Duluth campus

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Duluth Campus

Earth Sciences M.S.

D Earth & Environmental Sci
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, 230A Heller Hall, 1114 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-8385; fax: 218-726-8275)
Email: dees@d.umn.edu
Website: https://scse.d.umn.edu/about/departments-and-programs/earth-environmental-sciences
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2022
  • Length of program in credits: 31
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Earth Sciences MS program includes areas of environmental geoscience, economic geology, geophysics, glacial geology and geomorphology, hydrology, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, isotope and aqueous geochemistry, limnogeology, paleoclimatology, planetary geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, surface processes, and structure-tectonics. Several of these areas are strengthened by collaboration with the Large Lakes Observatory and the Natural Resources Research Institute.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
A four-year BS or BA degree in geology, Earth science, or a related field in engineering, basic science, or mathematics is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Most candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree in Earth science, environmental science, geology, geophysics, or a related field. However, students with degrees in fields such as chemistry, physics, or biology are encouraged to apply. At least one year of study in calculus, chemistry, and physics is required. Field camp and/or undergraduate research experience is recommended.
Special Application Requirements:
International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must submit current score(s) from one of the following tests:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
    • Reading Score: 6.5
    • Writing Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 15 to 21 major credits, 0 to 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 25 to 31 major credits and 0 to 6 credits outside the major. The final exam is written. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:The capstone project is completed in consultation with the advisor.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Coursework offered on both the A-F and S/N grading basis must be taken A-F.
Required Course (1 credit)
Take the following course:
EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
Major Electives (14 to 24 credits)
Plan A students select at least 14 credits, and Plan B students select at least 24 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor:
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment (3.0 cr)
EES 4180 - Teaching Assistant Experience (1.0-2.0 cr)
EES 4201 - Watershed Hydrology (3.0 cr)
EES 4250 - Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
EES 4270 - Field Methods in Snow Hydrology (1.0 cr)
EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science (3.0 cr)
EES 4311 - Igneous Petrogenesis (3.0 cr)
EES 4355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
EES 4356 - Ore Deposits and Economic Geology (3.0 cr)
EES 4360 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
EES 4400 - Astrogeology (3.0 cr)
EES 4450 - Structural Geology (4.0 cr)
EES 4500 - Field Geology (6.0 cr)
EES 4550 - Tectonic Geomorphology (3.0 cr)
EES 4710 - Geochemistry (4.0 cr)
EES 4800 - Principles of Geophysics (4.0 cr)
EES 4839 - Coral Reef Geology [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
EES 4863 - Ecosystems Ecology and Biogeochemistry (3.0 cr)
EES 5095 - Earth & Environmental Special Topics (Various Titles to be Assigned) (1.0-3.0 cr)
EES 5100 - Seminar (1.0-2.0 cr)
EES 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology (3.0 cr)
EES 5150 - Organic and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry (3.0 cr)
EES 5201 - Watershed Hydrology (3.0 cr)
EES 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology (4.0 cr)
EES 5250 - Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
EES 5251 - Well Hydraulics (3.0 cr)
EES 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology (3.0 cr)
EES 5270 - Field Methods in Snow Hydrology (1.0 cr)
EES 5310 - Advanced Petrology (3.0 cr)
EES 5311 -  Igneous Petrogenesis (3.0 cr)
EES 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures (3.0 cr)
EES 5355 - Economic Geology (4.0 cr)
EES 5356 - Ore Deposits and Economic Geology (3.0 cr)
EES 5360 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
EES 5400 - Astrogeology (3.0 cr)
EES 5450 - Structural Geology (5.0 cr)
EES 5460 - Tectonics (3.0 cr)
EES 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration (3.0 cr)
EES 5603 - Stream Crossing Design (2.0 cr)
EES 5711 - Geochemistry (4.0 cr)
EES 5730 - Geochronology (3.0 cr)
EES 5815 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
EES 5820 - Global Geophysics (3.0 cr)
EES 5863 - Ecosystems Ecology and Biogeochemistry (3.0 cr)
EES 8094 - Research in Earth & Environmental Science (1.0-6.0 cr)
EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science (1.0 cr)
EES 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice (2.0 cr)
Additional Coursework (0 to 6 credits)
Select additional credits as needed to meet minimum course credit requirements, in consultation with the advisor.
