Course Descriptions

GEOL-G 482 - Environmental Microbiology

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring. This class will cover basic concepts in microbiology, such as the taxonomy and cell structure of Bacteria and Archaea, microbial growth and energetics, biochemical pathways essential for the metabolism of carbon and nutrients by heterotrophs and autotrophs, and how these pathways then control global biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and various metals in terrestrial and aqueous environments.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 101, BIOL-K 103 or consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 483 - Isotope Geochemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring.  Introduction to the theory and application of radiogenic and stable isotopes to a variety of subdisciplines in the earth sciences. Topics include geochronology, tracers, mass balance and mixing, hydrology and environmental applications, water-rock interaction, and biogeochemical cycles.

Prerequisite:

CHEM-C 106 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 486 - Soil Biogeochemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Fall.  Biological and geochemical processes controlling the cycling of elements in soils and freshwater sediments with emphasis on cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous.

Prerequisite:

CHEM-C 106 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 487 - Remote Sensing of Global Change

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring. This course is designed to introduce the methods and strategies underlying the application of hyperspectral remote sensing in solving environmental problems in the context of global change. Basic physics for remote sensing is described. Terminologies for spectroscopic analysis and image interpretation of environment changes variables with visible and near-infrared wavelengths and thermal infrared data are introduced. Classical examples on applications of hyperspectral remote sensing in agricultural and forest ecology, hydrology and soil sciences, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, atmosphere and urban landscapes will be discussed.

Prerequisite:

PHYS-P 202 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C- or instructor consent.

GEOL-G 488 - Global Cycles

Credits:

3

Description:

Spring. The global environment is dominated by interlinking cycles of earth materials, chemicals, and biological components. This course will explore the major elements of the geochemical cycles found in the atmosphere, land, lakes, river, biota, and oceans, as well as the human impacts on these cycles. This course will take a global approach to geochemistry and environmental problems and will introduce fundamental concepts of meteorology, surficial geology (weathering, erosion, and sedimentation), biogeochemistry, limnology, and oceanography.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G 205 and GEOL-G 221 or GEOL-G 306 and BIOL-K 101 or BIOL-K 102 or BIOL-K 103 or BIOL-K 104 or BIOL-N 107 or BIOL-N 251 or BIOL-K 341 with a minimum grade of C- in each course.

GEOL-G 490 - Undergraduate Seminar in Geology

Credits:

1-3

Description:

Readings and discussion of selected topics.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G 205 with a minimum grade of C- and junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 495 - Senior Thesis in Geology

Credits:

1 - 3

Description:

Capstone experience involving a research project. Written report required.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G 205 with a minimum grade of C- and senior standing and consent of faculty mentor.

GEOL-G 499 - Honors Research in Geology

Credits:

3

Description:

Prerequisite:

Approval of departmental Honors Committee.

GEOL-G 502 - Trace Element and Isotope Geochemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Principles governing the distributions of trace elements, radioisotopes, and stable isotopes in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments. Emphasis on applications to petrology and geochronology.

Prerequisite:

CHEM C360 or C361 or GEOL G406.

GEOL-G 519 - Principles of Geomorphology

Credits:

3

Description:

An understanding of surficial processes is critical to understanding the interaction between humans and their environment. In addition, an understanding of the connection between modern processes and modern deposits is essential to deciphering the geologic record. This course explores the link between geomorphic processes landforms and deposits. Using the scientific method, we will systematically consider fluvial (river), colluvial, aeolian, glacial, slope, weather, tectonic and karst processes; the landforms that they produce and the deposits left behind. The lab component of the course will include a mixture of in-clas and field assignments. When appropriate, students are required to process their field data, make graphs and interpret their results. A final fieldtrip will be conducted toward the end of the semester as a capstone experience.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G110 or GEOL-G107 or GEOL-G115 or equivalent introductory Geology course, and GEOL-G334. GEOL-G406 is recommended. Spring.

GEOL-G 525 - Glacial Geology

Credits:

3

Description:

Formation, dynamics, and regimen of glaciers. Erosional and depositional processes and land­forms. Glaciation of North America with emphasis on stratigra­phy, soils, climates, and physical changes resulting from glacial processes and environments. Field investigations and a student research project required.

GEOL-G 527 - Geological Oceanography

Credits:

3

Description:

Geological features and processes operating in the oceans; continental shelf, slope and ocean-basin geo­morphology, sedimentology, structure, and composition; origin and geologic history of seawater and ocean basins.

Prerequisite:

Graduate standing, G334, and G413.

GEOL-G 535 - Quaternary Geology

Credits:

3

Description:

Characteristics, distribution, and origin of Pleistocene and recent deposits; stratigraphy and chronology; formation of associated landforms, landscapes, paleosols, and soils; Quater­nary environments. Core: environmental geoscience.

Prerequisite:

G415 or consent of instruc­tor.

GEOL-G 536 - Earth Observation from Space

Credits:

3

Description:

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate/graduate students to the physical principles and strategies underlying the spectrocsopic analysis of remotely-sensed data. Spectral characteristcs of geologic materials at visible, near-infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths are covered. Imaging spectroscopy is introduced and examples of appling hyperspectral remote sensing data for geologic mapping are decribed. The course includes lab assignments on reflectance spectrocsopy and image processing.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G 222 and GEOG-G 336 and PHYS-P 202.

GEOL-G 545 - Applied Analytical Techniques in Geology

Credits:

3

Description:

Princi­ples of advanced analytical techniques including X-ray analysis, electron beam imaging and analysis, and mass spectrometry, with applications in geosciences. Lectures on theory followed by laboratory exercises. Students will complete individual or collaborative research projects.

GEOL-G 546 - Planetary Remote Sensing

Credits:

3

Description:

Application of multi-spectral data for exploration and mapping of planetary surfaces.

Prerequisite:

Previous course in remote sensing, or consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 550 - Surface Water Hydrology

Credits:

3

Description:

Mechanics of surface runoff and open channel flow. Rainfall-runoff equations, probability analysis of stream flow, and watershed simulation models. Chemistry of surface waters and stream pollution. Core: environmental geoscience.

Prerequisite:

G451 and M216, or consent of instructor.

GEOL-G 551 - Advanced Hydrogeology

Credits:

3

Description:

Basic principles and quantitative aspects of physical flow systems and chemistry of ground water and surface water. The relationships between water and geologic materials. Core: environmental geoscience.

Prerequisite:

G451.

GEOL-G 557 - Paleoclimatology

Credits:

3

Description:

Fall. A firm understanding of Earth's climatic history, including the range of natural variability and the forces that drive climatic change, has become increasingly important as anthropogenic activities continue to affect this delicate system. In this class, we will learn about the fundamentals of the global climate system, how and why Earth's climate has changed through time, and the tools and methods that paleoclimatologists use to reconstruct past climates and environmental change.

Prerequisite:

GEOL-G 110 or GEOL-G 107 or GEOL-G 115 or equivalent introductory geology course and GEOL-G 334. GEOL-G 406 is recommended.

GEOL-G 561 - Paleocology

Credits:

3

Description:

Prerequisite:

Consent of instructor.