2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Geosciences (GEOS)

GEOS 1004 - Earth Science: Our Past, Present, and Future (3 credits) 
Introduction to Earth science, including the fundamental concepts of geology in the modern context of humans interacting with the Earth. Formation and evolution of the Earth (history, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, geologic time), internal Earth dynamics (earthquakes, volcanoes, mitigating natural hazards), Earth materials (minerals and rocks, energy and mineral resources), surface processes (Earth system science, hydrologic cycle, global geochemical cycles, oceans and atmosphere, climate, erosion and landscapes), Earth sustainability (resources, environmental change), evaluating geological information and products of research, the scientific approach to problem solving, and the ethical issues associated with geoscience and the environment.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1014 - Evolution of the Earth-Life System (3 credits) 
Introduction to the interaction of the Earths processes that shape our planet and its biosphere through time. Application of modern geoscientific inquiry; biological, chemical and physical interactions that are part of the Earth system; distribution of life on Earth (i.e., biogeography); diversity of life over time; the differentiation between science and pseudoscience; ethical issues around human activities and their impact on the Earth-Life system.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1024 - Earth Resources, Society, and Environment (3 credits) 
Introduction to the Earths resources including their nature, formation, occurrence, extraction, distribution, consumption, and waste management and disposal using an integrated cradle to grave analysis. Population, the Earths metallic and non-metallic resources, rare earth elements, non-renewable and renewable energy and water. Social, environmental, economic and political impacts resource production and consumption have had historically, currently, and that are predicted into the future including current and future sources of energy in the United States and internationally. Sustainability, water abundance and quality, fracking, climate change, ocean acidification, and ozone depletion.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1034 - Earths Natural Hazards (3 credits) 
Fundamentals of Earth processes that drive natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, climate change and impacts with space objects; impacts of human activities on the Earth; defining and analyzing hazards and risks through testing hypotheses on geologic data; ethical issues arising from hazard mitigation; analysis of uncertainties of scientific information.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1054 - Age of Dinosaurs (3 credits) 
Introduction to dinosaur paleontology, including fundamental geological and biological concepts, with focus on how modern paleontologists ask interdisciplinary questions to examine the fossil record. Use of dinosaurs to explore: process and impact of scientific method; geologic processes, geologic time, global change, ecosystems, biogeography; anatomy, evolution, biodiversity, phylogenetic relationships; and media portrayal of extinct animals.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1064 - Climate History: Past, Present, and Future (3 credits) 
Introduction to the fundamental components of Earths climate system. Changes of Earths climate at different time scales. Climate change induced by plate tectonics, variations in Earths orbit and transition to and from ice ages. Historical and future changes of Earths climate. Climate models as tools to interpret climate data. Impacts of climate change. Climate ethics and policies.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 1104 - Introduction to Earth Sciences Laboratory (1 credit) 
Introduction to Earth sciences laboratory, including identification of minerals and rocks, topographic and geologic maps, structural geology, geology impacting humans and humans impacting geology, environmental and social impacts.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
GEOS 1124 - Earth Resources, Society and Environment Laboratory (1 credit) 
Laboratory course on Earths resources including their nature, importance, occurrence, extraction, and environmental, social, and political impacts of consumption. Earths resources include metal ores, non-metallic resources which includes surface and ground water and non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels) and renewable energy (e.g., hydroelectric). Sustainability, water quality and quantity, climate change, and ocean acidification related to resource extraction and consumption.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
GEOS 2004 - Geosciences Career and Professional Development (3 credits) 
Introduction to career and professional development in the geosciences, including investigating career options, searching for internships and jobs, discussing topics of ethics, diversity and inclusion, evaluating information resources, collaborating in research groups, and developing skills in technical communication. Restricted to geoscience majors.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 2014 - Mission to the Planets (3 credits) 
The events and processes that shaped the terrestrial planets; the scientific method (i.e., observations, techniques, and theories) that supports our understanding of these events and processes; the role of science, politics, and engineering and how these impact planetary science missions; ethical issues associated with planetary research; manned and unmanned exploration and how they have shaped our understanding of the planets.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 2024 - Earth's Dynamic Systems (6 credits) 
Overview of the geosciences, emphasizing processes operating within and on the Earth now and over the last 4.55 billion years. Earth’s systems, cycles and material. Earth’s formation, the physical Earth, and plate tectonics. Earth’s record, including the fossil record, evolution, origin and diversity of life, and biogeography. History of the Earth-Life system, including key events throughout time. Time and length scales. Climate change and extinction. Field trips required. Restricted to geoscience majors (5H, 3L, 6C), partial duplication of GEOS 1004.
