Geosciences

GEOS 1103 (GEOL 1103) Earth Science Laboratory (1 semester credit hour) Accompanies entry-level GEOS courses: GEOS 1303, GEOS 1305, GEOS 1306 or GEOS 2310. Should only be taken once; it does not need to be repeated if additional entry-level GEOS courses are taken as electives. Exercises include: mineral and rock identification; exploration of geologic phenomena and tectonic processes; the study of land forms using topographic maps, geologic maps, and aerial photographs; and an introduction to radiometric dating. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOS 1303 or GEOS 1305 or GEOS 1306 or GEOS 2310. (0-3) S

GEOS 1104 (GEOL 1104) History of Earth and Life Laboratory (1 semester credit hour) A laboratory to accompany GEOS 1304. Exercises include fossil identification, stratigraphy, and correlation, the geologic time scale, age-determination techniques, and maps. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOS 1304. (0-3) S

GEOS 1303 (GEOL 1303) Physical Geology (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to Earth as a unique planet. Rock-forming minerals and rock-forming processes are discussed. The structure of the Earth, in the context of rock types, and dynamics of its internal mechanisms are explored. Plate tectonics and surface processes that sculpt the Earth are the topics of the second half of the course. Other planets and celestial bodies within the solar system are contrasted with Earth. (3-0) S

GEOS 1304 (GEOL 1304) History of Earth and Life (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to the history of the Earth. The history of life and an introduction to the principles of paleontology, stratigraphy, and global change will be discussed. All topics will be discussed in the context of the tectonic evolution of North America. Field trip fee $100 required. Recommended Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOS 1103. Prerequisite: GEOS 1303 or GEOS 1305 or GEOS 1306 or GEOS 2310. (3-0) S

GEOS 1305 Our Blue Planet (3 semester credit hours) Studies the systems that shape the planet, both on land and under the oceans, including Earth's structure, materials, and surface processes, along with the physical and chemical properties of oceans. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean circulation, waves, tides, and human effects on the Earth system. Lectures, multimedia resources, and assignments help explore how Earth and ocean processes affect the environment. (3-0) Y

GEOS 1306 Geohazards (3 semester credit hours) Explores natural and human-induced hazards that pose risks to infrastructure, communities, and the environment. The course introduces Earth materials and processes, including minerals, rocks, the rock cycle, and basic plate tectonics. It examines landslides, rockfalls, wildfires, tornadoes and severe storms, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and marine hazards, volcanic activity, subsidence and sinkholes, soil and groundwater instability, and climate-driven terrain changes. The course examines the underlying processes and methods for hazard assessment and quantification, as well as risk analysis and strategies. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2302 (GEOL 1305) The Global Environment (3 semester credit hours) An introduction to the physical aspects of the world's geography emphasizing the interrelationships between the earth and its climate, vegetations, soils, and landforms. Provides a global perspective on the physical environment and the interactions between global systems to produce regional differences. (Same as ENVR 2302 and GEOG 2302) (3-0) S

GEOS 2304 Earth Energy Resources (3 semester credit hours) Explores where we get our energy, how we use it, and how the energy mix is changing with new technologies. Investigates why modern civilization requires increasing amounts of affordable, clean energy, why we want to transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy, and what are key climate concerns. A multidisciplinary course centered around how Earth scientists study climate and energy, and how understanding fossil fuels and critical minerals exploration will help guide the energy transition. Focus on essential knowledge, data-driven approaches, and critical thinking skills about our sustainable energy future. Online only. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2305 Spatial Thinking and Data Analytics (3 semester credit hours) This course explores the role that Spatial Thinking plays across a variety of subject areas in science, engineering, mathematics, arts and humanities. We will introduce rich resources of geospatial data from government agencies, social media, and semantic web. Students will be exposed to introductory methods in Spatial Data Analytics afforded by Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Spatial Analysis, and Mapping technologies and learn how to bring spatial considerations into research and applications. The course is intended to empower students with spatial intelligence (one of the nine intelligences on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences) and with experiences of applying spatial thinking and data analytics to problem solving. (Same as EPPS 2305 or GISC 2305) (3-0) Y

