Written and oral presentation of the study. Field trips to industrial locations are required. One hour of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. The optical behavior of crystals with emphasis on the theory and application of the petrographic microscope. Principles of biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleogeology.
Laboratory study emphasizes significant index fossils.
A systematic review of the morphology, classification, ecology and geologic ranges of important microfossil groups, particularly ostracodes and foraminifera. Formerly GEOL 448. Development of plate tectonic theory. An introduction to the basic principles of geochemistry including geothermometry, geobarometry, geochronology and the genesis of natural inorganic materials. An introduction to the basic theories and principles of geophysics stressing such important applications as rock magnetism, gravity anomolies, crustal strain and earthquakes, and surveying.