Instructional Contact Hours: (5 Lec, 3 Lab, 6 Crd) 
GEOS 2104 - Elements of Geology (3 credits) 
Structure of the earth, properties of minerals and rocks, and geologic processes that act on the surface and in the interior of the earth, and integrated geologic systems of importance in engineering and regional planning. For students in engineering and physical sciences. Geology 2104 duplicates material in Geology 1004 and both may not be taken for credit.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 2444 - Geoscience Field Observations (3 credits) 
Study of geological processes in the field. Integration of field observations with datasets into conceptual geological interpretations and models. Identification of rock type, lithology and structure in outcrop.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 2974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Honors section.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 2984 - Special Study (1-10 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-10 Lec, 1-10 Crd) 
GEOS 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 3014 - Environmental Geosciences (3 credits) 
The roles of geology and geophysics in defining and monitoring the natural environment, with special application to interactions between humans and the geologic environment. Both descriptive treatment and quantitative concepts related to environmental processes involving the solid earth and earths surface, with emphasis on geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and slope failures, flooding, groundwater problems, mineral and rock dusts).
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3024 - Computational Methods in the Geosciences (3 credits) 
Development of computational skills aimed at extracting pertinent trends and significance of a wide variety and quantity of highly heterogeneous geoscience data; application of analytical, statistical and signal processing methods for analyzing time-series, spatial and satellite imagery data; tools for producing publication quality maps, graphs, charts, and other visual aids.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1225 or MATH 1025 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3034 - Oceanography (3 credits) 
Descriptive and quantitative treatment of the geological, physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in, or are influenced by, the oceans. The history of oceanic exploration and discovery is addressed.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3044 - Geosciences Outreach (2 credits) 
Service-learning through teaching. Identification and development of geoscience outreach activities based on national and state science education standards. Assessment methods for evaluating the effectiveness of outreach activities. Techniques for effective instructional design and communication of geoscience concepts to enrich the general publics awareness of the geosciences.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 2024 or (GEOS 1004 and GEOS 1014) or (GEOS 2104 and GEOS 1014) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
GEOS 3104 - Elementary Geophysics (3 credits) 
Acquisition and interpretation of exploration geophysical data. Seismic reflection and refraction methods, gravity and magnetic fields, geoelectrical methods, and geophysical well logging.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104) and (MATH 1026 or MATH 1226) and (PHYS 2205 or PHYS 2305) 
Corequisite(s): PHYS 2206 or PHYS 2306 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3204 - Sedimentology-Stratigraphy (3 credits) 
Study of sedimentary basins in a plate-tectonic framework, mechanisms of basin formation, three-dimensional geometry of basin fill, and controls on basin fill. Siliciclastic and carbonate-evaporate rocks as examples of basin fill are discussed in lectures and studied in the lab and in the field. Applied aspects of the course include a discussion of geometries of sedimentary aquifers and reservoirs.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3304 - Geomorphology (3 credits) 
Examines the variety of landforms that exist at the earths surface. Detailed investigation of major processes operating at the earths surface including: tectonic, weathering, fluvial, coastal, eolian, and glacial processes. Field excursion.
Prerequisite(s): GEOG 1104 or GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2104 or GEOS 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CSES 3304, GEOG 3304 
GEOS 3404 - Elements of Structural Geology (3 credits) 
Introduction to basic geological structures, evolution of microfabrics, development of faults, folds and foliations, stereographic analysis of geological structures, thrust fault geometries, balancing of geological cross-sections, and introduction to the concepts of stress and strain.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3504 - Mineralogy (3 credits) 
Principles of modern mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and crystallography, with emphasis on mineral atomic structure and physical property relationships, mineralogy in the context of geology, geochemistry, environmental science and geophysics, phase equilibria, mineral associations, and mineral identification, and industrial applications of minerals. There are three required field trips during the semester.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1055 or (ISC 1106 and ISC 1116) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3604 - Paleontology (3 credits) 
Paleontological principles and techniques and their application to the evolution of life, the ecological structure of ancient biological communities, the interpretation of ancient depositional environments, and the history of the earth.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 1004 and GEOS 1014) or GEOS 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3614 - Soils (3 credits) 
Characterization of soils as a natural resource emphasizing their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties in relation to nutrient availability, fertilization, plant growth, land-use management, waste application, soil and water quality, and food production. For CSES, ENSC, and related plant- and earth-science majors. Partially duplicates CSES/ENSC 3134.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1036 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CSES 3114 
GEOS 3624 - Soils Laboratory (1 credit) 
Parent materials, morphology, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and related soil management and land use practices will be studied in field and lab. Partially duplicates CSES/ENSC 3134.
