Welcome to the Graduate Program
at the Dept. of Geology & Geophysics
The Department of Geology and Geophysics is a highly ranked earth science department offering graduate degrees in three programs: Geology (M.S./Ph.D.), Geophysics (M.S./Ph.D.), and Geological Engineering (M.S./M.S.Eng./Ph.D.). The department will consider applicants to all programs who have previously completed either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in geoscience or a related field. Although completion of a master’s degree is not required for admission, competitive applicants to our Ph.D. program will be able to demonstrate previous research experience at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
Within the department, areas of research specialization include structural geology and tectonics, stable isotope geochemistry, metamorphic petrology, geochronology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petroleum geology, paleontology, environmental geology, paleoclimatology, geothermics, ground water and surface water hydrology, igneous petrology, aqueous geochemistry, economic geology, exploration seismology, earthquake seismology, and electromagnetics.You can find out more about specific research areas by scanning the research interests of faculty members listed in the Research Themes & Programs section. By selecting individual faculty from the list, you can read about the details of their research programs and see a list of selected recent publications. We encourage you to contact potential advisors in advance of your application, to find out about research and funding opportunities.
Graduate Application Deadline: January 15 for Fall Semester Admission and September 15 for Spring Semester Admission
Application for Graduate Admission
An applicant for admission to the graduate programs is expected to have met the following requirements:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, based on all undergraduate work or the last last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of the undergraduate work.
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- The core course requirements for a B.S. degree in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah. Students who are admitted to the graduate program without this basic background may be expected to make up any course deficiencies. Courses that are taken to make up for undergraduate deficiencies will not be counted as credit for the graduate degree.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS
All applicants are required to submit their application using the Apply Yourself system. Below is a list of materials you will need to complete the process.
- Academic Transcripts. A copy of your transcript from each college or university you have attended should be uploaded in the Apply Yourself system. If you are selected for admission to the graduate program, official, sealed copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent at that time to the university admissions office. More information can be found here.
- GRE Scores. Submission of GRE scores will no longer be accepted. (Previously the requirement was: Applicants should self-report their test scores in Apply Yourself. An official report of GRE test scores should be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Admissions Office. Use the institutional code for the University of Utah, 4853.)
- TOEFL scores (For international students only). An official report of scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required and should be directly sent to the Admissions Office. You will need to use code 4853 for the International Admissions Office.
- Letters of Reference. Names and contact information for three references will be requested in Apply Yourself. At least three letters of personal reference are required, preferably from current or former professors and research supervisors who are directly familiar with your abilities and performance. The recommenders will be contacted by email and may upload their recommendations using the Apply Yourself online system.
- CV or resume
- Statement of Purpose. A two-page personal statement outlining your background, research interests (including possible faculty research advisors), goals, and reasons for applying to our graduate program.
- Payment. Credit card for application fee
Application materials will be reviewed by the Department’s Graduate Affairs Committee, who makes recommendations for admission to the University. The final decision on admission is made by the University Admissions Office. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program after the review process is complete.
Financial Assistance
Qualified full-time graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships and Graduate Fellowships. The stipends for Teaching and Research Assistants are approximately $9,639 per semester for 2020-2021. Applicants who have indicated in ApplyYourself that they require financial support will automatically be considered for support by the Graduate Affairs committee. No separate application is required.
Tuition Benefit
The Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) provides tuition payment for eligible graduate students. A graduate tuition benefit is available only to matriculated graduate students compensated through the University of Utah. The TBP covers general graduate tuition and mandatory fees. More information is available here.
Health Insurance
A Subsidized Student Health Insurance Policy is offered to Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs). More information is available here.
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Utah is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and vigorously pursues affirmative action in all programs, activities, and employment with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a handicapped individual. Religion, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era also are protected under nondiscrimination and equal opportunity employment policies. Evidence of practices not consistent with these policies should be reported to the Office of the President of the University, 581-8365.
We look forward to receiving your application.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS COURSE LIST
GEO 5060 - Global Geophysics – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:MATH 2250 and PHYS 2220.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Structure and dynamics of the Earth. Observations and deductions about the crust,
mantle, and core. Lithospheric plates and their motions at present and in the past.
Energy balances within the Earth. Two lectures, one lab weekly. Meets with GEO 6061.
GEO 5065 - Advanced Structural Geology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 3060
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6060. Quantitative analysis of earth structures including two-and three-dimensional
geometrical modeling, processes of brittle and ductile deformation, and response of
rocks to static and dynamic stress fields. Applications to regional tectonics and
landscape evolution, earthquake mechanics, hydrology-petroleum geology, engineering
geology and mineral exploration. Two lectures, one lab per week.
GEO 5070 - Tectonics of Orogenic Belts – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:GEO 3060.
Components: Lecture
Tectonic processes at active plate margins and their products in the geologic record.
Focuses on current topics in tectonics research including interaction of solid-Earth
processes with climate and landscape development. Case histories drawn from around
the world. Meets with GEO 6070, GEO 7070.
GEO 5075 - Introduction to Geological Engineering – 2 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:MATH 1220 , CHEM 1220 .
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 3075. Role of geology in engineering; minerals; rocks; superficial
deposits; rocks and soils as engineering materials; hydrologic influences; geological
engineering aspects of underground excavations, slopes, reservoirs, and dam sites.
Geologic exploration of engineering sites; rock mass characterization per ISRM Suggested
Methods on rock cores and outcrops; rock mass classifications and their use in empirical
design. Stereonets, geometric constructions and slope stability calculations with
stereonets. Includes field trips, labs and a design experience. Additional work required
of graduate students. Meets with GEO 3075.
GEO 5120 - Geochemical Thermodynamics and Transport – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:GEO 3090 and GEO 4100.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Principles of geochemical thermodynamics and kinetics with application to solid, fluid,
and gas phases and solutions of geologic interest. Fundamentals of geochemical reaction
and transport with applications to processes of fluid-rock interaction in the Earth’s
crust. Two lectures, one lab weekly. Meets with GEO 6120, 7120.
GEO 5150 - Geological Engineering Design – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: (CVEEN 3310 AND GEO 5350) AND CVEEN 5305 OR MG EN 5150. Recommended Prerequisite: Completed or concurrently enrolled in GEO 4500.
