Earth and Planetary Sciences (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.
**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}
**302L.
Mineralogy Laboratory.
(2)
Laboratory exercises in crystallography and crystal chemistry. Hand specimen identification of the common rock-forming minerals.
{Fall}
**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}
**304L.
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy.
(4)
Introduction to origin, petrology and stratigraphic occurrence of sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisite: **301 and **302L and GEOL 2110C.
**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}
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).
**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.
352.
Global Climate Change.
(3)
(Also offered as GEOG 352)
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.
**365.
Exploring the Solar System.
(3)
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.
*400.
Topics in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
(1-4, may be repeated once Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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}
*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.
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.
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.
*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.
444 / 544.
Interdisciplinary Museum Science.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ANTH 444/544, BIOL 444/544, EPS 544, GEOG 444/544, MSST 444/544.) Interdisciplinary overview of how science museum resources are used to study change in human communities, natural, and physical systems over space and time. Course activities emphasize materials science, data science, and team science.
Restriction: instructor permission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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}
481L / 581L.
Geomorphology and Surficial Geology.
(4)
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).
482L.
Geoarchaeology.
(3)
(Also offered as ANTH 482L / 582L)
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}
485L / 585L.
Soil Stratigraphy and Morphology.
(3)
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.
*490.
Geologic Presentation.
(1)
Student review of geologic literature; preparation and critique of oral presentations.
Prerequisite: **301 or ENVS 320L.
Corequisite: EPS 401.
491–492.
Problems.
(1-3; 1-3)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
493.
Independent Study.
(3)
Independent study for departmental honors.
Prerequisite: **303L or ENVS 330.
495.
Senior Thesis.
(3)
Candidacy for honors in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Prerequisite: 493.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
516.
Selected Topics in Geomorphology.
(3, may be repeated five times Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
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.
522.
Selected Topics in Geophysics.
(3, may be repeated five times Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
523.
Topics in Tectonics.
(3, may be repeated five times Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
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.
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.
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.
536.
Climate Dynamics.
(3)
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.
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.
544 / 444.
Interdisciplinary Museum Science.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ANTH 444/544, BIOL 444/544, EPS 444, GEOG 444/544, MSST 444/544.) Interdisciplinary overview of how science museum resources are used to study change in human communities, natural, and physical systems over space and time. Course activities emphasize materials science, data science, and team science.
Restriction: instructor permission.
545 / 445.
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.
547–548.
Seminar.
(2-3, may be repeated five times Δ; 2-3, may be repeated five times Δ)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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}
581L / 481L.
Geomorphology and Surficial Geology.
(4)
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.
585L / 485L.
Soil Stratigraphy and Morphology.
(3)
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.
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.
599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
