To open this frame in its own Window, click here.

E&PS and EnvSci Class Information for Fall 2007

NOTE: This is information for Fall, 2007 beginning in August, 2007. Click HERE for Information about Spring, 2007 courses.

Quick Links:

Note: Some Upper Division (400-499) and Graduate (500-599) Courses are "dual" numbered. These are offered simultaneously with somewhat different requirements for Upper Division and Graduate Students. Contact the instructor for how requirements differ.

Scroll down on this page for information about all of the classes scheduled. If additional information is available about a particular class (sylabus, reading list notes or other material prepared by the professor), it may be accessed by clicking on the class name if that information is available to the webmaster.

If you are interested in class information from previous semesters, please click here for a menu of links to all previous versions of this page (including the immediately preceeding semester). These pages may contain links to more detailed information about the courses in which you are interested.

The current course offerings list is available on paper in the Main Office (Northrop Hall, Rm. 142). A link to UNM's "official" class schedules is provided below. Our Lower Division Course page, Upper Division and Graduate Course page, and Environmental Science Course page (all Acrobat PDF files) are listings of all the courses currently offered in the department. They are extracted from the current full UNM Catalog available online as an Acrobat PDF. Catalog descriptions for all courses regularly offered in our department (with the most current descriptions) and links to scheduled course offerings are also available through LoboWeb.

The Natural Sciences Program is affiliated with E&PS and offers a three-semester course series designed to provide science content and model effective teaching techniques to pre-service elementary school teachers. Click here to go the the program web site for information about these classes.

EPS319 & EPS420 contains information about the Beginning and Advanced Summer Field Course offered annually in May through July. This link is to information for the current (or upcoming) courses with links to photos of previous classes.

Fall 2007 Course Schedule

Earth & Planetary Sciences Lower Division (100-299) Courses

101. Introduction to Geology. (3)

122 Northrop 9:00-9:50 MWF SELVERSTONE
122 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R ASMEROM
122 Northrop 11:00-12:15 T R KUES
122 Northrop 5:30-6:45PM T R PUN
A fascinating tour of our active planet. Explore earth materials (rocks and minerals), the continents’ motion and related origins of earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, oceans, landscapes, natural energy and economic resources, global warming and other topics. Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 105L.
TEXT: to be determined

105L. Physical Geology Laboratory. (1)

117 Northrop 9 various times PUN
Minerals, rocks, and topographic and geologic maps; field trips.
Corequisite 101.
TEXT: to be determined

201L. Earth History. (4)

340 Northrop Hall 09:00-09:50 M W F SMITH
Lab 340 Northrop 2:00-4:00 T SMITH
Lab 340 Northrop 12:00-2:00 W SMITH
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. Must enroll in one (201L) lab.
Prerequisite: 101 or ENVSC 101, pre-or corequisite: 105L. or ENVSC 102L
TEXT: No Text Required for either lecture or lab

250. Geology of New Mexico. (3)

105 Northrop 7:00-9:30PM R KUES
Survey of geologic features of New Mexico, including structures, landforms, stratigraphy, fossils, geologic history and mineral resources.
Prerequisite: A course in elementary geology recommended.
TEXT: to be determined

252. Volcanoes. (3)

105 Northrop 11:00-11:50 PM M W F FISCHER
Types of volcanoes and eruption products, role of volcanism in planetary evolution, volcanoes as sources of geothermal energy and mineral deposits, volcanic hazards and disasters, environmental effects of volcanic eruptions.
Prerequisites: E&PS 101 or ENVSC 101
TEXT: to be determined

Earth & Planetary Sciences Upper Division (300-399) Courses

300. EPS 300/400: Introduction to LiDAR and Geospatial Modeling. (3)

224 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R WAWRZYNIEC
Terrestrial LiDAR scanning technology is providing a new window for making geologic observations. The class will emphasize the operation and application of LiDAR technology to geologic research programs. Topics include LiDAR instruments from airborne to terrestrial, instrument operation, project design, basic data processing using Isite Studio, ArcGIS and Matlab, and basic geospatial analysis theory as it applies to Digitial Surface Modeling, change detection and fracture analysis.
Prerequisites: MATH 162, familiarity with linear algebra and Matlab preferred.
TEXT: to be determined

