Geosciences (GEOS)

GEOS 50101. Colloquium. 1 Hour.

Weekly meetings of faculty, graduates, advanced students and guests to discuss research and trends in the field of geography. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 2 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 50403. Foundations of Geospatial Data Analysis. 3 Hours.

Basic mathematical tools applied in geospatial technology, including trigonometry in mapping, linear algebra in remote sensing, optimization in spatial decision support, and graph theory in routing. Course develops the framework for spatial data analysis and decision support. Pre- or Corequisite: GEOS 55403. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 50503. Quaternary Environments. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary study of the Quaternary Period, including dating methods, deposits, soils, climates, tectonics, and human adaptation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with ANTH 50503, ENDY 50503.

GEOS 50703. Geospatial Technologies Computational Toolkit. 3 Hours.

Basic computational tools and processes applied in geospatial software, related computer hardware components, systems and applications software, and spatial database fundamentals. Python, including SciPy and NumPy, geospatial implementations will be emphasized. No programming experience is required. Pre- or Corequisite: GEOS 55403. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 50803. Geospatial Data Mining. 3 Hours.

Basic tools for analyzing, summarizing and visualizing geospatial data. Exploratory data and spatial data analysis, probability distributions and application, single and multivariate analysis and hypothesis testing, and spatial smoothing and interpolation. Emphasis will be on problem solving in geospatial settings using the R statistical language. Prerequisite: GEOS 50403 and GEOS 50703 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 50903. History and Philosophy of Geography. 3 Hours.

This course familiarizes students with the history of geography, the contributions of geographers to scientific thought and theory, and research techniques that are used in geography. Emphasis is given to the integration of statistical and spatial analysis, and their applications in field research. The course includes short field-based projects in and around Northwest Arkansas. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

GEOS 5100V. Special Problems in Physical Geosciences. 1-6 Hour.

Special problems in Geosciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 51103. Global Change. 3 Hours.

Examines central issues of global change including natural and human induced climate change, air pollution, deforestation, desertification, wetland loss urbanization, and the biodiversity crisis. The U.S. Global Change Research Program is also examined. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with ENDY 51103.

GEOS 51303. Radar Remote Sensing. 3 Hours.

Introduction to radar remote sensing and its applications in geology, geography, archeology, engineering, and agriculture. Focuses on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and advanced techniques including radar stereo, polarimetry, and interferometry. Covers Interferometric SAR (InSAR) for mapping topography and modeling Earth's surface motions due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and subsidence. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 51403. 3D Seismic Exploration. 3 Hours.

Interpretation of 3D seismic data for geological structure, stratigraphy, and pore fluid variations with emphasis on hydrocarbon exploration. Prerequisite: GEOS 44303 or GEOS 54303. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 51603. Hydrogeologic Modeling. 3 Hours.

Topics include numerical simulation of ground water flow, solute transport, aqueous geochemistry, theoretical development of equations, hypothesis testing of conceptual models, limitations of specific methods, and error analysis. Emphasis on practical applications and problem solving. Prerequisite: GEOS 40303 or GEOS 52603 and computer literacy. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 51703. Urban Geography. 3 Hours.

Areal patterns of modern urban regions and the focus shaping these patterns. Emphasis is placed on American urban areas and their evolution and functional areas. Field work. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40703 and GEOS 51703. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 51803. Geography of the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Physical and cultural landscapes, natural and cultural resources, art and architecture, land use, political history, OPEC, and current problems of North Africa and the Middle East region west of Afghanistan are discussed. Class participation, discussions, slides and films, and student presentations will round out the class. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40403 and GEOS 51803. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 5200V. Special Problems in Human Geography. 1-6 Hour.

Special problems in human geography. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 52103. Principles of Remote Sensing. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts of remote sensing of the environment. Optical, infrared, microwave, LIDAR, and in situ sensor systems are introduced. Remote sensing of vegetation, water, urban landscapes, soils, minerals, and geomorphology is discussed. The course includes laboratory exercises in GIS software and field spectroscopy. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 52203. Sedimentary Petrology. 3 Hours.