Corequisite(s): GEOS 3614 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CSES 3124 
GEOS 3634 - Natural History Collections and Curation (3 credits) 
Introduction to museums and natural history collections, with a focus on hands-on curation of specimens to learn standard archival practices and principles. Exploration of campus collections such as the Museum of Geosciences, Massey Herbarium, and Cheatham Vertebrate Collection with particular focus on: specimen acquisition and accessioning; specimen preparation, preservation, and identification; collection labeling, organization, and storage; collection management databases; metadata; emergency response plans; and the role of museums over time for outreach and interpretation. Application of knowledge through final project.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 2024 or (GEOS 1004 and GEOS 1014) or (GEOS 2104 and GEOS 1014) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3644 - Paleontological Laboratory Techniques (2 credits) 
Laboratory techniques for extracting and preserving paleontological data. Tracing the process a fossil goes through from the field until it is permanently curated. Supervised hands-on experience in an active paleontological laboratory. Independent paleontology information preservation projects. Topics include: philosophy of fossil preparation, mechanical and chemical preparation, conservation and lab materials, digital data and virtual preparation, molding and casting, 3D printing, and collaboration with other museums.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1014 or GEOS 1054 or GEOS 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
GEOS 3704 - Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks (3 credits) 
Study of characteristics and mechanisms of igneous intrusion at depth in the crust, volcanic phenomena on the surface, and textural and mineralogical modification of rocks at elevated temperatures and pressures of crustal metamorphism. Tectonic aspects of igneous and metamorphic rocks will be stressed.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2104 or GEOS 2024) and GEOS 3504 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 3900 - Bridge Experience (0 credits) 
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Departmental approval of 3900 plan.
Instructional Contact Hours: (0 Crd) 
GEOS 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4024 - Senior Seminar (3 credits) 
Integration and solution of significant geoscience research problems and case studies by analysis and integration of information across a wide spectrum of geoscience sub-disciplines. Techniques for effective oral and written communication of technical information to experts and non-experts. Independent and team research projects. Analysis of ethics associated with societally-relevant geosciences issues. Ethics and professionalism in geosciences.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 or GEOS 1004) and GEOS 2004 and GEOS 2444 and GEOS 3204 and GEOS 3404 and GEOS 3504 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4034 - Data Science in the Geosciences (3 credits) 
Data science and machine learning techniques for analyzing diverse datasets in Earth sciences. Use of Python to process, visualize, and model data from in-situ measurements, satellite remote sensing, and Earth system model simulations. Statistical methods, including time series analysis, signal processing, and spatial data analysis. Visualization applications.
Prerequisite(s): CS 1064 or GEOS 3024 or CS 1044 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4084 - Modeling with Geographic Information Systems (3 credits) 
Use of automated systems for geographic data collection, digitization, storage, display, modeling and analysis. Basic data flow in GIS modeling applications. Development of proficiency in the use of current GIS software. Senior Standing.
