Geology (GEOL)

GEOL 1010:   Physical Geology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Classical introduction to Earth science and the physical and chemical processes that affect the Earth. Satisfies science requirement of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 111. Will not count for credit if Geol 104 is counted.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 1020:   Historical Geology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Classical introduction to Earth science and the historical development of the Earth and its life. Satisfies science requirement of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 112.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 1030:   Earth Dynamics  
Geology Geological Engineering  
An integrated study of the process-response relationships between plate tectonics and geological processes through time. 3 lecture / 2 lab hours. Restricted to students majoring in geology or geological engineering.  
4 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 1040:   Envir Geology - Hazards  
Geology Geological Engineering  
An introduction to the relationship between humans and the geological environment with a focus on natural and human induced hazards, including landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, subsidence, sea-level rise, and pollution. Satisfies laboratory-science requirements of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 114. Will not count for credit if Geol 101 is counted.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 1050:   Environmental Geology - Res.s  
Geology Geological Engineering  
An introduction to the relationship between humans and the geological environment with a focus on natural resources, waste disposal, and climate change. Satisfies laboratory-science requirements of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 115.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture, Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 1060:   Earth History  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Survey of the history of geologic processes and life forms on Earth. Will not count for credit if Geol 102 is counted. Restricted to students majoring in geology or geological engineering.  
2 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 1070:   Introduction to Oceanography  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Qualitative introduction to ocean circulation, properties of seawater, waves, tides, and shoreline evolution. May be used to satisfy natural science requirement of core curriculum.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 1110:   Physical Geology Lab.  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Laboratory exercises that introduce earth science and the physical and chemical processes that affect the Earth.  
1 credit  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
Course Fees:
$195.00
  
GEOL 1120:   Historical Geology Lab.  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Laboratory exercises that introduce earth science and the historical development of the Earth and its life.  
1 credit  
Prerequisites
One Way-Co-Requisite GEOL 1020 or GEOL 1200.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
Course Fees:
$195.00
  
GEOL 1140:   Envir. Geology-Hazards Lab.  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Laboratory exercises that introduce the relationship between humans and the geologic environment with a focus on natural hazards.  
1 credit  
Prerequisites
One Way-Co-Requisite GEOL 1040.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
Course Fees:
$195.00
  
GEOL 1150:   Envir. Geology - Res.s Lab  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Additional laboratory exercises that introduce the relationship between humans and the geologic environment with a focus on natural resources.  
1 credit  
Prerequisites
One Way-Co-Requisite GEOL 1050.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
Course Fees:
$195.00
  
GEOL 1200:   Dinosaurs  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Introduction to natural history for non-science majors, as exemplified by the origin, diversification, and extinction of dinosaurs. May be used to satisfy natural science requirement of core curriculum. GEOL 1120 (laboratory) or GEOL 1210 may be taken with GEOL 1200 to satisfy laboratory - science requirement.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 1210:   Dinosaurs Lab.  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Laboratory course that introduces Earth science and the history and diversification of dinosaurs.  
1 credit  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
Course Fees:
$195.00
  
