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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. See our Lower Division Course page and Upper Division and Graduate Course page for more details about all of the classes offered in the department. Catalog descriptions for all courses regularly offered in our department are also available on the UNM Registrar's Page.
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 Information for the current (or coming) courses with links to photos of previous classes.
Sect. 005: 122 Northrop 09:00-09:50 MWF KUES
Sect. 001 122: Northrop 11:00-11:50 MWF FISCHER
Sect. 002 223: Dane Smith 2:00-2:50PM MWF HUESTIS
Sect. 003 122: Northrop 6:00-8:30PM W PUN
Sect. 004 122: Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R ASMEROM
A fascinating tour of our active planet. Explore earth materials
(rocks and minerals), the continents motions 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. Credit not awarded for both 101 and
EnvSc 101.
TEXT: please note the section you are enrolled in as separate texts are being
used
Sections 001, 002, 004 “Understanding Earth”, Press, Siever, Grotzinger,
Jordan, 4th edition, W.H. Freeman Publisher (Required).
Section 005 above text is OPTIONAL
Section 003 “How Does Earth Work”, Smith and Pun, 1st edition, Prentice
Hall Publisher (Required)
117 Northrop 9 various times SMITH
Minerals, rocks, and topographic and geologic maps; field trips. Corequisite
101 or 103. Credit not given for both 105L and EnvSc 102L
TEXT: “Geology From Experience”, Peters / Davis, 2001 Edition, Freeman
Publisher (Required)
340 Northrop Hall 6:00-7:40 PM W SMITH
An overview of geologic controls on water availability and exploitation and
water quality in the Rio Grande Valley. Integration of Scientific, infrastructure,
legal, and political issues that determine water management policies.
TEXT: TEXT TO BE DETERMINED
128 Dane Smith Hall 2:00-3:15PM T R HUESTIS
Causes and effects of disastrous geological events, including earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, tsunami, landslides, and floods.
TEXT: “Natural Disasters”, Abbott, 4th Edition, McGraw Hill Publisher
(Required)
340 Northrop 2:00-3:15 PM T R ELRICK
Lab B-19 Northrop 10:00-12:00 T ELRICK
Lab B-19 Northrop 2:00-4:00 PM W ELRICK
Lab B-19 Northrop 9:00-10:50 R ELRICK
History of the earth and the evolution of continents and ocean basins;
evolution of life. Must enroll in one (201L) lab. Prerequisite: 101 or EnvSc.101;
pre-or corequisite: 105L.
TEXT: “New Views on an Old Planet”, Van Andel, 2nd Edition, Cambridge
Univ. Press Publisher (Required)
122 Northrop 7:00-9:30PM R WILLIAMSON
Survey of the fossil record, evolution, paleobiology, and extinction
of dinosaurs, and the animals they shared the earth with.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
102 Mitchell Hall 11:00-12:15 T R ELRICK
The ocean as a physical and chemical feature and a dynamic process.
TEXT: "Essentials of Oceanography", Thurman, Trujillo, 7th edition,
Prentice Hall Publisher, (Required)
123 Dane Smith Hall 11:00-11:50 MWF GUTZLER
(Also offered as Geog 251.) Description of weather phenomena, principles
of atmospheric motion, weather map analysis, and weather prediction.
TEXT: “Understanding Weather and Climate”, Aguado & Burt, 2004,
3rd edition, Prentice Hall Publisher
(Required)
340 Northrop Hall 9:00-9:50 MWF 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.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
146 Northrop Hall 6:00-8:30 W BARGER
An artist must be concerned with their materials and how they interact
with each other and how they age. In an era of heightened awareness of the preservation
of works of art, it is especially important to know how art materials are made
and how various materials interact with each other over time. This course is
concerned with the manufacture and characteristics of materials used in the
production of primarily two-dimensional works of art such as paintings, manuscript
illuminations, prints, and photographs. The topics will include the scientific
basis for the paper, vellum and parchment, varnishes, and photographic materials.
The course will include some discussion about the aging characteristics of these
materials, conservation issues, the scientific basis of color. There will be
one required text, as well as additional readings on reserve about specific
topics. Students will be required to write one paper and there be a final exam.
