GEOS 5300 Cooperative Geosciences (3 semester hours) An industrial
internship in which a student gains real-world industry experience through
temporary employment at a geoscience company or government agency. The activity
may be in any area of geosciences, and must have a faculty monitor to receive
UTD credit. The topic must be approved in advance by the faculty monitor. The
student is required to provide regular updates on progress and a final project
report for evaluation. Grading is P/F. Designed as an Individual Instruction
Course. May be repeated for credit. (3-0) R
GEOS 5301 Geology of the Metroplex (3 semester hours) Lithologic
constituents, stratigraphic history, and geologic environments of the greater
Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Special emphasis is given to the
Cretaceous sediments that underlie Tarrant and
GEOS 5302 Ocean Science (3 semester hours) Overview of geological,
chemical, physical and biological aspects of oceanography, marine resources and
environmental concerns. This course is for students seeking the M.A.T. degree.
This course cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements of geosciences
majors. Cross-listed with ISNS 3367 The Oceans. (3-0) R
GEOS 5303 Computing for Geoscientists (3 semester hours) Application of
computer techniques in solving geological problems. Includes
instruction in the MATLAB � software, plotting facilities, introductory matrix
theory, and statistics. Students will examine problems in basic
statistical analysis, graphics, and mapping of geological and geophysical data.
Development of programming skills in areas directly related to thesis and
dissertation research is encouraged. Serves as introduction to UNIX and the
U.T. Dallas computing facility. Laboratory sessions are included. (2-3) Y
GEOS 5304 Geosciences Field Trip (3 semester hours) A study of the
geology of a selected region within North America and the Caribbean followed by
a field trip to the selected region in order to study the relationships of
geologic features within that region. This course can only be used to partially
satisfy the field experience requirement and breadth requirement for
geosciences majors. Field trip course. (May be repeated for credit.) (3-0) Y
GEOS 5305 Petroleum Geosciences (3 semester hours) Survey of geological
and geophysical methods used to find and produce oil and gas, and to perform
economic and risk analyses that are crucial in reserve estimates and prospect
evaluation. The course is designed to provide the student with the necessary
knowledge to become an effective contributor in the oil and gas industry.
Students are expected to have the equivalent of a BS or BA degree in
Geosciences. (3-0) R
GEOS 5306 Data Analysis for Geoscientists (3 semester hours) Advanced
statistical techniques with important applications in Earth science, beyond the
level of GEOS 5303. Topics include robust statistics, exploratory data
analysis, surface modeling and contouring, Kriging, analysis of point patterns
and directional data. Factor, cluster and time series analysis may also be
considered. Emphasis will be on application and theoretical understanding.
Prerequisite: GEOS 5303 or equivalent. (3-0) R
GEOS 5307 Well Log Interpretation (3 semester hours) The principles and
operational limitations of spontaneous potential (SP), normal (16'� and 64'�),
lateral microcaliper, resistivity, induction, gamma-ray, neutron, density,
sonic, dipmeter, and temperature logs will be discussed. Geologic examples will
be used to explain the application of these logging tools. The effects of
porosity, permeability, mineral, and fluid content to log response in various types
of reservoirs will be developed. (3-0) R
GEOS 5319 Principles of Environmental Health (3 semester hour)
Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics.
GEOS 5400 Earth Science (4 semester hours) A review of Earth processes
as a whole: time and geology; igneous and sedimentary processes and products;
metamorphism; structure; evolution of continents and oceans. This course is
open only to those students whose major undergraduate study was in subjects
other than geology. Laboratory and field trip course. (3-3) R
GEOS 5407 Instrumental Techniques in Geosciences (4 semester hours) An
introduction to modern instrumental techniques, including inductively coupled
plasma spectrophotometry, scanning electron
microscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe techniques, stable isotope
mass spectrometry, and thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Sample
preparation, mineral separation, and lab safety. Laboratory course. (2-6) R
GEOS 5V08 Special Topics in Geosciences (1-4 semester hours) Courses
dealing with a variety of topics including new techniques and specific problems
in rapidly developing areas of the science. Hours vary depending on course
requirements. ([1-3]-[0-3]) R
GEOS 5409 M.A.T. Field Trip (4 semester hours) Designed for students in
the M.A.T. program to gain relevant field geological experience. (May be
repeated for credit.) (4-0) R
GEOS 6205 Geoscience Presentations (2 semester hours) Students prepare
oral and written presentations based on literature review or research interests
and on critiquing oral presentations. Required of all Geosciences graduate
students. (2-0)
GEOS
GEOS 5310 Hydrogeology (3 semester hours) Introduction to the principles
and practice of ground- and surface-water hydrology. Study of the principles of
occurrence and geologic controls of groundwater, physical flow, and
geochemistry of waters. Design and use of procedures for typical hydrologic
investigations. (3-0) Y
GEOS 5311 Applied Groundwater Modeling (3 semester hours) This course is
designed to provide students with hands-on experience using the most
commonly-applied groundwater flow and transport models (e.g. modflow/modpath,
MT3D/RT3D, GMS). Practical application of the models and design of modeling
studies is emphasized, modeling theory and mathematics is de-emphasized.(3-0) Y
GEOS 5312 Contaminant Transport (3 semester hours) A study of physical
and chemical processes of contaminant transport in ground-and surface-water,
and approaches toward observing, monitoring and modeling these processes.