GEOS 2306 Essentials of Field Geologic Methods (3 semester credit hours) Provides a theoretical and applied introduction to fundamental methods of field geologic investigations. Consists of weekly lectures, laboratory assignments (field and classroom-based), and a mandatory weekend field trip that provides training in a variety of topics ranging from topographic maps, geologic structures, geologic map construction and interpretation, and remote sensing techniques. Emphasis on collecting and recording geologic data using common field tools and techniques, and incorporating geologic field data to produce geologic maps and cross-sections. Field trip fee: $100. Recommended Prerequisite or Corequisite: GEOS 2411. Prerequisite: GEOS 1103. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2307 Digital Earth (3 semester credit hours) Fundamentals of digital earth data and geospatial technologies, including data sources (e.g., GPS, satellite imagery, government agencies); applications and methods used in disaster relief, disease tracking, and other areas; and related implications (e.g., privacy, ethics). A survey focused on compiling, analyzing, and applying geospatial data to communicate results for addressing real-world issues. (Same as EPPS 2307 and GISC 2307) (3-0) S

GEOS 2309 Principles of Geospatial Information Sciences (3 semester credit hours) An introduction to the primary Geospatial Information Sciences (GIS) methods for manipulating, querying, analyzing, and visualizing spatial-based data. Topics include spatial data models, data acquisition and editing, cartography, and spatial analysis. This course is designed to provide a foundation for all other upper level GISC courses. (Same as GEOG 2309 and GISC 2309) (3-0) Y

GEOS 2310 Environmental Geosciences (3 semester credit hours) A course examining the interactions of people and our physical environment. Natural hazards, including landslides, flooding, tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, and sea-level change. Air, soil, fresh and ocean water pollution problems and solutions including greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, acid rain, aquifer depletion, toxic wastes, and contamination. Energy supplies and the environment, including radioactive waste problems, and human impacts on climate. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2312 Soils in a Sustainable Environment (3 semester credit hours) This course will explore the roles of soils in a sustainable environment as it relates to terrestrial life in the Earth's critical zone. The physical, chemical, and biologic aspects of soils in relation to the origins, classification, and physical properties of soils. Soils and their interactions with the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Stewardship of soils as an essential, irreplaceable natural resource. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2321 Geology, Resources, and Environment of Latin America (3 semester credit hours) An overview of the physical environment of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Topics include the evolution of Latin American crust and continent; location and formation of major geologic resources and physiographic features; resource exploitation and present environmental problems with a historic perspective. (3-0) F

GEOS 2340 Comets Love Meteorites (3 semester credit hours) Meteorites are rocks from other bodies in the Solar System, mostly from the Asteroid Belt but also from Mars and the Moon. Some meteorites preserve the earliest record of the material from which the Solar System formed while others reveal how this early material differentiated to form the core, mantle, and crust. This course introduces students to the study of meteorites, meteorite impact craters, and the Asteroid Belt. Students will be allowed to examine meteorites themselves. A field trip fee of $50 will be assessed. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2351 Mathematics in the Earth Sciences (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to applied mathematics for Earth sciences, including basics of linear algebra, statistics, and uncertainty analysis. Fourier transforms, probability, and partial differential equations governing fundamental geoscience principles will also be covered. Applications in Earth science will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: (MATH 2413 or MATH 2417) and (MATH 2414 or MATH 2419) and GEOS 1303. (3-0) Y

GEOS 2409 Rocks and Minerals (4 semester credit hours) Introduction to crystallography, mineralogy, and petrography. Laboratory course. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisites or Corequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1303. (3-3) Y

GEOS 2411 Earth Materials (4 semester credit hours) Introduction to crystallography, mineralogy, and petrography. Introduction to the petrographic microscope and its use for the study of igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks. Identification and classification of volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks, and their identification in hand sample and thin section. Introduction to major element chemical analyses of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Field trip fee of $100 required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1311 and GEOS 1103. (3-3) F

GEOS 2V08 Special Topics in Earth Science I (1-4 semester credit hours) Subject matter will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). ([1-4]-0) R

GEOS 3323 The Biosphere (3 semester credit hours) Overview of the biosphere as the critical zone of life on Earth, emphasizing how living systems interact with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Topics include the origin and evolution of life, the role of organisms in shaping Earth's environments, and the interactions between biological, geological, and chemical processes across spatial and temporal scales. Designed to appeal to a wide range of students interested in Earth and life sciences. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and CHEM 1311. (3-0) Y

GEOS 3351 Mathematics in the Earth Sciences (3 semester credit hours) Applied mathematics for Earth sciences, including the basics of linear algebra, statistics, and uncertainty analysis. Fourier transforms, probability, and the basics of machine learning will also be covered. Applications in Earth science will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: (MATH 2413 or MATH 2417) and (MATH 2414 or MATH 2419) and GEOS 1103. (3-0) Y

