- Undergraduate
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Undergraduate
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GEOG-1013 World Geography
Description
An introduction survey of world geography with attention given to demographic, political, cultural, economic, and environmental characteristics of regions of the world. Especially recommended for education majors.
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GEOG-1111 Physical Geography
Description
An introduction to physical geography, surveying weather, climate, vegetation, soils, landforms, water resources, and their spatial interrelations and distributions.
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GEOG-1112 Weather and Climate
Description
An introduction to weather and climate including influences on the biosphere (ecosystems and biomes). This course looks at local, regional, and global geographic relationships among atmospheric and biospheric systems, including an introduction to climate change. .
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GEOG-1112L Weather and Climate Laboratory
Description
An introduction to weather and climate including influences on the biosphere (ecosystems and biomes). This course looks at local, regional, and global geographic relationships among atmospheric and biospheric, including an introduction to climate change. Students will engage in hands-on, field-based environmental observations in the laboratory.
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GEOG-1113 Landform Geography
Description
An introduction to Earth-surface processes and landforms. Students will observe and interpret a variety of landscapes in terms of the fundamental processes and factors that have shaped them through time, including water, wind, and tectonic forces.
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GEOG-1113L Landform Geography Laboratory
Description
An introduction to Earth-surface processes and landforms. Students will observe and interpret a variety of landscapes in terms of the fundamental processes and factors that have shaped them through time, including water, wind, and tectonic forces. Students will engage in hands-on, field- based observations in the laboratory. Students will gain experience in the interpretation and integration of geospatial information including topographic and geologic maps, as well as aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
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GEOG-2010 Political Geography
Description
A foundations course which looks at the basis of political territory, international law and boundaries-both on the land and on the sea. This course identifies basic geopolitical units and their geographical expression--including states, nation states and supranational territories--and identifies the rules that govern sovereignty, territorial definition and international interactions at the borders. Special attention is given to the concept of nationalism and its role in redefining the contemporary global map.
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GEOG-2083 Introduction to Geographical Analysis
Description
An introduction to the practice of geographic research. The course takes a comprehensive approach to the research process in geography, including the development and formulation of research questions, the role of academic literature, identifying and working with relevant data sources, the application of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, and written and oral presentation of research findings.
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GEOG-2202 Environmental Science
Description
This course will focus on the key principles of environmental science, paying special attention to environmental systems and human interactions with these systems. The aim of the course is to give the student a solid, scientifically based understanding of the earth's current environment and how to analyze, assess, and begin to address human populations' impact on this environment.
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GEOG-2202L Environmental Science Lab
Description
This lab course will bring key principles of environmental science to a lab setting. The aim of the lab exercises is to give the student a hands-on experience involving basic observation, evaluation, and assessment of environmental themes and problems.
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GEOG-2253 Geographies of Economic Development
Description
This course explores the process of economic development under conditions of globalization. The focus is upon development theory, development and underdevelopment, debt and indebtedness, the construction of 'The Third World', and the creation of economic dependency. Special attention is paid to 'developing' areas or the world, including Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and others, where regionalized and national economic development theories, developed in the post World War II era which have subsequently challenged the so-called Washington Consensus and American development discourses.
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GEOG-2503 Cultural Geography
Description
A study of the earth as the home of the human race. The earth is here divided into particular world regions, which are studied in turn. Emphasis is given to the concept of culture and how it interacts in particular geographic regions with history, economics, politics, and demography.
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GEOG-2505 Human Impacts on the Environment
Description
This course examines the extent to which human activities have altered the natural environment--how much they have influenced animal species; vegetation systems; soils; water bodies and their quality; regional geomorphology; and the atmosphere. Policies, programs, and global extent of human environmental impact included.
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GEOG-2553 Introduction to GIS and Mapping Sciences
Description
An introduction to GIS, mapping and geospatial sciences. Topics include introductory GIS, map projections, land partitioning systems, map reading, map analysis, GPS, map making, aerial photography, and remote sensing. This course will guide students to GIS, mapping sciences and emerging geospatial technologies.
