Geosciences

GEOS 5000 SESS Graduate Seminar (0 semester credit hours) Attendance only. Graduate seminar course held in association with the Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences weekly department seminar featuring guest lecturers on topics of current research interest. Pass/Fail Only. May be repeated. ([0-1]-0) S

GEOS 5101 Internship in Geosciences (1 semester credit hour) An internship in which a student gains experience through temporary employment at a geosciences based company or government organization. The activity must be monitored by one of the Geosciences faculty members and must be approved in advance of the employment. The student must provide regular progress updates and a final report to the faculty monitor. Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit (5 semester credit hours maximum). Instructor consent required. (1-0) S

GEOS 5300 Special Topics in Earth Sciences (3 semester credit hours) Courses dealing with a variety of topics relevant to Earth sciences. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (3-0) R

GEOS 5302 Geochemistry (3 semester credit hours) A comprehensive overview of inorganic geochemistry in the earth sciences. Includes a semester-long research project in a geochemistry topic of interest and preparation of a scientific journal article-style manuscript on chosen topic. (3-0) F

GEOS 5305 Petroleum Geosciences (3 semester credit hours) Survey of geological and geophysical methods used to find and produce oil and gas, and to perform economic and risk analyses that are crucial in reserve estimates and prospect evaluation. Emphasis on the knowledge necessary to become an effective contributor in the oil and gas industry. Students are expected to have the equivalent of a BS or BA degree in Geosciences. (3-0) R

GEOS 5306 Data Analysis for Geoscientists (3 semester credit hours) Advanced statistical techniques with important applications in Earth science. Topics include robust statistics, exploratory data analysis, surface modeling and contouring, Kriging, analysis of point patterns and directional data. Factor, cluster and time series analysis may also be considered. Emphasis will be on application and theoretical understanding. (3-0) R

GEOS 5308 Sustainable Energy (3 semester credit hours) Ensuring sustainable supplies of energy for the future will require a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy. This course is an introduction to sustainable energy and will cover economics of energy generation and conservation, energy systems analysis methodologies; electricity use and efficiency in buildings and industry; electricity supply systems; fossil fuels; wind energy; capturing solar energy through biomass; fundamentals of solar radiation; photovoltaics; solar thermal collectors and systems; ocean, hydropower, and geothermal energy; storage technologies; and transportation. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5309 Geology of the Permian Basin (3 semester credit hours) The Permian Basin of west Texas and southeast New Mexico is one of the world's premier hydrocarbon-producing regions. The region constitutes a vital economic engine for Texas and the U.S., providing jobs, tax income for counties and the state, and royalty payments that support the UT education system. Topics covered in this course include the tectonic formation and structural evolution of the basin, basin stratigraphy, and the Permian Basin petroleum system. Students are assigned a topic to research and summarize in a series of brief oral presentations and a written report. (3-0) R

GEOS 5310 (GISC 5310) Hydrogeology (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to the principles and practice of ground- and surface- water hydrology. Study of the principles of occurrence and geologic controls of groundwater, physical flow and geochemistry of waters. Design and use of procedures for typical hydrologic investigations. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5311 (GISC 5311) Applied Groundwater Modeling (3 semester credit hours) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience using the most commonly-applied groundwater flow and transport models (e.g. modflow/modpath, MT3D/RT3D, GMS). Practical application of the models and design of modeling studies is emphasized; modeling theory and mathematics is de-emphasized. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5313 Applied Surface Water Modeling (3 semester credit hours) The development and application of watershed models emphasizing runoff, stormflow and stormwater management design. This class combines aspects of GIS, remote sensing and surface water hydrology from an applied modeling perspective, using commonly applied computer models (e.g. Rational Method, TR-20, HEC-1) to address drainage problems related to urbanization and land-use changes. (3-0) T

GEOS 5314 (GISC 5314) Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation (3 semester credit hours) An introduction to the development of climate change risk analyses and resilience-mitigation plans for governmental and business entities. Techniques of assessing climate change models, extracting appropriately-scaled projections and uncertainties. Approaches based on these toward identification and quantification of specific vulnerabilities, planning for their mitigation, and final assessment of climate resilience. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5315 The Earth: An Overview (3 semester credit hours) Nucleosynthetic processes, condensation of the solar system, and the formation of the Earth-Moon system. Discussion of the scientific method and natural, non-linear systems. Tectonic and magmatic processes driven by internal heat. Plate tectonics and magmatic cycles. Rock weathering and the external, sun-driven processes of erosion, transport, and deposition, and the sedimentary record. Biogenic sediments. Continental collisions, mountain building, rock deformation, and metamorphism. Methods of dating and correlating rocks. A history of the Earth through time. Current problems and trends in the geosciences. Pleistocene/Holocene boundary and emergence of the human species. (3-0) F

