Geological Sciences

Integrated application of the scientific method to the earth sciences, including: geologic materials, resources and processes; surface, groundwater and climate; environmental problems; and related topics. Emphasis is on Florida examples. (P).

Selected topics in the geological sciences. Designed for the student not majoring in science. (P)

A view of planet earth as a complex system of interacting components including geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and anthrosphere. Course content will include an appreciation for social, economic and ecological implications of global change. (P)

An examination of unique episodes in the physical and biological history of the earth. (B, P)

A laboratory course designed to provide a basic understanding of Florida’s geology, geologic history, geologic resources and geologically related environmental problems.(P)

Origin and distribution of mineral resources of the earth; subsequent political, economic, social and environmental consequences of their exploitation. (P)

Materials, structures, surface features of the earth and processes which have produced them. Related laboratory demonstrations and experiences. (P)

Geology is significant to the location of engineering structures and installations. Geologic materials; processes; structure; surface features, and geologic history are interpreted from topographic and geologic maps. (P)

Hazardous geologic processes and current environmental concerns are related to the earth, the forces acting upon it, and the resulting surface features and materials. Human interaction with the environment is illustrated using modern case studies. (P)

Focuses on the aspects of geology most relevant to humans. A broad overview of earth materials and processes will be presented, with emphasis on geologic hazards, resources, and the environment.

An introduction to the four basic disciplines within marine sciences, with an emphasis on Marine Geology. Will describe the origin and evolution of marine basins, ocean circulation, climate control, and life in the oceans. A field trip to coastal Florida is mandatory.(P )

Evolution of the earth and its life. The major physical events and evolutionary changes as recorded in the geologic past. Related laboratory, demonstrations and exercises. (P)

The goal of this course is for students to understand the role the oceans play in determining climate and regulating global climate change on a range of timescales from decades to millions of years. (P)

An advanced examination of the geologic history of planet earth with an emphasis on North America. (P)

This course is an introduction to the geological setting of selected US national parks. It relates Geology to the cultural aspects of these parks and present-day environmental concerns. A field trip to St. Augustine, Florida will be taken. (P)

Concepts of crystallography, crystal chemistry, physical properties of minerals, mineral genesis and systematic study of the rock-forming or otherwise important minerals including the theory and use of the petrographic microscope for study and identification of these minerals in thin section. (P)

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

This course focuses on parklands of the U.S. Southwest. Field excursions to parks in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona will integrate geology to the cultural aspects and present-day environmental concerns of these areas.

A course which offers insight into current scientific, political, legal, social and economic aspects of hydrology.

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

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

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

An introduction to the basic disciplines important in understanding the origin and classification of sedimentary rocks including sedimentary petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy.

Examines the nature and variety of fluvial processes and the origin and modification of fluvial landforms; includes discussion of environmental changes in rivers and human activities in drainage basins.

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

Methods and techniques used in geological fieldwork.

Summer geology field camp in northern New Mexico. Application of field procedures and techniques to the solution of geologic problems and construction of geologic maps.

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

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

History of oceanography; distribution of Earth’s land and water; nature and relief of the sea’s floor; physical and chemical properties of sea water; sea ice; sound in the sea; tides, currents and waves; marine sedimentation. (P)