Requirement Designation: Quantitative Intensive BS
Components: Lecture
Comprehensive design experience in the field of geo-engineering, starting from the
design of a site investigation and its cost estimate, and continuing with the analysis
of site investigation data, and their use in student’s term project. Reliability-based
design levels I, II and III, AASHTO LRFD as an example of design code. Slope stabilization
methods, foundations on unstable slopes. Students prepare geotechnical and design
reports, along with drawings in a design studio setting. Design process including
the Environmental Impact Statement/Assessment, project formats. 2 2-hour lectures/labs
with term project reviews or class design projects.
GEO 5170 - Geohazards and Engineering Geomorphology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 3100 AND PHYS 2210.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6170. This course presents an introduction to geological hazards, their
essential processes and driving factors, impact on built environments, and what can
be done about it all. Special attention is given to hazard identification and evaluation
through applied engineering geomorphology, and toward introducing underlying geomorphological
principles of the different systems. Topics addressed include: mass wasting (e.g.
rockfall, rock avalanches, landslides, debris and earth flows), earthquakes (site
effects, liquefaction and slope stability), alpine geohazards (glacial and periglacial),
and Fluvial processes such as flooding and erosion. Course meets twice per week for
lecture and two mandatory full-day excursions plus one virtual field trip.
GEO 5180 - Paleoecology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:GEO 3180. Recommended Co-Requisites: GEO 3040.
Components: Lecture
Ecologic approach to the interpretation of fossil populations, communities, and the
global biosphere throughout geological time. One one-week field trip. Meets with GEO 6180, GEO 7180.
GEO 5200 - Depositional Environments – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 3090 OR GEO 3100.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6200 and 7200. Physical and chemical factors related to deposition
and lithification of sedimentary material; significant aspects of major sedimentary
environments, with emphasis on interpretation and recognition. Three lectures weekly.
GEO 5210 - Seismology I: Tectonophysics and Elastic Waves – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 3010 , MATH 2210 . Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 3150 .
Components: Lecture
Continuum mechanics of Earth materials, tensor formulation of deformation and stress,
fracture, flow, and rheology of the Earth materials; constitutive relationships; wave
propagation, wave equations, reflection/refraction, travel time determinations. Introduction
to analytic problem solving using computer tools. Meets with GEO 6211.
GEO 5220 - Seismology II: Seismic Imaging – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 5210.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 6222. Seismic imaging using both passive and active seismic sources
with applications to both large and small scale problems. Introduction to seismic
tomography, receiver function analysis, refraction and reflection imaging, seismic
interferometry, and other imaging techniques. Field and laboratory exercises.
GEO 5240 - Electromagnetic Methods – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites: MATH 3150 and PHYCS 2220.
Components: Lecture
General concepts of electromagnetic field behavior. Electromagnetic properties of
rocks. Direct current methods, natural-field electromagnetic methods, magnetotelluric
field, numerical modeling, magnetotelluric survey methods. Controlled source electromagnetic
methods, electromagnetic sounding and profiling. Computer simulation and interpretation
of electromagnetic geophysical data. Meets with GEO 6240.
GEO 5250 - Inversion Theory and Applications – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites:MATH 3150 and PHYS 2220.
Components: Lecture
Forward and inverse problems in geophysics. Uniqueness and instability in the solution
of inverse problems. Ill-posed problems and methods of their solution. The regularization
method. Linearized inversion technique. Principles of discrete inverse theory. Nonlinear
inversion technique. Gradient type methods, regularized Newton, and conjugate gradient
methods. Computer simulation of geophysical inverse problem solution using regularization
method. Meets with GEO 6250, GEO 7250.
GEO 5270 - Geomorphology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: GEO 3100.
Components: Lecture
Study of processes driving the dynamic form and evolution of Earths surface, focusing
on the mechanics of physical and chemical interactions between ice, water, air, rock,
sediment and soil. This course provides an overview of Earth surface processes and
the landforms they produce. Topics include weathering and erosion, glaciers and periglacial
processes, hillslopes and mass movements, earthquakes, and fluvial systems. Two lectures
and one exercise period per week; one mandatory full-day field trip. Meets with GEO
6270.
GEO 5320 - Signal Processing in the Geosciences – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: MATH 2250. Recommended Prerequisites: MATH 3160.
Components: Lecture
Analysis of linear time-invariant systems and the processing of continuous and digital
signals. Topics include: Laplace transforms, Fourier Transforms, transfer functions,
convolution and correlation, sampling issues, filter design, spectral analysis, and
time-frequency analysis. Meets with GEO 6320, 7320.
GEO 5330 - Seismic Sources – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites: GEO 5210 and MATH 3150.
Components: Lecture
Physics of earthquakes and related sources. Topics include stress, strain, faulting,
focal mechanisms, moment tensors, magnitudes and energy release, source kinematics,
event detection and location, source discrimination, types of earthquakes, and case
studies of notable earthquakes. Meets with GEO 6330 and 7330.
GEO 5350 - Groundwater – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: MATH 1220.
Attributes: Sustainability - Limited
Components: Lecture
Fundamental physics and mathematical models of ground-water flow with selected applications
in the earth sciences and engineering. Specific topics include Darcy’s Law, fluid
storage, equations of flow, aquifer evaluation methods, and the role of ground water
in geotechnical and geologic problems. Meets with GEO 6350.
GEO 5360 - Fluid Mechanics of Earth Materials – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: MATH 2250 OR Instructor Consent.
Components: Lecture
Derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid motion and momentum transport.
Application to fundamental problems of Earth science and engineering design. Two lectures,
one lab weekly. Meets with GEO 6360.
GEO 5368 - Energy Choices for the 21st Century – 3 credits
Cross-listed:GEOG 5368
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Knowledge of Basic Algebra (Recommended).
Requirement Designation: Physical/Life Science Exploration
Components: Lecture
Meets with ENVST 3368, GEOG 3368 and GEO 3368. Graduate students should enroll in
GEOG 5368 or GEO 5368 and will be held to higher standards and/or more work. This
class is designed to give students an introduction to the critical energy issues facing
our planet, with a focus on controversial topics and issues in Utah. These will include:
hydraulic fracking (fracking), offshore oil and gas development, oil shale and tar
sand development, nuclear energy (with particular regard to the proposed Blue Castle
nuclear plant in Green River and storage of radioactive waste in Utah), wind, solar
and geothermal energy (again, with emphasis on Utah), other renewable technologies,
the Smartgrid difficulties in commercializing new energy technologies, air pollution,
transportation choices, energy policy development, and global issues including population
dynamics, climate change, carbon management, water resources, the Law of Unintended
Consequences, and tipping points. A number of outstanding guest lecturers will provide
expertise in their respective fields.
