To understand global change and environmental concerns, this course weaves together an understanding of Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere and oceans and how ecosystems are linked to the physical environment. Students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll concurrently in 1130L. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.

In this course, students will often work together to collect data and students are encouraged to discuss their observations and ideas, but students are expected to write their own answers in their own words on their worksheets. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences. Pre- or corequisite: 1130.

Exploration of basic statistical representations of earth science data, matrix algebra, and multivariate data analysis and Fourier analysis. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1512.

Rocks and minerals form a critical foundation for all Earth's systems, and understanding the chemical composition and physical characteristics of these Earth's materials is important for work in environmental sciences.

Basic process-based understanding of Earth's climate system using physics-based problem-solving skills and applying scientific concepts related to understanding the Earth's climatic system. Prerequisite: **423L.

Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation. Prerequisite: 324 or (330 and (BIOL 1140 or BIOL 2110C) and MATH 1522 and PHYS 1310).

Summary of specific areas of geology, designed especially for earth science teachers and other nontraditional students. Subjects may vary from year to year; lectures normally supplemented by laboratory exercises.

Introduction to processes leading to formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis on plate tectonic settings and interactions between physical and chemical processes. Prerequisite: **301 and **302L. {Spring}

Nature and origin of rock structures and deformation; map and stereographic projection problems; stress and strain. Prerequisite: **304L and (PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1310). Pre- or corequisite: **303L. {Spring}

Survey of space exploration past, present, and future. Detailed overview of solar system formation, the Sun, the planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, meteorites and astrobiology.

A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Current topics in geology. For graduate students, may be repeated once for credit towards degree. See description for *490. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Restriction: junior or senior standing.

Introduction to x-ray powder diffraction as an analytical method. Course will emphasize use of X-ray diffraction as an analytical tool for the identification, analysis of crystalline materials in minerals, rocks, soils and engineered materials.

History of the Earth's climate. Examination of methods in climactic reconstruction and mechanisms of climactic change. Emphasis on Pleistocene and Holocene climactic records. Prerequisite: ENVS 1130 or GEOL 1110.

Variable course content depending on student interest. Topics may include physical sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, basin analysis, cycle stratigraphy and chemostratigraphy.

Student review of geologic literature; preparation and critique of oral presentations. Prerequisite: **301 or ENVS 330. Corequisite: 401.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

Independent study for departmental honors. Prerequisite: **303L or ENVS 330.

Candidacy for honors in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Prerequisite: 493.

This course is an introduction to our dynamic Earth, introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice can shape the landscape. Students will also develop a basic understanding of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on natural resources and global climate change. Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 1110L. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.

Students will learn to identify rocks and minerals in hand samples, work with topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross-sections, and apply stratigraphic principles to explore geologic time. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences. Pre- or corequisite: 1110.

Origin and history of the earth including age of the planet and dating of rocks, changing configurations of oceans and continents as a result of plate tectonics, records of climate change, history of formation and erosion of mountain chains, origin and evolution of life and causes of extinction. Required field trip and lab exercises permit understanding of how Earth history is interpreted from the geologic rock record. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences. Prerequisite: 1110 or ENVS 1130. Pre- or corequisite: 1110L or ENVS 1130L.