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GEO Courses, Corvallis Campus

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Top GEO 101 THE SOLID EARTH (4)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
Solid earth processes and materials. Earthquakes, volcanoes, earth structure, rocks, minerals, ores. Solid earth hazard prediction and planning. Geologic time. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 102 THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH (4)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Processes that shape the earth's surface. Weathering mass movement, ice dynamics, biogeography, climate, surface and ground water flow. Use of maps and imagery. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 103 EXPLORING THE DEEP: GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD'S OCEANS (4)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Introduces non-science students to the oceans, including marine geology and chemistry, ocean currents, coastal and biological processes. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. CROSSLISTED as OC 103. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 105 GEOGRAPHY OF THE NON-WESTERN WORLD (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
An introduction to the rich variety of environments, population and settlement dynamics, cultures, geopolitical changes, and economies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Lec/lab/rec. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 105H GEOGRAPHY OF THE NON-WESTERN WORLD (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
An introduction to the rich variety of environments, population and settlement dynamics, cultures, geopolitical changes, and economies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Lec/lab/rec. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 106 GEOGRAPHY OF THE WESTERN WORLD (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
An introduction to the rich variety of environments, population and settlement dynamics, cultures, geopolitical changes, and economics in Europe and Russia, Australia and Oceania, and the Americas. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 199 SPECIAL STUDIES (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
Study of earth's interior. Tectonic processes and their influence on mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, minerals, and rocks. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 201H PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Study of earth's interior. Tectonic processes and their influence on mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, minerals, and rocks. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 202 EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE (4)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Surficial processes (glaciers, rivers), climate, soils, vegetation, and their interrelationships. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 203 EVOLUTION OF PLANET EARTH (4)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
History of earth and life as interpreted from fossils and the rock record. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 221 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
Introductory geology emphasizing geologic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding), geologic resources (water, soil, air, mineral, energy), and associated environmental problems and mitigation strategies. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 295 INTRODUCTION TO FIELD GEOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Two-week course taught in the fall program in various locations throughout the west. Collect field data to make geological maps, cross-sections, columns, and reports. Serves as an introduction to upper-level course work for Geology degree. Lec/lab. PREREQS: (GEO 201 and GEO 202)

Top GEO 296 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC FIELD RESEARCH (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Two-week course taught in the fall program in various locations throughout the west. Collect and analyze data associated with both human and physical geography. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 201 and GEO 202

Top GEO 300 SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COMMON GOOD (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Geography of human relationships to earth's systems with an emphasis on individual impacts and collective efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. Lec/rec. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Upper-division standing.

Top GEO 300H SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COMMON GOOD (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Geography of human relationships to earth's systems with an emphasis on individual impacts and collective efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. Lec/rec. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Upper-division standing. Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 301 MAP AND IMAGE INTERPRETATION (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Reading, analysis, and interpretation of maps/remote sensing images used by geoscientists. Use of topographic, geologic, nautical and other geoscience maps; basic air photo interpretation. Lec/lab.

Top GEO 305 LIVING WITH ACTIVE CASCADE VOLCANOES (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
The impact of volcanic activity on people, infrastructure, and natural resources; how and why volcanic activity in the Cascade Range occurs; volcano monitoring and hazard assessment. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 306 MINERALS, ENERGY, WATER, AND THE ENVIRONMENT (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Geologic occurrences, environmental consequences, and future of non-renewable earth resources, including metals, materials, oil, soil, and groundwater. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 307 NATIONAL PARK GEOLOGY AND PRESERVATION (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course Has Extra Fees
National parks as classrooms to study geological processes and the importance of preserving natural landscapes. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 307H NATIONAL PARK GEOLOGY AND PRESERVATION (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
National parks as classrooms to study geological processes and the importance of preserving natural landscapes. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 308 GLOBAL CHANGE AND EARTH SCIENCES (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Study of global change over different time scales during the history of the earth, with emphasis on evolution of its atmosphere, plate tectonics, paleoclimates, and mass extinctions. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 309 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Technical and social issues surrounding the unequal exposure to environmental hazards based on race and the environmental justice movement that has grown to address charges of such environmental racism. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: (WR 121 or WR 121H) and sophomore standing

