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Courses

Geology
  • GEOL-G 107 Earth and Our Environment (3 cr.) Fall, Spring, Summer. An introduction to geology through discussion of geological topics that show the influence of geology on modern society. Topics include mineral and energy resources, water resources, geologic hazards and problems, geology and health, and land use.
  • GEOL-G 109 Fundamentals of Earth History (3 cr.) Fall, Spring, Summer. Basic principles of earth history: geologic time, basic rock types, reconstructing past environments. Physical development of the earth: its interior, mountain formation, plate tectonics. Origin and development of life: evolution, the fossil record. With laboratory GEOL-G 119, equivalent to IUB GEOL-G 104, IUB GEOL-G 112, and PU GEOS 112.
  • GEOL-G 110 How the Earth Works (3 cr.) Fall, Spring, Summer. Introduction to processes within and at the surface of the earth. Description, classification, and origin of minerals and rocks. The rock cycle. Internal processes: volcanism, earthquakes, crustal deformation, mountain building, plate tectonics. External processes: weathering, mass wasting, streams, glaciers, ground water, deserts, coasts. With laboratory GEOL-G 120, equivalent to IU GEOL-G 103, IU GEOL-G 111, and PU GEOS 111.
  • GEOL-G 115 Oceanography (3 cr.) Fall, Spring, Summer. Nonmathematical introduction to the geology, biology, and physical characteristics of the ocean. Includes waves, tides, and currents of the world ocean, the adaptations and distribution of marine animals, pollution of the marine ecosystem, and an introduction to the global ocean/atmosphere system.
  • GEOL-G 117 Lab: Earth and Our Environment (1 cr.) P: or C: GEOL-G 107. Fall, Spring, Summer. Laboratory exercises in environmental aspects of the geosciences. To accompany GEOL-G 107.
  • GEOL-G 119 Fundamentals of Earth History Laboratory (1 cr.) P: or C: GEOL-G 109. Fall, Spring. Laboratory studies of rocks, fossils, and stratigraphic principles to reconstruct past environments and interpret Earth history. To accompany GEOL-G 109.
  • GEOL-G 120 Lab: How the Earth Works (1 cr.) P: or C: GEOL-G 110. Fall, Spring, Summer. Laboratory studies of minerals and rocks, landscapes, and earth structures. To accompany GEOL-G 110.
  • GEOL-G 130 Short Courses in Earth Science (topic varies) (1 cr.) Five-week courses on a variety of topics in the earth sciences. Examples of topics include lunar and planetary geology; geology of Indiana; geology of national parks; glaciers; water; gemstones; geology of art; earthquakes and volcanoes; dinosaurs. Each short course is one credit; no topic may be taken for credit more than once.
  • GEOL-G 132 Environmental Issues and Solutions (3 cr.) This course is offered via the Internet, and provides experience in addressing some of the kinds of problems that arise in studies of the environment. Particular attention is given to developing skills in evaluating scientific articles; specifically, the relevance of the information in an article, the credibility of the author, and the accuracy and usefulness of the quantitative information provided. The kinds of problems considered in this course will vary from semester to semester, but will be chosen from a list that includes global warming, tropical rain forests, acid rain, water pollution, solid waste disposal, appropriate use of land, and the ability of regulations to protect the environment. Three or four such topics will be covered each semester.
  • GEOL-G 135 Indiana Rocks! (3 cr.) Fall, Spring, Summer. An in-depth investigation of Indiana's geology, including minerals and rocks, geologic time, mineral resources, fossils, topography, soil, water resources, and special geologic features such as the Falls of the Ohio River and Indiana Dunes.
  • GEOL-G 136 Lab: Indiana Rocks! (1 cr.) P: or C: GEOL-G 107, GEOL-G 110, or GEOL-G 135. Fall, Spring, Summer. Field experiences and practical exercises in applying geologic principles and observing the geologic phenomena of Indiana. Topics may include sedimentary rocks and fossils, soils, mineral resources, hydrology, glacial history, and karst topography. Students will visit multiple park areas, complete problem solving or hands-on exercises, and submit written reports.
  • GEOL-G 199 Service Learning in Geology (1 cr.) P: or C: GEOL-G 107, GEOL-G 110, GEOL-G 115, or GEOL-G 135. Students participate in community service projects. Completion of the project includes a paper reflecting on how the service experience contributed to their application of the principles of general education.
