A minimum of 26 credit hours; 23 credit hours must be in courses acceptable toward graduation.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on all work.
Completion of Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences major admission coursework with grades of "C" or better:
(ENVS 1130 and ENVS 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L); EPS **301, **302L, **303L **304L, **307L, 310L (or **319L), 401, *490; GEOL 2110C; 6 additional credit hours in Earth and Planetary Sciences upper-division courses (excluding 491-492, 493 and 495).
(Total = 37 credit hours)
(CHEM 1215 and 1215L) and (PHYS 1230 or 1310); 9 additional credit hours from Chemistry or Physics above the required levels, or from MATH 1512 or above, BIOL 1140/1140L or above, or ASTR 2110 or above, or (with permission from the EPS Undergraduate Committee) from selected Anthropology, Engineering or Geography courses.
(Total = 16 credit hours)
(ENVS 1130 and ENVS 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L); EPS **301, **302L, **303L, **304L, **307L, **319L, 401, *490; GEOL 2110C; 12 additional credit hours in Earth and Planetary Sciences upper-division courses (excluding 300, 491–492, 493 and 495) or Environmental Science upper-division courses.
(EPS 428 or ENVS 315 or STAT **345); CHEM 1215, 1215L, 1225, 1225L; MATH 1512, 1522; PHYS 1310, 1320; 7 additional credit hours from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics above the required levels, or BIOL 1140/1140L or above, or ASTR 2110 or above, or (with permission from the EPS Undergraduate Committee) from selected Anthropology, Engineering (including Computer Science) or Geography courses.
(Total = 32 credit hours)
ENGL 2120 or 2210 or 2220 is required.
No minor study is required for students completing this B.S. program, although an optional minor or second major may be selected.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science synthesizes quantitative studies of the interactions between the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere and biological processes taking place therein. The degree provides scientific training for environment-related occupations, including environmental sciences per se as well as peripheral fields such as Law and Medicine. Environmental Science covers a vast sweep of applied Earth science. Students, therefore, have considerable flexibility in tailoring the major to their individual interests while pursuing a common core of supporting math and science. By taking courses from four out of seven subdisciplinary groups, a wide variety of approaches to environmental science can be accommodated, including preparation for graduate study in the subdisciplines. Students pursuing this degree are strongly encouraged to consult the Environmental Science undergraduate advisor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at an early stage in their program in order to design their curriculum in the disciplinary groups. All majors are encouraged to pursue an undergraduate thesis (493 and 495) in collaboration with a faculty advisor.
(ENVS 1130 and 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L); ENVS 315, 320L, 321L, 322L, 323L, 324, 430L; EPS 401, *490; 12 additional credit hours in EPS courses (excluding 493 and 495) or other approved courses (of which no more than 4 credit hours may be below 300).
(Total = 44 credit hours)
BIOL 1140/1140L or above; CHEM 1215/1215L, 1225/1225L; CS 151L or 152L; MATH 1512, 1522; PHYS 1310, 1320; 3 additional credit hours from: Astronomy (270 or above) or, with permission, from selected Geography or Engineering courses; Biology (above 1140L); Chemistry (above 1225L); Mathematics (above 1522); Physics (above 1320). An additional advanced mathematics course selected from: MATH 2530, 311, **314, **316 is strongly encouraged.
(Total = 32 credit hours)
ENGL 2120 or 2210 or 2220 is required.
No minor study is required for students completing this B.S. program, although an optional minor or second major may be selected.
Students seeking honors in Earth and Planetary Sciences should consult with the department honors advisor no later than two full semesters prior to graduation. EPS 493 and 495 are required, as is a written senior thesis that is orally defended.
Courses
ENVS 1130 [GEOL 1120] [ENVS 101]. The Blue Planet [Environmental Geology] [The Blue Planet]. (3)
***NOTE: This course is active as of the Spring 2020 semester.***
To understand global change and environmental concerns, this course weaves together an understanding of Earth’s lithosphere, atmosphere and oceans and how ecosystems are linked to the physical environment. Students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll concurrently in 1130L.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
ENVS 1130L [GEOL 1120L] [ENVS 102L]. The Blue Planet Laboratory [Environmental Geology Laboratory] [The Blue Planet Laboratory]. (1)
***NOTE: This course is active as of the Spring 2020 semester.***
Introductory environmental earth science laboratory. Includes minerals, rocks, and rock cycle, topographic maps, local geology and groundwater, weather and climate.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1130.