GEO 5385 - Introduction to Groundwater Modeling – 1 credit
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 5350 OR Equivalent.
Components: Laboratory
Meets with GEO 6385. Fundamentals of groundwater flow and transport modeling will
be introduced in the computer laboratory using hands-on exercises performed with the
Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) and the U.S.G.S. groundwater models MODFLOW, MODPATH,
and FEMWATER. By the end of the 5-week short-course, each student should understand
the assumptions and limitations of the modeling approach and be able to create, run
and interpret the results of 2-D groundwater flow and transport simulations using
GMS. Topics covered include: defining mathematical/numerical equivalents to real world
problems, finite difference method, finite element method and sensitivity studies.
GEO 5390 - Solute Transport and Subsurface Remediation – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 5350. Co-requisites: GEO 5385.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6390. Application of principles of ground water hydrology and contaminant
chemistry in the quantification and characterization of physical, chemical and biological
processes influencing subsurface hazardous waste. Topics include: quantification of
advective-dispersive transport of conservative and reactive solutes, transport in
granular and fractured media, application of environmental regulations and toxicological
parameters, design of air-stripping, carbon adsorption, soil vapor extraction, surfactant
enhanced extraction, bio-venting, bio-augmentation, solidification, and capture systems.
Class project involves design of remediation system for a hypothetical site.
GEO 5420 - Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution – 3 credits
Cross-listed:BIOL 5401
Components: Lecture
Survey of the diversity of fossil vertebrates, with emphasis on skeletal morphology
and systematics. Additional topics include taphonomy, functional morphology, origins
of major groups (clades), tempo and mode of evolutionary change, and mass extinctions,
as well as stratigraphic and biogeographic distributions viewed in the context of
plate tectonics. One field trip. Meets with GEO 6420.
GEO 5450 - Ore Genesis and Mineral Exploration – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 3080 or GEO 3100.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Ore-forming processes, magma differentiation, hydrothermal systems, sedimentation
and metamorphism. Hand-specimen and thin-section examination of fresh and altered
host rocks. Microscope study of ore minerals with polished-surface preparations. Identification,
textures, structures, associations, and sequence of mineral deposition with problem-solving
philosophy. Exploration algorithm, design, and execution of geologic programs and
applications of geologic principles in regional minerals search, including geochemical,
geophysical, geological, and engineering methods. Field trips in Utah and adjacent
states. Two lectures, one lab weekly. Meets with GEO 6451, 7451.
GEO 5470 - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology – 3 credits
Cross-listed:BIOL 5470
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
Components: Lecture
A lecture course on the principles of stable isotope biogeochemistry and ecology as
applied to biological environments and of the contributions of stable isotope approaches
to addressing ecological phenomena from cellular through global levels. this course
emphasizes a critical-thinking focus on ecological and biogeochemical processes and
patterns at local to global scales. Student performance is evaluated through a combination
of data analysis, writing, and oral/written communications. Meets with BIOL 7473 in
Fall semester. It is recommended that BIOL 3410 is completed prior to or concurrently
with taking this course.
GEO 5473 - Stable Isotope Ecology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:GEO 5660 OR BIOL 5495 OR BIOL 5460.
Components: Lecture
Short course (2 weeks). A multi-lecturer course describing the principles of sable
isotope biogeochemistry as applied to biological environments, geological and marine
processes, climate reconstruction, anthropological and biomedical studies, and of
the contributions of stable isotope approaches to addressing ecological phenomena
from cellular through global levels.
GEO 5475 - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry in Ecology Laboratory – 3 credits
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
One-hour lecture and two 3-hour laboratory sessions per week. A laboratory course
introducing principles of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy.
Laboratory experiments and field observations are designed to promote critical thinking
and hypothesis testing associated with environmental research. Technical experiences
include training on isotope ratio mass spectrometers, laser spectrometers, elemental
analyzers, has chromatograph mass spectrometers, infrared gas analyzers, and vacuum
systems. Two mandatory field trips. The primary focus of the combined lab-field experience
is to provide students with experiences that include experimental design, methodology,
data acquisition and analysis, report writing, and proposal preparation.
GEO 5495 - Biophysical Ecology – 3 credits
Cross-listed: ATMOS 5495 BIOL 5495
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: MATH 1180 OR MATH 1220 OR MATH 1260 OR MATH 1320.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
This quantitative-intensive lecture and laboratory course will examine the physical
environment (light, wind, temperature, humidity) in which plants, animals, and soil
organisms live, how the physical environment affects their physiological function,
and how organisms in turn affect their physical environment. It is recommended that
PHYS 2020 or 2120 or 2220 or 3220 be completed prior to taking this course.
GEO 5500 - Field Methods – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: (GEO 1110, GEO 3060, GEO 3080 AND GEO 3090) OR (GEO 1100, 2100, 2500 AND 3100).
Components: Field Work/Lecture
Meets with GEO 4500. Practical field skills applicable to geological, geoengineering,
and environmental studies developed through weekly field exercises in the Wasatch
Front area. Results presented orally in class and/or in written reports targeted to
a variety of potential users, including professional colleagues, government agencies,
and the general public.
GEO 5510 - Introduction to Petroleum Systems: PICP 1a – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 3040 or equivalent.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6510. This entry level course in the Petroleum Industry Career Path (PICP), with an introduction
to petroleum systems components including source, reservoir, seal, trap, and generation-migration-accumulation
processes. Class discussions, presentations, and readings revolve around a required
weekend field trip to investigate outcrop and subcrop expressions and field relationships
of an active petroleum system (e.g., the Sevier foreland basin and overthrust belt).
Industry experts and guest speakers are an integral part of the course. Projects will
cover a diverse industry dataset (outcrop observations, seismic, well-log, core, bulk
and organic geochemical, and outcrop data) to advise on exploration strategies in
both established and frontier basins. Offered first half of fall semester.
GEO 5520 - Introduction to Petroleum Systems: PICP 1b – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 5510 .
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6520. A continuation of GEO 5510, this Petroleum Industry Career Path
(PICP) course expands on lessons learned in PICP 1a to include a more comprehensive
evaluation of hydrocarbon exploration and production methods. Industry datasets provide
real-world experience with typical petroleum datasets and their associated challenges.
