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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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

Attributes: General Education – Biological Science, General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

1 Credit

Overview of important topics in Earth science through the examination of hazards, ranging from earthquakes and volcanoes to global warming and impacts from space. For those who are not majoring in science.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

4 Credits

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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

4 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: Critical Tracking semester 2 or greater.

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: CHM 1030 or CHM 1025, and GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C.

4 Credits

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

Prerequisite: 3 credits of GLY, ESC or OCE courses.

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: 3 credits of GLY, ESC or OCE courses.

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: (GLY 2100C or GLY 3105C) and GLY 3200C.

4 Credits

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

Prerequisite: (GLY 2100C or GLY 3105C) and GLY 3200C.

4 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: (GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C) and an additional 3 credits of GLY.

3 Credits

Methods and techniques used in geological fieldwork.

Prerequisite: GLY 3105C or GLY 2100C, or instructor permission.

2 Credits

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

Prerequisite: 15 credits of geology and instructor permission.

1-3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: None

0-3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1-3 Credits

Understand basic practices for laboratory safety and various sample preparation techniques used in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Learn basic operations of different analytical instruments (SEM, XRF, XRD, Noble Gas MS, IRMS, ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, Laser Ablation) utilized for elemental, isotopic, and geochronological analyses in the Earth and Environmental Sciences

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

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

Prerequisite: OCE 1001

3 Credits

This one credit course is based on weekly seminars. The seminars take place ‘live” at 3:30 pm on Thursdays.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

This one credit course is based on weekly seminars. The seminars take place ‘live” at 3:30 pm on Thursdays. If you are an online student (UFO), no problem. A recorded version of the lecture will be posted under announcements sometime Thursday evening.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

Objectives of the class this semester will be to continue developing peer-reviewed papers derived from presentations made at the AGU meeting,

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

This course will combine lectures and hands-on lab activities with focus on practical applications of classic statistical methods in natural sciences

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

3 Credits

Biological, chemical, and physical dynamics of inland waters.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Current research in solid Earth geophysics regularly yields surprising new results that are changing the way we understand the Earth, its past evolution, and its future. We will survey a wide range of the geophysical literature, targeting both recent developments and key classic papers. Literature selection will be a group effort; papers for discussion will be read prior to class meetings. Each work selected will then be presented by a student participant, followed by in-depth discussion of new findings and how they relate to established results and past understanding. We will explore a unified and comprehensive view of the structure and dynamics of the Earth, integrating the latest research in both seismology and geodynamics. We will explore how modern seismological techniques are employed to study the Earth’s structure at scales ranging from local to global, offering new insights into the composition and behavior of the Earth’s interior. Additionally, the course will delve into recent advancements in geodynamics, emphasizing the interactions between deep Earth processes and surface phenomena. Through a combination of in-depth reading, presentations, and discussions, students will engage with cutting-edge research that is reshaping our understanding of the Earth’s evolution, from its core to its crust, and the dynamic processes that drive changes in its structure.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

This eight-person course will provide students with a unique research experience in the field of glaciology.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

In this reading group, we will explore how each of can use our expertise in Earth Science to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

Reading in special topics.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1-3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: GLY 4400C.

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and an undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences, Geology, Earth and Planetary Science, or a related field.

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: Introduction to Oceanography for undergraduates.

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: GLY 4400C

3 Credits

For work beyond that offered in regular courses.

Prerequisite: None

1-4 Credits, Max 12 credits

This one credit course is based on weekly seminars. The seminars take place ‘live” at 3:30 pm on Thursdays.

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

Understand basic practices for laboratory safety and various sample preparation techniques used in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Learn basic operations of different analytical instruments (SEM, XRF, XRD, Noble Gas MS, IRMS, ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, Laser Ablation) utilized for elemental, isotopic, and geochronological analyses in the Earth and Environmental Sciences

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

Objectives of the class this semester will be to continue developing peer-reviewed papers derived from presentations made at the AGU meeting,

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

1 Credit

The path through graduate school can be challenging; the goal of this course is to provide information on how to deal with those challenges and optimize your graduate experience.

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

This course will combine lectures and hands-on lab activities with focus on practical applications of classic statistical methods in natural sciences

Prerequisite: None

3 Credits

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

Prerequisite: Upper-level course in botany or geology; or consent of instructor.

3 Credits

Current research in solid Earth geophysics regularly yields surprising new results that are changing the way we understand the Earth, its past evolution, and its future. We will survey a wide range of the geophysical literature, targeting both recent developments and key classic papers. Literature selection will be a group effort; papers for discussion will be read prior to class meetings. Each work selected will then be presented by a student participant, followed by in-depth discussion of new findings and how they relate to established results and past understanding. We will explore a unified and comprehensive view of the structure and dynamics of the Earth, integrating the latest research in both seismology and geodynamics. We will explore how modern seismological techniques are employed to study the Earth’s structure at scales ranging from local to global, offering new insights into the composition and behavior of the Earth’s interior. Additionally, the course will delve into recent advancements in geodynamics, emphasizing the interactions between deep Earth processes and surface phenomena. Through a combination of in-depth reading, presentations, and discussions, students will engage with cutting-edge research that is reshaping our understanding of the Earth’s evolution, from its core to its crust, and the dynamic processes that drive changes in its structure.

Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: None

2 Credits

In this reading group, we will explore how each of can use our expertise in Earth Science to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

Research for Master’s Thesis.

1-15 Credits Max 6 Credits

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.

1-12 Credits

Research for Doctoral Dissertation

Not appropriate for students who have not been admitted to candidacy.

1-12 Credits

Biological, chemical, and physical dynamics of inland waters.

Prerequisite: PCB 4044C, CHM 2046.

4 Credits

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.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and floods have devastating impacts on human lives. This course will use geologic principles to provide a framework for evaluating earthquake and volcanic hazards, explore the limits of our predictive abilities, the challenges of forecasting weather disasters in a changing climate, and the necessity for decision-making despite scientific uncertainty.

Attributes: Quest 2 course requirements, General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits