Geosciences Course Offerings

Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

GEOS 001

General Geology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Earth materials, processes, and history, and their significance to humankind. No college credit for students who have passed GEOS 002. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 002

Physical Geology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: High school chemistry or physics is recommended; students with no previous science courses are advised to enroll in GEOS 001. No college credit for those who have passed GEOS 001.

Physical and chemical processes in the earth, including origin and identification of rocks and minerals; earth’s interior; movements and major features of the earth’s crust; erosion and sedimentation; geological structures; topographic maps; mineral resources. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. CAN GEOL 2.

GEOS 003

Principles of Historical Geology    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 001 or GEOS 002.

Principles of historical geology as they relate to rock sequences and geologic maps. 1.0 hour lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 005

Introduction to Astronomy    3.0 Fa/Spr

Origin and evolution of the universe. Topics include black holes, pulsars, quasars, life in the universe, and interstellar communication. Constellation study in Roth Planetarium and telescope observation of stars and galaxies at Observatory. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 020

Weather    3.0 Fa/Spr

A descriptive study of weather processes; winds, circulations and storms; and weather impacts on life, property, crops, water availability, and air quality. Current weather briefings and California weather topics are emphasized.

GEOS 030

Introduction to Environmental Science    3.0 Fa/Spr

An introduction to human impact upon planet Earth. Scientific principles applied to air pollution, water pollution, and solid and radioactive waste problems. Population dynamics, world hunger, and environmental issue analysis are also covered. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 041

Concepts in the Physical Sciences    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 050A.

Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Liberal Studies majors. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 050

Computer Applications in Geosciences    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in MATH 007A, or consent of instructor.

Develop skills in applying common computer software, including data analysis, presentation, graphics, and others. Use of this software as applied to selected problems in environmental sciences and geosciences. 2.0 hours activity.

GEOS 060

Environmental Soil Science    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 037, PHYS 002A or PHYS 004A (may be taken concurrently).

Survey of the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in selected environmental processes.

GEOS 070

California Water    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: One course from Breadth Area B1 of General Education.

Introduction to physical hydrological processes, including precipitation, surface waters, soil and groundwater, and evapotranspiration. California water issues are used to illustrate water movement and storage.

GEOS 100

Earth Science    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; CHEM 027 or equivalent; PHYS 002A; PHYS 002B.

An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on the similarity of techniques and concepts used in these disciplines. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

GEOS 102

Introductory Seismology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: A course in geology, physical science, or physics.

Causes and effects of earthquakes; instrumental seismology; interior of the earth, seismology applied to engineering studies; fault creep and earthquake prediction.

GEOS 103

Invertebrate Paleontology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 003 or course in Biology.

Study of main groups of invertebrate fossils and their uses in biostratigraphy, paleobiogeography, and paleoecology. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 104

History of Life    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008; GEOS 001 or GEOS 002.

Descriptive outline of the history of life as understood from the fossil record. Evolutionary concepts are examined, with emphasis placed upon paleontologic rather than genetic evidence.

GEOS 105

Observational Astronomy    3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: GEOS 005 or GEOS 142.

An intermediate treatment of astronomy from an observational viewpoint. Visual, photographic, and photometric techniques for sun, moon, solar system, and deep-sky observations. Data analysis and methodology. Frequent use of campus observatory. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 106

Mineralogy and Lithology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 001 or GEOS 002; CHEM 037 or CHEM 027 or equivalent; or faculty permission.

Identification and origins of the more common minerals and rocks. 2.0 hours lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 107

Stratigraphy    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 003 and GEOS 106 (both may be taken concurrently), or faculty permission.

Basic concepts of stratigraphy. Methods of strata description, correlation, mapping, and interpretation. Sedimentary tectonics and lithic associations. Graphic representation of data. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 110

Geological Field Reconnaissance    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 001 or GEOS 002. Faculty permission required to take the course a second time for credit.