Includes an introduction to borehole tools and well log interpretations. Integration
of multidisciplinary techniques is emphasized and both conventional and unconventional
resources are examined. Course includes a field trip and quest speakers from the petroleum
industry. This applied course will also address business and engineering aspects of
hydrocarbon exploration and production. Offered second half of fall semester, following
PICP 1a.
GEO 5525 - Geologic Interpretation of Seismic Reflection Data: PICP 2a – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: GEO 5520.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6525. This third course in the Petroleum Industry Career Path (PICP)
covers the basic principles of geologic interpretation of seismic reflection data,
including the basics of acquisition and processing, and potential pitfalls that all
seismic interpreters should consider. Laboratory and in-class exercises will use real
petroleum industry software and datasets - including both 2D paper lines and experience
with 3D workstation data - and emphasize practical applications of theories introduces
in class. Labs will cover integration of outcrop and well-log data with seismic data
(including synthetics), mapping and contouring techniques, and fundamentals of seismic
stratigraphy, all with direct implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Offered first
half of spring semester.
GEO 5530 - Petroleum Systems Capstone: PICP 2b – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: GEO 5525.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6530. This course presents an open-ended petroleum exploration scenario
where students must apply the methods and approaches encountered in previous PICP
offerings. Industry-standard software will be used in a collaborative, team-based
working environment to identify and characterize prospects from an industry dataset.
Students will rely on their fundamental knowledge of geology and geophysics to generate
prospects and will investigate the impact of (1) hydrocarbon in place estimation methods
and other reservoir engineering concepts, (2) risk evaluation, and (3) economics,
land issues and legal implications of evaluating petroleum plays and prospects. Offered
second half of spring semester.
GEO 5560 - Numerical Methods in the Geosciences – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6560. Application of common numerical methods to problems in geology,
hydrology, and geochemistry. Topics include error analysis, roots of equations, solution
of differential equations, and finite difference methods. Additional work will be
required of students registered for 6560.
GEO 5565 - Digital Mapping and GIS in the Geosciences – 2 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites: (GEO 1110 AND 1115) OR GEO 1100 OR Equivalent.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6565. Introduction of coordinate systems and projections, digital elevation
data and mapping. Analysis of geologic and hydrologic systems and data within a GIS
context. Additional work will be required of students registered for 6565.
GEO 5650 - Hydrology and Water Resources – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
As the core course in the Hydrology and water Resources Graduate program, this course
serves to integrate disciplinary expertise from participating units across campus.
The course is organized around four thematic modules with three topics each. Each
module covers fundamentals and introduces observations / modeling, current/ recent
knowledge. At the conclusion of each module there is an integrated activity focused
on application/ integration around related western water issues, decision making,
and policy.
GEO 5660 - Geochemistry – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites: CHEM 1220.
Components: Lecture
Geochemistry of the Earth and Earth processes, low temperature geochemistry, applications
of thermodynamics to geologic problems. Meets with GEO 6660, 7660.
GEO 5665 - Computational Paleophysiology – 3 credits
Cross-listed:BIOL 5665
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:CHEM 1210, MATH 1210, AND PHYS 2210.
Requirement Designation: Quantitative Intensive BS
Components: Field Work
This course examines the methods scientists use to ‘put flesh on the bones’ of extinct
animals. It is designed to give students the quantitative tools needed to build computational
models that reconstruct the biology of extinct organisms as well as to teach them
how to frame hypotheses, select appropriate methods for investigating hypotheses,
analyze data, write a scientific paper, and communicate findings as an oral presentation.
the class emphasizes project-based learning. The course includes a field trip and
the dates are TBA. Instructor’s permission is required. Click the course name above
for application information. For questions contact Biology Advising 581-6244. It is
recommended that CHEM 1210, MATH 1210, PHYS 2210, BIOL 3310, BIOL 3320 be completed
prior to or concurrently with this course.
GEO 5670 - Isotope Tracers in Earth Science – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisites: GEO 5660.
Components: Discussion/Lecture
Principles of stable isotope fractionation. Overview and interpretation of stable
isotope variations in the Earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.
Applications of isotopes to track and evaluate geologic, physical, geochemical, and
geobiochemical processes in and on the Earth. Two lectures, one lab weekly. Meets
with GEO 6670.
GEO 5675 - Paleoclimate Reconstruction – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6675. Paleoclimatology, the study of past climate states and climate
change, is fundamental to understanding and predicting recent and future changes in
Earth’s climate. This course will explore how paleoclimatologists reconstruct and
understand past climate through the investigation of biological, hydrological, and
sedimentalogical archives. The course combines lectures with reading and discussion
of the recent literature, and will emphasize informed, critical evaluation of paleoclimate
data and illustration of multi-disciplinary approaches to significant problems in
contemporary paleoclimatology. Although no formal prerequisites are required, introductory-level
familiarity with inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, and calculus will benefit
students in the class.
GEO 5680 - The Carbon Cycle: Past, Present, Future – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6680. This course will review the carbon cycle in the context of its
global role as a fundamental biogeochemical cycle. We will explore its links to Earth
history, evolution, climate, surface processes, the sedimentary record, oceanography,
ecology, energy, human society, and the future habitability of our planet. We will
evaluate how the carbon cycle operated before human intervention, how it has changed
in recent centuries, and how it might change in the future.
GEO 5690 - Environmental Chemodynamics
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: CHEM 1210, 1220 or consent of instructor.
Components: Lecture
If you’ve ever wondered about odd contamination issues like: why polar bears accumulate
PCBs; why its so difficult to say whether an oil spill has actually been cleaned up;
and why is mercury everywhere but becomes problem only in certain places, then this
course may be for you. This course provides a working knowledge for prediction of
the partitioning of anthropogenic organic and inorganic chemicals in aquatic and subsurface
environments and is designed to allow participation by students from a wide variety
of backgrounds including geoscience, environmental engineering and public health.
Students are assumed to have had a year of general chemistry. We will briefly review
the basics of organic and physical chemistry at appropriate places in the course.
While the course style accommodates many backgrounds, it is not a slacker course;
you will learn a great deal, and you will emerge with working tools to predict contaminant
concentrations in the environment based on their molecular structures and basic characteristics.
GEO 5900 - Internship – 1-3 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 6 Total Units Allowed: 18
Components: Practicum
Student internships and work experience in geoscience related jobs. This cooperative
education program is available to GEO majors.