  • GEOL-G 205 Reporting Skills in Geoscience (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 107 or GEOL-G1110 and ENG-W 131 with a minimum grade of C-. C: P or C: COMM-R110 Spring and Fall. Techniques of presenting written and oral reports from the geoscience approach. The written report: mechanics of format and illustrations, proper citation of geoscience literature, the abstract, proofreading, and editing. The oral report: effective presentation and response to audience questions, simulating a professional science meeting.
  • GEOL-G 221 Introductory Mineralogy (5 cr.) P: GEOL-G 110 or GEOL-G107 and CHEM-C 105 with a minimum grade of C- in each course.. Fall. Credit not given for both GEOL-G 221 and GEOL-G 306. The assembly of minerals from atoms in nature. Atomic bonding, structures and symmetry. Control of physical properties by symmetry. Interaction of light with crystals. Crystal fields and forces driving the growth of crystals from melts to aqueous solutions. The chemistry of silicates and other minerals.
  • GEOL-G 222 Introductory Petrology (5 cr.) P: GEOL-G 221 with a minimum grade of C-. Spring. Credit not given for both GEOL-G 222 and GEOL-G 306. Study of the principal representatives of the major chemical groups of minerals. Emphasis on rock-forming and useful minerals, their crystal structure, chemistry, physical properties, association, and occurrence. Study of major rock types.
  • GEOL-G 304 Principles of Paleontology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 119 or GEOL-G 110 or GEOL-G135 with a minimum grade of C- or instructor consent. Spring. Biological principles applied to the fossil record. Examination of the quality of the fossil record, taxonomic principles and procedures, analytical techniques, evolutionary theory, evolution and paleoecology of species, populations and communities, diversification and extinction, paleogeography. Laboratories: systematics, stratigraphic distribution, and ecology of major fossilized invertebrate phyla.
  • GEOL-G 306 Earth Materials (4 cr.) P: GEOL-G 110/120 or GEOL-G 107/117 and CHEM-C 105. Spring. Credit not given for both GEOL-G 221 and GEOL-G 306 or GEOL-G 222 and GEOL-G 306. The physical and chemical properties of Earth materials, and the chemical processes that have altered them to cause Earth to evolve to its present state. This course covers properties of minerals and their identification, genesis of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, interactions between solid Earth and the hydrosphere, and interactions between humans and the solid Earth.
  • GEOL-G 323 Structural Geology (5 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205, GEOL-G 222, and GEOL-G 335. Fall. Nature and origin of primary and secondary structural features of the earth's crust, with emphasis on mechanics of deformation and origin, and three-dimensional problems illustrating structural concepts. Laboratory.
  • GEOL-G 334 Principles of Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (5 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205, GEOL-G 222, or GEOL-G 306 and GEOL-G 335 or consent of instructor. Fall. Processes and factors influencing genesis of sedimentary particles and their deposition. Interpretation of depositional environments. Sedimentary facies and interpretation of stratigraphic record from outcrop, core sequence, and remote sensing. Laboratory. Field trip.
  • GEOL-G 335 Evolution of the Earth and Life (4 cr.) P: GEOL-G 110/120 or GEOL-G107/117 with a minimum grade of C- in each course.. Spring.  Evidence for evolution of the Earth and life in the rock record, Sequence of events, time of occurrence, rates of change. Interrelationships of principal themes: chemical evolution of the planet, evolution of the biosphere, plate tectonics, mountain building, and sea level changes. Bearing of evolution on human welfare.
  • GEOL-G 403 Optical Mineralogy and Petrography (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205 and GEOL-G 222. Identification of rock-forming minerals in fragments and thin sections using principles of optical crystallography and the petrographic microscope. Description of common igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and interpretation of their genesis using hand specimens and thin sections.
  • GEOL-G 406 Introduction to Geochemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C 106 with a minimum grade of C-, or consent of instructor. Fall. Interactions between geology, chemistry, and biology in natural systems. Explores biogeochemical processes on small scales and in terms of global cycles, as well as human impacts on biogeochemical cycling.
  • GEOL-G 410 Undergraduate Research in Geology (1-3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205, junior standing, and consent of faculty mentor. Fall. Spring, Summer.  Field and laboratory research in selected problems in geology. May be repeated. A total of 3 credit hours may be applied toward the degree. May be repeated. A total of 3 credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
  • GEOL-G 415 Principles of Geomorphology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205, and GEOL-G334 and GEOL-G221 or GEOL-G306 with a minimum grade of C- in each course. Spring. Natural processes that create landforms and land-scapes. Physics and chemistry of weathering and soil formation. Dynamics of mass wasting, streams, and glaciers. Includes field and laboratory investigations.
