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Geological and Environmental Sciences
College of Natural Sciences
Interim Dean: Margaret A. Owens
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Physical Science Building 217
530-898-5262
e-mail:
geos@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/geos/
Chair: David L. Brown
Advisors:
Program
Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science
Geological and Environmental Sciences 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.
Earth materials, processes, and history, and their significance to humankind. No college credit for students who have passed
GEOS 102. 2.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see the
Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or physics is recommended; students with no previous science courses are advised to enroll in GEOS 101. No college credit for those who have passed GEOS 101.
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.
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 activity, 2.0 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
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.
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, 2.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors in General Education Program.
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, 2.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 110.
Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Liberal Studies majors. 1.0
hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: High school biology, chemistry or physics recommended; or faculty permission.
An introduction to environmental science as an integrative field of study and its parent disciplines. Field and laboratory
techniques are introduced through examination of case studies. Students learn about the various professions engaged in environmental
and resource management. 2.0 hours activity, 1.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: GEOS 165 or faculty permission
Survey of diverse ecosystems across a transect of Northern California. Studies of climate, geological materials, soils, water,
plants, and animals. Three day field trip during spring break and three weekend field trips. 2.0 hours activity, 3.0 hours
supervision. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102.
Principles of historical geology as they relate to rock sequences and geologic maps. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: MATH 109 or MATH 120 (may be taken concurrently) or faculty permission.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 166.
In-depth survey of atmospheric processes affecting climate, the hydrologic cycle, and soil systems. Interactions between these
systems are examined through case studies. 1.0 hours lecture, 2.0 hours activity.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B or PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B or PHYS 204C.
An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on climate change and its impacts. This
is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: GEOS 203 or course in Biology.
Study of main groups of invertebrate fossils and their uses in biostratigraphy, paleobiogeography, and paleoecology. 3.0 hours
laboratory, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108; GEOS 101 or GEOS 102.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 105 or GEOS 342.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent; or faculty permission.
Identification and origins of the more common minerals and rocks. 2.0 hours lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required;
see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOS 203 and GEOS 306 (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. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: GEOS 305; GEOS 405 or GEOS 406; 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.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102. 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.) You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0
units. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111.
A view of the environment from a chemical perspective. Principles and applications in the context of major natural and anthropogenic
processes. Origins, transport and sinks of organic and inorganic contaminants in the environment.
Recent advances in the major areas of the physical sciences, including the important interdisciplinary fields.
Prerequisites: MATH 120; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.
Survey of physical and dynamic meteorology. Topics covered include thermodynamics, radiation, clouds and precipitation formation,
tropical and extratropical weather systems, forecasting, and climate change. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours discussion.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102 or consent of instructor.
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.
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.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 102, GEOS 105, GEOS 203, GEOS 306, GEOS 321.
This course provides students with classroom experience that utilizes a variety of interactive, engaging teaching styles that
develop and reinforce skills and concepts through open-ended activities such as direct instruction, discourse, demonstrations,
individual and cooperative learning explorations, peer instruction, and student-centered discussion. 1.0 hours lecture, 4.0
hours activity.
Prerequisites: GEOS 141 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 hours lecture, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
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.
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.
Prerequisites: Completion of the General 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.
Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education Breadth Area B requirement, PHIL 321.
The process of science and the scientific method. The Darwinian revolution and its social and ethical implications. Proteins
and nucleic acids. Technological and ethical issues in biotechnology. Nuclear weapons. Conservation and environmental ethics.
This course cannot be used for credit toward a geosciences major or minor. This is an approved General Education course.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 306, GEOS 307.
Elementary geologic field methods, descriptive geometry, photogeology, and geologic mapping. Ten days in the field during
January intersession.
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, GEOS 360.
This course is a continuation of the writing experience that is initiated in GEOS 360. It deconstructs scientific writing
through a re-writing of the GEOS 360 field report and analysis of other examples of geologic articles. This is a writing proficiency,
WP, course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a
grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.
Prerequisites: GEOS 265 or faculty permission
Intermediate treatment of selected topics in environmental sciences. Students build on concepts and skills learned in Environment
I-III courses. Local research projects and case studies are considered. 1.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours activity.
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A (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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 380 (may be taken concurrently) or faculty permission.
Develops field and related laboratory skills in performing common measurements in surface water and soil water components
of the hydrologic cycle. Students learn to critically evaluate the theoretical basis for field methods and hydrologic characterization
approaches. 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOS 380 (may be taken concurrently), GEOS 450 or faculty permission.
Develops field and related laboratory skills in performing common measurements of precipitation and groundwater. Students
learn to critically evaluate the theoretical basis for field methods and hydrolgic characterization approaches. 3.0 hours
laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: MATH 120; either PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A.
A survey of the processes governing uplift and denudation of landscapes, including isostasy, chemical and physical weathering,
mass movements, surface water erosion, formation of channels, and flow and sediment transport. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours
laboratory.
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-4.0 units. 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.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 99.0 units.
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once
for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.
Prerequisites: MATH 121; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C. Recommended: GEOS 321.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 306 with grade of C- or better. Must be taken concurrently with GEOS 403.
Theory and practice of identification of minerals with the petrographic microscope. Emphasis on the common rock-forming silicates.
3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOS 306 with grade of C- or better. Must be taken concurrently with GEOS 402.
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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 202A 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.
Prerequisites: PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B 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.
Prerequisites: High school or college trigonometry; GEOS 203; GEOS 307 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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 380 or prior hydrology course work and consent of instructor.
A survey of the hydrologic processes governing the movement and storage of water at the watershed scale. Emphasis is on computer-based
methods for characterizing the physical framework and quantifying the resultant hydrology in terms of its temporal and spatial
variability. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, GEOS 306, GEOS 380, MATH 120; PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A. Recommended: GEOS 307.