GEOS 5318 Minerals and Metals for Sustainability (3 semester credit hours) Modern civilization depends on all 92 elements in the periodic table, and most of these are extracted from mineral deposits. The transition to a green economy is greatly increasing our need for some of these elements, like Li, Co, Cu, Ni, and the REE. This course provides an overview of how the elements formed, how these are concentrated in different types of mineral deposits, how these deposits formed, and some of the ways in which we use different elements today. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5322 (GISC 5322) GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Surveying Techniques (3 semester credit hours) The theory and application of satellite positioning utilizing the Global Positioning System Code and phase methodology in field observations, data processing and analysis of Differential GPS, high accuracy static and other rapid measurements, in real time and with post-processing. (3-0) R

GEOS 5324 (GISC 5324) 3D Data Capture and Ground Lidar (3 semester credit hours) The theory and applications of 3D data acquisition and post-processing in the field for geosciences and non-geosciences studies. The basics and applications of field digital mapping with emphasis on RTK GPS, laser range finder, terrestrial scanners (ground lidar), and 3D digital photorealistic modeling. Field Trip fee $50. (2-1) Y

GEOS 5325 (GISC 6325) Remote Sensing Fundamentals (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to remote sensing principles, sensor technologies, image preprocessing techniques, and machine learning and AI based image analysis. The class will focus on how remote sensing data can be processed to extract information in support of important urban and environmental decision making. The current generation, industry standard software is used for labs and applications development. (3-0) F

GEOS 5326 (GISC 7365) Advanced Remote Sensing (3 semester credit hours) Examines advanced remote sensing technologies that was made possible by the latest sensors, the corresponding data processing techniques, and their applications in solve various real world problems. State-of-the-art commercial software is used for class exercises. Prerequisite: GEOS 5325 or GISC 6325. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5327 (PHYS 5327 and SCI 5327) Comparative Planetary Science (3 semester credit hours) Every world in the solar system is unique, but none more so than our own planet Earth. The course is an exploration of the astrophysical, chemical, and geological processes that have shaped each planet, moon, and the myriad of rocky and icy bodies in our solar system with a special emphasis on what each tells us about Earth, and what discoveries of worlds orbiting other stars may tell us about our planetary system and home world. (3-0) T

GEOS 5328 (GISC 5328) Imaging Radar: Principles and Geophysical Applications (3 semester credit hours) Explore the intricate processes involved in forming and manipulating radar images while gaining a profound understanding of their applications in solving complex geophysical problems. Half of the course focuses on radar image formation and interferometry. Topics include scattering from natural surfaces, range and azimuth processing algorithms, and time-series analysis. Half of the course focuses on geophysical applications. Topics include past successful imaging radar missions from national/international space agencies, crustal deformation measurements of earthquakes, volcanic processes, and human-induced deformation such as groundwater withdrawal, oil, and gas extraction. Familiarity with MATLAB or Python is recommended but not required. (3-0) T

GEOS 5329 (GISC 7366) Applied Remote Sensing (3 semester credit hours) Focuses on the application of one or more specialized remote sensing techniques to solve specific real world urban and environmental problems. Prerequisite: (GISC 6325 or GEOS 5325) or (GISC 7365 or GEOS 5326). (3-0) R

GEOS 5332 Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (3 semester credit hours) Delves into predictive modeling to extract valuable insights from geological data, climate patterns, and natural resource management. Students will apply cutting-edge machine learning techniques to address environmental challenges, predict natural disasters, and develop sustainable solutions. (1-2) T

GEOS 5334 Induced Seismicity (3 semester credit hours) A course on understanding human-induced earthquakes from the perspectives of risk analysis, physical mechanisms, and mitigation strategies. Includes induced seismicity due to hydraulic fracturing, wastewater injection, geothermal energy production, carbon capture and sequestration, mining, nuclear tests, and reservoir impoundment. Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding induced seismicity will be discussed, combining geology, seismology, and public policy. (3-0) T

GEOS 5335 Introductory Seismology (3 semester credit hours) Covers the fundamentals of seismology and seismic wave propagation. An introduction to the theory of wave propagation in acoustic, elastic, anelastic and anisotropic medium, and observational methods in seismology applicable to the deep planetary structure of the Earth as well as petroleum deposits in the crust. The theory of earthquakes and methods for retrieving seismic source information will also be addressed. Class projects will emphasize the use of seismic data from public databases and processing using python packages. A background in differential and integral calculus is required; experience in multivariate calculus is recommended. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5338 (PHYS 5336) Big Data and Machine Learning for Scientific Discovery (3 semester credit hours) This class introduces a wide range of machine learning techniques suitable for Big Data analysis. The techniques covered include multivariate non-linear non-parametric regression and classification, both supervised and unsupervised. These approaches are directly applicable to many issues of major scientific and societal importance. The practical tools introduced (Neural Networks, Support Vector Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, etc) can be readily used in a wide range of applications from research to real time decision support. The data used can come from a wide variety of sources including scientific instrumentation, social media, remote sensing, aerial vehicles, and the internet of things. (3-0) R

