Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Earth Sciences Ph.D.

Department of Earth Sciences
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, John T. Tate Hall-Suite 150, 116 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-1333; fax: 612-625-3819)
Email: esci@umn.edu
Website: http://www.esci.umn.edu/programs/graduate
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2021
  • Length of program in credits: 48
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
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 modern earth sciences are a remarkable synthesis of the physical and biological sciences. They are at the forefront of inquiry into and solutions of most of the major issues involving the global environment: climate, oceans, freshwater in all its forms, natural resources, and natural disasters. Like no other field, they integrate all the systems, from surface to great depth, from physics to chemistry to biology, and over all of geologic time and all geographic scales. The program includes the fields of structural geology, tectonics, petrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, sedimentology, surface processes, geochemistry, geobiochemistry, geobiology, paleontology and paleobiology, chemical oceanography, mineralogy, mineral and rock magnetism, rock and mineral physics, geodynamics, seismology, geostatistics, planetary geology, and geophysics and applied geophysics. Students complete one of the following tracks: Geology, Geophysics, Biogeology, Hydrogeology, or Earth Sciences.
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.
Bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, earth and material sciences, chemistry, physics, biology, or environmental science.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
At least one year of study each in calculus, chemistry, and physics is required. In general, an outstanding academic record is expected.
Special Application Requirements:
Materials for a complete application file include the student's statement of purpose, an optional diversity statement, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and the Application for Admission. Applications are considered at any time; however, to be considered for financial aid, all materials must be submitted by December 15. Studies may begin in any semester or summer session, although fall semester is preferable.
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
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
12 credits are required in the major.
12 credits are required outside the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
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.
Coursework offered on both the A-F and S/N grading basis must be taken A-F. A maximum of 4.0 units of ESCI 8994 is allowed to count toward the degree.
Required Courses (3 credits)
Take 1 credit of ESCI 8980. Both courses should be taken in the first year of study.
ESCI 8001 - Introductory Graduate Seminar (2.0 cr)
ESCI 8980 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth & Environmental Sciences (1.0-4.0 cr)
Outside Coursework (12 credits)
Select 12 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor. Other courses may be applied to this requirement with advisor and director of graduate studies approval.
ANTH 5403 - Quantitative Methods in Biological Anthropology (4.0 cr)
CEGE 4501 - Hydrologic Design (4.0 cr)
CEGE 4512 - Open Channel Hydraulics (3.0 cr)
CEGE 5541 - Environmental Water Chemistry (3.0 cr)
CEGE 5551 - Environmental Microbiology (3.0 cr)
CEGE 5552 - Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (1.0 cr)
CHEM 4501 - Introduction to Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Statistical Mechanics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5304 - Computational Aspects of Matrix Theory (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5521 - Machine Learning Fundamentals (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5609 - Visualization (3.0 cr)
EE 5531 - Probability and Stochastic Processes (3.0 cr)
EE 5571 - Statistical Learning and Inference (3.0 cr)
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts (4.0 cr)
EEB 5407 - Ecology (3.0 cr)
EEB 5601 - Limnology (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5402 - Biometeorology (3.0 cr)
FNRM 5114 - Hydrology and Watershed Management (3.0 cr)
FNRM 5131 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources (4.0 cr)
FNRM 5203 - Forest Fire and Disturbance Ecology (3.0 cr)
FNRM 5262 - Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis of Natural Resources and Environment (3.0 cr)
LAAS 5311 - Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy (3.0 cr)
LAAS 5425 - Atmospheric Processes I: Thermodynamics and Dynamics of the Atmosphere (3.0 cr)
LAAS 5426 - Atmospheric Processes II: Radiation, Composition, and Climate (3.0 cr)
LAAS 5515 - Soil Formation: Earth Surface Processes and Biogeochemistry (3.0 cr)
LAAS 5621 - Environmental Genomics and Microbiomes (3.0 cr)
MATH 5485 - Introduction to Numerical Methods I (4.0 cr)
MATH 5486 - Introduction To Numerical Methods II (4.0 cr)
MATS 5517 - Microscopy of Materials (3.0 cr)
MATS 8001 - Structure and Symmetry of Materials (3.0 cr)
MATS 8002 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3.0 cr)
MATS 8003 - Electronic Properties (3.0 cr)
STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1 (3.0 cr)
STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2 (3.0 cr)
Elective Courses
Select courses from the following as needed, in consultation with the advisor, to complete the minimum number of course credits required.