Generalized field study of geologically noteworthy areas. (Minimum of eight consecutive days in the field during January intersession or spring vacation; and additional work or classroom meetings.) Credit/no credit grading only. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.

GEOS 120

Introduction to Meteorology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: MATH 007A; either PHYS 002B or PHYS 004C.

Survey of physical and dynamic meteorology. Topics covered include thermodynamics, radiation, clouds and precipitation formation, tropical and extratropical weather systems, forecasting, and climate change. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 125

Geology of California    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 001 or GEOS 002.

Geologic setting of California and historical development of its geologic provinces. The impact of earthquakes, volcanic activity, coastal erosion, and earth resources on California. Field trip required. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 130

Environmental Science    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: One course from Breadth Area B1 and one course from Breadth Area B2 of the General Education requirements.

Human impact on life-support systems; use of physical and ecological principles in environmental management and protection; discussion of land use and its environmental impact; and an evaluation of human influence on natural cycles. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 131

Environmental Science Lab    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Either CHEM 027 or CHEM 037, one course from Breadth Area B2.

A laboratory designed to complement GEOS 130. Physical, chemical, and ecological concepts as related to the field and laboratory experience in environmental science. 1.0 hour lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 140

Environmental Geology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: One course from Breadth Area B1 and one course from Breadth Area B2 of General Education requirements.

Provides the non-major with a geologic approach to current environmental problems relating to the origin and use of energy, mineral, and water resources, and the causes and mitigations of geologic hazards. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 142

Concepts in Earth and Space Science    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: GEOS 041 or faculty permission.

Fundamental concepts in (1) the solar system and the universe, (2) the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and (3) Earth’s atmosphere and water. Intended for Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1.0 hour lecture, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 143

Oceanography    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: A lab course in the biological sciences and a lab course in the physical sciences.

Study of ocean currents and water masses; nutrient distribution and productivity; morphology and sediment distributions of ocean basins, continental shelves, and shorelines; sea floor spreading; and marine field techniques.

GEOS 150

American Science and Technology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education Breadth Areas B1, The Physical Universe, and B2, Life Forms.

A consideration of the scientific principles underlying key scientific and technological occurrences in the United States, and the relationship of these occurrences to other aspects of American life. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 151

Science and the American Idea    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Completion of the Geneal Education Breadth Areas B1, The Physical Universe; and B2, Life Forms.

Major issues in the evolution of science within the development of the United States. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 154

Science and Ethics    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education Breadth Area B requirement; PHIL 108.

The process of science and the scientific method. Selected key scientific advances and revolutions, including the contributions of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Darwin, and others, from historical and cross- cultural perspectives. This course cannot be used for credit toward a geosciences major or minor. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly MATH 154.

GEOS 155

Geologic Hazards    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: One course from Breadth Area B1 and one course from Breadth Area B2 of General Education requirements.

A discussion of the geologic processes that cause geologic hazards; the methods of measuring their magnitude and frequency; the various ways in which hazards affect humans and their environment; the methods by which geologic hazards can be predicted and mitigated; and the various stages of recovery from catastrophic geologic hazards. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 160

Field Methods    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 106; GEOS 107.

Elementary geologic field methods, descriptive geometry, photogeology, and geologic mapping. Ten days in the field during January intersession.

GEOS 161

Preparation of the Geological Report    1.0 Spring

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; GEOS 160. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

GEOS 170

Energy in the Human Environment    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: One course from Breadth Area B1.

Analysis of present and long-term global energy crises; coverage of scientific concepts needed to understand energy and its environmental interactions; in-depth examination of alternative energy sources and their environmental impact. This is an approved General Education course.

GEOS 180

Hydrology    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 070; PHYS 002A or PHYS 004A (may be taken concurrently).

A survey of the mass transfer processes and storage elements within the hydrologic cycle: precipitation, interception, surface runoff, infiltration, evapo-transpiration, soil water and groundwater. Quantitative methods for estimating flow and storage, use of probability concepts to predict extreme hydrologic events in a time series. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 181

Hydrologic Field Methods    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 070 (may be taken concurrently), GEOS 180, GEOS 215, prior hydrology course work, or consent of instructor.

