Department of Physics and Geosciences

A laboratory experience that focuses on laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis. The experience reinforces and promotes greater understanding of concepts of meteorology presented in GEOG 1301. Prerequisite: credit or registration in GEOG 1301.

Fee: $5.00

Earth motions and their meanings; system of location and time; composition and structure of the earth's atmosphere. Meteorology and weather prediction, including storms. Air pollution meteorology. Field trips will be arranged.

Climatic classification, types and world regions. Climatic change, fluctuations and their effects on human ecology (e.g., droughts). Agricultural and urban climatology. Microclimates. The distribution of soils and natural vegetation as related to climate. Field trips will be arranged.

Major geographic regions of the world. Landscapes and peoples of continents; major culture realms and nations, resources, land-use and industries. Contrasts between developed and emerging nations.

Principles and experience of Geographic Information Systems. Acquisition, management, processing, and interpretation of geographic data. Spatial data structure and the display, manipulation, and analysis of geographic data. Field trip required. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: 3 hours of natural science or permission of instructor. Field Trip Fee required.

Fee: $40.00

The nature, geographic distribution, use and misuse of global resources with emphasis on those of North America. Ecosystems, air, water, soil, mineral and energy resources will be considered. Prerequisites: 3 semester credit hours of Geography or a science course (see General Education Requirements natural sciences component).

Description, classification and quantitative analysis of landforms and surface processes in relation to human development. Regional physiography of the United States and topographic map interpretation. May be used as geology credit. Field trip required. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1302/GEOL 1102 or GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103, MATH 1316. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

The principles and practice of plane surveying and the global positioning system (GPS) and their interface with geographic information systems (GIS). Basic principles of cartography and use of cartographic tools and software. Management of cartographic data and GPS data. Local field trips required. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: MATH 1316 or MATH 1324. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

GIS and other geospatial technologies (including GPS and remote sensing) as applied to natural resources and environmental management. Technologies and techniques used to acquire geographic information, spatial data and location analysis, and applications of geospatial technology within the natural and environmental sciences. Case studies, labs, and field exercises. Prerequisite: GEOG 2472 (preferred), or six hours of physical or life science, or permission of instructor.

Advanced techniques and applications of Geographic Information Systems. GIS data structure and conversions, advanced spatial analysis, data visualization, hydrological modeling. Basic and intermediate GIS programming for customizing and manipulating GIS applications. May be used as a geology credit. Prerequisite: GEOG 2472 or permission of instructor.

The technology and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery, including multi-spectral, thermal and radar images. Digital image processing using a raster geographic information system. Applications of remote sensing and guided projects in areas of student interest. May be used as a geology credit. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 and 6 hours of science, engineering or agriculture.

Fee: $5.00

Advanced topics in remote sensing. Recently emerged remote sensing systems, including high-resolution multi-spectral imaging systems, thermal remote sensing and airborne LiDAR remote sensing systems. Cutting-edge remote sensing data processing and analysis techniques. May be used as Geology credit. Prerequisite: GEOG 4435 or equivalent.

A laboratory experience that focuses on laboratory techniques, data collection, and analysis. Reinforces and promotes greater understanding of concepts presented in GEOL 1301. Prerequisite: credit or registration in GEOL 1301.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory experience that focuses on laboratory techniques, data collection, and analysis. Reinforces and promotes greater understanding of concepts of the oceans, the hydrosphere and atmosphere, and astronomy as presented in GEOL 1302. Prerequisite: credit of registration in GEOL 1302.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory experience that focuses on laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis. The experience reinforces and promotes greater understanding of earth materials and the physical processes at work on and in the earth. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 1303.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory experience that focuses on laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis. The experience reinforces and promotes greater understanding of the events and processes that have shaped the earth and influenced the development of life through time. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 1304.

Fee: $5.00

Study of the earth and the concepts and physical properties responsible for its problems including volcanoes, earthquakes, floods and droughts. Includes the study of plate tectonics, physical geology and geomorphology. Field trips may be arranged. Designed for students not majoring in science or engineering.

