Courses Offered in G&PS

1. The agricultural and industrial activities of human populations have increasingly affected the global environment and now occur at scales capable of changing the biogeochemical cycles upon which life and the Earth's climate depend. Improving our knowledge of the global environment is therefore a matter of urgency. This course will consider both natural and human-induced global environmental change and the complex interactions of the geological, chemical, physical, and biological processes that together determine the nature of the Earth system. Specifically, the course will examine the origin and evolution of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere and fundamental geosphere processes, atmospheric and oceanic circulation and the role of the oceans in regulating climate, water balances and the hydrologic cycle, biosphere processes and global biogeochemical cycles, and climate forcing mechanisms. The course will also explore records of past climate, future climate scenarios, and the impact of climate changes on human populations.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Weekly recitations will consist of computer-based Earth systems modeling exercises, each progressively building upon previous assignments. Specifically, the recitation will utilize STELLA (High Performance Systems*) software to construct relatively simple models of world population growth and fossil fuel consumption, the global carbon cycle, and the Earth's energy balance. No prior knowledge of the software is assumed or required.
4. Class size: Lecture, 60; recitation, 15.
5. This course is offered in the Spring and Summer Terms.

1. This class and its associated laboratory (GEOL 0055) are required for geology majors and recommended for civil and petroleum engineering students, and other science and engineering majors needing an introductory course in geology. The aim is to provide students with the fundamentals of geology. Topics covered are: (1) the description and origin of earth materials (minerals and rocks), (2) internal processes (i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes), (3) surface processes (i.e. erosion, deposition), (4) structural features of the earth, (5) resources. There is a required two-day field trip that will cost approximately $50.
2. Prerequisite: None. This course can be taken by itself or as a sequence with GEOL 0060 or ASTRON 0111.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 30
5. This course is offered in the Fall Term.

1. This lab provides a hands-on survey of the fundamentals of physical geology. We introduce the identification and interpretation of rocks and minerals. We use topographic maps, air photos, and satellite images to analyze and understand a variety of dynamic systems, including rivers, groundwater, glaciers, sea coasts, and deserts. Advanced topics include geologic time, structural geology, geologic maps, and plate tectonics. Whenever possible, connections are drawn between people, resources, and the natural Earth systems. There is a required day-long Sunday field trip to examine local geological and environmental features. This class stands alone but is best taken concurrently with or following GEOL 0040, GEOL 0800, GEOL 0820, or GEOL 0860.
2. Prerequisites: See above.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 25.
5. This course is offered Fall and Spring Terms.

1. This class is excellent preparation for upper level classes. Its main focus is understanding how the Earth operates over long time scales. The first section looks at the natural processes that drive climate change over time scales of 100s to 100s of millions of years. Causes include everything from volcanic emissions to wobbles in the Earth's orbit to changing oceanic currents caused by continental drift. The second section examines the geologic history of North America. This provides excellent context for future excursions across the U.S. and includes, for example, a surprising variety of explanations for the origin of our major mountain belts. The third section looks at the earliest history of Planet Earth. To prepare you for upper level written work, I assign a series of short papers that are extensively edited and that can be revised for improved grades. I also include a series of Excel spreadsheet exercises, which teach you how to use an incredibly useful program and provide practice doing practical, geologically relevant calculations.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 and one of the following: GEOL 0040, GEOL 0800, GEOL 0820, or GEOL 0860.
3. Recitations: No recitation. The lab is similar to GEOL 0055 in format.
4. Class size: 25.
5. This course is offered in the Spring Term.

1. A survey of geology designed for the non-science major. This lecture course examines the accretion of the earth four and a half billion years ago, and follows the evolution of the planet and its inhabitants since that time. On the way, we will discuss the composition of the earth (rocks and minerals), its dynamic surface (plate tectonics), and the internal and external processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion and landslides which have a profound effect on human populations. We will also cover exploration for geological resources such as fossil fuels and mineral deposits, and the importance of the geologic record in understanding global environment change.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: Yes.
4. Class size: Lecture, 400; recitations; 25.
5. This course is offered three times a year.

1. This course examines the geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric processes that affect the human environment in catastrophic ways. Natural Disasters focuses on how the normal Earth processes concentrate their energies to deal damaging blows to humans and their structures. Topics covered include energy cycles, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, landslides, climate change, and mass extinctions. Students interested in this subject may concurrently take GEOL 0055 (Geology Laboratory - 2 credits), which would allow entry to other related courses and majors in Geology.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Two hours of lecture and one hour of recitation per week.
4. Class size: Lecture; 300, recitation, 25.
5. This course is offered every Spring Term.