Top GEO 310 EARTH MATERIALS I: MINERALOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms
Principles of crystal morphology, and structure. Characteristics, identification, and origins of minerals. Lec/lab. PREREQS: (GEO 201 or GEO 221) and students should concurrently enroll in CH 121 or CH 221 or ((CH 231 and CH 261) or (CH 231H and CH 261H))

Top GEO 315 EARTH MATERIALS II: PETROLOGY (4) 
Origin, identification and classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Field trip(s) required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 310

Top GEO 322 SURFACE PROCESSES (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Examination of surficial processes and terrestrial landforms of the earth, including slopes, rivers, glaciers, deserts, and coastlines. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. PREREQS: (GEO 102 or GEO 102H or GEO 202)

Top GEO 323 CLIMATOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms WIC Core Course
Systematic analysis of global and regional climates. Physical principles of climate, climate classifications, and distribution and characteristics of climate regimes. Lec/lab. (Writing Intensive Course) PREREQS: GEO 101 and GEO 202

Top GEO 324 GEOGRAPHY OF LIFE: SPECIES DISTRIBUTIONS AND CONSERVATION (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Plant, animal, and biotic community distribution and dynamics. Effect of climate, tectonics, disturbance on extinction, speciation, and succession. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab.

Top GEO 325 GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
An introduction to the physical, historical, cultural, political, and development geography of Africa south of the Sahara. Offered alternate years. (NC) (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 326 GEOGRAPHY OF EUROPE (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
A regional overview precedes a topical examination of Europe's diverse physical and cultural landscapes and lifestyles. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 327 GEOGRAPHY OF ASIA (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Geographic analysis of Asia's lands and peoples. Emphasis on regional physical environments, resources and development potentials, population trends, and international importance to the United States. May not be offered each year. (NC) (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 328 GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Focuses on the diverse landscapes, peoples and cultural traditions of Latin America, a vast region extending from the United States-Mexican border to the southern tip of South America. (NC) (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 329 GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Cultural, economic, political, and settlement geography. Emphasis on regional patterns and problems. Analysis of recent and projected changes. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 330 GEOGRAPHY OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBALIZATION (3)  Baccalaureatte Core Course WIC Core Course
Introduction to the geography of global wealth and inequality with a focus on contemporary development, underdevelopment, and globalization problems in Asian, African, Caribbean, Latin American, and Pacific Island countries. (Bacc Core Course) (Writing Intensive Course) PREREQS: GEO 105 or GEO 106 or instructor approval.

Top GEO 335 INTRODUCTION TO WATER SCIENCE AND POLICY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Policy and science of the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis on interaction between water's natural time-space fluctuations and human uses. (Bacc Core Course) CROSSLISTED as SOIL 335.

Top GEO 335H INTRODUCTION TO WATER SCIENCE AND POLICY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Policy and science of the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis on interaction between water's natural time-space fluctuations and human uses. (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 339 AREA STUDIES (1-3) 
Physical and cultural processes that give geographical identity to and influence people's organization and use of selected world areas. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits. PREREQS: 3 credits of lower-division geography.

Top GEO 339H AREA STUDIES (1-3) 
Physical and cultural processes that give geographical identity to and influence people's organization and use of selected world areas. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits. PREREQS: 3 credits of lower-division geography. Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 340 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Analysis of geometry and kinematics of geologic structures including brittle and ductile faults, folds, joints, deformation fabrics. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 201

Top GEO 350 POPULATION GEOGRAPHY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Patterns of spatial distribution of human populations, data sources, data display, population structure and dynamics, relationship between population, resources, and quality of life. Problems of growth and alternative futures. Offered alternate years. (SS) (Bacc Core Course) PREREQS: Upper-division standing.

Top GEO 352 OREGON: GEOLOGY, PLACE, AND LIFE ON THE RING OF FIRE (4)  Baccalaureatte Core Course
Provides an overview of the geology of Oregon in the context of the Pacific Northwest including tectonic setting, geologic features and landscapes, as well as topics and concepts of interest to society in general. Lessons will include discussion of the relationship between people and the landscape, incorporating the concept of ethnographic landscapes--geologic structures, natural resources and geologic hazards that are part of the identity of a place. Emphasizes written and graphic communication skills. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc core course) PREREQS: Introductory science course recommended.