ESCI 4203 - Environmental Geophysics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4211 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4212 - Geodynamics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4401 - Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4501 - Structural Geology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4502 - Tectonic Styles (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4602 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4701 - Geomorphology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 4702 - General Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 4703 - Glacial Geology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 4801 - Geomicrobiology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 4911 - Advanced Field Geology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 5093 {Inactive} (1.0-4.0 cr)
ESCI 5102 - Climate Change and Human History (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5201 - Time-Series Analysis of Geological Phenomena (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5203 - Mineral and Rock Physics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5204 - Geostatistics and Inverse Theory (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5302 - Isotope Geology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5351 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5353 - Electron Microprobe Theory and Practice (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5403 - Computer Applications in Earth & Environmental Sciences (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5503 - Advanced Petrology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5705 - Limnogeology and Paleoenvironment (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5805 - Standards and Practices for Professional Geoscienists (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5971 - Field Hydrogeology (2.0 cr)
ESCI 5980 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth Sciences (1.0-4.0 cr)
ESCI 8203 - Environmental Geophysics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8243 - Principles of Rock Magnetism (1.0-3.0 cr)
ESCI 8353 - Phase Equilibrium in Mineral Systems (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8354 - Igneous Petrology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8355 - Metamorphic Petrology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8401 - Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8501 - Structural Geology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 8502 - Tectonic Styles (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8511 - Mechanics of Sediment Transport (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice (2.0 cr)
ESCI 8701 - Geomorphology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 8712 - Transport Phenomena and Analytical Geohydrology (3.0-4.0 cr)
ESCI 8718 - Numerical Methods in Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 8801 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8970 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth Sciences (1.0-4.0 cr)
ESCI 8994 - Research in Earth Sciences (1.0-4.0 cr)
Thesis Credits (24 credits)
Take 24 doctoral thesis credits after passing the preliminary oral exam.
ESCI 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Biogeology
Biogeology represents a rapidly growing area at the intersection between Earth and the life sciences. It includes research in microbial evolution and biochemistry, microbe/mineral chemical interactions, the role of organisms in basic geological processes, the principles through which organisms or organic compounds can be used to reconstruct surface conditions, biogeochemical cycling, pollution control and remediation, the origin of life on Earth, and astrobiology.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Take the following courses:
ESCI 8402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8801 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Earth Sciences
This generalist track exists for students whose curriculum and/or dissertation do not fit any of the other tracks. A curriculum specific to the student will be set through the compact process.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor:
ESCI 4xxx
ESCI 5xxx
ESCI 8xxx
Geology
Geology uses field observation, laboratory work, analog and computer modeling, chemical and biological probes and assays to understand Earth's coupled rock, water and biological systems, the underlying processes, and their history of interaction as evidenced in the rock record.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Select 6 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor:
ESCI 5302 - Isotope Geology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5351 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5353 - Electron Microprobe Theory and Practice (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5503 - Advanced Petrology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5705 - Limnogeology and Paleoenvironment (3.0 cr)
Geophysics
Geophysics uses remote sensing probes (seismic waves, potential fields, etc.), laboratory simulation of deep Earth conditions and computer modeling of fluid and continuum mechanical dynamics to investigate the structure, composition, history and dynamics of solid Earth and other planets.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Take the following course:
ESCI 4211 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Select 3 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor:
ESCI 4212 - Geodynamics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5201 - Time-Series Analysis of Geological Phenomena (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5203 - Mineral and Rock Physics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 5204 - Geostatistics and Inverse Theory (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8203 - Environmental Geophysics (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism (3.0 cr)
Hydrogeology
Hydrogeology uses direct observation and remote sensing, computer modeling and laboratory simulation to constrain the interaction of water and rock in Earth's shallow subsurface. Freshwater is Earth's most precious and increasingly overexploited resource. Hydrogeology is a key discipline in the effective shepherding of this important reserve. This track establishes a baseline curriculum for hydrogeology at the graduate level. The compact process will identify additional coursework appropriate to the student's prior training and research directions.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Take the following courses:
ESCI 4702 - General Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
ESCI 5971 - Field Hydrogeology (2.0 cr)
 
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ESCI 8001 - Introductory Graduate Seminar
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Graduate level survey of important research, concepts, and methods in the earth sciences; familiarization with program faculty/facilities and basics of science writing and proposal craft. prereq: Grad student status in earth sci
ESCI 8980 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 30.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Selected seminar topics in Earth & Environmental Sciences. prereq: instr consent
ANTH 5403 - Quantitative Methods in Biological Anthropology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Quantitative methods used by biological anthropologists. Applying these methods to real anthropometric data. Lectures, complementary sessions in computer lab. prereq: Basic univariate statistics course or instr consent
CEGE 4501 - Hydrologic Design
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Hydrologic cycle: precipitation, evaporation, infiltration runoff. Flood routing through rivers and reservoirs. Statistical analysis of hydrologic data and estimation of design flows. Open channel flow, flow through conduits. Detention basin design, hydraulic structure sizing, estimation of risk of flooding. prereq: CEGE 3502
CEGE 4512 - Open Channel Hydraulics
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Theories of flow in open channels, including gradually varied and rapidly varied flows, steady and unsteady flows. Computational methods for unsteady open channel flows, applications to flood routing. Introduction to moveable bed mechanics.