TEXT: “The Expert Versus the Object”, R. Spencer, 2004, Oxford University
Publisher, (Required)
340 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R SELVERSTONE
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM T SELVERSTONE
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM R SELVERSTONE
Introduction to classification, identification, occurrence and origin
of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Must enroll in lab. Prerequisites: 301 and
302L or permission of instructor. (Special fee $20.00)
TEXT: “An Introduction to Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology”,
Winter, 2001 edition, Prentice Hall Publisher (Required) AND
“Intro to Optical Mineralogy”, Nesse, 3rd Edition, Oxford Publisher,
(Recommended)
105 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R KARLSTROM
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM W KARLSTROM
Nature and origin of rock structures and deformation; map and stereographic
projection problems; stress and strain. Must enroll in a lab. Prerequisites:
303L, 304L, Physics 151 or 160, or permission of instructor. (Special Fee $20.00)
TEXT: “Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions”, Davis & Reynolds,
2nd edition, J. Wiley (Required)
115 Northrop 12:00-5:00 M KARLSTROM
Scientific method in field observation and analysis of geologic phenomena.
Written report for each 4-hour field trip, 2 hour lecture to discuss previous
field project and preparation for following project. Prerequisites: 101 or EnvSc
101, 105L or EnvSc 102L.
TEXT: Albuquerque: A Guide to its Geology & Culture, Bauer, 2003, NM Bureau
of Mines Publisher (required)
224 Dane Smith Hall 9:00-9:50 M W F SMITH
Discussion of the role of geologic studies to evaluate human interaction
with the environment – water resources, and contamination, geologic hazards
extraction of metal and energy resources. Prerequisite: 101
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 2:00-3:15 PM M W GUTZLER
(Also offered as Geog. 352). Comparison of natural and anthropogenic
causes of large-scale climate change. Factors influencing development of mitigation
of adaptation policies. Prerequisite: 251 or permission of instructor.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
146 Northrop 1:00-5:00PM T CROSSEY
This field course will teach students through demonstration and practice
a variety of environmental science field methods. Methods employed in environmental
assessment and monitoring, as well as field and laboratory analysis of environmental
samples will be covered. A class project will incorporate design, implementation,
analysis and presentation of a local environmental issue.
TEXT: TEXT TO BE DETERMINED
117 Northrop 3:00-5:30PM M CONNOLLY
A practical introduction X-ray powder diffraction for characterization
of crystalline materials including rocks, minerals and engineered materials.
Includes basic theoretical introduction, Bragg's law, radiation safety, sample
preparation methods, sources of error in X-ray data, and use of MDI Jade software
for basic phase identification. There will be some introduction to more advanced
techniques in clay mineral analysis, and a brief discussion of quantitative
methods. Will include some hands-on laboratory exercises.
TEXT: NO REQUIRED TEXT
122 Northrop 2:00-3:00PM F FAWCETT
Current topics in Geology; Junior standing.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 1:00-1:50 PM M W F SHARP
Lab arranged SHARP
Thermodynamics and application to geologic systems, phase equilibria,
phase role, ideal and nonideal solutions. Prerequisites 303.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 11:00-12:15 T R ASMEROM
Geochemistry of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Geochemical
methodology. Prerequisite: 303L. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments
to justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “Principles and Applications of Geochemistry", Faure, second
edition, Prentice Hall Publisher (Required)
B19 Northrop 11:00-11:50 MWF KUES
Lab B19 Northrop 1:00-4:00PM M KUES
Lab B19 Northrop 1:00-4:00PM T KUES
General principles and familiarization with diagnostic features of
fossils. Introduction to environmental implications. Prerequisite: 8 hrs. of
E&PS or biology.
TEXT: “Bringing Fossils to Life", Prothero, 2ND edition, McGraw Hill
Publisher (Required)
340 Northrop 10:00-10:50 M W F FAWCETT
History of the earth's climate. Examination of methods in climatic
reconstruction and methods of climatic change. Emphasis on Pleistocene and Holocene
climatic records.
Prerequisite: 105L.