Top GEO 360 CARTOGRAPHY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Basic cartographic principles. Design, compilation, and construction of maps. Lec/lab.

Top GEO 365 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Introduction to the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) and experience using a widely popular geographic information system for spatial data input, analysis, and display. PREREQS: (GEO 301 or GEO 360) strongly recommended.

Top GEO 370 STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY (4) 
Basic principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy. Sedimentology is largely concerned with classifying and interpreting the origin of sedimentary rocks. Stratigraphy provides formal rules and strategies for organizing sedimentary (and other) rocks into a temporal framework. Reconstruction of Earth history with various approaches centered on paleoclimatology, paleogeography, paleooceanography, and tectonics. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 201

Top GEO 380 EARTHQUAKES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST (3)  Offered in current or future terms Baccalaureatte Core Course
Earthquake hazards in the Northwest; responses to reducing earthquake risk at state, local, and personal levels. (Bacc Core Course)

Top GEO 399 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 399H SPECIAL TOPICS (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Honors College approval required.

Top GEO 400 FIELD TRIPS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Participation in group field trips that are not a part of any other course. Transportation fee is charged. Students may prepare guides for trips. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 401 RESEARCH (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent, original research subjects guided by faculty conferences and resulting in a brief written report. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 403 THESIS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent, original study that culminates in a senior thesis. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 405 READING AND CONFERENCE (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent reading in specialized topics guided by and discussed in faculty conferences. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 407 SEMINAR (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 408 WORKSHOP (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 409 CONTEMPORARY EARTH SCIENCE ISSUES (3)  Offered in current or future terms
In-depth examination of selected significant issues in the geosciences. Topics vary. Emphasis on problem solving and collaborative research. PREREQS: Senior standing in geology, geography, earth science, or natural resources.

Top GEO 410 INTERNSHIP (1-15)  Offered in current or future terms
Pre-career professional experience under joint faculty and employer supervision. Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: 12 credits of upper-division geosciences and departmental approval required.

Top GEO 412 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY (4) 
Petrogenesis of igneous rocks. Petrographic analysis using polarizing microscopes. Field trip may be required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315 and GEO 415

Top GEO 415 EARTH MATERIALS III: IGNEOUS PETROGRAPHY (4)  Offered in current or future terms
Study of minerals and igneous rocks using microscopes. Representation and interpretation of igneous processes. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315

Top GEO 420 GEOGRAPHY OF RESOURCE USE (3) 
Functional concepts of resources, institutions affecting resource use, role of resources; resource supply, bases of controversy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography.

Top GEO 423 LAND USE IN THE AMERICAN WEST (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Development of a conceptual framework for land use study; analysis of land as a resource, land use trends, land use principles, and management issues as related to planning, focusing on the American West, the fastest growing region in the nation.

Top GEO 424 INTERNATIONAL WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (3)  Offered in current or future terms
An investigation of the various approaches to water resources geography at the international level. Explores the interaction between water science and policy through issues of current "hydropolitics" and water resources development. Topics include water quality, dams and development, conflict and cooperation, climate change, and water institutions. Offered separately as GEO 424 and GEO 524. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography and any course dealing with the hydrologic cycle.

Top GEO 425 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES (3) 
An investigation of the various approaches to water resources geography within the U.S. Explores the disciplines that address water resources management, their tools, and their limitations. Topics include engineering, law, economics, risk assessment, game theory, conflict resolution, and the fine arts. Offered separately as GEO 425 and GEO 525. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography and any course dealing with the hydrologic cycle.

Top GEO 426 DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL RESOURCES (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Examines resource development issues and strategies in the Global South. Issues and strategies from agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, wildlife management, mineral development, land use, and health are examined. Offered every other odd year in spring.

Top GEO 427 VOLCANOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms WIC Core Course Has Extra Fees
A survey of volcanoes: their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products, eruptive styles, and associated phenomena. Field trip may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. Lec/lab. (Writing Intensive Course) PREREQS: GEO 315

Top GEO 429 TOPICS IN RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY (3) 
Fundamental problems with stress upon methods of analysis. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography.