ENVS 315. Statistics and Data Analysis. (3)
Exploration of basic statistical representations of earth science data, matrix algebra, and multivariate data analysis and Fourier analysis.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1512.
ENVS 320L. Environmental Systems. (4)
Analysis of environmental science data focusing on local water, soil, atmospheric, and bedrock systems and comparisons to analogous systems around the world.
Prerequisite: ((1130 and 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L)) and (MATH 1220 or MATH 1230 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512).
ENVS 321L. Earth Materials and Critical Zone Geology. (4)
Rocks and minerals form a critical foundation for all Earth's systems, and understanding the chemical composition and physical characteristics of these Earth's materials is important for work in Environmental Sciences.
Prerequisite: 320L and CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L and (MATH 1230 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512).
ENVS 322L. Life and the Earth System . (4)
Investigation of the co-evolution of the Earth and life, including origins and evolution of life, ecology and biogeography, biogeochemical cycles, and the impact of a dynamic Earth environment on major radiations and extinctions.
Prerequisite: 321L and BIOL 1140 and BIOL 1140L.
ENVS 323L. Water in the Earth System. (4)
Quantitative treatment of the global hydrologic cycle and links to the broader Earth System, including precipitation, evaportranspiration, infiltration, runoff and subsurface flow; global change and catchment and hillslope hydrology; hydrologic ecosystem interactions; water chemistry evolution.
Prerequisite: (321L or EPS **304L) and PHYS 1310.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1522.
ENVS 324. Earth's Climatic Environment. (3)
Basic process-based understanding of Earth's climate system using physics-based problem-solving skills and applying scientific concepts related to understanding the Earth's climatic system.
Prerequisite: 323L.
ENVS 330. Environmental Systems. (3)
Study of the human relationship to and impact on the physical environment. Sustainable development and management of resources. Global change and implications for ecosystems. Environmental law, policy, regulations and ethics.
Prerequisite: (1130 or GEOL 1110) and ((BIOL 1140 or BIOL 2110C) or (MATH 1512 or PHYS 1310)) and CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L.
{Fall}
ENVS 430L / 530L. Advanced Environmental Science. (4)
Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation.
Prerequisite: 324 or (330 and (BIOL 1140 or BIOL 2110C) and MATH 1522 and PHYS 1310).
{Spring}
ENVS 530L / 430L. Advanced Environmental Science. (4)
Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation.
{Spring}
EPS **300. Topics in Geology. (1-4, may be repeated once Δ)
Summary of specific areas of geology, designed especially for earth science teachers and other nontraditional students. Subjects may vary from year to year; lectures normally supplemented by laboratory exercises.
EPS **301. Mineralogy/Earth and Planetary Materials. (3)
Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and their relation to physical and chemical properties of materials. Overview of major structure types and crystal chemistry/occurrence of common rock-forming minerals.
EPS majors must enroll in **301 and **302L in the same semester.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L.
{Fall}
EPS **302L. Mineralogy Laboratory. (2)
Laboratory exercises in crystallography and crystal chemistry. Hand specimen identification of the common rock-forming minerals.
{Fall}
EPS **303L. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. (4)
Introduction to processes leading to formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis on plate tectonic settings and interactions between physical and chemical processes.
Prerequisite: **301 and **302L.
{Spring}
EPS **304L. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. (4)
Elrick.
Introduction to origin, petrology and stratigraphic occurrence of sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisite: **301 and **302L and GEOL 2110C.
EPS **307L. Structural Geology. (4)
Karlstrom.
Nature and origin of rock structures and deformation; map and stereographic projection problems; stress and strain.
Prerequisite: **304L and (PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1310).
Pre- or corequisite: **303L.
