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

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

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

Introduces recent geological exploration of recent terrestrial planets and moons, comets and asteroids, focusing on comparisons of composition and tectonics on the solid planets and moons.

3 Credits

Evolution of the earth and its life, including the major physical events and evolutionary changes recorded in the geologic past. Related laboratory, demonstrations and exercises.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C, or instructor permission.

Attributes: General Education – Physical Science

3 Credits

Examines the role the oceans play in determining climate and regulating global climate change on a range of timescales from decades to millions of years.

Prerequisite: Critical Tracking semester 2 or greater.

3 Credits

Introduces the basic disciplines of marine sciences, including geology, chemistry, physics, biology and conservation, with an emphasis on marine research. Includes three mandatory Saturday field trips.

Prerequisite: OCE 1001

3 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

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

Investigation of the history of life on earth, including aspects of invertebrate and vertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology and paleobotany.

Prerequisite: refer to the department.

4 Credits

Principles of physical and historical geology as applied to the geology and mineral resources of Florida.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C, or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Principles of physical and historical geology as applied to the geology and mineral resources of Florida.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C, or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Fundamental concepts, principles and data that pertain to the genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasizes mineral phase relations, interpretive petrochemistry, magma genesis and tectonic relationships.

Prerequisite: CHM 1025 and GLY 3200C.

4 Credits

Structural features of the earth, their causes, recognition and interpretation; includes the mechanics of folding, faulting, and other deformations of the earth’s crust.

Prerequisite: (GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C) and MAC 1147 and GLY 4552C.

4 Credits

Introduces the basic types of geophysical data used to characterize the subsurface. Learn about seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, magnetics, heat flow, and electromagnetic methods.

Prerequisite: (GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C or GLY 1000) and (MAC 2311 or MAC 2233).

3 Credits

Focuses on chemical properties and processes in the oceans, exploring the links between chemistry, biology, geology, and global change within a marine context. Topics include elemental composition and speciation, biogeochemical cycles, chemical and isotopic tracers, chemistry of marine sediments, and oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon.

Prerequisite: CHM 2045 and (OCE 1001 or GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C).

3 Credits

Introduces the concepts of groundwater flow and its relationship to subsurface geology. Practice in applying groundwater flow concepts and problem solving.

Prerequisite: Any GLY 2000-level course or higher and (MAC 1147 or MAC 2311).

3 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.

0-3 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

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

This course will serve as a comprehensive overview of Geomagnetism (how the magnetic field is generated, how we use models to assess how it has changed in recent and ancient time), Paleomagnetism (using rocks to interpret the magnetic field and past history of continental motion and true polar wander, in addition to evolution of the deep interior) and Magnetostratigraphy and Environmental magnetism (how we can use the magnetic information encoded in sediments and rocks to tell us about changes in earth history). It is intended for junior/senior level undergraduates and graduate students. While there are no prerequisites, useful background courses/familiarity with physics (electromagnetism in particular), statistics and calculus (the more the merrier) will be helpful.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Biological, chemical, and physical dynamics of inland waters.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Astrobiology is a new, multidisciplinary field of science encompassing astronomy, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genomics, chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, paleontology, geology, and many other fields of science and technology. Astrobiology includes the study of the origin of habitable planets, origin of life, the connections between the evolution of life and of environments, the potential for life and life’s actual distribution in our solar system and beyond, and future of life on Earth and in space. Students will expand their knowledge base beyond their discipline while considering such issues as the origins of stars and planets, environmental conditions of the prebiotic Earth, the origin of life on Earth, the nature of the universal “tree of life”, the establishment of evolutionary patterns and rates, the causes of global glaciations and their use as analogues for life on planets or moons such as Europa, how life survives in extreme environments on Earth, what determines planetary habitability, how planets in other solar systems are detected, and how we might detect life on other planets.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

All geoscientific disciplines rely heavily on data acquisition and data processing, which today is done almost exclusively digitally. Additionally, modeling as a supporting tool is becoming more complex and there is significant concern about the quality of scientific data processing and software (caused by many and high-profile retractions). This course teaches the basic discipline independent skills to follow best practices for storing, processing, publishing and archiving geoscientific data. Additionally, it discusses recommended practices for the use of existing or self-written geoscientific software and scripts. All material can be applied to work in other courses and the participant’s research projects and will be practiced hands-on during the course.

Prerequisite: Three courses in Geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

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

In this course we will read, discuss and critically evaluate papers that deal with processes in glacial and periglacial environments, specifically on and under glaciers, foreglacial landscapes, and areas where glaciers were present in the past and have since retreated. The primary focus will be on hydrology, geology, and chemistry of the landscapes, but biological and physical characteristics may be included to a lesser extent. I’ll try to choose most papers that are linked to Greenlandic glacial processes, but they may be supplemented by papers from elsewhere.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

2 Credits

Theory, practice, and methods of organic geochemistry, organic biogeochemistry, and geomicrobiology.

Prerequisite: one-year introductory chemistry, one-year introductory geology.