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GEOG-3010 Rethinking Geopolitics
Description
This course analyzes the field of contemporary geopolitical theory and the new 'critical geopolitics'. Beginning with an exploration of geopolitics in the 19th century, the course identifies the way in which strategic worldviews have influenced geographical thinking at all levels. Contemporary critical geopolitics--classic political, territorial and strategic thought of late 20th century-- is discussed.
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GEOG-3020 Political Geography
Description
Political geography is concerned with the spatial dynamics of power relations. This course focuses particularly on the nation-state, exploring the logic of the state and how it manages to legitimize itself as the dominant arbiter of political power. The course will also look at interactions between states and how they compete to control and dominate territory and resources.
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GEOG-3085 Selected Topics in Regional Geography
Description
Analysis of resource endowments, patterns of occupancy, and aspects of economic and political organization in different regions. The course may be repeated for additional credit with differing content. Title and hours of credit will be supplied at the time of offering.
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GEOG-3253 Economic Geography
Description
A study of the economy and its geographical structures and patterns. Introduces and critiques theories of location and economic landscapes and processes and develops a conceptual framework of the economy that encompasses the constitutive roles of spatial relations and nature-society relationships. and structural relationships among economic activities. Same as ECON 3425.
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GEOG-3300 Population Geography
Description
This course in population geography introduces the basic methods of demography as well as the impacts population dynamics have on society and its economy through time and space.
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GEOG-3405 Geographies of Sustainability
Description
A study of the inherent geographical challenges and possible solutions to a global economic system that is quickly depleting scarce resources while causing rapid environmental strain.
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GEOG-3563 Remote Sensing and GIS Integration
Description
This course introduces the principles of remote sensing and explores the practical integration of remote sensing with geographic information systems.
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GEOG-3643 Urban Geography
Description
Introduction to urban processes and patterns, including: global urbanization and the origin of cities; urban hierarchies and systems of cities; global cities; uneven economic growth and the functional specialization of cities; economic restructuring, migration, regional policies, dynamics of urban property markets; changes in population job location, housing, mobility and neighborhoods; ethno-cultural diversity, and spatial inequalities; and planning, politics and policy issues in North American cities.
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GEOG-3644 Atlanta's Geographies
Description
This course examines the geographic dimensions of the city of Atlanta and its metropolitan region. Students will gain an understanding of the historical, urban, social, economic, political and physical patterns and processes shaping the city and metro area at different geographic scales: at the local and metro scales, the city's growth and internal structure; at the regional scale, the city's role in the American South; and at the national and global scales, the city's dynamic position in wider urban, economic and social systems.
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GEOG-3713 Meteorology
Description
A study of weather and climate, including atmospheric properties and processes, and atmospheric influences on Earth's surface environment, at a variety of spatial and time-scales.
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GEOG-3723 Physiography of United States
Description
A study of the physiographic regions of the United States, including the genesis and distributional patterns of major regional landforms, soils, and vegetation. Emphasis is placed on the cartographic interpretation of regional features.
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GEOG-3800 Biogeography
Description
Biogeography is the subdiscipline of Geography that deals with the distribution, ranges, and limits of plants and animals over space and time. This class will focus on the processes and patterns of plant distribution in the contemporary landscape, stressing the development of North American vegetation. The course will cover topics evolution as it relates to Quaternary migration and distribution, North American biomes, disturbance ecology, invasive species, environmental stewardship, climate change, and field methods.
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GEOG-3900 Ecological Climatology
Description
Ecology and Climatology are two vastly different disciplines. Ecology is concerned with the interactions of organisms with their environments and Climatology is the study of the long-term physical state of the atmosphere. There two disciplines were not combined until the advent of global climate models in the 1970s. Ecological climatology is the interdisciplinary framework used to understand the functioning of the terrestrial ecosystems as part of the climate system. Specifically, how do changes in land cover influence short-term and long-term weather patterns.
