GEOLOGY (GLG–Arts and Science)

401/501 Global Climate Change (4)

Examines physical factors controlling climate and climate changes throughout geologic time. Interactions of the oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere on our climate in addition to astronomic controls examined. Prerequisite: GLG 244 or WCP 221 or 222 or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with WCP 401/501.

402/502 Geomicrobiology (3)

Introduces students to one of the most recent, actively evolving research fronts of earth science and the biosciences, i.e., the interdisciplinary field of geomicrobiology. The course wil focus on mutual interactions between microbal and geological processes. Topics include: the role of microorganisms on mineral weathering rates, microbal mediated ore deposit formation, microbe enhanced oil recovery, life in extreme environments, search for bio-signatures in geological records and meteorites and implications for life on Mars, microbal ecology in ocean floor hydrothermal vents. Prerequisite: CHM 141/144 and GLG 111, 121, 131, or 141.

408/508  Introduction to Hydrogeology (3)

Theory of flow through porous media and geophysical techniques used for ground water exploration. Prerequisite: MTH GLG 111, 121, 131, or 141 and MTH 141, 151, or 153.

411/511 Field Geology (6)

Taught annually during June and July in the Snake River plain and northern Rocky Mountains and at the Miami University Geology Field Station, Dubois, Wyoming. Students identify, classify, and interpret geologic features and synthesize and communicate geologic interpretations. Students work outdoors six to eight hours each day and individually create geologic maps and cross-sections using pace and compass, topographic, air photo, and satellite image bases with the assistance of GPS satellite navigation receivers and GIS computer software. Geologic mapping and rock interpretation techniques are the subject of evening lectures. Graduate students write a 10-page final report summarizing the results of a small research project. Prerequisite: GLG 211, 301, 322, and 357 or equivalents or permission of instructor. Summer only.

412/512 Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica (5)

Introduces students to the structure and function of neotropical ecosystems, as well as geological, biological, cultural, and economic forces affecting biodiversity in the tropics. The course is taught on-site in Costa Rica. Prerequisite: Two natural science courses or permission of instructor. There are additional costs beyond tuition.

413/513 Tropical Marine Ecology (5)

This interdisciplinary earth systems field course investigates aquatic systems (estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, lagoons, beaches, intertidal zones, taxonomy of vertebrates and invertebrates of coral reefs, lagoons, and tidal flats), paleobiology and global change (paleoreconstruction of past lagoon environments, fossil coral reefs, and land use). Student research questions concerning biological and physical analyses of a select marine habitat are required. The course is taught on-site in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Prerequisite: Two natural science courses or permission of instructor. There are additional costs beyond tuition.

414/514 Coastal Ecology of the Bahamas (5)

Characteristics, spatial and temporal distributions, and physical and biologic processes of coastal environments (e.g., coral reefs, lagoons, seagrass beds, beaches, mangroves, coastal dunes). This field course requires snorkeling and hiking. Class, group, and individual research projects designed, executed, and presented. Students use computers, dataloggers, and modern field instruments to augment personal observations. Prerequisite: Two natural science courses or permission of instructor. There are additional costs beyond tuition.

415/515 Coral Reef Ecology (5)

This interdisciplinary earth systems field course investigates coral reef environments including corals, algae, fish, human interactions, storms, sedimentation, global climate change, and other physical and biologic characteristics and processes. During group projects, students learn methods of field observation and research by engaging in biological and physical measurement and analyses of selected aspects of coral reef ecology. Individual student-initiated research is integrated into the overall experience culminating with presentations of student work. Prerequisite: Two natural science courses, SCUBA certification, previous field experience or permission of instructor. There are additional costs beyond tuition.

416/516 Carbonate Depositional Systems (5)

Modern and ancient coral reefs, lagoons, seagrass beds, beaches, dunes, tidal flats, blue holes, paleosols, and sand shoals are examined and evaluated in the field and in discussions, lectures, and projects. This field course includes trips to rock units in the Midwest and a field trip to the Bahamas. Prerequisite: Two previous geoscience courses or permission of instructor.

427/527 Isotope Geochemistry (3)

Natural variations, measurement techniques, and geologic applications of radiogenic and stable isotopes. Prerequisite: GLG 211 and GLG 357 or permission of instructor.

428/528 Groundwater Flow Modeling (4)

Introduces techniques used in constructing and solving mathematical models of groundwater flow. Emphasis on solution of groundwater flow problems with the use of digital computers using finite-difference techniques to approximate the groundwater-flow differential governing equations. Develops a familiarity with and applies widely-used packaged models while learning about grid and boundary design, model parameter-value selection, and calibration. Prerequisite: GLG 408/508 or equivalent, calculus.

432/532 Clays and Clay Mineralogy (3)

Study of the structure, composition, properties, uses, and environmental significance of clays and clay minerals. Prerequisite: GLG 201 and CHM 141 or permission of instructor.

444/544 Oceanography for Teachers (3)

The major features, controls, and interactions of ocean basins, oceanic currents, waves and tides. biologic productivity and zonation, nutrient cycles, chemistry, bathymetry, and sediments are examined. Resources of oceanographic importance including web resources and public resources (such as popular movies) are integrated into the lecture and classroom activities and in lab work. Lectures and in-class activities occur via electronic means. Prerequisites: One natural science course from MPF IVA or B or CAS-D.