Survey of earth's dynamic systems: the oceans, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Survey of astronomy emphasizing earth's place in the universe. Field trips may be arranged. Designed for students not majoring in science or engineering. Open to geosciences majors.

General composition and form of the earth's surface and the volcanic, erosional, depositional and deformational processes which operate on it. The properties of the interior of the earth inferred from earthquakes and other external evidence. Occasional field trips may be arranged.

The important change through which the earth has passed since its origin as a planet; especially, the history of the orderly evolution of life and physical features evidenced in the rocks of the earth. Field trip and field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1303. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $20.00

Survey of the basic concepts of geosciences. This course begins with an introduction to astronomy and the Earth's position in our solar system. The course includes the interrelationships between the solid portion, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere of the Earth. Prerequisite: BIOL 2375, CHEM 1376.

Methods of collection of geological field data and its presentation; proper use of geological field and lab equipment and instruments; interpretation of various types of map systems. Overnight camping field trip required, and local mini-field trip reports. Prerequisite: Credit or registration in GEOL 3307, or permission of instructor. Field trip fee required.

Fee: $40.00

Structure of the earth, plate tectonics, and sea-floor spreading. Principles of seismology, gravity, heat flow, geomagnetism, and rock magnestism. Prerequisite: registration or credit in GEOL 3370.

Geologic mapping on topographic maps and aerial photographs. Interpretation of field relationships. Basic topographic surveying methods and measurements using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Prerequisite: GEOL 1304/GEOL 1104. Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 3107 recommended.

Application of classical physics to the study of the Earth and the solution of problems in Earth sciences. Geomagnetics, the Earth's gravitational field, seismic analysis, sequence stratigraphy, well log interpretation, and applications to petroleum exploration. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/ GEOL 1103, PHYS 2325/ PHYS 2125, PHYS 2326.

Morphological crystallography and symmetry concepts. Methods of identification of minerals by their physical and chemical properties. Origin of economic minerals and ore deposits. Geological significance of common rock-forming minerals. One weekend field trip required. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103 and 3 hours of chemistry. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

Classification and origin of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory emphasis on identification and interpretation of hand specimens. One weekend field trip required. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GEOL 3409. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

Study of the composition, environment, sequence and correlation of stratified rocks. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103 and GEOL 1304/GEOL 1104. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

Methods and principles of oceanography. The physical and chemical properties of the seas, life in the sea and a comprehensive treatment of marine geology. Saturday field trips will be arranged. Prerequisites: GEOG 1301/GEOL 1101 or GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103 or GEOL 1301/GEOL 1101. May be used for geography credit.

Fee: $5.00

Time series analysis, autocorrelation, cross-correlation, Fourier transform, Z transform, filtering, deconvolution, wave equation migration, forward and inverse problems, finite difference methods, and tomography. Prerequisites: GEOL 3307/ GEOL 3170; MATH 3320.

The inherent and imposed structures in rocks and their modes of formation. Mechanical principles of rock deformation, petrofabrics, regional structural interpretation, theories of mountain building and geotectonics. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103 and GEOL 1304/GEOL 1104. Field Trip Fee will be required.

Fee: $5.00
Fee: $40.00

Laboratory course to accompany GEOL 4307. Field and laboratory applications of geological concepts in solving geological engineering problems. Study of engineering principles and properties of earth materials. Exploration of engineering design and methods of site investigations. Prerequisite: registration or credit in GEOL 4307.

Fee: $20.00

Interpretation of the spatial component of three-dimensional seismic data. Identification of faults and horizons within real-world volumes. Data loading, preparation, and examination, along with correlation of interpretation to geologic well control. Emphasis on the application of seismic interpretation to hydrocabron exploration. Prerequisite: registration or credit in GEOL 4375.

Industrial geologic field methods and techniques. Becoming familiar with local geologic employment situations through intern-type experiences. Typically scheduled in Winter Intersession with daily daylong activities; special travel charges may apply. Prerequisites: GEOL 3431 and approval of instructor; GEOL 3407, GEOL 3411, and GEOL 3481 recommended.

Applications of geological concepts in solving geological engineering problems. Study of engineering principles and properties of earth materials. Exploration of engineering design and methods of site investigations. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303, MATH 1316, CHEM 1311/CHEM 1111.