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GEOG-4013 Globalization
Description
This course offers a survey and analysis of the multiple dimensions (economic, political, cultural, environmental, urban, ideological) of globalization and its role in shaping contemporary world geographies. The course will situate globalization in the context of capitalism's historical and geographical development and will focus on the changes and processes that have shaped world geographies since the late 1960s. Students will acquire both empirical and theoretical understandings by studying competing concepts and explanations of globalization and its impacts and applying them to current day events and issues.
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GEOG-4082 Directed Problems
Description
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GEOG-4084 Senior Seminar: Why Geography Matters
Description
A capstone course for Geography majors focusing on the integration and application of geographic concepts, theories, and techniques in the context of selected contemporary issues, events, or processes. Also includes an overview of the discipline's history as well as current intellectual developments.
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GEOG-4086 Internship
Description
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GEOG-4103 Soil Science
Description
An introduction to soils from a natural science perspective, emphasizing the relationship between soils and geology, climate, vegetation, and landscapes. Concepts will include soil physical and chemical properties, soil formation and horizonation, soil water, erosion, soil geography, and environmental and sustainability issues related to soil. Practical field and laboratory skills will be emphasized, including standard techniques and terminology for describing soils in the field, applying the US system of soil classification, interpreting National Resources Conservation Service soil survey data and performing geospatial analysis of digital soils data. A required field trip will allow students to observe soils in a variety of landscape settings.
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GEOG-4253 Senimar in Economic Geography
Description
Study of advanced topics in economic geography. Specific titles will be announced for semester offered and will be entered on transcripts. May be repeated for additional credit as topics change.
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GEOG-4400 Energy and Sustainability
Description
This course will focus on the links between energy use and environmental degradation. Physical processes and social dynamics will be considered in order to understand the complex issues of energy production, demand, and consumption. In this class students will practice expressing informed opinions about current environmental energy debates, examine the social aspects of energy issues, and consider alternative energy futures.
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GEOG-4403 Water Resources Planning
Description
An introduction to the evolution and current practice of water resources management in the United States. Emphasis on principles of multiple objective resource evaluation and project design.
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GEOG-4500 Moral Geographies
Description
A study of the intersection between ethics and geography. This course takes up issues such as the geographical conditioning of norms and values, the geographical dimensions of responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas involved in our current social geography. As will be revealed in the course, many of the issues covered in human geography, from globalization and border making to migration and environmental degradation, are linked to deeply seated, yet contested norms.
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GEOG-4503 Culture, Space, and Place
Description
This seminar explores cultural geography from a critical perspective. Students are asked to consider the relationship between culture and development, post-colonial cultural theory, gender and race, feminist theory, cultural hybridity and globalization, and the new cultural spaces of the 21st century. The focus in upon identifying the geographical dimensions of conflicts, underlying the construction of culture, understanding culture as a discursive project, and appreciating culture as a power relationship.
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GEOG-4553 Geographic Information System
Description
An introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems, including GIS theory, data input, spatial analysis, and final output.
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GEOG-4554 Computer Cartography
Description
Computer-assisted map design and production.
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GEOG-4562 Airphoto Interpretation and Photogrammetry
Description
Study on airphoto interpretation and photogrammetry. Topics include digital airphotos, correcting airphoto distortions, orthophoto generation, stereoscopy and DEM generation, airphoto interpretation techniques, and mapping with airphotos.
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GEOG-4564 Contemporary Remote Sensing Applications
Description
This course applies remote sensing techniques to contemporary topics like image classification, LiDAR, natural resources, urbanization, water, or climate. Students will learn how to process remote sensing data and will develop remote sensing application projects.
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GEOG-4643 Seminar in Urban Geography
Description
Study of advanced topics in urban geography. Specific titles will be announced for semester offered and will be entered on transcripts. May be repeated for additional credit as topics change.
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GEOG-4700 Global Environmental Change
Description
This is an advanced course on the evidence for, and theories of, environmental variability over time. Students will become familiar with environmental change before and since the Industrial Revolution. Attention will be paid to natural environmental mechanisms and the human activities of industrial societies which modify them.