GEO 5910 - Hydrology and Professional Development Seminar – 2 credits
Components: Seminar
This seminar course is the second on two new courses that constitute the common core
for the recently approved Hydrology and Water Resources Graduate Certificate. Six
high profile lectures from visiting and local researchers on water cycle dynamics
will alternate with professional development activities designed for training leaders
in Hydrology and Water Resource management and research.
GEO 5920 - Special Topics - .5-5 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 8 Total Units Allowed: 24
Components: Special Topics
Investigation of specific geoscience problems. See GEO 6920 for topic areas.
GEO 6060 - Advanced Structural Geology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:GEO 3060.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5065. Quantitative analysis of Earth structures including two- and three-dimensional geometrical
modeling, processes of brittle and ductile deformation, and response of rocks to static
and dynamic stress fields. Applications to regional tectonics and landscape evolution,
earthquake mechanics, hydrology-petroleum geology, engineering geology and mineral
exploration. Two lectures, one lab per week.
GEO 6061 - Global Geophysics – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5060; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5060 for
course description.
GEO 6070 - Tectonics of Orogenic Belt – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5070; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5070 for
course description.
GEO 6120 - Geochemical Thermodynamics and Transport – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5120 and GEO 7120; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5120 for course description.
GEO 6150 - Geological Engineering Design – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5150. Comprehensive design experience in the field of geo-engineering,
starting from the design of a site investigation and its cost estimate, and continuing
with the analysis of site investigation data, and their use in students’ term project.
Reliability-based design levels I, II and III, AASHTO LRFD as an example of design
code. Slope stabilization methods, foundations on unstable slopes. Students prepare
geotechnical and design reports, along with drawings in a design studio setting. Design
process including the Environmental Impact Statement/Assessment, project formats.
2 2-hour lectures/labs with term project reviews or class design projects.
GEO 6170 - Geohazards and Engineering Geomorphology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5170. This course presents an introduction to geological hazards, their
essential processes and driving factors, impact on built environments, and what can
be done about it all. Special attention is given to hazard identification and evaluation
through applied engineering geomorphology, and toward introducing underlying geomorphological
principles of the different systems. Topics addressed include: mass wasting (e.g.
rockfall, rock avalanches, landslides, debris and earth flows), earthquakes (site
effects, liquefaction and slope stability), alpine geohazards (glacial and periglacial),
and Fluvial processes such as flooding and erosion. Course meets twice per week for
lecture and two mandatory full-day excursions plus one virtual field trip.
GEO 6180 – Paleoecology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5180 and GEO 7180; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5180 for course description.
GEO 6200 - Depositional Environments – 3 credits
Cross-listed: GEO 7200
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: M.S. Students AND Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Graduate standing required. Meets with GEO 5200; additional work required of graduate
students. Physical and chemical factors related to deposition and lithification of
sedimentary material; significant aspects of major sedimentary environments, with
emphasis on interpretation and recognition. Three lectures weekly.
GEO 6211 - Seismology I – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5210; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5210 for
course description.
GEO 6220 - Theoretical Seismology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:GEO 5320 and GEO 5330 and MATH 3150 and MATH 3160.
Components: Laboratory
Advanced studies in seismic wave propagation including elastodynamics, representation
theory, moment tensors, effects of boundaries on propagation, asymptotic ray theory,
plane wave decomposition, full wave theory (Cagniard de Hoop), and reflectivity. Synthetic
seismogram formulation. Meets with GEO 7220.
GEO 6222 - Seismology II: Seismic Imaging – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: M.S. status
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5220. Seismic imaging using both passive and active seismic sources
with applications to both large and small scale problems. Introduction to seismic
tomography, receiver function analysis, refraction and reflection imaging, seismic
interferometry, and other imaging techniques. Field and laboratory exercises.
GEO 6240 - Electromagnetic Methods – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5240; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5240 for
course description.
GEO 6250 - Inversion Theory and Applications – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5250 and GEO 7250; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5250 for course description
GEO 6250 - Inversion Theory and Applications – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5250 and GEO 7250; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5250 for course description.
GEO 6270 - Geomorphology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing required.
Components: Lecture
Study of processes driving the dynamic form and evolution of Earths surface, focusing
on the mechanics of physical and chemical interactions between ice, water, air, rock,
sediment and soil. This course provides an overview of Earth surface processes and
the landforms they produce. Topics include weathering and erosion, glaciers and periglacial
processes, hillslopes and mass movements, earthquakes, and fluvial systems. Two lectures
and one exercise period per week; one mandatory full-day field trip. Additional work
required for graduate students. Meets with GEO 5270.
GEO 6320 - Signal Processing in the Geosciences – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: M.S. status
Components: Lecture
Analysis of linear time-invariant systems and the processing of continuous and digital
signals. Topics include: Laplace transforms, Fourier Transforms, transfer functions,
convolution and correlation, sampling issues, filter design, spectral analysis, and
time-frequency analysis. Meets with GEO 5320, 7320.
GEO 6330 - Seismic Sources – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5330 and GEO 7330; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5330 for course description.
GEO 6350 - Groundwater – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5350; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5350 for
course description.
GEO 6360 - Fluid Mechanics of Earth Materials – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid motion and momentum transport.
Application to fundamental problems of Earth science and engineering design. Two lectures,
one lab weekly. Meets with GEO 5360. Additional work required of graduate students.
GEO 6370 - Contaminant Partitioning for Engineers and Scientists
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:CHEM 1210, CHEM 1220 or consent of instructor.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5370 and GEO 7370; additional work required of graduate students. Molecular
basis for the physical and chemical behavior of organic chemicals in air, water, soil,
as well as within our own bodies. Relation of contaminant structure and chemistry
to distribution within the environment. Contaminant transport, origins of contaminants
at contaminated sites, and remedial technologies for cleanup.
GEO 6385 - Introduction to Groundwater Modeling – 1 credit
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 5350 OR Equivalent.
Components: Laboratory
Meets with GEO 5385. Fundamentals of groundwater flow and transport modeling will
be introduced in the computer laboratory using hands-on exercises performed with the
Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) and the U.S.G.S. groundwater models MODFLOW, MODPATH,
and FEMWATER. By the end of the 5-week short-course, each student should understand
the assumptions and limitations of the modeling approach and be able to create, run
and interpret the results of 2-D groundwater flow and transport simulations using
GMS. Topics covered include: defining mathematical/numerical equivalents to real world
problems, finite difference method, finite element method and sensitivity studies.