1. Many of the U.S. and Canadian National Parks are showcases of geology. The student will learn to interpret regional geological history by examining the rock layers exposed within various park areas. The geological development of the North American continent will be developed in the framework of plate tectonic theory and of the physical geological processes that have shaped the landscape into the spectacular scenery of the parks. This course is best suited to the student with a non-science major who has a strong interest in geology and the national parks.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None. This is a lecture course in which discussion is encouraged. Extensive use will be made of visual aids.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This class is offered as a CGS course.

1. Earth system science is an integrated discipline that has been rapidly developing over the last two decades. During that time, the study of cycles as a model for the earth's changing climate has become a new science. Earth systems science is the basis for understanding all aspects of anthropogenic global change, focusing on the four spheres of the earth: hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. The class is aimed at those students in the physical sciences interested in the emerging scientific discipline.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. None. There will be two mid term exams and one final exam, each consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This class is offered as a CGS course.

1. This course is designed to introduce you to a broad spectrum of the physical Earth sciences. It is comprised of 4 hours of videotapes, 10 units from a textbook, and a course guide. Units 1 and 2 provide introductory material while each remaining unit corresponds to one half-hour of video. The text has been designed so that selected units might be covered and you will be covering: plate tectonics and the solid earth, oceans, mineral and energy resources, and fate of the Earth. Note: Students are urged to view all 4 hours of taped television programs. These tapes will be on reserve at UCIR in Hillman Library.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. 3 exams, 9 turn-in assignments in the course guide. Materials: Course guide, 1 required textbook with CD-ROM, and 4 hours viewing of tapes/television programs.
4. Class size: 50
5. This class is offered as a CGS course.

1. This course will provide the student with an awareness of the environmental problems we face today. Concepts of geochemical cycles and equilibrium will be examined. The impact of population growth and technological change upon the environment will be discussed. Detailed examples of environmental disruption will be presented, emphasizing volcanism, landsliding, oil spills, earthquakes, resource depletion, sea-level rise, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, radon threats, etc. Students interested in this subject may concurrently take GEOL 0055 (Geology Laboratory - 2 credits). This would allow entry to other environmentally related courses in Geology.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Two hours of lecture and one hour of recitation per week.
4. Class size: Lecture; 300, recitation, 25.
5. This course is offered Fall and Summer Terms.

1. A survey of our solar system designed for students without technical or mathematical backgrounds. This course examines the historical development of knowledge of our place in the universe, the various bodies that make up the planetary system, including planets, satellites, asteroids and comets, how they were formed, and the factors that control the nature of their surfaces and atmospheres. Of special interest are the effects of these concepts on our understanding of our own home, the Earth. Extensive use will be made of results from manned and unmanned spacecraft.
2. Prerequisite(s): None. This course can be taken by itself or as a sequence (in either order) with GEOL 0800 or ASTRON 0089.
3. Two hours of lecture and one hour of recitation per week.
4. Class size: Lecture; 300; recitation; 25.
5. This course is offered in the Spring and Summer Terms.

1. "Either we are alone or we are not; either way is mind-boggling" (Dubridge). The purpose of this course is to give students a sufficient scientific background for an informed discussion of whether intelligent creatures are likely to exist elsewhere in the Universe, where such creatures might be found, what they might be like, and how we might contact them. Like the newly created field of astrobiology, this course unites a wide range of topics to address these questions. We will examine the origin of the Universe, the formation of the Solar System, the history of the Earth, the origin and evolution of life and intelligent life on Earth, and the problems associated with trying to contact and communicate with life located across the vast distances of space. By the end of this class you not only will have an informed appreciation of the probability of finding intelligent life elsewhere, but also a sound knowledge of the many surprising twists and turns that led to human life on Planet Earth.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: Yes
4. Class size: Lecture; 300, recitation, 25.
5. This course is offered every Fall Term.

1. This introductory study of the geological, chemical and physical nature of the oceanic environment is aimed primarily at non-science majors. The primary goals of the course are (1) to give students an understanding of the scientific method, the foundation of modern science, so that they can make informed decisions about scientific matters affecting day-to-day life; (2) to provide sufficient scientific background to understand how oceans work and how they are related to global processes, and (3) to illustrate interactions between humans and the oceans. A history of the exploration of the world's oceans is followed by a comprehensive study of the formation of ocean basins (geology, particularly plate tectonics), the origin and nature of ocean water (chemistry and physics), the weather currents and waves, coastal processes, and life in the oceans. This course can be taken by itself, or as sequence (in either order) with GEOL 0802, GEOL 0842, GEOL 0870, or GEOL 0871.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 50.
5. This class is offered as a CGS course.