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GEOG-4753 Contemporary GIS Applications
Description
This course focuses on principles, methods, and applications of GIS technologies. It emphasizes hands-on opportunities to learn technical skills and best practices. Students will learn how to process different types of GIS data and will develop an individual project to design, implement and run GIS models.
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GEOG-4755 GIS Database Design
Description
This is an advanced course in GIS databases and enterprise GIS database implementation. It is focused on the creation and administration of GIS databases. It introduces the concepts of database structure and the integration of spatial and attribute data. Topics include metadata creation, database development, querying, and administration. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.
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GEOG-4757 Programming and Customization in GIS
Description
This is an advanced course in GIS focusing on application development and customization. Programming languages are used to develop GIS applications. In this course students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of customization and programming in a GIS environment. Programming languages supporting GIS applications such as VBA and Python will be introduced. This class includes lectures, lab assignments, exams, and student-directed projects.
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GEOG-4800 Advanced Topics in Biogeography
Description
An integrative course that examines concepts and knowledge from physical geography, geology, ecology, anthropology and evolutionary biology. This course will cover advanced topics on the origin and dispersal of plants and animals, biotic communities, ecological relationships and the impact of human activity on the biosphere.
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GEOG-4893 Practicum in GIS
Description
This is an applied practicum that fosters effective use of GIS. Students who successfully complete the course are able to create, manipulate, and manage geographic data to perform analysis tasks, to visualize geographic data, and to use geographic data analyses to support decision making. This course is designed to equip students with skills needed in the geospatial field.
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GEOG-4900 Dendrochronology
Description
Dendrochronology is one of the most versatile disciplines in the physical and cultural sciences. The science uses tree rings that are dated to their exact year of formation to analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of processes in the physical and cultural sciences. The science takes advantage of the fact that trees are nature's ultimate environmental monitoring stations. They are immobile, they assimilate events in the environment, they have their own special language, and they can't lie (although sometimes they make searching for the truth quite challenging). In this course, you'll learn how to read the language of trees and how to use this information to learn about past and present environmental processes that may shed light on your particular research questions.
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GEOL-1011K Introductory Geosciences I
Description
This course covers Earth materials and processes. For more information on this institution's eCore courses, please see http://www.westga.edu/~ecore/
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GEOL-1121 Introductory Geosciences I: Physical Geology
Description
Acquaints students with geological concepts, processes, and earth materials and their effects on mankind and the environment. Topics include rocks and minerals,volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers, glaciers and the dynamic forces that move continents, build mountains, and create ocean basins.
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GEOL-1121L Physical Geology Laboratory
Description
This modern, non-mathematical, introductory course acquaints students with basic geological concepts, processes, and earth materials and their effects on man and his environment. Emphasis is on processes shaping the surface of the earth (volcanoes, earthquakes, rivers and glaciers) and the dynamic forces which move continents, build mountains, and create ocean basins.
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GEOL-1122 Introductory Geosciences II: Historical Geology
Description
Application of modern geological and biological concepts to interpret earth history. Acquaints students with fossil evidence for tracing the origin and evolution of life. Emphasis placed on developing a broad understanding of the origin and development of the earth and solar system, concepts of sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics and the evolution of the earth's atmosphere and life.
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GEOL-1122L Historical Geology Laboratory
Description
This course teaches students to use basic, modern geological and biological concepts to interpret earth history. It will acquaint them with the fossil evidence for tracing the origin and evolution of life. Emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the origin and development of the earth and solar system, concepts of sea floor spreading and plate tectonics and the evolution of the atmosphere and life.
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GEOL-1123 Environmental Observations
Description
Trains students in the protocols required for certification to participate in the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment GLOBE Program.
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GEOL-1123L Environmental Observations Laboratory
Description
Laboratory exercises to supplement lectures of GEOL 1123.
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GEOL-2002 Applied Computing for Geosciences
Description
An introduction to computer hardware, software and techniques used for acquiring, storing, analyzing, and presenting scientific data, particularly geologic and hydrologic data. Emphasis will be placed on commonly used and widely available software such as word processing, spreadsheet and database programs as well as mapping and drafting programs commonly used in the sciences.