Theory and analysis of groundwater flow, including fluid physics, aquifer properties, soil water, groundwater recharge, hydrogeologic
environments, aquifer mechanics, and water quality degradation. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours lecture.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102, GEOS 306.
An introduction to physical processes associated with terrestrial and extraterrestrial volcanoes and their products. Specific
topics include volcano monitoring, rheologic properties of magma and volcanic flows, experimental volcanology, theoretical
and analog flow modeling, as well as in-depth examination of local volcanoes and various eruptions (past, present, and future).
This course includes an extended (4-5 days) field trip, required for all students. Students participate in the field by collecting
data for future course projects, presenting prepared information at various field trip stops, or both. Students also complete
research projects throughout the semester. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: GEOS 250; PHYS 202B or PHYS 204B or PHYS 204C.
This course provides hands-on experience in the design, construction and use of automated data acquisition systems in the
environmental and hydrogeological sciences. Primary emphasis is on the use of a laboratory workshop for actual building of
systems commonly used in monitoring and characterization of air, water and land resources. 3.0 hours laboratory, 2.0 hours
lecture.
Prerequisites: GEOS 306, GEOS 307.
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.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; GEOS 330 or GEOS 380.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 360, GEOS 361, GEOS 408 (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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 101 or GEOS 102, GEOS 105, GEOS 203
Corequisites: GEOS 300, GEOS 306, GEOS 307
This is a supervised internship in geoscience teaching which takes place in a local junior high or high school geoscience
classroom, supervised by the classroom teacher and by a faculty member of the CSUC Department of Geological and Environmental
Sciences. Credit/no credit grading only.
Readings, reports, and discussion of topics in the current literature or of special studies in any area of the physical sciences.
May include research project; see instructor. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 400.
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.
Prerequisites: CHEM 112, GEOS 321 or GEOS 400, MATH 121, or faculty permission.
Physical meteorological processes relevant to air pollution with a primary focus on the atmospheric boundary layer. Topics
include pollutant sources and sinks, visibility, stability, deposition and dispersion, atmospheric turbulence, plume modeling,
and the design of air quality monitoring networks.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, GEOS 315.
Fundamentals of processes in environmental aquatic systems emphasizing acid-base and pE-pH relationships, solubility of carbon
species in natural waters, and interactions at the solid-liquid interface.
Prerequisites: CHEM 112, GEOS 315.
Principles of transport of atmospheric constituents. Kinetics, mechanisms and photochemistry in the troposphere and stratosphere.
A survey of atmospheric aerosols.
Prerequisites: CHEM 112; GEOS 330 or faculty permission; MATH 120; either PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 530.
A continuation of GEOS 530. 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.
Prerequisites: Chem 112, GEOS 315.
The application of biological, ecological, chemical, and physical sciences to understanding the fate and transport of pollutants
through ecosystems.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350.
Examination of the mechanisms, directions, and magnitude of an organism's or ecosystem's response to human perturbation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350, GEOS 270 or GEOS 380, or instructor consent.
The study of linkages between hydrologic processes and ecosystem functions; field methods for data gathering; hydrologic transport
of nutrients and pollutants through ecosystems; case studies of problems in ecohydrology.
Prerequisites: One year of physics, GEOS 102, 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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 306, GEOS 307.
The integrative course dealing with origins and occurrences of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, including factors
in their use.
Prerequisites: GEOS 307 or instructor's consent
Geological principles and environmental impacts of exploring for and exploiting resources of petroleum, natural gas, oil shales,
oil sands, coal, and coalbed-methane. Applications using geological data, potential sites for CO2 sequestration, and environmental
impact assessments are emphasized.
Prerequisites: GEOS 307, GEOS 403.
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. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, GEOS 102. Recommended: GEOS 306.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 102, GEOS 203, GEOS 306. For majors in related sciences and technical fields, GEOS 102 only.
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.
Prerequisites: GEOS 403, GEOS 471.
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.
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 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOS 555, senior standing in Geology major, 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.
Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences.
Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences.
A broad overview of the methods, tools and skills required to conduct analyses of vulnerability and adaptation to climate
variability and change (including extreme climatic events). The course emphasizes the integration of disciplines and covers
a range of subject matter, from climate science, biophysical environmental impacts to their effects.
Prerequisites: GEOS 610
This course builds on the broad understanding of the methods, tools and skills obtained in GEOS 610 by applying them to a
range of issues specific to Northern California. The course follows a hands-on, learning-by-doing approach and emphasizes
teamwork and project work. Particular attention is given to practical aspects of the assessment process in relation to Climate
Change Adaptation through the lectures and learning/assessment task items.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112. Recommended: GEOS 565.
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.
Prerequisites: CHEM 425 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. 3.0 hours laboratory, 1.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class
Schedule.
Prerequisites: CHEM 270 or CHEM 320, MATH 120, PHYS 202B.
Recommended: BIOL 350 or BIOL 360.
Examination of the scientific basis of environmental regulations, case studies.
Prerequisites: GEOS 315, PHYS 202B; MATH 109 or MATH 120.
Recommended: BIOL 350 or BIOL 360.
The scientific basis of risk assessment in various sectors of human activity, with particular emphasis on business, industrial,
governmental agency, and planning concerns.
Prerequisites: Completion of three semesters of coursework in either the Environmental Sciences MS program or the proposed PSM option of the Environmental Sciences MS program.
Overview of environmental science issues, including biological, chemical, and engineering examples. Particular focus is on
future issues and approaches. Social and ethical issues are also examined.
Prerequisites: MATH 120.
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.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-4.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising
faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
This course is a master's project offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.
Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
This course is a master's thesis offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.