1. Physics and chemistry of minerals. Includes physical properties, crystal chemistry, crystal structure and symmetry, and mineral identification. A required course for Geology and Environmental Geology majors.
2. Prerequisites: CHEM 0110 and CHEM 0120, pre- or co-requisite.
3. Recitations: None. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory each week.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered yearly.

1. A lecture and laboratory course concerned with a study of the origin, occurrence, identification, and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The primary purpose of the course is to familiarize the student with the physical and chemical processes that control the formation of the main igneous rock types. The main lecture topics are the distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the contrasting geological environments in which the principal rock types form, physical and chemical properties of the earth's crust and mantle, origin of magmas, and crystallization processes of silicate melts.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 1001. This is a required course for all geology majors.
3. Recitations: None. Laboratory study involves petrographic study of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This class will meet 1/3 of a CAS "W" (writing) requirement in geology. About 8 to 10 pages of writing and rewriting are required. The assignments will be accepted when the writing is satisfactory. The other 2/3 will be met in GEOL 1100 and GEOL 1020.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered yearly.

1. Geology Colloquium is a required course for advanced undergraduate (Junior or Senior) majors in Geology and Environmental Geology, and recommended for Environmental Science majors. It is a formalization of the seminar series with weekly guest speakers from industry, academia, and government. Each seminar will focus on a different research topic in the earth sciences describing ongoing projects of immediate interest to students. The course is taken as credit/no credit and performance is based on attendance and the submission of seminar summaries and/or questions for the speakers.
2. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level undergraduate majors only.
3. Recitations: None. One hour of seminar per week.
4. Class size: 25.
5. This course is offered every Fall and Spring.

Cross-listed with ANTH 1520

1. The lectures focus on the principles of sediment erosion, transport, and deposition, on the erosive forces behind important sedimentary systems (e.g., rivers, deltas, beaches, etc.) and how these systems create distinctive deposits in the geologic record, on stratigraphic principles, and on the development of sedimentary basins. The labs focus on identifying and interpreting sedimentary rocks and structures and on applying the basic methods of stratigraphy to particular problems. Readings and written work will focus on scientifically interesting problems. This course is required for geology majors and is useful for archaeologists, geographers, environmental scientists, land planners, and civil and petroleum engineers. This class meets 1/3 of a CAS "W" (writing) requirement in geology. About 8 to 10 pages of writing and rewriting are required. The other 2/3 of the "W" requirement will be met in GEOL 1003 and GEOL 1100.
2. Prerequisites: An introductory geology class (GEOL 0040, GEOL 0800, GEOL 0840, OR GEOL 0860) is required and GEOL 0055 is strongly recommended.
3. Recitations. None. Laboratory work.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered in the Fall Term.

1. Introduces groundwater flow concepts, hydrologic cycle, physical and chemical properties, flow net, hydraulic potential, geologic controls on heterogeneity and anisotropy, aquifers and aquitards in a geologic system, saturated and unsaturated flow, flow to a well, pumping tests, and role of groundwater in geologic processes.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055, CHEM 0110, and MATH 0220 or consent of professor.
3. Recitations: None. Class time will include discussion of problem-solving strategies used in homework assignments. Laboratory sessions (2 hrs/week) will involve both lab-and field-based exercises. Lab exercises will include problem solving and the use of computer-based groundwater modeling programs.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered in the Spring Term.

1. This upper division undergraduate and graduate level lecture course will concern the different types of data used to study the Earth's climatic history and provide a longer perspective on climatic variability than is possible with instrumental records. Particular emphasis will be given to the climatic changes during the late Cenozoic - the so-called glacial ages. Topics to be discussed will include: time scales of climatic change, types of paleoclimatic records and their limitations (including marine records, ice cores, glacial deposits, periglacial features, coastal features, soils, lake deposits, cave deposits, tree rings, floral and faunal distributions), the use of climate models to simulate past climate, the causes of climatic change, and the importance of paleoclimatic research in forecasting the future.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. This course examines the interrelationships among environmental science, ethics, and public policy. Specifically, the course will examine the origin and development of the environmental movement, environmental values and attitudes, enactment and mechanics of environmental regulations and statutes, environmental economics and politics, and future environmental scenarios. The various social, economic, legal, and political implications will be scrutinized within the context of specific case studies of local and/or global environmental and ecological concern.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 35.
5. This course is offered in the Spring Term.