Sediments and sedimentary rocks. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: GEOS 42203 or GEOS 53203. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 52403. Political Geography. 3 Hours.

Contemporary world political problems in their geographic context. Development of the principles of political geography with emphasis upon the problems of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 42403 and GEOS 52403. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

GEOS 52503. Geomorphology. 3 Hours.

Mechanics of landform development. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Several local field trips are required during the semester. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40503 and GEOS 52503. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 52603. Hydrogeology. 3 Hours.

Occurrence, movement, and interaction of water with geologic and cultural features. Lecture 3 hours per week. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40303 and GEOS 52603. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MATH 22003 or MATH 24004. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 52703. Principles of Geochemistry. 3 Hours.

Introduction to fundamental principles of geochemistry from historic development to modern concepts. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40603 and GEOS 52703. Prerequisite: CHEM 14201, CHEM 14203 and GEOS 23103. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 52803. Economic Geology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to mineral deposits used as economic resources. Covers basic geology and geochemistry of mineral deposit formations and the formation of major classes of deposits. Examines the relationship between the distribution of ores, oil, gas, coal, and Plate Tectonics. Explores environmental issues associated with the extraction of earth resources. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 40803 and GEOS 52803. Prerequisite: GEOS 23103. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 52903. Introduction to Global Positioning Systems and Global Navigation Satellite Systems. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of navigation, mapping, and high-precision positioning using the Navstar Global Positioning System. Topics include datum definition and transformation, map projections, autonomous and differential positioning using both code and carrier processing, and analysis of errors. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 45903 and GEOS 52903. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 53203. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. 3 Hours.

Introductory investigation of stratigraphic and sedimentologic factors important to the study of sedimentary rocks. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. A required weekend, two-day field trip will be conducted during the semester. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 42203 and GEOS 53203. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: GEOS 34103. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 53303. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. 3 Hours.

Elementary to advanced study of the origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks in a variety of plate tectonics settings. Lecture 2 hours, Laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 53503. Meteorology. 3 Hours.

Examination of the atmospheric processes that result in multifarious weather systems. Offered as physical science. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 43503 and GEOS 53503. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 53603. Climatology. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of topical climatology followed by a study of regional climatology. Offered as physical science. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 43603 and GEOS 53603. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 5370V. Geology Field Trip. 1-2 Hour.

Camping field trip to areas of geologic interest, usually conducted during Spring Break. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 4370V and GEOS 5370V. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 53803. Hazard & Disaster Assessment, Mitigation, Risk & Policy. 3 Hours.

Comprehensive introduction to interdisciplinary approaches to natural and environmental hazards and risk. Hazards and disaster assessment, mitigation, and policy are the focus of the class. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 43803 and GEOS 53803. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 53903. Mathematical Modeling of Geological Processes. 3 Hours.

This course explores a variety of topics in applied mathematics and computational methods within the context of studying geological processes and from the perspective of a modeling practitioner. Programming is conducted in Python. Knowledge of Calculus II is necessary. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 54003. American Public Lands and Policy. 3 Hours.

The course examines the role of American federal public lands in 19th-21st century geography, history, policy, and art. It investigates the growth of conservation, preservation, and management movements in the US by looking at America's national parks, forests, dams, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, managed and agricultural lands. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 54303. Geophysics. 3 Hours.

Derivation from physical principles, of the geophysical methods for mapping the Earth. Computational methods of converting gravity, magnetic, radiometric, electrical, and seismic data into geologic information. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 44303 and GEOS 54303. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MATH 25004 and PHYS 20203 and PHYS 20201 and GEOS 35104. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 54503. Introduction to Raster GIS. 3 Hours.

Theory, data structure, algorithms, and techniques behind raster-based geographical information systems. Through laboratory exercises and lectures multidisciplinary applications are examined in database creation, remotely sensed data handling, elevation models, and resource models using boolean, map algebra, and other methods. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 45503 and GEOS 54503. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with ANTH 55503.