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GEOL-2313 Descriptive Astronomy
Description
A survey of sky awareness, historical development of astronomy, the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies.
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GEOL-2313L Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory
Description
An experimental introduction to the elementary tools of astronomy.
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GEOL-2503 Introduction to Oceanography
Description
Introduces science and non-science majors to the biological, chemical, physical, and geological features of the oceans. Acquaints students with the topography and geologic history of the oceans, sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, atmosphere/ocean interaction current movements, and ocean biology and chemistry . The course also will discuss sources of food, energy, mineral resources, as well as environmental issues affecting the sea. Satisfies Area D1 Core Requirements.
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GEOL-2553 Geology of the National Parks
Description
The study of the geologic processes that formed our national parks. Selected national parks and monuments are used to illustrate fundamental geologic processes such as volcanism, sedimentation, glaciation, stream and shoreline erosion, and crustal deformation among others.
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GEOL-3003 Field Methods
Description
A practical course that familiarizes students with basic instruments and techniques used by Geologists to collect structural, stratigraphic, topographic and other data in the field.
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GEOL-3004 Field Geology and Geologic Mapping
Description
A practical course that familiarizes students with basic instruments and techniques used by Geologists to collect structural, stratigraphic, topographic and other data in the field.
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GEOL-3014 Mineralogy and Crystallography
Description
The origin and physical properties of the more common minerals and their crystal forms. Megascopic recognition of specimens, their mineral associations, and a brief introduction to modern x-ray diffraction. CHEM 1211 may be taken concurrently.
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GEOL-3024 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Description
A study of the classification and origin of igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The geologic processes that form these rocks are studied by examining rock samples in the field and laboratory using hand sample, microscopic, and chemical techniques. Petrologic problems are studied at the local, regional, and global scales.
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GEOL-3034 Structural Geology
Description
The recognition, description, and interpretation of primary and secondary rock-structures. Laboratory and field periods will be spent using both graphical and instrumental techniques necessary for describing and interpreting common structural deformation features. In addition to laboratory and classroom examples, each student is required to complete a lithologic and structural mapping project.
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GEOL-3042 Optical Mineralogy
Description
Students will be introduced to the Polarizing microscope and to the techniques for the identification of minerals in thin section.
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GEOL-3043 Optic Mineralogy and Petrography
Description
Course will introduce students to the theory and practice of optical mineralogy and petrography; the systematic study of non-opaque rocks and minerals under the microscope.
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GEOL-3053 Sedimentary Petrology
Description
The description, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks. Using observations from modern sediments, and hand specimens and thin sections of sedimentary rocks, students will apply the principle of uniformity to interpret sedimentary processes and environments.
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GEOL-3603 Environmental Geology
Description
The interaction between human activity and geologic processes. Included are natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and flooding, human induced problems such as groundwater pollution, erosion and the exploitation of natural resources including rivers, shorelines, petroleum, and ores. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of underlying natural processes and the prediction and mitigation of problems.
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GEOL-3825 Research Methods
Description
Specially designed to meet the needs of future teachers, students design and carry out four independent inquiries, which they write up and present in the manner that is common in the scientific community. Course is restricted to UTeach students.
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GEOL-4003 Geomorphology
Description
Characteristics, classification, genesis and evolution of major earth surface features (land forms) and their associations (landscapes). The conceptual framework will involve understanding lithologic, structural, climatic temporal, and process controls. Includes applied aspects of humans as geomorphic agents and geomorphic processes as natural hazards. Topographic map and air photo interpretation will be stressed.
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GEOL-4014 Geochemistry
Description
Chemical realms of the earth and geologic materials, chemistry of geologic processes, geochemical cycles, and special topics.
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GEOL-4024 Paleontology
Description
Classification, biology, distribution and diversity of major invertebrate animals with a fossil record. The course is designed to integrate modern biological concepts as applied to fossil organisms. Students will study fossil organisms to develop an understanding of the principles of evolution, stratigraphic correlation, and paleoecology.
