GEO 103. Principles of Geography. 3 Hours

The study of spatial processes that shape the Earth's physical and cultural environment through a survey of major branches of physical and human geographic inquiry.

GEO 109. Earth, Environment, and Society. 3 Hours

This course examines the complex relationship between natural geologic processes and their effects on human society. The course will examine fundamental geologic processes and associated hazards (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, flooding) while also assessing human impacts such as pollution, energy industry and land-use planning. This course provides an opportunity to discuss, from a geologic perspective, the ramifications of and potential solutions to problems associated with utilization of Earth’s resources. Laboratory optional but not required. No prerequisite.

GEO 109L. Earth, Environment, and Society Lab. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises in Earth and Environmental Science to accompany GEO 109 Lecture. Two hours each week. Prerequisites: (GEO 109 or GEO 103 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or GEO 218 – or co-req); permission of instructor.

GEO 115. Physical Geology. 3 Hours

Introductory course in geologic principles and processes. Examines Earth's major systems including the solid Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. Laboratory optional for non-majors.

GEO 115L. Physical Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Physical Geology Lab - laboratory exercises in Physical Geology to accompany GEO 115 lecture. Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – or co-req); permission of instructor.

GEO 116. Geological History of the Earth. 3 Hours

Study of earth history over the last 4.6 billion years - from its origins to the present day. Includes earth origins, the development of the earth during the Precambrian including evolution of the atmosphere, and the appearance of prokaryotic and eukaryotic life. Major biological development and environmental, tectonic, and climatic changes during the last half-billion years (the Phanerozoic) will be examined, including the Pleisotocene "Ice Age" and Anthropocene conditions. Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210); permission of instructor.

GEO 116L. Geological History of the Earth Laboratory. 1 Hour

Geological History of the Earth Laboratory - laboratory exercises in Historical Geology to accompany GEO 116 lecture. Corequisites: GEO 116.

GEO 198. Geology, Landscape & Environment of the Miami Valley. 3 Hours

Field-based course examining the geologic history of the Miami Valley and Dayton area; processes leading to the modern landscape; the impact of human activity will be assessed. Prerequisite(s): GEO 109 or GEO 115 or permission of instructor.

GEO 1HG. Human Geography. 0-3 Hours

GEO 201. Mineralogy. 3 Hours

Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and crystal structure. Study of the major groups of rock-forming minerals, their association and occurrence with emphasis on identification by physical properties and optical techniques. Prerequisites: GEO 109, GEO 115, GEO 208, or SCI 210 or permission of instructor. Corequisites: GEO 201L.

GEO 201L. Mineralogy Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 201. Three hours per week. Prerequisites: GEO 109, GEO 115, GEO 208, or SCI 210. Corequisites: GEO 201.

GEO 202. The Inner Earth. 3 Hours

Exploration of the Earth’s internal processes of magmatism, metamorphism and deformation as part of its larger-scale processes of convection, conduction, and plate tectonics. Prerequisites: GEO 201 and GEO 201L. Corequisites: GEO 202L.

GEO 202L. The Inner Earth Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory course to accompany GEO 202 The Inner Earth. 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: GEO 201 and GEO 201L. Corequisites: GEO 202.

GEO 208. Environmental Geology. 3 Hours

Envirionmental Geology is the study of the relationship of geologic factors to natural hazards and the problems of water supply, pollution, erosion, land use, and earth resource utilization. Laboratory optional.

GEO 208L. Environmental Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory course to accompany GEO 208. This lab is designed to provide practical exercises that will enhance a student’s understanding of how human beings interact with the geological environment. Lab activities will take an experiential, inquiry‐based approach to topics relevant in past, present, and future societies. One two‐hour laboratory per week concurrently run with the GEO 208 lecture course. Prerequisites: (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – or co-req); permission of instructor.

GEO 218. Geological Site Investigation for Engineers. 3 Hours

Exploration of the principles of geological site investigation applied to land-use planning, geohazard risk analysis, and diverse engineering applications.