Prerequisite(s): GEOG 2084 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 6 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 4084 
GEOS 4124 - Seismic Stratigraphy (3 credits) 
Overview of seismic data acquisition and processing methods, seismic wavelets, static and dynamic corrections, and seismic velocities; seismic reflection data interpretation; seismic reflection responses Seismic mapping; seismic stratigraphy and seismic lithology. Consent required.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 3104 and GEOS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4134 - Interdisciplinary Issues and Ethics in Water Resources (3 credits) 
Analysis of issues and ethics related to water resources, water as a hazard upon human (infrastructure, economy) and ecological (rivers, groundwater) systems, water and vector borne disease, climate change, dams, and eutrophication. Development of proficiency in demonstrating the multidimensionality of water resources. Pre: Junior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 4134 
GEOS 4154 - Earthquake Seismology (3 credits) 
Seismicity and its causes in the context of plate tectonics; determination of earthquake location, size and focal parameters; seismogram interpretation; seismometry; hazard potential; use of earthquakes in determining earth structure.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H and MATH 2214 and PHYS 2305 and GEOS 3104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4164 - Potential Field Methods in Exploration Geophysics (4 credits) 
Theory and application to engineering, environmental, and resource exploration. Gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, self potential, induced polarization, ground-penetrating radar, magnetotellurics, electromagnetic induction.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H) and MATH 2214 and PHYS 2306 and GEOS 3104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 4174 - Exploration Seismology (4 credits) 
Theory and application of seismic methods to engineering, environmental and resource exploration: reflection seismics, refraction seismics, and tomography. Data acquisition, digital filtering, data corrections, imaging, interpretation, and forward modeling.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H and MATH 2214 and PHYS 2305 and GEOS 3104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 4184 - Geodesy in the Earth Sciences (3 credits) 
Study of measurement of Earth 's geometric shape, orientation in space, the gravity field, and how these properties change over time. Geodetic methods of measurement (i.e., GNSS, InSAR, TLS, gravity). Reference frames, geodetic applications, and geodetic advances.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 1024 or GEOS 1034 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4234 - Vertebrate Evolution (4 credits) 
Characterization of the evolution of vertebrates from the fossil record to now. Tracing anatomical features in humans to their origin of different vertebrate groups. Chronicling vertebrate diversification events through extinctions, changes in climate in the last 600 million years, biogeography, and phylogenetic methods. Evidence of evolution through fossils and dissection.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1014 or BIOL 2704 or GEOS 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 4244 - Morphology of the Vertebrates (4 credits) 
Identification of skeletal osteological elements of major groups of vertebrates, including aspects of skeletal functional morphology and homology, with emphasis on extant taxa. Skeletal systems of model and non-model organisms such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; specimen care and data management; modern skeletal collection practices.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 1014 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 1054) or (BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 4254 - Integrative Earth System History (3 credits) 
Study of Earth system evolution, with a focus on critical transitions that shaped the history of the Earth, and the integration and interaction of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Principles of system science, box models, atmospheric and oceanographic processes, microbial processes, isotopic tracers, elemental cycles, and critical transitions in Earth history, including the origin of life, changes in atmospheric composition, climatic events and mass extinctions.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 2024 or (GEOS 1004 and GEOS 1014) or (GEOS 2104 and GEOS 1014) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4264 - Sedimentary Basins (3 credits) 
Formation, evolution, and characterization of regions of the Earths surface that experience long-lived subsidence and sediment accumulation. Integration of concepts and skills from: stratigraphy, surface processes, tectonics, structural geology, burial/thermal history, geo/thermochronology, and geodynamics; content is relevant to fields such as paleontology, (paleo)climatology, and subsurface resource management. Use of programming/statistical software packages.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4314 - Coastal Hazards (3 credits) 
Study of past, current, and future drivers of coastal change and hazards. Integration of concepts and skills from: climatic, isostatic, and tectonic processes that drive sea-level change; geologic (e.g., coastal stratigraphy, microfossils) and instrumental (e.g., tide gauges, satellite altimetry) coastal change reconstructions, models, measurements, and projections. Coastal earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, and storm-surge hazards. Approaches and challenges of communicating coastal hazards to the public. Coastal hazards and public policy.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4324 - Plant Evolution (4 credits) 
Geological history, comparative morphology, evolution and systematics of pre-vascular and vascular plants. Focus on evolution of communities, adaptive construction of tissues and organs, and ecology of reproduction.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 6 Lab, 4 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BIOL 4324 
