Geosciences, M.S.

Henrique Momm, Program Coordinator
(615) 904-8019372
Henrique.Momm@mtsu.edu

The Department of Geosciences offers a Master of Science in Geosciences with tracks in professional sciences and thesis research. The professional science track is a two-year program that combines business and science with a required professional internship. The thesis research track requires an oral defense of the thesis. Students interested in this program should contact the graduate program director for additional information.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Geosciences requires

1. an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a major in geosciences, anthropology, or related areas;
2. basic competency in word processing, electronic mail, library retrieval systems, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.

Once accepted into the College of Graduate Studies, students in the Master of Science in Geosciences program may enroll for one semester before being fully admitted to the program.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php;
2. submit official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended;
3. submit three letters of reference to graduate.mtsu.edu (or mail to College of Graduate Studies);
4. submit an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report. A composite GRE score of 286 is expected for consideration for unconditional admission.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Geosciences requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours.

All students must satisfactorily complete either a pre-professional internship (3 credit hours), or a thesis (6 semester hours).

Curriculum, Geosciences

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Professional Sciences Track

Business Core (15 hours)

• ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers  3 credit hours  

  
  

  ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers

  3credit hours

  Surveys accounting skills and legal perspectives necessary for managers without undergraduate business degrees to enter the businessworld. Will not meet the requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems, M.Acc. in Accounting, or the M.B.A. degree programs.

• BCED 6820 - Managerial Communication  3 credit hours  

  
  

  BCED 6820 - Managerial Communication

  3credit hours

  Analysis of communication theory and communication processes with emphasis on development of executive communication skills essential for understanding organizational processes from a holistic perspective. Covers organizational theory, behavior, and interpersonal communication from both a domestic and global perspective.

• BCED 6910 - Internship Program  3 credit hours  

  
  

  BCED 6910 - Internship Program

  3credit hours

  A supervised program of related work experience. Provides experiential opportunities for the application of the theoretical concepts learned.

• MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation  3 credit hours  

  
  

  MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation

  3credit hours

  Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.

• STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning  3 credit hours  

  
  

  STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Master of Science in Professional Sciences program; graduate level. Focuses on probability and statistics concepts. Topics include binomial and normal probabilistic modeling; important statistical concepts such as confounding, randomization, sampling variability and significance; statistical testing of significant differences and associations; and design experiments to test research hypotheses.

Geosciences Core (5 hours)

• GEOL 6030 - Geosciences Colloquium  2 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6030 - Geosciences Colloquium

  2credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041, or equivalent. A discussion of current issues in geosciences led by guest speakers, MTSU faculty members, and graduate students.

• PGEO 6070 - Quantitative Methods in Geosciences  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6070 - Quantitative Methods in Geosciences

  3credit hours

  Applies computational technology to solve practical problems in geology and physical geography fields using statistical and data analysis methods to describe, analyze, transform, and utilize geospatial datasets. Processing, summarizing, graphical visualization, and spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of natural environment phenomena.

Geographic Information Systems (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications

  4credit hours

  Evaluate integrated environmental systems and physical processes in landscapes through application of GIS technology. Make spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of the study area. Describe techniques required to complete environmental studies at multiple scales involving geospatial datasets.

• PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5570. Development of custom/tailored GIS-based computer programming to analyze geospatial datasets for making inferences about the Earth's natural and human systems. Extend commercially available geographic information systems software packages through the development of novel computer programs to perform GIS tasks such as spatial analysis, data transformation, map generation, and geospatial database integration.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

• COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science  3 credit hours  

  
  

  COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Admission to the Computational Science Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. Foundational overview of the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of computational science. Introduces the principles of finding computer solutions to contemporary science challenges. Offers preparation for core and elective courses in the Ph.D. program in Computational Science by reviewing essential mathematical methods and basic science principles drawn from biology, chemistry, and physics. Special topics include techniques of high performance computing and applications, parallel systems, and theory of computation, case studies in computational chemistry, physics, and mathematical biology.

• INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies  3 credit hours  

  
  

  INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies

  3credit hours

  Integrates all areas of IT project management into a coherent analysis. Covers topics, situations, and problems using case study techniques. Includes the development of project management software skills.

• PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Various vehicles of remote sensing such as radar, satellite imagery, and infrared data. Use of data in preparation of maps and applications to land use and environmental problems examined. Selection of data from either a numeric or image remote sensing system, interpreting, and developing a report from the interpretations. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5511 - Advanced Remote Sensing  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5511 - Advanced Remote Sensing

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5490 or PGEO 4490. Lecture and laboratory in the study of advanced topics in remote sensing, including but not limited to, active sensors (LiDAR and RADAR), hyperspectral, and spectroscopy. Three hours lecture/laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems

  4credit hours

  Lecture and laboratory work relative to computer-manipulated geographic data base. Laboratory work will involve experience in practical application of a geographic information system (GIS) to problem-solving. Student will take appropriate data and compile an environmental impact statement (EIS). Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4530 or PGEO 5530. Lecture and laboratory work related to the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Continued training in GIS analysis including raster analysis, spatial analysis, network analysis, and geocoding. Data management including data editing, geodatabase design, and creation also examined. Other topics include resource management, demographic, and civic application. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4560 or PGEO 5560. Use of geographic information systems, computer programming, and database operations to analyze geodata. Study of geographic areas recently modified by natural or human phenomena to acquire relevant data, use appropriate spatial statistics, and make inferences about the transformative process and/or the future state of the study area. Presentation of findings in both map and report form. Three hours lecture per week.

Environmental Geosystems (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Corequisite: Graduate standing in Geosciences or permission of department. Principles of environmental geosystems. The role of geologic processes in natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater. Detection, measurement, and remediation of human impacts on geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite:GEOL 6000. Environmental geosystem case studies involving natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater and the detection, measurement, and remediation of contaminants in geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced principles and the applications of hydrogeologic modeling techniques used to investigate and remediate contaminated groundwater. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

Choose no more than 7 hours from the following:

• GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041 or equivalent; MATH 1720 and MATH 1710 or MATH 1730. Principles and applications of geology in engineering practice. Engineering geology exploration, behavior of soils and rocks for engineering projects, application of engineering geology to the solution of construction and environmental problems. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041 or PGEO 1030 or consent of instructor. Application of geologic information to minimize possible environmental degradation and maximize utilization of resources in the natural and modified environment, local examples and field trips. Topics include engineering properties of earth materials, natural hazard prediction and reduction, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, mineral resources, global change, land-use planning, environmental impact analysis. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. An in-depth research project and paper required.

• GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology  5 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology

  5credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 1050;  or consent of instructor. Basic processes and measurement of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff, stream flow, soil moisture, and ground water. Emphasis placed on ground water, including geology of occurrence, principles of flow, conceptual models of regional flow, chemistry and quality, well hydraulics, aquifer characteristics, resource development, detection of pollutants, and contaminant transport. Additional individual research project required, including a written and classroom report. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced course that emphasizes applied methods for assessing hazardous and solid waste facilities and contaminated ground water remediation techniques. Included will be site characterization methods, ground water sampling procedures, and monitoring well installation techniques. Additional assignments involving case history analysis with an oral presentation will be required of graduate students. Three hours lecture per week.

• PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. The co-evolution of soil landscapes, important morphological soil properties, influence of geologic and geomorphic settings on soil development. The role of water in the development of soil horizons. Factors and processes of soil genesis. Lecture/Lab.

• PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. Soil properties used to determine the suitability of soils for various uses; tasks and reports involved in soil survey; Methods of soil evaluation and interpretation. Use of electronic database for land use decisions. Lecture/Lab.

General Geosciences (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications  4 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications

  4credit hours

  Evaluate integrated environmental systems and physical processes in landscapes through application of GIS technology. Make spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of the study area. Describe techniques required to complete environmental studies at multiple scales involving geospatial datasets.

• PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5570. Development of custom/tailored GIS-based computer programming to analyze geospatial datasets for making inferences about the Earth's natural and human systems. Extend commercially available geographic information systems software packages through the development of novel computer programs to perform GIS tasks such as spatial analysis, data transformation, map generation, and geospatial database integration.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

• GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Corequisite: Graduate standing in Geosciences or permission of department. Principles of environmental geosystems. The role of geologic processes in natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater. Detection, measurement, and remediation of human impacts on geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite:GEOL 6000. Environmental geosystem case studies involving natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater and the detection, measurement, and remediation of contaminants in geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced principles and the applications of hydrogeologic modeling techniques used to investigate and remediate contaminated groundwater. Three hours lecture per week.

• COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science  3 credit hours  

  
  

  COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Admission to the Computational Science Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. Foundational overview of the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of computational science. Introduces the principles of finding computer solutions to contemporary science challenges. Offers preparation for core and elective courses in the Ph.D. program in Computational Science by reviewing essential mathematical methods and basic science principles drawn from biology, chemistry, and physics. Special topics include techniques of high performance computing and applications, parallel systems, and theory of computation, case studies in computational chemistry, physics, and mathematical biology.

• INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies  3 credit hours  

  
  

  INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies

  3credit hours

  Integrates all areas of IT project management into a coherent analysis. Covers topics, situations, and problems using case study techniques. Includes the development of project management software skills.

• PGEO 5380 - Cartography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5380 - Cartography

  4credit hours

  General knowledge of the field including familiarity with the techniques and tools of professional cartography and graphics. Selected lectures and class discussions. A series of map construction assignments; a specialized map assignment supported by written analysis. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5401 - Field Studies in Physical Geography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5401 - Field Studies in Physical Geography

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geographical area, preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and cultural elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the pattern of human occupancy. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Various vehicles of remote sensing such as radar, satellite imagery, and infrared data. Use of data in preparation of maps and applications to land use and environmental problems examined. Selection of data from either a numeric or image remote sensing system, interpreting, and developing a report from the interpretations. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5510 - Laboratory Problems in Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5510 - Laboratory Problems in Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4490 or PGEO 5490. Computer processing of selected satellite imagery. Laboratory will provide practical experience through design, execution, and completion of applied remote sensing projects, one of which will be the effects of an environmental impact.

• PGEO 5520 - Image Interpretation  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5520 - Image Interpretation

  4credit hours

  Principles, methods, and techniques of image interpretation including maps, satellite data, and aerial photos. Environmental impact of a special project. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems

  4credit hours

  Lecture and laboratory work relative to computer-manipulated geographic data base. Laboratory work will involve experience in practical application of a geographic information system (GIS) to problem-solving. Student will take appropriate data and compile an environmental impact statement (EIS). Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4530 or PGEO 5530. Lecture and laboratory work related to the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Continued training in GIS analysis including raster analysis, spatial analysis, network analysis, and geocoding. Data management including data editing, geodatabase design, and creation also examined. Other topics include resource management, demographic, and civic application. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4560 or PGEO 5560. Use of geographic information systems, computer programming, and database operations to analyze geodata. Study of geographic areas recently modified by natural or human phenomena to acquire relevant data, use appropriate spatial statistics, and make inferences about the transformative process and/or the future state of the study area. Presentation of findings in both map and report form. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5000 - Petrology and Petrography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5000 - Petrology and Petrography

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 3000. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Theories of formation and evolution based upon mineralogical and geochemical evidence. Examination and classification of rocks in hand sample and thin section. Additional assignments involving data analysis and interpretation and completion of a research paper required for graduate credit. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5020 - Geomorphic Regions of the United States  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5020 - Geomorphic Regions of the United States

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041. The origin, regional distribution, and geomorphic features and history of the landforms of the United States. Students required to analyze maps, structure sections, and aerial photography to determine geomorphic form and the forces and processes that produced these forms plus research a geomorphic problem resulting in a thesis-type paper. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5030 - Invertebrate Micropaleontology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5030 - Invertebrate Micropaleontology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1050. Invertebrate and microscopic animal life of the past including recent preserved representatives and their ancient fossilized ancestors. Numerous field trips to local fossil-collecting sites. Designed to aid in the preparation of earth science teachers, geologists, and biologists. Research paper on a topic approved by instructor. An oral presentation of this material may be required. Lecture and laboratory

• GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041 or equivalent; MATH 1720 and MATH 1710 or MATH 1730. Principles and applications of geology in engineering practice. Engineering geology exploration, behavior of soils and rocks for engineering projects, application of engineering geology to the solution of construction and environmental problems. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5050 - Meteorology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5050 - Meteorology

  3credit hours

  Physical laws as they relate to the atmosphere, atmospheric processes and their effects on air masses, fronts, and atmospheric circulation, the dynamics of the atmosphere and its relationship to the hydrosphere. Special problem to be assigned by the instructor.