Plan Options
Plan A
Thesis Credits
Take 10 master’s thesis credits.
EES 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's (1.0-10.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Swenson College of Science and Engineering

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023

View sample plan(s):
· Earth Sciences M.S. Sample Plan
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EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces the incoming graduate student in geological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8200
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Environmental issues identification and investigation. Review of case studies of environmental investigations and the components of environmental impact statements. Selection of local or regional environmental issues and evaluation of the environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. Preparation of draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4102
EES 4180 - Teaching Assistant Experience
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Participate in teaching Environmental Science lecture and lab courses, including preparation of material, instruction, and student interaction. prereq: Geol core, geological sciences major, instructor consent; maximum of 2 repeats for a maximum of 4 credits is allow, however only a maximum of 2 credits of GEOL 4180 or EES 4180 or ESCI 4180 is allowed and applied toward geological sciences major; no grad credit
EES 4201 - Watershed Hydrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESCI 4201/EES 4201
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is an upper-division hydrology course covering the hydrologic cycle in the context of wildland watersheds. The course will cover the major components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snow hydrology, canopy interception, evapotranspiration, infiltration, soil water storage, runoff, streamflow and groundwater flow. The impacts of watershed management on water quantity and quality will be discussed using regional, national, and global examples, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems using hydrologic datasets. pre-req: MATH 1290 or MATH 1296, no credit granted if already received for GEOL or ESCI 4201 or EES or ESCI or GEOL 5201
EES 4250 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Fundamentals of hydrology and hydrogeology with emphasis on environmental applications. The course develops the disciplines of surface water hydrology, surface water/groundwater interaction, and groundwater flow with application to common environmental problems and investigations. Emphasis is on analysis of precipitation and streamflow, hydrologic budgets, surface water/groundwater interaction, pumping tests to evaluate aquifer properties and safe yields, evaluation of the impacts of agricultural irrigation and agricultural feedlots, commonly used methods of environmental assessment, and introduction to the regulatory framework. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 and PHYS 2011 or 2013 or 2014 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4250
EES 4270 - Field Methods in Snow Hydrology
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course will give a brief overview on the basic principles governing snow in the hydrologic cycle and will then focus on field applications in snow hydrology including snow course measurements and characterizing snow profiles. pre-req: EES or ESCI or GEOL 3203 or 4201 or 5201 or EES or GEOL 5250 or CE 3225; or instructor consent; no grad credit.; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4270
EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers basic concepts on all aspects of soil science including soil genesis and taxonomy; physical, chemical, and biological properties; vadose zone hydrology; soil conservation and management; and soil fertility. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414; CHEM 1153; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4280
EES 4311 - Igneous Petrogenesis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
This course will investigate igneous processes including formation, differentiation, and crystallization of magmas. Thermodynamics of phase equilibria between silicate melts, minerals, and magmatic fluids will be emphasized. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2312, MATH 1297; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4311 or EES 5311 or GEOL 5311; no grad credit
EES 4355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Geologic description, distribution, and genesis of economic mineral deposits; processes leading to their formation; relationship to plate tectonics; exploration techniques and criteria for finding new deposits. Course fees assessed. prereq: EES or GEOL 2312 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for EES or GEOL 4356 or GEOL 5356
EES 4356 - Ore Deposits and Economic Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Geologic description, distribution, and genesis of economic mineral deposits; physical processes leading to deposit formation; relationship of mineral deposits to plate tectonics; exploration techniques and criteria for finding new deposits. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2312 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4356 or EES or GEOL 5356; no grad credit
EES 4400 - Astrogeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AST 4400/EES 4400
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
In this astrogeology course we will explore the formation and evolution of celestial bodies in our solar system such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. Topics will include determining internal structure of planetary bodies, dynamical processes, how to read the surface record (geology) of various bodies and leverage that record to understand internal processes and planet evolution, and comparative planetology with the goal to understand first-order cause and effect of planetary dynamics. prereq: (PHYS 1002 or 2015 and 2016) or (EES or GEOL 2120 or 2312), minimum 60 credits, Geological Sciences or Physics majors or graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for AST or GEOL 4400 or EES or GEOL 5400.
