Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2016-2017
ESCI 007 - VISITING RESEARCH
Long Title: VISITING RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 0
Description: Research conducted by visiting student scholars. Department Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 101 - THE EARTH
Long Title: THE EARTH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Study of the nature of the Earth and its processes. Cross-list: ENST 101.
ESCI 102 - HISTORY OF THE EARTH & LIFE
Long Title: HISTORY OF THE EARTH AND LIFE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Study of Earth's systems over the past 4.6 billion years. Topics include evolution of life, continents, ocean basins and climate. Cross-list: ENST 102.
ESCI 103 - FIELD TRIPS FOR THE EARTH
Long Title: FIELD TRIPS FOR THE EARTH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Three evening lectures of two hours each; one weekend long field trip.
ESCI 106 - INVESTIGATING EARTH'S SURFACE
Long Title: INVESTIGATING EARTH'S SURFACE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will be investigation-based course covering processes on Earth's surface, such as carbon cycling, ocean and atmospheric circulation, and climate change. Lectures will be minimal. Most work will be in-class assignments.
ESCI 107 - OCEANS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
Long Title: OCEANS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Overview of the impact of the ocean and ocean evolution on the Earth's climate. Includes geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of change.
ESCI 108 - CRISES OF THE EARTH
Long Title: CRISES OF THE EARTH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Geological and environmental crises have affected Earth throughout history. Included are meteorite impacts, global extinctions, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, effect of humans on environment, as well as an overview of historical perspectives, scientific background, and development of these processes, the development of predictive scenarios, and society's adaptations to such hazards.
ESCI 109 - OCEANOGRAPHY
Long Title: OCEANOGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to the oceans, with an emphasis on how the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of the oceans are linked.
ESCI 110 - ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, & SOCIETY
Long Title: ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND SOCIETY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Undergraduate seminar on current issues in energy used by industrial society, energy resources and their impact on the environment. Offered on demand.
ESCI 113 - ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Discussion of environmental crises. Topics vary annually. Cross-list: EBIO 113, ENST 113. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 114 - NATURAL DISASTER SEMINAR
Long Title: NATURAL DISASTER SEMINAR
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Discussion of natural disasters. Topics vary annually. Cross-list: ENST 114. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 201 - SCIENCE BEHIND GLOBAL WARMING
Long Title: THE SCIENCE BEHIND EARTH GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The course will introduce the students to the science behind last century Earth global warming in the context of the past records of global Earth climate variability and forecast of Earth climate in the next century. Cross-list: ENST 201.
ESCI 214 - THE PLANETS
Long Title: THE PLANETS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The physical, chemical, and geological development of the solar system from 4.6 billion years ago until today. All planets, their major satellites, comets, and asteroids will be discussed.
ESCI 301 - INTRODUCTION TO EARTH
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO THE EARTH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Earth, its origin and composition, and the processes that change it, covering rock and mineral identification, geologic maps, plate tectonics and its causes, Earth structure and geophysics, sedimentology and stratigraphy, and surface processes.
ESCI 307 - ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Long Title: ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course explores the physical principles of energy use and its impact on Earth's environment and climate. Topics will include energy mechanics, climate change, and the environmental impacts and future prospects of various fossil fuel and alternative energy sources. Cross-list: CEVE 307, ENST 307.
ESCI 321 - EARTH SYSTEM EVOLUTION/CYCLES
Long Title: EARTH SYSTEM EVOLUTION AND CYCLES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 301
Description: This course introduces the systems and processes that shape Earth's surface including weathering, sediment transport, ocean and atmosphere circulation, accumulation of sedimentary material and organisms, including man. This course requires a once-a-week 3-hour lab. Prerequisites ESCI 101 or ESCI 115 or ESCI 301 can be taken concurrently or with permission of instructor. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 101, 102, PHYS 101 or 111, CHEM 121 or 151.
ESCI 322 - EARTH CHEMISTRY & MATERIALS
Long Title: EARTH CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 301
Description: This course introduces rock-forming processes related to the chemical and physical differentiation of the solid Earth into its main reservoirs: continental crust, oceanic crust, mantle, and core. Beginning with the bulk Earth and an overview of the chemical and petrologic properties of the rocks that make up each of these reservoirs. The basic principles of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology will be presented in the context of the rock cycle, plate tectonics, as well as the origin of economically and societally important ore deposits. A laboratory and field trip, where students will see petrologic principles applied, will be required. Prerequisite ESCI 301 can be taken concurrently. Recommended prerequisite(s): MATH 101 and MATH 102, CHEM 121 or CHEM 151.
ESCI 323 - EARTH STRUCTURE & DEFORMATION
Long Title: EARTH STRUCTURE AND DEFORMATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 301
Description: Introduction to the mechanics and deformation of the Earth's crust and lithosphere, emphasizing rock strength and rheology, earthquakes and faulting, brittle and ductile deformation mechanisms and processes, and an introduction to tectonic systems. Lab will develop skills for recognition, interpretation, and analysis of deformation structures and processes on maps, cross-sections and seismograms. Prerequisites ESCI 101 or ESCI 115 or ESCI 301 can be taken concurrently or with permission of instructor. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 101 and (PHYS 101 or PHYS 111). These may be taken concurrently. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 323 if student has credit for ESCI 333.
ESCI 324 - EARTH'S INTERIOR
Long Title: EARTH'S INTERIOR
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 301
Description: Introduction to the mechanics and deformation of Earth's crust and lithosphere, emphasizing rock strength and rheology, earthquakes and faulting, brittle and ductile deformation mechanism and processes , and an introduction to tectonic systems. Lab will develop skills for recognition, interpretation and analysis of deformation structures and processes on maps, cross-sections and seismograms. Prerequisites may be taken concurrently. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 211 and (PHYS 101 or PHYS 111 or PHYS 125 or PHYS 141) and (PHYS 102 or PHYS 112 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 142) and MATH 212 - may be taken concurrently.
ESCI 330 - GEOARCHAEOLOGY
Long Title: GEOARCHAEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science
Anthropology
Description: Overview of the basics of the analysis of soils and sediments as related to archaeological deposits, and introducing the key concepts of surficial geology, site formation, landscape evolution, and the scope of depositional environments. Includes practical methods for describing stratigraphy, sediments and soil profiles in the field. Cross-list: ANTH 330.
ESCI 334 - GEOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
Long Title: GEOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Earth Science
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 322 AND ESCI 323 AND ESCI 301 or permission of instructor
Description: An introduction to the basic methods of description, recording, and interpretation of geologic features in the field, including rock and outcrop description, geologic mapping and cross-section construction. The course includes one or two required field trips during Saturdays, as well as a required seven day excursion either during Spring Break or during the semester. Taught every Spring. ESCI 323 may be taken concurrently with ESCI 334.