TEXT: “Earth’s Climate Past and Future”, Ruddiman, 2001 edition,
Freeman Publisher (Required)
146 Northrop 12:00-1:00PM M McFADDEN
Student reviews of geologic literature and critique. Pre- or corequisite:
304L.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
122 Northrop 2:00-3:00PM F FAWCETT
Current topics in Geology.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 1:00-1:50 PM M W F SHARP
Lab Arranged SHARP
Thermodynamics and application to geologic systems, phase equilibria,
phase role, ideal and nonideal solutions. Prerequisites 303.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 11:00-12:15 T R ASMEROM
Geochemistry of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Geochemical
methodology. Prerequisite: 303L. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments
to justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “Principles and Applications of Geochemistry", Faure, second
edition, Prentice Hall Publisher (Required)
115 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM W MEYER
- McFADDEN
Seminar focusing on Quaternary geologic approaches to understanding
geomorphic processes and landscape evolution. Recent advances in dating techniques,
rates of geomorphic processes, weathering and slope evolution, geomorphic responses
to climate change, and other topics will be covered. Field trips focusing on
research techniques will augment weekly seminars. Prerequisites: E&PS 481/581L
or permission of instructor
TEXT: to be determined
115 Northrop 2:00-4:30 PM T AGEE
Physics and chemistry of planetary interiors with emphasis on mineral
physics, high pressure experimental petrology, and the seismic structure of
of the deep Earth. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
115 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R JONES
Diffusion and Kinetics in Minerals and Melts Seminar-style discussion
of diffusion in minerals and melts, and the role of diffusion in phenomena such
as compositional equilibrium, order/disorder transformations, closure temperatures,
solid state reactions, shock effects, and nucleation and growth. TEXT: NO TEXT
REQUIRED
105 Northrop 2:00-4:00 M SELVERSTONE
- WAWRZYNIEC
105 Northrop 3:00-4:00 F SELVERSTONE
- WAWRZYNIEC
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 lecture-style presentations and interest-based "working group"
discussions. 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.
NO TEXT: No Text Required
146 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R WAWRZYNIEC
LiDAR scanning is a rapidly developing technology that use pulses
of laser light to strike a target area multiple times while measuring the time
(distance) and reflective intensity of each pulse return. In ground-based applications,
the scanner is mounted onto a standard surveying tripod and has either a robotic
head that steps horizontally and vertically or a system of robotic mirrors that
are used to move a fixed laser source to scan an area rather than a single point
as in traditional laser surveying. The data is collected in the context of the
position of the scanner and can be converted easily to GPS coordinates by scanning
surveyed points or by gathering the coordinates for the position of the scanner
on the top of the tripod. The end result is a three-dimensional, GPS referenced
image of the scanned target that can be processed and interpreted in the laboratory.
The purpose of this seminar class is to explore how such technology is being
applied to a wide range of problems addressing geologic processes. Students
will be trained on instrument use and data processing software, expected to
develop their own research applications, and practice the science of interpretation
and manipulation of high-resolution geospatial models using MATLAB and scanner
related software.
TEXT: to be determined
See the Graduate Bulletin for total credit requirements. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
See the Graduate Bulletin for total credit requirements. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Sect. 001 122 Northrop Hall 10:00-10:50 MWF SHARP
Course Pages
Sect. 002 122 Northrop Hall 11:00-12:15 PM T R SCUDERI
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 102L. Credit not awarded for both
101 and E&PS 101.
TEXT: please note the section you are enrolled in as the text is required for
only section 002
Section 002 “The Blue Planet”, Skinner, Potter, 2nd edition, Wiley
Publisher. (Required)
Section 001 above text is OPTIONAL
117 Northrop 1:00-3:00PM T MEYER
and STAFF
117 Northrop 4:00-6:00PM W MEYER and
STAFF
117 Northrop 12:00-2:00PM R MEYER
and STAFF
117 Northrop 2:00-4:00PM R MEYER and
STAFF
117 Northrop 4:00-6:00PM R MEYER and
STAFF
117 Northrop 9:00-11:00 F MEYER and
STAFF
Introductory environmental earth science laboratory. Includes minerals,
rocks, and rock cycle, topographic maps, local geology and groundwater, weather
and climate. Credit not given for both 102L and E&PS 105L. Pre-or corequisite:
101.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
340 Northrop 4:00-5:15PM M W CROSSEY
- CAMPANA
Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental
systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation.
Prerequisites: 330, Physics 160, Chem. 121L, and, Bio. 121L, or permission of
instructor.
TEXT: “Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues”,
Easton, 11th edition, McGraw Hill Publisher. AND “Introduction to Environmental
Engineering and Science, G.M. Masters, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall Publisher
(BOTH Required)
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.
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