EES 4450 - Structural Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to brittle and ductile deformation, including joints, faults, shear zones, and folds; deformation mechanisms; elementary stress and strain theory. Labs include geometric, structural, and kinematic analysis, and a group project. Course fee assessed. prereq: EES or GEOL 2120 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4450 or EES or GEO 5450
EES 4500 - Field Geology
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
Geological mapping of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic terranes and of Quaternary deposits and landforms; topographic maps and aerial photographs, including preparation of geologic maps and cross sections, and map unit descriptions. prereq: EES or GEOL 4450, department consent; no grad credit, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4500
EES 4550 - Tectonic Geomorphology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Consideration of how tectonics interacts with climate to sculpt the landscapes of mountains belts. Conceptual and quantitative modeling of landscape evolution to gain insights into the controls on elevation and relief of orogens. Analysis of topographic data sets to identity the statistical properties of landscapes and identify the signatures of feedback between surface processes and tectonics. prereq: EES or GEOL 2010 or 3210 or 3420 or Grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4550.
EES 4710 - Geochemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
What geochemical processes occur at the intersection of the biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere? How did earth?s surface geochemistry change over geologic time and how can we tell? In this course, we will investigate questions that relate to the co-evolution of life and Earth through a geochemical lens. Overall, the course will divide into two parts: (1) the geochemical structure of Earth from the core to the surface; and (2) practical applications for geochemistry and geochemical techniques. Discussion will begin with an overview the discipline of geochemistry, which will serve as a framework to interpret the geochemical evolution and structure of the internal and external components of Earth. Following this portion, we will examine modern advances of analytical techniques and applications in geochemistry. prereq: Math 1290 or Math 1297 or MATH 1297 and Chem 1153 or Chem 1173 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4710 or GEOL or EES 5711
EES 4800 - Principles of Geophysics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: GEOL 3800/EES 4800
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
An introduction to the geophysical concepts and techniques used by practicing geoscientists Course fee assessed. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2120, MATH 1297 and (PHYS 1002 or 2015) credit will not be accepted if already received for GEOL 3800 or GEOL 4800
EES 4839 - Coral Reef Geology (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BIOL 4839/EES 4839/FST 4839
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Field study on San Salvador, Bahamas focusing on the biological and geological studies of the coral reef complex and associated habitats of the Caribbean. We will examine the ecology and taxonomy of associated biota as well as the physical, chemical and sedimentary processes in coral reef environments. prereq: BIOL 1011 and 1012 or EES or GEOL 1110 or IBS Grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4839
EES 4863 - Ecosystems Ecology and Biogeochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BIOL 4863/EES 4863
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Ecosystems ecology is the integrated study of the flows of materials and energy through ecosystems, which includes both the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Biogeochemistry is a major subfield of ecosystems ecology, and deals with the cycling of nutrients through ecosystems. In this class, we will discuss the integration of ecosystmes and biogeochemistry in terrestrial environments, specifically focusing on how human activities influence ecological systems and vice versa. It is my hope that you walk away from this course with a better understanding of how large environmental issues such as climate change and invasive species affect ecological systems. pre-req: BIOL 2801, CHEM 1153 or CHEM 1173 or instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4863 or BIOL 4863
EES 5095 - Earth & Environmental Special Topics (Various Titles to be Assigned)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 5095/FST 5047
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Topics not covered in regular curriculum. Topic announced before course offered. Maximum of 4 repeats for a maximum of 12 credits allowed between GEOL 5095 and EES 5095 and ESCI 5095
EES 5100 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Oral and written presentation on topics of current significance to geoscientists. Participation by department staff. prereq: instructor consent; a maximum of 4 credits will be granted between GEOL 5100 and EES 5100
EES 5103 - Geological Paleolimnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Lim 5103/5002/EES 5103
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Geological aspects of freshwater systems: origins, tectonic and climatic settings of lakes, geophysical mapping, physical sedimentary processes, sedimentary geochemistry, and geochronology. Particular focus on paleolimnology, the analysis of lake sediment to reconstruct past climate and environment prereq: MATH 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1002 or 2015 or 2018, CHEM 1155 or 1175 or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL or LIM 5103
EES 5150 - Organic and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Production and chemical composition of natural organic matter (OM), diagenesis and catagenesis of OM; stable isotopic fractionation processes of C, H, O, N & S in natural systems, fractionation theory, isotopic indicators of climate, oceanographic/limnologic processes, trophic structure, microbial processes. pre-req: Graduate standing or instructor approval; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 5150
