Kenneth Hopkins

Kenneth Hopkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professor Emeritus of Geology

Education

  • Ph.D., Geology, 1976, University of Washington
  • M.S., Geology, 1966, University of Washington
  • B.A., Geology, 1963, University of Minnesota

Contact Information

Courses Taught

  • GEOL 100 General Geology
  • GEOL 460/560 Geomorphology
  • GEOL 464/564 Glacial and Quaternary Geology
  • GEOL 467/567 Volcanic Geology
  • ESCI 600 Introduction to Earth Science Research

Areas of Specialization and Research Interests

Primary areas of specialization are periglacial, glacial, and glaciofluvial records of climate change following the last glacial maximum. Current research interests focus on periglacial and latest glacial events in the Never Summer Mountains of the northern Front Range in Colorado.

Course Notes and Highlights

Catalog descriptions of courses can be found by following the links on the Earth Sciences Home Page http://www.unco.edu/nhs/esci/.

GEOL 100 General Geology

General Geology is an introductory lecture/lab course intended primarily for non-science majors, and is a popular course for students seeking to satisfy the Liberal Arts Core science requirement. The summer offering of GEOL 100, taught by Professor Hopkins, enables students to explore the mysteries of geology in a smaller class setting that provides for more personal attention and one-on-one instruction. The laboratory and day-long field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, both taught by Professor Hopkins, provide many opportunities for hands-on activities and learning.

Photo highlights of field trips.

GEOL 460/560 Geomorphology

Geomorphology is the study of landforms, landscapes, and landscape-forming processes. It is an integral component of the Geology and Environmental Earth Sciences emphases in the Earth Sciences B.S. program, but will be of interest to anyone planning a career that concerns landscapes and surficial processes, such as land-use planning and archaeology.

GEOL 464/564 Glacial and Quaternary Geology

This course explores the many fascinating geologic phenomena that characterized the Quaternary Period, both glacial and related nonglacial, and related climatic implications. A highlight of the course is a day-long, inquiry-based field trip where students, working in teams, apply concepts learned in class to decipher the glacial history of a single valley in the Colorado Front Range.

GEOL 467/567 Volcanic Geology

Volcanic geology focuses on the descriptive aspects of volcanology. Principal topics include the nature and properties of magma, eruption mechanisms and styles, lava flows and pyroclastic material, and volcanic landforms and structures. Laboratory activities emphasize individual projects and are geared to the background and skills of the student.

ESCI 600 Introduction to Earth Science Research

ESCI 600 is intended for students newly enrolled in the Master of Arts in Earth Sciences program to ensure that their graduate studies are initiated in a timely and effective manner. The principal goals of this course are to provide students with the guidance and skills necessary to successfully navigate through the process of (1) assembling a research committee, (2) building an academic plan of study, and (3) preparing a proposal for a thesis or graduate research project.