GEO 6390 - Solute Transport and Subsurface Remediation – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 5350. Co- or pre-requisite: GEO 5385. Students with groundwater courses alternative
to GEO 5350/6350 may enroll with the consent of the instructor.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5390. Application of principles of ground water hydrology and contaminant
chemistry in the quantification and characterization of physical, chemical and biological
processes influencing subsurface hazardous waste. Topics include: quantification of
advective-dispersive transport of conservative and reactive solutes, transport in
granular and fractured media, application of environmental regulations and toxicological
parameters, design of air-stripping, carbon adsorption, soil vapor extraction, surfactant
enhanced extraction, bio-venting, bio-augmentation, solidification, and capture systems.
Class project involves design of remediation system for a hypothetical site.
GEO 6420 - Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5420; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5420 for
course description.
GEO 6451 - Ore Genesis and Mineral Exploration – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5450 and GEO 7451; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5450 for course description.
GEO 6470 - Stable Isotopes Biogeochemistry and Ecology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:BIOL 3410 or equivalent.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5470 and GEO 7470. A lecture course on the principles of stable isotope
biogeochemistry and ecology as applied to biological environments and of the contributions
of stable isotope approaches to addressing ecological phenomena from cellular through
global levels. this course emphasizes a critical-thinking focus on ecological and
biogeochemical processes and patterns at local to global scales. Student performance
is evaluated through a combination of data analysis, writing, and oral/written communications.
GEO 6473 - Stable Isotope Ecology – 3 credits
Cross-listed:GEO 7473
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:GEO 5660 OR BIOL 5495 OR BIOL 5460.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5473. Short course (2 weeks). A multi-lecturer course describing the
principles of stable isotope biogeochemistry as applied to biological environments,
geological and marine processes, climate reconstruction, anthropological and biomedical
studies, and of the contributions of stable isotope approaches to addressing ecological
phenomena from cellular through global levels.
GEO 6474 - Isotopes in Large-Scale Environmental Research – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 7474. This course trains students in theory and practice of techniques
for integrating environmental isotopes data at large spatial scales and applying them
to environmental, ecological, climate change, and hydrological research. These tools
are used to identify sources, trace fluxes and movement of materials, and characterize
and integrate information on environmental processes occurring over large spatial
scales. Fundamentals of geospatial data, data management and Geographic Information
Systems are introduced, and an interdisciplinary suite of cutting-edge research applications
are presented. Offered each summer where it is open only through DCE as a contract
course. Two weeks intensive.
GEO 6475 - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology Laboratory – 3 credits
Cross-listed:BIOL 7475GEO 7475
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
Components: Laboratory
A laboratory course in stable biogeochemistry and ecology involving experimental design,
experimental methodologies, instrument use, and data analysis and interpretation.
This course involves learning how to operate state-of-the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometers,
cavity ring-down laser spectrometers, and associated GCMS and EA peripherals. Offered
each summer where it is open only through DCE as a contract course. Two week summer
intensive.
GEO 6476 - Isotopes in Large-Scale Environmental Research Laboratory – 3 credits
Components: Laboratory
Meets with GEO 7476. This lab course introduces methods for integrating environmental
isotope data at large spatial scales to address environmental, ecological, climate
change, and hydrological problems. A series of state-of the art laser-cased isotope
analyzers, data management tools, statistical techniques, and process-based models
are introduced. Students apply these tools to identify sources, trace fluxes and movement
of materials, and characterize and integrate information on environmental processes
occurring over large spatial scales. Offered each summer where it is open only through
DCE as a contract course. Two weeks intensive.
GEO 6510 - Introduction to Petroleum Systems: PICP 1a – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 3040 or equivalent.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6510. This entry level course in the Petroleum Industry Career Path (PICP), with an introduction
to petroleum systems components including source, reservoir, seal, trap, and generation-migration-accumulation
processes. Class discussions, presentations, and readings revolve around a required
weekend field trip to investigate outcrop and subcrop expressions and field relationships
of an active petroleum system (e.g., the Sevier foreland basin and overthrust belt).
Industry experts and guest speakers are an integral part of the course. Projects will
cover a diverse industry dataset (outcrop observations, seismic, well-log, core, bulk
and organic geochemical, and outcrop data) to advise on exploration strategies in
both established and frontier basins. Offered first half of fall semester.
GEO 6520 - Introduction to Petroleum Systems: PICP 1b – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 6510 .
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5520. A continuation of GEO 5510, this Petroleum Industry Career Path
(PICP) course expands on lessons learned in PICP 1a to include a more comprehensive
evaluation of hydrocarbon exploration and production methods. Industry datasets provide
real-world experience with typical petroleum datasets and their associated challenges.
Includes an introduction to borehole tools and well log interpretations. Integration
of multidisciplinary techniques is emphasized and both conventional and unconventional
resources are examined. Course includes a field trip and quest speakers from the petroleum
industry. This applied course will also address business and engineering aspects of
hydrocarbon exploration and production. Offered second half of fall semester, following
PICP 1a.
GEO 6525 - Geologic Interpretation of Seismic Reflection Data: PICP 2a – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: GEO 6520.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5525. This third course in the Petroleum Industry Career Path (PICP)
covers the basic principles of geologic interpretation of seismic reflection data,
including the basics of acquisition and processing, and potential pitfalls that all
seismic interpreters should consider. Laboratory and in-class exercises will use real
petroleum industry software and datasets - including both 2D paper lines and experience
with 3D workstation data - and emphasize practical applications of theories introduces
in class. Labs will cover integration of outcrop and well-log data with seismic data
(including synthetics), mapping and contouring techniques, and fundamentals of seismic
stratigraphy, all with direct implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Offered first
half of spring semester.
GEO 6530 - Petroleum Systems Capstone: PICP 2b – 1.5 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: GEO 6524.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5530. This course presents an open-ended petroleum exploration scenario
where students must apply the methods and approaches encountered in previous PICP
offerings. Industry-standard software will be used in a collaborative, team-based
working environment to identify and characterize prospects from an industry dataset.
Students will rely on their fundamental knowledge of geology and geophysics to generate
prospects and will investigate the impact of (1) hydrocarbon in place estimation methods
and other reservoir engineering concepts, (2) risk evaluation, and (3) economics,
land issues and legal implications of evaluating petroleum plays and prospects. Offered
second half of spring semester.