Develops field and related laboratory skills in performing common measurements in all areas of the hydrologic cycle. Students learn to critically evaluate the theoretical basis for field methods and hydrologic characterization approaches. 1.0 hour lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 190

Surficial Processes    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: MATH 007A; either PHYS 002A or PHYS 004A.

Description, analysis, and quantification of landscape-forming processes in hillslope, fluvial, desert, periglacial, and coastal environments. Emphasis on applications of process-based analyses for solving environmental and resource problems. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 198

Selected Topics in Geosciences    1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a special topic offered as 198A-D for 1.0 to 4.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

GEOS 199

Special Problems    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Credit/no credit grading only.

GEOS 200

Physical Meteorology    3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: MATH 007B; either PHYS 002B or PHYS 004C.
Recommended: GEOS 120.

The physical processes of the atmosphere: atmospheric hydrostatics and thermodynamics; aerosol physics; cloud microphysics and dynamics; radiative transfer. The role of these processes in cloud and storm development is also covered.

GEOS 201

Dynamic Meteorology and Analysis    3.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: GEOS 200.

Theory, analysis, and forecasting of intermediate-and large-scale motions in the atmosphere. Topics include the primitive flow equations, planetary boundary layer, synoptic-scale motions, atmospheric oscillations, mesoscale circulations, and the general global circulation. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 202

Optical Mineralogy    1.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 106 with grade of C- or better. Must be taken concurrently with GEOS 203.

Theory and practice of identification of minerals with the petrographic microscope. Emphasis on the common rock-forming silicates. 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 203

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 106 with grade of C- or better. Must be taken concurrently with GEOS 202.

Physical-chemical development and geotectonic settings of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Analysis of rock thin sections. Field trip required. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 204

Planetarium Operation    2.0 January

Prerequisites: GEOS 105; GEOS 205 or GEOS 206; faculty permission.

Introduction to planetarium operation, including console operation, sky setting, and use of auxiliary projectors. Study of the use of the planetarium as a teaching tool. Development of planetarium programs, including the integration of Internet Resources displayed with the Roth Planetarium LCD projector. Each student will prepare an original planetarium program and present this program to an audience. 4.0 hours activity.

GEOS 205

Solar System Astronomy    3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: PHYS 002A or equivalent, or faculty permission.

Study of planets, asteroids, meteors, and comets, including the dynamics of their orbits, the geology of their surfaces, and their origin. Study of planetary atmospheres, including their origin, evolution, dynamics and climate. Space colonies and the possible colonization of other planets will also be discussed.

GEOS 206

The Origin and Evolution of the Universe    3.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: PHYS 002A; PHYS 002B; or equivalents; or faculty permission.

Origin of the universe. Formation of galaxies and stars. Recent developments in astronomy: black holes, pulsars, quasars, radio galaxies, etc. Life in the universe. Possibility of interstellar communication with extraterrestrial civilizations.

GEOS 208

Structural Geology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: High school or college trigonometry; GEOS 003; GEOS 107 with grade of C- or higher.

Behavior of geologic materials. Folds, faults, small-scale structures in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Graphic methods. 2.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 210

Introduction to Watershed Hydrology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 180 or concurrent enrollment in GEOS 215 or prior hydrology course work and consent of instructor.

Survey of the hydrologic processes that govern the movement and storage of water in a watershed context. Review of soils and sediment transport. Topics will include current water quality problems in agricultural, rangeland, forested, and urban watersheds. Quantitative computer-based methods for predicting runoff and erosion will be employed. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 215

Hydrogeology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 037, GEOS 106; MATH 007A; either PHYS 002A or PHYS 004A; either GEOS 070 or GEOS 180. Recommended: GEOS 107.