ESCI 340 - GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Long Title: GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course introduces students to the coupled nature of the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere using as focal points elemental cycles such as those of carbon and nitrogen. This is a writing-intensive class, and will include 3 required Saturday field trips. Cross-list: EBIO 340, ENST 340.
ESCI 380 - VISUALIZING NATURE
Long Title: VISUALIZING NATURE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An experimental course combining the scientific disciplines of the earth sciences with the artistic disciplines of creative photography to study the natural landscape and related ecosystems. The course will combine classroom lectures and laboratory demonstrations in geoscience with classes in the use of digital and film-based cameras and illustrated lectures on recognized achievements in landscape photography. Extensive field trips will be scheduled. Students will travel frequently, at times in pairs, other times in larger groups and as a full class, accompanied by one or both professors. The budget for the course includes funding both for travel and for photography expenses. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: FOTO 390.
ESCI 390 - GEOLOGY FIELD CAMP
Long Title: GEOLOGY FIELD CAMP
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Field course typically involving geologic mapping in one or more of sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous rocks and structures. Not offered by Rice University. Students must take an approved field camp from another university and transfer credit to Rice University. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 334.
ESCI 391 - EARTH SCIENCE FIELD EXPERIENCE
Long Title: EARTH SCIENCE FIELD EXPERIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Comprises participating in an earth science expedition or research experience, follow-up analysis of some aspect of the data acquired, and a written report. Must be approved in advance by one of the department undergraduate advisors. Instructor Permission Required.
ESCI 401 - SEM: UG HONORS THESIS
Long Title: SEMINAR: UNDERGRADUATE HONORS THESIS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to and presentation of original undergraduate research for Earth Science Undergraduate Honors Thesis candidates. Students will be introduced to basic research protocols and approaches, and will learn how to give presentations on their research, and gain experience presenting their research. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 403 - SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to current research in the Earth Science department. Students will learn how to give a presentation and will get experience presenting their research. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 603. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 404 - SEM: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to current research in the Earth Science department. Students will learn how to give a presentation and will get experience presenting their research. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 604. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 405 - SEM:CURR RESRCH EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: SEMINAR: CURRENT RESEARCH IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A series of lectures and paper discussions in various areas of Earth science. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 605. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 406 - SEM:CURR RESRCH EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: SEMINAR: CURRENT RESEARCH IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A series of lectures and paper discussions in various areas of Earth science. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 606. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 407 - INTRO TO BIOECHEM II
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BIOGEOCHEMISTRY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The interaction between (micro) organisms, minerals, rocks, and aqueous solutions is an important new field of research that requires an interdisciplinary approach between (micro) biology, organic chemistry, and geochemistry. This course provides an introduction and insight into this exciting new field and puts an emphasis on quantitative strategies. Taught every other Fall. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 607. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 407 if student has credit for ESCI 607.
ESCI 409 - INTRO TO PROGRAMMING IN MATLAB
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB AND NUMERICAL METHODS FOR EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 102
Description: The course introduces students to the Matlab programming language and topics may include: importing and exporting data; working with vectors and matrices; curve fitting; data smoothing and filtering; data regression; data visualization; optimization; solving differential equations. The course is built around progressive programming assignments. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 609. Recommended Prerequisite(s): Undergrad math through calculus. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 409 if student has credit for ESCI 609.
ESCI 410 - OPTICAL MINERALOGY & PETROGRPH
Long Title: OPTICAL MINERALOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 322
Description: This is a lab course focused on the identification of minerals with petrographic microscopy. Principles of crystallography, mineral optics, and mineral chemistry will be covered in the first third of the course. The second third of the course will focus on the identification of minerals in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks with emphasis on petrogenetic interpretation. The last third of the course will involve each student working on specific petrologic themes in the context of regional tectonics or magmatic processes. Taught every other Fall. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 610. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 410 if student has credit for ESCI 610.
ESCI 411 - ADVANCED PETROLOGY II
Long Title: ADVANCED PETROLOGY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will bring together constraints from field geology, petrography, petrology, geochemistry, and geodynamics to tackle advanced A87 research questions of whole Earth processes that are relevant in the 21st century. The topics that may be covered include, but are not limited to, interplay between magmatic and tectonic processes, magma generation, migration, extraction, and dynamic stability in various settings, magmatic differentiation, volatiles and fluids exchange between various reservoirs and effects on long-term climate, ore genesis, and formation and modification of continents. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 611. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 411 if student has credit for ESCI 611.
ESCI 412 - ADVANCED PETROLOGY
Long Title: ADVANCED PETROLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 322
Description: Evaluation of the evolution of igneous rocks in the Earth's crust and mantle. Topics will include phase equilibria, experimental studies, and geochemistry. Labs will stress thin section petrography. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 612. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 412 if student has credit for ESCI 612. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 415 - DECISION MAKING AND ECONOMICS
Long Title: DECISION MAKING AND ECONOMICS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will provide students with an understanding of how energy projects are evaluated. Topics include resource-size determination, geologic and economic risk, discounted cash-flow economics, and other common methods used in decision making. Emphasis will be placed on working in teams to understand basic concepts and sensitivities. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 615. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321 and ESCI 323. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 415 if student has credit for ESCI 615.
ESCI 416 - ECON GEOL MINERAL DEPOSITS
Long Title: ECONOMIC GEOLOGY MINERAL DEPOSITS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An overview of metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits, theories of their origin, and classification. The impact of government regulation, economics, production practices, and exploration will be considered. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 616. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 416 if student has credit for ESCI 616.
ESCI 417 - PETROLEUM IND ECONOMICS MGMT
Long Title: PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Topics covered include resource size determination; geologic risk analysis; establishing minimum economic thresholds; economic chance factors; the concepts of present worth, investment efficiency, rates of return. Price forecasting, cost inflation are discussed. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 617. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 415. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 417 if student has credit for ESCI 617.
ESCI 418 - QUANTITATIVE HYDROGEOLOGY
Long Title: QUANTITATIVE HYDROGEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Advanced course that will provide a quantitative overview of groundwater hydrology. Emphasis will be placed on mastering concepts in fluid mechanics and applying these concepts to water supply, environmental, and geological problems. Cross-list: CEVE 418, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 618. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 418 if student has credit for ESCI 618.
ESCI 419 - MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Long Title: MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 OR CHEM 151
Description: This course will provide an overview of various characterization methods used in geological, chemical, material science and other natural science and engineering research. The techniques that will be discussed include but not limited to electron beam methods (imaging and spectroscopy), X-ray methods, ion-beam analysis, vibrational spectroscopies, and Synchrotron-based techniques.
Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 619. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 419 if student has credit for ESCI 619.
ESCI 421 - PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
Long Title: PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321
Description: The evolution of the ocean, climate and the global carbon cycle over the last 100 million years as recorded by the biology, chemistry and composition of deep-sea sediment. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 621. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 109. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 421 if student has credit for ESCI 621.
ESCI 422 - PALEOCLIMATE
Long Title: PALEOCLIMATE AND MODERN CLIMATE CHANGE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 301 OR ESCI 321
Description: Climate change is a widely discussed and, often, debated topic in society today. This course will focus on scientific observations of Earth's climate in the past, records of modern climate variability, and projections of future climate change as well as geologic and instrumental records of climate change and science communication. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 622. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 422 if student has credit for ESCI 622.
ESCI 423 - ANTARCTIC MARINE GEOLOGY
Long Title: ANTARCTIC MARINE GEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The study of marine geologic principles and processes using examples from the Southern Oceans. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 623. Recommended prerequisite(s): ESCI 321. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 423 if student has credit for ESCI 623.
ESCI 425 - ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Long Title: ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course covers the organic geochemistry of the natural environment. Topics include: production, transport, decomposition, and storage of organic matter in the marine and terrestrial environments, use of isotopes to track biogeochemical processes and natural and perturbed carbon cycle issues, including past and recent climate shifts. Cross-list: CHEM 425, ENST 425, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 625. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 425 if student has credit for ESCI 625.
ESCI 426 - INTER REGIONAL 2D SEISMIC DATA
Long Title: INTERPRETATION OF REGIONAL 2-D SEISMIC DATA
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will introduce students to analysis of sub-regional structural and stratigraphic frameworks. We will utilize the interpretation of 2D seismic profiles to reconstruct basin history and discuss implications for petroleum systems. Students will gain an understanding of a variety of structural and stratigraphic styles, as expressed on seismic data. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 626. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 426 if student has credit for ESCI 626.
ESCI 427 - SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
Long Title: SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321
Description: This course will introduce students to the concepts of sequence stratigraphy and the power behind this correlation technique. The course is divided between classic sequence stratigraphy using cores, well-logs, and outcrop examples and seismic sequence stratigraphy. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 627. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 427 if student has credit for ESCI 627.
ESCI 429 - VOLCANIC PROCESSES
Long Title: MAGMATIC, VOLCANIC AND HYDROTHERMAL PROCESSES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to the physical processes governing magmatic hydrothermal and volcanic systems. Conceptual and quantitative discussion of topics such as magma generation, accumulation, dike propagation, magma chambers, volcano deformation, volcanic eruptions, magmatic gases, magma rheology and fragmentation, hydrothermal systems. A 3-6 day field trip may be required. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 629. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 429 if student has credit for ESCI 629.
ESCI 430 - TRACE-ELEMENT& ISOTOPE GEOCHEM
Long Title: TRACE-ELEMENT AND ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY FOR EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to the principles of trace-element and isotope geochemistry and their applications to high and low temperature processes in the earth. Topics to be covered are trace-element partitioning, basic quantum physics, radiogenic isotopic systems and stable isotope fractionation. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 630. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 322. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 430 if student has credit for ESCI 630.
ESCI 431 - GEOMORPHOLOGY
Long Title: GEOMORPHOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321
Description: This course will investigate physical, chemical, and biological processes that contribute to the development and shaping of Earth's surface across a continuum of subaerial and subaqueous environments. Mandatory 4-day field trip is associated with this class. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 631. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 435 - MECHANICS-SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
Long Title: MECHANICS OF SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Evaluation of sedimentary transport dynamics: physical interaction between fluid flow and sediment mobility, from grain to bedform scale; exploration of environments including rivers, estuaries, deltas, coastlines, and deserts. Examination of sediment transport for geology, environmental, and engineering applications; formation of diagnostic sedimentary features recognized in the stratigraphic record. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 635. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 435 if student has credit for ESCI 635.
ESCI 436 - WELL LOGGING AND PETROPHYSICS
Long Title: WELL LOGGING AND PETROPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Basics of wireline logging and logging while drilling including borehole environment, resistivity, radiation, thermal, and elastic wave measurements and measuring tools. Building from this introduction, basic interpretation of logging data and formation evaluation will be studied. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 636. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 436 if student has credit for ESCI 636.
ESCI 440 - GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS
Long Title: GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS: DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 101 AND MATH 102)
Description: Data sampling, aliasing, discrete Fourier transform, digital filter design techniques, z-transform, and discrete Hilbert transform are introduced. Deconvolution, velocity filters, polarization filter, stacking, beam forming and migration techniques will be taught together with their application in geophysical studies. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 640. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 440 if student has credit for ESCI 640.
ESCI 441 - GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS
Long Title: GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS: INVERSE METHODS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211
Description: Review of linear algebra and probability. Data fitting, model parameter estimation, inverse theory, linear and nonlinear methods, and global optimization. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 641. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 441 if student has credit for ESCI 641.
ESCI 442 - EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
Long Title: EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 101 AND (PHYS 101 OR PHYS 102 OR PHYS 111 OR PHYS 112)
Description: Study of the principles and procedures involved in geophysical exploration. Includes acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic, ground-penetrating radar, gravity, magnetic, and electrical data. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 642. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 442 if student has credit for ESCI 642.
ESCI 444 - REFLEC SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING
Long Title: REFLECTION SEISMIC DATA PROCESSING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 442
Description: Experience with processing reflection seismic data. Includes seismic data organization, velocity analysis, stacking, filtering, deconvolution, migration, and display, using the Center for Computational Geophysics facility's seismic processing system(s). Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 442. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 444 if student has credit for ESCI 564.
ESCI 450 - REMOTE SENSING
Long Title: REMOTE SENSING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to electromagnetic remote sensing of the earth and other planets using passive and active methods. The course includes a computer lab component involving processing and interpretation of remote sensing imagery, and an individual project. Cross-list: CEVE 450, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 650. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 450 if student has credit for ESCI 650.
ESCI 452 - GIS FOR SCIENTISTS
Long Title: GIS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (ESCI 321 OR ESCI 322 OR ESCI 323 OR ESCI 324) AND (ESCI 321 OR ESCI 322 OR ESCI 323 OR ESCI 324)
Description: Basic principles of Geographic Information Systems, with a focus on effectively applying the technology to the geosciences. Main platform of the class will be ESRI's ArcGIS, but a wide array of other tools will also be introduced. Material will be delivered via a blend of lecture and hands-on exercises. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 652. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 452 if student has credit for ESCI 652.
ESCI 454 - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Long Title: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, mapping sciences, and spatial analysis. The course will include extensive computer use and the completion of a major individual project on a topic selected by the student. Cross-list: CEVE 453, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 654. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 454 if student has credit for ESCI 654.