3 Credits

This course will cover primary and recent literature related to applied research methods in vertebrate paleontology through assigned readings and weekly discussions. As part of this course, students are expected to be engaged in active paleontological research projects. The research projects, to be established during the first few weeks of class, can either be new group collaborative projects (with other students in the class), or done individually to compliment existing research goals. Weekly readings and discussion topics will be related to these research projects. Choice of weekly discussion topics and readings will be made and led by the students on a rotating basis.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

2 Credits

Theory, practice, and methods of organic geochemistry, organic biogeochemistry, and
geomicrobiology.

Prerequisite: one-year introductory chemistry, one-year introductory geology.

3 Credits

Physics of the Earth. Study of gravity and magnetic fields, seismic waves, thermal history, orogenic belts, and plate tectonic theory.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C, 2026C, or 4400C and 1 year of college physics or consent of instructor.

3 Credits

Introduces basic theory of elastic wave propagation in the Earth. Applies seismology as a tool for
determining Earth structure and explains relationships between earthquakes and plate tectonics.

Prerequisite: MAP 2302 or GLY 5455 or PHY 2048 or PHY 2060 or consent of instructor.

3 Credits

Principles of ground water geology, with special reference to the Coastal Plain and Florida.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010C, or 2026C.

3 Credits

Applications of geochemical (elemental and isotopic) methods and data to tectonics and petrology.

Prerequisite: GLY 5246

3 Credits, Max 6 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

This course will serve as a comprehensive overview of Geomagnetism (how the magnetic field is generated, how we use models to assess how it has changed in recent and ancient time), Paleomagnetism (using rocks to interpret the magnetic field and past history of continental motion and true polar wander, in addition to evolution of the deep interior) and Magnetostratigraphy and Environmental magnetism (how we can use the magnetic information encoded in sediments and rocks to tell us about changes in earth history). It is intended for junior/senior level undergraduates and graduate students. While there are no prerequisites, useful background courses/familiarity with physics (electromagnetism in particular), statistics and calculus (the more the merrier) will be helpful.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

This course will be concerned with the dynamics of the solid Earth system and how its different constituents (crust, lithosphere, mantle and core) interact with each other and evolve over geologic time. A particular focus will be on the dynamics of the Earth’s interior and its impact on the global evolution of our planet. We will therefore study the most important process: namely thermal convection, which is effectively the internal “heat engine” of our planet. An understanding of how this internal engine works is essential to understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of the planet since it formed 4.5 billion years ago. A knowledge of thermal convection in the mantle is also critical to understanding the spatial and temporal changes of a multitude of geophysical and geological phenomena such as: continental drift, earthquakes, volcanism, gravitational field anomalies, changes in ocean bathymetry and continental topography, and corresponding long-term changes in sea level.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes of global sea level variations across multiple spatial and temporal scales and the geological and instrumental observations that are employed to decipher and interpret these variations. This course will provide the basis for evaluating the degree to which sea level change during the current Anthropocene epoch may be considered anomalous.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Astrobiology is a new, multidisciplinary field of science encompassing astronomy, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genomics, chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, paleontology, geology, and many other fields of science and technology. Astrobiology includes the study of the origin of habitable planets, origin of life, the connections between the evolution of life and of environments, the potential for life and life’s actual distribution in our solar system and beyond, and future of life on Earth and in space. Students will expand their knowledge base beyond their discipline while considering such issues as the origins of stars and planets, environmental conditions of the prebiotic Earth, the origin of life on Earth, the nature of the universal “tree of life”, the establishment of evolutionary patterns and rates, the causes of global glaciations and their use as analogues for life on planets or moons such as Europa, how life survives in extreme environments on Earth, what determines planetary habitability, how planets in other solar systems are detected, and how we might detect life on other planets.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

All geoscientific disciplines rely heavily on data acquisition and data processing, which today is done almost exclusively digitally. Additionally, modeling as a supporting tool is becoming more complex and there is significant concern about the quality of scientific data processing and software (caused by many and high-profile retractions). This course teaches the basic discipline independent skills to follow best practices for storing, processing, publishing and archiving geoscientific data. Additionally, it discusses recommended practices for the use of existing or self-written geoscientific software and scripts. All material can be applied to work in other courses and the participant’s research projects and will be practiced hands-on during the course.

Prerequisite: Three courses in Geology or instructor permission.

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

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

In this course we will read, discuss and critically evaluate papers that deal with processes in glacial and periglacial environments, specifically on and under glaciers, foreglacial landscapes, and areas where glaciers were present in the past and have since retreated. The primary focus will be on hydrology, geology, and chemistry of the landscapes, but biological and physical characteristics may be included to a lesser extent. I’ll try to choose most papers that are linked to Greenlandic glacial processes, but they may be supplemented by papers from elsewhere.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

2 Credits

This course will cover primary and recent literature related to applied research methods in vertebrate paleontology through assigned readings and weekly discussions. As part of this course, students are expected to be engaged in active paleontological research projects. The research projects, to be established during the first few weeks of class, can either be new group collaborative projects (with other students in the class), or done individually to compliment existing research goals. Weekly readings and discussion topics will be related to these research projects. Choice of weekly discussion topics and readings will be made and led by the students on a rotating basis.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

2 Credits

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