GEOS 3421 Sedimentary Systems (4 semester credit hours) Principles and evolution of modern stratigraphic nomenclature; concepts of space and time in the rock record and methods of stratigraphic correlation; factors controlling stratigraphic architecture of sedimentary basins; integrated stratigraphic techniques. Origin, transportation, and deposition of carbonate and siliciclastic sediments; weathering, textural analysis, and depositional environments. Laboratory course. Field trip fee of $100 required. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1304. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOS 2411. (3-3) Y

GEOS 3434 Paleobiology (4 semester credit hours) History of life as documented by the fossil record. Basic concepts of paleontology and biostratigraphy, followed by a review of major fossil groups and major events in the evolution of life, speciation, mass extinction, evolution of communities and ecosystems through geologic time. Paleontological methods to paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Field trip fee of $100 required. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1304. (3-3) P

GEOS 3470 Structural Geology (4 semester credit hours) Modern tectonic concepts, survey of major structural provinces, examination of material behavior, stress-strain concepts, failure criteria, soil mechanics, fault analysis, rheology, fold analysis, and applications of structural concepts to neotectonics and environmental problems. Training in graphical techniques, use of stereographic projections, and geological map interpretation. Integrated lecture and laboratory course. Field trip fee of $30 required. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: GEOS 3421. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and (PHYS 1301 or PHYS 2125). (3-3) Y

GEOS 3475 Geochemistry (4 semester credit hours) Provides a comprehensive overview of inorganic geochemistry in the earth sciences. Topics covered will include major and trace element geochemistry of natural waters and solids, stable isotopes, chemical weathering and geochemical cycles, and geochemistry applications in hydrogeology, economic geology, environmental hazards, climate science, and energy. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and GEOS 1103 and GEOS 2411. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOS 3421. (3-3) F

GEOS 4000 Spring Field School (0 semester credit hours) A spring field-based course designed to provide practical field experience in association with a summer Field School course. NOTE: Students should register for the associated Field School course (either GEOS 4300 or 4301) in the following summer semester. A field trip fee, which covers the cost of food, lodging, and transportation, is charged for the related course. Students are responsible for all personal expenses related to field camp. Credit/No Credit only. May be repeated. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1304 and GEOS 2411 and GEOS 3421. (0-3) Y

GEOS 4300 Earth Science Field School (3 semester credit hours) A three-week, early summer field-based course designed to provide practical field experience studying Earth's natural landscapes. Course emphasizes multidisciplinary investigation of Earth's surface and near-surface environments. Specific course topics and locations may vary from year to year. Reports on each project in professional form are required. NOTE: A $1000 field trip fee, which covers the cost of food, lodging, and transportation, is charged for this course. Students are responsible for all personal expenses related to field camp. Recommended prerequisite: GEOS 4310. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1304 and GEOS 2411 and GEOS 3421. (0-3) Y

GEOS 4301 Geology Field School (3 semester credit hours) A three-week, early summer field-based course designed to provide practical field geological experience. Course emphasizes mapping in sedimentary and igneous terrains and will also cover techniques for mapping geomorphic features. Reports on each project in professional form are required. NOTE: A $1000 field trip fee, which covers the cost of food, lodging, and transportation, is charged for this course. Students are responsible for any other personal expenses related to camp. Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1304 and GEOS 2411 and GEOS 3421 and GEOS 3470. (0-3) Y

GEOS 4310 Environmental Geophysics (3 semester credit hours) Explores the use of geophysical methods to solve environmental problems. Geophysical techniques covered include seismic, ground penetrating radar, electrical methods, and well logs. Course includes a hands-on component with survey design, data collection, and data processing. Environmental applications such as hazard assessment, groundwater monitoring, mapping subsurface contaminants, and locating anthropogenic objects are covered. Recommended Prerequisites: GEOS 1103 and GEOS 3351. Prerequisites: (MATH 2413 or 2417) and PHYS 2325. (3-0) T

GEOS 4315 Earth's Atmosphere (3 semester credit hours) Covers the fundamental physical processes that govern Earth's atmosphere. Topics include composition and structure of the atmosphere, thermodynamics of air and moisture, clouds and weather phenomena, solar and terrestrial radiation, and atmospheric circulation. The atmosphere's role in Earth's climate and habitability is explored through discussions of global warming, the ozone hole, and volcanic effects on climate. Daily weather discussions and forecasts complement lectures, and homework assignments use real observational data to demonstrate basic analysis techniques. Prerequisites: (MATH 2413 or 2417) and (PHYS 1301 or PHYS 2325). (3-0) Y