ESCI 456 - PLANETARY VOLCANISM
Long Title: PLANETARY VOLCANISM
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This seminar will cover the broad range of volcanic phenomena in the solar system, via weekly readings of, and student presentations on, classic and recent papers. Topics include: Composition (basaltic, silicic, unusual, carbonatite), cryovolcanism, structure (caldera, rift zones, volcanic spreading radiating dike systems, magma chambers, and sill complexes), and dynamics (eruption mechanism, effusive vs. explosive, volatiles and atmospheres/oceans). The planetary settings to be considered include Earth, Venu, Mars, Mercury, Moon, large asteroids and outer planet satellites. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 656. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 456 if student has credit for ESCI 656.
ESCI 460 - GEOL & GEOPHYS FLUID DYNAMICS
Long Title: GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211 AND MATH 212
Description: Advanced course in the foundations of fluid mechanics and its application to Earth science. Aspects of continuum mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and the rheologic behavior of materials will be covered in developing the fundamental laws that describe fluid motion. Applications include atmospheric dynamics, mantle and lithospheric dynamics, and hydrogeology. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 660. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 460 if student has credit for ESCI 660.
ESCI 461 - SEISMOLOGY I
Long Title: SEISMOLOGY I
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Principles of elastic wave propagation, the determination of Earth structure, and the understanding of earthquake physics. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 661. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 461 if student has credit for ESCI 661.
ESCI 462 - TECTONOPHYSICS
Long Title: TECTONOPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 102 OR PHYS 102 OR PHYS 112
Description: Applications of continuum physics to the deformation, flexure, heat transfer, and gravity field of the lithosphere. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 662. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 212. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 462 if student has credit for ESCI 662.
ESCI 463 - TECTONIC SYSTEMS
Long Title: STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION OF TECTONIC SYSTEMS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 323
Description: The distribution, origin, and evolution of various tectonic systems, and characterization of their structural and geophysical signatures, emphasizing crustal and lithospheric processes associated with tectonic deformation. Review of representative global examples of convergent and collisional margins, divergent and passive margins, and transform margins. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 663. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 463 if student has credit for ESCI 663.
ESCI 464 - GLOBAL TECTONICS
Long Title: GLOBAL TECTONICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Geometrical aspects of plate tectonics, the 3 traditional types of plate boundaries, instantaneous plate motions, earthquakes and faulting, space geodesy, geomagnetic reversals, paleomagnetic poles, hotspots, "absolute" plate motion, true polar wander, driving forces, diffuse plate boundaries, plate nonrigidity, and rheology of the lithosphere. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 664. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 464 if student has credit for ESCI 664.
ESCI 467 - GEOMECHANICS
Long Title: GEOMECHANICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An examination of deformation and failure processes within the Earth's shallow crust, with a focus on rock and sediment mechanics, and associated fluid processes. Emphasis will be on geologic applications, including sediment consolidation, slope stability, fault mechanics, and earthquake nucleation and rupture. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 667. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 467 if student has credit for ESCI 667.
ESCI 471 - EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING I
Long Title: EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING I: PHILOSOPHY AND FUNDAMENTALS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 OR PHYS 101 OR PHYS 102
Description: A model is a simplified representation of something. Scientific models range from conceptual to physical to mathematical. In Earth and planetary science, one is often concerned with modeling interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components, i.e., with modeling systems. This class will cover the fundamentals of scientific modeling with a focus on Earth systems. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 671. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 471 if student has credit for ESCI 671. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 472 - NUMERICAL METHODS EARTH SYSTEM
Long Title: EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING: NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 OR PHYS 101 OR PHYS 102
Description: Introduction to numerical methods with applications in Earth Science using Matlab and COMSOL. Much of the class is spent in the computer lab learning Matlab and COMSOL, followed by hands-on exercises. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 672. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 211.
ESCI 481 - UNDERGR RESEARCH EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Advanced work adapted to the needs of the individual undergraduate student reading. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 491 - SPECIAL STUDY FOR UNDERGRADS
Long Title: SPECIAL STUDIES FOR UNDERGRADUATES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 1 TO 6
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Work in Earth Science adapted to the needs of individual undergraduate research. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 499 - VISUAL DESIGN FOR SCIENTISTS
Long Title: GRAPHIC AND VISUAL DESIGN FOR SCIENTISTS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A significant portion of a scientists time is spent solving visual design problems (graphics for papers, visual layouts for seminars, posters, teaching). Effective communication of scientific information is part of a scientists skill set. This class is designed to enhance that skill set in terms of presenting visual information clearly, simply, and effectively. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 699. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 499 if student has credit for ESCI 699. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 501 - SPECIAL STUDIES GRAD STUDENTS
Long Title: SPECIAL STUDIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 15
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Advanced work in Earth science adapted to the needs of individual graduate students. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 502 - FIELD TRIP-ADV GEOL & PETROL
Long Title: FIELD TRIP FOR ADVANCED GEOLOGY AND PETROLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 322 AND ESCI 334
Description: A field trip course centered on weekly readings and several mapping projects carried out over the course of 1 week. The course will focus on western North American geology with emphasis on igneous and metamorphic petrology and structural geology in the context of regional tectonics. Field studies will be accompanied by quantitative data collection and analysis. Each student will be responsible for a small field-based project. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 503 - CRYOSPHERE
Long Title: CRYOSPHERE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321 or permission of instructor
Description: The growth and decay of glaciers play a large role in modulating Earth's climate system. This course focuses on physical glaciology, glacial geomorphology, the geologic record of glaciation, and glacier-climate interactions in the past, present, and future.
ESCI 504 - SILICICLASTIC DEPOSITION SYST
Long Title: SILICICLASTIC DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Study of modern and ancient sedimentary environments with emphasis on field work. Depositional models examined in relation to climatic, oceanographic, and tectonic influences.
ESCI 506 - CARBONATE DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS
Long Title: CARBONATE DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321
Description: Characterization of modern and ancient, shallow and deep sedimentary environments and facies. Includes examination of different depositional models in relation both to climate and to hydrographic and geographic settings, as well as three field trips. Meeting times will be determined after registration.
ESCI 507 - APPLIED SEDIMENTOLOGY II
Long Title: APPLIED SEDIMENTOLOGY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 505
Description: Advanced field studies in sedimentary geology. This course is intended to provide graduate students with experience working in sedimentary rocks by working on projects of their own design.