GEOS 4354 - Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 credits) 
Theory and methods of remote sensing. Practical exercises in interpretation of aerial photography, satellite, radar and thermal infrared imagery. Digital analysis, image classification and evaluation. Applications in earth sciences, hydrology, plant sciences, and land use studies.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 4354 
GEOS 4404 - Advanced Structural Geology (3 credits) 
Basic principles of rock behavior under applied, non-hydrostatic stress (experimental and tectonic) and analysis of the geometrical patterns produced. Alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 3404 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4614 - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry (3 credits) 
Introduction to the fundamental processes that drive the sorting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes in modern and past marine and terrestrial systems. Application of stable isotopes to address research questions in a variety of disciplines, including geology, paleobiology, ecology, and environmental sciences. Collect, prepare, analyze, and interpret stable isotope data.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1055 or CHEM 1055H 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4624 - Mineral Deposits (3 credits) 
Introduction to the range and variety of metallic and non-metallic economic mineral deposits. Classification of the petrologic and tectonic settings of mineral deposits. Source, transport and depositional mechanisms of mineral deposit formation. Laboratory emphasizes identification of ore minerals, gangue minerals, common host rocks, wall-rock alteration and mineral zoning. Course requirement of 3 hours of GEOS at the 3000-level or above, may be satisfied by taking prerequisite prior to or concurrent with course.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2104 or GEOS 2024 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4634 - Environmental Geochemistry (3 credits) 
Application of quantitative methods of thermodynamic and physicochemical analysis to the study of the distribution and movement of chemical elements in surface and near-surface geological environments. Emphasis on practical approaches to environmental geochemistry.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 1225 or MATH 1025) and (CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1055) or (ISC 1106 and ISC 1116) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4714 - Volcanoes and Volcanic Processes (3 credits) 
Study of processes and mechanisms of volcanic eruptions, including magma composition and origin, eruption styes and products, and tectonic settings of volcanoes. Role of volcanism in planetary evolution. Methods for monitoring active volcanoes and for forecasting future eruptions. Evaluation of connections between volcanoes, including volcanic hazards and the impacts of volcanism on society.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4804 - Groundwater Hydrology (3 credits) 
Physical principles of groundwater flow, including application of analytical solutions to real-world problems. Well hydraulics. Geologic controls on groundwater flow.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 1226 or MATH 1026) and (PHYS 2205 or PHYS 2305) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4824 - Engineering Geology (3 credits) 
Application of geological, geochemical, and hyrdogeological principles to engineering problems; relating rock and soil forming processes to engineering properties of geological materials; physical and chemical weathering processes and relationships with engineering properties of soil and rock; effective stress theory and geologic hazards; methods and data types for environmental applications and engineering works; geologic hazards and human-land interactions; professionalism and ethics in the practice of engineering geology.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104) and (PHYS 2305 or PHYS 2205) and (CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1015) and (MATH 1225 or MATH 1025) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 4924 - Tectonics (4 credits) 
Overview of modern plate tectonic theory and history. Physical processes driving present-day plate tectonic deformation including continental rifts, rifted margins, continental transforms, strike-slip faults, subduction zones and orogenic belts. Plate kinematic concepts and information about the Earth’s structure. Application of scientific method, data analysis, and computational modeling.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 1025 or MATH 1225) and (PHYS 2205 or PHYS 2305) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 4944 - Study Abroad Topics in Geosciences (1-3 credits) 
Study of geoscience topics in a global environment. Cross‐cultural perspectives on scientific inquiry and knowledge in the geosciences. Application to topics of societal relevance. Field experiences in places of geologic, societal and cultural interest. Specific topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 2024 or GEOS 2104 or (GEOS 1004 and GEOS 1104) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-3 Lec, 1-3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
GEOS 4954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Honors section.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
Repeatability: up to 4 credit hours 
GEOS 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Honors section.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 5014 - Earth System History (3 credits) 
Study of the evolution of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Emphasis will be given to the interactions among these components of the Earth system and how these interactions have shaped the history of the Earth.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5024 - Professional Development and Ethics in Geosciences (1 credit) 