Theory and analysis of groundwater flow, including fluid physics, aquifer properties, soil water, groundwater recharge, hydrogeologic environments, aquifer mechanics, and water quality degradation. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 220

Modern Topics in the Geosciences    3.0 Fall

Recent advances in the major areas of the physical sciences, including the important interdisciplinary fields.

GEOS 230

Environmental Systems Modeling I    3.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: CHEM 038; GEOS 130 or faculty permission; MATH 007A;
either PHYS 002B or PHYS 004C.

Physical principles, theory and analysis techniques for computer modeling in the geosciences. Methods of estimation and error analysis, boundary values and initial conditions, steady-state and time-dependent models. Emphasis on problems relating to air and water pollution and hydrologic cycle.

GEOS 231

Environmental Systems Modeling II    3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: GEOS 230.

A continuation of GEOS 230. Application, verification, and modification techniques for time-dependent and multi-dimension models used in the geosciences. Introduction to widely used models and analysis packages. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.

GEOS 235

Pollution Ecology    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Chem 038.

The application of biological, ecological, chemical, and physical sciences to understanding the fate and transport of pollutants through ecosystems.

GEOS 236

Applied Ecology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 258.

Examination of the mechanisms, directions, and magnitude of an organism’s or ecosystem’s response to human perturbation.

GEOS 245

Applied Geophysics    3.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: One year of physics; GEOS 002; or faculty permission.

Introduction to solid-earth geophysical exploration techniques and data analysis. Includes electrical, electromagnetic, gravimetric, and seismic surveying, and wireline well logging. Concentration on problems in environmental science, hydrology, mineral prospecting, and oil exploration.

GEOS 249

Economic Geology    3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: GEOS 106, GEOS 107, GEOS 208.

The integrative course dealing with origins and occurrences of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, including factors in their use.

GEOS 250

Tectonics    3.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: GEOS 003 (May be taken concurrently).

Evolution of the larger features of the earth; continents, oceans, mountain ranges, and lithospheric plates. Methods of tectonic analysis, including interpretation. Geologic development of the western United States. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 255

Sedimentary Basin Analysis    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: GEOS 107, GEOS 203.

Study of the paleographic evolution of sedimentary basins. Includes stratigraphic and paleontologic correlation, facies analysis, sedimentary petrology, depositional systems, and the tectonic framework of sedimentary basins. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 260

Water Resources Management    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; GEOS 130 or GEOS 180.

Water-resources, management plans of world; emphasis on California and Israeli plans. Water plans in primitive, agrarian, and industrial societies. Data gathering and interpretation, regulation of water resources, and control of water pollution.

GEOS 265

Geochemistry    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 037, GEOS 002. Recommended: GEOS 106.

Investigation of the chemistry of minerals, rocks, and natural waters. Provides students with interests in geology, hydrology, environmental science, and other disciplines a background on the chemical compositions of rocks, minerals, and natural waters; chemical processes in the formation of rocks and waters; principles of reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics applied to geochemical systems; and migration of chemical contaminants in the environment.

GEOS 270

Environmental and Engineering Geology    3.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: GEOS 002; GEOS 003; GEOS 106. For majors in related sciences and technical fields, GEOS 002.

Practical application of techniques to solve geological engineering and environmental problems. Techniques of surface investigations and remote sensing; borehole and surface geophysics; soil descriptions and properties; landslide mapping, mechanics and remediation, subsurface investigation of rock masses; mapping of discontinuities, establishing rock quality, tunneling techniques. Seismic studies; surface and trench mapping of faults, seismic risk analysis. Ground water monitoring, site assessment, techniques of hazardous waste cleanup, state and federal regulations on hazardous waste, siting of landfills.

GEOS 271

Field Geology    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 160; GEOS 161; GEOS 208 (with grade of C- or higher in all courses).

Mapping, recording, and interpreting data in the field; use of Brunton compass and topographic maps emphasized. Reports required. Field work during January Intersession totaling at least 10 days. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

GEOS 272

Advanced Field Geology    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 203, GEOS 271.