ESCI 508 - SEM:GLOBAL SEISMOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: GLOBAL SEISMOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 509 - SEM:DEPT-LOCALE-FIELD TRIPS
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT TYPE-LOCALE FIELD TRIPS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 511 - SEM: EARTH SCIENCE INTO ACTION
Long Title: PUTTING EARTH SCIENCE INTO ACTION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 512 - SEM: CARIBBEAN
Long Title: SEMINAR: CARIBBEAN
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 514 - ADVANCED BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
Long Title: ADVANCED BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1 TO 4
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will explore carbon, nitrogen, and water cycling at the advanced level. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 515 - GEOPHYS FLD WK FOR EDUCATORS
Long Title: GEOPHYSICAL FIELD WORK FOR EDUCATORS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course consists of 2 weeks of geophysical field work and is designated for in-service K-12 teachers. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 516 - TOPICS ON CARBONATES
Long Title: TOPICS ON CARBONATES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Topics may vary. 7-day field trip to Belize is required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 519 - SEM: SEISMOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: SEISMOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 520 - SEM: SEISMOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: SEISMOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 521 - SEM:TECTONICS-CONTINEN-MARGINS
Long Title: SEMINAR: TECTONICS OF CONTINENTAL MARGINS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 522 - SEM:GEOFLUIDS/THERMICS, PLANET
Long Title: SEMINAR: ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOFLUIDS, GEOTHERMICS, AND PLANETARY EVOLUTION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary.
ESCI 523 - SEM:SEISMICMODEL&INVERSEMETHOD
Long Title: SEMINAR: SEISMIC MODELING AND INVERSE METHODS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 524 - SEM:ADV TOPICS EARTH STRUCTURE
Long Title: SEMINAR: ADVANCED TOPICS IN EARTH STRUCTURE AND DEFORMATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2 OR 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for credit. Please note there are two sections: Section 1 is a seminar with discussion for 2 credits. Section 2 is the seminar with discussion and a mandatory 1-week field trip for 3 credits. Instructor permission is required for Section 2. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 526 - SEM:DEVELOPSTRUCTURALGEOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEVELOPMENTS IN STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 527 - QUANT PETROLEUM SYS ANALYSIS
Long Title: SEMINAR: QUANTITATIVE PETROLEUM SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Course taught at the University of Houston. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 528 - SEM:ADV TOPICS HYDROGEOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: ADVANCED TOPICS IN HYDROGEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 529 - THE MOON: ORIGIN & EVOLUTION
Long Title: THE MOON: ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF EARTH'S COMPANION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This seminar course addresses fundamental issues in the origin and evolution of the Moon, spanning the disciplines of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and petrology. Sources range from classic studies to recent results from orbiting spacecraft and laboratory analysis. Readings will be supplemented by guest presentations from active researchers in the field. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 531 - ADV TECTONOPHY/GLOBL TECTONICS
Long Title: ADVANCED TECTONOPHYSICS/GLOBAL TECTONICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 532 - SEM:TOPICS-SEDIMENTOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: TOPICS IN SEDIMENTOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 534 - FIELD TRIP CLASTIC DEP SYSTEMS
Long Title: CLASTIC DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS FIELD TRIP
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 504
Description: This is a five day trip that takes place in northwestern New Mexico. The trip is intended for students with strong interests in sedimentology and stratigraphy and focuses on field methods in interpretation of clastic sedimentary deposits in terms of their depositional environment, sequence stratigraphic occurrence and reservoir and source rock potential. The field area includes four different basins, which provides further opportunity for discussion of sedimentary basin evolution. The course also includes reading assignments and class presentations on topics related to the trip. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 536 - SEM: LOCALE FIELD TRIP
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT TYPE - LOCALE FIELD TRIP
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2 TO 4
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (ESCI 321 AND ESCI 322 AND ESCI 323 AND ESCI 324)
Description: Seminar topics vary depending on location of field trip. This is a Seminar/Trip type course combination. Undergraduates are required to take prerequisites to register for this course. Prerequisites do not apply for graduate students. Prerequisites may be taken concurrently. Additional fee may be required for this course. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 537 - ADV TOPICS - SOLID EARTH I
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN THE SOLID EARTH I
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary.
ESCI 538 - ADV TOPICS - SOLID EARTH II
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN THE SOLID EARTH II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 539 - SEM: PHYSICAL VOLCANOLOGY
Long Title: SEMINAR: TOPICS IN VOLCANOLOGY, MAGMATIC, AND HYDROTHERMAL PROCESSES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Reading and discussions about current topics related to magma generation, migration, accumulation and eruption, as well as hydrothermal systems. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 540 - EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE
Long Title: EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 OR PHYS 101 OR PHYS 111
Description: How and why has Earth’s atmosphere evolved over time? We will begin with an understanding of the atmosphere today - its physics, chemistry, and dynamics - work backwards in time to frontiers that are comparatively data-poor. We focus on empirical/observational constraints that drive theories of atmospheric evolution on Earth and other planets. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 211 Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 540 if student has credit for ESCI 414. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 541 - PLANET MARS: FORM, STRUCT, EVO
Long Title: THE PLANET MARS: FORMATION, DIFFERENTIATION, STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This seminar addresses fundamental issues in Mars science, spanning the disciplines of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and petrology. Sources range over six decades of data from flybys and orbiting spacecraft, landed stations and rovers, and laboratory analysis of meteorites and experiments. Readings will be supplemented by presentations from active Mars researchers. Instructor Permission Required.
ESCI 542 - SEISMOLOGY II
Long Title: SEISMOLOGY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Review of elastodynamics. Calculation of synthetic seismograms using asymptotic and finite-difference methods, wave propagation in layered and random media. Seismic migration and inversion using finite-difference. Kirchoff, and frequency-wave number methods.
ESCI 543 - DYNAMICS OF EARTH'S INTERIOR
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO THE DYNAMICS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE EARTH'S INTERIOR
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Overview of the Earth's deep interior with an emphasis on dynamical processes and physical properties of the Earth's mantle. Topics include: global energy budget; convective heat transfer; thermal evolution of the Earth; constitutive laws; rheology; seismic velocities; composition, density structure; thermal expansion; thermal conductivity. Taught every other Fall. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 543 if student has credit for ESCI 413.
ESCI 544 - HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION
Long Title: HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A student team will analyze and assess petroleum prospects in a hydrocarbon prospective area. The team will be provided with a dataset including real industry 3D and 2D seismic data, well log data, etc. The team will have 8 weeks to analyze the data, identify and prioritize exploration targets, and prepare a formal presentation for exploration management in an imaginary oil company. Instructor Permission Required.
ESCI 546 - ADV TOPICS:BASIN SEDIM & STRAT
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN BASIN SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will investigate the processes that lead to the development of sedimentary stratigraphy across a continuum of depositional environments, including: fluvial, deltaic, coastal near-shore, continental shelf and slope and abyssal settings. Material will include transport linkages based on studies from modern settings, and will also cover the unique stratigraphic signatures preserved in ancient depositional systems. Instructor Permission Required.