GEOS 54603. Microtectonics. 3 Hours.

Focuses on the microstructural evolution of tectonite rocks and the constraints that can be gleaned from optical microscopic evaluation of rocks in petrographic thin-sections and hand samples. Results are evaluated in the context of plate tectonic theory and geodynamics. Knowledge of mineralogy and petrology equivalent to GEOS 23103 is required. Pre- or Corequisite: GEOS 55603. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 54703. Applied Climatology. 3 Hours.

Applied climatology involves the use of climatic data to solve a variety of social, economic and environmental problems, such as for clients in agriculture, water and energy management. The basic purpose of applied climatology is to help society, at all scales and levels, to achieve a better adjustment to the climatic environment. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 5500V. Internship in GIS & Cartography. 3-6 Hour.

Supervised experience in GIS and/or cartographic applications with municipal, county, state, or private enterprises. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 55203. Cartographic Design & Production. 3 Hours.

This course addresses advanced cartographic concepts (i.e. visual hierarchy, aesthetics, image cognition) and production techniques as they relate to computer-assisted mapping. Students produce a variety of maps using Adobe Illustrator (CS 4-6) software to build a map portfolio. Field trips may be required. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 45203 and GEOS 55203. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 55303. Introduction to Petroleum Geophysics. 3 Hours.

Introduction to seismic wave propagation and petroleum seismology with particular emphasis on seismic events, elastic waves, and seismic survey design. Credit will not be given for both GEOS 45303 and GEOS 55303. Prerequisite: MATH 25004, PHYS 20203, and GEOS 35104 or consent of instructor. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 55403. Geospatial Applications and Information Science. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the methods and theory underlying the full range of geographic information science and collateral areas - including GNSS, remote sensing, cadastral, spatial demographics and others. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 55503. Spatial Analysis Using ArcGIS. 3 Hours.

Applications of analysis of spatial data using ArcGIS tools in map design, on-line mapping, creating geodatabases, accessing geospatial data, geo-processing, digitizing, geocoding, spatial analysis including basic spatial statistics, analysis of spatial distributions and patterning and 3D application using ArcGIS 3D Analyst. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 55603. Tectonics. 3 Hours.

Development of ramifications of the plate tectonics theory. Analysis of the evolution of mountain belts. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: GEOS 35104. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 55803. Enterprise and Multiuser GIS. 3 Hours.

GIS practice that is typical of collaborative team-based geospatial organizations. Solve real-world problems through end-to-end GIS design and implementation using ArcGIS Enterprise, extensive federal, state, and local repositories, and high quality software documentation. Includes relevant training in geospatial provenance and metadata, and in enterprise and multiuser GIS administration. Introductory-level familiarity with GIS is recommended. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 55903. Introduction to Geodatabases. 3 Hours.

Fundamental concepts and applications of geospatial databases. Schema development and spatial data models for geodata. Spatial and attribute query and optimization, properties and structures of relational and object-oriented geodatabases. Spatial extensions of SQL, spatial indexing, measurement, and geometry. Course will use PostGIS, ESRI File Geodatabases, and MS-SQL. Prerequisite: GEOS 35403 and GEOS 31003 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

GEOS 5600V. Graduate Special Problems. 2-6 Hour.

Library, laboratory, or field research in different phases of geology. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 56102. Research Methods in Geosciences. 2 Hours.

Survey of research methodologies used in both geology and geography, with an emphasis on quantitative analysis. Preparation of research proposals and presentations in the field of geosciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 56503. GIS Analysis and Modeling. 3 Hours.

Unlike conventional GIS courses that focus on studying "where", this course will teach students to address beyond "where" using various GIS analysis and modeling techniques to explore "why" and "how". The course will provide theoretical and methodological reviews of the principles of cartographic modeling and multi-criteria decision-making. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 46503 and GEOS 56503. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is cross-listed with ENDY 56503.