301. Mineralogy. (3)

115 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R BREARLEY
Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and their relation to physical and chemical properties of materials. Overview of major structure types and crustal-chemistry/occurrence of common rock-forming minerals.
Pre or corequisites. Chemistry 121L or permission of instructor. {E&PS Majors MUST enroll concurrently in E&PS 301 and one section of E&PS 302L}
TEXT: to be determined

302L. Mineralogy Lab. (2)

115 Northrop 12:30-2:30 T BREARLEY
115 Northrop 3:00-5:00 T BREARLEY
115 Northrop 12:30-2:30 W BREARLEY
115 Northrop 3:00-5:00 W BREARLEY
Laboratory exercise in crystallography and crystal chemistry. Hand specimen identification of the common rock-forming minerals. E&PS majors are required to enroll concurrently in E&PS 301 and 302L.
TEXT: to be determined

304L. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. (4)

Lecture 340 Northrop 11:00-11:50 M W F ELRICK
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00 W ELRICK
Lecture 340 Northrop 11:00-11:50 M W F ELRICK
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00 W ELRICK
Introduction to origin, petrology, and stratigraphic occurrence of sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisites: 201L and CHEM 121L, 303L.
TEXT: to be determined

310. New Mexico Field Geology. (4)

115 Northrop 12:00-5:00 M KARLSTROM
Scientific method based on field observation, analysis of geologic phenomena and geologic history of New Mexico. Written report required for each 4-hour field trip to outcrops in the Albuquerque area.
Prerequisites: E&PS 101 or ENVSC 101, and E&PS 105L, or ENVSC 102L. Special fee. $30.00. .
TEXT: to be determined

365. Exploring the Solar System. (3)

340 Northrop 12:30-1:45 T R AGEE
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.
Prerequisites: E&PS 101or ENVS 101 recommended.
TEXT: to be determined

Earth & Planetary Sciences Advanced Upper Division and Graduate (400-699) Courses

401-501. Colloquium. (1)

122 Northrop 2:00-3:00 F SHARP
Current topics in Geology
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
TEXT: No text required

445-545. T/Sedimentology & Stratigraphy: Basin Analysis. (3)

146 Northrop Hall 2:00-3:15 T R WEISSMANN
A study of paleogeographic evolution of sedimentary basins, principles of facies analysis and subsidence history, and advanced methods of stratigraphic analysis. We will take at least two field trips for this course.
Pre-requisites: EPS 304L and EPS 310L, or equivalent or instructor permission.
TEXT: “Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins”, Busby, Ingersoll, authors, 1995 edition, Blackwell Science publisher (required)

476-576. Physical Hydrology. (3)

340 Northrop Hall 4:00-5:15 PM T R GALEWSKY
Quantitative treatment of the hydrologic cycle – precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, runoff and subsurface flow, global change and hydrology, catchment and hillslope hydrology, hydrologic system – ecosystem interactions, hydrology and water resources management.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, Math 163L, and Physics 160
TEXT: to be determined)

481L-581L. Geomorphology and Surficial Geology/lab. (4)

Lecture 105 Northrop 11:00-12:15- T R MEYER
Lab 105 Northrop 1:00-5:00 R MEYER
Origin and development of landforms with emphasis on weathering soils, Hillslope processes, fluvial systems and surfical geology. Occasional field trips. Must enroll in lab.
Prerequisites 101 and 105L or EnvSc 101 and 102L; Special fee $30.00.
TEXT: to be determined

490. Geologic Presentation. (1)

146 Northrop 12:00-1:00 F GEISSMAN
Student reviews of geologic literature and critique.
Pre- or corequisite: 304L.
TEXT: No text required

491. Problems. (1-3)

493. Independent Study. (3)

495. Senior Thesis. (3)

501 / 401. Colloquium (1)