  • GEOL-G 416 Economic Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205 and GEOL-G 222, or consent of instructor. Origin, geologic occurrence, distribution, use, and conservation of important geologic natural resources: metallic minerals; industrial minerals and rocks; coal, petroleum, natural gas, and other energy resources.
  • GEOL-G 418 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3 cr.) P: G222 or equivalent. The petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Both lecture and laboratory portions of the course will stress the application of modern petrographic, mineralogic, geochemical, and phase equilibria techniques to the solution of relevant petrologic problems.
  • GEOL-G 420 Regional Geology Field Trip (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Summer. Field trip to selected regions for study of mineralogic, lithologic, stratigraphic, structural, paleontologic, geomorphologic, or other geological relationships.
  • GEOL-G 430 Principles of Hydrology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 and GEOL-G117 or GEOL-G120 and MATH 15400 or MATH 15900 or MATH 16500 (or equivalent course) with a minimum grade of C- in each course and introductory Biology course. C: CHEM-C106 and PHYS-P201 or PHYS 15200 or PHYS 21800 with a minimum grade of C- in each course. Fall. An introduction to the hydrologic cycle, reviewing processes such as precipitation, evaporation and transpiration, infiltration, runoff, streamflow and watersheds, and groundwater.
  • GEOL-G 431 Wetland Ecosystems (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 430 or GEOL-G 451. Fall. Wetland ecosystems will explore wetlands and their role in ecosystem function. Topics will encompass wetland definitions, geomorphic setting, functions and values, hydrology, vegetation and soils, wetland biogeochemistry, and wetland mitigation and the regulatory framework in which wetlands are treated. The course evaluates the status and trends of Indiana wetlands and types of wetlands common in Indiana.
  • GEOL-G 432 Stream Ecosystems (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 and GEOL-G117 and MATH 15400 or MATH 15900 or MATH 16500 (or equivalent) and PHYS-P201 or PHYS 15200 or PHYS 21800 and introductory Biology and CHEM-C106 with a minimum grade of C- in each course. Fall. An examination of the physical, chemical, and biological components of stream ecosystems. Fundamentals of ecosystems science are introduced. Methods for measurement, characterization, and evaluation of the physical, chemical, and biological components of stream ecosystems are taught in field and laboratory applications. Topics include fluvial geomorphology, streamflow, stream chemistry, ecosystem dynamics, water use and management, human impacts, and stream restoration.
  • GEOL-G 436 Earth Observation from Space (3 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor. Fall.  This course is designed to introduce Earth observation with remote sensing. Basic knowledge and history of remote sensing are described. Elements of airborne and satellite remote sensing images necessary for basic data analysis and qualitative image interpretation are covered. Remaining lectures are dedicated to classical applications of airborne and satellite remote sensing in exploring natural world and physical Earth. The class explores in greater detail how space observation can be used to monitor and assess environmental change and to address society need. The class includes lab assignments on basic remote sensing and data interpretation.
  • GEOL-G 447 Planetary Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 110 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor. Origin and evolution of planets. The roles of impacts and volcanism in surface dynamics, and the role of water in planetary climates.
  • GEOL-G 451 Principles of Hydrogeology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 205 and GEOL-G 117 or GEOL-G120 and MATH 16600 or MATH 22200 or MATH 23200 and PHYS-P201 or PHYS 15200 or PHYS 21800 and CHEM-C106 with a minimum grade of C- in each course.CHEM-C 106 and PHYS 15200 or PHYS-P 201 or PHYS 21800. Spring.  Physical and chemical properties of water; chemical equilibria and stable isotopes in groundwaters; acid drainage, landfills, and agricultural pollution; Darcy's Law, fluid potential, unsaturated flow; fluid and aquifer properties affecting groundwater flow; fluid mass-balance equation and its application; contaminant transport.
  • GEOL-G 460 Internship in Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 and junior or senior standing, and consent of faculty mentor. Fall, Spring, Summer. Industrial or similar experiences in geologically oriented employment. Projects jointly arranged, coordinated, and evaluated by faculty and industrial/governmental supervisors.
  • GEOL-G 482 Environmental Microbiology (3 cr.) P: BIOL-K 101, BIOL-K 103 or consent of instructor. 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.
  • GEOL-G 483 Isotope Geochemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C106 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor. 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.
