Geological Sciences
Geological Sciences 101
Phone: (915)-747-5501
E-mail: mail@geo.utep.edu
CHAIRPERSON: Kate C. Miller
GRADUATE FACULTY: Anthony, Clark, Cornell, Doser, Goodell, Hoffer, Keller, Langford,
LeMone, Miller, Pingitore, Schmidt, Schulze-Makuch
The Department of Geological Sciences offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Geological Sciences and the Master of Science (MS) degree in Geological Sciences and in Geophysics.
MS Degree in Geological Sciences
Requirements for Admission
Requirements for Degree
Students must complete 30 semester hours including a thesis (six hours). At least 21 hours must be in graduate-level courses (a maximum of 6 hours may be in Directed Study course work and a maximum of 9 semester hours may be in approved upper-division undergraduate course work). Work in supporting fields (a minor) is not specifically required. However, course work in supporting fields will often be included in a student's program of study with the approval of the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate School. All candidates are required to enroll in GEOL 5101 every semester they are in residence. All candidates are required to pass an oral defense of their thesis investigation in an open meeting. Draft copies of the thesis must be submitted to the thesis committee no less than 7 days prior to the defense. In order to graduate in a given semester, two copies of the final bound thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School by the published deadlines. Two bound copies and one unbound copy must also be submitted to the Graduate Advisor.
MS Degree in Geophysics
Requirements for Admission
Requirements for Degree
Students must complete 30 semester hours including a thesis (6 hours). At least 21 hours must be in graduate-level courses (a maximum of 6 hours may be in Directed Study course work and a maximum of 9 semester hours may be in approved upper-division undergraduate course work). Work in supporting fields (a minor) is not specifically required. However, course work in supporting fields will often be included in a student's program of study with the approval of the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate School. All candidates are required to enroll in GEOL 5101 every semester they are in residence. All candidates are required to pass an oral defense of their thesis investigation in an open meeting. Draft copies of the thesis must be submitted to the thesis committee no less than 7 days prior to the defense. In order to graduate in a given semester, two copies of the final bound thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School by the published deadlines. Two bound copies and one unbound copy must also be submitted to the Graduate Advisor.
Time Limits and Catalog Changes
All requirements for an MS in Geological Sciences or Geophysics must be completed within one six-year period. Work more than 6 years old is lost and can be reinstated only by special permission of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Graduate Studies.
General and specific requirements for degrees in the Graduate School may be altered in successive catalogs. Provided the requisite course continues to be offered, the student is bound only by the course requirements of the catalog in force at the time of admission, unless, with the approval of the Graduate School, he or she elects to be bound by the course requirements of a subsequent catalog. This regulation applies to course requirements only.
Requirements for Admission into the Doctoral Program
Requirements for Doctoral Candidacy
Requirements for Degree
1. Minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate study beyond the baccalaureate degree or minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study beyond the Master's degree
2. Maximum of 12 semester hours of Directed Study course work in the 60-hour program, 6 semester hours in the 30-hour program
3. Enrollment in GEOL 5101 (Technical Session) (Graduate Seminar) each term of residence
4. Maximum of 9 semester hours of approved upper-division undergraduate course work; successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination (Parts I and II)
5. Dissertation of 6 semester hours including successful oral defense (GEOL 6320, GEOL 6321)
Foreign Language/Computer Programming Language
Proficiency in a foreign language and/or computer programming language will be required by a student�s dissertation committee when it is necessary for the successful completion of the student's dissertation.
Committees
For each provisional doctoral student or doctoral student, the Graduate Advisor shall appoint an Advisory Committee consisting of three members of the graduate faculty.
For each doctoral candidate, a Doctoral Committee will consist of the dissertation advisor, at least two professors in the Department of Geological Sciences, and at least one scientist or engineer from outside the Department of Geological Sciences--all of whom are members of the graduate faculty and are approved by the Graduate School. The total committee shall consist of at least five individuals.
