200. Introduction to Geophysics

(4) Archuleta, Luyendyk, Macdonald, Tanimoto

Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Survey of major topics in geophysics at an elementary level; the figure of the earth, its gravitational and magnetic fields, seismology and deep structure of the earth, heat flow, methods of geophysical exploration. The geophysical basis of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading. Term paper. (S)
 
 

201A. Graduate Research and Field Seminar

(4) Awramik

Required of all entering graduate students. Seminar, 2 hours.

Faculty research projects will be presented in a series of evening seminars. Student research projects will be initiated. Three weekend field trips will sample field research in southern California. (F)
 
 

201B. Graduate Research Seminar

(4) Luyendyk, Boles, Haymon

Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 201A and graduate standing in the department of Geological Sciences. Required course for all first year graduate students.

How research is conducted in geological sciences; identifying significant problems; designing the experiment; how to obtain funding and how to write and evaluate a research proposal, including a budget.
 
 

207. Diagenesis of Clastic Rocks

(3) Boles

Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 14, 14X, 102B, and 124T. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.

Diagenesis of volcanic tuffs, sandstones, and shales. Course emphasizes controls of pressure, temperature, and solution chemistry to diagenesis. Laboratory includes application of thin section, x-ray diffraction, cathode luminescence to solving diagenetic problems.
 
 

208. Clastic Depositional Environments

(4) Busby

Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 102B. Lecture, 3 hours; field, variable.

Review of sandstone depositional models including eolian, fluvial, deltaic, shoreline, shelf, and turbidite fan models. Use of facies models for observation, prediction, and hydrodynamic interpretation. Tectonic controls on the nature and distribution of sedimentary facies. Paleogeographic reconstructions and the sedimentary evolution of strike-slip, rift, foreland, and arc-related basins.
 
 

209. Tectonic Controls on Sedimentation

(3) Busby

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Seminar, 3 hours.

Origin and evolution of sedimentary basins. Discussion of assigned papers on selected topics, including sedimentation in strike-slip basins, foreland basins, arc-trench systems, rift margins and aulacogens. Term paper required. Content of course will vary year to year.
 

212. Marine Geochemistry and Minerals

(2-4) Haymon

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Appropriate for graduate students, upper-division Geology majors. Seminar, 3 hours. Discussion, 1 hour.

Recent discoveries/current topics in marine geochemistry; emphasis on seafloor hydrothermal systems and mineral formation in marine environments; includes discussion of instruments/methods used to observe seafloor processes, and to analyze minerals.
 

213. Geochemistry II

(1-4) Mattinson

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C, Mathematics 3C, and Geology 2.

An introduction to the geochemistry of the Earth and solar system; especially applications of radiogenic isotopes to problems of magma genesis and age determination. Presentation of a seminar or term paper selected in consultation with instructor is required.
 
 

214. Seminar in Marine Geophysics

(2-4) Macdonald

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Seminar, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Current discoveries and unsolved problems in marine geophysics. Instruments and methods of study.
 

216. Stable Isotopy of Biogenic Materials

(4) DeNiro

Prerequisites: Geology 124SI or 224SI or a similar course in stable isotopy. Seminar, 3 hours.

Directed reading and weekly seminar in the misuses of stable isotopy, especially in its application to biology, archaeology, geology, paleontology, and paleoecology. The larger issue of misuses of numeric data is also addressed.
 
 

217. Tectonic Geomorphology

(4) Burbank

Prerequisite: Geology 103 or 117 or equivalent. Lecture, 3 hours. Field, 1 hour.

Interaction among geomorphic processes that shape the Earth's surface and tectonic processes that deform the upper crust. Use of new tools for geochronology, geodesy, structural geology, and landform analysis. Field trips and projects in Southern California.
 

218. Research Ethics

(4) DeNiro

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar, 3 hours.

Directed reading and weekly seminar in ethical guidelines for conducting scientific research. Problems encountered during the practice of research: data acquisition and handling; publication and communication of results; error, negligence, and misconduct; procedures for dealing with misconduct; responsibilities to society.
 
 

222. Advanced Topics in Stratigraphy

(4) Busby

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; field trips.

Current topics in stratigraphy with emphasis on paleogeographic/tectonic reconstructions. Field research in Cordilleran United States or Mexico, supplemented by laboratory studies and classroom discussion of published literature. Content of course will change from year to year.
 
 

224SI. Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

(2) DeNiro

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C and Math 3C.

Principles of mass spectrometry. Expression of isotope ratios and fractionations. Principles and applications of isotopes relating to waters, minerals, and both biogenic organic and inorganic matter.

225. Advanced Igneous Petrology

(4) Spera

Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 240A or equivalent. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

The study of magma dynamics and igneous rocks including petrogeny with an emphasis on petrography, physical chemistry, and dynamics. (Offered alternate years.)
 
 

235. Plate Tectonics Seminar

(2-4) Atwater

Lecture, 3 hours, seminar, 1 hour.

