Graduate Geology Courses

GEOL 5086. Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-6 Hours).

Independent research under the supervision of an instructor. A formal report will be submitted to the instructor. A student may not count more than 6 hours of problems toward a degree.

GEOL 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 6 Hours, Lab: 6 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin the thesis. No credit until thesis is completed. Student must have submitted approved thesis proposal before taking for credit.

GEOL 5100. Geology Seminar. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 0 Hours).

A graduate seminar course providing the opportunity for students to lead discussions on a current topic in Geology. Topics vary according to interests of faculty and/or students. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

GEOL 5300. History of Geology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the development of geological concepts and their impact upon science and society. Biographical as well as contemporary readings will be involved, investigating the confluence of geological science development with historical and societal factors.

GEOL 5400. History of Geology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the development of geological concepts and their impact upon science and society. Biographical as well as contemporary readings will be involved, investigating the confluence of geological science development with historical and societal factors.

GEOL 5401. Crystal Chemistry. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

An advanced study of the atomic or molecular arrangement of minerals. Topics covered would include, crystal structure, P-T phase diagrams, solid solution, exsolution, diffusion, atomic site occupancy, mineral chemical bonding, and the relationship of crystal structure to optical and physical properties. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5402. Igneous Petrology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

An advanced study of the origin of igneous rocks. The course would focus on geochemical aspects of igneous rocks, with a special emphasis on process such as fractionation, assimilation and liquid immiscibility. The course would involve an in-depth study of phase diagrams. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5403. Metamorphic Petrology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

An advanced study of the origin of metamorphic rocks. The course would focus on mineral chemical reactions occurring during metamorphism. Topics in the course would include thermodynamics, and in-depth study of phase diagrams. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5404. High Temperature Geochemistry. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

A study of the chemistry involved in igneous and metamorphic processes. The course would emphasize trace elements, stable isotope systematics, and radioactive isotopic systems. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5405. Low Temperature Geochemistry. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

A study of surface chemical systems. This course is sometimes called the geochemistry of natural waters. The course would focus on the chemistry of weathering and sediment deposition. Topics could include acidity and oxidation (EH-pH), stable isotopes, evaporate chemistry, clay chemistry, and aqueous system chemistry. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5410. Field Paleoecology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

The ecology of ancient life. The course will focus on defining and identifying community structures through time, exploring the rise and fall of communities and the changing populations within them based on field identification, utilizing sediments and life habit. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5420. Ichnology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Study of Trace Fossils. Course will focus on identification and description of ichnotaxa, ichnofacies, and ethological classifications. Field application of course content will be a major component. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5430. Paleontological Data Analysis. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Study and application of statistical and multivariate techniques used in classifying and differentiating organisms, taphonomics, orientations, and ecologies. Methods covered will include DCA, PCA, PCO, NMDS, and Parsimony Analysis, as well as basic statistical methods. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5450. Geomechanics and Fracture System Analysis. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Mechanical analysis of stress and strain within the Earth’s brittle crust. Major topics include analysis of present day stresses, Anderson stress classification, overpressure, mechanical properties of rock, Mohr failure envelopes, and critical stresses on faults. Characterization and quantification of natural fracture systems will be a major component of the course. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5451. Geometric and Kinematic Analysis of Structures. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Analysis of concentric folds of layered sedimentary rocks and fault-related folds with emphasis on geometric relationships. Introduction to quantitative models based upon geometric relationships between fault geometry, rheology, and fault slip rate. Techniques will be presented to incorporate surface and subsurface data to construct viable, admissible structural cross sections while minimizing artificial distortion. Modern structural software will be used. Techniques will be presented for reconstructions and restorations of cross sections. Use of growth strata to constrain the kinematic pathway of both compressional and extension folds and fault-related folds. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5452. Seal and Trap Analysis. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Examination of the geological and physical processes that trap hydrocarbons in the subsurface and techniques for the evaluation of seal competency. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5453. Structural Systems. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Examination of extensional, compressional, and strike-slip systems from a tectonic and regional scale. The course will examine both kinematic and dynamic analysis of systems of associated structures. Emphasis will be on understanding key components and architectural elements of structural styles. Investigation of the mechanical and rheological controls on formation of structural regimes. Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5460. Sequence Stratigraphy. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Fundamental concepts of sequence stratigraphy applied to both carbonate and clastic systems. Integration of surface and subsurface data with an emphasis on petroleum exploration. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5461. Carbonate Petrology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biologic properties of carbonate rocks, as revealed by petrographic microscopy, geochemical techniques, and field study. Emphasis is placed on the mineralogy, chemistry, textures, and sedimentary structures that characterize carbonate rocks, and the relation of these features to their depositional origin and subsequent diagenesis. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5462. Clastic Petrology. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biologic properties of clastic rocks, as revealed by petrographic microscopy, geochemical techniques, and field study. Emphasis is placed on the mineralogy, chemistry, textures, and sedimentary structures that characterize carbonate rocks, and the relation of these features to their depositional origin and subsequent diagenesis. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5463. Clastic Depositional Systems. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Clastic facies analysis and depositional environments: modern and ancient alluvial, lacustrine, desert, deltaic, estuarine, shoreline, shallow marine shelf and deep marine environments. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5464. Carbonate Depositional Systems. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Carbonate facies analysis and depositional environments; examination of both modern and ancient carbonate environments. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 3413 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better Lab fee: $2.

GEOL 5465. Basin Analysis. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 3 Hours).

Analysis of sedimentary basins, including their structural development, subsidence histories, thermal maturation, stratigraphy and depositional systems, and petroleum systems. Prerequisites: GEOL 3413 and GEOL 3312 (or equivalents) with a grade of “C” or better Lab fee: $2.