CEGE 5541 - Environmental Water Chemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to water chemistry. Physical chemical principles, geochemical processes controlling chemical composition of waters, behavior of contaminants that affect the suitability of water for beneficial uses. prereq: CEGE 3501, Chem 1061, Chem 1062, upper division CSE or grad student or instructor consent
CEGE 5551 - Environmental Microbiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Role of microorganisms in environmental bioremediation, pollution control, water/wastewater treatment, biogeochemistry, and human health. prereq: Upper div or grad student or instructor consent
CEGE 5552 - Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Basic microbiological techniques: isolation, identification/enumeration of bacteria, BOD, biodegradable kinetics, disinfection. Lab. prereq: CEGE 5551 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CEGE 5551
CHEM 4501 - Introduction to Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Statistical Mechanics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 3501/4501
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Physical chemistry as it relates to macroscopic descriptions of chemical systems. Chemical thermodynamics, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria. Statistical mechanics. Phenomenological reaction kinetics. Kinetic theory of gases. Collision, statistical theories of reaction rates. prereq: [1062/1066 or 1071H/1075H], [MATH 2263 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 2263 or MATH 2374 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in MATH 2374], [PHYS 1302 or PHYS 1402V or PHYS 1502V]
CSCI 5304 - Computational Aspects of Matrix Theory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Perturbation theory for linear systems and eigenvalue problems. Direct/iterative solution of large linear systems. Matrix factorizations. Computation of eigenvalues/eigenvectors. Singular value decomposition. LAPACK/other software packages. Introduction to sparse matrix methods. prereq: 2031 or 2033 or instr consent
CSCI 5521 - Machine Learning Fundamentals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Problems of pattern recognition, feature selection, measurement techniques. Statistical decision theory, nonstatistical techniques. Automatic feature selection/data clustering. Syntactic pattern recognition. Mathematical pattern recognition/artificial intelligence. Prereq: [2031 or 2033], STAT 3021, and knowledge of partial derivatives
CSCI 5609 - Visualization
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Fundamental theory/practice in data visualization. Programming applications. Perceptual issues in effective data representation, multivariate visualization, information visualization, vector field/volume visualization. prereq: [1913, 4041] or equiv or instr consent
EE 5531 - Probability and Stochastic Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Probability, random variables and random processes. System response to random inputs. Gaussian, Markov and other processes for modeling and engineering applications. Correlation and spectral analysis. Estimation principles. Examples from digital communications and computer networks. prereq: [3025, CSE grad student] or dept consent
EE 5571 - Statistical Learning and Inference
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Deterministic and random approaches to learning and inference from data, with applications to statistical models for estimation, detection, and classification. Algorithms and their performance include minimum-variance unbiased estimators, sufficient statistics, fundamental bounds, (non)linear least-squares, maximum-likelihood, expectation-maximization, nonparametric density estimators, mean-square error and Bayesian estimators, importance sampling, Kalman and particle filtering, sequential probability ratio test, bootstrap, Monte Carlo Markov Chains, and graphical models. prereq: courses in Stochastic Processes (EE 5531) and Digital Signal Processing (EE 4541)
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Classical and modern mathematical theories of population growth, interspecific interactions, ecosystem dynamics and functioning, with emphasis on underlying assumptions and on effects of added biological reality on robustness of predictions, stability, interspecific interactions, ecosystem structure and functioning. prereq: Biol 3407 or instr consent
EEB 5407 - Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Principles of ecology from populations to ecosystems. Applications to human populations, disease, exotic organisms, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity, and global dynamics of the earth.
EEB 5601 - Limnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced introduction to description/analysis of interaction of physical, chemical, and biological factors that control functioning of life in lakes and other freshwater aquatic environments. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
ESPM 5402 - Biometeorology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
This course examines the interactions between the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface. We will discuss the principles of the surface energy and radiation balance, air motion in the atmospheric boundary layer, land surface parameterization for climate models, boundary layer budgets, and field research methods. The course aims to achieve exemplary learning through hands-on activities and examining recent field studies conducted in natural and managed ecosystems. prereq: MATH 1271, PHYS 1201, STAT 3011, [instr consent]
FNRM 5114 - Hydrology and Watershed Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3114/FNRM 5114
Typically offered: Every Fall
Hydrologic cycle and water processes in upland/riparian systems. Applications of hydrological concepts to evaluate impacts of forest and land management activities on water yield, streamflow, groundwater erosion, sedimentation, and water quality. Concepts, principles, and applications of riparian/watershed management. Regional/national/global examples. Forest ecosystems.