Top GEO 430 GEOCHEMISTRY (3) 
Principles of geochemistry applied to problems of earth science. Lec/rec. PREREQS: (GEO 315 and (CH 122 or CH 222 or ( (CH 232 or CH 232H) and (CH 262 or CH 262H or CH 272) )

Top GEO 432 APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Effect of landform processes upon human activity; consequences of resource management strategies on erosional balance within landscape; identification of mitigation of natural hazards; role of geomorphic process studies in environmental planning. Taught as seminar, themes TBA. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. PREREQS: GEO 322

Top GEO 433 COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY (3) 
Morphodynamic approach to coastal landforms, processes and evolution including the impacts and response of humans to coastal change. PREREQS: ( (PH 211 or PH 211H) and (PH 212 or PH 212H) and GEO 322) and MTH 251 and MTH 252 or equivalent.

Top GEO 439 TOPICS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (3) 
Fundamental problems with stress upon methods of analysis. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.

Top GEO 440 ECONOMIC GEOLOGY (4) 
Principles of the origin, distribution, and importance of metallic mineral deposits formed by magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary processes. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315 and GEO 340

Top GEO 444 REMOTE SENSING (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Fundamentals of satellite remote sensing and image analysis. Topics include physical principles of remote sensing from the ultraviolet to the microwave, sensors and sensor technology, and environmental applications of remote sensing through image analysis. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 301 is recommended.

Top GEO 445 COMPUTER-ASSISTED CARTOGRAPHY (3) 
Concepts and techniques underlying the production of maps by computer. Practical experience with a variety of computer mapping packages. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 360 and MTH 112

Top GEO 451 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE PLANNING (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
The use of geographic concepts/techniques in land use and site planning; especially natural area inventory, classification and analysis. Findings-of-fact presentation and report writing. Two local field trips may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years.

Top GEO 452 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF RURAL AND RESOURCE PLANNING (3) 
Principles, techniques, and current practices of land use planning for rural areas. Emphasis on resource issues, organization of data, policy development, and decision-making. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 423 or GEO 523

Top GEO 453 RESOURCE EVALUATION METHODS/EIS (3) 
Methods of resource analysis for land use planning; resource rating systems; environmental impact assessment: laws, procedures, and methods. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 452

Top GEO 460 MULTIMEDIA CARTOGRAPHY (4) 
Map design principles and technology for multimedia cartography, especially interactive and animated mapping. Laboratory experience with interactive and animated mapping software. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 360

Top GEO 461 GEOLOGY OF EARTHQUAKES (3) 
Tectonics of the present day as based on surface geology, geodesy, seismicity, and crustal structure; description of active faults and folds; use of neotectonics in evaluation of earthquake hazard. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 340

Top GEO 463 GEOPHYSICS AND TECTONICS (4)  Offered in current or future terms WIC Core Course Has Extra Fees
Geophysical observations as constraints on geologic interpretation. Lec/lab. (Writing Intensive Course) PREREQS: MTH 251 and (PH 202 or PH 212) or equivalent.

Top GEO 464 GEOSCIENCE INTERPRETATION (4) 
Methods to present geological observations and meanings to diverse audiences in parks, museums, etc. Emphasis on oral, written, and graphic communication skills. Lec/lab. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: (GEO 201 and GEO 202) and /or equivalent.

Top GEO 465 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Introduction to modern spatial data processing, development, and functions of geographic information systems (GIS); theory, concepts and applications of geographic information science (GISci). Lec/lab.

Top GEO 466 DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING (3) 
Digital analysis of remote sensor data. Image display enhancement, classification, and rectification principles. Practical experience with an image processing system. Offered alternate years. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 444

Top GEO 469 TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES (3) 
Advanced and specialized geographic information processing techniques, procedures, and applications. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.