Read recent related articles. Students present and discuss selected topics in separate seminar. Complete term paper and/or problem sets for 3 or 4 units. (W)
 
 

239B. Hadean and Archean Earth History

(4) Spera

Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.

Description and quantitative analysis of the most important physical and chemical processes on the Earth during its first two billion years. Origin of atmosphere, hydrophere, pre-biotic chemistry, evolution of magma ocean.

240A. Mineralogical Thermodynamics

(3) Spera

Prerequisite: elementary thermodynamics or physical chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours.

Derivation of thermodynamic equations of state for minerals and fluids. Thermodynamics of ideal and nonideal crystalline solutions. Development and application of thermodynamic data bases. Characterization of physical conditions for metamorphic and igneous rocks. (Offered alternate years.)
 
 

241. Plant Paleobiology

(4) Tiffney

Examination of the history of land plants; the systematics, morphology, and phylogeny of major groups. Major evolutionary and biogeographic patterns. Extra readings and paper.
 
 

243. The History of Mammals

(4) Wyss

Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 3 or 7 or 11 or 30 or MCDB 5A-AL.

Introduction to the diversity of fossil and living mammals from phylogenetic, stratigraphic, and paleobiogeographic perspectives. Required research paper.
 

244. Invertebrate Paleobiology

(4) Porter

Important topics in paleobiology are discussed in the context of the evolutionary history of invertebrate animal life. These include macroevolutionary theory, diversification and extinction events, ecological and geobiological interactions through time, and the incompleteness of the fossil record.
 

247. Seminar in Quaternary Geology

(3) Keller

Prerequisite: Geology 117. May be repeated for credit. Discussion, 3 hours; field.

Selected topics in quaternary geology. Subject matter will change from year to year.
 
 

248. Vertebrate Paleontology

(4) Wyss

Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 1 hour.

Introduction to the history of vertebrate life, with emphasis on the phylogenetic relationships of the major vertebrate groups. Paper required. (S)
 
 

250. Petroleum Geology

(2) Boles

Recommended Preparation: Geology 14, 102B, and 124IT. Lecture, 2 hours; Discussion, 1 hour.

Study of petroleum systems including origin, generation, migration, and trapping of hydrocarbons. Guest speakers from industry. Lab includes use of basin analysis software from oil company. Field trip to active petroleum basin in California. Required written report.

256. Geophysical Inverse Theory

(3) Prothero, Tanimoto

Prerequisites: Geology 136; consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours.

Introduction to basic concepts of inverse theory such as resolution, error and its trade-off. Application to earth structure study, earthquake source, geodetic data and magnetic field. Reading on key papers. Term paper.
 
 

258. Advanced Structural Geology

(5) Gans

Prerequisites: Geology 103 and 104B; or, consent of instructor. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours; lab, 2 hours; field, 3 hours.

Analysis of geologic structures-theory and practice. Rock deformation as a function of crustal environment. Fault mechanics and earthquakes; mineral deformation mechanisms, microstructures, and tectonite fabrics. Finite strain measurement and interpretation of kinematic indicators. Regional structural styles.
 
 

259. Paleomagnetism and Tectonics

(3) Luyendyk

Lecture, 1 hour; seminar, 2 hours; preparation, 3 hours.

Lectures on paleomagnetism followed by seminar. Readings and discussion on topics concerning the tectonics of the Pacific rim, and especially the western U.S. Cordillera, as approached by the paleomagnetics method.
 

259C. The Early Evolution of Life and its Environmental Context

(3) Luyendyk

Lecture, 3 hour; discussion, 1 hour.

The first 3.5 billion years of life and the environmental context in which it evolved. Highly multidisciplinary, drawing on evidence from geology, geochemistry, paleontology, and comparative biology.
 
 

260. Seminar in Geology

(1) Staff

Required of all first year graduate students. May be repeated for credit. P/NP grading only. Seminar, 1 hour.

Presentation and discussion of current research, and reviews of the literature on selected geologic concepts. Students will present material reflecting their interests in geology for critical appraisal, of both content and manner of presentation, by selected members of the seminar. Emphasis will be placed on assisting students in developing professional speaking style. (F,W,S)

261. Marine Stratigraphy

(3) Kennett

Prerequisites: open to graduates and qualified senior undergraduates. Seminar, 2 hours; short field trips.

Extensive reading and class discussion of concepts and methods of marine stratigraphy. Included are lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and chronology. Stratigraphic nomenclature. Problems and advances in correlation and dating of sediments including the Pacific, California, and Europe. Term paper.
 
 

264. Petrotectonics

(3) Hacker

Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 102C. Lecture, 3 hours.

Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, structural petrology, thermochronology, and thermobarometry. Subject material changes each year.
 

264L. Petrotectonics Laboratory

(1-2) Hacker

Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 102C-CL; concurrent enrollment in Geology 264.

Recommended Preparation: Geology 124T. Laboratory, 3-6 hours.

Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, structural petrology, thermochronology, and thermobarometry.
 
 

266. Chemical Oceanography

(4) Lea

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1C or consent of instructor.