1. This honors course is a companion to GEOL 1055 and supplements the latter with a weekly one-hour seminar devoted to international dimensions of environmental protection. In addition to the requirements of the core course, GEOL 1056 adds the task of conducting research into an unfamiliar social and political arena. It replaces the research paper of Geology 1055 with a longer paper focused exclusively on the law, politics, science, and/or economics of an issue of environmental protection abroad. Students must define their issue within the first two weeks of the course in consultation with the instructors, and meet weekly in seminar to present and discuss their progress.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 or grade point eligibility for UHC courses or permission of instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 10.
5. This course is offered in the Spring Term.
6. Students must go to the UHC office in 3500 CL to obtain CRN and permission form before processing their registration at Thackeray.

1. Alecture and laboratory course involving examination of terrestrial landforms and the surficial processes which shape them. Fluvial, Coastal, Aeolian, Glacial and Volcanic settings will be examined with emphasis on landforms that have developed in the last 10,000 years of earth history. This course is of particular interest to those majoring in geology, anthropology and engineering
2. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None. Laboratory work.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. A course for majors to acquaint them with field techniques prior to geology field camp. Instruction is given in the use of Brunton compass, hand level, plane table and alidade, transit and magnetometer. Students measure a stratigraphic section, do topographic and geologic mapping, and map a magnetic anomaly, all within the Pittsburgh area. The department furnishes required instruments.
2. Prerequisite: Junior and Senior Geology majors only.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This class is offered in the Spring and Summer terms. The actual class will meet the week between the Spring and Summer terms. Contact the G&PS main office at 624-8780 for more information during finals week of the Spring Term.

1. An introduction to basic geologic structures, including the development of folds, faults, joints, and foliation. The use of these structures in geologic mapping, and their interpretation in terms of structural geometry will be covered. The concepts of stress and strain will also be introduced. These basic concepts will be integrated into a study of the evolution of mountain belts. This class meets 1/3 of a CAS "W" (writing) requirement in geology. About 8 to 10 pages of writing and rewriting are required. The assignments will be accepted when the writing is satisfactory. The other 2/3 of the "W" requirement will be met in GEOL 1003 and GEOL 1020.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory once a week. Laboratory work introduces techniques useful in structural analysis and interpretation of geologic maps.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered once a year

1. This class combines a traditional invertebrate paleontology class with a discussion of the larger themes related to the history of life. One or two lectures a week and each lab will be devoted to invertebrate paleontology. We will survey the major marine invertebrate groups that dominate the fossil record and highlight interesting details related to their marine biology. The labs will focus on recognizing the key features that allow us to understand and identify the major groups. The history of life lectures will focus on the processes of evolution and extinction, with a focus on the major hurdles that life had to overcome as it diversified and finally arrived at our current collection of world organisms. The focus will be on big events, not a detailed, systematic march through time.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055 or permission of instructor
3. Recitations: None. Laboratory work is an important part of this course.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered in the fall of even-numbered years.

2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This class is offered as a CGS course.

2. Prerequisite:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered every other year.

1. This course serves as a W-course for environmental studies. We will sample various tools and methods (typical "professional" tasks such as memos and letters, building into comprehensive assignments such as case studies), all while concentrating on how audience and purpose affect communication.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 22.
5. This course is offered twice a year.

1. This introduction to solid-earth geophysics includes geodesy, information from meteorites, seismology, determination of the composition and structure of earth's interior, heat flow within the earth, geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, and plate tectonics.
2. Prerequisites: PHYS 0105.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. Various geophysical techniques - seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, and electro-magnetic - are frequently utilized in the exploration of the Earth's crust for mineral or petroleum deposits of economic value. The basic principles of these techniques, the interpretation of geophysical data, and their application to geology will be discussed in quantitative detail.
2. Prerequisites: PHYS 0106 and GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. This laboratory is designed to acquaint the student with the various types of well logs and their interpretation. In addition, a large number of well logs will be used to determine the structure of a producing oil field.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None. Laboratory work - worksheets, structural map preparation.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered upon student request.

1. The goal of this course is to gain expertise in the methods of Geographic Information Systems using the Arc/Info software package on UNIX based workstations. No previous computer classes are required. Students will be graded on the basis of approximately 5 computer assignments, in-class exercises, a project, and final exam. This course is a core course for the GIS Certificate.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None. Three hours and fifteen minutes of class twice per week.
4. Class size: 40.
5. This course is offered in the summer if there is student demand.

1. The goal of this course is to continue to gain expertise in advanced elements (TIN, GRID, NETWORK) of Arc/Info, Geographical Positioning Systems, geoids, map projections and UNIX based workstations.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered alternative years.

