are studied and some fundamental concepts about the Earth system. (2) We undertake a systematic look at the most important materials that make up our planet (elements, minerals, rocks of all sorts, soils, and water). We will examine their properties, their distribution and occurrences, the processes that form them, and how scientists use these materials to interpret Earth. The third, and perhaps most important focus of the class is on the importance of Earth materials in our society and lives. This includes consideration of mineral and energy resources, hazards, and engineering. Class time has both a lecture and a laboratory component. Students will be required to give class presentations and complete writing assignments. Students who have taken GEOL 316 cannot subsequently take GEOL 516 as an undergraduate or graduate student at UND. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or equivalent. S.