ESCI 548 - ADV TOPICS FLUVIAL-DELTAIC
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN FLUVIAL-DELTAIC SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will investigate physical and biological processes that contribute to the development of fluvial-deltaic environments. Materials will include deriving physical erosion, transport, and deposition laws, in order to evaluate modern processes that shape deltas and coastlines. The course will also focus on sedimentary deposits of fluvial-deltaic systems and preservation potential of the stratigraphy, by examining ancient depositional systems that are preserved in the rock record. The course will explore these topics by reviewing science literature that utilizes numerical, experimental, and field studies, to further theory on the development of fluvial-deltaic systems. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 550 - MODERN EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY
Long Title: MODERN EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 442 OR ESCI 642
Corequisite: ESCI 564 Description: Modern petroleum exploration techniques using geology, geophysics, and information technology methods. As new techniques emerge, the course will change to ensure that the course material mirrors the exploration industry. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 550 if student has credit for ESCI 420.
ESCI 552 - MARINE GEOLOGY SYSTEMS
Long Title: MARINE GEOLOGY SYSTEMS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course examines areas of the seafloor recently targeted by large-scale science projects, such as the ocean drilling program. The purpose is to understand current ocean geoscience problems, the research being conducted to address these problems, and preliminary results. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 552 if student has credit for ESCI 432.
ESCI 555 - CARBON CYCLE
Long Title: MOUNTAINS, CLIMATE AND GLOBAL CARBON CYCLING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The purpose of this course is to discuss the origins of high elevations, such as mountains and epeirogenic uplifts, and their impacts of climate, global carbon cycling, and sedimentary processes. We will discuss the physics and chemistry of building mountains by magmatism and tectonic thickening as well as destroying them by erosion, chemical weathering, and delamination. We will explore perspectives from the deep Earth to the atmosphere. The seminar will meet once a week for two hours with the first hour being a thematic overview given by faculty or students and the second hour devoted to discussion of assigned papers. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321 and ESCI 322. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 557 - SPECIAL TOPICS - EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course deals with miscellaneous special topics not covered in other courses. Please contact the Earth Science department for the specific topic. Topics change each semester. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 558 - 3D SEISMIC REFLECTION DATA
Long Title: 3D SEISMIC REFLECTION DATA INTERPRETATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Workstation-based geologic interpretation of 3D seismic reflection data. The course will focus on interpreting horizons and faults tying interpretation to well data, analyzing seismic attributes, and other relevant topics. Emphasis will be placed on workflows utilized in hydrocarbon exploration. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 558 if student has credit for ESCI 428.
ESCI 559 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOCHEMISTRY
Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOCHEMISTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 OR CHEM 151
Description: This course deals with miscellaneous special topics not covered in other courses. Please contact the Earth Science department for the specific topics. Topics change each semester. SPRING 2016 topic: X-Ray Based Characterization of Earth Materials. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 562 - ADV TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 564 - SEISMIC REFLECTN DATA PROCESS
Long Title: SEISMIC REFLECTION DATA PROCESS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 442 OR ESCI 642
Description: Credit cannot be earned for ESCI 564 and ESCI 444.
ESCI 565 - JNT INVERSN OF EXPLOR GEO DATA
Long Title: JOINT INVERSION OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICAL DATA
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: By jointly inverting several different kinds of exploration geophysical measurements at a site we avoid some of the ambiguity inherent in the individual methods. *Students review papers (one-half of course) Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 442 and (ESCI 444 or 564) and ESCI 436. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 565 if student has credit for ESCI 445.
ESCI 566 - ADVANCED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY II
Long Title: ADVANCED STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ESCI 323
Description: Mechanics and deformation of rocks in the ductile regime, i.e., within Earth's deep crust, and upper mantle. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 566 if student has credit for ESCI 466.
ESCI 567 - UNCONV ENERGY EXPLORATION
Long Title: UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY EXPLORATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Topical presentations on the exploration and production of unconventional energy resources, including sources, techniques, and prospects. Intent is to cover all non-traditional energy targets, including shale oil/gas, oil sands/heavy oil, geothermal, coalbed methane, methane clathrates (seafloor hydrates) and more. Instructor Permission Required. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 567 if student has credit for ESCI 447.
ESCI 580 - PITCHING YOUR SCIENCE
Long Title: PITCHING YOUR SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course is designed for senior level graduate students who will be facing high-stakes professional speaking opportunities, such as impromptu job conversations, formal academic and professional presentations, conversations with journalists, and/or industrial job interviews. Students will construct and practice 90-second, 5-minute, and 15-minute presentations. Most assignments will take place in-class, with limited work occurring outside of the classroom. Requirement: Participation in the Rice University 90-second thesis competition. Instructor Permission Required.
ESCI 581 - TOPICS IN PLANETARY DYNAMICS
Long Title: TOPICS IN PLANETARY DYNAMICS AND MAGMATIC PROCESSES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Seminar topics may vary. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 603 - SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to current research in the Earth Science department. Students will learn how to give a presentation and will get experience presenting their research. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 403. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 604 - SEM: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Long Title: SEMINAR: DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to current research in the Earth Science department. Students will learn how to give a presentation and will get experience presenting their research. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 404. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 605 - SEM:CURR RESRCH EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: SEMINAR: CURRENT RESEARCH IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A series of lectures and paper discussions in various areas of Earth science. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 405. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 606 - SEM:CURR RESRCH EARTH SCIENCE
Long Title: SEMINAR: CURRENT RESEARCH IN EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A series of lectures and paper discussions in various areas of Earth science. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 406. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 607 - INTRO TO BIOECHEM II
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BIOGEOCHEMISTRY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The interaction between (micro) organisms, minerals, rocks, and aqueous solutions is an important new field of research that requires an interdisciplinary approach between (micro) biology, organic chemistry, and geochemistry. This course provides an introduction and insight into this exciting new field and puts an emphasis on quantitative strategies. Taught every other Fall. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 407. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 607 if student has credit for ESCI 407.
ESCI 609 - INTRO TO PROGRAMMING IN MATLAB
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB AND NUMERICAL METHODS FOR EARTH SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The course introduces students to the Matlab programming language and topics may include: importing and exporting data; working with vectors and matrices; curve fitting; data smoothing and filtering; data regression; data visualization; optimization; solving differential equations. The course is built around progressive programming assignments. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 409. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 609 if student has credit for ESCI 409.