1. This course provides a foundation in the theory and techniques of image processing and data visualization spanning the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet to microwave. Students will utilize state of the art image processing laboratories and have access to new airborne and satellite data. It is a required core course for the GIS Certificate and is designed to be multi-disciplinary and integrative with the Introduction to GIS (GEOL 1445) course.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055, CHEM 0110 and PHYS 0104 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None. Three hours and fifteen minutes of class twice per week.
4. Class size: 60.
5. This course is offered in the Fall every year.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. The role of chemistry in the geologic environment will be explored via an examination of the cycling, transport, and removal of chemicals from the atmosphere, hydrosphere and terrestrial environments. Topics will include mass balance, chemical distribution, chemical transformation, physical transport and chemical cycling on local and global scales. Problem solving examples will cover freshwater and marine ecosystems, groundwater pollution and remediation, chemical weathering and soil formation, air pollution, acid deposition, global warming, and biochemical cycles.
2. Prerequisites: CHEM 0110 (plus the lab) and GEOL 0055.
3. Recitations: None
4. Class size: 40.
5. This course is offered every year.

1. An introductory course in comparative planetology. The morphology and nature of the features found on the surfaces of the planets of our solar system will be examined, and the processes by which they were formed will be discussed, along with our present understanding of the reasons for the similarities and differences.
2. Prerequisite: GEOL 0055. Introductory courses in Geology and Physics, or consent of instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. This course places the student in an "on-the-job" setting in which he/she receives practical experience in a supervised training environment.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 25.
5. This course is offered every term.

1. This course permits undergraduates to explore specific topics in the geological sciences. The course is designed in a more flexible format than a directed study, stressing a higher degree of independent library research.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every term.

Management of Non-Profit Environmental Organizations

1. It's true that a little enthusiasm goes a long way in the nonprofit world, but those who get involved need to have real skills if they're going to make a lasting impact. The goal of this course is to introduce students to nonprofit environmental organizations & issues, & to provide them with the tools to effectively participate in & organize environmental campaigns. The course covers the "inner workings" of environmental organizations & campaigns, what it takes to succeed, & why effectively communicating environmental issues at the grassroots level is so important & so difficult.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 22.
5. This course is offered when needed.

1. This course provides the opportunity for undergraduates to obtain "hands on" experience in geology by actively inter-acting with faculty members on research projects.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 25.
5. This course is offered every term.

Environmental Policy

1. This course will provide a framework for understanding the complex interactions among policymakers, the public, and the environment. The course will ask students to consider current environmental problems of air quality, climate change, and decline of water quality and quantity, and to examine the roles of decision-makers. Each student will be asked to create an original piece of research. Each paper should analyze a policy problem and the choices facing decision-makers. The lectures, readings and research will be organized around U.S. environmental problems and policies, with an emphasis on southwestern Pennsylvania. In particular, the class will review the interaction between natural history and human development, and consider how these inter-relate. Policy responses including the development of the U.S.'s Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act will be considered, and current policy dilemmas will be examined. The course will seek to make use of the Hays Environmental Archives at the University of Pittsburgh; and will assist students to incorporate primary sources and archival materials into their research.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered upon student demand.

(offered through any of a number of outside institutions)

1. This course is designed for M.S. students working on their Thesis research.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every term.

1. Geology Colloquium is a required course for first-year graduate students in Geology and Planetary Science. It is a formalization of the seminar series with weekly guest speakers from industry, academia, and government. Each seminar will focus on a different research topic in the earth sciences describing ongoing projects of interest to students. The course is offered as credit/no credit and may be taken multiple times. Performance is based on attendance and the submission of seminar summaries and/or questions for the speakers.
2. Prerequisites: First-year graduate students.
3. Recitations: None. One hour of seminar per week.
4. Class size: 15.
5. This course is offered every Fall and Spring.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

1. This upper division undergraduate and graduate level lecture course will concern the different types of data used to study the Earth's climatic history and provide a longer perspective on climatic variability than is possible with instrumental records. Particular emphasis will be given to the climatic changes during the late Cenozoic - the so-called glacial ages. Topics to be discussed will include: time scales of climatic change, types of paleoclimatic records and their limitations (including marine records, ice cores, glacial deposits, periglacial features, coastal features, soils, lake deposits, cave deposits, tree rings, floral and faunal distributions), the use of climate models to simulate past climate, the causes of climate models to simulate past climate, the causes of climatic change, and the importance of paleoclimatic research in forecasting the future.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 1200.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 30.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. This course includes the historical background of the fundamental concept of plate tectonics. It will cover applications of geological and geophysical data to plate motions and the evolution of the continents. Plate tectonic processes and characteristics of plate boundaries including divergence and convergence and transform faults will be studied and compared to existing geotectonic features. Kinematics and geometry of plate tectonics will be described and techniques to treat plate tectonic problems will be introduced. The nature of driving forces will also be discussed.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 1100 and GEOL 1400.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Fall alternate years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Fall alternate years.