FNRM 5131 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3131/FNRM 5131/FR 3131/
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Geographic information systems (GIS), focusing on spatial data development and analysis in the science and management of natural resources. Basic data structures, sources, collection, and quality; geodesy and map projections; spatial and tabular data analyses; digital elevation data and terrain analyses; cartographic modeling and layout. Lab exercises provide practical experiences complementing theory covered in lecture. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
FNRM 5203 - Forest Fire and Disturbance Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3203/FNRM 5203
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecology, history, management, control of fire, wind, insect infestation, deer browsing, other disturbances in forests, including disturbance regimes of boreal, northern hardwood, savannas of North America. Influence of disturbance on wildlife habitat, urban/wildland interfaces, forest management, stand/landscape dynamics. Tree mortality in fires, successional patterns created by fires, interactions of life history traits of plants with disturbances. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
FNRM 5262 - Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis of Natural Resources and Environment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3262/FNRM 5262
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introductory principles and techniques of remote sensing and geospatial analysis applied to mapping and monitoring land and water resources from local to global scales. Examples of applications include: Land cover mapping and change detection, forest and natural resource inventory, water quality monitoring, and global change analysis. The lab provides hands-on experience working with satellite, aircraft, and drone imagery, and image processing methods and software. Prior coursework in Geographic Information Systems and introductory Statistics is recommended. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
LAAS 5311 - Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Structural chemistry, origin/identification of crystalline soil clay minerals. Structure of soil organic matter. Chemical processes in soil: solubility, adsorption/desorption, ion exchange, oxidation/reduction, acidity, alkalinity. Solution of problems related to environmental degradation, plant nutrition, and soil genesis. prereq: [[Chem 1022 or equiv], Phys 1102, grad] or instr consent
LAAS 5425 - Atmospheric Processes I: Thermodynamics and Dynamics of the Atmosphere
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Basic laws governing atmospheric motion through analysis of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics at the micro, synoptic, and global scales. Fundamental thermodynamic and dynamical processes/equations governing the behavior of the atmosphere/apply to larger-scale geophysical situations. prereq: One yr college-level [calculus, physics]
LAAS 5426 - Atmospheric Processes II: Radiation, Composition, and Climate
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Atmospheric radiation, composition/chemistry, climate change. Radiative transfer in Earth's atmosphere. Changing chemical makeup of troposphere/stratosphere. Interplay between natural processes and human activities in air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, and chemical forcing of climate. Anthropogenic contribution to climate change/role of land-atmosphere feedbacks affecting atmosphere's energy budget and cycling of greenhouse gases. Application to numerical modeling. prereq: [one yr college-level [calculus, physics, chemistry]]; LAAS 5425 recommended
LAAS 5515 - Soil Formation: Earth Surface Processes and Biogeochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic soil morphology, soil profile descriptions. Pedogenic processes, models of soil development. Soil geomorphology, hydrology, hillslope processes. Digital spatial analysis. Soil classification. Soil surveys, land use. Soil geography. prereq: 2125 or instr consent
LAAS 5621 - Environmental Genomics and Microbiomes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course deals with molecular and genomic approaches to answer ecological questions related to environmental sciences. The course focuses on microbial community analysis and (meta)genomics, but also covers transcriptomics and other omics approaches. It includes hands-on computer exercises to learn basic bioinformatics with python and R. prereq: college-level courses in microbiology
MATH 5485 - Introduction to Numerical Methods I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Solution of nonlinear equations in one variable. Interpolation, polynomial approximation. Methods for solving linear systems, eigenvalue problems, systems of nonlinear equations. prereq: [2243 or 2373 or 2573], familiarity with some programming language
MATH 5486 - Introduction To Numerical Methods II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Numerical integration/differentiation. Numerical solution of initial-value problems, boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations. prereq: 5485
MATS 5517 - Microscopy of Materials
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
A basic introduction to electron microscopy (EM) methods and techniques for materials characterization. The course is intended for junior- and senior-level undergraduates and graduate students interested in obtaining a basic understanding of characterization with EM. Topics to be covered include an introduction to instrumentation, basics of scattering theory, and a survey of imaging, diffraction, and analytical measurement techniques. Current and emerging techniques will also be covered, including machine learning and big data for EM and time-resolved measurements. Students will research a specific topic of interest over the course of the semester, culminating in a project paper and a class presentation.
MATS 8001 - Structure and Symmetry of Materials
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Comprehensive description of structure of materials, including metals, semiconductors, organic crystals, polymers, and liquid crystals. Atomic and molecular ordering, influence of intermolecular forces on symmetry and structure. Principles of scattering and use of X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction. prereq: MatS and ChEn majors must take this course for a grade
MATS 8002 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
First three laws of thermodynamics, free energy, equilibrium constants, fugacity and activity relationships, solution models, order-disorder transitions, phase transitions. Elementary statistical mechanics. Applications to materials systems, including surface energies, multicomponent equilibria, reaction kinetics, mass transport, diffusion.