Skills for success in Geosciences, approaches to critical thinking, scientific communication, professionalism, ethical reasoning, safety in the lab and field, conflict resolution. Pass/Fail Only. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
GEOS 5034 - Advanced Data Science in the Geosciences (3 credits) 
Data science and machine learning techniques for analyzing diverse datasets in Earth sciences. Use of Python to process, visualize,and model data from in-situ measurements, satellite remote sensing, and Earth system model simulations. Statistical methods, including time series analysis, signal processing, and spatial data analysis. Visualization applications.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5044 - Writing and Communication in Geosciences (2 credits) 
Introduction and overview of scientific communication strategies, in written, oral, and visual forms, aimed at a variety of audiences in geosciences. Scientific writing skills and strategies for geoscience venues. Structure and mechanics of writing and other forms of communication in geosciences. Effective diagrams for presentations and publications. Digital communication strategies. Ethical principles in geoscience communication. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
GEOS 5054 - Seminars in Geosciences (1 credit) 
Attendance at and evaluation of seminars in Geosciences and related disciplines. Critique of seminar content. Evaluate presentation style, graphics and other elements. Reflect upon effective presentation strategies for communicating technical information. May be repeated once with different content for a maximum of 2 credit hours. P/F only. Pre: Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 2 credit hours 
GEOS 5084G - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (3 credits) 
Use of automated systems for geographic data collection, digitization, storage, display and analysis in graduate research. Basic data flow in GIS applications. Overview of GIS applications. Developing research methodology using GIS. Group projects to develop proficiency in the use of current GIS software. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 5084G 
GEOS 5124 - Geodynamics (3 credits) 
Observations leading to the development of plate tectonics. Kinematics of plates on a sphere. Heat flow, mantle convection and viscous flow applied to solid planetary bodies. Graduate Standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5134 - Dynamics of Planetary Surface and Interiors (3 credits) 
Structure and composition of the solar system as a constraint on planetary composition. Processes that shape and alter the surfaces and interiors of planets, moons, and asteroids including tectonics, volcanism, impact cratering, regolith formation, mass movement, and weathering. Effect of gravity, heat, pressure, and internal deformation on planets, moons, and asteroids. Derivation of mathematical models to represent surficial and internal deformation processes. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5144 - Inverse Theory and Geoscience Applications (3 credits) 
Overview of inverse theory, utilizing geophysical examples to illustrate the concepts of model construction, parameter estimation, resolution, and non-uniqueness. Emphasis is on the linear problem, concluding with an overview of nonlinear inversion.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: MATH 5144 
GEOS 5154 - Strong-Motion Seismology and Seismic Hazard Analysis (3 credits) 
Introduction to the generation, propagation, measurement and prediction of strong ground motion from earthquakes, focusing on topics of importance to modern earthquake engineering. Effects of finite fault rupture, source directivity and Earth structure on the propagation of seismic waves; methods for developing ground motion time series for scenario earthquakes, statistical models of the earthquake recurrence process; probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5184 - Advanced Geodesy in the Earth Sciences (3 credits) 
Study of measurement of Earth 's geometric shape, orientation in space, the gravity field, and how these properties change over time. Geodetic methods of measurement (i.e., GNSS, InSAR, TLS, gravity). Reference frames, geodetic applications, and geodetic advances. Quantitative analysis of geodetic observations with applications to Earth science. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5204 - Terrigenous Depositional Systems (3 credits) 
Bedforms and primary sedimentary structures, secondary sedimentary structures including trace fossils, facies, facies sequences, facies models, analysis of Holocene sedimentary environments, and paleoenvironmental interpretation of ancient sedimentary rocks, sedimentation and tectonics. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5214 - Carbonate Depositional Systems and Sequence Stratigraphy (3 credits) 
Classroom, laboratory and field examination of the temporal and spatial makeup and controls on mineralogy and constituent composition of sedimentary carbonates, sequence stratigraphy of carbonate platforms, paleoclimatic significance of carbonates succession. Introduction to porosity evolution and cementation of carbonates in marine, meteoric and burial realms.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5234G - Advanced Vertebrate Evolution (4 credits) 
Characterization of the evolution of vertebrates from the fossil record to now. Tracing anatomical features in humans to their origin of different vertebrate groups. Chronicling vertebrate diversification events through extinctions, changes in climate in the last 600 million years, biogeography, and phylogenetic methods. Evidence of evolution through fossils and dissection. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 5244 - Advanced Morphology of the Vertebrates (4 credits) 
Identification of skeletal osteological elements of major groups of vertebrates, including aspects of skeletal functional morphology and homology, with emphasis on extant taxa. Skeletal systems of model and non-model organisms such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; specimen care and data management; modern skeletal collection practices. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 5264 - Advanced Sedimentary Basins (3 credits) 