1. An exploration of the techniques of morphological analysis as applied to the fossil record. Detailed examination of the various approaches of morphological analysis will rely heavily upon case studies from the recent literature and will be selected to show the diversity of techniques in practice at the present time.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered upon student demand.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

1. This is an interactive seminar that concentrates on advanced topics in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing for students enrolled in the Professional M.S. degree program. Weekly meeting topics could include speakers from academia and industry; reviews of software and current literature, or student presentations that focus on their recently-completed Internship program. Grading will be on the basis of class participation and written summaries of selected topics submitted in digital format.
2. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 10.
5. This course is offered every Fall.

2. Prerequisite:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered every other year.

1. The goal of this course is to continue to gain expertise in advanced elements (TIN, GRID, NETWORK) of Arc/Info, Geographical Positioning Systems, geoids, map projections and UNIX based workstations.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered alternative years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Fall alternate years.

1. The goal of this course is to gain expertise in the methods of Geographic Information Systems using the Arc/Info software package on UNIX based workstations. No previous computer classes are required. Students will be graded on the basis of approximately 5 computer assignments, in-class exercises, a project, and final exam. This course is a core course for the GIS Certificate.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None. Three hours and fifteen minutes of class twice per week.
4. Class size: 40.
5. This course is offered in the summer if there is student demand.

1. This course is intended primarily for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, and is designed as a logical follow on to the Introduction to Remote Sensing class currently offered. There is strong emphasis on field-oriented problems, data collection, and verification. The ultimate goal will be to explore the connection between remotely-gathered imagery and the real world factors which influence those data. In the process, students should come away with an appreciation of current remote sensing issues, understand the geologic and human processes that impact remotely-gathered data, and how those processes can be observed and measured with remote sensing and GPS. This course is intended to be multi-disciplinary covering topics such as urban change, vegetation monitoring, as well geological / hydrological mapping using remote sensing.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 1445 or GEOL 1460.
3. Recitations: None. There will be 2-3 field-oriented projects in which students will utilize computer, remote sensing and GPS techniques. One mid term exam will consist of short answer essay and problem-solving questions. In addition, students will be required to complete a final project involving remote sensing data. A lab fee required for field trip costs.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

1. The role of chemistry in the geologic environment will be explored via an examination of the cycling, transport, and removal of chemicals from the atmosphere, hydrosphere and terrestrial environments. Topics will include mass balance, chemical distribution, chemical transformation, physical transport and chemical cycling on local and global scales. Problem solving examples will cover freshwater and marine ecosystems, groundwater pollution and remediation, chemical weathering and soil formation, air pollution, acid deposition, global warming, and biochemical cycles.
2. Prerequisite: Graduate status or consent of instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Class size:
5. This course is offered in the Spring alternate years.

1. Environmental concerns are often about potential impacts in the future. Thus, environmental policymaking and practices heavily rely on models. This course will introduce students to the theories and applications of geochemical modeling. Students will have the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience of using popular geochemical codes such as MINTEQA2, PHREEQC, and EQ3/6. The textbook, "Environmental Applications of Geochemical Modeling" by Zhu and Anderson, to be published by Cambridge University Press, will be used. Applications to sedimentary, magmatic, and metamorphic processes will be included.
2. Prerequisite: CHEM 0110 and CHEM 0120, pre- or co-requisite, Environmental Geochemistry (GEOL 2515), Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1410).
3. Recitations: None. Two hours lecture and one hour lab.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. GeoHazards commonly result from human activity that modifies and thus interferes with the natural geologic or hydrologic cycle. The geological and natural processes that affect the human environment in catastrophic ways are examined in this class in terms of the quantitative science, prediction, mitigation, and risk management policy issues involved. Topics will focus on specific case studies of recent hazards. Students will also work collectively on a research project that will involve an in depth analysis of a geohazard in the world today.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055, or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered in the Spring of alternate years.