{Spring}
EPS 310L. New Mexico Field Geology. (4)
Scientific method based on field observation, analysis of geologic phenomena and geologic history of New Mexico. Written report for each 4-hour field trip to outcrops in the Albuquerque area.
Prerequisite: (ENVS 1130 or GEOL 1110) and (ENVS 1130L or GEOL 1110L).
EPS **319L. Introductory Field Geology. (4)
Principles and techniques of basic field mapping, layout, preparation, and presentation of maps and cross-sections; construction of geologic reports. Offered as a 3-week summer course (20 consecutive days).
Prerequisite: **304L and **307L.
EPS 352. Global Climate Change. (3)
(Also offered as GEOG 352)
Gutzler.
Comparison of natural and anthropogenic causes of large-scale climate change. Factors influencing development of mitigation of adaptation policies.
Prerequisite: MATH 1220 or MATH 1230 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512.
EPS **365. Exploring the Solar System. (3)
Agee.
Survey of space exploration past, present, and future. Detailed overview of solar system formation, the Sun, the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, meteorites and astrobiology.
EPS *400. Topics in Earth and Planetary Sciences. (1-4, may be repeated once Δ)
EPS 401 / 501. Colloquium. (1, may be repeated twice Δ)
Current topics in geology. For graduate students, may be repeated once for credit towards degree. See description for *490.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
EPS 405L / 505L. Stable Isotope Geochemistry. (3)
Sharp.
Examinations of principles governing the distribution of stable isotopes in geological materials and their applications in understanding geochemical processes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L and MATH 1522.
EPS 410 / 510. Fundamentals of Geochemistry. (3)
Asmeron.
Geochemistry of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Geochemical methodology.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1225 and MATH 1240.
EPS *411L. Invertebrate Paleontology. (4)
Kues.
General principles and familiarization with diagnostic features of fossils. Introduction to environmental implications. 8 hours of EPS or BIOL recommended.
Prerequisite: (BIOL 203 and BIOL 203L) or GEOL 2110C.
EPS 415 / 515. Geochemistry of Natural Waters. (3)
Crossey.
Principles of aqueous chemistry and processes controlling the composition of natural waters: streams, lakes, groundwater and the oceans.
Prerequisite: **304L or (CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L).
EPS 420L / 520L. Topics in Advanced Field Geology. (2-4 to a maximum of 8 Δ)
Karlstrom.
Advanced geological field techniques; special field problems concentrating on the tectonic evolution of the Rocky Mountain region. Offered as a 3-week course (20 consecutive days).
Prerequisite: **319L.
{Summer}
EPS 427 / 527. Geophysics. (3)
(Also offered as PHYC **327)
Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522 and PHYS 1320.
EPS 428 / 528. Applied Mathematics for Earth and Environmental Sciences. (3)
Introduction to linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus with applications to hydrology, geophysics, and atmospheric sciences.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522.
EPS 436 / 536. Climate Dynamics. (3)
Gutzler.
A quantitative introduction to the Earth’s climate system, emphasizing processes responsible for maintaining the current climate and governing climate change on global and regional scales, including interactions between the atmosphere, ocean and biosphere.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1310.
EPS *439. Paleoclimatology. (3)
Fawcett.
History of the Earth’s climate. Examination of methods in climactic reconstruction and mechanisms of climactic change. Emphasis on Pleistocene and Holocene climactic records.
Prerequisite: ENVS 1130 or GEOL 1110.
EPS 445 / 545. Topics in Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. (1-4, may be repeated five times Δ)
Variable course content depending on student interest. Topics may include physical sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, basin analysis, cycle stratigraphy and chemostratigraphy.
EPS 450L / 550L. Volcanology. (4)
Fischer.
Characteristics and mechanism of volcanic systems, volcanism in various continental and marine tectonic settings. Laboratory to include field and laboratory examination of volcanic rocks and structures and models of volcanic processes.
Prerequisite: **303L.
EPS 455L / 555L. Computational and GIS Applications in Geomorphology. (3)
Scuderi.
Techniques in acquisition, processing, analysis and display of digital, aerial photo and remote-sensing data; regional quantitative morphometry; use of topography and geology with GIS in landscape evolution and analysis.