Top GEO 481 GLACIAL GEOLOGY (4) 
Mass balance of glaciers, physics of glacial flow, processes of glacial erosion and deposition, glacial meltwater, glacial isostasy and eustasy, and Quaternary stratigraphy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 202

Top GEO 483 SNOW HYDROLOGY (3) 
Fundamentals of snow hydrology. Physical principles of snow formation, snowpack accumulation, energy balance, snowcover-climate interactions, snow metamorphism, snowpack ablation, snowpack/snowmelt chemistry, remote sensing of snow, avalanches, field methods, snowmelt/runoff modeling techniques, and watershed processes. PREREQS: GEO 202 and MTH 111

Top GEO 484 INTRODUCTION TO BIOGEOCHEMISTRY (3) 
Interdisciplinary course, applying concepts from chemistry, physics, biology and geology to Earth systems including terrestrial, ocean and freshwater environments; water and energy cycles; carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles; biogeochemical cycles through Earth history. PREREQS: MTH 111 and ( (CH 121 and CH 122) or (CH 231 and CH 261 and CH 232 and CH 262) )

Top GEO 486 QUATERNARY PALEOCLIMATOLOGY (3) 
Introduction to geochronology, climate proxies, climate forcing, and climate modeling applied to paleoclimate problems. Emphasis on Quaternary climate history. PREREQS: (GEO 202 or GEO 203) and (CH 122 or CH 222 or ( (CH 232 or CH 232H) and (CH 262 or CH 262H or CH 272) ) and PH 201 and PH 211 or equivalent.

Top GEO 487 HYDROGEOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms
Movement of water through porous media. Darcy's Law and groundwater flow equation. Development of groundwater resources. Computer models. Lec/lab. PREREQS: (MTH 252 or MTH 252H) and GEO 202

Top GEO 488 QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Stratigraphic principles applied to Quaternary deposits. Survey Quaternary dating methods. Proxy records of glaciation and climate change. Quaternary stratigraphy of North America, emphasizing stratigraphic records of ice sheets, glaciers, and pluvial lakes. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: (GEO 481 or GEO 581) or instructor approval required.

Top GEO 495 ADVANCED FIELD GEOLOGY (6)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Six-week summer program in central Oregon. Collect field data to make geological maps, cross-sections, columns, and reports. Fee charged. PREREQS: GEO 295

Top GEO 497 FIELD MAPPING OF ORE DEPOSITS (3) 
Eight-day field trip over spring vacation to a mineral district in the western United States, emphasizing detailed mapping of outcrops, trenches, and underground workings. Students prepare final maps and a report suitable for presentation to management or publication during spring term. Transportation fee charged. Not offered every year. PREREQS: (GEO 440 or GEO 540) and GEO 495

Top GEO 499 SPECIAL TOPICS (0-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 500 FIELD TRIPS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Participation in group field trips that are not a part of any other course. Transportation fee is charged. Students may prepare guides for trips. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 501 RESEARCH (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent, original research subjects guided by faculty conferences and resulting in a brief written report. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 503 THESIS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent, original study that culminates in a senior thesis. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 999 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 505 READING AND CONFERENCE (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Independent reading in specialized topics guided by and discussed in faculty conferences. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 507 SEMINAR (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 508 WORKSHOP (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: Departmental approval required.

Top GEO 510 INTERNSHIP (1-15)  Offered in current or future terms
Pre-career professional experience under joint faculty and employer supervision. May not be used to meet minimum credit hour requirements for graduate degrees in geosciences. Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. PREREQS: 12 credits of upper-division geosciences.

Top GEO 512 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Petrogenesis of igneous rocks. Petrographic analysis using polarizing microscopes. Field trip may be required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315 and GEO 415

Top GEO 514 GROUNDWATER HYDRAULICS (3) 
Principles of groundwater flow and chemical transport in confined and unconfined aquifers, aquifer testing and well construction. Design of dewatering and contaminant recovery systems. CROSSLISTED as BEE 514 and CE 514. PREREQS: MTH 252

Top GEO 515 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF GEOGRAPHY (3)  Offered in current or future terms
The historical development of research traditions in the discipline of geography. This includes an examination of changes in conceptual structures and current trends. PREREQS: Graduate standing in geography.

Top GEO 516 INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGIC MAPS (2)  Offered in current or future terms
Development of skills in formulating geologic problems, using geologic maps, and developing solutions by the scientific method. PREREQS: GEO 495

Top GEO 518 GEOSCIENCE COMMUNICATION (3) 
Professional development of the skills of technical editing and writing for geoscientists. Practice the craft of presentation development and delivery, and the broader issues of problem development, and manuscript and proposal writing specific to geoscience graduate students.