Independent geologic mapping of a difficult area. Report required. Field work on weekends or during spring recess, totaling at least 10 days. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

GEOS 275

Senior Project    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Senior standing in Hydrology or Environmental Science Options.

Independent application of current standard field and laboratory methods to environmental analysis. Analysis and presentation of an individual environmental project. 1.0 hour discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 280

Geological Evolution of North America    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: GEOS 255; senior standing in Geology option, or faculty permission.

Group study of topics related to the geological evolution of North America. Student presentations and group discussion will focus on common themes or geologic regions.

GEOS 290

Seminar in the Geosciences    1.0 Fall

Readings, reports, and discussion of topics in the current literature or of special studies in any area of the physical sciences.

GEOS 299H

Honors Research in the Geosciences    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: First semester: A total of 9 upper-division units in the major, with at least a B average, and faculty permission.
Second semester: A grade of B or higher in the first semester of the course;

An intensive two-semester course in research within a subdiscipline of the physical sciences. Students enroll for 3 units each semester. Open only to students with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major. The course consists of a research project done under the supervision of a faculty member, a formal written paper, and a public presentation. This course may be used to fulfill a maximum of 3 units of the upper-division requirement for the major. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

GEOS 300

Geosciences Seminar I    1.0 Fall

Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences.

GEOS 301

Geosciences Seminar II    1.0 Spring

Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences.

GEOS 310

Introduction to Watershed Hydrology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, GEOS 180 or concurrent enrollment in GEOS 215 or prior hydrology course work.

Coupled hydrologic, soils and surficial geologic processes that govern watershed functions will be emphasized. Students will critically review the theoretical basis for quantitative watershed analytical methods and the scientific basis for current regulations. Current water quality problems in agricultural, rangeland, forested, and urban watersheds will be examined. A variety of watershed runoff and water quality models will be examined. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

GEOS 317

Advanced Topics in Geology    3.0 Fa/Spr

You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab or field work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor.

GEOS 319

Advanced Topics in Meteorology    3.0 Fa/Spr

You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor.

GEOS 321

Advanced Topics in Hydrology    3.0 Fa/Spr

You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor.

GEOS 323

Advanced Topics in Astronomy    3.0 Fa/Spr

You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor.

GEOS 325

Advanced Topics in Environmental Science    3.0 Fa/Spr

You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor.

GEOS 330

Geotectonic Development of California    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Geological and geophysical characteristics of the geomorphic provinces of California. Formation of surficial features, such as mountain ranges, drainage networks, and valleys as a response to active tectonic processes. Detailed geologic and physiographic framework of Northern California as a setting for field-based studies in the geosciences.

GEOS 340

Hydrogeochemistry    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 037; CHEM 038.

Origins and sources of chemical constituents of natural waters, including water-rock interactions, equilibrium aqueous speciation, reaction-path modeling, oxidation-reduction reactions, mineral solubility relations, geochemical transport, reaction kinetics, and aqueous isotopic systems.

GEOS 350

Environmental Monitoring    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 255 is recommended.

Survey of environmental monitoring for air quality, water quality, pollution, waste disposal, environmental resources, etc., including field and laboratory observations and exercises. An individual term project in environmental monitoring is required and may involve collection of field data, interpretation of field data, development of analytical capabilities, or other subjects pertinent to the student’s research interests. 1.0 hour discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

GEOS 360

Numerical Analysis    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: MATH 007A.

Survey and implementation of common numerical techniques in use in geoscientific data analysis, including multivariate data analysis, geostatistics, finite difference and finite element analyses, time-series analysis, and fractal geometry.

GEOS 398

Independent Study    1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a graduate level independent study offered as 398A-D for 1.0 to 4.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.

GEOS 399

Master’s Thesis    1.0-6.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a master’s thesis identified as 399A-F for 1.0 to 6.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.