Geologic field methods and techniques. Includes the use and maintenance of field equipment; measurement, description, and interpretation of stratigraphic sections; identification and interpretation of field relationships of sedimentary rocks; preparation of geological field reports. Typically scheduled in Spring Intersession with daylong activities daily; special travel charges may apply. Prerequisites: GEOL 3431 and approval of instructor; GEOL 3407, GEOL 3411, and GEOL 3481 recommended.

Fee: $723.00

Geologic field methods and techniques. Includes the use and maintenance of field equipment; identification and interpretation of field relationships of igneous and metamorphic rocks; preparation of geological field reports. Typically scheduled in Summer Intersession with daylong activities daily; special travel charges may apply. Prerequisites: GEOL 3431 and approval of instructor; GEOL 3407, GEOL 3411, and GEOL 3481 recommended.

Fee: $480.00

Introduces the processes controlling the chemical composition of surface and groundwater. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103, CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1312.

Fee: $5.00

Basics of seismology, starting with wave propagation, seismic reflection and refraction. The physics of determining the seismic velocity and anisotropy structure of the Earth. Earthquake generation, post-seismic deformation and creep events, and their relation to faulting and plate tectonics. Prerequisites: GEOL 1303/ GEOL1103, PHYS 2325/ PHYS 2125, PHYS 2326, GEOL 3370.

Supervised individual research of a geological problem that meets the needs and interest of the student. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 semester hours credit. Prerequisite: 18 semester hours of geology prior to registration.

Collaborative research project involving the student and a geology faculty member, focused on a topic that requires mastery of geologic knowledge appropriate to the student?s plans for a professional career or advanced study in the field. Prerequisite: senior standing in geology.

Fee: $10.00

Principles of fluid, mass and energy transport in geologic formations are emphasized to handle human affair problems such as water supply, contamination and energy resources. Prerequisite: GEOL 1303/GEOL 1103 and GEOL 1304/GEOL 1104.

Overview of gravity, magnetism, and other geophysical properties applied to exploration. Focus in on acquiring, processing, and interpreting non-seismic geophysical data and on integration of raw data with other geophysical and geologic data. Prerequisites: GEOL 3370/ GEOL 3371; GEOL 3446.

Geologic field methods and techniques. Includes the use and maintenance of field equipment; measurement, description and interpretation of stratigraphic sections; identification and interpretation of field relationships of various rocks; preparation of geological field reports. Typically scheduled in summer with daily day-long activities; special travel charges may apply. Prerequisites: GEOL 3431 and approval of instructor; GEOL 3307/GEOL 3107; GEOL 3411 and GEOL 3481 recommended.

Fee: $80.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1301. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 1301.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1302. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 1302.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1303. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 1303.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 1304. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 1304.

Fee: $5.00

A trigonometry-based introduction to physics. Topics include kinematics, vector analysis, force dynamics, equilibrium, work, energy, momentum, collisions, fluid dynamics, and thermal physics. Prior knowledge of physics (one year of high school physics; otherwise PHYS 1373 is recommended) is assumed. Prerequisites: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 1101 is recommended.

A continuation of PHYS 1301. Topics include periodic motion, sound, electric force, electric current, resistance, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, light and optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 1301 and PHYS 1101. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 1102 is recommended.

A survey of stellar astronomy and cosmology. Topics include the behavior of light; the sun as a star; positions, motions and brightness of the stars; stellar evolution; the Milky Way and other galaxies; and cosmology. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 1103 is recommended.

A survey of the astronomy of our solar system. Topics include the history of astronomy, naked-eye phenomena, telescopes, gravity and orbits and the nature and history of the Earth, moon, planets, asteroids and comets. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 1104 is recommended.

Topics needed to succeed in College Physics or University Physics. Problem solving using basic techniques of algebra and trigonometry. Topics include vector mechanics, linear and two-dimensional kinematics, and Newtonian dynamics.

A survey of the most basic concepts of physics. Topics include scientific measurements, motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, matter, heat, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, atomic structure and nuclear energy. Prerequisite: MATH 1314.

