For a full listing of the of courses offered, please visit the University Graduate catalog.
The list below is courses that are either required graduate courses or are electives commonly taken by graduate students.
Fundamental principles of geographic information systems; emphasis on raster and vector based systems and their applications to spatial analysis.
The objective of this class is to continue building on the concepts introduced in GEO 303 via advanced topics in the theory and applications of Geographic Information Systems. Theoretical issues concerning data structures, spatial analysis, visualization, uncertainty, and application issues in GIS will be addressed. Specific topics include in-depth treatment of spatial data analysis and modeling, network analysis, 3-D modeling, error issues in GIS, and the science of decision making through GIS.
The practice of statistics constitutes a set of procedures and principles used to obtain and analyze information for decision-making. The objective of this course is to provide students with a sound introduction to basic rules and procedures of uni-variate statistics, with a specific emphasis on geographic problem-solving.
Overview of concepts, methods, theory, and debates surrounding climate and global environmental change.
This course covers the occurrence and movement of water beneath the Earth's surface, both in the unsaturated and saturated zones. An important aspect of the course is the geological control on groundwater. The movement of water through many geologic settings are explored. The mathematical equations used to described groundwater flow are developed. Commonly used methods for measuring aquifer properties are discussed and these methods are employed in a field setting. Additional topics such as water law, aquifer contamination, and aquifer management will be introduced.
An introductory course on the hydrologic cycle with a primary focus on surface water. Course provides students with a foundation in the basic elements of the hydrologic cycle and the interaction between the elements. The course will also examine the role of surface water in stream morphology. The course develops quantitative and field methods to address hydrologic questions.
This course bridges the disciplines of geology and engineering. The details the engineering properties of geologic materials and the problems associated with building structures on them are covered. Also covered are engineering aspects of remediation of soil and groundwater contamination.
This course explores the methods by which we remotely sense what is below the surface of the Earth. It covers principles of exploration geophysics and the techniques that are used to study subsurface environments. Subjects reviewed include: stress and strain, information theory, seismic, gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic conductivity, ground penetrating RADAR, and borehole logging.
Origin, classification, description, and interpretation of landforms.
Development of glaciers, glacial movements, deposits, and landforms as background for discussion of present landscapes.
This course examines fluid flow through porous materials and the mathematics used to interpret hydraulic test data and to model groundwater flow systems. The partial differential equations used to describe groundwater flow are developed. The modeling process is discussed in detail, from the collection of hydrogeologic data, selection of model boundaries, selection of appropriate equations and the solution to those equations, model verification and calibration, and interpretation of model output. Analytical solutions to relatively simple hydrogeologic problems are introduced. Approximate numerical solutions, including the finite difference and finite element methods, are developed and compared to exact analytical solutions. This course is intended to provide the background and skills necessary to maintain proficiency with this rapidly-evolving technology
This course examines the chemical composition of meteoric waters, emphasizing how the chemistry of groundwater is controlled by the interaction with rocks . In most hydrogeologic investigations, chemical analyses of water play a key role, whether a pristine situation such as chemical evolution of ground water or one involving contamination by inorganic or organic compounds as a result of human activity. The relationships between chemistry, geology, human activity, and natural processes are explored. Approaches to determine reliability of analytical data are applied to real data. Methods of data interpretation that will be covered include ionic ratios, graphical techniques, and equilibrium modeling. Topics of organic compound nomenclature and properties are followed by consideration of partitioning of organic compounds in water, soil, and air.
This course is intended to build upon the skills gained in GEO 435 by exposure to actual modeling problems. Problems addressed may include developing optimum groundwater production strategies, controlling radioactive waste contaminants, predicting the effects of future groundwater development, and the site characterization necessary for a modern waste disposal facility. In addition to assembling and reviewing the available hydrogeologic literature, students will construct dynamic groundwater models using the USGS computer code MODFLOW, as well as other codes based on MODFLOW. These models will be used to study the response of the systems to different development, recharge, and contamination scenarios. The studies will be prepared as technical hydrogeologic reports meeting current industry standards.
This course builds upon the concepts covered in Groundwater Geology, Geochemistry, and the modeling classes. It's main emphasis is to explore how dissolved and suspend material are transported in groundwater and how that transport can differ from average groundwater flow. The mathematical equations governing solute transport are developed. Other topics include hydrodynamic dispersion, homogeneous and redox reactions, adsorption, liquid/vapor partitioning, biodegradation, and groundwater dating. Emphasis will be placed on discussion of recent literature and gaining experience with transport modeling.
This is be an intensive, hands-on course that is held for several weeks during the summer. Topics covered include surface water, groundwater, and the vadose zone, drilling techniques, organic and inorganic chemistry, Qauternary stratigraphy, shallow geophysics, soils and climate. Students gain experience in many forms of data collection using modern field equipment. The data which is collected then forms the basis for assignments in which the students are asked to graph, display, and interpret the data using various software programs.
One topic will be offered at least annually or, when demand feasible, twice per academic year. All graduate students are required to earn a minimum of 2 credit hours in GEO 488. It is intended that these specific topics will appear in published semester programs, as GEO 488.01, .02 or .03, thus enabling student transcripts to carry topic identification. Topics courses currently being taught include:
GEO 488.01 Water Resource and Environmental Law
This topic is taught by an adjunct professor from the field of law and a legal specialist in water resources, beneficial use and matters of environmental protection. Topics include such legal questions as well interference and the export of groundwater from one area to another area claiming higher priority.
GEO 488.02 Aquifer Systems
This course is a seminar style where the students lead the class discussion. discussion topics are not mandated, but, in general, are centered around specific geologic settings. Information that is discussed may include reviewing the major geologic units, their physical properties (hydraulic conductivity, storativity, porosity, etc.), and how the rocks control water chemistry. Other topics can include current and future rates of extraction, groundwater quality, chemistry, and contamination, water rights, water laws, water wars, and water politics. Each student chooses a topic of interest, conducts a literature search, provides others in the class with several background articles, and prepares presentation materials for the class discussion. A written report is submitted for each topic.
GEO 488.03 Field and Laboratory Methods in Geochemistry
This course involves the practical side of geochemistry: how to collect various types of water samples and field and laboratory analytical techniques. The field methods will focus on accepted standards and documentation of water sample collection. Field analytical techniques will include measurement of conductivity, temperature, pH, and alkalinity. Laboratory analytical techniques will focus on the operation and standardization instruments including specific ion electrodes, atomic absorption spectroscopy, ion chromatography, ICP spectrometry, fluoremetry, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
GEO 488.04 Statistics for Geologists
The objective of this course will be to introduce students to the concepts of elementary and advanced statistical procedures through formal theoretical discussions, and applications in geology. Students will acquire a feel for statistical testing, familiarize themselves with jargon of the field, and come to appreciate the importance of the field in their field of study. Topics will include concepts of probability, and probability distributions, correlation, bi-variate regression, parametric hypothesis testing, time series analysis, spatial analysis, and multiple regression. Course web page.
GEO 488.05 Isotope Geochemistry
This course introduces a variety of isotope systems and their applications to solving geologic problems. Isotopes are powerful tools with a range of applications, from environmental tracers to sources of magmatic contamination. Both radiogenic and stable isotopes are presented along with case studies of both high and low temperature systems. The use and limitations of many isotope systems are discussed throughout the semester. This class is organized in a seminar format with a balance between faculty and students presenting material.
GEO 488.06 Karst Hydrology
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