To open this
frame in its own Window, click here. To open this
frame in its own Window, click here.
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 (sometimes not totally up-to-date) about all of the classes offered in the department. Catalog descriptions for all courses regularly offered in our department (with the most current descriptions) 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.
001: 122 Northrop 08:00-08:50 MWF KUES
002: 122 Northrop 10:00-10:50 MWF FISCHER
003: 122 Northrop 09:30-10:45 T R ASMEROM
004: 122 Northrop 6:00-8:30PM T PUN
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.
TEXT: “How Does Earth Work”, Smith and Pun, 1st edition, Prentice
Hall Publisher (Required)
117 Northrop 10 various times PUN
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 11:00-11:50 M W F GEISSMAN
Lab B-19 Northrop 09:00-11:00 T “
Lab B-19 Northrop 02:00-4:00 PM W “
Lab B-19 Northrop 09:00-11:00 R “
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: “Earth System History”, Stanley, 2005 Edition, Freeman 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: To be determined.
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)
129 Dane Smith Hall 11:00-12:15 T R RITCHIE-TYO
(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 1:00-3:30 F RIESE
This class is an introduction to petroleum geology and exploration.
Students will be introduced to the concept of hydrocarbon systems and all of
its constituent elements: source, migration, reservoir, trap, seal, and timing
will all be examined in detail. Producing fields from around the world will
be studied in order to build a mental library of what they look like and how
they are produced. The closing portion of the course will examine methods of
exploration: seismic, potential fields geophysics, geochemical methods, drilling,
and logging. All facets of the class will be underpinned by specific case examples
wherever possible. Finally, the concepts of uncertainty, risk, and project economics
will be introduced. The course will be conducted in a seminar format, and all
students will be expected to prepare, present, and discuss topical materials
weekly.
TEXT: Text to be determined
105 Northrop Hall 6:00-8:30 W BARGER
"An artist is concerned with materials. In an era of heightened
awareness of the preservation of works of art, it is especially important to
know how 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 manufacture of paints, pigments, inks,
and dyes; canvas, wood and other paintings supports; paper, vellum and parchment;
varnishes; and photographic materials. This course will include some discussion
about the aging characteristics of these materials, conservation and preservation
issues, and the scientific basis of color."
TEXT: “The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques”,
R.Mayer, 1991, Viking Press, (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 processes leading to formation of igneous and metamorphic
rocks. Emphasis on plate tectonic settings and interactions between physical
and chemical processes.
Prerequisites: E&PS 301 and, E&PS 302L, MATH 162 or CHEM 121L or permission
of inscructor. Must enroll in lab. (Special fee $25.00)
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 11:00-12:15 T R KARLSTROM
Lab 105 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM R KARLSTROM
Nature and origin of rock structures and deformation; map and stereographic
projection problems; stress and strain. Pre or corequisite E&PS 303L, prerequisite
E&PS 304L, PHYC 151 or 160, corequisite must enroll in lab. (Special Fee
$25.00)
TEXT: “Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions”, Davis & Reynolds,
1996 edition, Wiley & Sons (Required)
115 Northrop 12:00-5:00 M WAWRZYNIEC & GEISSMAN
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 $25.00)
TEXT: To be determined
115 Northrop 12:30-5:00PM 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: NO TEXT REQUIRED
105 Northrop 2:00-4:30PM W JONES
A general introduction to the instrumentation available for geochemical
analysis in E&PS laboratories, including X-ray techniques, mass spectrometry
and microbeam analysis. Prerequisites: EPS 301 or permission of instructor.
TEXT: “Modern Analytical Geochemistry, Robin Gill, 1997 edition, Addison
Wesley Longman Publisher (Required)
122 Northrop 2:00-3:00PM F FAWCETT
Current topics in Geology; Junior standing.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
105 Northrop 11:00-11:50 M W F SHARP
Examination of principles governing the distribution of stable isotopes
in geological materials and their applications in understanding geochemical
processes. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
TEXT: “Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry” Sharp, latest
edition, Prentice Hall Press (required)
B19 Northrop 10:00-10:50 MWF KUES
Lab B19 Northrop 1:00-4:00PM M KUES
Lab B19 Northrop 2:00-5:00PM T KUES
General principles and familiarization with diagnostic features of
fossils. Introduction to environmental implications. Prerequisite: 8 hrs. of
E&PS or biology. Must enroll in one section of lab.