An introduction to the chemistry of the oceans. Topics include composition and chemical equilibria of seawater, biogeochemical cycling, sediment chemistry, atmospheric exchange, circulation and rates of mixing based on chemical tracers, and the impact of ocean chemistry on climate change.
 
 

268. Seminar in Geology-Presentation

(1) Staff

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Presentation of research topics to meeting of Geology 260.

269. Tracer Hydrology

(4) Clark

270. Seminar in Geologic Problems

(1-3) Staff

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Discussion, 1-3 hours.

Review and discussion of a current problem in geology. Content is variable and depends on student interest. (On demand.)
 
 

271. Seminar on Submarine Hydrothermal Systems

(3) Haymon

Recommended Preparation: Geology 124AA-ZZ. Lecture, hours; discussion, 2 hours; preparation, 6 hours.

Covers observational, experimental, and theoretical studies of seafloor hydrothermal processes; emphasizes systems at oceanic spreading centers; includes global hydrothermal effects on the compositions of seawater and ocean crust; focuses on recent developments and unsolved problems.
 
 

276. Geological Oceanography

(3) Kennett

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Geology of the oceans. Development of the oceans through geologic time. Tectonism, crustal structure and composition, sediments, and the fossil record. Paleoceanographic change in relation to earth system history including impact of the oceans on climate change.

280. Seminar in Field Geology

(1-4) Staff

Credit is one half of 1 unit per day in the field, with a maximum of 1 unit for any trip. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 units each academic year. S/U grading. Field, variable hours.

Field trips of one day or more, organized as opportune. Appropriate report required for each trip. (On demand.)
 
 

281. Field Studies in Marine Geophysics

(2-8) Macdonald

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, up to 40 hours.

Field studies in marine geophysics using seismic, sonar, magnetic techniques in high resolution studies of deep-sea geologic features. Normally involves going to sea for one month.
 
 

282. Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry

(2-8) Haymon

Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, up to 3 hours; field or preparation, 6-40 hours.

Studies in marine geochemistry with the opportunity of going to sea or into the field on land. Lectures cover techniques of seafloor mapping using bottom photography, marine geochemical sampling, and methods of data reduction and sample analysis. Labs include analysis of data/samples collected.
 
 

283. Advanced Field Mapping and Geologic Investigations

(3) Gans

Prerequisite: Geology 118 or equivalent.

Research-oriented mapping projects to solve outstanding problem(s) in a geologically significant area. Two weeks in the field, followed by compilation and complimentary laboratory studies. Weekly meetings to discuss results. Paper required.
 
 

285. Physical Volcanology

(4) Gans

Prerequisites: Geology 14, 102A, and 104A. Recommended preparation: Geology 103. Lecture, 2 hours; Lab, 3 hours; field, 3 hours.

Overview of volcanic processes, including physical properties of melts, eruptive mechanisms, classification of volcanic deposits, and volcanic-tectonic environments. Lecture emphasizes theoretical aspects of volcanic processes, lab examines major classifications of rocks. Graduate students must complete an independent research project.

286. Cordilleran Tectonics

(4) Gans

Directed readings, weekly seminar, and field trip focused on the phanerozoic evolution of the North American Cordillera. Emphasis on understanding fundamental orogenic processes (continental extension, shortening, transcurrent motions, magmatism, metamorphism) from a cordilleran perspective.
 

501. Practicum in Instruction

(1-4) Staff

Prerequisite: concurrent teaching assistant appointment. No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-6 hours.

Practical experience in teaching in geological sciences. Student will have responsibility for one or more laboratory and/or discussion sections. Evaluations will be made by both staff and class.
 
 

502. Teaching Assistant Training

(2) Staff

Maximum of three quarters. No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-2 hours. (2 day workshop.)

Orientation and workshop in professional conduct and responsibilities. Course will involve observation of student in teaching situation (faculty visits or videotaping) and follow-up conferences, evaluations, and follow-up. (F)  
 

503. Practicum in Research

(1-6) Staff

Prerequisite: concurrent research assistant appointment. No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-6 hours.

Practical experience in research in the geological sciences, under supervision of faculty member.
 
 

596. Directed Reading and Research

2-12) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor. No more than half the units necessary for the master's degree may be taken in Geological Sciences 596. Tutorial, 3-40 hours.

Individual tutorial. Written proposal for each tutorial must be approved by the instructor and the department chair. (F,W,S)
 
 

597. Individual Study for Master's and Ph.D. Examinations

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor.

No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. Laboratory, 3-36 hours. Instructor should be student's major professor or chair of the committee. (F,W,S)
 
 

598. Master's Thesis Research and Preparation

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor. No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-12 hours..

Master's thesis research and preparation. Instructor normally should be chair of the student's thesis committee. Only for research underlying the thesis, writing the thesis. (F,W,S)
 
 

599. Ph.D. Dissertation Preparation

(1-12) Staff

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor. Variable hours.

Instructor normally should be chair of the student's doctoral committee. Only for research underlying the dissertation, writing the dissertation. Limited to terminal preparation. (F,W,S)