  • GEOL-G 486 Soil Biogeochemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C106 with a minimum grade of C- or consent of instructor. Fall.  Biological and geochemical processes controlling the cycling of elements in soils and freshwater sediments with emphasis on cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous.
  • GEOL-G 487 Remote Sensing of Global Change (3 cr.) P: PHYS-P 202 with a minimum grade of C- or instructor consent.. 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.
  • GEOL-G 488 Global Cycles (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 and GEOL-G221 or GEOL-G306 and BIOL-K101 or BIOL-K102 or BIOL-K103 or BIOL-K104 or BIOL-N107 or BIOL-N251 or BIOL-K341 with a minimum grade of C- in each course. 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.
  • GEOL-G 490 Undergraduate Seminar in Geology (1-3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 with a minimum grade of C- and junior or senior standing and consent of instructor. Readings and discussion of selected topics. May be repeated, provided different topics are studied, for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  • GEOL-G 495 Senior Thesis in Geology (1 - 3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 with a minimum grade of C- and senior standing and consent of faculty mentor. Capstone experience involving a research project. Written report required.
  • GEOL-G 499 Honors Research in Geology (3 cr.) P: Approval of departmental Honors Committee.
  • GEOL-G 502 Trace Element and Isotope Geochemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C 360 or CHEM-C 361 or GEOL-G 406, or consent of instructor. Principles governing the distributions of trace elements, radioisotopes, and stable isotopes in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments. Emphasis on applications to petrology and geochronology.
  • GEOL-G 525 Glacial Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 415 or consent of instructor. 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 (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing, GEOL-G 334, or consent of instructor. 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; tools applied to marine geological studies.
  • GEOL-G 535 Quaternary Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 415 or consent of instructor. Characteristics, distribution, and origin of Pleistocene and recent deposits, stratigraphy and chronology; formation of associated landforms, landscapes, paleosols, and soils; Quaternary environments and paleoclimatic interpretation.
  • GEOL-G 545 Applied Analytical Techniques in Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 221, CHEM-C 105-106, and consent of instructor. 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 (3 cr.) P: Previous course work in remote sensing, or consent of instructor. Application of multi-spectral data for exploration and mapping of planetary surfaces.
  • GEOL-G 550 Surface-Water Hydrology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 430 or GEOL-G 451. In-depth analysis of surface water components of hydrologic cycle: hydrometeorology, evaporation/transpiration, rainfall-runoff relationships, open-channel flow, flood hydrology, and statistical and probabilistic methods in hydrology.
  • GEOL-G 551 Advanced Hydrogeology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 430 or GEOL-G 451. Advanced treatment of concepts fundamental to subsurface hydrologic processes. Applications to groundwater resource development and environmental protection such as aquifer mechanics and well hydraulics, heterogeneity and anisotropy, ground water and surface water interactions, unsaturated flow, and tracer and contaminant transport.
  • GEOL-G 583 Isotope Geochemistry (3 cr.) Introduction to the theory 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.
  • GEOL-G 585 Environmental Geochemistry (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 406 or consent of instructor. Aquatic and environmental geochemistry, including freshwater and marine systems, natural and human-induced changes to geochemical systems, and the geochemical record of paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic variations.
  • GEOL-G 595 Data Analysis Techniques in Geoscience (3 cr.) P: STAT 30100 and CSCI-N 207, or equivalent. Application of statistical and numerical analysis techniques to geoscience data, including sampling methods, confidence intervals, least squares methods, correlation, time series analysis, and multivariate techniques. Emphasis on using a computer to solve geoscience problems.
  • GEOL-G 596 Topics in Applied Environmental Geology (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Application of geologic principles to common environmental problems. Topics covered include waste site assessment, flood hazard analysis and mitigation, slope stability, and hydrogeology. Application of principles to problems pertaining to urban planning, earthquake-resistant design, and waste site/landfill development.
  • GEOL-G 621 Modeling Hydrological Systems (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 430 or GEOL-G 451 and consent of instructor. Introduction to groundwater flow and solute transport modeling. Includes development of equations describing ground water flow and applied ground water/contaminant transport modeling, using a variety of current software packages.
  • GEOL-G 635 Soil Geomorphology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 415. Application of geomorphic principles in evaluation of weathering and soil formation; systems analysis of soil-landscape models; paleogeomorphology and paleopedology. Lectures and discussion; field and laboratory problems.
