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 104. Biology-Geology Field Course. 3 Hours

Fundamental earth science topics with emphasis on direct field experience. One week on campus, three weeks in the Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado, and one week of travel. For all non-geology and non-biology majors. Corequisite(s): BIO 104; (BIO 104L or GEO 104L).

GEO 104L. Biology-Geology Field Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 104.

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. Prerequisite(s): (GEO 109 or GEO 115 or GEO 208 or SCI 210 – 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 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 204. Geology for Teachers. 4 Hours

Introduction for preservice teachers to the Earth system and the processes that operate in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and solid Earth. Emphasis is on understanding how interactions among these fundamental Earth systems maintain our livable planet. Students will explore the Earth system through best practices in teaching and inquiry, and through field trips. For ECE, EMS, and EMM majors only. Students completing this course may not take SCI 210. Prerequisite(s): EDT 110; SCI 190.

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 302. 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 302L. Glacial Geology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 302. Three hours each week.

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 SCI 210, or GEO 218.

GEO 307. Geomorphology. 3 Hours

Detailed study of landforms and the erosional processes that develop them. Prerequisites: GEO 115 or GEO 109 or SCI 210 or GEO 208.

GEO 307L. Geomorphology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 307. Three hours each week.

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 309. 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 309L. Surface and Groundwater Hydrology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 309. Three hours per week.

GEO 310. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. 3 Hours

Investigation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary environments, and the stratigraphic record. Prerequisite(s): GEO 116.

GEO 310L. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Laboratory exercises to accompany GEO 310. Three hours each week. Corequisites: GEO 310.

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 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 411. Petrology. 3 Hours

Study of the formation of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.

GEO 411L. Petrology Laboratory. 1 Hour

Course to accompany GEO 411. Two hours each week. Prerequisite(s): GEO 201.

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 450. Applied Geographic Information Systems. 4 Hours

Introduction of concepts and implementation of analysis in geographic information systems (GIS).

GEO 451. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Human Rights. 4 Hours

This course introduces the concepts and implementation of analysis in geographic information systems (GIS), and applies the GIS tool to different human rights situations or investigations. This course is cross-listed with HRS 451.

GEO 455. Environmental Remote Sensing. 4 Hours

Introduction to principles and concepts of remote sensing, a sophisticated technology of earth observation that provides fundamental data for global environmental investigation.

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 485. Geographic Information Systems Applications in Water Resources Planning & Management. 4 Hours

An introduction to GIS applications in water resource management. Following an introduction to GIS basics, this course focuses on GIS techniques in surface water modeling and floodplain delineation and management.

GEO 495. Geology Seminar. 1 Hour

Introduction to professional practices in the geosciences. Students will attend seminar talks by guest speakers, research career options and graduate programs in the earth sciences, develop a professional resume, and participate in other profession-building activities. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

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 550. Applied Geographic Information Systems. 4 Hours

This course covers the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and how it is being applied in such diverse fields as physical sciences, social/political sciences, planning, marketing, health, criminal justice, natural resources, and engineering. Students will learn the processes to collect, organize, analyze and display geographic data obtained from sources such as address geocoding, GPS, CD-ROM and World Wide Web sites. However, the emphasis of the course will be on data preparation and visualization based on sound knowledge of basic principles of cartographic design. Some preliminary data analysis techniques will be introduced but it is not an emphasis of the course. Each student will complete a series of mini projects that illustrate the typical steps in a GIS project. Major topics include: representation of geography, coordinate systems and map projections, principles of basic cartography, thematic mapping, data acquisition using GPS, geocoding, basic editing, and basic data management and exploration.

GEO 555. Environmental Remote Sensing. 4 Hours

Introduction to principles and concepts of Remote Sensing, a sophisticated technology of earth observation that provides fundamental data for global environmental investigation. Prerequisite(s): GEO 307 or Permission.

GEO 560. Advanced Applications of Geographical Information Systems. 3 Hours

Building upon GEO 450 / GEO 550, this course aims to broaden students' understanding of GIS theories and emphasize advanced spatial analysis, modeling and visualization methodologies. Based on an applied approach, this course will use a variety of projects to illustrate these techniques. Prerequisite(s): GEO 450 / GEO 550 Applied GIS.

GEO 585. Geographic Information Systems Applications in Water Resource Planning & Management. 4 Hours

This course introduces GIS applications in water resource management. Following an introduction to raster-based modeling in GIS, it will focus on GIS techniques in surface water modeling and floodplain delineation and management.

GEO 598. Capstone Project. 3 Hours

This capstone course aims to integrate concepts and capabilities developed in previous courses (GEO 450 / GEO 550 and GEO 560) and to apply them in a realistic setting relevant to individual student interests. The course seeks to refine skills in project implementation using GIS, emphasizing project development, organization and management, presentation technique, and the use of modern information-acquisition and processing technology in GIS and/or Remote Sensing. Prerequisite(s): GEO 450 / GEO 550 Applied GIS; GEO 560 Advanced GIS.