ESCI 610 - OPTICAL MINERALOGY & PETROGRPH
Long Title: OPTICAL MINERALOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This is a lab course focused on the identification of minerals with petrographic microscopy. Principles of crystallography, mineral optics, and mineral chemistry will be covered in the first third of the course. The second third of the course will focus on the identification of minerals in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks with emphasis on petrogenetic interpretation. The last third of the course will involve each student working on specific petrologic themes in the context of regional tectonics or magmatic processes. Taught every other Fall. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 410. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 610 if student has credit for ESCI 410.
ESCI 611 - ADVANCED PETROLOGY II
Long Title: ADVANCED PETROLOGY II
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will bring together constraints from field geology, petrography, petrology, geochemistry, and geodynamics to tackle advanced A87 research questions of whole Earth processes that are relevant in the 21st century. The topics that may be covered include, but are not limited to, interplay between magmatic and tectonic processes, magma generation, migration, extraction, and dynamic stability in various settings, magmatic differentiation, volatiles and fluids exchange between various reservoirs and effects on long-term climate, ore genesis, and formation and modification of continents. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 411. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 611 if student has credit for ESCI 411.
ESCI 612 - ADVANCED PETROLOGY
Long Title: ADVANCED PETROLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Evaluation of the evolution of igneous rocks in the Earth's crust and mantle. Topics will include phase equilibria, experimental studies, and geochemistry. Labs will stress thin section petrography. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 412. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 612 if student has credit for ESCI 412. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 615 - DECISION MAKING AND ECONOMICS
Long Title: DECISION MAKING AND ECONOMICS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will provide students with an understanding of how energy projects are evaluated. Topics include resource-size determination, geologic and economic risk, discounted cash-flow economics, and other common methods used in decision making. Emphasis will be placed on working in teams to understand basic concepts and sensitivities. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 415. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ESCI 321 and ESCI 323. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 615 if student has credit for ESCI 415.
ESCI 616 - ECON GEOL MINERAL DEPOSITS
Long Title: ECONOMIC GEOLOGY MINERAL DEPOSITS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An overview of metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits, theories of their origin, and classification. The impact of government regulation, economics, production practices, and exploration will be considered. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 416. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 616 if student has credit for ESCI 416.
ESCI 617 - PETROLEUM IND ECONOMICS MGMT
Long Title: PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Topics covered include resource size determination; geologic risk analysis; establishing minimum economic thresholds; economic chance factors; the concepts of present worth, investment efficiency, rates of return. Price forecasting, cost inflation are discussed. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 417. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 617 if student has credit for ESCI 417.
ESCI 618 - QUANTITATIVE HYDROGEOLOGY
Long Title: QUANTITATIVE HYDROGEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Advanced course that will provide a quantitative overview of groundwater hydrology. Emphasis will be placed on mastering concepts in fluid mechanics and applying these concepts to water supply, environmental, and geological problems. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 418. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 618 if student has credit for ESCI 418.
ESCI 619 - MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Long Title: MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will provide an overview of various characterization methods used in geological, chemical, material science and other natural science and engineering research. The techniques that will be discussed include but not limited to electron beam methods (imaging and spectroscopy), X-ray methods, ion-beam analysis, vibrational spectroscopies, and Synchrotron-based techniques.
Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 419. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 619 if student has credit for ESCI 419.
ESCI 621 - PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
Long Title: PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The evolution of the ocean, climate and the global carbon cycle over the last 100 million years as recorded by the biology, chemistry and composition of deep-sea sediment. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 421. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 621 if student has credit for ESCI 421.
ESCI 622 - PALEOCLIMATE
Long Title: PALEOCLIMATE AND MODERN CLIMATE CHANGE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Climate change is a widely discussed and, often, debated topic in society today. This course will focus on scientific observations of Earth's climate in the past, records of modern climate variability, and projections of future climate change as well as geologic and instrumental records of climate change and science communication. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 422. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 622 if student has credit for ESCI 422.
ESCI 623 - ANTARCTIC MARINE GEOLOGY
Long Title: ANTARCTIC MARINE GEOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The study of marine geologic principles and processes using examples from the Southern Oceans. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 423. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 623 if student has credit for ESCI 423.
ESCI 625 - ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Long Title: ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course covers the organic geochemistry of the natural environment. Topics include: production, transport, decomposition, and storage of organic matter in the marine and terrestrial environments, use of isotopes to track biogeochemical processes and natural and perturbed carbon cycle issues, including past and recent climate shifts. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 425. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 625 if student has credit for ESCI 425.
ESCI 626 - INTER REGIONAL 2D SEISMIC DATA
Long Title: INTERPRETATION OF REGIONAL 2-D SEISMIC DATA
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will introduce students to analysis of sub-regional structural and stratigraphic frameworks. We will utilize the interpretation of 2D seismic profiles to reconstruct basin history and discuss implications for petroleum systems. Students will gain an understanding of a variety of structural and stratigraphic styles, as expressed on seismic data. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 426. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 626 if student has credit for ESCI 426.
ESCI 627 - SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
Long Title: SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will introduce students to the concepts of sequence stratigraphy and the power behind this correlation technique. The course is divided between classic sequence stratigraphy using cores, well-logs, and outcrop examples and seismic sequence stratigraphy. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 427. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 627 if student has credit for ESCI 427.
ESCI 629 - VOLCANIC PROCESSES
Long Title: VOLCANIC PROCESSES
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to the physical processes governing magmatic hydrothermal and volcanic systems. Conceptual and quantitative discussion of topics such as magma generation, accumulation, dike propagation, magma chambers, volcano deformation, volcanic eruptions, magmatic gases, magma rheology and fragmentation, hydrothermal systems. A 3-6 day field trip may be required. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 429. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 629 if student has credit for ESCI 429.
ESCI 630 - TRACE-ELEMENT& ISOTOPE GEOCHEM
Long Title: TRACE-ELEMENT AND ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY FOR EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: . Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 430. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 630 if student has credit for ESCI 430.
ESCI 631 - GEOMORPHOLOGY
Long Title: GEOMORPHOLOGY
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This course will investigate physical, chemical, and biological processes that contribute to the development and shaping of Earth's surface across a continuum of subaerial and subaqueous environments. Mandatory 4-day field trip is associated with this class. Graduate students will be assigned exercises more challenging than those assigned to undergraduate students. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 431. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 635 - MECHANICS-SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
Long Title: MECHANICS OF SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Evaluation of sedimentary transport dynamics: physical interaction between fluid flow and sediment mobility, from grain to bedform scale; exploration of environments including rivers, estuaries, deltas, coastlines, and deserts. Examination of sediment transport for geology, environmental, and engineering applications; formation of diagnostic sedimentary features recognized in the stratigraphic record. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 435. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 635 if student has credit for ESCI 435.