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GEOL-4033 Stratigraphy and Geochronology
Description
Examines the various ways to constrain time in the geologic record, within the context of local, regional, and global change. Students will explore aspects of tectonic, biological and chemical evolution, mainly in sedimentary basins. Students will acquire broad knowledge of major stratigraphic tools and will understand their applications.
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GEOL-4034 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
Description
Course illustrates how observations from sediments and sedimentary rocks in the field and laboratory can be used to identify formative processes and depositional environments. This methodology is central to the analysis of depositional basins and to an understanding of the geologic time scale.
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GEOL-4044 Engineering Geology
Description
Introduction to principles of soil and rock mechanics. Discussion and experimental exercises ranging from basic field identification to advanced procedures for estimating soil rock mechanical properties.
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GEOL-4063 Plate Tectonics
Description
A study of the processes of crustal evolution by plate tectonics. Topics include a brief review of geophysical techniques, discussions of plate tectonics and sea-floor spreading, and a survey of mountain building processes through time.
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GEOL-4074 Regional Applications of Field Geology
Description
An intense, four-week field excursion which provides a variety of field-oriented applications of major geologic principles. This course includes both regional syntheses of geological data and in-depth analysis of specific geological features and areas.
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GEOL-4082 Geological Problems
Description
Detailed assignments in specific areas of geology. Satisfies deficiencies or permits in-depth pursuit of the student's research in particular geological topics. Title to be supplied at the time of offering.
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GEOL-4083 Environmental Geochemistry
Description
The geochemistry of the earth's lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and the human modifications to these systems that cause environmental problems. Special topics include acid rain, greenhouse effect, toxic trace elements, landfills, energy usage and radon.
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GEOL-4084 Hydrogeology
Description
An investigation of groundwater and the earth's hydrologic cycle. Examines the physical aspects of groundwater occurrence and movement, and provides an introduction to contaminant transport and chemical hydrogeology. Lab exercises will acquaint students with hydrogeology field methods and equipment.
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GEOL-4093 Risk Assessment
Description
A multidisciplinary investigation into the major societal issue of increasing impacts of natural hazards. Examines property damage and loss of life caused by geologic hazards (earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes,meteorological hazards hurricanes, tornadoes, floods) and others (fires, technological hazards, biohazards). A major focus will be on social science issue of planning, politics, economics and their control on management of high hazard areas, vulnerability assessments, and mitigation.
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GEOL-4103 Dinosaurs!
Description
A multidisciplinary investigation into the morphology, classification and identification of the dinosaurs; the environmental, climatic, and geographic conditions on earth during the time of the dinosaurs; and the biological principles involved in understanding the origin, evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs. Techniques for using dinosaurs to teach children of all ages the fundamentals of science will be explored.
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GEOL-4203 Geology of Georgia
Description
Directed toward science and science education majors, this course investigates the geology of the state of Georgia. Students learn fundamental geological principles necessary for deciphering Earth history. The geologic history of Georgia's geologic provinces is explored. Topics include coastal hazards, water in Georgia, landforms and mineral resources of Georgia.
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GEOL-4501 Geology Seminar
Description
A program of study, discussion, readings and presentations concerning the significant interrelationships of a wide variety of basic geological concepts. Topics may also include career paths, licensing and other matters concerning the profession of Geology. Advanced geology students , faculty, and outside speakers interact within a seminar framework designed to increase the geological maturity of the students.
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GEOL-4604 Economic Geology
Description
Introduction to geology and economics of non-energy mineral resources. Emphasis placed on the descriptive geology and origin of economic mineral concentrations within the context of their overall geologic settings. Lab exercises will involve identification and characterization of representative ore suites from important mineral deposits. Students will complete a research project on exploring for or developing a major ore deposit or mineral/rock resource. A fieldtrip is anticipated to examine the geology, exploration methodology, development, and permitting issues related to mineral/rock production. Students will also prepare for and take the National Association of State Boards of Geology, Fundamentals of Geology (FG) professional licensing exam.
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GEOL-4985 Selected Topics in Geology
Description
Title and description of course to be specified at time of offering. May be repeated for credit.
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