Top GEO 520 GEOGRAPHY OF RESOURCE USE (3) 
Functional concepts of resources, institutions affecting resource use, role of resources; resource supply, bases of controversy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography.

Top GEO 522 RECONSTRUCTING HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES (3) 
Survey of historical methods used to interpret the physical, ecological, social, and cultural conditions of regions in earlier time. Emphasis on North American landscapes and broad patterns of environmental change. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. PREREQS: Senior or graduate student standing.

Top GEO 523 LAND USE IN THE AMERICAN WEST (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Development of a conceptual framework for land use study; analysis of land as a resource, land use trends, land use principles, and management issues as related to planning, focusing on the American West, the fastest growing region in the nation.

Top GEO 524 INTERNATIONAL WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (3)  Offered in current or future terms
An investigation of the various approaches to water resources geography at the international level. Explores the interaction between water science and policy through issues of current "hydropolitics" and water resources development. Topics include water quality, dams and development, conflict and cooperation, climate change, and water institutions. Offered separately as GEO 424 and GEO 524. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography and any course dealing with the hydrologic cycle.

Top GEO 525 WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES (3) 
An investigation of the various approaches to water resources geography within the U.S. Explores the disciplines that address water resources management, their tools, and their limitations. Topics include engineering, law, economics, risk assessment, game theory, conflict resolution, and the fine arts. Offered separately as GEO 425 and GEO 525. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography.

Top GEO 526 DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL RESOURCES (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Examines resource development issues and strategies in the Global South. Issues and strategies from agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, wildlife management, mineral development, land use, and health are examined. Offered every other odd year in spring.

Top GEO 527 VOLCANOLOGY (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
A survey of volcanoes: their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products, eruptive styles, and associated phenomena. Field trip may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315

Top GEO 529 TOPICS IN RESOURCE GEOGRAPHY (3) 
Fundamental problems with stress upon methods of analysis. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits. PREREQS: 9 credits of upper-division geography.

Top GEO 530 GEOCHEMISTRY (3) 
Principles of geochemistry applied to problems of earth science. Lec/rec. PREREQS: (GEO 315 and (CH 122 or CH 222 or (CH 232 and CH 262) or (CH 232H and CH 262H)))

Top GEO 532 APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Effect of landform processes upon human activity; consequences of resource management strategies on erosional balance within landscape; identification of mitigation of natural hazards; role of geomorphic process studies in environmental planning. Taught as seminar, themes TBA. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. PREREQS: GEO 322

Top GEO 533 COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY (3) 
Morphodynamic approach to coastal landforms, processes and evolution including the impacts and response of humans to coastal change. PREREQS: MTH 251 and MTH 252 and PH 211 and PH 212 or equivalent and GEO 322 or equivalent.

Top GEO 534 FIELD GEOGRAPHY OF OREGON (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Designed to introduce students to the widest possible range of topics on all aspects of Oregon geography within a limited time, then turn that experience into a viable research proposal. While physical processes are the primary topic, resource and environmental effects are stressed.

Top GEO 535 GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES (3)  Offered in current or future terms
An introduction to the theory, techniques and instrumentation used for the chemical analysis of earth materials, with emphasis on analysis of solid earth material samples (predominantly, but not restricted to, rocks). Includes discussions of laboratory safety, relevant statistical approaches, basic physical and chemical principles of analysis, sample preparation techniques and data processing and reporting. Course also includes a large component of hands-on experience with instrumentation available in-house in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 530 and /or equivalent.

Top GEO 536 STRUCTURAL AND NEOTECTONIC FIELD METHODS (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Field-intensive mapping experience emphasizing a topical issue in active tectonics, neotectonics, earthquake geology, or structural geology. One-week field trip required; transportation fee charged. Weekly discussions during quarter. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 495

Top GEO 537 TECTONIC GEOMORPHOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Exploration of linkages between patterns of erosion, crustal deformation, and landscape evolution from geomorphic, geologic, geophysical, and modeling perspectives. Field trip required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 322 and GEO 340

Top GEO 539 TOPICS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (3) 
Fundamental problems with stress upon methods of analysis. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 9 credits.