GEOL 2030:   Earth Dynamics Lab. Content  
Geology Geological Engineering  
This is the laboratory component of Geol 103. This course is designed for students transfering into the program after completing Geol 101 and 102. Students cannot receive credit from both Geology 103 and 203. This course when combined with introductory geology courses can be used by students seeking a waiver of the requirement to complete Geology 103, with permission of the department.  
2 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 2210:   Mineralogy  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Crystallography, crystal chemistry and minerals; determination by physical and chemical properties. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 1030 with a minimum grade of C.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 2220:   Elementary Petrology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Hand-specimen identification and lithologic classification, the role of plate tectonics in petrogenesis. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 2210.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 2250:   Mineralogy & Elem. Petrology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Hand specimen identification of minerals and rocks; determination of physical and chemical properties; mineralogic and lithologic classifications; lithification processes; mineral resources.  
5 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 3030:   Structural & Tectonic Geology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Geometric and genetic classification of both macro- and micro-structural types and their interrelations with crustal tectonics. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
Minimum grade of C in GEOL 2250 or (GEOL 2210 and GEOL 2220).  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 3050:   Geomorphology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Introduction to concepts of landform genesis. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 3090:   Invertebrate Paleontology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
The classification, morphology, and paleoecology of invertebrate fossils. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
4 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 3140:   Sedimentology and Stratigraphy  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Study of principles of sediment and sedimentary rock formation, transport, classification, and depositional environments, as well as the development of stratigraphic sequences and modern and traditional methods of stratigraphic correlation. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 1030 with a minimum grade of C.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 4100:   Coastal and Reef Dynamics  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Taught as study abroad only. An intermediate-level course designed to acquaint the student with the dynamics of the physical and biological systems that have formed and are forming the coastal, caye, and reef areas of Belize, Central America.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
24 earned credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 4200:   Optical Mineralogy  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Use of the petrographic microscope to study the optical properties of rock-forming minerals. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours).  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
Minimum grade of C in GEOL 2220 or GEOL 2250 and 24 earned credits.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 5000:   Intro. to Geograph. Info. Syss  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Introduces the use of a geographic information system. Topics include applications of geographic information; spatial data collection; data accuracy and uncertainty; data visualization of cartographic principles; spatial analysis; GPS/GNSS; and legal, economic, and ethical issues associated with the use of a geographic information system.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5050:   Hydrogeology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Groundwater hydrology for geologists.  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
MATH 2612.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5170:   Global Tectonics  
Geology Geological Engineering  
This 3-credit course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of plate tectonics, the driving forces and evolution of plate tectonics on Earth, and examine the magmatic, sedimentary metamorphic and geophysical characteristics of tectonic settings. Course material will focus on synthesis of data and concepts to understand theoretical and applied aspects of global tectonics and application of tectonic principles to addressing regional geological problems.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 3030.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5180:   Quant. Meth. in Geo. & Geo Eng  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Quantitative methods in geology and geological engineering.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 5200:   Adv. Ig. & Metamorphic Petrolo  
Geology Geological Engineering  
The course is designed to present the principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology and petrography, rock classification based on composition and textures, tectonic associations of rock types, and magma petrogenesis and tectonic associations.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 2250.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 5300:   Geology Field Studies  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Field projects for graduate students.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 2210 or GEOL 2220 or GEOL 3030 or GEOL 3140.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
GEOL 5350:   Geochemistry  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Application of chemical principles to geologic problems; crystal chemistry.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 2210 and GEOL 2250.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5500:   Intro. to Geograph. Info. Syss  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Introduces the use of a geographic information system. Topics include applications of geographic information; spatial data collection; data accuracy and uncertainty; data visualization of cartographic principles; spatial analysis; GPS/GNSS; and legal, economic, and ethical issues associated with the use of a geographic information system.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5550:   Hydrogeology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Groundwater hydrology for geologists.  
4 credits  
Prerequisites
MATH 2612.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5670:   Global Tectonics  
Geology Geological Engineering  
This 3-credit course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of plate tectonics, the driving forces and evolution of plate tectonics on Earth, and examine the magmatic, sedimentary metamorphic and geophysical characteristics of tectonic settings. Course material will focus on synthesis of data and concepts to understand theoretical and applied aspects of global tectonics and application of tectonic principles to addressing regional geological problems.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 3030.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 5680:   Quant. Meth. in Geo. & Geo Eng  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Quantitative methods in geology and geological engineering.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 5700:   Adv. Ig. & Metamorphic Petrolo  
Geology Geological Engineering  
The course is designed to present the principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology and petrography, rock classification based on composition and textures, tectonic associations of rock types, and magma petrogenesis and tectonic associations.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOL 2250.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 5800:   Geology Field Studies  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Field projects for graduate students.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Laboratory  
GEOL 5850:   Geochemistry  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Application of chemical principles to geologic problems; crystal chemistry.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 6100:   Earth Science Projects  
Geology Geological Engineering  
(May be repeated for credit).  
1 - 3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Independent Study  
GEOL 6140:   Advanced Geographic Info. Syss  
Geology Geological Engineering  
GIS&T project design and application; advanced analytical modeling using vector and rester-based data sets. Use of multivariate data and spatial process models. Use of spatial databases will be emphasized.  
3 credits  
Prerequisites
GEOE 5110 or GEOE 5610.  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 6150:   Geostatistics  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Operational aspects and interpretation of geological data using statistics and data analysis.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 6300:   Coastal Plain Geology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Stratigraphy, depositional patterns, and dominant process; emphasis on Gulf Coastal Plain; field studies.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 6430:   Advanced Geomorphology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Surface processes associated with specific physiographic districts.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture  
GEOL 6450:   Advanced Sedimentation  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Analysis of sedimentation process and response patterns as indicators of depositional environment, dispersal, and basin evolution.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 6460:   Advanced Stratigraphy  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Analysis of components of recent depositional systems and case studies of ancient analogues.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 6470:   Sedimentary Petrology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Advanced treatment of the principals and recent advances in sedimentary petrology with particular emphasis on textural and geochemical aspects of diagnosis.  
4 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 6480:   Metamorphic Petrology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Metamorphic rock chemistry and mineralogy; time and space relationships of metamorphic rocks in consideration of global tectonics.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 6490:   Pedology  
Geology Geological Engineering  
The objective of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental physical and chemical properties of soils and the formative processes responsible for those properties. The course will also cover the description and interpretation of soils preserved in the geological record as paleosols.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Lecture/Lab  
GEOL 6900:   Scientific Writing  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Exercises in scientific writing format and style, with particular emphasis on writing abstracts and manuscripts for publication in refereed archival journals.  
3 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Seminar  
GEOL 6997A:   Thesis  
Geology Geological Engineering  
Research and writing in preparation of a thesis for the M.S. in engineering science-geology degree. May be repeated for credit. No grade  
1 - 12 credits  
Potentially offered with the following Instruction Type(s):
Thesis