• GEOL 5060 - Principles of Geoscience  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5060 - Principles of Geoscience

  4credit hours

  Includes topics from geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. Specifically designed to aid in the preparation of earth science teachers in the public schools. Term paper on topic approved by the instructor. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5070 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5070 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy

  4credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1050 and 3000 or consent of instructor. Sedimentary rocks; the processes of sedimentation, the alteration of sediments through time, and an examination of the resulting stratigraphic units. For geoscience majors and those with interests in soil mechanics and civil engineering. Research paper on a topic approved by the instructor. An oral presentation may also be required. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5080 - Structural Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5080 - Structural Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 3040. Orientation and deformation of rock. Geometric, analytical, and statistical solutions to structural problems. Emphasis on three-dimensional visualization, problem solving, geological map interpretation, and the mechanics of deformation. Case analyzing, research, and interpretation required. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5100 - Geophysical Prospecting  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5100 - Geophysical Prospecting

  4credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1910, PHYS 2010/2011 or 2110/2111, or consent of instructor. PHYS 2020/2021 or 2120/2121, GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041, and MATH 1920 also recommended. Survey of seismic, gravimetric, and magnetic/electrical exploration methods. Applied course covering some elementary theory, basic field practice, computation fundamentals, interpretation techniques. Case analysis, research, and interpretation required. Two-hour lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041 or PGEO 1030 or consent of instructor. Application of geologic information to minimize possible environmental degradation and maximize utilization of resources in the natural and modified environment, local examples and field trips. Topics include engineering properties of earth materials, natural hazard prediction and reduction, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, mineral resources, global change, land-use planning, environmental impact analysis. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. An in-depth research project and paper required.

• GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology  5 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology

  5credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 1050;  or consent of instructor. Basic processes and measurement of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff, stream flow, soil moisture, and ground water. Emphasis placed on ground water, including geology of occurrence, principles of flow, conceptual models of regional flow, chemistry and quality, well hydraulics, aquifer characteristics, resource development, detection of pollutants, and contaminant transport. Additional individual research project required, including a written and classroom report. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5140 - Inorganic Geochemistry  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5140 - Inorganic Geochemistry

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 3000. Principles of inorganic geochemistry. Geochemistry of the earth and solar system, isotope geochronometers, thermodynamics of geochemical processes, mineral stability diagrams, isotope fractionation, rates of geochemical processes, chemical weathering, chemical compositions of surface and groundwater, geochemical exploration, geochemical cycles, environmental geochemistry. Additional assignments involving data analysis and interpretation and completion of a research paper required for graduate credit. Three-hour lecture per week.

• GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced course that emphasizes applied methods for assessing hazardous and solid waste facilities and contaminated ground water remediation techniques. Included will be site characterization methods, ground water sampling procedures, and monitoring well installation techniques. Additional assignments involving case history analysis with an oral presentation will be required of graduate students. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5401 - Field Course  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5401 - Field Course

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geological area preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and physical elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the geomorphology and geology of scientific areas. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• GEOL 5402 - Field Course  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5402 - Field Course

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geological area preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and physical elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the geomorphology and geology of scientific areas. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. The co-evolution of soil landscapes, important morphological soil properties, influence of geologic and geomorphic settings on soil development. The role of water in the development of soil horizons. Factors and processes of soil genesis. Lecture/Lab.

• PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. Soil properties used to determine the suitability of soils for various uses; tasks and reports involved in soil survey; Methods of soil evaluation and interpretation. Use of electronic database for land use decisions. Lecture/Lab.

Thesis Research Track

Business Core (9 hours)

• ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers  3 credit hours  

  
  

  ACTG 6100 - Accounting and Legal Issues for Managers

  3credit hours

  Surveys accounting skills and legal perspectives necessary for managers without undergraduate business degrees to enter the businessworld. Will not meet the requirements for the M.S. in Information Systems, M.Acc. in Accounting, or the M.B.A. degree programs.

• MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation  3 credit hours  

  
  

  MGMT 6740 - Leadership and Motivation

  3credit hours

  Issues in leadership and motivation in business organizations. An examination of the theoretical framework for leadership and motivation processes serves as foundation. Emphasis on practical issues and applications of leadership development and motivation.

• STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning  3 credit hours  

  
  

  STAT 5140 - Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Master of Science in Professional Sciences program; graduate level. Focuses on probability and statistics concepts. Topics include binomial and normal probabilistic modeling; important statistical concepts such as confounding, randomization, sampling variability and significance; statistical testing of significant differences and associations; and design experiments to test research hypotheses.

Geosciences Core (11 hours)

• GEOL 6030 - Geosciences Colloquium  2 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6030 - Geosciences Colloquium

  2credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041, or equivalent. A discussion of current issues in geosciences led by guest speakers, MTSU faculty members, and graduate students.

• PGEO 6070 - Quantitative Methods in Geosciences  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6070 - Quantitative Methods in Geosciences

  3credit hours

  Applies computational technology to solve practical problems in geology and physical geography fields using statistical and data analysis methods to describe, analyze, transform, and utilize geospatial datasets. Processing, summarizing, graphical visualization, and spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of natural environment phenomena.

• PGEO 6640 - Graduate Research  1 to 9 credit hours  

  (6 hours)(6 hours required)  dotslash:(6 hours required) title:(6 hours) 

  (6 hours required) 
  

  PGEO 6640 - Graduate Research

  1 to 9credit hours

  Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and documentation of results. Students in the Geosciences M.S. thesis track, once enrolled, should register for at least one credit hour of graduate thesis research each semester until completion of the master's thesis.

Geographic Information Systems (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications

  4credit hours

  Evaluate integrated environmental systems and physical processes in landscapes through application of GIS technology. Make spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of the study area. Describe techniques required to complete environmental studies at multiple scales involving geospatial datasets.

• PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5570. Development of custom/tailored GIS-based computer programming to analyze geospatial datasets for making inferences about the Earth's natural and human systems. Extend commercially available geographic information systems software packages through the development of novel computer programs to perform GIS tasks such as spatial analysis, data transformation, map generation, and geospatial database integration.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

• COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science  3 credit hours  

  
  

  COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Admission to the Computational Science Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. Foundational overview of the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of computational science. Introduces the principles of finding computer solutions to contemporary science challenges. Offers preparation for core and elective courses in the Ph.D. program in Computational Science by reviewing essential mathematical methods and basic science principles drawn from biology, chemistry, and physics. Special topics include techniques of high performance computing and applications, parallel systems, and theory of computation, case studies in computational chemistry, physics, and mathematical biology.

• INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies  3 credit hours  

  
  

  INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies

  3credit hours

  Integrates all areas of IT project management into a coherent analysis. Covers topics, situations, and problems using case study techniques. Includes the development of project management software skills.

• PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Various vehicles of remote sensing such as radar, satellite imagery, and infrared data. Use of data in preparation of maps and applications to land use and environmental problems examined. Selection of data from either a numeric or image remote sensing system, interpreting, and developing a report from the interpretations. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5511 - Advanced Remote Sensing  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5511 - Advanced Remote Sensing

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5490 or PGEO 4490. Lecture and laboratory in the study of advanced topics in remote sensing, including but not limited to, active sensors (LiDAR and RADAR), hyperspectral, and spectroscopy. Three hours lecture/laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems

  4credit hours

  Lecture and laboratory work relative to computer-manipulated geographic data base. Laboratory work will involve experience in practical application of a geographic information system (GIS) to problem-solving. Student will take appropriate data and compile an environmental impact statement (EIS). Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4530 or PGEO 5530. Lecture and laboratory work related to the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Continued training in GIS analysis including raster analysis, spatial analysis, network analysis, and geocoding. Data management including data editing, geodatabase design, and creation also examined. Other topics include resource management, demographic, and civic application. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4560 or PGEO 5560. Use of geographic information systems, computer programming, and database operations to analyze geodata. Study of geographic areas recently modified by natural or human phenomena to acquire relevant data, use appropriate spatial statistics, and make inferences about the transformative process and/or the future state of the study area. Presentation of findings in both map and report form. Three hours lecture per week.