TEXT: “Bringing Fossils to Life", Prothero, 2ND edition, McGraw Hill
Publisher (Required)
340 Northrop 1:30-2:45PM M W ROY
(Also offered as Physics 327) Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology,
heat flow for the structure constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects
of plate tectonics and resource exploration. Prerequisites: 101 or EnvSc. 101,
Math 163L, Physics 161. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments to
justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “The Solid Earth”, C. Fowler, 2nd 2005 edition, Cambridge
University Press (Required)
340 Northrop 10:00-10:50 M F ROY
/ GUTZLER
141 Dane Smith Hall 10:00-10:50 W ROY
/ GUTZLER
(Also offered as Physics 327) Applications of gravity, magnetics,
seismology, heat flow for the structure constitution and deformation of earth.
Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration. Prerequisites:
101 or EnvSc. 101, Math 163L, Physics 161. Students in 500 level will have extra
assignments to justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “Statistics & Data Analysis in Geology” J.C. Davis, latest
edition, John Wiley Publisher (required)
340 Northrop 9:00-9:50 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)
340 Northrop 2:00-4:30 PM T AGEE
Formation, evolution, and composition of Mars atmosphere, surface,
and interior processes. Martian meteorites. The search for life on Mars. Mars
missions past and present and NASA's plans for future exploration of Mars. E&PS
365 recommended.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
105 Northrop 2:00-2:50 PM M MEYER
/ HUCKELL
115 Northrop 2:00-6:00 PM W MEYER /
HUCKELL
(Also offered as ANTH 482/582.) Application of geological concepts
to archaeological site formation with emphasis on pre-ceramic prehistory of
the southwestern United States. Topics: Quaternary dating methods, paleoenvironment,
landscape evolution, depositional environments, Quaternary stratigraphy, soil
genesis, sourcing of lithic materials, site formation processes. Lectures, discussion
sessions, field exercises. Required field trip. Prerequisites: EPS 101, 105L,
or EnvSc. 101 and 102L, Anth 121L, 220 and at least junior standing in EPS or
ANTH. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments to justify graduate
credit.
TEXT: “Principles of Geoarcheaology” Waters, 1992 1st edition, Univ.
Arizona Press 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
105 Northrop 11:00-11:50 M W F SHARP
Examination of principles governing the distribution of stable isotopes
in geological materials and their applications in understanding geochemical
processes.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
TEXT: “Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry” Sharp, latest
edition, Prentice Hall Press (required)
340 Northrop 1:30-2:45PM M W ROY
(Also offered as Physics 327) Applications of gravity, magnetics,
seismology, heat flow for the structure constitution and deformation of earth.
Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration. Prerequisites:
101 or EnvSc. 101, Math 163L, Physics 161. Students in 500 level will have extra
assignments to justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “The Solid Earth”, C. Fowler, 2nd 2005 edition, Cambridge
University Press (Required)
340 Northrop 10:00-10:50 M F ROY
/ GUTZLER
141 Dane Smith Hall 10:00-10:50 W ROY
/ GUTZLER
(Also offered as Physics 327) Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology,
heat flow for the structure constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects
of plate tectonics and resource exploration. Prerequisites: 101 or EnvSc. 101,
Math 163L, Physics 161. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments to
justify graduate credit.
TEXT: “Statistics & Data Analysis in Geology” J.C. Davis, latest
edition, John Wiley Publisher (required)
340 Northrop 11:00-12:15 T R ASMEROM
Examination of principles governing the abundance of naturally occurring
radiogenic isotopes and their use in the study of global geochemical processes.
TEXT: “Radiogenic Isotope Geology”, 2nd edition, A.P. Dickin, Cambridge
University Press (required)
115 Northrop 11:00-12:15 T R LI
Principles and practical techniques of transmission and analytical
electron microscopy for materials characterization. Topics covered include:
diffraction and phase contrast image formation, selected area and convergent
beam electron diffraction; energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Prerequisites:
487 and 518L or permission of instructor.