Prerequisite: 433 and 481L.
EPS 462 / 562. Hydrogeology. (3)
(Also offered as CE 441 / 541)
Weissmann.
Hydrologic and geologic factors controlling groundwater flow, including flow to wells. The hydrologic cycle; interactions between surface and subsurface hydrologic systems; regional flow systems. Groundwater geochemistry and contaminant transport.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L and MATH 1522 and PHYS 1310.
Restriction: senior standing.
EPS 476 / 576. Physical Hydrology. (3)
(Also offered as WR 576)
Quantitative treatment of the hydrologic cycle–precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff and subsurface flow; global change and hydrology; catchment and hillslope hydrology; hydrologic system–ecosystem interactions; hydrology and water resources management.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522 and PHYS 1310.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
{Fall}
EPS 481L / 581L. Geomorphology and Surficial Geology. (4)
Meyer.
Origin and development of landforms with emphasis on weathering, soils, hillslope processes, fluvial systems and surficial geology; occasional field trips.
Prerequisite: (ENVS 1130 and ENVS 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L).
EPS 482L / 582L. Geoarchaeology. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 482L / 582L)
Smith.
Application of geological concepts to archaeological site formation with emphasis on pre-ceramic prehistory of the southwestern United States. Quaternary dating methods, paleoenvironment, landscape evolution, depositional environments. Quaternary stratigraphy, soil genesis, sourcing of lithic materials, site formation processes. Required field trip.
Prerequisite: ANTH 1211 and ANTH 1211L and ANTH 2175 and GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
{Alternate Years}
EPS 485L / 585L. Soil Stratigraphy and Morphology. (3)
McFadden.
Application of soils studies to stratigraphic analysis and mapping of Quaternary deposits and geomorphic surfaces; survey of soil classifications; field description of soil profiles; development of soil chronosequences and catenas.
Prerequisite: ENVS 1130 or GEOL 1110.
EPS *490. Geologic Presentation. (1)
Student review of geologic literature; preparation and critique of oral presentations.
Prerequisite: **301 or ENVS 330.
Corequisite: EPS 401.
EPS 491–492. Problems. (1-3; 1-3)
EPS 493. Independent Study. (3)
Independent study for departmental honors.
Prerequisite: **303L or ENVS 330.
EPS 495. Senior Thesis. (3)
Candidacy for honors in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Prerequisite: 493.
EPS 501 / 401. Colloquium. (1, may be repeated twice Δ)
Current topics in geology. For graduate students, may be repeated once for credit towards degree. See description for *490.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
EPS 502. Center for Stable Isotopes Seminar. (1, may be repeated eight times Δ)
(Also offered as ANTH 502)
Students will be exposed to cutting edge isotope-focused interdisciplinary research in a lecturer, discussion and constructive feedback setting.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
EPS 505L / 405L. Stable Isotope Geochemistry. (3)
Sharp.
Examinations of principles governing the distribution of stable isotopes in geological materials and their applications in understanding geochemical processes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L and MATH 1522.
EPS 507L. Thermodynamics and Physical Foundations of Geochemistry. (4)
Sharp.
Thermodynamics and application to geologic systems, phase equilibria, phase rule, ideal and nonideal solutions.
Prerequisite: **303L and MATH 1522.
EPS 510 / 410. Fundamentals of Geochemistry. (3)
Asmeron.
Geochemistry of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Geochemical methodology.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1225 and MATH 1240.
EPS 513. Planetary Materials and the Evolution of the Solar System. (3)
Discussion of the origin and evolution of the planets, including planet Earth, based on study of lunar samples, terrestrial samples and meteorites; theory; earth based observations; and space missions.
EPS 515 / 415. Geochemistry of Natural Waters. (3)
Crossey.
Principles of aqueous chemistry and processes controlling the composition of natural waters: streams, lakes, groundwater and the oceans.
EPS 516. Selected Topics in Geomorphology. (3, may be repeated five times Δ)
EPS 518L. Electron Microprobe Analysis. (3)
Theory and practice of electron microprobe analysis emphasizing geological materials.
