Dept. of Physics/Geosciences -> Geosciences -> Graduate Program

 

Graduate Program

 

  Master of Science degree in GEOLOGY (GEOL)


The Department of Physics and Geosciences offers a Master of Science degree in Geology. It is a Plan I program requiring the completion of 30 semester hours of approved graduate courses. At least 18 hours, including a 6 semester hour thesis, must be in geology. All 30 semester hours may be taken in geology. The Department also provides a strong supporting field for majors in other sciences, mathematics and engineering.

A baccalaureate degree in geology is normally the prerequisite for admission into the geology program. Applicants with degrees in geology are required to have had the following foundation courses or their equivalent as part of the bachelor's program, or to make up these deficiencies before unconditional admission to the program can be granted: GEOL 1303/1103 (Physical Geology), GEOL 1304/1104 (Historical Geology), GEOL 3409 (Mineralogy), GEOL 3411 (Petrology), GEOL 3431 (Stratigraphy-Sedimentology), GEOL 3435 (Invertebrate Paleontology), GEOL 3481 (Structural Geology), GEOL 4417-GEOL 4418 (Summer Field Course) and statistics courses.

A student is required to take a preliminary examination during the first year of residency to determine proficiency in background preparation. A program of course work including foundation courses will be designed by the departmental graduate studies committee for students entering the program with bachelor's degrees in fields other than geology. Submission of a score on the Graduate Record Examination test in geology is recommended to support a student's application for admission into the program and is required for graduation from the program.

 

5301. Research Problems in Geology

Individual problems assigned, defined and supervised by a graduate faculty Geology staff member with permission of the departmental chair. Provides experience in individual design, execution and reporting of research of professional caliber. May be repeated, but no more than 4 semester hours may be used for a graduate degree in geology.

5305. Graduate Research Project

A Graduate Research Project must be completed and submitted to the Graduate Office for a grade to be assigned, otherwise IP notations are recorded. This course is specifically designed for Plan II and Plan III students. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

5306. Thesis

This course is for Plan I Students. The course requires 6 hours of grades, the first 3 hours consisting of completion of a thesis proposal and the last 3 hours consisting of completion of the thesis. Completion of the thesis proposal is a prerequisite for enrollment in the last 3 hours of thesis.

5310. Advanced Topics in Geology

Intensive study at a graduate level of selected advanced topics. May be repeated for credit under different topics.

5311. Geochemistry

Study of the occurrence, distribution and behavior of major and minor elements in the earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Prerequisites: GEOL 3409, GEOL 3411, CHEM 1412. Laboratory fee, $5.

5312. Geographic Information Systems

Principles and practice of geographic information systems (GIS) using vector-based GIS as the primary software package. Students will demonstrate the use of GIS through individual class projects oriented toward their area of interest.

5315. Aqueous Geochemistry

Principles and practice of the geochemical evaluation of groundwater in uncontaminated and contaminated settings. Emphasis will be placed on the use of computerized chemical models for geochemical calculations in aqueous systems. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, CHEM 1312, CHEM 3331, CHEM 3451 and GEOL 1303/1103.

5319. Geology of Groundwater

Principles and practice of physical and chemical hydrogeology in uncontaminated and contaminated settings. This includes the influence of geologic conditions on groundwater quality, production, contamination and resource evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on a geology/hydrology course involving the presentation of theory, the collection of field data, the use of industry-validated computerized models for the analysis of the field data and the presentation of reports. Prerequisite: graduate standing, GEOL 1303/1103 and GEOL 1304/1104.

5321. Depositional Systems

Concepts and processes controlling the geometry, texture and distribution of clastic sediments. Emphasizing description, classification and environmental analysis of ancient and modern terrigenous clastics. Prerequisite: GEOL 3431.

5329. Urban and Environmental Geology

Principles and practice of characterizing environmental sites using typical environmental geologic and engineering data. Emphasis will be placed on site characterization and geostatistical analysis of subsurface data. Prerequisite: graduate standing, GEOL 1303/1103 and GEOL 1304/1104.

5341. Sedimentary Petrography

Study, primarily in thin section, of sedimentary rocks. Interpretation of provenance, depositional environment and digenetic history, from examination of textural, structural and mineralogical features. Prerequisite: GEOL 3409 and 3411. Laboratory fee, $5.

5349. Regional Tectonics

Age, location and evolution of major crustal features of the earth with emphasis on North American tectonic provinces. Theory of plate tectonics and its effect on selected areas of geologic thinking. Prerequisite: GEOL 3481.

5351. Interpretation of Geophysical Data

Interpretation of geophysical exploration data with emphasis on environmental and hydro geological applications. Advantages and limitations of geophysical information used in geological investigations. Prerequisites: PHYS 1302/1102, MATH 2314, GEOL 3481 or PHYS 4370.

5352. Remote Sensing

Principles and practice of remote sensing involving analysis and interpretation of aerial photos and digital images. Students will demonstrate the use of remote-sensed through individual class projects oriented toward their area of interest.

 

  Last updated on Dec 2, 2004 for Geology department of TAMUK. By prem