Earth and Planetary Sciences is the study of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. It involves the study of the formation, composition and history of rocks; the large- and small-scale processes that modify them after they form (including the effects of water, the atmosphere and human activities); and the useful materials (metals, petroleum, coal, etc.) that may be obtained from them. Earth and Planetary Sciences is a multidisciplinary science that utilizes chemistry, physics, biology, meteorology, oceanography and other disciplines to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of our planet and the solar system and to enhance the stewardship of our planet’s natural resources. Prospective majors are encouraged to begin their lower-division requirements in math, chemistry and physics as early as possible and visit with a Departmental Undergraduate Advisor to assist in curriculum planning. The B.S. degree is the recommended route for preparation for graduate study Geology, Geophysics or Planetary Science. B.S. students do not need to select a minor: completion of degree requirements fulfills requirements for a Distributed Minor. Petitions for course substitutions in the degree programs are welcome and should be made in consultation with a department advisor. All majors are encouraged to pursue an undergraduate thesis (493 and 495) in collaboration with a faculty advisor.
Students are advised to check with the department for information on new or changed requirements.
Courses
ENVS 1130.
The Blue Planet.
(3)
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 General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
ENVS 1130L.
The Blue Planet Laboratory.
(1)
In this course, students will often work together to collect data and students are encouraged to discuss their observations and ideas, but students are expected to write their own answers in their own words on their worksheets.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
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: ((1130 and 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L)) and CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L and (MATH 1240 or MATH 1250).
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: ((1130 and 1130L) or (GEOL 1110 and GEOL 1110L)) and (BIOL 1140 and BIOL 1140L) and (MATH 1240 or MATH 1250).
Corequisite: 320L.
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: (320L or EPS **304L) and CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L and CS 151L and MATH 1512 and PHYS 1310.
Corequisite: 315 and 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 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 *425.
X-ray Diffraction.
(3)
Introduction to x-ray powder diffraction as an analytical method. Course will emphasize use of X-ray diffraction as an analytical tool for the identification, analysis of crystalline materials in minerals, rocks, soils and engineered materials.
EPS 427 / 527.
Geophysics.
(3)
(Also offered as PHYS **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 [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 PHYS **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 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.
Physical Geology.
(3)
This course is an introduction to our dynamic Earth, introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice can shape the landscape. Students will also develop a basic understanding of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on natural resources and global climate change.
Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 1110L.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
GEOL 1110L.
Physical Geology Laboratory.
(1)
Students will learn to identify rocks and minerals in hand samples, work with topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross-sections, and apply stratigraphic principles to explore geologic time.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110.
{Fall, Spring}
GEOL 1140.
Geological Disasters.
(3)
This course will incorporate an overview of the geological processes that result in natural disasters and the input humans have on the amplification or mitigation of these natural disasters. We will examine past catastrophes and discuss the probability of such disasters occurring again. Hazards investigated will include, but not be limited to earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami, hurricanes, floods, landslides, and astronomical events such as meteor and comet collisions with Earth. We will investigate the data obtained from recent disasters and explore the costs in human and economic terms.
GEOL 1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
GEOL 2110C.
Historical Geology Lecture and Laboratory.
(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 General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110L or ENVS 1130L.
{Fall, Spring}
GEOL 2130.
Introduction to Meteorology.
(3)
Gutzler.
Introduction to Earth's atmosphere and the dynamic world of weather as it happens. Working with current meteorological data delivered via the Internet and coordinated with learning investigations keyed to the current weather; and via study of select archives.
GEOL 2140.
Geology of New Mexico.
(3)
Kues.
This course is a tour of the geologic history and natural places of New Mexico. Students will explore the materials (rocks and minerals) that make up New Mexico and the processes that created and continue to shape our state. Students will learn about mountains, rivers and seas that have come and gone, and New Mexico’s rich fossil heritage. Students will discover where and why volcanoes erupted, and where natural resources are found and extracted.
GEOL 2430.
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.
Topics.
(1-3 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
NTSC 1110.
Physical Science for Teachers.
(4)
Introduces the science of geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy, with emphasis on the sciences processes, inquiry and the integration of technology. This course is activity based utilizing problems and issues based approach.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
NTSC 1120.
Life Science for Teachers.
(4)
Uses activities for the study of science topics including botany, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and zoology with emphasis on science processes, inquiry and the integration of technology.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
NTSC 2110.
Environmental Science for Teachers.
(4)
Introduces major issues in environmental science with emphasis on science processes, scientific investigations and field-based activities, and the integration of technology. Course topics include current issues on population, healthy ecosystems, and natural resources.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
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.