Environmental Geosystems (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Corequisite: Graduate standing in Geosciences or permission of department. Principles of environmental geosystems. The role of geologic processes in natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater. Detection, measurement, and remediation of human impacts on geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite:GEOL 6000. Environmental geosystem case studies involving natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater and the detection, measurement, and remediation of contaminants in geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced principles and the applications of hydrogeologic modeling techniques used to investigate and remediate contaminated groundwater. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

Choose no more than 7 hours from the following:

• GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041 or equivalent; MATH 1720 and MATH 1710 or MATH 1730. Principles and applications of geology in engineering practice. Engineering geology exploration, behavior of soils and rocks for engineering projects, application of engineering geology to the solution of construction and environmental problems. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041 or PGEO 1030 or consent of instructor. Application of geologic information to minimize possible environmental degradation and maximize utilization of resources in the natural and modified environment, local examples and field trips. Topics include engineering properties of earth materials, natural hazard prediction and reduction, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, mineral resources, global change, land-use planning, environmental impact analysis. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. An in-depth research project and paper required.

• GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology  5 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology

  5credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 1050;  or consent of instructor. Basic processes and measurement of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff, stream flow, soil moisture, and ground water. Emphasis placed on ground water, including geology of occurrence, principles of flow, conceptual models of regional flow, chemistry and quality, well hydraulics, aquifer characteristics, resource development, detection of pollutants, and contaminant transport. Additional individual research project required, including a written and classroom report. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced course that emphasizes applied methods for assessing hazardous and solid waste facilities and contaminated ground water remediation techniques. Included will be site characterization methods, ground water sampling procedures, and monitoring well installation techniques. Additional assignments involving case history analysis with an oral presentation will be required of graduate students. Three hours lecture per week.

• PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. The co-evolution of soil landscapes, important morphological soil properties, influence of geologic and geomorphic settings on soil development. The role of water in the development of soil horizons. Factors and processes of soil genesis. Lecture/Lab.

• PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. Soil properties used to determine the suitability of soils for various uses; tasks and reports involved in soil survey; Methods of soil evaluation and interpretation. Use of electronic database for land use decisions. Lecture/Lab.

General Geosciences (16 hours)

Choose at least 9 hours from the following:

• PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications  4 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  PGEO 6040 - Geospatial Systems and Applications

  4credit hours

  Evaluate integrated environmental systems and physical processes in landscapes through application of GIS technology. Make spatial inferences about transformative processes and past/future state of the study area. Describe techniques required to complete environmental studies at multiple scales involving geospatial datasets.

• PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  PGEO 6050 - Programming for Geospatial Database Applications

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 5570. Development of custom/tailored GIS-based computer programming to analyze geospatial datasets for making inferences about the Earth's natural and human systems. Extend commercially available geographic information systems software packages through the development of novel computer programs to perform GIS tasks such as spatial analysis, data transformation, map generation, and geospatial database integration.

• PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences  1 to 3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 6060 - Advanced Topics in Geosciences

  1 to 3credit hours

  Individual-based study/research in particular area or field of Geosciences related to student's interest and professional objectives. May be repeated once, up to a maximum of six credits.

• GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  GEOL 6000 - Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Corequisite: Graduate standing in Geosciences or permission of department. Principles of environmental geosystems. The role of geologic processes in natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater. Detection, measurement, and remediation of human impacts on geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  GEOL 6010 - Case Studies in Environmental Geosystems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite:GEOL 6000. Environmental geosystem case studies involving natural and human-induced distribution of contaminants in minerals, rocks, soils, surface water, and groundwater and the detection, measurement, and remediation of contaminants in geologic environments. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 6020 - Advanced Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced principles and the applications of hydrogeologic modeling techniques used to investigate and remediate contaminated groundwater. Three hours lecture per week.

• INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies  3 credit hours  

  
  

  INFS 6520 - IT Project Management Case Studies

  3credit hours

  Integrates all areas of IT project management into a coherent analysis. Covers topics, situations, and problems using case study techniques. Includes the development of project management software skills.

• COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science  3 credit hours  

  OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 

  OR 
  

  COMS 6100 - Fundamentals of Computational Science

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: Admission to the Computational Science Ph.D. program or permission of instructor. Foundational overview of the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of computational science. Introduces the principles of finding computer solutions to contemporary science challenges. Offers preparation for core and elective courses in the Ph.D. program in Computational Science by reviewing essential mathematical methods and basic science principles drawn from biology, chemistry, and physics. Special topics include techniques of high performance computing and applications, parallel systems, and theory of computation, case studies in computational chemistry, physics, and mathematical biology.

• PGEO 5380 - Cartography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5380 - Cartography

  4credit hours

  General knowledge of the field including familiarity with the techniques and tools of professional cartography and graphics. Selected lectures and class discussions. A series of map construction assignments; a specialized map assignment supported by written analysis. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5401 - Field Studies in Physical Geography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5401 - Field Studies in Physical Geography

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geographical area, preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and cultural elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the pattern of human occupancy. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5490 - Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Various vehicles of remote sensing such as radar, satellite imagery, and infrared data. Use of data in preparation of maps and applications to land use and environmental problems examined. Selection of data from either a numeric or image remote sensing system, interpreting, and developing a report from the interpretations. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5510 - Laboratory Problems in Remote Sensing  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5510 - Laboratory Problems in Remote Sensing

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4490 or PGEO 5490. Computer processing of selected satellite imagery. Laboratory will provide practical experience through design, execution, and completion of applied remote sensing projects, one of which will be the effects of an environmental impact.

• PGEO 5520 - Image Interpretation  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5520 - Image Interpretation

  4credit hours

  Principles, methods, and techniques of image interpretation including maps, satellite data, and aerial photos. Environmental impact of a special project. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems  4 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5530 - Geographic Information Systems

  4credit hours

  Lecture and laboratory work relative to computer-manipulated geographic data base. Laboratory work will involve experience in practical application of a geographic information system (GIS) to problem-solving. Student will take appropriate data and compile an environmental impact statement (EIS). Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5560 - Intermediate Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4530 or PGEO 5530. Lecture and laboratory work related to the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Continued training in GIS analysis including raster analysis, spatial analysis, network analysis, and geocoding. Data management including data editing, geodatabase design, and creation also examined. Other topics include resource management, demographic, and civic application. Three hours lecture per week.

• PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PGEO 5570 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PGEO 4560 or PGEO 5560. Use of geographic information systems, computer programming, and database operations to analyze geodata. Study of geographic areas recently modified by natural or human phenomena to acquire relevant data, use appropriate spatial statistics, and make inferences about the transformative process and/or the future state of the study area. Presentation of findings in both map and report form. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5000 - Petrology and Petrography  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5000 - Petrology and Petrography

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 3000. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Theories of formation and evolution based upon mineralogical and geochemical evidence. Examination and classification of rocks in hand sample and thin section. Additional assignments involving data analysis and interpretation and completion of a research paper required for graduate credit. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5020 - Geomorphic Regions of the United States  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5020 - Geomorphic Regions of the United States

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041. The origin, regional distribution, and geomorphic features and history of the landforms of the United States. Students required to analyze maps, structure sections, and aerial photography to determine geomorphic form and the forces and processes that produced these forms plus research a geomorphic problem resulting in a thesis-type paper. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5030 - Invertebrate Micropaleontology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5030 - Invertebrate Micropaleontology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1050. Invertebrate and microscopic animal life of the past including recent preserved representatives and their ancient fossilized ancestors. Numerous field trips to local fossil-collecting sites. Designed to aid in the preparation of earth science teachers, geologists, and biologists. Research paper on a topic approved by instructor. An oral presentation of this material may be required. Lecture and laboratory

• GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5040 - Engineering Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1030/1031 or GEOL 1040/1041 or equivalent; MATH 1720 and MATH 1710 or MATH 1730. Principles and applications of geology in engineering practice. Engineering geology exploration, behavior of soils and rocks for engineering projects, application of engineering geology to the solution of construction and environmental problems. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5050 - Meteorology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5050 - Meteorology

  3credit hours

  Physical laws as they relate to the atmosphere, atmospheric processes and their effects on air masses, fronts, and atmospheric circulation, the dynamics of the atmosphere and its relationship to the hydrosphere. Special problem to be assigned by the instructor.