Current site remediation practices are also reviewed. Prerequisites: GEOS 5310
or instructor�s permission. (3-0) T
GEOS 5313 Applied Surface Water Modeling (3 semester hours) The
development and application of watershed models emphasizing runoff, stormflow
and stormwater management design. This class combines aspects of GIS, remote
sensing and surface water hydrology from an applied modeling perspective, using
commonly applied computer models (e.g. Rational Method, TR-20, HEC-1) to
address drainage problems related to urbanization and land-use changes. (3-0) T
GEOS 7110 Workshop in Environmental Geosciences (1 semester hour)
Discussion of current topics in environmental geoscience, including student and
faculty research, scientific literature, and advanced techniques in
environmental geosciences. (1-0) R
GEOS 8V10 Research in Hydrogeology-Environmental Geosciences (1-9
semester hours) May repeat for credit. ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5325 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 semester hours) Application
of airborne and satellite remote sensing for understanding the surface of the
earth. Focus on interpretation of images obtained by passive and active imaging
systems using electromagnetic radiation, especially visible, infra-red, and
radar. Laboratory course. (2-3) T
GEOS 5326 Remote Sensing Digital Image Processing (3 semester hours)
Techniques of digital image processing for a variety of remote sensing data
sets and their applications for environmental and geoscientific issues.
Extraction of statistical data from remote sensing imagery, radiometric and
geometric correction, image enhancement and classification, and techniques for utilizing
digital remote sensing data for change detection of the earth�s surface. Use of
different image processing software to manipulate digital remote sensing data
and extract thematic information. Introduction to Remote Sensing (GEOS 5325) is
a prerequisite for this course. Laboratory course. (2-3) T
GEOS 5328 Radar Remote Sensing (3 semester hours) Principles and
applications of orbital and airborne radar remote sensing, including real and
synthetic aperture radar systems. Principles of Radargrammetry, and single-path
and repeat-path interferometry. Applications of radar remote sensing in
geosciences, land use and land cover mapping, forestry and agriculture, urban
analysis. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: Principles of Remote Sensing (GEOS
5325) (2-3) T
GEOS 5329 Applied Remote Sensing (3 semester hours) Methods for using
optical and radar remote sensing data and techniques for study of issues
related to physical and social sciences, including geological, environmental,
and geomorphological studies, forestry, agriculture, and issues related to
urban development and planning. Use of a variety of remote sensing data and
software to address societal and scientific problems. Laboratory course.
Prerequisite: Principles of Remote Sensing (GEOS 5325). Cross-listed with GISC
7366 Applied Remote Sensing. (2-3) T
GEOS 5422 GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Surveying Techniques
(4 semester hours) The theory and application of satellite positioning
utilizing the Global Positioning System Code and phase methodology in field
observations, data processing and analysis of Differential GPS, high accuracy
static and other rapid measurements, in real time and with post-processing.