TEXT: “Transmission Electron Microscopy”, David B. Williams and
C. Barry Carter, Plenum Press (required)
“Transmission Electron Microscopy and Diffractometry of Materials”,
B. Fultz and J. M. Howe, Springer-Verlag (recommended)
340 Northrop 3:00-4:15 PM M W GUTZLER
We examine the phenomenon of drought from different perspectives:
its physical causes, biological and social consequences, and management/response
strategies, emphasizing drought in Southwest North America. Coursework will
be focused on recent articles and discussion in class. Prerequisite: EPS 536,
or permission of instructor
TEXT: no text required
340 Northrop 2:00-4:30PM T AGEE
Formation, evolution, and composition of Mars atmosphere, surface,
and interior processes. Martian meteorites. The search for life on Mars. Mars
missions past and present and NASA's plans for future exploration of Mars. E&PS
365 recommended.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
115 Northrop 3:00-6:00p.m. R WEISSMANN
Aquifer heterogeneity significantly influences permeability and residence
times. We'll explore the nature of heterogeneity, methods to characterize heterogeneity,
and new ideas related to groundwater and contaminant movement through aquifers.
Plan to spend some time in the field looking at aquifer analogs.
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
105 Northrop 2:00-2:50 PM M MEYER
/ HUCKELL
115 Northrop 2:00-6:00 PM W MEYER /
HUCKELL
(Also offered as ANTH 482/582.) Application of geological concepts
to archaeological site formation with emphasis on pre-ceramic prehistory of
the southwestern United States. Topics: Quaternary dating methods, paleoenvironment,
landscape evolution, depositional environments, Quaternary stratigraphy, soil
genesis, sourcing of lithic materials, site formation processes. Lectures, discussion
sessions, field exercises. Required field trip. Prerequisites: EPS 101, 105L,
or EnvSc. 101 and 102L, Anth 121L, 220 and at least junior standing in EPS or
ANTH. Students in 500 level will have extra assignments to justify graduate
credit.
TEXT: “Principles of Geoarcheaology” Waters, 1992 1st edition, Univ.
Arizona Press Publisher (Required)
115 Northrop 9:30-10:45 T R BREARLEY
Crystallographic principles, structure, chemistry, physical properties
of rock forming minerals. Prerequisites: 301, 302L, 311, Chem. 122, or permission
of instructor
TEXT: NO TEXT REQUIRED
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.
001 122 Northrop Hall 09:00-09:50 MWF GALEWSKY
002 122 Northrop Hall 11:00-11:50 MWF FAWCETT
003 122 Northrop Hall 11:00-12:15 T R WEISSMANN
004 122 Northrop Hall 04:00-06:30 PM R MEYER
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: “The Blue Planet”, Skinner, Potter, 2nd edition, Wiley Publisher.
(Required)
001 117 Northrop 1:00-3:00PM T MEYER
and STAFF
002 117 Northrop 4:00-6:00PM W MEYER
and STAFF
003 117 Northrop 12:00-2:00PM R MEYER
and STAFF
004 117 Northrop 2:00-4:00PM R MEYER
and STAFF
005 117 Northrop 4:00-6:00PM R MEYER
and STAFF
006 117 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 5:00-6:15PM M W CAMPANA
Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental
systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation.
Prerequisites: ENVSC 330, MATH 163, PHYC 160, CHEM 121L, BIOL 123/124L or higher.
TEXT: “Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science”, G.M.
Masters, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall Publisher AND “The Environmental Pendulum”,
Freeze, 2000 edition, Univ. of California Press
(BOTH Required)
340 Northrop 5:00-6:15PM M W CAMPANA
Application of basic science to the interdisciplinary study of environmental
systems. Causes of and solutions to land, air, water and ecosystem degradation.
NO PREREQUISITES
TEXT: “Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science”, G.M.
Masters, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall Publisher AND “The Environmental Pendulum”,
Freeze, 2000 edition, Univ. of California Press
(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.
Earth & Planetary Sciences 
Home or our 
Index page