Top GEO 540 ECONOMIC GEOLOGY (4) 
Principles of the origin, distribution, and importance of metallic mineral deposits formed by magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary processes. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 315 and GEO 340

Top GEO 541 SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIATION IN ECOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCE (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Objectives and techniques of spatial and temporal analysis. Point patterns, geostatistics, spectral analysis, wavelet analysis, interpolation, and mapping. Lec/lab. PREREQS: ST 411 or ST 511

Top GEO 544 REMOTE SENSING (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Fundamentals of satellite remote sensing and image analysis. Topics include physical principles of remote sensing from the ultraviolet to the microwave, sensors and sensor technology, and environmental applications of remote sensing through image analysis. PREREQS: GEO 301 is recommended.

Top GEO 545 COMPUTER-ASSISTED CARTOGRAPHY (3) 
Concepts and techniques underlying the production of maps by computer. Practical experience with a variety of computer mapping packages. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 360 and MTH 112

Top GEO 546 ADVANCED LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY (4) 
Pattern-process interactions in large scale ecological and physical systems. Hypothesis testing, field techniques, spatial models/statistics, GIS/remote sensing. Lec/lab.

Top GEO 548 FIELD RESEARCH IN GEOMORPHOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Natural history interpretation of disturbance and recovery processes and management implications in forest-stream landscapes of western Oregon. Course consists of field experience and several seminars. Transportation and lodging fee charged. PREREQS: 9 graduate credits of sciences or engineering.

Top GEO 551 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE PLANNING (3)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
The use of geographic concepts/techniques in land use and site planning; especially natural area inventory, classification and analysis. Findings-of-fact presentation and report writing. Two local field trips may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years.

Top GEO 552 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF RURAL AND RESOURCE PLANNING (3) 
Principles, techniques, and current practices of land use planning for rural areas. Emphasis on resource issues, organization of data, policy development, and decision-making. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 423 or GEO 523

Top GEO 553 RESOURCE EVALUATION METHODS/EIS (3) 
Methods of resource analysis for land use planning; resource rating systems; environmental impact assessment: laws, procedures, and methods. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 452

Top GEO 560 MULTIMEDIA CARTOGRAPHY (4) 
Map design principles and technology for multimedia cartography, especially interactive and animated mapping. Laboratory experience with interactive and animated mapping software. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 360

Top GEO 561 GEOLOGY OF EARTHQUAKES (3) 
Tectonics of the present day as based on surface geology, geodesy, seismicity, and crustal structure; description of active faults and folds; use of neotectonics in evaluation of earthquake hazard. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 340

Top GEO 563 GEOPHYSICS AND TECTONICS (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Geophysical observations as constraints on geologic interpretation. Lec/lab. PREREQS: MTH 251 and (PH 202 or PH 212) or equivalent

Top GEO 564 GEOSCIENCE INTERPRETATION (4) 
Methods to present geological observations and meanings to diverse audiences in parks, museums, etc. Emphasis on oral, written, and graphic communication skills. Lec/lab. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: (GEO 201 and GEO 202) or equivalent

Top GEO 565 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE (4)  Offered in current or future terms Has Extra Fees
Introduction to modern spatial data processing, development, and functions of geographic information systems (GIS); theory, concepts and applications of geographic information science (GISci). Lec/lab.

Top GEO 566 DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING (3) 
Digital analysis of remote sensor data. Image display enhancement, classification, and rectification principles. Practical experience with an image processing system. Offered alternate years. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 544

Top GEO 567 RESPONSIBLE GIS PRACTICE: ETHICS FOR FUTURE GEOSPATIAL PROS (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Prepares current and aspiring professionals to recognize, analyze and address ethical issues in geographic information science and technology. PREREQS: Instructor approval required.

Top GEO 569 TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES (3) 
Advanced and specialized geographic information processing techniques, procedures, and applications. Topics vary. Not offered every year. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.