122 Northrop 2:00-3:00PM F SHARP
Current topics in Geology.
Prerequisite: Junior Standing
TEXT: No Text Required

508. Paleomagnetism and Application to Geological Problems. (3)

105 Northrop TBA GEISSMAN
Discussion of the source, origin, and application of geologically significant magnetizations in rocks. Experience in field sampling and data collection and analysis.
Prerequisites: 302, Physics 152.
TEXT: to be determined

518L Electron Microprobe Analysis Lab. (3)

Lecture 340 Northrop 10:00-10:50 M W SPILDE
LAB B02 Northrop ARRANGED SPILDE
Theory and practice of electron microprobe analysis emphasizing geological materials.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and a demonstrated need for the use of instrument.
TEXT: “Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis” Goldstein et. al. author, 2003 edition, Plenum publisher.

519L.001. Topics / Geomicrobiology (3)

125 CERIA 1:00-5:00 W CROSSEY
The course will cover field methods in the study of geomicrobiology, including the measurement and analysis of relevant environmental parameters, microscopy of samples, and microbiological culturing to provide evidence for biogenicity. A project-based format will be used, drawing on local cave, spring, rock varnish, and other field sites.
TEXT: Introduction to Geomicrobiology, author, Konhauser, 2007 edition, Blackwell publisher (required)

519L.002. Topics Scientific Glassblowing (3)

Location and Times to be Arranged SHARP
An introduction to the fundamentals of scientific glassblowing. The course will consist of demonstrations and hands-on lessons on how to make the various components of vacuum systems.
TEXT: No Text Required

523. Topics / Alpine Himalayan Tectonics (3)

340 Northrop 2:00-4:00 M W SELVERSTONE
Mesozoic to modern history of the world's classic collisional mountain belt. Topics to be addressed include: structural geometries of continent-continent collisions, mechanisms of subduction of buoyant continental crust, thermal evolution of deep-seated rocks and effects on surficial processes, role of late orogenic extension, exhumation mechanisms, erosion and sedimentation patterns, relationships between mountain building and climate change. The course will involve a mix of lectures, student presentations, and discussions, as well as preparation of an NSF-style proposal. We will focus on current areas of controversy and debate opposing points of view.
Prerequisites: The course is open to all graduate students, and to advanced undergraduates with permission of instructors.
TEXT: No Text Required

526L. Advanced Structural Geology Lab. (4)

Location and Times to be Arranged KARLSTROM
Study of the processes and products of rock deformation at all scales, lithosphere, mountain belts and microstructures. Prerequisites: 307L or permission of instructor
TEXT: to be determined

531. Igneous Petrology Lab. (4)

Lecture 115 Northrop Hall 11:00-12:15 T R FISCHER, JONES, BALDRIDGE
LAB 224 Northrop Hall 2:00-4:00 R FISCHER, JONES, BALDRIDGE
Discussion of the properties, generation, emplacement and differentiation of magma, applications of physical/chemical principles to the study of igneous rocks
Prerequisites: 303L.
TEXT: to be determined

534. Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry. (3)

146 Northrop Hall 12:30-1:45 T R ASMEROM
Examination of principles governing the abundance of naturally occurring radiogenic isotopes and their use in the study of global geochemical processes.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
TEXT: Radiogenic Isotope Geology, Dickin, latest edition, Cambridge Press (required)

545-445. T/Sedimentology & Stratigraphy: Basin Analysis. (3)

146 Northrop 2:00-3:15 T R WEISSMANN
A study of paleogeographic evolution of sedimentary basins, principles of facies analysis and subsidence history, and advanced methods of stratigraphic analysis. We will take at least two field trips for this course.
TEXT: “Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins”, Busby, Ingersoll, authors, 1995 edition, Blackwell Science publisher (required)

551. Problems. (1-3 hrs. each semester)

575. Advanced Volcanology. (3)

134 Northrop 1:00-4:00 W FISCHER, ELSTON, GOFF
Dynamics of volcanic eruptions, monitoring of volcanic hazards, geothermal energy, epithermal, numerical and analytical research techniques.
Prerequisite: 450L; or permission of instructor. 576-476. Physical Hydrology.
TEXT: to be determined