Fee: $5.00

A general introduction and survey of the physical and acoustical foundations of music. Topics include the fundamental physics relevant to music, the reception of musical sound, intervals, scales, tuning, temperament, auditorium and room acoustics and the production of sounds by musical instruments including electronic.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 2325. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 2325.

Fee: $5.00

A laboratory course to accompany PHYS 2326. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 2326.

Fee: $5.00

A calculus-based introduction to physics. Topics include kinematics, vector analysis, force dynamics, equilibrium, work, energy, momentum, collisions, fluid dynamics, and thermal physics. Prior knowledge of physics (one year of high school physics; otherwise PHYS 1373 is recommended) is assumed. Prerequisite: credit or registration in MATH 2413 or equivalent. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2125 is recommended.

A continuation of PHYS 2325. Topics include periodic motion, sound, electric force, electric current, resistance, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, light, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 and PHYS 2125 or PHYS 1302 and PHYS 1102; credit or registration in MATH 2414 or equivalent or MATH 3415. Concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2126 is recommended.

A laboratory course focusing on advanced techniques and experiments drawn from the full range of physics classes. The student will understand the role of experimental design, advanced data analysis and reduction and the use of computers while investigating physical phenomena. Prerequisite: credit or registration in PHYS 3343.

A mathematical treatment of the fundamentals of classical mechanics. Topics include particle dynamics in one, two and three dimensions; conservation laws; dynamics of a system of particles; motion of rigid bodies; central force problems; accelerating coordinate systems; gravitation; Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 2326/PHYS 2126; credit or registration in either MATH 3320 or MATH 3415.

Electrostatics; Laplace's Equation; the theory of dielectrics; magnetostatics; electromagnetic induction; magnetic fields of currents; Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 2326/PHYS 2126; credit or registration in MATH 3320 or MATH 3415 or equivalent.

Equations of state, ideal gases, first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy and statistical methods. Prerequisites: PHYS 2326 and 2126; credit or registration in MATH 3415 or equivalent.

An introduction to special relativity and elementary quantum mechanics. Topics include space-time, relativistic energy and momentum, the uncertainty principle, Schrodinger's equation, observables and operators, bound states, potential barriers and the hydrogen atom. Prerequisites: PHYS 2326 and 2126; credit or registration in either MATH 3320 or MATH 3415 or equivalent.

Literature survey and preparation for, and initiation of, a research project agreed to between the student and a faculty advisor, to be completed and reported on in the Research Seminar course. Prerequisite: PHYS 3343.

An experimental or theoretical project, begun in the Research Project course, will be concluded by the student and the results reported in a seminar. Students who have not yet taken the ETC major field test in physics are required to do so while enrolled in Seminar. Prerequisite: PHYS 4191.

Mathematical techniques from the following areas: infinite series, integral transforming, applications of complex variables; vectors, matrices and tensors, special functions, partial differential equations, Greens' functions, perturbation theory, integral equations, calculus of variations and groups and group representations. Prerequisite: credit or registration in MATH 3320.

A mathematical treatment of the modern theory of optics. Topics include Huygen's principle as applied to geometric optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, crystal optics, electromagnetic theory of light, the interaction of light with matter and quantum optics. Prerequisites: PHYS 3323; MATH 3415 or MATH 3320.

The Schrodinger equation; one dimensional systems; the Heisenberg uncertainty principle; magnetic moments and angular momentum; two and three dimensional systems; approximation methods; scattering theory. Prerequisites: PHYS 3343; credit or registration in either MATH 3320 or MATH 3415 or equivalent.

A study of nuclear phenomena and properties including mass, stability, magnetic moment, radioactive decay processes and nuclear reactions. The application of nuclear principles to other fields such as astronomy, engineering, manufacturing and medicine. Prerequisites: PHYS 3343; credit or registration in both PHYS 4353 and either MATH 3320 or MATH 3415.

An introduction to the methods and algorithms used in solving physical problems with computers, and computer-related limitations on such solutions. Prerequisites: knowledge of the C programming language; credit or registration in MATH 3415 or 3320.

A detailed study of one or more important physical discoveries, developments and/or theories. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: senior standing.