Geological Sciences

Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize Earth’s connections with humans.

Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize Earth’s connections with humans.

Examination of unique episodes in the physical and biological history of the earth.

Laboratory provides a basic understanding of Florida’s geology, geologic history, geologic resources and geologically related environmental problems.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and floods have devastating impacts on human lives. We will examine the geologic principles and scientific understanding of natural hazards, the limits of our predictive abilities, the challenges of preparing for weather disasters in a changing climate, and the necessity for decision-making despite scientific uncertainty. By analyzing recent and historical disasters, we will explore the interactions of natural and built environments before, during, and after major events. This course lays out the geologic mechanisms behind disasters, as well as the role of people in disaster preparedness and response.

Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize lithospheric connections with humanity.

Hazardous geologic processes and current environmental concerns are related to the earth, the forces acting upon it and the resulting surface features and materials. Human interaction with the environment is illustrated using modern case studies.

Introduces planet Earth as a dynamic and complex global system which has changed due to human interaction. Course materials demonstrate physical and chemical links between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere that directly impact the sustainability of human lifestyles at a variety of timescales.

Advanced examination of the geologic history of planet earth with an emphasis on North America.

Introduces geological concepts in the context of selected US national parks. Relates geology to the cultural aspects of these parks and present-day environmental concerns.

Concepts of crystallography, crystal chemistry, physical properties of minerals, mineral genesis and systematic study of the rock-forming or otherwise important minerals including the theory and use of the petrographic microscope for study and identification of these minerals in thin section.

Overview of the origin and occurrence of earth materials with a particular emphasis on the identification and classification of minerals and rocks. Activities involve lecture and a fully integrated laboratory component where students learn to identify and classify minerals and rocks through both macroscopic and microscopic investigation.

Overview of the origin and occurrence of earth materials with a particular emphasis on the identification and classification of minerals and rocks. Activities involve lecture and a fully integrated laboratory component where students learn to identify and classify minerals and rocks through both macroscopic and microscopic investigation.

Insight into current scientific, political, legal, social, and economic aspects of hydrogeology.

Basic disciplines important in understanding the origin and classification of sedimentary rocks including sedimentary petrology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.

Basic disciplines important in understanding the origin and classification of sedimentary rocks including sedimentary petrology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.

Introduces the processes responsible for the formation and evolution of Earth surface features and landscapes. Emphasizes understanding of how first principles of physics and chemistry can be used to explain landform shaping.

Methods and techniques used in geological fieldwork.

For work in addition to that offered in regular courses in mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology and structural geology.

Provides firsthand, supervised research in geology. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in geology.

Lecture, conferences or laboratory sessions covering selected topics of current interest in modern geology.

Lecture, conferences or laboratory sessions covering selected topics of current interest in modern geology.

Examines the origins, fates, and distribution of organic compounds in contemporary aquatic waters as well as in recent and ancient sediments.

Reading in special topics

Reading in special topics

Reading in special topics

Reading in special topics

Biological, chemical, and physical dynamics of inland waters.

Comparative study of plants through geologic time with attention to morphology and evolution of major groups of land plants, based on the fossil record.

Reading in special topics.

Reading in special topics.

Reading in special topics.

Reading in special topics.

Application of principles of geomorphology to origin and evolution of landscapes.

Introduces skills needed to find, be competitive for, and survive in academic jobs. Topics include finding and securing post-doc positions, skills and tactics for writing academic job applications, interview and negotiation approaches and tips, writing and reviewing proposals, methods for effective course design, and others.

Examines the origins, fates, and distribution of organic compounds in contemporary aquatic waters as well as in recent and ancient sediments.

Evolution and formation of mid-ocean ridges, seamounts, hot spots, island arcs, back-arc basins, passive margins, and mountain chains

For work beyond that offered in regular courses

Reading in special topics

Lecture, conferences or laboratory sessions covering selected topics of current interest in modern geology.

Reading in special topics

Reading in special topics

Reading in special topics

Comparative study of plants through geologic time with attention to morphology and evolution of major groups of land plants, based on the fossil record.

Reading in special topics.

Explores ways in which scientists can increase impacts to society and emphasize the relevance of scientific work. Topics include broadening scientific impacts through exhibits, working with teachers, social media, serving underrepresented groups, and more.

Reading in special topics.

Research for Master’s Thesis

Research for doctoral students before admission to candidacy. Designed for students with a master’s degree in the field of study or for students who have been accepted for a doctoral program. Not appropriate for students who have been admitted to candidacy.

Research for Doctoral Dissertation

Biological, chemical, and physical dynamics of inland waters.

Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the ocean system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize oceanic connections with humanity.

Introduces selected interdisciplinary topics.