576-476. Physical Hydrology. (3)

340 Northrop Hall 4:00-5:15 PM T R GALEWSKY
Quantitative treatment of the hydrologic cycle – precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, runoff and subsurface flow, global change and hydrology, catchment and hillslope hydrology, hydrologic system – ecosystem interactions, hydrology and water resources management.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, Math 163L, and Physics 160
TEXT: to be determined

581L-481L. Geomorphology and Surficial Geology/lab. (4)

Lecture 105 Northrop 11:00-12:15- T R MEYER
Lab 105 Northrop 1:00-5:00 R MEYER
Origin and development of landforms with emphasis on weathering soils, Hillslope processes, fluvial systems and surfical geology. Occasional field trips. Must enroll in lab.
Prerequisites 101 and 105L or EnvSc 101 and 102L; Special fee $30.00
TEXT: Process Geomorphology, Ritter, Kochel, MIller, 4th edition, McGraw Hill Publisher (required)

584. Soil Genesis. (3)

134 Northrop 10:00-10:50 M W F McFADDEN
Processes of physical and chemical weathering influence of soil parent materials, climate topography and time on soil formation; application of soil studies to geologic problems.
Prerequisites 101, or EnvSc. 101, 481L.
TEXT: Soils and Geomorphology, Peter Birkeland, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press Publisher (required)

599. Master's Thesis. (1-6 hrs. per semester)

See the Graduate Bulletin for total credit requirements. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

699. Dissertation. (3-12 hrs. per semester)

See the Graduate Bulletin for total credit requirements. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Environmental Science Courses

EnvSc. 101. The Blue Planet. (3)

122 Northrop Hall 10:00-10:50 MWF SHARP
122 Northrop Hall 1:00-1:50 MWF SHARP
122 Northrop Hall 12:30-1:45 T R SCUDERI
122 Northrop Hall 11:00-11:50 MWF ROY
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.
Prerequisites: Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in 102L.
TEXT: “The Blue Planet”, Skinner, Potter, 2nd edition, Wiley Publisher. (Required)

EnvSc. 102L. Blue Planet Laboratory. (1)

Lab 117 Northrop 1:00-2:50 T MEYER and STAFF
Lab 117 Northrop 3:00-4:50 W MEYER and STAFF
Lab 117 Northrop 11:00-12:50 R MEYER and STAFF
Lab 117 Northrop 1:00-2:50 R MEYER and STAFF
Lab 117 Northrop 3:00-4:50 R MEYER and STAFF
Lab 117 Northrop 11:00-12:50 F MEYER and STAFF
Introductory environmental earth science laboratory. Includes minerals, rocks, and rock cycle, topographic maps, local geology and groundwater, weather and climate.
Pre-or corequisite: 101.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED

EnvSc. 330. Environmental Systems.(3)

340 Northrop Hall 11:00-12:15 T R WEISSMANN
Study of the human relationship to and impact on the physical environment. Sustainable development and management of resources. Global change and its implications for ecosystems. Environmental law, policy, regulations and ethics.
Prerequisites: EnvSc 101 (or E&PS 101), Chem. 121L, and one of the following: Math 162L, Bio. 123/124L or Physics 160.
TEXT: “The Earth System”, Kump, Kasting, Crane, authous, 2004 edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall publisher, (required)


Class schedules (without course descriptions) are available for the current and coming semesters through "Lobo Web" (the new registration system) linked on the Registrar's Office Schedule Page. This page also provides a schedule of important dates (i.e., registration opening/closing dates, drop/add dates, etc.). Catalog descriptions of all graduate and undergraduate courses offered in the department may be accessed from the Registrar's Main Page.

Each listing includes the number and name of course, credit hours, classroom location, time and days, and instructor. Classes which include an "L" in the number include a required laboratory. Consult the Faculty and Staff Pages for information about instructors.

Please send questions about this schedule to the Department via Email at epsdept@unm.edu. or contact the main office by mail or phone as shown on the department contacts page.


Earth & Planetary Sciences Click for EPS Homepage Home or our Click for No Frames Index Index page