(3-3) Y
GEOS 5423 GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Applications to Geosciences
(4 semester hours) The application of GIS to geologic, geophysical and
environmental problems. Emphasis on hands-on digital geologic mapping and
analysis with Arc/Info software package. Laboratory course. (3-3) T
GEOS 5424 �3D Data Capture and Ground Lidar (3
semester hours) The theory and applications of 3D data acquisition in the field
for geosciences and non-geosciences studies.�
The basics and applications of field digital mapping with emphasis on
RTK GPS, laser range finder, and terrestrial scanners (ground lidar).� 3D digital photorealistic modeling with field
photogrammetry and digital cameras. (3-3) T
GEOS 7327 Remote Sensing Workshop (3 semester hours) An independent
project designed and conducted by the student. The project develops and
demonstrates student�s competence in using remote sensing techniques in a
substantive application to his/her field of interest. Projects may be developed
in coordination with a local government, utility, business or other entity
which uses remote sensing in operations and research. Formal presentation and a
project report are required. Prerequisites: GISC 6381 and GISC 7365
Cross-listed with GISC 7367 Remote Sensing Workshop. (3-0) Y
GEOS 8V21 Research in Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS (1-9 semester hours)
May repeat for credit. ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5347 Sequence Stratigraphy (3 semester hours) Origin of
stratigraphic sequences and systems tracts, especially tectonic versus eustatic
controls. Topics include lithostratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy,
chronostratigraphy, and allostratigraphy, with an emphasis on high resolution
subsurface sequence stratigraphic methods. Prerequisite: GEOS 3421 or
equivalent. (3-0) Y
GEOS 5441 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
(4 semester hours) Origin and classification of sedimentary rocks,
reconstruction of ancient environments, and basic principles of modern
stratigraphic nomenclature. Concepts of space and time in the rock
record and methods of stratigraphic correlation. Integrated stratigraphic
techniques. Study of sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and outcrop. Laboratory
course. Field trips. Course is directed to graduate students not majoring in
geology and is meant to provide a practical overview of sedimentary geology.
Permission of instructor is required to take this course. (3-3) Y
GEOS 5443 Carbonate Sedimentary Environments (4 semester hours)
Description and classification of carbonate sediments and carbonate rocks.
Aspects of carbonate geochemistry will be covered. The course will emphasize
recent carbonate depositional environments and facies models for use as analogs
for interpreting ancient sequences. Laboratory will stress identification and
classification of carbonate sediments and rocks in hand sample and
thin-section. Laboratory and field trip course. Prerequisite: GEOS 3421. (3-3)
T or R
GEOS 5352 Geochemistry of Igneous Rocks (3 semester hours) Chemical
composition of igneous rocks and the major processes that control the
distribution of the elements in silicate melts. Topics to be covered include
the composition of the earth, the structure of silicate melts, trace element
partitioning between crystals and melts, and the use of major and trace
elements in deciphering the formation and evolution of silicate melts. (3-0) T
GEOS 5355 Low Temperature Geochemistry (3 semester hours)
Low-temperature geochemistry including sedimentary systems, weathering, and
aqueous geochemistry. Course will include discussion of thermodynamics of
aqueous reactions, elemental speciation, activity diagrams, the carbonate
system, water-rock reactions and stable isotopes. Lab work will include
hands-on use of inductively-coupled plasma instrumentation and use of computer
aqueous speciation/modeling software (The Geochemists Workbench, PHREEQC).
Prerequisites: One year of chemistry or instructor�s permission. (2-3) R
GEOS 5356 Isotope Geochemistry (3 semester hours) Synthesis of the
elements in stars and chronologies for the galaxy. Isotope systematics in
meteorites, abundance anomalies, cosmogenic nuclides, and solar system
chronologies. The development of the modern multi-collector mass spectrometer.
Mass fractionation laws, double spiking techniques, and high precision isotope
ratio measurements. Isotope geochemistry of noble gases and radiogenic nuclides
as pertaining to the composition and history of the mantle and crust.
Application of stable isotopes to studies of diagenesis and water-rock
interaction, groundwater management, paleoceanography and secular variations in
the isotopic composition of seawater. High-temperature and, where applicable,
low-temperature water-rock interactions pertaining to the origin of igneous
rocks. The evolution of radiogenic Sr in sea water. Radiometric age dating as
applied to the solution of geologic problems. (3-0) R
GEOS 5359 Aqueous Geochemistry Modeling (3 semester hours). Quantitative
modeling of water-water and water-rock chemical interactions using standard
computer programs (e.g. PHREEQC, NETPATH, The Geochemists Workbench). Modeling of isotopic indicators of water-rock interaction and
hydrologic processes; surface water chemistry. Prerequisites: One year
of chemistry or instructor�s permission. (3-0) T
GEOS 5361 Low Temperature Isotopic Tracers (3 semester hours) Stable
isotopes in low temperature systems. Oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, sulfur and
nitrogen isotopes in aqueous systems. Isotopic fractionation. Stable isotopes
in marine sediments. New areas of isotopic research including Li, B, Se, and Sr
isotopes in aqueous and sedimentary environments. Prerequisites: One year of chemistry
or instructor�s permission (3-0) T
GEOS 6455 Geochemical Exploration (4 semester hours) Origin, movement,
and fate of elements in the natural environments. Geochemical methods in
mineral and petroleum exploration including analytical techniques and studies
of weathering, soil formation, primary and secondary dispersion patterns and
anomalies. Case studies including environmental applications. Laboratory and
field trip course. (3-3) T
GEOS 8V50 Research in Geochemistry (1-9 semester hours) (May repeat for
credit.) ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5462 Rocks and Minerals (4 semester hours) Crystallography;
identification of common rocks and minerals; origins and occurrences of rocks
and minerals. Laboratory course. This course cannot be used to satisfy degree
requirements for geosciences majors. (2-6) R
GEOS 5464 Mineral Resources (4 semester hours) Principles and
relationships of economics and politics to the utilization of mineral and
industrial deposits; ore mineralogy; classification of commercial Earth
materials; geochemical cycle of various elements; geology, distribution,
characteristics, formation, enrichment and localization of various economic
mineral and industrial deposits. Relationship of mineral and industrial deposits
to global tectonics. Laboratory and field trip course. (3-3) T
GEOS 5465 Ore Petrology (4 semester hours) Essentials of reflected light
microscopy; mineralogy, textural relationships, paragenesis, phase chemistry,
and origin of major ore minerals; detailed study of selected ore bodies.