Examinations
The Graduate Advisor will appoint a Comprehensive Examination Committee to administer the Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination will normally be taken after removal of all deficiencies and completion of most of the course work. Any student who fails the Comprehensive Examination twice shall be barred from further consideration for Doctoral Candidacy.
Dissertation
A doctoral dissertation is required. This dissertation must demonstrate the candidate's capacity for originality and independence in recognizing a significant geological problem, in carrying out an effective investigation, and in interpreting and reporting the results. The subject of the dissertation is to be selected in consultation with the dissertation advisor, and it must be approved by the student's Doctoral Committee and by the Graduate School. The dissertation advisor is to supervise the research work and to consult with other members of the Doctoral Committee on the progress of the work.
The candidate is required to defend the dissertation before the faculty of the University in an open meeting under the supervision of his Doctoral Committee.
Draft copies of the dissertation must be submitted to the Doctoral Committee six days before the defense and any suggested corrections must be made. Prior to commencement and by the published deadlines, two copies of the final bound dissertation and the unbound original must be submitted to the Graduate School. Two bound copies must also be submitted to the Graduate Advisor.
Microfilming of Dissertation
The doctoral candidate who has successfully completed all requirements for the degree is required to pay the cost of microfilm reproduction of the complete dissertation. The signed original copy (unbound) of the doctoral dissertation is sent from the Graduate School to University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan, for reproduction.
With the dissertation, the student must also submit to the Graduate School two copies of an abstract, not to exceed two pages in length (double-spaced) which has been approved in final form by the Doctoral Committee. This will be published in Dissertation Abstracts International.
Publication by microfilm does not preclude subsequent publication of the dissertation, in whole or in part, as a monograph or in a journal. Copyright at the author's expense may be arranged, if desired, by completing a special form to be secured in the Graduate School Office. In order to protect patent or any other rights, the Graduate School may be requested to delay publication by microfilm for a period of one year. This request must be supported by a written recommendation of the supervising professor.
Time Limits and Catalog Changes
All requirements for a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences must be completed within one eight-year period. Work more than eight years old is lost and can be reinstated only by special permission of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Graduate Studies. Further, all requirements for the doctorate must be completed within five years after passing the comprehensive examination.
General and specific requirements for degrees in the Graduate School may be altered in successive catalogs. Provided the requisite course continues to be offered, the student is bound only by the course requirements of the catalog in force at the time of admission or re-admission within an eight-year limit, unless, with the approval of the Graduate School, he or she elects to be bound by the course requirements of a subsequent catalog. This regulation applies to course requirements only.
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Geology (GEOL)
GEOL 4155 Vertebrate Paleontology Techniques (0-3)
GEOL 4157 Advanced Vertebrate Paleontology Techniques (0-3)
GEOL 4166 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-1)
GEOL 4266 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-2)
GEOL 4354 Paleozoic and Mesozoic Vertebrate Paleontology (3-0)
GEOL 4356 Cenozoic Vertebrate Paleontology (3-0)
GEOL 4362 Stratigraphy (2-3)
GEOL 4366 Directed Study, Geology (0-0-3)
GEOL 4380 Environmental Geology and Geophysics (3-0)
Geophysics (GEOP)
GEOP 4167 Directed Study, Geophysics (0-0-1)
GEOP 4267 Directed Study, Geophysics (0-0-2)
GEOP 4332 Exploration Geophysics, Seismic Methods (2-3)
GEOP 4334 Exploration Geophysics, Non-Seismic Methods (2-3)
GEOP 4367 Directed Study, Geophysics (0-0-3)
For Graduate Students Only
Geology (GEOL)
5101 Graduate Seminar (1-0)
Required of all graduate students. Discussion of various geological topics by the faculty, graduate students, and speakers from industry and other institutions. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
5115 Selected Topics in the Geological Sciences (1-0)
5215 Selected Topics in the Geological Sciences (2-0)
5315 Selected Topics in the Geological Sciences (3-0)
Study of advanced topics in such fields as structural geology, environmental geoscience, economic geology, paleontology, petrology, and geochemistry. May be repeated when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
5162 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-1)
5262 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-2)
5362 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.