Formation, evolution, and characterization of regions of the Earths surface that experience long-lived subsidence and sediment accumulation. Integration of concepts and skills from: stratigraphy, surface processes, tectonics, structural geology, burial/thermal history, geo/thermochronology, and geodynamics; content is relevant to fields such as paleontology, (paleo)climatology, and subsurface resource management. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5314 - Advanced Coastal Hazards (3 credits) 
Study of past, current, and future drivers of coastal change and hazards. Integration of concepts and skills from: climatic, isostatic, and tectonic processes that drive sea-level change; geologic (e.g., coastal stratigraphy, microfossils) and instrumental (e.g., tide gauges, satellite altimetry) coastal change reconstructions, models, measurements, and projections. Coastal earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, and storm-surge hazards. Approaches and challenges of communicating coastal hazards to the public. Coastal hazards and public policy. Quantitative analysis of coastal change using observational data. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5354G - Advanced Remote Sensing (3 credits) 
Theory and methods of remote sensing. Practical exercises in interpretation of aerial photography, satellite, radar, and thermal infrared imagery. Digital analysis, image classification, and evaluation. Applications in earth sciences, hydrology, plant sciences, and land use studies. Field project and report. Review of current research literature. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 5354G 
GEOS 5404G - Graduate Advanced Structure (3 credits) 
Basic principles of rock behavior under applied, non-hydrostatic stress (experimental and tectonic) and analysis of the geometrical patterns produced. Graduate students will undertake a more advanced independent research project. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5535 - X-ray Crystallography (3 credits) 
A graduate sequence covering the theory and experimental practice of mineral and molecular structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 5525: Geometric means of describing a crystalline solid in direct space. Lattices and symmetry as described using the theory of point groups, plane groups, and space groups. Direct and reciprocal spaces. Formal descriptions of structures. Interpretation of published crystallographic data. General methods including G-matrix, unit-cell transformations, and application of the International Tables for Crystallography. 5526: Theory and practical aspects of collecting diffraction data from single crystals. Understanding the relation between the crystal structure in direct space (CHEM 5525 topics) and the experimental diffraction pattern in reciprocal space. Working in reverse, from both a theoretical and practical perspective, to extract the crystal structure from the X-ray diffraction pattern (the reciprocal lattice peak positions and intensities). Concepts will include: Bragg's Law (interference, Miller planes, unit cell determination), scattering theory (atomic scattering factors, the structure-factor equation, systematic absences, space group determination), the phase problem in structure solution, and least-squares refinement. Practical data collection, structure solution, refinement, and validation from real data using modern equipment and software. Vignettes of crystallographic ethics and integrity. Brief introduction to basic aspects of powder diffraction such as fingerprinting and Rietveld refinement.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CHEM 5525 
GEOS 5536 - X-ray Crystallography (3 credits) 
A graduate sequence covering the theory and experimental practice of mineral and molecular structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 5525: Geometric means of describing a crystalline solid in direct space. Lattices and symmetry as described using the theory of point groups, plane groups, and space groups. Direct and reciprocal spaces. Formal descriptions of structures. Interpretation of published crystallographic data. General methods including G-matrix, unit-cell transformations, and application of the International Tables for Crystallography. 5526: Theory and practical aspects of collecting diffraction data from single crystals. Understanding the relation between the crystal structure in direct space (CHEM 5525 topics) and the experimental diffraction pattern in reciprocal space. Working in reverse, from both a theoretical and practical perspective, to extract the crystal structure from the X-ray diffraction pattern (the reciprocal lattice peak positions and intensities). Concepts will include: Bragg's Law (interference, Miller planes, unit cell determination), scattering theory (atomic scattering factors, the structure-factor equation, systematic absences, space group determination), the phase problem in structure solution, and least-squares refinement. Practical data collection, structure solution, refinement, and validation from real data using modern equipment and software. Vignettes of crystallographic ethics and integrity. Brief introduction to basic aspects of powder diffraction such as fingerprinting and Rietveld refinement.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 5535 or CHEM 5525 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CHEM 5526 
GEOS 5544 - Electron Probe Microanalysis (3 credits) 
Introduction to theory and working principles of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and the practice of applying this method to answer research questions. Microanalytical methods used to determine the morphology and composition of solid materials at centimeter to submicron scales. Design experiments and collect data with EPMA. Analyze data using quantitative methods. Best practices for interpreting and communicating EPMA data.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5614 - Advanced Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry (3 credits) 