Laboratory course. Prerequisite: GEOS 5464 or consent of instructor. (2-6) T
GEOS 6462 Hydrothermal Ore Deposits (4 semester hours) Physical,
chemical, and isotopic characteristics of hydrothermal ore deposits and enclosing
rocks; properties of ore-forming solutions; solubilities of ore and non-ore
minerals; characteristics of geothermal systems; mass transfer; isotopes; and
thermal aspects of ore deposition. Laboratory and field trip course.
Prerequisite: GEOS 5465 or consent of instructor. (3-3) T
GEOS 8V60 Research in Petrology (1-9 semester hours) (May repeat for
credit.) ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5373 Physical Properties of Rocks (3 semester hours) This course
provides an understanding of the physical phenomena and processes that
determine properties of rocks and soils. Topics include porosity and
permeability; surface energy, roughness, and absorption; percolation, fractures
and heterogeneous media; problems of scale; mechanical behavior of dry and
fluid saturated rocks; elasticity; viscoelasticity, and plasticity; acoustic,
electric, dielectric, thermal, and magnetic properties. The approach is
practical, with emphasis on understanding why rocks behave as they do, and how
simple physical principles can be used to predict rock and soil properties
under various conditions. Suitable for graduate students in any branch of
geosciences who wish to obtain a broad introduction to physical properties as
they pertain to lab and field measurements, and are applied to reservoir,
engineering, and environmental problems. (3-0) R
GEOS 5375 Tectonics (3 semester hours) Study of the earth�s present
tectonic environments, including geochemistry, sedimentology, and structure;
application of present tectonic environments towards the reconstruction of
ancient crustal events; consideration of temporal aspects of crustal evolution.
Oral and written presentations required. Prerequisite: Structural geology.
(3-0) T
GEOS 5470 Structural Geology (4 semester hours) Examination of stress
and strain, failure criteria, fault analysis, rheologic properties of geologic
materials, fold analysis, and a survey of major structural provinces in North
America, with supplemental readings. Laboratory includes map interpretation,
standard graphical techniques, and use of stereographic projections, oral
presentations, and problem sets. Laboratory and field trip course.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1301 or equivalent. Cross-listed with GEOS 3470 Structural
Geology. (3-3) Y
GEOS 6476 Analysis of Geologic Structures (4 semester hours) Study of
strain analysis and the origin of tectonic fabrics, including use of stereonet
and petrographic microscope to outline deformational and metamorphic history.
Laboratory and field trip course. Prerequisite: Structural geology and
petrology, with sedimentology and linear algebra recommended. (3-3) R
GEOS 7170 Workshop in Structure/Tectonics (1 semester hour) Presentation
and discussion of current research with emphasis on problems, techniques, and
recent literature. (May be repeated for credit.) (1-0) Y
GEOS 8V70 Research in Structural Geology-Tectonics (1-9 semester hours)
May be repeated for credit. ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5380 Seismic Interpretation (3 semester hours) Seismic reflection
profiling as it is used to map the distribution of sedimentary layers and
faults in the subsurface. Special emphasis is given to applications in
hydrocarbon exploration. Extensive use is made of software processing packages.
(3-0) T
GEOS 5389 Exploration Gravity (3 semester hours) The gravity method is
studied in detail with regard to its application to exploration for
hydrocarbons, minerals, geothermal sources, groundwater, and geotechnical
studies, including surveying, processing, analysis, and modeling of gravity
data. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.(3-0) T
GEOS 5481 Digital Geophysical Signal Processing (4 semester hours)
Principles of the analysis of geophysical signals in both time and space.