1. This course will cover the geochemical evolution of the solar system, including nucleosynthesis, planetary accretion and differentiation, formation of Earth's moon, and continuing geochemical processes on the terrestrial planets. We will approach models for planetary geochemical evolution using the meteorite record, lunar sample chemistry, and data from planetary surface probes (e.g., Venus, Mars).
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

1. This is an introductory course in physical volcanology offered at the graduate level (although advanced undergraduates may enroll with instructor permission). Main topics covered are the physical properties of lavas, the geomorphology of volcanic landforms, the dynamics and monitoring of volcanic eruptions, and the emplacement of volcanic deposits. Other topics may include planetary volcanism, volcanic hazards assessment, remote sensing of volcanoes, and the effects of eruptions on the climate. Requirements: There will be one mid term and one final exam, each consisting of multiple choice, short answer essay and problem-solving questions. Students will also have a final project focusing on the hazards assessment of a particular volcano.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 1001 or GEOL 1003 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered alternate years in the Fall.

1. This course permits graduate students to explore specific topics in the geological sciences. The course is designed in a more flexible format than a directed study, stressing a higher degree of independent library research.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every term.

1. This course is designed for Ph.D. students working on their Dissertation research.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every term.

Note: Topics courses are offered on an "as-needed" basis only. The following are examples of courses recently offered in the Department.

Geofluids

1. The term 'Geofluids' covers all upper-crustal fluids including water, brine, ore fluids, and hydrocarbons. Earth Scientists have recognized that these fluids play an important role in numerous processes within the Earth's crust, including: diagenesis, ore deposition, earthquakes, remagnetization, metamorphism, and metasomatism. Many of these processes are interrelated and/or mutually dependent. In this course we will investigate a variety of topics, such as:
   • Large-scale crustal fluid flow and driving mechanisms
   • Fluids in sedimentary basins
   • Fluid flow and diagenesis
   • Fluids and hydrocarbon generation and migration
   • Hydrogeology of sediment-hosted ore deposits
   • Fluids in metamorphic and igneous environments
   • Fluids and deformation
   • Dating fluid flow

   Material will be presented in occasional lectures, readings,class discussion, and student presentations. The class is open to graduate level students with an interest in fluids and fluid processes.

2. Recitations: None.
3. Class size: 18.
4. This course is offered upon student demand.

1. This course is designed for M.S. and Ph.D. students working on directed research topics not applicable under GEOL 2000 or 3000. Also designed for the summer internship of the Professional M.S. student.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every term.

Astrobiology

1. This seminar course will cover the current state of research in astrobiology, with a focus on the history of Earth's atmosphere and the early evolution of life. The course format will be a combination of readings, student-led discussions, and videoconferencing with astrobiology researchers at The Pennsylvania State University.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered upon student demand.

Quaternary Environmental History of Owens Valley, CA

1. This course will provide students with a basic introduction to the multi-disciplinary science of paleoclimatology, and more importantly a review of recent advances and 'hot topics' in climate change research. Specifically, the course will examine the evolution of climate through the Cenozoic, Milankovitch orbital theory, solar insolation changes, and models of oceanic and atmospheric heat transport. In addition the course will explore mechanisms of abrupt climate change, ice core records from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, sediment records from the deep-sea and from lacustrine basins, and pollen and speleothem records from continental sites.
2. Prerequisite: GEOL 1052 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered in the Spring Term of alternate years.

Paleolimnology

1. This graduate class will focus on the study lake sediments as archives of climatic change. Lake deposits form a significant part of the geologic record and contain high resolution records of past climatic and environmental changes in continental environments. Because lake deposits are the product of diverse geochemical experiments they provide a framework to discuss numerous problems which are of general interest in both chemical sedimentology and general sedimentology. readings assigned from current journal articles.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 15.
5. This course is offered upon student demand.

1. This is a course designed to permit the teaching of new and ignificant developments in the field of Paleoenvironmental Analysis. It permits maximum flexibility enabling presentation of subject matter not normally treated in formal geology courses.
2. Prerequisite: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 14.
5. This course is offered every other year.

ArcObjects Programming in Visual Basic.NET

1. The goal of this course is to gain expertise in programming methods using Environmental Systems Research Incorporated ArcObjects and the Visual Studio .NET programming environment of Microsoft. ArcObjects is a software technology based on the COM protocol and can be used within any COM-compliant programming language. Our goal in this class is to gain fundamental skills in Visual Basic Programming using the Microsoft Developers Studio Visual Basic .NET 2003 environment through applied examples and homeworks.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 2446 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 20.
5. This course is offered in the Spring every other year.

Introduction to Remote Sensing (graduate-level)

1. This course provides a foundation in the theory and techniques of image processing and data visualization spanning the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet to microwave. Students will utilize state of the art image processing laboratories and have access to new airborne and satellite data. It is a required core course for the GIS Certificate and is designed to be multi-disciplinary and integrative with the Introduction to GIS (GEOL 1445) course.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL 0055, CHEM 0110 and PHYS 0104 or permission of the instructor.
3. Recitations: None. Three hours and fifteen minutes of class twice per week.
4. Class size: 60.
5. This course is offered in the Fall every year.