MATS 8003 - Electronic Properties
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Basic physical theory of bonding in metals, alloys, and semiconductors. Review of modern physics, statistical physics, and solid state physics. Structure of matter emphasizing electronic processes. Techniques for predicting and understanding electronic structure of solids. Transport theory, elementary theory of magnetism, and superconductivity. prereq: instr consent
STAT 8101 - Theory of Statistics 1
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Review of linear algebra. Introduction to probability theory. Random variables, their transformations/expectations. Standard distributions, including multivariate Normal distribution. Probability inequalities. Convergence concepts, including laws of large numbers, Central Limit Theorem. delta method. Sampling distributions. prereq: Statistics grad major or instr consent
STAT 8102 - Theory of Statistics 2
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Statistical inference. Sufficiency. Likelihood-based methods. Point estimation. Confidence intervals. Neyman Pearson hypothesis testing theory. Introduction to theory of linear models. prereq: 8101, Statistics graduate major or instr consent
ESCI 4203 - Environmental Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4203/ESci 8203
Typically offered: Every Fall
Seismic exploration (reflection and refraction); potential techniques (gravity and magnetics) and electrical techniques of geophysical exploration. prereq: Phys 1301
ESCI 4204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Present geomagnetic field at the Earth's surface, secular variation, geomagnetic field reversals. Physical and chemical basis of paleomagnetism: origin of natural remanent magnetization, mineralogy of magnetic minerals, magnetic polarity stratigraphy, apparent polar wander, and environmental magnetism. prereq: 2201, Phys 1302, Math 1272 or instr consent
ESCI 4212 - Geodynamics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4212/ESci 8212
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course focuses on the dynamics of the solid Earth, particularly that of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere, probing further into the geodynamic problems that are introduced in ESCI 2201 through applications of continuum mechanics. Key continuum mechanics concepts to be examined include constitutive relations for different rheological classes (elastic, plastic, viscous, visco-elastic, visco-elasto-plastic), conservation laws (conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; continuity, force balance, and heat transfer), and simplifications and assumptions involved in their applications. Geodynamic problems to be discussed include plate cooling, lithospheric deformation, mantle convection, shear (viscous and frictional) heating, subduction, faulting, and their effects on the Earth?s thermochemical structures, geoid and topography, and the distributions of earthquakes and volcanism. Analytical solutions and numerical models of simple geodynamic problems are introduced, and recent applications of complex geodynamic models to explain geological, geophysical, and geochemical observations are discussed based on selected scientific journal articles. Graduate students are expected to present and lead paper discussions, and their performance will be graded and counted towards their participation. Instructor?s consent will be required if the following prerequisites are not met: ESCI 2201, MATH 1371 and 1372 (or equivalent), and PHYS 1301 and 1302 (or equivalent).
ESCI 4401 - Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4401/ESci 8401
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
General principles of solution chemistry applied to geology. Solution-mineral equilibria. Redox processes in natural waters. Geochemistry of hydrothermal fluids. Environmental geochemistry.
ESCI 4402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4402/ESci 8402
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Marine biogeochemistry and chemical oceanography. Processes controlling chemical composition of oceans past/present. Cycles of major/minor constituents, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, and oxygen and their isotopes. Role of these cycles in climate system. prereq: [CHEM 1021, CHEM 1022] or instr consent
ESCI 4501 - Structural Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamental concepts related to deformation of Earth's crust. Processes associated with deformation, faulting, folding, fabric development. Lab/recitation include solving problems, conducting physical/numerical experiments. Field trips.
ESCI 4502 - Tectonic Styles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Origin and nature of major types of tectonic disturbances affecting the crust and lithosphere, including analysis of the form and development of individual structural components and relationship to plate tectonics. Changes over geologic time in the nature of orogenic processes. prereq: 4501 or instr consent
ESCI 4602 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Interpretation of origin of sedimentary rocks through application of basic physical/chemical principles. Modern depositional environments, petrographic microscopy, basin dynamics, stratigraphy. prereq: [2301] or instr consent
ESCI 4701 - Geomorphology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Origin, development, and continuing evolution of landforms in various environments. Environmental implications. Weathering, slope and shore processes, fluvial erosion and deposition, arid region processes, glacial processes. This course includes lecture and laboratory components, including field trips. Prereqs: MATH 1271 (Calculus I) or equivalent; PHYS 1301 (Physics I: Classical Mechanics) or equivalent. Instructor consent is required to take this course without the prerequisite courses or their equivalents, and it is recommended to take these classes at least concurrently (as co-requisites) with geomorphology. No help will be given on material covered in prerequisite courses.
ESCI 4702 - General Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Theory of groundwater geology, hydrologic cycle, watershed hydrology, Darcy's law, governing equations of groundwater motion, flow net analysis, analog models, groundwater resource evaluation/development. Applied analysis of steady and transient equations of groundwater motion and chemical transport. Chemistry of natural waters. prereq: [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1062, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1066, MATH 1271, PHYS 1201] or instr consent
ESCI 4703 - Glacial Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Formation and characteristics of modern glaciers; erosional and depositional features of Pleistocene glaciers; history of quaternary environmental changes in glaciated and nonglaciated areas. Field trips and labs. prereq: 1001 or instr consent
ESCI 4801 - Geomicrobiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geosphere/biosphere interactions over temporal/spatial scales. Global biogeochemical cycling, microbe-metal interactions, microbial paleobiology, environmental geomicrobiology, life detection, habitability of planets.