  • GEOL-G 640 Fluvial Geomorphology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 415 or consent of instructor. Survey of fluvial processes including sediment transport, bed and bank erosion, and river metamorphosis. Examination of the controls on channel form. Analysis of landform genesis with an emphasis on feature sedimentology and stratigraphy. Application of fluvial geomorphic principles to land management and restoration of riparian ecosystems.
  • GEOL-G 645 Carbonate Sedimentology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G334 or consent of instructor Spring. Course focuses on origin and generation of carbonate grains, description of modern carbonate depositional environments, interpretation of ancient limestone and dolomite sequences, and carbonate diagensis.
  • GEOL-G 690 Advanced Geology Seminar (Arr. cr.) P: Consent of instructor.
  • GEOL-G 700 Geologic Problems (1-5 cr.) P: Consent of faculty mentor. Consideration of special geologic problems.
  • GEOL-G 810 Thesis Research (6 cr.) P: Consent of faculty mentor. Thesis Research.
  • GEOL-G 180 Dinosaurs (3 cr.) Spring.  Topics include:  geologic time and the fossil record, preservation of vertebrate fossils, and how to "read" the fossil record.  Dinosaur anatomy is surveyed in terms of evolutional changes.  Controversies such as evolutionary paths are considered and extinction of dinosaurs is placed in the context of other mass extinctions.
  • GEOL-G 677 Climate Change and Society (3 cr.) Spring. This course will introduce observations, physical mechanisms and consequences of climate change. Particularly, we will discuss the impacts of climate change on the nexus of food, energy and water systems.
  • GEOL-G 477 Climate Change and Society (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G107 or GEOL-G110 and GEOL-G205 or COMM-R110 with a minimum grade of C- in each course. Spring. This course will introduce observations, physical mechanisms and consequences of climate change.  Particularly, we will discuss the impacts of climate change on the nexus of food, energy and water systems.
  • GEOL-G 467 Medical Geology (3 cr.) P: Senior or Graduate-Level standing in Environmental Science, Geology, Public Health, Public and Environmental Affairs, Medical Fields, Chemistry or Biology and Instructor consent. Spring. Medical Geology is the study of the interrelationship between earth processes and human health.  The spatial distribution and specific processes that can change exposure to certain materials can affect human health, this class will take a detailed look at these scientific issues.
  • GEOL-G 460 Internship in Geology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G205 and junior or senior standing, and consent of faculty mentor. Fall, Spring, Summer. Industrial or similar experiences in geologically oriented employment. Projects jointly arranged, coordinated, and evaluated by faculty and industrial/governmental supervisors.
  • GEOL-G 457 Paleoclimatology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G110 or GEOL-G107 or GEOL-G115 or equivalent introductory Geology course and GEOL-G334. GEOL-G406 is recommended. Fall.  A firm understanding of Earth's climatic history, including the range of natural variability and 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.
  • GEOL-G 413 Introduction to Geophysics (3 cr.) Fall. Application of physics in the study of geologic and environmental problems. Theory and application of seismic, gravity, magnetic and electric methods in exploration of the Earth's subsurface, with emphasis on near-surface processes. May be repeated. A total of 3 credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
  • GEOL-G 519 Principles of Geomorphology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G110 or GEOL-G107 or GEOL-G115 or equivalent introductory Geology course, and GEOL-G334. GEOL-G406 is recommended. Spring. 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.
  • GEOL-G 557 Paleoclimatology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G110 or GEOL-G107 or GEOL-G115 or equivalent introductory geology course and GEOL-G334. GEOL-G406 is recommended. 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.
  • GEOL-G 551 Advanced Hydrogeology (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G 430 or GEOL-G 451. Advanced treatment of concepts fundamental to subsurface hydrologic processes. Applications to groundwater resource development and environmental protection such as aquifer mechanics and well hydraulics, heterogeneity and anisotropy, ground water and surface water interactions, unsaturated flow, and tracer and contaminant transport.
  • GEOL-G 567 Medical Geology (3 cr.) P: Senior or graduate level standing and instructor consent. Medical Geology is the study of the interrelationship between earth processes and human health. The spatial distribution and specific processes that can change exposure to certain materials can affect human health.  this class will take a detailed look at these scientific issues.
  • GEOL-G 686 Advanced Soil Biochemistry (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G406 Fall. This course examines the chemical, biological and physical factors controlling the weathering of minerals and the formation of soils. Topics covered include: biological and chemical properties of soils, soil classification, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in relation to food production and environmental quality.
  • GEOL-G 536 Earth Observation from Space (3 cr.) P: GEOL-G222 and GEOG-G336 and PHYS-P202 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.