GEO 234. Energy Resources. 3 Hours

The chemical and geological aspects of formation, production, and benefits/costs (including environmental impacts) of energy derived from fossil fuels (coal and hydrocarbons), biofuels (e.g., ethanol production), radioactive materials (nuclear power), and renewable sources (e.g., geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power).

GEO 301. Structural Geology. 3 Hours

The origin and development of structural features of the earth's crust; folding, faulting, mountain building processes, and deformational fabrics. Prerequisites: GEO 109 or GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 218. Corequisites: GEO 301L.

GEO 301L. Structural Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 301. Three hours each week. Corequisites: GEO 301.

GEO 303. Field Geology. 6 Hours

Field studies in Geology and Environmental Geology. This course focuses on geologic field techniques, rock outcrop description and interpretation. Current field sites include Colorado and New Zealand. Prerequisite(s): GEO 115 or GEO 109 or GEO 208 or GEO 218.

GEO 308. Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology. 3 Hours

An in-depth examination of selected environmental problems and the way in which scientific information guides practice and policy. Topics will range from investigations of natural hazards to considerations of land use and water resources. Prerequisites: GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210.

GEO 308L. Problems & Decisions in Environmental Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 308. Three hours each week and periodic field work.

GEO 401. Paleontology. 3 Hours

The study of ancient life. The morphology, ecology, evolution, and stratigraphic distributions of selected invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants.

GEO 401L. Paleontology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 401. Two hours each week.

GEO 402. Glacial Geology. 3 Hours

The origin of mountain and continental glaciers; their depositional features, erosive activity and dynamics; history of glaciation in geologic past with special emphasis on North American Quaternary ice advances. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208.

GEO 402L. Glacial Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 402. Three hours each week.

GEO 404. Problems in Geology. 0-3 Hours

In this course, students will engage in faculty mentored experiential learning in Geology and Environmental Geosciences. These experiences may be related to geoscience research activity in a field or laboratory setting and course outcomes will be assessed through a final report following the experience. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission.

GEO 407. Sculpted Planet: Geomorphology, Surface Processes, and the Origins of Earth’s Topography. 3 Hours

Detailed study of the processes shaping the Earth's surface and the landforms and deposits that they produce. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 218.

GEO 407L. Sculpted Planet Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 407. Three hours each week. Corequisites: GEO 407.

GEO 409. Surface & Groundwater Hydrology. 3 Hours

This course is designed to provide a science or engineering student with the fundamental concepts and principles central to the study of water as a resource. This will include an examination of all components of the hydrologic cycle including surface-water hydrology and management, groundwater hydrogeology, and water resource management. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 109 or GEO 218 or permission of instructor.

GEO 409L. Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 409. Three hours per week. Corequisites: GEO 409.

GEO 410. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. 3 Hours

Investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary environments, and the stratigraphic record. Prerequisites: GEO 116.

GEO 410L. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 410. Three hours each week. Corequisites: GEO 410.

GEO 412. Introductory Geochemistry. 3 Hours

Study of elementary thermodynamics, aqueous geochemistry, and principles governing the distribution of trace elements, radioisotopes and stable isotopes in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on applications and solution of geological problems. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201 or permission of instructor.

GEO 412L. Introductory Geochemistry Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 412. Three hours each week.

GEO 420. The Internet of Things. 3 Hours

Introduction to the multi-disciplinary topic of Internet of Things (IoT), a blend of engineering and science. The course begins with a fundamental technical understanding of the IoT architecture. From this foundation, students experience hands-on labs in a team environment with theoretical justification. The applied work features environmental sensor networking with geospatial data. Each surface area in IoT is explored from sensors and embedded devices to protocols and virtual servers highlighted by current trends within IoT. Lastly, the history, software and influential people will be discussed to provide class context. Ultimately, students scaffold their knowledge through a series of labs, team challenges and supporting lectures to create a final business proposal for a real client IoT value proposition. Prerequisite(s): Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors only.