• GEOL 5060 - Principles of Geoscience  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5060 - Principles of Geoscience

  4credit hours

  Includes topics from geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. Specifically designed to aid in the preparation of earth science teachers in the public schools. Term paper on topic approved by the instructor. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5070 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5070 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy

  4credit hours

  Prerequisites: GEOL 1050 and 3000 or consent of instructor. Sedimentary rocks; the processes of sedimentation, the alteration of sediments through time, and an examination of the resulting stratigraphic units. For geoscience majors and those with interests in soil mechanics and civil engineering. Research paper on a topic approved by the instructor. An oral presentation may also be required. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5080 - Structural Geology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5080 - Structural Geology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 3040. Orientation and deformation of rock. Geometric, analytical, and statistical solutions to structural problems. Emphasis on three-dimensional visualization, problem solving, geological map interpretation, and the mechanics of deformation. Case analyzing, research, and interpretation required. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5100 - Geophysical Prospecting  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5100 - Geophysical Prospecting

  4credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1910, PHYS 2010/2011 or 2110/2111, or consent of instructor. PHYS 2020/2021 or 2120/2121, GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041, and MATH 1920 also recommended. Survey of seismic, gravimetric, and magnetic/electrical exploration methods. Applied course covering some elementary theory, basic field practice, computation fundamentals, interpretation techniques. Case analysis, research, and interpretation required. Two-hour lecture and two hours laboratory per week.

• GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5120 - Environmental Geology

  4credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041 or PGEO 1030 or consent of instructor. Application of geologic information to minimize possible environmental degradation and maximize utilization of resources in the natural and modified environment, local examples and field trips. Topics include engineering properties of earth materials, natural hazard prediction and reduction, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, mineral resources, global change, land-use planning, environmental impact analysis. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. An in-depth research project and paper required.

• GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology  5 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5130 - Hydrogeology

  5credit hours

  Prerequisites: MATH 1720 or MATH 1730; GEOL 1030/1031 or 1040/1041; GEOL 1050;  or consent of instructor. Basic processes and measurement of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff, stream flow, soil moisture, and ground water. Emphasis placed on ground water, including geology of occurrence, principles of flow, conceptual models of regional flow, chemistry and quality, well hydraulics, aquifer characteristics, resource development, detection of pollutants, and contaminant transport. Additional individual research project required, including a written and classroom report. Lecture and laboratory.

• GEOL 5140 - Inorganic Geochemistry  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5140 - Inorganic Geochemistry

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 3000. Principles of inorganic geochemistry. Geochemistry of the earth and solar system, isotope geochronometers, thermodynamics of geochemical processes, mineral stability diagrams, isotope fractionation, rates of geochemical processes, chemical weathering, chemical compositions of surface and groundwater, geochemical exploration, geochemical cycles, environmental geochemistry. Additional assignments involving data analysis and interpretation and completion of a research paper required for graduate credit. Three-hour lecture per week.

• GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology  3 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5150 - Environmental Applications of Hydrogeology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: GEOL 4130 or GEOL 5130. Advanced course that emphasizes applied methods for assessing hazardous and solid waste facilities and contaminated ground water remediation techniques. Included will be site characterization methods, ground water sampling procedures, and monitoring well installation techniques. Additional assignments involving case history analysis with an oral presentation will be required of graduate students. Three hours lecture per week.

• GEOL 5401 - Field Course  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5401 - Field Course

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geological area preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and physical elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the geomorphology and geology of scientific areas. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• GEOL 5402 - Field Course  4 credit hours  

  
  

  GEOL 5402 - Field Course

  4credit hours

  Supervised study in some geological area preceded by classroom preview and concluded by a time of evaluation. Emphasis on the natural and physical elements of the environment, with special attention directed toward the geomorphology and geology of scientific areas. An intensive period of study and research on a full-time basis. Work required will depend on area researched and time involved. Consult department chair for specific fees.

• PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. The co-evolution of soil landscapes, important morphological soil properties, influence of geologic and geomorphic settings on soil development. The role of water in the development of soil horizons. Factors and processes of soil genesis. Lecture/Lab.

• PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use  3 credit hours  

  
  

  PLSO 5350 - Soil Survey and Land Use

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. Soil properties used to determine the suitability of soils for various uses; tasks and reports involved in soil survey; Methods of soil evaluation and interpretation. Use of electronic database for land use decisions. Lecture/Lab.

Program Notes

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.