5389 Graduate Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-3)
Cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements. Grade of S or U.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.
5343 Isotope Geology (2-1)
Study of the systematics and geochemistry of radiogenic and stable isotopes. The course includes both geochronology and the use of isotopes as tracers in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Laboratory fee required.
5344 Advanced Petrology (2-3)
Study of magmas and magma genesis in light of field, theoretical, and experimental considerations. The course includes interpretation of isotopic and trace-element data. Laboratory studies focus on field trips and petrographic description of thin-sections. Prerequisites: GEOL 3315 or equivalent; CHEM 3351-CHEM 3352 recommended. Laboratory fee required.
5345 Environmental Geochemistry (3-0)
Processes of a geological nature which are important in environmental studies will be the topic of this course. The geological context is usually important in determining the effect of foreign intrusions into the natural environment. The course will involve problem solving, class participation, exams, field trips, and a semester project report.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval.
5364 Sedimentary Depositional Environments (3-0)
Reconstruction of ancient depositional environments in the surface and subsurface using facies analysis. Field trips are included. The class will focus on analysis of field examples. Prerequisites: GEOL 2314 and GEOL 3325.
5365 Basin Analysis (3-0)
The study of evolution of sedimentary basins and the influences of tectonics and other factors to create a stratigraphic framework. The course includes basin analysis techniques such as backstripping, paleotemperature calculations, and sequence stratigraphy. Field trips are included. Prerequisite: GEOL 3325 or instructor approval.
5367 Advanced Stratigraphy (2-3)
The history, usage, and subtleties of stratigraphy will be investigated through lectures, assigned readings, and examples. Students will have the chance in the field to see if they agree with those who have defined real stratigraphic units. Prerequisite: GEOL 4362 or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
5370 Tectonics (3-0)
Extensive readings on selected topics in and a broad review of the major principles and theory of tectonics. Prerequisites: GEOL 3423 and graduate standing.
5375 Quantitative Techniques in the Geological Sciences (2-3)
Introduction to techniques for quantitative analysis of geologic data. Emphasis on the extraction of maximum information from large data matrices. Specific applications to petroleum and mineral exploration. Laboratory fee required.
5376 Low Temperature Geochemistry (2-2)
Chemical reactions at the earth's surface and their interpretation by thermodynamic and kinetic principles. Precipitation and dissolution, the solid-solution interface, oxidation and reduction, the distribution and circulation of elements and compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 1306. Laboratory fee required.
5377 Principles of Geochemistry (3-0)
Chemical processes involved in the distribution and migration of the elements on the earth through space and time. Principles of solution and mineral equilibria in surficial, sedimentary, hydrothermal, and igneous environments. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
5379 Petroleum Geochemistry (3-0)
Examination of the biologic, chemical, and geologic processes involved in the accumulation of petroleum-source rocks, including diagenesis, catagenesis, and metagenesis of petroleum prone organic matter; of migration, accumulation, and maturation of liquid hydrocarbons; and of geochemical parameters useful in hydrocarbon exploration. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
5382 Chemical Hydrogeology (3-0)
A study of the chemistry of ground and surface water. Subjects covered by the course are the chemistry of natural waters, chemistry of weathering, chemical interactions between geological materials and water, groundwater contamination and the movement of contaminants in groundwater. Prerequisite: GEOL 5376 or instructor approval.
5383 Physical Hydrogeology (3-0)
A study of the geological controls on ground and surface water flow. Subjects studied are the geology of aquifers, a review of major aquifers in North America, aquifer hydraulics, Darcy's law aquifer tests, and groundwater flow modeling. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
5384 Nuclear Waste Disposal (3-0)
In-depth study of problems and issues associated with the past, current, and projected principles and methods of nuclear waste disposal. The multidisciplinary legal, political and technical aspects of siting, operation, and decommissioning of reactors and the subsequent removal of source waste generated at these facilities is considered. The course examines waste removal, classification, containerization, quality assurance, and transport. Waste repository site selection, performance assessment, operation, and entombment in various geological media are stressed. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; students outside the colleges of Engineering and Science will require instructor approval.