GEOS 5342 Clastic Sedimentology (3 semester credit hours) Review of sedimentary processes focusing on the transport of clastic sediments from source to sink. Students will learn about the formation and identification of sedimentary structures and how to interpret clastic depositional environments, facies, and systems using both modern and stratigraphic examples, such as fluvial, deltaic, shoreline, and deepwater accumulations. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5343 Carbonate Sedimentology (3 semester credit hours) Carbonate sediments, comprised chiefly of organically-produced or chemically-precipitated calcium carbonate, constitute a large portion of the sedimentary rock record, and over one-half of the world's hydrocarbons occur in carbonate reservoirs. Topics covered in this class include carbonate rocks and platforms; carbonate chemistry and mineralogy; the carbonate factory; reefs; carbonate slope and basinal carbonates; carbonate sequence stratigraphy; Precambrian carbonates; Phanerozoic carbonates; carbonate diagenesis; and carbonate petroleum reservoirs. (3-0) R

GEOS 5356 Isotope Geochemistry (3 semester credit hours) Reviews the fundamentals and applications of stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry across a variety of disciplines in the earth sciences including sedimentology, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, tectonics, and paleoclimatology. Includes graduate student-lead presentations on applications in geochemistry from peer-reviewed journal case studies. (3-0) T

GEOS 5364 Critical Zone Biogeochemistry (3 semester credit hours) Explores biogeochemical processes in the Critical Zone (CZ), where rock, soil, water, air, and life interact. Students examine carbon and nutrient cycling, weathering, mineral-microbe interactions, and redox dynamics using concepts from soil science, hydrology, ecology, and geochemistry. The course emphasizes how CZ processes respond to environmental and human-driven change. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5368 Physical Climate Science (3 semester credit hours) Comprehensive overview of the physical processes that govern Earth's climate system. Core topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, the hydrological cycle, sea ice dynamics, climate feedback mechanisms, climate modeling, natural climate variability, paleoclimate reconstructions, and anthropogenic climate change. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, supported by data analysis using Python-based notebooks, simplified climate models, and exercises that promote analytical thinking and physical reasoning. The course is intended for students in Earth sciences, physics, or engineering who seek a solid foundation in climate science, as well as practical tools to apply this knowledge to their own research interests. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5375 Tectonics (3 semester credit hours) Study of the earth's present tectonic environments, including geochemistry, sedimentology, and structure; application of present tectonic environments towards the reconstruction of ancient crustal events; consideration of temporal aspects of crustal evolution. Oral and written presentations required. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5384 Near-Surface Geophysical Imaging (3 semester credit hours) This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data applications. It is a "hands-on" course that covers the physical basis, rock properties, equipment, planning and execution of small scale surveys, data processing and interpretation. Examples of applications include reservoir analogs, and engineering, groundwater and environmental site evaluations. Techniques include low and high frequency, single and multi-channel ground-penetrating radar. A one-day field trip for collection of GPR data from the Woodbine formation at Grapevine Lake is the basis of the laboratory report. A background in calculus and general physics is required. Instructor consent required. Lab fee of $30 required. (2-3) T

GEOS 5387 Applied Geophysics (3 semester credit hours) Entry-level core graduate course in Geophysics. Emphasis is on the theory and application of physical methods to the solution of Earth science problems, and the quantitative estimation of physical properties of the Earth with geophysical sensor data. Topics include gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, acoustic and seismic waves, electromagnetic waves, and ground penetrating radar. (3-0) Y

GEOS 5441 Advanced Sedimentary Processes (4 semester credit hours) Origin and classification of sedimentary rocks, reconstruction of ancient environments, and principles of modern stratigraphic nomenclature. Concepts of space and time in the rock record and methods of stratigraphic correlation. Integrated stratigraphic techniques. Study of sedimentary rocks in hand specimens and outcrops. Field trip fee of $100 is required. Instructor consent required. (3-3) R

GEOS 5442 Advanced Sedimentary Petrography (4 semester credit hours) Covers petrographic evaluation of sedimentary rocks, with the semester divided into modules on siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and chemical sedimentary rocks. The course features lectures in petrographic methods and instruments, microscope-based laboratory exercises, and a student-led project in sedimentary petrography. Lab fee of $30 is required. Instructor consent required. (3-3) R

GEOS 5V08 Special Topics in Earth Science (1-4 semester credit hours) Courses dealing with a variety of topics, including new techniques and specific problems in rapidly developing areas of science. Hours vary depending on course requirements. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. ([1-4]-0) R