Includes integral transforms, spectral analysis, linear filter theory and
deconvolution techniques. Computer applications are emphasized. Laboratory
course. Prerequisite: GEOS 5303 or equivalent, may be taken concurrently. (3-3)
R
GEOS 5483 Geophysical Techniques I (4 semester hours) Part one of a
two-part course on the theoretical basis and practical aspects of geophysical
data collection, processing and interpretation. The planning and execution of
small scale surveys, of the type employed in engineering, groundwater and
environmental site evaluations, is featured. Techniques include conventional
and satellite (Global Positioning System) positioning and the potential field
geophysical methods, including gravity, magnetic, and electric (resistivity and
electromagnetic). The integrated interpretation of different data types is
emphasized. A background in calculus and general physics is required. (3-3) T
GEOS 5484 Geophysical Techniques II (4 semester hours) Part two of a
two-part course on the theoretical and practical aspects of geophysical data
collection. The planning and execution of small scale surveys, of the type
employed in engineering, groundwater and environmental site evaluations, is
featured. Techniques covered include both refraction and reflection seismology
and both low and high frequency, single and multi-channel ground-penetrating
radar. Advantage is taken of both the similarities and complimentary behaviors
of seismic and radar waves. An integration, of both seismic and radar data, as
well as data from the methods covered in Geophysical Techniques I, is
emphasized in interpretation. A background in calculus and general physics is
required. Permission of instructor is required. (3-3) T
GEOS 6382 Geophysical Inversion Theory (3 semester hours) Theoretical
and practical aspects of fitting mathematical models to data in geophysics.
Topics covered include the inversion of both discrete systems and integral
equations, for linear and non-linear relationships between data and parameters.
Particular attention is paid to assessment of model accuracy and uniqueness.
Prerequisites: Advanced calculus and linear algebra or equivalent. (3-0) R
GEOS 8V80 Research in Geophysics (1-9 semester hours) May be repeated
for credit. ([1-9]-0) S
GEOS 5392 Foundations of Seismology (3 semester hours) Introduction to
the theory and mathematical methods of seismology. Tensor analysis of
elasticity, and wave equation in terms of rays, waves and modal vibrations are
covered. Analytical solutions of the elastic wave equation for layered media
will be studied by a variety of methods. (3-0) R
GEOS 6391 Earthquake Seismology (3 semester hours) Near and far field
representations of earthquake sources, engineering (strong motion) seismology,
characteristics and interpretation of earthquake phases, use of earthquakes in
determining Earth structure, risk and prediction, instrumentation. Includes a
case study of a recent large earthquake. (3-0) R
GEOS 6392 Reflection Seismology (3 semester hours) Theoretical and
practical aspects of seismic reflection data acquisition and processing.
Includes the wave equation, the convolutional model, coded sources, the array
response, velocity estimation, statics, filtering, pre- and post-stack
migration, and direct and indirect detection of hydrocarbons, VSPs, AVO and 3-D
processing. Prerequisites: GEOS 5481, and GEOS 5392 or equivalent. (3-0) R
GEOS 6393 Computational Seismology (3 semester hours) Principles of
parallel computing with applications to seismology. Includes overviews of Intel
and Sun E6000 architectures, writing and debugging parallel code,
characterization of machine performance, fast Fourier transforms, Radon
transforms, solution of matrix and wave equations. Laboratory course.
Prerequisites: GEOS5303, GEOS5481, and any numerical analysis course. (2-3) R
GEOS 6395 Seismic Modeling (3 semester hours) Theory and application of
the major techniques for computation of synthetic seismograms. Topics include
asymptotic ray theory, spectral and slowness methods, finite differences,
finite elements, Kirchhoff, and boundary integral methods.
GEOS 6396 Seismic Inversion (3 semester hours) Theory and application of
the major techniques for inversion of seismic data. Topics include linear and
nonlinear matrix methods, Wiechert-Herglotz integration, extremal inversion,
migration, wavefield imaging of body and surface waves, and tomography, imaging
of VSPs, and Born inversion.
GEOS 7190 Workshop in Seismology (1 semester hour) Informal presentation
and discussion of current research of graduate students and faculty, of new
computing equipment and software, and of current research literature.� (Pass/Fail grading only. May be repeated for
credit.) (1-0)
GEOS
GEOS 8398 Thesis (3 semester hours) May repeat for credit. (3-0) S
GEOS 8399 Dissertation (3 semester hours) May repeat for credit. (3-0) S