GEOS 4320 The Physics of the Solid Earth (3 semester credit hours) This course covers a wide spectrum of topics in geophysics, which allow us to explore the structure and evolution of the Earth. Plate tectonics is introduced as a framework for discussing crust and mantle dynamics. The fundamentals of gravity, thermal processes, seismology, and the mechanical behavior of rocks are introduced in this course. In addition, a variety of tectonic settings such as subduction zones, the lithosphere, and asthenosphere as well as oceanic and continental crusts, are explored in detail by analyzing their geophysical characteristics and geological significance. Prerequisites: (MATH 2413 or MATH 2417) and PHYS 2325. (3-0) Y

GEOS 4322 The Earth System (3 semester credit hours) Planet Earth comprises a system of interacting spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, all of which have played an important role in Earth processes and Earth history. This course examines these Earth systems and how their interactions over time have affected their evolving compositions, the evolution of life and Earth's climate. The short-term and long-term parts of the carbon cycle provide the underlying theme for the study of the Earth System. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1311 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1304 and GEOS 2411 and GEOS 3421. (3-0) P

GEOS 4325 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 semester credit hours) Topics include principles of remote sensing and sensors, image visualization and statistics, radiometric and geometric correction, enhancement, classification, change detection, and innovative image processing approaches. (Same as GISC 4325) (3-0) Y

GEOS 4330 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. Prerequisite: GEOS 3475. (3-0) T

GEOS 4390 Communication in Earth Sciences (3 semester credit hours) For all Geoscience students. All forms of scientific review and communication in Earth Sciences are emphasized, including technical proposals and reports, conference abstracts, journal papers and articles, and oral and poster presentations. Satisfies the Advanced Writing Requirement for Geoscience majors. Prerequisite: Senior level standing in Geosciences or instructor consent required. (3-0) Y

GEOS 4391 Geoscience Animations and Video (3 semester credit hours) Geoscientific concepts are supremely amenable to being taught with animations, particularly as compared with other sciences. In this class, students will learn how to generate simple videos and animations of geoscientific processes. The course grade is based on 5 projects, spaced throughout the semester (research paper, storyboard, narration, video, and animation). All 5 projects are related to developing a hybrid video/animation presentation of approximately 3 minute length. The presentation will explain some geologic process. Instructor consent required. (3-0) Y

GEOS 4395 Remote Sensing Geophysics (3 semester credit hours) Its contents include both the theory and application of remote sensing in the field of geophysics from space-borne or air-borne platforms. It places a strong focus on the latest and ongoing NASA/ESA Earth observation missions, such as GNSS, Grace (gravity), Sentinel-1(synthetic aperture radar), SWOT (altimetry), among others. Students are introduced to the observation process, including orbital mechanics, signal propagation, and uncertainty analysis. Applications of satellite geophysical observations in tectonics, geodynamics, ocean and ice surface monitoring, hydrology, and terrain modeling will be introduced through student projects and presentations. Recommended prerequisite: PHYS 2326. Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 or instructor consent. (Same as GISC 4395) (3-0) Y

GEOS 4399 Senior Honors in Geosciences (3 semester credit hours) For students conducting independent research for honors theses or projects. Satisfies the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics' advanced writing requirement. Instructor consent required. (3-0) R

GEOS 4430 Hydrogeology and Aqueous Geochemistry (4 semester credit hours) An introduction to the principles of physical and chemical hydrogeology. Physical topics include the nature and quantification of the components of the hydrologic cycle, fundamentals of water supply and quality, overview of aquifer testing and environmental assessment. Chemical topics include behavior of low-temperature aqueous solutions, water-rock interaction and applications of chemistry to understand the Earth and its geochemical cycles. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1112 and CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1312 and GEOS 1103 and GEOS 1104 and GEOS 1303 and GEOS 1304. (4-0) Y

GEOS 4V08 Special Topics in Earth Science II (1-4 semester credit hours) Subject matter will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). ([1-4]-0) R

GEOS 4V09 Senior Research in Geology (1-6 semester credit hours) Topics may vary. No more than 3 semester credit hours of senior research may be used to satisfy the upper-division course work requirement in the major unless approved in advance by the undergraduate advisor. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-6]-0) S

GEOS 4V80 Senior Research in Geophysics (1-6 semester credit hours) Topics may vary. No more than 3 semester credit hours of senior research may be used to satisfy the upper-division course work requirement in the major unless approved in advance by the undergraduate advisor. May be repeated for credit. Instructor consent required. ([1-6]-0) S