Restriction: permission of instructor and a demonstrated need for the use of instrument.
EPS 520L / 420L. Topics in Advanced Field Geology. (2-4 to a maximum of 8 Δ)
Karlstrom.
Advanced geological field techniques; special field problems concentrating on the tectonic evolution of the Rocky Mountain region. Offered as a 3-week course (20 consecutive days).
Prerequisite: 319L.
{Summer}
EPS 522. Selected Topics in Geophysics. (3, may be repeated five times Δ)
Geissman, Roy.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
EPS 523. Topics in Tectonics. (3, may be repeated five times Δ)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
EPS 527 / 427. Geophysics. (3)
(Also offered as PHYC **327)
Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522 and PHYS 1320.
EPS 528 / 428. Applied Mathematics for Earth and Environmental Sciences. (3)
Introduction to linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus with applications to hydrology, geophysics, and atmospheric sciences.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522.
EPS 534. Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry. (3)
Asmerom.
Examination of principles governing the abundance of naturally occurring radiogenic isotopes and their use in the study of global geochemical processes.
EPS 536 / 436. Climate Dynamics. (3)
Gutzler.
A quantitative introduction to the Earth’s climate system, emphasizing processes responsible for maintaining the current climate and governing climate change on global and regional scales, including interactions between the atmosphere, ocean and biosphere. PHYS 1310 is recommended.
EPS 538L. Analytical Electron Microscopy. (3)
Principles and practical techniques of transmission and analytical electron microscopy for materials characterization. Topics covered include: diffraction and phase contrast image formation, selected area and convergent beam electron diffraction; energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: 587 and 518L.
EPS 545 / 445. Topics in Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. (1-4, may be repeated five times Δ)
Elrick, Smith.
Variable course content depending on student interest. Topics may include physical sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, basin analysis, cycle stratigraphy and chemostratigraphy.
EPS 547–548. Seminar. (2-3, may be repeated five times Δ; 2-3, may be repeated five times Δ)
EPS 550L / 450L. Volcanology. (4)
Fischer.
Characteristics and mechanism of volcanic systems, volcanism in various continental and marine tectonic settings. Laboratory to include field and laboratory examination of volcanic rocks and structures and models of volcanic processes.
Prerequisite: **303L.
EPS 551–552. Problems. (1-3; 1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
Maximum of three units of problems can count toward M.S. or Ph.D. course requirements.
EPS 555L / 455L. Computational and GIS Applications in Geomorphology. (3)
Scuderi.
Techniques in acquisition, processing, analysis and display of digital, aerial photo and remote-sensing data; regional quantitative morphometry; use of topography and geology with GIS in landscape evolution and analysis.
EPS 562 / 462. Hydrogeology. (3)
(Also offered as CE 541 / 441)
Weissmann.
Hydrologic and geologic factors controlling groundwater flow, including flow to wells. The hydrologic cycle; interactions between surface and subsurface hydrologic systems; regional flow systems. Groundwater geochemistry and contaminant transport.
EPS 576 / 476. Physical Hydrology. (3)
(Also offered as WR 576)
Quantitative treatment of the hydrologic cycle–precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff and subsurface flow; global change and hydrology; catchment and hillslope hydrology; hydrologic system–ecosystem interactions; hydrology and water resources management.
Prerequisite: MATH 1522 and PHYS 1310.
{Fall}
EPS 581L / 481L. Geomorphology and Surficial Geology. (4)
Meyer.
Origin and development of landforms with emphasis on weathering, soils, hillslope processes, fluvial systems and surficial geology; occasional field trips. Intro to Geology or Environmental Science recommended.
EPS 582L / 482L. Geoarchaeology. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 582L / 482L)
Smith.
Application of geological concepts to archaeological site formation with emphasis on pre-ceramic prehistory of the southwestern United States. Quaternary dating methods, paleoenvironment, landscape evolution, depositional environments. Quaternary stratigraphy, soil genesis, sourcing of lithic materials, site formation processes. Required field trip.
{Alternate Years}
EPS 585L / 485L. Soil Stratigraphy and Morphology. (3)
McFadden.