GEO 6540 - Imperial Barrel Award Competition PICP 3b – 2 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: GEO 6535.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5540. This course presents an open-ended petroleum exploration scenario
where students must apply the methods and approaches encountered in previous PICP
offerings. Industry-standard software will be used in a collaborative, team-based
working environment to identify prospects from an industry dataset. Students will
rely on their fundamental knowledge of geology and geophysics to generate prospects
and will investigate the impact of (1) hydrocarbon in place estimation methods and
other reservoir engineering concepts, (2) risk evaluation, and (3) economics, land
issues and legal implications of evaluating petroleum plays and prospects. Student
teams will prepare competitive technical evaluations to a panel of industry judges,
focusing on participation in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists IBA.
GEO 6560 - Numerical Methods in the Geosciences – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite:GEO 3400 or one computer programming course.
Components: Lecture
Meets GEO 5560. Application of common numerical methods to problems in geology, hydrology,
and geochemistry. Topics include error analysis, roots of equations, solutions of
differential equations, and finite difference methods. Additional work will be required
of students registered for 6560.
GEO 6565 - Digital Mapping and GIS in the Geosciences – 2 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5565. Introduction of coordinate systems and projections, digital elevation
data and mapping. Analysis of geologic and hydrologic systems and data within a GIS
context. Additional work will be required of students registered for 6565.
GEO 6660 - Geochemistry – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5660 and GEO 7660; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5660 for course description.
GEO 6665 - Computational Paleophysiology – 3 credits
Cross-listed:BIOL 6665
Components: Field Work
Meets with BIOL 5665 and GEO 5665. This course examines the methods scientists use
to ‘put flesh on the bones’ of extinct animals. It is designed to give students the
quantitative tools needed to build computational models that reconstruct the biology
of extinct organisms as well as to teach them how to frame hypotheses, select appropriate
methods for investigating hypotheses, analyze data, write a scientific paper, and
communicate findings as an oral presentation. the class emphasizes project-based learning.
The course includes a field trip and the dates are TBA. Instructor’s permission is
required. Click the course name above for application information. For questions contact
Biology Advising 581-6244.
GEO 6670 - Isotope Tracers in Earth Science – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate standing required.
Components: Lecture/Discussion
Meets with GEO 5670; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 5670 for
course description.
GEO 6675 - Paleoclimate Reconstruction – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5675. Paleoclimatology, the study of past climate states and climate
change, is fundamental to understanding and predicting recent and future changes in
Earth’s climate. This course will explore how paleoclimatologists reconstruct and
understand past climate through the investigation of biological, hydrological, and
sedimentalogical archives. The course combines lectures with reading and discussion
of the recent literature, and will emphasize informed, critical evaluation of paleoclimate
data and illustration of multi-disciplinary approaches to significant problems in
contemporary paleoclimatology. Although no formal prerequisites are required, introductory-level
familiarity with inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, and calculus will benefit
students in the class.
GEO 6680 - The Carbon Cycle: Past, Present, Future – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5680. This course will review the carbon cycle in the context of its
global role as a fundamental biogeochemical cycle. We will explore its links to Earth
history, evolution, climate, surface processes, the sedimentary record, oceanography,
ecology, energy, human society, and the future habitability of our planet. We will
evaluate how the carbon cycle operated before human intervention, how it has changed
in recent centuries, and how it might change in the future.
GEO 6690 – Environmental Chemodynamics – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:CHEM 1210, CHEM 1220 or consent of instructor.
Components: Lecture
Graduate Standing required. Thermodynamic and transport properties of inorganic and
organic aqueous solutes in applied contexts involving contaminant accumulation and
transport. Mineral solubilities, phase equilibria, redox processes, heterogenous kinetics,
and irreversible mass transfer are examined via theory and hands-on geochemical modeling
to support engineered solutions to contamination problems. Meets with GEO 5690.
GEO 6760 - Advanced Sedimentology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Recommended Prerequisite:GEO 3040.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Advanced topics in clastic and carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy. Covers varying
scales from petrography to basin synthesis and global change. Two lectures, one lab
weekly. Meets with GEO 7760.
GEO 6920 - Special Topics - .5-5 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 8 Total Units Allowed: 24
Components: Special Topics
Upon graduate student request, special seminars may be taught by the following faculty
in the areas of indicated specialization: J.M. Bartley, structural geology; J.R. Bowman,
isotope geology and metamorphic petrology; F.H. Brown, geochronology and petrology;
R.L. Bruhn, structural and engineering geology; T.E. Cerling, geochemistry; M.A. Chan,
sedimentology and stratigraphy; D.S. Chapman, heat flow and regional tectonics; A.A.
Ekdale, invertebrate paleontology and paleoecology; S.L. Halgedahl, rock magnetism;
R.D. Jarrard, downhole, geophysical measurements; P.W. Jewell, hydrology and fluid
dynamics; C. Johnson, sedimentology, tectonics; W.P. Johnson, geological engineering;
B.P. Nash, igneous petrology, volcanology; J.C. Pechmann, earthquake seismology; E.U.
Petersen, economic geology; P.H. Roth, micropaleontology and paleoceanography; G.T.
Schuster, reflection seismology; R.B. Smith, seismology and tectonophysics; D.K. Solomon,
geological engineering, hydrology; F. Tonon, geological engineering, uncertainty modeling;
M.S. Zhdanov, geophysical field theory.
GEO 6950 - Reviews in Earth Science – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Review of selected topics encompassing a broad spectrum of disciplines within Earth
science. Seminar format emphasizes developing communications skills, teamwork, and
collegiality. Required for all students in first year of M.S. programs in Department
of Geology and Geophysics. One two-hour meeting weekly.
GEO 6960 - Masters of Engineering Special Project – 1-6 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 2 Total Units Allowed: 12
Components: Special Projects
Research for Masters of Engineering Project
GEO 6970 - Thesis Research: Master’s – 1-12 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 1 Total Units Allowed: 99
Components: Thesis Research
Also appropriate for M.E. research.
GEO 6980 - Faculty Consultation – 3 credits Components: Independent Study
GEO 7120 - Geochemical Thermodynamics and Transport – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Laboratory/Lecture
Meets with GEO 5120 and GEO 6120; additional work required of graduate students. See
GEO 5120 for course description.
GEO 7200 - Depositional Environments – 3 credits
Cross-listed: GEO 6200
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: Ph.D. Students AND Graduate Standing Required.