450/550 Sedimentary Basin Analysis (3)

Evaluation of the physical mechanisms of sedimentary basin formation including flexure, thinning, and thermal contraction of the lithosphere; isostasy; subsidence analysis; sequence stratigraphy; paleocurrents and sediment provenance; tectonics of sedimentary basins. Prerequisite: GLG 301 or permission of instructor.

454/554  Geomorphology (4)

Origin and development of landforms with emphasis on fluvial systems. Process and response systems. Corequisite: GLG 211. Cross-listed with GEO 424/524. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

461/561 Geophysics (3)

Active learning course on solid earth geophysics, covering theory and application. Techniques include seismology, GPS, gravity, magnetics, and mineral physics. Application will focus on large-scale tectonics and the Earth's interior, but will also include some exploration geophysics. Prerequisites: MTH 151 or 153, PHY 171 or 181 and PHY 183.

482/582 Contaminant Hydrogeology (4)

The theory of mass transport in groundwater and soil systems. Examines sources, fate, and cleanup of groundwater and soil contamination. Covers the processes of advection and dispersion. Chemical reactions and their effects on transport are examined for inorganic and organic contaminants. Multiphase flow is also investigated as are strategies for aquifer and soil remediation. Prerequisite: GLG 408/508 and MTH 141, 151, 153, or 157.

484/584  X-Ray Diffractometry (2)

Principles of X-ray diffraction as applied to geological materials. Utilization of powder goniometer and single-crystal cameras and goniometer. Prerequisite: GLG 201 or permission of instructor. 1 Lec. 1 Lab.

491/591 Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3)

Explores the range of geochemical reactions governing water-rock interaction. Includes discussions of thermodynamics, kinetics, acid/base reactions, mineral equilibria, absorption/desorption, oxidation-reduction, organic geochemistry, and geochemical modeling. Prerequisite: GLG 211.

492/592 Global Tectonics (4)

Fundamentals of the theory of plate tectonics and its applications to regional geology. Physical processes and kinematics of plate motions, geology and geophysics of modern and ancient plate boundaries, and plate tectonic evolution of major orogenic belts examined. Prerequisite: GLG 322, 357, or permission of instructor.

496/596 Isotopes in Environmental Processes (3)

Focuses on applications of isotopes to environmental processes. Topics include introduction to environmental isotopes and basics of isotope fractionation, isotopes used as tracers in the hydrological cycle to identify and quantify reaction pathways for both clean and contaminated landscapes, and the dating of modern and paleo-groundwaters. The emphasis is given to the role of isotopes as trace sources, reactions, and pathways of various contaminants in the environment. Prerequisite: GLG 211 or permission of instructor.

617 Chemistry of Earth's Interior (3)

Geochemical evolution of the Earth, formation and differentiation of the Earth, composition of the core, mantle, and crust mass fluxes between major Earth reservoirs. Prerequisite: GLG 427/527.

630.A Mineral Surface Geochemistry (3)

Study of the structure, composition, and reactivity of crystalline surfaces in aqueous environments. Prerequisite: GLG 201; CHM 137 or 141 or equivalents; or permission of instructor.

633 Extensional Tectonics (3)

An evaluation of the geodynamic, structural, and sedimentary processes associated with extensional deformation of the Earth's crust and lithosphere. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor.

643 Introduction to the Advanced Study of Mineralogy and Geochemistry (4)

Introduction to mineralogy, high and low temperature geochemistry, and isotope systematics for first-year graduate students. Direct application of principles through laboratory investigations. Prerequisite: CHM 141, 142, 144, 145, GLG 201, 357. 3 Lec. 1 Lab. Offered infrequently.

646 Igneous Petrology (3) (10-week sprint course)

Theoretical and laboratory treatment of modern petrologic and geochemical problems and concepts with special emphasis of phase petrology, magmatic differentiation, computer modelling, and petrography. Prerequisite: GLG 643 or permission of instructor. 2 Lec. 1 Lab. Offered infrequently.

671 Introduction to Geology for Teachers I (4)

Origin, evolution, structure, and composition of Earth. Credit may not be used toward M.A. or M.S. degrees in geology. Prerequisite: at least 12 semester hours in college chemistry, physics, or biology. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

700 Research for Master's Thesis (1-12; minimum 6, maximum 12)

710 Geology Seminar (1-3; maximum 12)

Open to students who have completed a year of graduate study.

720 Advanced Mineralogy (1-3, maximum 3)

Single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies; study of crystal structure and comparative crystal chemistry of various mineral groups. Prerequisite: GLG 484/584, 643, or equivalent work in another graduate program. Offered infrequently.

723 Advanced Sedimentology (1-3)

Topics in sedimentology and sedimentary diagenesis discussed in depth. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered infrequently.

730 Advanced Igneous Petrology (1-3; maximum 3)

Experimental igneous petrology, and complex magma systems. Prerequisite: GLG 643 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

750 Advanced Studies in Crust and Mantle Development (1-3; maximum 3)

Geochemical and tectonic development of continental crust, and evolution of the mantle. Prerequisite: GLG 643 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

760 Advanced Carbonate Sedimentology (1-3; maximum 12)

Selected topics of sedimentology and geochemistry of carbonate sediments and rocks. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

770 Advanced Isotope Geochemistry (1-3; maximum 12)

Current topics in isotope geochemistry. Recent analytical advances and results of current research. Prerequisite: GLG 527.

790 Research in Geology (1-4; maximum 12)

850 Research for Doctoral Dissertation (1-16; minimum 16, maximum 60)