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

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 evidence and effects of climate change and uses the issue of climate change to deepen student’s understanding of science and its role in society. Working collaboratively, students integrate insights from a variety of natural, social and engineering sciences to develop and evaluate climate change mitigation approaches.

Prerequisite: Any Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.

Attributes: Quest 2, General Education – International, General Education – Physical Science

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

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

Examines the nature and variety of coastal processes, and the origin and modification of environmental changes along coasts, including human activities in the coastal zone.

Prerequisite: GEO 2200 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

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

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

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

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

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

Visits to selected sites and regions of outstanding geologic value and interest.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

2 Credits

Students will explore the primary literature regarding planetary crusts by learning to effectively analyze peer-reviewed journal articles, exploring classic literature, synthesizing primary data to understand the state of the art in the field, and applying that knowledge to interpreting current models. Students will learn about a variety of techniques for the collection of data and study of planetary crusts. Students will synthesize data from the literature to develop conceptual models for how different planetary crusts formed.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Classic and new literature that deals with interactions between surface and ground water. Emphasizes submarine ground water discharge in estuary and coastal zones, hyporheic zones of streams, and karst aquifers.

Prerequisite: geology/hyrdroecology and undergraduate chemistry and physics.

3 Credits

Come help us dig up fossils! This Special Topics course is designed to provide an overview of Florida fossil vertebrates through lectures and discussions plus direct experience with vertebrate paleontology fieldwork in Florida. We will be especially focused on digging at a late Miocene fossil vertebrate locality close to Williston, Florida.
Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.
3 Credits

Classic and new literature that deals with interactions between surface and ground water. Emphasizes submarine ground water discharge in estuary and coastal zones, hyporheic zones of streams, and karst aquifers.

Prerequisite: geology/hyrdroecology and undergraduate chemistry and physics.

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

Survey of potential field theory with applications to gravity and magnetism of the Earth.

Prerequisite: MAP 2302 or PHY 2060, and GLY 5455, or by consent of instructor.

3 Credits

Lecture and discussion of major sedimentary processes active in coastal and continental margin settings, focus on relating processes with sedimentary facies. Class work augmented with frequent field trips.

Prerequisite: GLY 2010 or 2026; 4552.

3 Credits

Visits to selected sites and regions of outstanding geologic value and interest.

Prerequisite: graduate standing and consent of instructor.

2 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

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

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

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

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

Examines the nature and variety of coastal processes, and the origin and modification of environmental changes along coasts, including human activities in the coastal zone.

Prerequisite: None

3 Credits

Students will explore the primary literature regarding planetary crusts by learning to effectively analyze peer-reviewed journal articles, exploring classic literature, synthesizing primary data to understand the state of the art in the field, and applying that knowledge to interpreting current models. Students will learn about a variety of techniques for the collection of data and study of planetary crusts. Students will synthesize data from the literature to develop conceptual models for how different planetary crusts formed.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 Credits

Come help us dig up fossils! This Special Topics course is designed to provide an overview of Florida fossil vertebrates through lectures and discussions plus direct experience with vertebrate paleontology fieldwork in Florida. We will be especially focused on digging at a late Miocene fossil vertebrate locality close to Williston, Florida.

Prerequisite: three courses in geology or instructor permission.

3 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

Knowledge of the working of our planet, viewed as a whole system, has never been more important than it is today. Our planet is facing a rapidly expanding human population that is exposed daily to natural hazards such as climate change, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Moreover, human activities are understood to be in increasing competition with global-scale geological cycles on our planet and they are also driving a rapid drop in global biodiversity

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

3 Credits

This course will explore the ever-changing landscape of AI and its intersection with climate change. Students will be exposed to fundamental science in climate change topics and AI methods. Students will not be expected to develop their own AI models; however, they will be asked to run existing Python codes and interpret their outputs. This course will integrate topics from multiple disciplines including the geosciences, computer science, engineering, and the social sciences to discuss complex issues at the interface of climate, AI, and their social impacts. For example, what are the legal implications of using AI models to prepare for natural disaster response? How do we reconcile using AI to mitigate climate change with the considerable carbon footprint associated with training AI models? Students will also be asked to reflect on how climate change is impacting, or will impact, their own lives.

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

3 Credits