ESCI 4911 - Advanced Field Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
Geologic mapping; study of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; structures and surficial features; problem solving. Paper required. prereq: 3911, instr consent
ESCI 5102 - Climate Change and Human History
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3002/ESci 5102
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Causes of long-/short-term climate change. Frequency/magnitude of past climate changes, their geologic records. Relationship of past climate changes to development of agrarian societies and to shifts in power among kingdoms/city-states. Emphasizes last 10,000 years. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
ESCI 5201 - Time-Series Analysis of Geological Phenomena
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Time-series analysis of linear and nonlinear geological and geophysical phenomena. Examples drawn from ice age cycles, earthquakes, climatic fluctuations, volcanic eruptions, atmospheric phenomena, thermal convection and other time-dependent natural phenomena. Modern concepts of nonlinear dynamics and complexity theory applied to geological phenomena. prereq: Math 2263 or instr consent
ESCI 5203 - Mineral and Rock Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Physical properties of minerals and rocks as related to the composition and dynamics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core. prereq: 2201, Phys 1302
ESCI 5204 - Geostatistics and Inverse Theory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Statistical treatment of geological and geophysical data. Statistical estimation. Stochastic processes/fields. Non-linear/non-assumptive error analysis. Cluster analysis. Eigenvalue-eigenvector methods. Regional variables. Correlograms and kriging. Theoretical framework of linear geostatistics and geophysical inverse theory. prereq: Stat 3011 or instr consent
ESCI 5302 - Isotope Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theory and uses of radioactive, radiogenic, and stable isotopes in geology. Radioactive dating, geothermometry, and tracer techniques in geologic processes. prereq: 3303W or instr consent
ESCI 5353 - Electron Microprobe Theory and Practice
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 5353/MatS 5353
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Characterizing solid materials with electron beam instrumentation, including reduction of X-ray data to chemical compositions. prereq: [One yr chem, one yr physics] or instr consent
ESCI 5402 - Science and Politics of Global Warming
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 3402/ESci 5402
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Detection/attribution of global warming using radiation, climate system, and carbon cycle. Effects on society/biodiversity. National/global efforts. Controversy over responses/consequences.
ESCI 5403 - Computer Applications in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This class is meant to provide students with skills in scientific computer programming, with a special focus on the Earth & environmental sciences and other disciplines where spatial data are important. The course assumes no previous knowledge of computer programming. Although the class will use MATLAB, topics covered in the course include concepts common to all programming languages including functions, logic, branching, loops, data types, binary code, data formatting for input/output, among others. Additionally, students will develop problem-solving skills in learning how to design algorithms to achieve a task and in learning how to troubleshoot and debug their code. Students taking the class at the 5xxx level will be required to complete a programming project related to their own research. This course will be different from other introductory-level programming courses in that it will have a spatial emphasis and focus on examples and datasets related to the Earth and environmental sciences. Students will learn how to access a variety of Earth and environmental science data repositories and work with data in standard formats (i.e. NetCDF). Working with geographically referenced data in different projections will be explored using different toolboxes available for that purpose. Plotting of data will also be extensively covered including the production of publication-quality figures and animations.
ESCI 5503 - Advanced Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Quantitative approach to modern igneous/metamorphic petrology. Emphasizes thermodynamics of minerals/melts and with applications to phase diagrams, thermobarometry, melting relationships, and energetics of petrologic mass transfer. prereq: 2302, CHEM 1061, CHEM 1065, [MATH 1372 or MATH 1272 or MATH 1572]
ESCI 5705 - Limnogeology and Paleoenvironment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Within-lake, hydrogeologic, and landscape (geological/biological) processes that lead to formation of various proxy records of paleoenvironment. Systems approach to physical, geochemical, biogeochemical, and biotic proxies. Basic principles, case studies. Emphasizes how proxy records relate to paleoclimate. prereq: instr consent
ESCI 5805 - Standards and Practices for Professional Geoscienists
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is meant to provide students with a clear understanding of the standards and practices regularly used by Geoscience professionals in industry and agency. The course builds on the foundational knowledge offered through the core curriculum of the Earth Sciences undergraduate major, and fills a critical gap in showing how this knowledge is translated into common standards and practices, regulations, funding mechanisms, and even professional expectations within a variety of geoscience disciplines. In short, this course aims to smooth a student?s transition from University to an entry-level position from which they can build a successful and sustainable career. This course is targeted for both upper level undergraduates and graduate students. Aspects of the course include: -Detailed discussion of regional stratigraphy, bedrock and glacial geology and how they relate to various industrial applications and environmental issues. -Examination of state and federal environmental regulations, as well as the phases of environmental impact statements. -Survey of fundamental investigation techniques (GeoProbe drilling, hollow-stem auger drilling, well installation, analytical testing ? soil, groundwater, air). -Introduction to environmental clean-up grants and their management. -Assessment of topics covered in the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam. This exam is a required step on the way to becoming a registered geologist. The exam is offered in mid-March, and the expectation is that students participating in the class will take it. -Coordination and completion of the 40 hour HAZWOPER training through UMN. -Invited lectures from select representatives of various subfields and professional organizations (groundwater & contaminant hydrogeology, mining & geophysical exploration, environmental engineering, petroleum) to give students a jumpstart in their professional networking.
ESCI 5971 - Field Hydrogeology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4971W/ESci 5971
Typically offered: Every Summer
Aquifer, vadoze zone, and surface water hydrology field techniques. Shallow soil boring and sampling. Well installation. Single/multiple well aquifer testing. Ground water sampling for chemical analysis. Weather data collection, hydrogeologic mapping, water balance calculation. prereq: instr consent
ESCI 5980 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics in earth sciences investigated in a seminar format.