5385 Numerical Methods in Geology (3-0)
Introduction to the theory and application of numerical methods (finite differences and finite elements) with application to problems in hydrology, environmental geology, and structural geology. Subjects covered include general mechanics of groundwater flow, general continuum mechanics, geologic influences on model design, model limitations, convergence, calibration, and verification. Prerequisite: GEOL 5383 or instructor approval.
5386 Engineering Geology (3-0)
Introduction to the application of geologic fundamentals to geotechnical engineering and the analysis of geologic processes using continuum mechanics. Subjects covered include general soil and rock mechanics, slope stability, surface water and flooding, subsidence, earthquakes, volcanoes, shore line processes, expansive soils, and geologic aspects of engineering works (dams, tunnels, buildings, etc.). Prerequisite: GEOL 3423 or GEOL 3321 or instructor approval.
5387 Applied Quaternary Geology (3-0)
Addresses pertinent topics of Quaternary science (including paleoclimatology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, pedology, geochronology, neotectonics, and geophysics) in an environmental context. Major bodies of environmental regulation will be introduced and the relationship of these regulations to Quaternary science will be emphasized. Environmental case studies of national significance will be an integral part of the course. Graduate students from other disciplines are encouraged. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval.
5394 Mining Geology (3-1)
Geologic mapping, sample drilling, reserve calculations, and economic evaluation of actively exploited and potential economic mineral deposits. Mine visits required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Laboratory fee required.
5397 Geology and Mineral Resources of Mexico (3-0)
Stratigraphic and structural framework of the Republic of Mexico with particular reference to the distribution of mineral resources. Field excursion required.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
5398 Thesis (0-0-3)
Initial work on the thesis.
5399 Thesis (0-0-3)
Continuous enrollment required while work on thesis continues. Prerequisite: GEOL
5398.
5405 Biostratigraphy (3-3)
The systematic analysis of the separation and differentiation of rock units on the basis of the assemblages of fossils which they contain; special emphasis will be placed on the evolution of biothermal systems through time and problems of the establishment and utilization of biostratigraphic units and chronostratigraphic boundaries. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Geology or Biology or instructor approval. Laboratory fee required.
Geophysics (GEOP)
5163 Directed Study in Geophysics (0-0-1)
5263 Directed Study in Geophysics (0-0-2)
5363 Directed Study in Geophysics (0-0-3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.
5258 Geophysical Field Methods (1-3)
An overview of geophysical techniques stressing field applications. Students will participate in seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and radiometric surveys in actual field situations. A report discussing data collection procedures, data processing, and interpretations is required. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. Fees required.
A survey of the techniques used to manipulate digital image data including atmospheric correction, geocoding, image enhancement, and classification. Data from mutispectral sensors such as LANDSAT, SPOT, and IRS-C as well as hyperspectral sensors such as AVIRIS are utilized. Prerequisite: GEOP 4336. Laboratory fee required.
5351 Groundwater Geophysics (2-2)
Survey of geophysical field data collection, reduction, and interpretation techniques
applied to groundwater, geotechnical, and waste disposal studies. Topics include gravity,
magnetics, reflection, and refraction seismology, electrical methods, and well logging. A strong emphasis is placed on data interpretation on actual studies in the southwest. Laboratory fee required.
5352 Geophysical Inverse Theory (3-0)
The quantitative study of mathematical methods used to interpret geophysical measurements and determine earth structure. Techniques for both linear and non-linear geophysical problems are studied to determine the resolution and precision of a geophysical model from a given set of data. Prerequisites: GEOP 4332, GEOP 4334, and MATH 3323, or instructor approval.