Introduction to the fundamental processes that drive the sorting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes in modern and past marine and terrestrial systems. Application of stable isotopes to address research questions in a variety of disciplines, including geology, paleobiology, ecology, and other environmental sciences. Collect, prepare, analyze, interpret, and communicate stable isotope data. Experimental design. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5634G - Advanced Environmental Geochemistry (3 credits) 
Application of quantitative methods of thermodynamic and physicochemical analysis to the study of the distribution and movement of chemical elements in surface and near-surface geological environments. Emphasis on using fundamental principles to understand natural systems and solve practical problems in environmental geochemistry. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5704 - Geochemical Thermodynamics (3 credits) 
Fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics as applied to earth materials (solid, fluid and gaseous) over wide ranges of pressure and temperature. Derivation of thermodynamic functions from the three laws of thermodynamics. The phase rule, phase equilibria, and Schreinemakers analysis. Comparison of the behavior of real and ideal systems. Graduate Standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5714G - Advanced Volcanoes and Volcanic Processes (3 credits) 
Study of processes and mechanisms of volcanic eruptions, including magma composition and origin, eruption styes and products, and tectonic settings of volcanoes. Role of volcanism in planetary evolution. Methods for monitoring active volcanoes and for forecasting future eruptions. Evaluation of connections between volcanoes, including volcanic hazards and the impacts of volcanism on society. Quantitative analyses of volcano deformation models and their applications to volcanic hazards assessment. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5804G - Advanced Groundwater Hydrology (3 credits) 
Physical principles of groundwater flow, including application of analytical solutions to real-world problems. Well hydraulics. Geologic controls on groundwater flow. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5834 - Chemical Hydrogeology (3 credits) 
Study of solute transport in geologic systems. Focus on processes of advection, dispersion, mineral dissolution and precipitation, chemical reactions and microbially-mediated reactions. Includes use of hydrogeochemical models to simulate chemical transport in geologic systems. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
GEOS 5844 - Advanced Interdisciplinary Issues and Ethics in Water Resources (3 credits) 
Issues and ethics related to water resources, water as a hazard upon human (infrastructure, economy) and ecological (rivers, groundwater) systems, water- and vector-borne disease, climate change, dams, and eutrophication. Multidimensionality of water resources. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 5134 
GEOS 5924G - Advanced Tectonics (4 credits) 
Overview of modern plate tectonic theory and history. Physical processes driving present-day plate tectonic deformation including continental rifts, rifted margins, continental transforms, strike-slip faults, subduction zones and orogenic belts. Plate kinematic concepts and information about the Earth’s structure. Application of scientific method, data analysis, and computational modeling. Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
GEOS 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 5994 - Research and Thesis (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6104 - Advanced Topics in Geophysics (1-19 credits) 
Advanced analysis of one or more topics of geophysics using the most recent techniques, interpretations, and data. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6204 - Advanced Topics in Sedimentology (1-19 credits) 
Advanced analysis of one or more topics in sedimentology using the most recent techniques, interpretations, and data. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6304 - Advanced Topics in Paleontology (1-19 credits) 
Advanced analysis of one or more topics in paleontology using the most recent techniques, interpretations, and data. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6404 - Advanced Topics in Structure/Tectonics (1-19 credits) 
Current ideas and research problems in structural geology and tectonics. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6604 - Advanced Topics in Geochemistry (1-19 credits) 
Advanced analysis of one or more topics of geochemistry using the most recent techniques, interpretations, and data. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
Repeatability: up to 9 credit hours 
GEOS 6704 - Advanced Topics in Petrology (1-19 credits) 
Advanced analysis of one or more topics of petrology using the most recent techniques, interpretations, and data. Can be taken up to three times provided the subject material is different. Consent required. Alternate years.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 6804 - Advanced Topics in Surface Processes and Hydrology (1-3 credits) 
Current research topics in Earth surface processes and hydrology. Review of classic and recent literature. Innovative techniques for analyzing Earth surface processes and hydrology, including remote sensing and modeling of rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater. Application of scientific principles to Earth surface processes and hydrologic problems, such as sediment transport, karst hydrology, and water quality. Variable credit. May be repeated three times with different content for a maximum credit of 12 credit hours. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-3 Lec, 1-3 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours 
GEOS 6984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
GEOS 7994 - Research and Dissertation (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course