Components: Lecture
Graduate standing required. Meets with GEO 5200; additional work required of graduate
students. Physical and chemical factors related to deposition and lithification of
sedimentary material; significant aspects of major sedimentary environments, with
emphasis on interpretation and recognition. Three lectures weekly.
GEO 7220 - Theoretical Seismology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Ph.D. students only.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6220; additional work required of graduate students. See GEO 6220 for
course description.
GEO 7320 - Signal Processing in the Geosciences – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites: PhD Students Only.
Components: Lecture
Analysis of linear time-invariant systems and the processing of continuous and digital
signals. Topics include: Laplace transforms, Fourier Transforms, transfer functions,
convolution and correlation, sampling issues, filter design, spectral analysis, and
time-frequency analysis. Meets with GEO 5320, 6320.
GEO 7390 - Solute Transport and Subsurface Remediation – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:GEO 3080, GEO 3090, GEO 3400, GEO 5350, GEO 5360, GEO 5370. Co- or pre-requisite:GEO 5385, GEO 5500. Non Geological Engineers lacking some of these pre-requisites may enroll with the
consent of the instructor.
Components: Lecture
Application of principles of ground water hydrology and contaminant chemistry in the
quantification and characterization of physical, chemical and biological processes
influencing subsurface hazardous waste. Topics include: quantification of advective-dispersive
transport of conservative and reactive solutes, transport in granular and fractured
media, application of environmental regulations and toxicological parameters, design
of air-stripping, carbon adsorption, soil vapor extraction, surfactant enhanced extraction,
bio-venting, bio-augmentation, solidification, and capture systems. Class project
involves design of remediation system for a hypothetical site.
GEO 7470 - Stable Isotopes Biogeochemistry and Ecology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: PhD standing or instructor’s consent.
Components: Laboratory
Meets with GEO 5470 and GEO 6470. A lecture course on the principles of stable isotope
biogeochemistry and ecology as applied to biological environments and of the contributions
of stable isotope approaches to addressing ecological phenomena from cellular through
global levels. this course emphasizes a critical-thinking focus on ecological and
biogeochemical processes and patterns at local to global scales. Student performance
is evaluated through a combination of data analysis, writing, and oral/written communications.
GEO 7473 - Stable Isotope Ecology – 3 credits
Cross-listed:GEO 6473
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisites:GEO 5660 OR BIOL 5495 OR BIOL 5460.
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 5473. Short course (2 weeks). A multi-lecturer course describing the
principles of stable isotope biogeochemistry as applied to biological environments,
geological and marine processes, climate reconstruction, anthropological and biomedical
studies, and of the contributions of stable isotope approaches to addressing ecological
phenomena from cellular through global levels.
GEO 7474 - Isotopes in Large-Scale Environmental Research – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Meets with GEO 6474. This course trains students in theory and practice of techniques
for integrating environmental isotopes data at large spatial scales and applying them
to environmental, ecological, climate change, and hydrological research. These tools
are used to identify sources, trace fluxes and movement of materials, and characterize
and integrate information on environmental processes occurring over large spatial
scales. Fundamentals of geospatial data, data management and Geographic Information
Systems are introduced, and an interdisciplinary suite of cutting-edge research applications
are presented. Offered each summer where it is open only through DCE as a contract
course. Two weeks intensive.
GEO 7475 - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology Laboratory – 3 credits
Cross-listed: BIOL 7475GEO 6475
Components: Laboratory
A laboratory course in stable biogeochemistry and ecology involving experimental design,
experimental methodologies, instrument use, and data analysis and interpretation.
This course involves learning how to operate state-of-the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometers,
cavity ring-down laser spectrometers, and associated GCMS and EA peripherals. Offered
each summer where it is open only through DCE as a contract course. Two week summer
intensive.
GEO 7476 - Isotopes in Large-Scale Environmental Research – 3 credits
Components: Laboratory
Meets with GEO 6476. This lab course introduces methods for integrating environmental
isotope data at large spatial scales to address environmental, ecological, climate
change, and hydrological problems. A series of state-of the art laser-cased isotope
analyzers, data management tools, statistical techniques, and process-based models
are introduced. Students apply these tools to identify sources, trace fluxes and movement
of materials, and characterize and integrate information on environmental processes
occurring over large spatial scales. Offered each summer where it is open only through
DCE as a contract course. Two weeks intensive.
GEO 7480 - Landslides and Slope Stability – 3 credits
Components: Lecture
Topics covered in this course: principles, definitions, triggering mechanisms and
processes of landslides, influence of geological history and uncertainties in soil
strength parameters, deterministic and probabilistic approaches in landslide hazard
assessment, back analysis of slope failures, linear and non linear failure envelopes
in slope stability analysis, seismic aspects of slope stability, earthquake-induced
catastrophic landslides in liquefiable soils, rainfall-induced shallow landslides
on steep slopes, field instrumentation, remedial measures, case studies.
GEO 7760 - Advanced Sedimentology – 3 credits
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Ph.D. students only.
Components: Lecture
Advanced topics in clastic and carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy. Covers varying
scales from petrography to basin synthesis and global change. Two lectures, one lab
weekly. Meets with GEO 6760. Ph.D. students will be required to do additional work.
GEO 7920 - Special Topics – 1-3 credits
Total Completions Allowed: 8 Total Units Allowed: 24
Enrollment Requirement: Prerequisite: Ph.D. students only.
Components: Special Topics
Topics determined by faculty each semester.
GEO 7970 - Thesis Research: Ph.D. – 1-12 credits Components: Thesis Research
GEO 7980 - Faculty Consultation – 3 credits Components: Independent Study
GEO 7990 - Continuing Registration: Ph.D. – 0 credits Components: Continuing Registration
Application Deadlines
- Fall Admission
- January 15
- Spring Admission
- September 15
For Questions/Concerns Contact:
GRE REQUIREMENT UPDATE (Fall 2020)
As part of a long-term focus on providing opportunities for an increasingly diverse graduate student pool, the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah is removing GRE scores as a requirement for new applicants. Submission of GRE scores will no longer be accepted.
There is widespread evidence that GRE scores are strongly correlated with various demographic and socioeconomic factors, and that the test represents an unequal barrier to graduate recruitment for students of different backgrounds. As a department, we value diversity and inclusion and are taking this step to show support for potential applicants from all backgrounds and of all identities.