An introduction to Earth and its environments in the context of humanity. The course will provide the geologic foundation for discussions of climate change, air and water pollution, water resources, food and energy production, and mineral resources. Focus will be on impacts to natural systems that are required to sustain life on Earth, and the economic and social benefits of Earth’s resources. The course will appeal to students who have cross-cutting interests in a variety of fields.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)

In this course, we will discover the physical processes that act within and on Earth, including the formation and destruction of minerals and rocks; the risks and occurrence of volcanoes and earthquakes; and how mountains are built and eroded. Plate tectonics will provide the context of our investigations. Human use of geological resources, and the consequences, will also be highlighted.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab or field period.

In this course, we will look to the geologic past and discover how geologists use evidence gathered from the rock record to interpret geologic and biologic processes that have occurred over deep time. We will explore the history of the Earth, investigating some of the most important events that shaped the modern world such as oxygenation of Earth’s atmosphere, the explosive radiation of life, and mass extinction events.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab or field period.

In this course, we explore the relationships between Earth systems and human activities by investigating our most pressing environmental problems, and how people create and mitigate those problems. Topics include population growth, consumption, natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, floods), resource depletion (energy, minerals, water, soil, food), air and water pollution, solid & hazardous waste disposal, and global climate change.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab or field period.

In this course, we will investigate the geological processes operating on and within planets, as well as satellites, asteroids, and comets. Topics include how planets form, composition of the planets, formation of moons, geologic processes like tectonics and volcanism that affect planetary surfaces, and the spacecraft missions that have provided data for geologic interpretation.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.

Laboratory and field emphasis to understanding physical processes, including the formation of rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and landscapes.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: One 2-hour lab and 2 field trips.
Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 101* and EEPS 107*.

Laboratory and field emphasis to understanding fossils, evolution, and ancient environments throughout 4.5 billion years of Earth history.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: One 2-hour lab and 2 field trips.
Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 102* and EEPS 108*.

Introduction to how biodiversity has changed through time, especially past mass extinctions and current extinctions from human activities. Topics include measurement of biodiversity, how biodiversity originates, and the dynamics of extinction.

Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)
Credit Restriction: May not be applied toward the geology concentration. Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 202* and EEPS 208*.

Study of the earth as an integrated system between physical and biological processes. Focus is on human disturbances, such as habitat destruction and pollution.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Credit Restriction: May not be applied toward the geology concentration. Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 202* and EEPS 208*.

Study of the earth as an integrated system between physical and biological processes. Focus is on human disturbances, such as habitat destruction and pollution.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Credit Restriction: May not be applied toward the geology concentration. Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 202* and EEPS 208*.

Geologic principles, processes, and earth materials responsible for the spectacular landscapes of national parks. Focus on interactions among internal earth processes, surficial earth processes, and human interactions. Writing-emphasis course.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and an optional field trip.
Credit Restriction: May not be applied toward the geology concentration.

Survey of the major groups of dinosaurs. Skeletal structure, ecology, environments, evolutionary history, and extinction.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Credit Restriction: May not be applied toward the geology concentration. Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 205* and EEPS 207*.

This course is an introduction to theories and practices in sustainability. The course explores the connections between environmental, social, and economic systems at local, regional, and global scales. This course provides a foundational discussion into various systems including water, energy, waste, food and agriculture, pollution and production, and the built environment.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)

(Same as GEOG 206.)

Students in this course will attend the lectures of EEPS 205* and complete all assignments for that class. In addition, the students will participate in a field trip, hands-on exercises, and discussion sessions with the instructor.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hour discussion and 1 field trip.
Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 207* and EEPS 205*.

Students in this course will attend the lectures of EEPS 202* and complete all assignments for that class. In addition, students will participate in field trips, site sampling, and research discussions with the instructor.

Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hour discussion and 2 field trips.
Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both EEPS 208* and EEPS 202*.

An introduction to the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe that blends basic principles of geology, biology, and physics to discover where, and under what conditions, life can arise and exist in the universe.

Satisfies General Education Requirement: (NS)

Introduction to the range of careers in geology and environmental studies, and how students can optimize their course of study to prepare for these careers, and build skills necessary for the job search or graduate school application process. This includes discussion of internships, minors, undergraduate research, and other activities that can enhance students’ CVs and better prepare them for their careers.

Necessary philosophical underpinnings of the scientific method as applied to data collection. The course includes field data collection based on sound statistics and scientific methods, acquisition of field data in a scientifically rigorous manner, and production of robust field notes.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): Two geology courses selected from EEPS 101, EEPS 102, EEPS 103, and EEPS 104.

Introduction to the concepts of crystal chemistry, x-ray diffraction, optical mineralogy, and geochemical analysis of the important rock-forming minerals. Laboratory includes hand-specimen, x-ray diffraction, and microscopic identification of minerals.

Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): CHEM 122-CHEM 123.
Recommended Background: Two 100-level geology courses.

Critical analysis of the preserved record of ancient life, with emphases on recognition of evolutionary patterns, processes, and extinctions. Interpretation of ancient environments and the integrated use of fossils and other geological features in solving problems of geologic correlation and age dating. Statistical and qualitative approaches applied to field and laboratory data.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: Two EEPS 100-level geology courses.

Study of the properties of crystalline rocks, the processes that produce them, and the tectonic environments in which they form. Topics include interpretation of rock textures, phase diagrams, geochemical and isotopic compositions, magma generation and differentiation, effects of temperature, pressure, and fluids on mineral equilibria and kinetics.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 310.

Earth surface processes applied to interpretation of the stratigraphic record ― weathering and soil formation, the hydrologic cycle, physical sediment transport, biological and chemical sedimentation, and sediment diagenesis.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: Two EEPS 100-level geology courses or consent of instructor.

Stress and strain. Mechanics and recognition of geologic structures ― faults, joints, folds, foliations, lineations, microstructures. Introductory plate tectonics and introductory earthquake and reflection seismology. Laboratory ― geologic map interpretation, cross-section construction, fabric diagrams, fault-plane solutions, strain analysis, and seismic interpretation. Field work includes field observation and measurement, recording data, and regional geology.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 310 and EEPS 330.

Geologic, geophysical, and geochemical systems and processes at planetary scales. Topics include accretion, differentiation, outgassing, seismology, magnetism, geochronology, remote sensing, processes modifying surface morphology and materials, geochemical cycles, and planetary exploration.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
(RE) Corequisite(s): EEPS 330.

A survey of the field of taphonomy, covering processes that affect and alter organismal remains in the postmortem interval. Topics will address taphonomic processes acting at varying temporal and geographic scales relevant to both anthropology and paleontology, exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

(Same as ANTH 406)
Recommended Background: EEPS 102 and EEPS 320; or ANTH 120 and ANTH 464

An investigation of organism-substrate interactions during the present and throughout geologic time. Topics include ichnologic theory, a review of modern and ancient trace makers, ichnofacies models, and applications to sedimentologic and stratigraphic problems, environmental impacts on substrate-dependent ecosystems, as well as oil, gas, and groundwater exploration.

Recommended Background: EEPS 320 or EEPS 340

Survey of the organismal fossil record and the major groups of life, their morphologies, their major evolutionary and ecological trends. Topics include the fossil record of invertebrates, vertebrates, plants and microfossil, trace fossils, evolution of life and analytical techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: EEPS 102 and EEPS 320.

Major concepts across paleoecology, including diversity patterns, niche occupation, community structure, trophic interactions, and trace fossils. Instruction will be divided between discussions of methods and the primary literature, and hands-on activities, providing students with opportunities to practice introduced concepts.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture.
Recommended Background: EEPS 102* and EEPS 320.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are computer systems for input, storage, manipulation, and display of data georeferenced to the surface of the Earth or other planetary bodies. Participants will become familiar with a GIS software package, learn fundamental concepts of mapping and data manipulation, and will design and execute a GIS project in their own area of geologic interest.

Recommended Background: Two introductory geology or physical geography courses.

An overview of sampling schemes, data analysis, and statistical methods as applicable to earth sciences.

Recommended Background: Introductory geology and introductory calculus, or consent of instructor.

Students will gain a temporal understanding of the evolution of the biosphere from its inception through the present day. Course concentrates on evidence derived from the fossil record and investigates the consequences of major transformative events such as tectonics, oxygenation of the biosphere, and the origination and extinction of major clades.

Recommended Background: Paleobiology, organismal biology or consent of instructor.

Petrogenetic modeling provides a framework for interpreting igneous processes that operate in the Earth and planets. End-member petrogenetic models make fundamentally different assumptions about the physics of partial melting, melt extraction and melt migration. In this course we will review and critically evaluate models for partial melting of planetary interiors. Students will build a suite of MATLAB programs to apply to data from real samples. Development of these codes will provide a foundation in the fundamentals of coding and data analysis in MATLAB. The course will culminate in a research project; the codes themselves will remain a valuable package of tools that each student can apply in real research.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2-hour lecture and 2-hour lab.
Repeatability: May be repeated one time.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 310* and EEPS 330 or permission of instructor.

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of volcanic processes, both terrestrial and on other planets. Classes will focus on the basic geologic principles necessary to understand the location of volcanic features, varieties of magma compositions, and the effects these variations may have on eruptive styles and landforms. In addition, we will consider the risks people take by living near active volcanoes and what governments can do and are doing to mitigate those risks. By the end of this semester students should be able to discuss knowledgably the formation and eruption mechanisms of volcanoes, understand how composition effects volcanic output, recognize risks, both volcanic and non-volcanic, to populations living in the vicinity of volcanoes, and discuss ways to monitor and mitigate those risks.