GEOS 6381 (GISC 6381) Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals (3 semester credit hours) Examines the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems and their applications. It emphasizes the concepts needed to use GIS effectively for manipulating, querying, analyzing, and visualizing spatial-based data. Lab exercises, which use industry-standard GIS software packages, provide GIS experience to investigate real world problems including social, economic, and environmental issues. (3-0) S

GEOS 6382 Geophysical Inversion Theory (3 semester credit hours) Theoretical and practical aspects of fitting mathematical models to data in geophysics. Topics covered include the inversion of both discrete systems and integral equations, for linear and non-linear relationships between data and parameters. Particular attention is paid to assessment of model accuracy and uniqueness. Instructor consent required. (3-0) R

GEOS 6383 (GISC 6382) Applied Geographic Information Systems (3 semester credit hours) Further develops hands-on skills with industry-standard GIS software for application in a wide variety of areas including urban infrastructure management, marketing and location analysis, environmental management, geologic and geophysical analysis and the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Prerequisite: (GISC 6381 or GEOS 6381) or equivalent with instructor consent required. (3-0) Y

GEOS 6384 (GISC 6384) Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 semester credit hours) Treatment of more advanced GIS topics with real world applications. Topics covered include raster and vector data models, Geodatabase, map algebra, 3-D surface analysis, spatial interpolation and network analysis. Student will be acquainted with state-of-the-art software through hands-on laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: GEOS 6381 or GISC 6381. (3-0) Y

GEOS 6385 (GISC 6385) GIS Theories, Models and Issues (3 semester credit hours) Provides an understanding of the underlying theories, mathematical and geometric tools, and their computational implementations that establish GIS capabilities to handle and analyze geo-referenced information. Associated issues (such as uncertainty, spatial analysis and spatial data management) highlighted. Prerequisite: GEOS 6381 or GISC 6381 or (equivalent and instructor consent required). (3-0) T

GEOS 6387 (GISC 6387) Geospatial Sciences Workshop (3 semester credit hours) Fulfills the research project requirement for one of the Geospatial Science graduate certificate programs, e.g. GIS, remote sensing and geospatial intelligence. Each participant develops a project which should include aspects of geospatial database design, manipulation, and analysis, and cartographic production. Projects may be designed in coordination with a local government, utility, business, or other entity that uses GIS in its operations and research. Note: Students should take this course with varied research topics if different certificate programs are pursued. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). Prerequisite: GEOS 6381 or GISC 6381. (3-0) Y

GEOS 6392 Exploration Seismology (3 semester credit hours) Theoretical and practical aspects of seismic exploration data acquisition, signal processing, subsurface imaging, and inversion. Includes seismic sources, sensors, array designs, signal/noise enhancement, wave propagation, velocity estimation, imaging, and estimation of rock and fluid physics properties in the earth. (3-0) R

GEOS 6394 Time-lapse Seismology (3 semester credit hours) Theory and application for methods of time-lapse monitoring of subsurface changes using seismic waves. Topics include time-lapse rock and fluid physics properties, fluid flow, pressure, temperature and stress changes. Applications include reservoir monitoring, hydrocarbons, groundwater, CO2 injection, earthquakes, ambient seismic noise, and the near-surface environment. Prerequisite: GEOS 6392 or instructor consent required. (3-0) R

GEOS 6396 Seismic Full Waveform Inversion (3 semester credit hours) Theory and application for state of the art methods for inversion of seismic data. Topics include geophysical inverse theory, seismic wave propagation, velocity estimation via traveltime tomography, imaging, and full wavefield inversion methods. Advanced methods for estimation of rock and fluid physics properties in the earth. Prerequisite: GEOS 6392 or instructor consent required. (3-0) R

GEOS 6398 Thesis (3 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. (3-0) S

GEOS 7100 Research and Literature Seminar (1 semester credit hour) Presentations and critical analysis of independent work and of the recent literature. Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. (1-0) S

GEOS 7110 Workshop in Environmental Geosciences (1 semester credit hour) Discussion of current topics in environmental geoscience, including student and faculty research, scientific literature, and advanced techniques in environmental geosciences. May be repeated for credit. (1-0) R

GEOS 7190 Seismology Research Workshop (1 semester credit hour) Presentation and discussion of current Seismology research of graduate students, faculty, and current research literature. Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. (1-0) S

GEOS 7V00 Research and Literature Seminar (1-2 semester credit hours) Presentations and critical analysis of independent work and of the recent literature. Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-2]-0) Y

GEOS 8399 Dissertation (3 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. (3-0) S

GEOS 8V10 Research in Hydrogeology-Environmental Geosciences (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V21 Research in Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V40 Research in Sedimentology (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V50 Research in Geochemistry (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V70 Research in Structural Geology-Tectonics (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V80 Research in Geophysics (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S

GEOS 8V90 Research in Seismology (1-9 semester credit hours) Pass/Fail only. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S