Application of soils studies to stratigraphic analysis and mapping of Quaternary deposits and geomorphic surfaces; survey of soil classifications; field description of soil profiles; development of soil chronosequences and catenas.
Prerequisite: ENVS 1130 or GEOL 1110.
EPS 587. Advanced Mineralogy. (3)
Brearley.
Crystallographic principles; structure, chemistry, physical properties of rock forming minerals.
Prerequisite: **301 and **302L and CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L.
EPS 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
EPS 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
GEOL 1110 [EPS 101]. Physical Geology [How the Earth Works: An Introduction to Geology]. (3)
A fascinating tour of our active planet. Explore earth materials (rocks and minerals), the continents’ motions and related origins of earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, oceans, landscapes, natural energy and economic resources, global warming and other topics. Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 1110L.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
GEOL 1110L [EPS 105L]. Physical Geology Laboratory. (1)
Minerals, rocks and topographic and geologic maps; field trips.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110.
{Fall, Spring}
GEOL 1120 [ENVS 101]. Environmental Geology [The Blue Planet]. (3)
***NOTE: This course is active for the Fall 2019 semester only. It will become ENVS 1130 as of Spring 2020.***
To understand global change and environmental concerns, this course weaves together an understanding of Earth’s lithosphere, atmosphere and oceans and how ecosystems are linked to the physical environment. Students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll concurrently in 1120L.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
GEOL 1120L [ENVS 102L]. Environmental Geology Laboratory [The Blue Planet Laboratory]. (3)
***NOTE: This course is active for the Fall 2019 semester only. It will become ENVS 1130L as of Spring 2020.***
Introductory environmental earth science laboratory. Includes minerals, rocks, and rock cycle, topographic maps, local geology and groundwater, weather and climate.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1120.
GEOL 2110C [EPS 201L]. Historical Geology Lecture and Laboratory [Earth History]. (4)
Elrick, Smith.
Origin and history of the Earth including age of the planet and dating of rocks, changing configurations of oceans and continents as a result of plate tectonics, records of climate change, history of formation and erosion of mountain chains, origin and evolution of life and causes of extinction. Required field trip and lab exercises permit understanding of how Earth history is interpreted from the geologic rock record.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110L or ENVS 1130L.
{Fall, Spring}
GEOL 2130 [EPS 251]. Introduction to Meteorology [Meteorology]. (3)
Gutzler.
Description of weather phenomena, principles of atmospheric motion, weather map analysis and weather prediction.
GEOL 2140 [EPS 250]. Geology of New Mexico. (3)
Kues.
Survey of geologic features of New Mexico including structures, land forms, stratigraphy, fossils, geologic history and mineral resources. A course in elementary geology recommended.
GEOL 2430 [EPS 252]. Volcanoes!. (3)
Fischer.
Types of volcanoes and eruption products, role of volcanism in planetary evolution, volcanoes as sources of geothermal energy and mineral deposits, volcanic hazards and disasters, environmental effects of volcanic eruptions.
Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130.
GEOL 2996 [EPS 110]. Topics [Topics in the Earth Sciences]. (1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
NTSC 1110 [261L]. Physical Science for Teachers [Physical Science]. (4)
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. A broad, interdisciplinary introduction to the science of geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy, with emphasis on the sciences processes, inquiry and the integration of technology. The course is activity-based, utilizing a problems-and-issues based approach; various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students; some field trips may be required.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
NTSC 1120 [262L]. Life Science for Teachers [Life Science]. (4)
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. An activity-based study of science topics including botany, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and zoology with emphasis on science processes, inquiry and the integration of technology. Various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students; some field trips may be required.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
NTSC 2110 [263L]. Environmental Science for Teachers [Environmental Science]. (4)
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. An activity-based interdisciplinary study of major issues in environmental science with emphasis on science process, scientific investigations and field-based activities and the integration of technology. Course topics include current issues on population, healthy ecosystems and natural resources. Various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
NTSC *400. Science Topics for Educators. (1-4, may be repeated twice Δ)
Topics in specific science content areas with a focus on scientific process and inquiry. Topics vary; lectures are normally supplemented with laboratory exercises.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