(RE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 101* or permission of instructor.

Summer field course for advanced undergraduate geology majors and first-year graduate students in geology. Taught off-campus and requires the full time of the student. The course provides a synthesis of the major aspects of the geological sciences in a societal context. Field techniques demonstrated, practiced, and applied to the solution of geologic problems.

Recommended Background: At least 16 hours from EEPS 310, EEPS 320, EEPS 330, EEPS 340, EEPS 370.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

We examine the ecology of urban systems. Starting with an overview of basic ecological principles, we study how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. We focus on solutions, most notably the various ways that cities can be designed to reduce human impacts. The ultimate goal is to design cities to meet human needs while reducing the human footprint by increasing ecological functions.

(Same as GEOG 443.)

Students will explore, discuss, and practice evidence-based strategies for teaching in the geosciences. This course will equip students with a framework for growth and effective communication throughout their professional careers. Topics include connecting with personal experiences as geoscientists, developing a teaching philosophy, effective lesson planning, evidence-based teaching strategies, and transparent assessment.

(DE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 101

Integrative approach to understanding processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Topics include processes and landforms produced by weathering, mass wasting, running water, wind, glaciers, and seas. Field and laboratory exercises include mapping, taking measurements, physical modeling, numerical calculations, and interpretation.

(Same as GEOG 450.)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab or field period.
Recommended Background: Two introductory geology or physical geography courses and high school or college physics.

Integrative approach to understanding processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Topics include processes and landforms produced by weathering, mass wasting, running water, wind, glaciers, and seas. Field and laboratory exercises include mapping, taking measurements, physical modeling, numerical calculations, and interpretation.

(Same as GEOG 450R.)
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab or field period.
Recommended Background: Two introductory geology or physical geography courses and high school or college physics.

Introduction to speleology, with emphasis on the identification and evaluation of chemical, physical, and hydrologic controls that result in dissolution of bedrock, cave formation, and karst landscape development. Topics include carbonate geochemistry, hydrology, speleogenesis, solute and sediment transport, paleokarst, geomorphology, exploitation and management of karst and karst hazards. Includes scientific data collection, numerical calculations, model development, and interpretation. At least one field trip will be required.

Recommended Background: Two 100-level geology courses, one lab course in geology and one lab course in chemistry, introductory calculus, or consent of instructor.

An investigation of soils in the modern and geologic record. Topics include an overview of soil formation and major soil processes, field and laboratory techniques in the study of soils and paleosols, impacts of environmental and climatic change on soil systems, as well as the use of paleosols in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions.

(RE) Prerequisite(s): EEPS 101
Recommended Background: EEPS 340

Applications of ecology and geological sciences toward restoring natural systems to become more fully functioning ecosystems. Topics include geological mitigation, ecological succession, non-native species, and many case studies. At least one field trip to a nearby ecological restoration site will be required.

Recommended Background: An introductory course in geology, physical geography, conservation, or basic ecology.

Applications of the geological sciences toward a comprehension of the effects of geological processes on humans and the effects of human activities on the Earth’s environments.

Recommended Background: Two 100-level or 200-level geology courses or consent of instructor.

Examines natural and anthropogenic changes in global climate systems. Topics include biogeochemical cycles of greenhouse gases and the water cycle, including water resources and pollutants and changes in the biosphere (extinctions) as both cause and effects of physical global changes. Historical (baseline) dynamics are compared to current changes in order to predict human impacts and suggest technical and policy solutions.

Recommended Background: Introductory geology or consent of instructor.

Principles of oceanography, including physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes and patterns. Emphasis on the physical, chemical, and geologic structure of the oceans and their role in oceanic circulation, global climate change, and the biogeochemical evolution of the oceans through geologic time.

(Same as MICR 459.)
Recommended Background: Introductory geology or introductory biology or consent of instructor.

Fundamentals of organic geochemistry; primary production, diagenesis, and preservation of organic matter in the sedimentary rock records; and reconstruction of ancient geologic environments using biomarker compounds.

Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both EEPS 461 and EEPS 561.
Recommended Background: CHEM 132-CHEM 133 or consent of instructor.

A survey of fundamental geochemical principles as applied to the fate and transport of inorganic and organic constituents in natural waters. Topics include thermodynamics, activity-concentration relations, mineral solubility and stability, chemical speciation and redox state of natural waters, and water-rock-biota interactions. Course will emphasize geochemical modeling to test hypotheses, explore assumptions, approximations, and equilibria in natural geochemical systems.

Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both EEPS 462 and EEPS 562.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): CHEM 132-CHEM 133 and MATH 132, MATH 141, MATH 147, or MATH 151, or consent of instructor.
Recommended Background: EEPS 310, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in EEPS 330 or EEPS 340.

A survey of regional and global water challenges from a geochemical perspective related to surface and groundwater contamination and sustainability, and how ancient civilizations and current human activities have affected water quality in different environmental settings and what kind of techniques and strategies can be applied to water protection, remediation, and sustaining clean water for future generations. The influence of global warming and human impact on water quality and sustainability will be discussed using case studies from Appalachia, American Southwest, and coastal aquifers.

Recommended Background: Two courses in geology and environmental studies.

Introduction to interactions between microbes and earth materials (rock, soil, water). Course will identify and evaluate key biogeochemical and genetic evidence used to determine biotic from abiotic processes in modern and ancient systems. Topics include microbial ecology and diversity, community structure, biogeochemistry, molecular biology, major environmental habitats, astrobiology, and geomicrobiological applications for geology, engineering, and mining.

(Same as MICR 465.)
(RE) Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102, ENGL 132, ENGL 290, or ENGL 298 and one eight-credit sequence chosen from ASTR 151-ASTR 153 and ASTR 152-ASTR 154; ASTR 217-ASTR 218; BIOL 101-BIOL 102; BIOL 113-BIOL 114-BIOL 115; BIOL 150-BIOL 160-BIOL 159; BIOL 158-BIOL 168-BIOL 167; CHEM 102-CHEM 103* and CHEM 112-CHEM 113; CHEM 122-CHEM 123 and CHEM 132-CHEM 133; CHEM 128-CHEM 138; GEOG 137-GEOG 132; or two courses chosen from EEPS 101, EEPS 102, EEPS 103, EEPS 104, EEPS 107, EEPS 108; or PHYS 135-PHYS 136, PHYS 137-PHYS 138, or PHYS 221-PHYS 222.

This course focuses on the impacts of human activities on the water and atmospheric cycles. Emphasis is on field and lab activities to learn methods of measuring pollution. Topics include industrial pollution, sewage contamination, heavy metals, and some biological impacts.

Recommended Background: 1 lab course in Geology and 1 lab course in Chemistry.

Basic principles of data collection, processing, and analysis for several common geophysical techniques will be presented through lectures, computer assignments (labs), and field work. Passive (earthquake) and active (reflection and refraction) seismology, potential fields (gravity and magnetics), heat flow, electromagnetics (including ground penetrating radar), and electrical techniques will be covered.

Contact Hour Distribution: One 3-hour meeting per week consisting of lecture, computer lab, or field work. One optional day or weekend field trip will be scheduled.
Credit Restriction: Credit cannot be received for both EEPS 470 and EEPS 471.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): MATH 132* or MATH 141; PHYS 135 or PHYS 221*.
Recommended Background: Calculus, physics, petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy and structural geology or consent of instructor.

Radiogenic isotope geochemistry studies the natural variations in the relative isotope abundances of interested elements caused by radioactive decay. The course will provide an introduction of nuclear processes and their applications in the broad field of Earth and planetary sciences. We will discuss radiogenic isotopes as a tool for chronology, as well as a monitor of geological processes in the mantle and crust of the Earth and other rocky planets. We will also review laboratory measurements of radiogenic isotope variations. There are no formal prerequisites, but students should be prepared to learn (or relearn) physics, chemistry, and math.

Repeatability: May be repeated one time.

Students will gain a quantitative physical understanding of processes that are important in the geophysical evolution of planetary bodies (planets, moons, other bodies). Topics such as stress and strain, flexure, heat transfer, gravity, fluid mechanics, and rheology will be developed from a quantitative perspective and evaluated in terms of observable effects on the earth and other bodies in the Solar System.

(DE) Prerequisite(s): MATH 132* or MATH 141* and MATH 142, or MATH 147 and MATH 148* or MATH 151* and MATH 152, and EF 151 or EF 157* or PHYS 135* or PHYS 137* or PHYS 221*.
Recommended Background: Introductory geology, or consent of instructor.

Physical principles of flow, flow equations, geologic controls, aquifer analysis, water well design/testing, and introduction to transport processes.

(Same as CE 485.)
Recommended Background: Introductory calculus, physics, and geology.

Student- or instructor-initiated course offered at the convenience of the department with focus on specialized topics in the geological sciences.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward the geology major.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward the geology major.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Student- or instructor- initiated independent study.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward the geology major.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Student- or instructor- initiated independent study.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward the geology major.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Presentation of research by faculty and visiting scientists.

Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.
Recommended Background: 12 hours of upper division coursework in Geology and Environmental Studies.

Student- or instructor-initiated independent study resulting in completion of an approved senior thesis.

Credit Restriction: Applies only to honors geology concentration or Chancellor’s Honors.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.