GEO 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

GEO 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.

GEO 479L. Environmental Instrumentation Laboratory. 3 Hours

This is a field-based course designed for students majoring in the sciences. A significant portion of this course focuses on experiential learning in the field and laboratory. Students will learn the use of field and laboratory-based equipment to study current environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on team-centered approaches to investigating environmental problems. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 109 or GEO 208 or GEO 218 or by permission of instructor.

GEO 480. Senior Capstone Project & Presentation. 3 Hours

Project and presentation in the scholarship, activity and/or practice related to the major. Students will present their work in a forum appropriate to the major.

GEO 495. Geosciences Seminar. 1 Hour

This is a seminar course designed to develop students’ ability to communicate and synthesize geoscience knowledge they learned from previous courses through specific topics of societal importance. Students will also be introduced to professional practices, and ready for a career in geosciences. Prerequisite(s): GEO 115 and GEO 116.

GEO 498. Geological Research and Thesis. 3 Hours

Research project within an area of the geological sciences, including, but not limited to, environmental geology, geochemistry, geomorphology, or paleontology. The results are to be presented in a written thesis. Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.

GEO 502. Glacial Geology. 3 Hours

The origin of mountain and continental glaciers; their depositional features, erosive activity and dynamics; history of glaciation in geologic past with special emphasis on North American Quaternary ice advances. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 218.

GEO 502L. Glacial Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 502. Three hours each week.

GEO 507. Sculpted Planet: Geomorphology, Surface Processes and the Origins of Earth’s Topography. 3 Hours

Detailed study of the processes shaping the Earth's surface and the landforms and deposits they produce. This course is co-listed with GEO 407, and students taking this course will be given supplemental work and responsibilities, including additional or alternative exams, research and leadership roles during group projects. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 218.

GEO 507L. Sculpted Planet Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 407. Three hours each week. This course is co-listed with GEO 407L, and students taking this course will be given supplemental work and responsibilities, including additional or alternative exams, research and leadership roles during group projects.

GEO 509. Advanced Surface & Groundwater Hydrology. 3 Hours

This course is designed to provide a graduate-level science or engineering student with the fundamental concepts and principles central to the study of water as a resource. This will include an examination of all components of the hydrologic cycle including surface-water hydrology and management, groundwater hydrogeology and water resource management. This course is co-listed with GEO 409, and students taking this course will be given extra assignments such as developing a report of groundwater flow analysis for an aquifer. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or SCI 210 or GEO 208 or GEO 109 or GEO 218 or permission of instructor.

GEO 509L. Advanced Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 409. Three hours per week. This course is co-listed with GEO 409L, and students taking this course will be given extra assignments.

GEO 510. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. 3 Hours

Investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary environments and the stratigraphic record. This course is co-listed with GEO 410, and students taking this course will be given extra assignments during the semester and will be assignment a class project accompanied with an oral or poster presentation at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or GEO 218 or equivalent.

GEO 510L. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary environments and the stratigraphic record. This course is co-listed with GEO 410, and students taking this course will be given extra assignments during the semester and will be assignment a class project accompanied with oral or poster presentation at the end of the semester.

GEO 512. Introductory Geochemistry. 3 Hours

Study of elementary thermodynamics, aqueous geochemistry, and principles governing the distribution of trace elements, radioisotopes and stable isotopes in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on applications and solution of geological problems. This course is co-listed with GEO 412, and students taking this course will be given extra assignments and article reading during the semester and will be assignment a class project accompanied with oral or poster presentation at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: GEO 201 or permission of instructor.

GEO 512L. Introductory Geochemistry Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 512 and co-listed with GEO 412 L .The class meet three hours a week.The lab extends the basic geochemical principles and concepts discussed in GEO 512 and provide hands on experience in the lab. The labs covers scientific methodology, analytical techniques, data analysis and interpretation, and applying geochemical principles to geological problems. In addition, the lab introduces geochemical softwares. Other skills you will learn are independent thinking and self-motivation.