ESCI 8203 - Environmental Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4203/ESci 8203
Typically offered: Every Fall
Seismic exploration (reflection/refraction). Potential techniques (gravity/magnetics), electrical techniques of geophysical exploration. prereq: Phys 1301 or equivalent
ESCI 8204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4204/ESci 8204
Prerequisites: 2201, Phys 1302, [Math 1272 or #]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Present geomagnetic field at Earth's surface, secular variation, geomagnetic field reversals. Physical/chemical basis of paleomagnetism. Origin of natural remanent magnetization, mineralogy of magnetic minerals, magnetic polarity stratigraphy, apparent polar wander, environmental magnetism. prereq: 2201, Phys 1302, [Math 1272 or instr consent]
ESCI 8243 - Principles of Rock Magnetism
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Remanent magnetizations, their classification and origins. Fundamentals of fine particle magnetism; magnetic minerals; separation of multicomponent magnetizations; effects of chemical change on magnetization; magnetic proxies of climatic and environmental change; biomagnetism. prereq: 4204 or instr consent
ESCI 8353 - Phase Equilibrium in Mineral Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Principles of homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria and their application to problems in petrology. Emphasis on derivations from first principles and formulation of algebraic and graphical methods essential to multicomponent systems. prereq: 4301, Chem 3501, Math 2243
ESCI 8354 - Igneous Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Igneous rocks and processes, emphasizing geochemistry of melts and minerals. Content varies with instructor and student interest. prereq: 4301 or instr consent
ESCI 8355 - Metamorphic Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Metamorphic processes; relation of theory and observation to current problems. Relation of fundamental concepts and techniques to progressive development of mineral assemblages. Term paper required. prereq: 8353
ESCI 8401 - Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4401/ESci 8401
Typically offered: Every Spring
General principles of solution chemistry applied to geology. Solution-mineral equilibria. Redox processes in natural waters. Geochemistry of hydrothermal fluids. Environmental geochemistry.
ESCI 8402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4402/ESci 8402
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Marine biogeochemistry/chemical oceanography. Processes controlling chemical composition of oceans past/present. Cycles of major/minor constituents, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, oxygen/their isotopes. Role of cycles in climate system. prereq: [Chem 1021, Chem 1022] or instr consent
ESCI 8501 - Structural Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4501/ESci 8501
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamental concepts related to deformation of Earth's crust. Processes associated with deformation, faulting, folding, fabric development. Lab/recitation include solving problems, conducting physical/numerical experiments. Term Paper. Field trips. prereq: 2301 or instr consent
ESCI 8502 - Tectonic Styles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4502/ESci 8502
Prerequisites: 4501 or 8501 or #
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Origin/nature of major types of tectonic disturbances affecting crust/lithosphere, including analysis of form/development of individual structural components/relationship to plate tectonics. Changes over geologic time in nature of orogenic processes. prereq: 4501 or 8501 or instr consent
ESCI 8511 - Mechanics of Sediment Transport
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CE 8511/ESci 8511
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Particle motion in fluids. Criteria for incipient motion. Formulations for bedload and suspended load. Bedform mechanics, hydraulic resistance relations. Channel stability, aggradation/degradation, alluvial stream morphology.
ESCI 8601 - Introduction to Stream Restoration
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CEGE 8601/EEB 8601/ESci 8601
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Background material essential for participating in a stream restoration project. How to assimilate geologic, hydrologic, and ecological data at the watershed and reach scales to plan a restoration project and evaluate/critique existing stream restoration projects. prereq: Grad student in CE or ESCI or EEB or WRS or FW or BAE or FR or HORT or ENR or LA or SRSE or instr consent
ESCI 8602 - Stream Restoration Practice
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: CEGE 8602/EEB 8602/ESci 8602
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Summer
Field experience, group design project. Students provide a stream restoration context for each other?s elective coursework, complete critical assessments of stream restoration projects, and design a stream restoration site. prereq: 8601 or CE 8601
ESCI 8701 - Geomorphology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4701/ESci 8701
Typically offered: Every Fall
Landscapes and the processes that shape them, encompassing fluvial, hill-slope, glacial, aeolian, and coastal environments. Mechanics of solids and fluids at Earth's surface. Erosion, deposition, and sediment transport. Prereqs: MATH 1271 (Calculus I) or equivalent; PHYS 1301 (Physics I: Classical Mechanics) or equivalent; or instructor consent.