EES 5201 - Watershed Hydrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESCI 5201/EES 5201
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is an upper-division hydrology course covering the hydrologic cycle in the context of wildland watersheds. The course will cover the major components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snow hydrology, canopy interception, evapotranspiration, infiltration, soil water storage, runoff, streamflow and groundwater flow. The impacts of watershed management on water quantity and quality will be discussed using regional, national, and global examples, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems using hydrologic datasets. This course includes a 2-hour lab that meets once per week. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or grad student; no credit granted if already received for EES or ESCI or GEOL 4201 or ESCI or GEOL 5201
EES 5210 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Physics of glacier flow, processes of erosion and deposition, survey of glacial landforms, history and chronology of glaciation. Survey of geological and biological responses to changing environment resulting from climatic fluctuations during last three million years of Earth history. Field studies on the glacial deposits of Minnesota. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs field lab) prereq: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414 and PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017 and MATH 1290 or 1286; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4210 or 5210
EES 5250 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
A quantitative introduction to hydrogeology and aquifer mechanics with emphasis on environmental applications, including, unsaturated flow, interaction between surface water and groundwater, wellhead protection, well hydraulics, inverse methods, and solute transport. Offered alternate years. prereq: Math 1290 or 1296 amd PHYS 1002 or 2013 or 2017; or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for EES or GEOL 4250 or GEOL 5250
EES 5251 - Well Hydraulics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Hydraulics of groundwater flow to wells: equations of flow; analysis of steady and non-steady radial flow; aquifer response to stress; analysis of monitoring well networks, pumping tests, and single-point aquifer performance tests. prereq: PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017 and MATH 1290 or 1296 or instructor consent or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5251
EES 5260 - Fluvial Geomorphology
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fluvial geomorphology covers the physical processes operating in stream channels and watersheds including watershed-scale hydrology and topography; reach-scale fluid mechanics and sediment transport; and channel patterns, forms, and classification systems. Other topics included will be river history, human alterations to rivers, and river restoration efforts. prereq: (MATH 1290 or 1296) and (PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017) and (EES or ESCI or GEOL 2010 or EES or GEOL 3520 GEOL 3420) or graduate student standing; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5260
EES 5270 - Field Methods in Snow Hydrology
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course will give a brief overview on the basic principles governing snow in the hydrologic cycle and will then focus on field applications in snow hydrology including snow course measurements and characterizing snow profiles. pre-req: graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 5270
EES 5310 - Advanced Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Physico-chemical principles applied to origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Phase equilibria in important mineral systems. Lab study and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic rocks using petrographic microscope. (2 hrs lect, 2 hrs lab) prereq: EES or GEOL 2312 or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL or EES 4310 or GEOL 5310
EES 5311 - Igneous Petrogenesis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This course will investigate igneous processes including formation, differentiation, and crystallization of magmas. Thermodynamics of phase equilibria between silicate melts, minerals, and magmatic fluids will be emphasized. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2312, MATH 1297; credit will not be granted if already received for EES or GEOL 4311 or GEOL 5311
EES 5321 - Theory, Practice of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in Lectures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHE 5321/EES 5321
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Presents the basic physics of scanning electron microscopy, including electron beam generation, image formation, signal detection, and beam-sample interactions. Basic sample preparation methods for scanning electron microscopy will be presented and demonstrated in laboratory sessions. How characteristic x-rays are produced in a sample and how they are measured and quantified will also be presented. Use of the SEM to collect data and instruction on how to organize collected data in a logical manner. prereq: Minimum 75 credits, Chem 1155 or 1175, Phys 1002 or 2015 and 2018, or Grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5321 or CHE 5321
EES 5355 - Economic Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Geologic description, distribution, and genesis of economic mineral deposits; processes leading to their formation; relationship to plate tectonics; exploration techniques and criteria for finding new deposits. Course fees assessed. prereq: EES or GEOL 3326 and 3150 or graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5355
EES 5356 - Ore Deposits and Economic Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Geologic description, distribution, and genesis of economic mineral deposits; physical processes leading to deposit formation; relationship of mineral deposits to plate tectonics; exploration techniques and criteria for finding new deposits. pre-req: Graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for EES or GEOL 4356 or GEOL 5356.
