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.

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 societal context. Field techniques demonstrated, practiced, and applied to solution of geologic problems.

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

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.
Cross-listed: Same as Geography 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.

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 1 lab course in chemistry, introductory calculus, or consent of instructor.

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.

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

Physical principles of flow, flow equations, geologic controls, aquifer analysis, water well design/testing, introduction to transport processes.
Cross-listed: (Same as Civil Engineering 485.)

Recommended Background: Introductory calculus, physics, and geology.

Grading Restriction: P/NP only.
Repeatability: May be repeated.
Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Required for the student not otherwise registered during any semester when student uses university facilities and/or faculty time before degree is completed.

Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated.
Credit Restriction: May not be used toward degree requirements.
Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

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.
Cross-listed: (Same as Anthropology 506.)

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.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture, 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: sedimentology or paleontology.

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.

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

Recommended Background: Introductory geology and introductory calculus.

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.

Origin and properties of igneous and metamorphic rocks, magmatic and subsolidus processes and physical conditions. Laboratory involves petrographic study of crystalline rocks in thin section.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: Advanced mineralogy 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. 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. Maximum 6 hours.

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.

An introduction to the use of visible, infrared, microwave/radio, and nuclear remote sensing techniques in the geologic study of the Earth. Topics covered include mineral spectroscopy, light scattering models, instrumentation for remote sensing, calibration and atmospheric removal, multi- and hyperspectral image cube analysis, and ground-truthing techniques. Emphasis on working directly with remote sensing data to solve geologic problems.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: Mineralogy, calculus and physics or consent of instructor.

Examine the ecology of urban systems. Overview of basic ecological principles, how the emergence of cities has impacted natural systems and how this impact has accelerated. 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.

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.

Origin and evolution of siliciclastic sediments from a geochemical and petrographic perspective. Emphasis on a quantitative treatment of major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements to extract provenance, weathering, and diagenesis information.
Contact Hour Distribution: 2 lectures per week, one 2-hour lab.

Recommended Background: Chemistry, mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, or consent of instructor.

Environments of deposition and diagenesis of carbonate rocks; introduction to carbonate chemistry, carbonate equilibria, and the precipitation of carbonate minerals; abiotic vs. biotic control of carbonate precipitation; secular change in carbonate mineralogy and fabric through geology time. Petrographic observation, synthesis of petrographic and geochemical datasets, critical analysis of scientific literature, and oral/written presentation.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 lecture/discussion hours per week and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: General chemistry, mineralogy and sedimentology and stratigraphy or consent of instructor.

Theoretical and practical understanding of stratigraphic sequences generated by eustatic sea level change; identification parasequences, parasequence sets, and critical surfaces using the rock record integrated with subsurface geophysical data. Weekly class exercises and field trips support lecture and discussion.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 lecture/discussion hours per week and 2 weekend field trips.
Recommended Background: Sedimentary Geology, Stratigraphy.

Survey of planetary processes and geomorphology. Important planetary processes, including impact cratering, volcanogenic, fluvial, Aeolian, glacial/periglacial, coastal, and tectonic processes will be evaluated in terms of their physical effect on planetary surfaces and their resultant geomorphic expression. Course will include instruction and utilization of GIS.

Recommended Background: Geomorphology, planetary geology 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.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture, 2-hour lab.

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.

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.

Cross-listed: (Same as Microbiology 559.)

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 462 and 562.
Recommended Background: General Chemistry, Mathematics (through Calculus), Mineralogy, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, or consent of instructor.

Theoretical aspects of isotope fractionation and applications to geologic systems. Isotope exchange, variations in natural waters, diagenetic, hydrothermal and metamorphic systems.

Recommended Background: General chemistry or consent of instructor.

A survey of regional and global water challenges related to water pollution and sustainability of water resources, 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 resources for future generations. The influence of global warming and human impact on water quality and resources will be discussed using case studies.

Recommended Background: Two courses in geology and environmental studies.

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.

Collection and treatment of geochemical data using electron microprobe, x-ray fluorescence, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry techniques.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
Recommended Background: General chemistry and mineralogy or consent of instructor.

Current topics in structural geology and tectonics of mountain belts; recent literature.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and 1 lab or seminar.
Recommended Background: Structural geology or consent of instructor.

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.
Recommended Background: Calculus, physics, petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy and structural geology or consent of instructor.

Basics of several standard near-surface geophysics techniques (for example, seismic reflection, seismic refraction, surface wave and GPR, electrical resistivity, magnetics, and EM), using state-of-the-art field equipment to develop the skills necessary to process and interpret data. Includes a significant field component.

Recommended Background: Introductory calculus.

Evolution of Earth’s lithosphere in context of plate tectonics theory. Formation of continents through comparative anatomy of mountain belts, including Appalachians, Alps, Urals, Caledonians, Cordillera, Andes, and Himalayas.

Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and 1 seminar.
Recommended Background: Structural geology course.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Broad survey in planetary science. Emphasis on fundamental physical principles, quantitative problem solving, and canonical derivations in planetary science. Topics include orbital dynamics, heating and energy transport, atmospheric physics and chemistry, planetary surface processes, planetary interiors, origin and evolution of the solar system, and extrasolar planets.

Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Radiogenic isotope geochemistry studies the natural variations in the relative isotope abundances of interested elements caused by radioactive decay. Will provide an introduction of nuclear processes and their applications in the broad field of Earth and planetary sciences. 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. 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.

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.

Recommended Background: Calculus, physics, introductory geology, or consent of instructor.

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.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

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

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

Student or instructor initiated independent study.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
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 12 hours.
Comment(s): Registration required each spring and fall semester for resident full-time graduate students, except when registered for 596.

Preparation and oral presentation of scientific material. Grade based on content, preparation, presentation, and instructor critique in departmental seminar.

Comment(s): Registration required once during residence for each graduate student.

Grading Restriction: P/NP only.
Repeatability: May be repeated.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Discussion of publications drawn from the current scientific literature in paleobiology and related fields.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Discussion of current and classical literature in geomorphology. Topics vary.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Advanced treatment of selected topics in geophysics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Variable topics.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level graduate.
Registration Permission: Consent of Instructor.