ESCI 8712 - Transport Phenomena and Analytical Geohydrology
Credits: 3.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Microscopic flow parameters, momentum, mass and energy transport through porous media. Geologic factors in aquifer performance, equations for groundwater flow, and analysis of pump tests. prereq: 5701 or CE 3502 or instr consent
ESCI 8718 - Numerical Methods in Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Introduction to finite difference and finite element methods in hydrogeology. Students develop one- and two-dimensional models of diffusion and advection-dispersion equations. prereq: 5701, CSci 1107 or instr consent
ESCI 8970 - Seminar: Current Topics in Earth Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 32.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Seminar course. Individual topics will be determined and added per semester. prereq: instr consent
ESCI 8994 - Research in Earth Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 30.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Independent research under faculty supervision. prereq: instr consent
ESCI 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(no description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
ESCI 8402 - Biogeochemical Cycles in the Ocean
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4402/ESci 8402
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Marine biogeochemistry/chemical oceanography. Processes controlling chemical composition of oceans past/present. Cycles of major/minor constituents, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, oxygen/their isotopes. Role of cycles in climate system. prereq: [Chem 1021, Chem 1022] or instr consent
ESCI 5302 - Isotope Geology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theory and uses of radioactive, radiogenic, and stable isotopes in geology. Radioactive dating, geothermometry, and tracer techniques in geologic processes. prereq: 3303W or instr consent
ESCI 5353 - Electron Microprobe Theory and Practice
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 5353/MatS 5353
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Characterizing solid materials with electron beam instrumentation, including reduction of X-ray data to chemical compositions. prereq: [One yr chem, one yr physics] or instr consent
ESCI 5503 - Advanced Petrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Quantitative approach to modern igneous/metamorphic petrology. Emphasizes thermodynamics of minerals/melts and with applications to phase diagrams, thermobarometry, melting relationships, and energetics of petrologic mass transfer. prereq: 2302, CHEM 1061, CHEM 1065, [MATH 1372 or MATH 1272 or MATH 1572]
ESCI 5705 - Limnogeology and Paleoenvironment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Within-lake, hydrogeologic, and landscape (geological/biological) processes that lead to formation of various proxy records of paleoenvironment. Systems approach to physical, geochemical, biogeochemical, and biotic proxies. Basic principles, case studies. Emphasizes how proxy records relate to paleoclimate. prereq: instr consent
ESCI 4212 - Geodynamics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4212/ESci 8212
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course focuses on the dynamics of the solid Earth, particularly that of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere, probing further into the geodynamic problems that are introduced in ESCI 2201 through applications of continuum mechanics. Key continuum mechanics concepts to be examined include constitutive relations for different rheological classes (elastic, plastic, viscous, visco-elastic, visco-elasto-plastic), conservation laws (conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; continuity, force balance, and heat transfer), and simplifications and assumptions involved in their applications. Geodynamic problems to be discussed include plate cooling, lithospheric deformation, mantle convection, shear (viscous and frictional) heating, subduction, faulting, and their effects on the Earth?s thermochemical structures, geoid and topography, and the distributions of earthquakes and volcanism. Analytical solutions and numerical models of simple geodynamic problems are introduced, and recent applications of complex geodynamic models to explain geological, geophysical, and geochemical observations are discussed based on selected scientific journal articles. Graduate students are expected to present and lead paper discussions, and their performance will be graded and counted towards their participation. Instructor?s consent will be required if the following prerequisites are not met: ESCI 2201, MATH 1371 and 1372 (or equivalent), and PHYS 1301 and 1302 (or equivalent).
ESCI 5201 - Time-Series Analysis of Geological Phenomena
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Time-series analysis of linear and nonlinear geological and geophysical phenomena. Examples drawn from ice age cycles, earthquakes, climatic fluctuations, volcanic eruptions, atmospheric phenomena, thermal convection and other time-dependent natural phenomena. Modern concepts of nonlinear dynamics and complexity theory applied to geological phenomena. prereq: Math 2263 or instr consent
ESCI 5203 - Mineral and Rock Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Physical properties of minerals and rocks as related to the composition and dynamics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core. prereq: 2201, Phys 1302
ESCI 5204 - Geostatistics and Inverse Theory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Statistical treatment of geological and geophysical data. Statistical estimation. Stochastic processes/fields. Non-linear/non-assumptive error analysis. Cluster analysis. Eigenvalue-eigenvector methods. Regional variables. Correlograms and kriging. Theoretical framework of linear geostatistics and geophysical inverse theory. prereq: Stat 3011 or instr consent
ESCI 8203 - Environmental Geophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4203/ESci 8203
Typically offered: Every Fall
Seismic exploration (reflection/refraction). Potential techniques (gravity/magnetics), electrical techniques of geophysical exploration. prereq: Phys 1301 or equivalent
ESCI 8204 - Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4204/ESci 8204
Prerequisites: 2201, Phys 1302, [Math 1272 or #]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Present geomagnetic field at Earth's surface, secular variation, geomagnetic field reversals. Physical/chemical basis of paleomagnetism. Origin of natural remanent magnetization, mineralogy of magnetic minerals, magnetic polarity stratigraphy, apparent polar wander, environmental magnetism. prereq: 2201, Phys 1302, [Math 1272 or instr consent]
ESCI 4702 - General Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Theory of groundwater geology, hydrologic cycle, watershed hydrology, Darcy's law, governing equations of groundwater motion, flow net analysis, analog models, groundwater resource evaluation/development. Applied analysis of steady and transient equations of groundwater motion and chemical transport. Chemistry of natural waters. prereq: [concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1062, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in CHEM 1066, MATH 1271, PHYS 1201] or instr consent
ESCI 5971 - Field Hydrogeology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESci 4971W/ESci 5971
Typically offered: Every Summer
Aquifer, vadoze zone, and surface water hydrology field techniques. Shallow soil boring and sampling. Well installation. Single/multiple well aquifer testing. Ground water sampling for chemical analysis. Weather data collection, hydrogeologic mapping, water balance calculation. prereq: instr consent