Top GEO 580 ADVANCED GIS APPLICATIONS IN THE GEOSCIENCES (4) 
Advanced geographic information science theory, analysis, and projects involving geosciences, coastal/marine, and other natural resource studies. Advanced training in a professional grade GIS package. Lec/lab. PREREQS: GEO 465 or GEO 565 or equivalent

Top GEO 581 GLACIAL GEOLOGY (4) 
Mass balance of glaciers, physics of glacial flow, processes of glacial erosion and deposition, glacial meltwater, glacial isostasy and eustasy, and Quaternary stratigraphy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 202

Top GEO 582 GEOMORPHOLOGY OF FORESTS AND STREAMS (3) 
Physical processes (erosion, transport, deposition, hydraulics, morphology) and biotic interactions on hillslopes, riparian zones, and fluvial systems at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: 9 graduate credits of sciences or engineering.

Top GEO 583 SNOW HYDROLOGY (3) 
Fundamentals of snow hydrology. Physical principles of snow formation, snowpack accumulation, energy balance, snowcover-climate interactions, snow metamorphism, snowpack ablation, snowpack/snowmelt chemistry, remote sensing of snow, avalanches, field methods, snowmelt/runoff modeling techniques, and watershed processes.

Top GEO 585 ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING AND DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING (3) 
An end-to-end approach to learning advanced techniques in remote sensing and digital processing from field measurements to global scale observations. Topics covered will include field methods, field spectroscopy, spectral mixture analysis, scaling, atmospheric characterization and correction, calibration/validation, change detection, cloud masking, global observations, and new missions. Weekly labs will involve digital image processing and field data collection and analysis. Lec/lab. PREREQS: (GEO 544 and GEO 566 and ST 511)

Top GEO 586 QUATERNARY PALEOCLIMATOLOGY (3) 
Introduction to geochronology, climate proxies, climate forcing, and climate modeling applied to paleoclimate problems. Emphasis on Quaternary climate history. PREREQS: ((GEO 202 or GEO 203) and (CH 122 or CH 222 or (CH 232 and CH 262) or (CH 232H and CH 262H))) and (PH 201 and PH 211) or equivalent

Top GEO 588 QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Stratigraphic principles applied to Quaternary deposits. Survey Quaternary dating methods. Proxy records of glaciation and climate change. Quaternary stratigraphy of North America, emphasizing stratigraphic records of ice sheets, glaciers, and pluvial lakes. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: (GEO 481 or GEO 581) or instructor approval required

Top GEO 593 TOPICS IN QUATERNARY GEOLOGY (2) 
Survey of current ideas and issues relating to Quaternary-age geologic environments. Topics may include advances in geochronology, causes of climate change, modeling of ice age geodynamics. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 10 credits.

Top GEO 597 FIELD MAPPING OF ORE DEPOSITS (3) 
Eight-day field trip over spring vacation to a mineral district in the western United States, emphasizing detailed mapping of outcrops, trenches, and underground workings. Students prepare final maps and a report suitable for presentation to management or publication during spring term. Transportation fee charged. Not offered every year. PREREQS: (GEO 440 or GEO 540) and GEO 495

Top GEO 599 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 600 FIELD TRIPS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Participation in group field trips that are not part of any other course. Transportation fee charged. Students may prepare guide for trips. Faculty sponsors must be arranged. Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 601 RESEARCH (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 603 THESIS (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 999 credits.

Top GEO 605 READING AND CONFERENCE (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 606 PROJECTS (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 607 SEMINAR (1-16)  Offered in current or future terms
Graded P/N. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 608 WORKSHOP (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.

Top GEO 622 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY (3) 
Controls on the distribution of major and trace elements; theory, applications, and examples. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: GEO 412 or GEO 512

Top GEO 633 GEOCHRONOLOGY AND ISOTOPE GEOLOGY (3)  Offered in current or future terms
Measurements of cosmic and geologic time by radioactive decay. Use of radiogenic and stable isotopic tracers in geology. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: Graduate standing in geology or related fields.

Top GEO 691 MASS AND HEAT TRANSPORT IN THE ENVIRONMENT (4) 
Quantitative treatment of processes affecting transport in lakes, streams, and groundwater: advection; diffusion; dispersion. Lec/lab. Offered alternate years. PREREQS: (GEO 487 or CE 412) or equivalent and MTH 256

Top GEO 694 TOPICS IN ORE GENESIS (1-3) 
In-depth examination of published research on selected mineral deposits to build an understanding of environments and processes of ore formation. Offered alternate years. This course is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.

Top GEO 699 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-16) 
This course is repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.



 
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