Air Quality Issues

1. Pittsburgh has had a checkered past when it comes to air quality issues, and faces an uncertain future. Once known as "hell with the lid off" due to industrial emissions, Pittsburgh and its environs once had some of the worst air in the nation. In 1948, a noxious cloud killed 22 in nearby Donora and sickened thousands. But Pittsburgh also became one of the first American cities to pass legislation aimed at cleaning its air. Today it faces a new threat from emissions from coal-burning utilities in Ohio and West Virginia. This course is one in a series that focuses on the history, progress and current events of environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania that also have application throughout the region and U.S. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills. To accomplish this, the course will (1) focus on a single environmental issue,(2) structure individual classes around a single aspect of that issue, (3) feature guest lectures and presentations by government regulators and policymakers, interest groups, corporate leaders and experts.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None. GRADING: Quizzes (3) 30%, Writing assignments 60% - 3 short papers (10% each) one final paper (30%), Class participation 10% Quizzes: Students are responsible for information contained in presentations by speakers, speakers handouts, articles and lectures by instructor. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Three short articles (approx. 500 words) based on guest speakers or field trip. Final paper (1,000 - 1,200 words) on issue selected by instructor and student.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

Forests and Parks

1. Forests are made up of trees. "Timber" is what they yell when the trees are cut and fall. With maturing forests scraping the sky in Pennsylvania and other parts of the northeastern United States, and controversial restrictions on national forest timbering in the Pacific northwest, there is tremendous pressure to cut the local hardwood forests. But unlike the turn of the century when all of Penn's Woods was clearcut, there is a growing ethic that believes trees are more valuable growing than cut -- for recreation and environmental reasons. This course on forest and parks issues is the fourth in a series that focuses on environmental and public policy issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Through newspaper articles, field trips and guest speakers, the course will explore the issues and conflicts that abound in our wildlands and urban woods. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills through a number of short assignments based on readings and presentations of guest speakers.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

Economic Geol & Environment

1. This course is one in a series that focuses on environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving modern environmental problems and development of writing skills. To accomplish this, the course will (1) focus on a single environmental issue, (2) structure individual classes around a single aspect of that issue, (3) feature guest lectures and presentations by government regulators and policymakers, interest groups, and corporate and science experts. This term's focus is on mining issues. Mining has a long, important and sometimes dark history in Pennsylvania. Almost since the first black chunk was pried from the first mine, coal has been King in the Keystone State. It has fueled industries, heated homes, and powered trains and river tugs. It has been politically powerful. It has also colored streams, creeks and rivers orange and left them dead. It has scarred the rolling Allegheny hills, first with strip mines and now with "valley fills." How is mining's environmental legacy being addressed? How effective are current laws in regulating the industry? What's the latest, best, mining technique, and what is its public impact? What has been industry's response?
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

Water Quality Issues in Southwestern Pennsylvania

1. This course will focus on environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on a balanced, in depth presentation of the issues that must be addressed to realistically solve modern environmental problems. This will be accomplished by (1) focusing on a single environmental issue of relevance to southwestern Pennsylvania (2) structuring weekly sessions around a single aspect of that issue, and (3) giving students an opportunity to learn about the issues from local professionals and community leaders active in these fields.
2. Prerequisites: None.
3. Recitations: None.
4. Class size: 18.
5. This course is offered alternate years.

Remote Exploration of Mars

1. This course will focus on the theory, technology and science of the recent and upcoming remote sensing data sets of Mars. NASA's current Mars Exploration Program has the overarching goal of collecting surface and atmospheric data in order to better understand where water was and may still be on the planet. This has led to numerous missions from rovers to orbiters that contain remote sensing data sets which span the electromagnetic spectrum. These data have already led to several important discoveries of the geologic and atmospheric processes on the surface, and will be the focus of this graduate-level, seminar-style class.
2. Prerequisites: GEOL-1460 (or equivalent).
3. Recitations: None.
4. Requirements: Students will be graded on class participation of current research journal discussions as well as written summaries. There will also be one mid-term exam and afinal project utilizing one or more of the Mars data sets.
5. Class size: 10.
6. This course is offered as needed.

Astrobiology Seminar

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Requirements:
5. Class size:
6. This course is offered every Fall

Exploring Explosions

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Requirements:
5. Class size:
6. This course is offered every other Fall

Pyroclastic Rocks

2. Prerequisites:
3. Recitations:
4. Requirements:
5. Class size:
6. This course is offered every other Fall