ESCI 636 - WELL LOGGING AND PETROPHYSICS
Long Title: WELL LOGGING AND PETROPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Basics of wireline logging and logging while drilling including borehole environment, resistivity, radiation, thermal, and elastic wave measurements and measuring tools. Building from this introduction, basic interpretation of logging data and formation evaluation will be studied. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 436. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 636 if student has credit for ESCI 436.
ESCI 640 - GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS
Long Title: GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS: DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Data sampling, aliasing, discrete Fourier transform, digital filter design techniques, z-transform, and discrete Hilbert transform are introduced. Deconvolution, velocity filters, polarization filter, stacking, beam forming and migration techniques will be taught together with their application in geophysical studies. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 440. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 640 if student has credit for ESCI 440.
ESCI 641 - GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS
Long Title: GEOPHYSICAL DATA ANALYSIS: INVERSE METHODS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Review of linear algebra and probability. Data fitting, model parameter estimation, inverse theory, linear and nonlinear methods, and global optimization. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 441. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 641 if student has credit for ESCI 441.
ESCI 642 - EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
Long Title: EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Study of the principles and procedures involved in geophysical exploration. Includes acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic, ground-penetrating radar, gravity, magnetic, and electrical data. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 442. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 642 if student has credit for ESCI 442.
ESCI 643 - TOPICS IN GEOMATHEMATICS
Long Title: TOPICS IN GEOMATHEMATICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Content varies from year to year. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: CAAM 643. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CAAM 335 and CAAM 336 Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 650 - REMOTE SENSING
Long Title: REMOTE SENSING
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to electromagnetic remote sensing of the Earth and other planets using passive and active methods. The course includes a computer lab component involving processing and interpretation of remote sensing imagery, and an individual project. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 450. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 650 if student has credit for ESCI 450.
ESCI 652 - GIS FOR SCIENTISTS
Long Title: GIS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Basic principles of Geographic Information Systems, with a focus on effectively applying the technology to the geosciences. Main platform of the class will be ESRI's ArcGIS, but a wide array of other tools will also be introduced. Material will be delivered via a blend of lecture and hands-on exercises. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 452. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 652 if student has credit for ESCI 452.
ESCI 654 - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Long Title: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, mapping sciences, and spatial analysis. The course will include extensive computer use and the completion of a major individual project on a topic selected by the student. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 454. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 654 if student has credit for ESCI 454.
ESCI 656 - PLANETARY VOLCANISM
Long Title: PLANETARY VOLCANISM
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: This seminar will cover the broad range of volcanic phenomena in the solar system, via weekly readings of, and student presentations on, classic and recent papers. Topics include: Composition (basaltic, silicic, unusual, carbonatite), cryovolcanism, structure (caldera, rift zones, volcanic spreading radiating dike systems, magma chambers, and sill complexes), and dynamics (eruption mechanism, effusive vs. explosive, volatiles and atmospheres/oceans). The planetary settings to be considered include Earth, Venu, Mars, Mercury, Moon, large asteroids and outer planet satellites. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 456. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 656 if student has credit for ESCI 456.
ESCI 660 - GEOL & GEOPHYS FLUID DYNAMICS
Long Title: GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Advanced course in the foundations of fluid mechanics and its application to Earth science. Aspects of continuum mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and the rheologic behavior of materials will be covered in developing the fundamental laws that describe fluid motion. Applications include atmospheric dynamics, mantle and lithospheric dynamics, and hydrogeology. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 460. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 660 if student has credit for ESCI 460.
ESCI 661 - SEISMOLOGY I
Long Title: SEISMOLOGY I
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Principles of elastic wave propagation, the determination of Earth structure, and the understanding of earthquake physics. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 461. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 661 if student has credit for ESCI 461.
ESCI 662 - TECTONOPHYSICS
Long Title: TECTONOPHYSICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Applications of continuum physics to the deformation, flexure, heat transfer, and gravity field of the lithosphere. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 462. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 662 if student has credit for ESCI 462.
ESCI 663 - TECTONIC SYSTEMS
Long Title: STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION OF TECTONIC SYSTEMS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 4
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The distribution, origin, and evolution of various tectonic systems, and characterization of their structural and geophysical signatures, emphasizing crustal and lithospheric processes associated with tectonic deformation. Review of representative global examples of convergent and collisional margins, divergent and passive margins, and transform margins. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 463. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 663 if student has credit for ESCI 463.
ESCI 664 - GLOBAL TECTONICS
Long Title: GLOBAL TECTONICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Geometrical aspects of plate tectonics, the 3 traditional types of plate boundaries, instantaneous plate motions, earthquakes and faulting, space geodesy, geomagnetic reversals, paleomagnetic poles, hotspots, "absolute" plate motion, true polar wander, driving forces, diffuse plate boundaries, plate nonrigidity, and rheology of the lithosphere. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 464. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 664 if student has credit for ESCI 464.
ESCI 667 - GEOMECHANICS
Long Title: GEOMECHANICS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An examination of deformation and failure processes within the Earth's shallow crust, with a focus on rock and sediment mechanics, and associated fluid processes. Emphasis will be on geologic applications, including sediment consolidation, slope stability, fault mechanics, and earthquake nucleation and rupture. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 467. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 667 if student has credit for ESCI 467.
ESCI 671 - EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING I
Long Title: EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING I: PHILOSOPHY AND FUNDAMENTALS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A model is a simplified representation of something. Scientific models range from conceptual to physical to mathematical. In Earth and planetary science, one is often concerned with modeling interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components, i.e., with modeling systems. This class will cover the fundamentals of scientific modeling with a focus on Earth systems. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 471. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 671 if student has credit for ESCI 471. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 672 - NUMERICAL METHODS EARTH SYSTEM
Long Title: EARTH SYSTEMS MODELING: NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to numerical methods with applications in Earth Science using Matlab and COMSOL. Much of the class is spent in the computer lab learning Matlab and COMSOL, followed by hands-on exercises. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 472. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 699 - VISUAL DESIGN FOR SCIENTISTS
Long Title: GRAPHIC AND VISUAL DESIGN FOR SCIENTISTS
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A significant portion of a scientists time is spent solving visual design problems (graphics for papers, visual layouts for seminars, posters, teaching). Effective communication of scientific information is part of a scientist's skill set. This class is designed to enhance that skill set in terms of presenting visual information clearly, simply, and effectively. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ESCI 499. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ESCI 699 if student has credit for ESCI 499. Repeatable for Credit.
ESCI 800 - THESIS RESEARCH
Long Title: THESIS RESEARCH
Department: *Earth Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 1 TO 15
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Recommended Prerequisite(s): Students must pass the preliminary exam before taking this course. Repeatable for Credit.