EES 5400 - Astrogeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
In this astrogeology course we will explore the formation and evolution of celestial bodies in our solar system such as planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites. Topics will include determining internal structure of planetary bodies, dynamical processes, how to read the surface record (geology) of various bodies and leverage that record to understand internal processes and planet evolution, and comparative planetology with the goal to understand first-order cause and effect of planetary dynamics. pre-req: Minimum 60 credits and Astronomy minor or Geology major or minor or Physics major or minor or graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for EES or GEOL 4400 or GEOL 5400
EES 5450 - Structural Geology
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to brittle and ductile deformation, including joints, faults, shear zones, and folds; deformation mechanism; elementary stress and strain theory. Labs include geometric, structural and kinematic analysis, and a group project. Course fee assessed. pre-req: graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESIC 5450
EES 5460 - Tectonics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Ancient and active plate-tectonic processes. Topics include tectonic theory, plate motions, evolution of divergent, convergent and transform margins, anatomy of orogenic belts, and neotectonics. Examines tectonic phenomena in the context of geological, geophysical and surficial processes. Offered alternate years. prereq: EES or GEOL 2120 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5480
EES 5601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the background science essential to participate in a stream restoration project. Students will learn how to assimilate geologic hydrologic, and ecological data at the watershed and research scales to plan a restoration project and evaluate/critique existing stream restoration projects. prereq: Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596, PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017, minimum 60 credits or graduate student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5601
EES 5603 - Stream Crossing Design
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Overview of road-stream crossing design with emphasis on stream simulation for aquatic organism passage. Includes field data collection, analysis, and design of road-stream crossings. Meets concurrently with CE 5203. CE 5203 includes additional work on traditional culvert hydraulics and design. pre-req: EES or GEOL 3210 or 3420 or 5260 or 5601 or BIOL 5833 or CE 3225 and instructor consent ; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5603
EES 5711 - Geochemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
What geochemical processes occur at the intersection of the biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere? How did earth?s surface geochemistry change over geologic time and how can we tell? In this course, we will investigate questions that relate to the co-evolution of life and Earth through a geochemical lens. Overall, the course will divide into two parts: (1) the geochemical structure of Earth from the core to the surface; and (2) practical applications for geochemistry and geochemical techniques. Discussion will begin with an overview the discipline of geochemistry, which will serve as a framework to interpret the geochemical evolution and structure of the internal and external components of Earth. Following this portion, we will examine modern advances of analytical techniques and applications in geochemistry. Prereq: Math 1290 or MATH 1296 or Math 1297 and Chem 1153 or CHEM 1173 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for >EES or GEOL 4710 or GEOL 5711
EES 5730 - Geochronology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Covers both radiometric and non-radiometric methods of dating primarily Earth but also solar-system materials (meteorites). The chronometers discussed will cover a range of timescales, from early solar-system history to recent human-influenced history. Offered alternate years. prereq: EES or GEOL 2311, one year of college chemistry or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5730
EES 5820 - Global Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Build upon material presented in 2120, exploring the contribution of geophysics to our understanding of the Earth and the processes that control its appearance and behavior. Offered alternate years. prereq: EES or GEOL 2120, Math 1290 or 1296 or grad student, instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5820
EES 5863 - Ecosystems Ecology and Biogeochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BIOL 5863/EES 5863
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Ecosystems ecology is the integrated study of the flows of materials and energy through ecosystems, which includes both the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Biogeochemistry is a major subfield of ecosystems ecology, and deals with the cycling of nutrients through ecosystems. In this class, we will discuss the integration of ecosystmes and biogeochemistry in terrestrial environments, specifically focusing on how human activities influence ecological systems and vice versa. It is my hope that you walk away from this course with a better understanding of how large environmental issues such as climate change and invasive species affect ecological systems. pre-req: BIOL 2801, CHEM 1153 or CHEM 1173 or graduate student; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 5863 or BIOL 5863
EES 8094 - Research in Earth & Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Individual research. prereq: instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8094
EES 8200 - Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces the incoming graduate student in geological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university. prereq: Graduate student or instructor consent, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8200
EES 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Practicum course provides the capstone for the Stream Restoration Science & Engineering post-baccalaureate certificate program. Students synthesize previous coursework on stream restoration, apply basic hydraulic and geomorphic analyses on a reach of a stream, and complete a group design for a stream restoration site. prereq: EES or GEOL 5601 and instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 8602
EES 8777 - Thesis Credit: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -10.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 10 cr total required (Plan A only); max 10 credits between GEOL 8777 and EES 8777