GEOS 56603. Low-Temperature Geochemistry of Natural Waters. 3 Hours.

Covers the low-temperature geochemistry of waters and their associated minerals at Earth's surface. Examines the controls on the chemical composition of natural waters and the minerals precipitated from them. Topics covered will include water-rock interactions, pH, redox, the carbonate-water system, clay minerals and exchange, heavy metals, and a brief introduction to stable isotopes and geomicrobiology. Credit will not be given for both GEOS 46603 and GEOS 56603. Prerequisite: CHEM 14201, CHEM 14203, GEOL 11103, and GEOL 11101. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 56903. Environmental Justice. 3 Hours.

This course deals with the ethical, environmental, legal, economic, and social implications of society's treatment of the poor, the disenfranchised, and minorities who live in the less desirable, deteriorating neighborhoods, communities, and niches of our country. The class integrates science with philosophy, politics, economics, policy, and law, drawing on award-winning films, current news, and case studies. Credit will not be given for both GEOS 46903 and GEOS 56903. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 57303. Geospatial Data Science in Public Health. 3 Hours.

Introduction to geospatial data science, including geographic information systems (GIS) and related technologies, with an emphasis on their practical applications in the fields of public health, global health, healthcare analytics, healthcare administration, and other health-related fields. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 57403. Petroleum Geology. 3 Hours.

Distribution and origin of petroleum. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 42503 and GEOS 57403. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: Admission to the Geology graduate program. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 57503. Karst Hydrogeology. 3 Hours.

Assessment of ground water resources in carbonate rock terrains and how they vary with rock properties and climate. Studying the processes that develop karst conduits (caves) and understanding their impact on water quantity and quality. Prerequisite: GEOL 11103 and (MATH 22003 or MATH 24004). (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 57803. Geography of Europe. 3 Hours.

Geographic regions of the area with emphasis on their present development. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both GEOS 47803 and GEOS 57803. (Typically offered: Irregular)

GEOS 57903. Geospatial Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 3 Hours.

Geospatial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are becoming key technologies in a number of disciplines. This course will introduce safe and legal operation of UAS in aerial photography, multispectral, thermal and LIDAR applications, geodetic control, photogrammetric and computer vision processing, and the creation of accurate 2D and 3D digital information products. Pre- or Corequisite: (GEOS 32103 or GEOS 52103) and (GEOS 45903 or GEOS 52903) or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 58503. Environmental Isotope Geochemistry. 3 Hours.

Introduction to principles of isotope fractionation and distribution in geologic environments, isotopic analytical methods, and extraction of isotope samples; application of isotopes in characterization of geologic processes and interaction with hydrologic, surficial, and biologic attenuation, paleothermometry soil, and biogeochemical processes. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with ENDY 58503.

GEOS 58703. Quantitative Methods in Earth Science. 3 Hours.

Foundations of quantitative thinking, data analysis and visualization, mathematical modeling, and scientific programming, with applications in the Earth Sciences. Interpretation of scientific data and communication of results. Corequisite: Lab component. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 22003 or MATH 24004. (Typically offered: Fall)

GEOS 59303. Ancient Forest Science and Sustainability. 3 Hours.

Ancient forests preserve beautiful habitat with high ecological integrity. This course will examine the development, spatial distribution, and ongoing destruction of ancient forests worldwide, and how science can contribute to the understanding and sustainable management of these valuable resources. (Typically offered: Spring)

GEOS 59703. Seminar in GIScience. 3 Hours.

Geographic information science and technology research topics of particular interest to the graduate student class. (Typically offered: Spring) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.

GEOS 59903. Dynamics of Sediment Transport. 3 Hours.

The course will give aspiring geologists and civil engineers tools for solving sedimentological problems in their fields. Starting from a grounding in fluid mechanics, we will learn how sediment is transported and stratigraphy accumulated. This will be applied to problems in sedimentology at all scales. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

GEOS 6000V. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master's thesis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

GEOS 7000V. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-9 Hour.

Dissertation research. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Ph.D. candidacy (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.