5353 Reflection Seismic Data Processing (2-2)
The computer application of digital signal processing to reflection seismic data from environmental, petroleum, and crustal surveys. Topics include: definition of survey geometries, data editing techniques, amplitude recovery, bandpass filtering, deconvolution, velocity analysis, F-K filtering, and migration. Prerequisite: GEOP 4332, GEOP 5460, or instructor approval.
5354 Seismology (3-0)
A study of earthquake seismology, seismotectonics, and the use of seismological methods to determine earth structure. A theoretical foundation is provided by the study of wave propagation in homogeneous and isotropic media from the standpoint of both ray and wave theory. Prerequisite: MATH 4336, PHYS 3351, or instructor approval.
5356 Topics in Geophysics (3-0)
Study of advanced topics in the fields such as exploration geophysics, geothermics, theoretical seismology, potential field, data analysis, environmental applications, inversion, seismotectonics, crustal studies, and global tectonics. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
5357 Well Logging (2-2)
The application of well logs to hydrogeologic, petroleum, and mineral studies to characterize sedimentation history and quantitatively evaluate rock and fluid properties. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Laboratory fee required.
5361 Plate Tectonics (3-0)
The application of geological and geophysical data to the description and evolution of motion between the lithospheric plates. Topics include: relative velocities between plates, triple junctions, plate rotations, seismicity and plate boundaries, marine magnetic anomalies, paleomagnetism, plate driving mechanisms, and relationship of plate tectonic processes to the geologic evolution of the western United States. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval.
5362 Reflection Seismic Data Interpretation (2-2)
The fundamentals of the geologic interpretation of reflection seismic data. Introduction to seismic data acquisition and processing, and their effects on data interpretation. Interpretation techniques: well log to seismic ties, contour maps, fault plane maps, time-to-depth conversion. Interpretation of data from different structural settings. Seismic stratigraphy and applications of sequence stratigraphy to seismic stratigraphic interpretation. 3-D seismic interpretation. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Laboratory fee required.
5364 North American Geophysical Framework (3-0)
Study of the tectonic evolution of North America from an integrated geological/geophysical approach. Recent literature on large-scale geophysical studies of the lithosphere will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval.
Study of advanced topics in fields such as radar imaging, thermal imaging, image processing, and hyperspectral techniques. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.
Emphasizes research and data analysis. Not given as a formal class. May be repeated, but no more than six hours of credit will be counted toward a degree.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and instructor approval.
5460 Geophysical Applications of Digital Signal Processing (3-2)
Computer application of discrete signals and systems to geophysical data in one and two dimensions. Properties of the FFT, DFT, Z-transform, and continuous Fourier integral transform. Digital filter design, spectral analysis, deconvolution, spatial filtering of geophysical data sets. Knowledge of FORTRAN, C, or mathematical software package required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor approval.
For Doctoral Students Only
Geology (GEOL)
6105 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-1)
6205 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-2)
6305 Directed Study in Geology (0-0-3)
Prerequisites: Doctoral graduate standing and instructor approval.
6315 Advanced Topics in the Geological Sciences (3-0)
Advanced topics in paleontology and stratigraphy, mineralogy, environmental geoscience, petrology, geochemistry, structural geology, economic geology, and geophysics. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisites: Doctoral graduate standing and instructor approval.
6296 Doctoral Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-2)
6396 Doctoral Research in Geological Sciences (0-0-3)
Cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements. Grade of S or U. Prerequisites: Doctoral standing and instructor approval.
6320 Dissertation (0-0-3)
Initial work on dissertation.
6321 Dissertation (0-0-3)
Continued enrollment required while work on dissertation continues. Prerequisite: GEOL 6320.
Geophysics (GEOP)
6110 Directed Study in Geophysics (0-0-1)
6210 Directed Study in Geophysics (0-0-2)
Prerequisites: Doctoral graduate standing and instructor approval.