Geo 3401 is a core course for Geology majors and studies time in relationship to
the history of the earth. The course presents quantitative and relative age dating techniques based on the fundamental principles of isotopic decay and organic evolution (fossils), paleo-magnetism, etc. The class will synthesize much of the student's geologic background and apply it to determinations of geologic time to gain an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of currently available chronostratigraphic techniques. The course emphasizes how various dating techniques are used to solve fundamental geologic problems. This includes the use of chronostratigraphic techniques in exploration for precious metals, and in an evaluation of the ongoing controversy surrounding the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous.