Courses Offered

Undergraduate Courses

GLY 102 - Earth Science for Teachers (3)
This course is designed specifically for K-8 pre-service teachers and provides foundational earth science content knowledge while modeling research-based pedagogies relevant to science education. This course is designed around the major themes of Kentucky’s Core Content for Assessment in Earth and Space Science: Properties of Earth Materials, Objects in the Sky, and Changes in the Earth and Sky at the elementary level; and Structure of the Earth System, Earth’s History, and Earth in the Solar System at the middle school level. Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 107 - Gold and Diamonds (3)
This course is designed to explore the geology of gold and diamonds, including mineralogy, natural occurrence, exploration, and mining. The impact of gold, diamonds and other important earth materials on the environment, history, and society will also be discussed. Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 108 - Plate Tectonics: The Active Earth (3)
Why does Earth have mountain ranges and deep ocean trenches? Why are volcanoes found in Hawaii, Alaska, California, but not Kentucky? Why do earthquakes occur in Alaska, California, and Kentucky? Have there always been earthquakes? How long is always? (Formerly GLY 108, Introductory Geology.) Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 109 - Great Moments in Earth History (3)
Investigation of the origin of the Earth as a planet and its evolutionary development of physical and biological systems through time. Important turning points in the Earth's history will be emphasized. (Formerly GLY 109, Historical Geology.) Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 172 Geology and Human Health (3)
Investigation of the origin of the Earth as a planet and its evolutionary development of physical and biological systems through time. Important turning points in the Earth's history will be emphasized. (Formerly NAT 172, The Physical Environment.) Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 210 - Introduction to Geochemistry (3)
Prerequisite or Corequisite: ACT math score of 22, or MAT 107, or departmental approval. An introduction to the application of fundamental concepts and skills in chemistry (nomenclature, stoichiometry, bonding, chemical change) to geology, including the distribution of the elements, mineral chemistry, and radiometric dating. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for CHE 100, CHE 101, or CHE 111.

GLY 302 - Earth Science (3)
Recognize the features that characterize the various types of tectonic, physical, and climatic environments that exist on the Earth in order to classify the environment of any given place on the Earth’s surface either now or in the past. Compare and contrast different environments and their characteristic features in order to evaluate hypotheses for the origins of these environments. Evaluate the risk of natural disasters for an area given its tectonic, physical, and climatic environment. Gen Ed Block VII.

GLY 303 - Global Environmental Challenges (3)
This course investigates geologic processes that happen within the earth, on its surface, and within its atmosphere and oceans, and then demonstrates how human actions modify the end result of those events. Students investigate the immensity of geologic time as it relates to human time scales and the rates of various geologic processes, like plate tectonics and biogeochemical cycling. (Formerly GLY 303, Environmental Geology) Gen Ed Block VII.

GLY 304 - The World Ocean (3)
The course touches on key processes and their drivers that control the variability of the planet, its ocean, and its life. This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and processes of the geologic discipline, and teach students how to apply these basic principles to issues of personal and societal interest. In this course, students will learn a) how geologists collect data about the natural world, b) how geologic data are analyzed and interpreted, and c) how to draw conclusions from data to evaluate geologic impacts on personal and societal issues, in this case, on the influences of a world ocean system on the planet’s resources and climate and how our interaction with the ocean can influence the natural processes occurring on Earth. (Formerly GLY 304, Introduction to Oceanography) Gen Ed Blocks IVB and VII.

GLY 309 - Mineralogy (4)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or equivalent. Study of minerals commonly encountered in rocks and soils with minor emphasis on ore deposits: mineral geochemistry, crystal structure, classification, physical properties, optical properties, and geologic environment. Lab develops the ability to identify minerals in hand specimens and thin section.

GLY 315 - Hydrology (3)
The study of interrelationships between Earth’s systems and the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and groundwater. This course will focus on a fundamental understanding of hydrologic processes and reservoirs, the interaction between surface waters and groundwater and the relationship between human activity and these reservoirs.

GLY 351 - Field Methods (3)
Methods of field geology including description and measurement of rock sequences, introduction to geological mapping and writing geological reports.

GLY 398 - Independent Studies in Geology (1-6)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Topic determined by student and instructor. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 408 - Process Geomorphology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or departmental approval. An in-depth study of the geologic processes involved in landform development.

GLY 409 - Petrology (4)
Prerequisite: GLY 309. Nature and origin of common rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic), with emphasis on crystalline rocks. Lab develops the ability to analyze and classify rocks in hand sample and in thin section using a petrographic microscope.

GLY 410 - Structural Geology - Tectonics (4)
Prerequisites: GLY 108 or equivalent. Deformation of Earth's crust across a wide range of scale with emphasis on plate tectonics and its consequences. Lab develops the ability to analyze the geometry of deformed rock bodies and solve common structural problems.

GLY 415 - Sedimentary Geology (4)
Prerequisites: GLY 108 or equivalent. Examination of sedimentary processes and products, the characteristics and origins of sedimentary rocks and their related depositional environments, and application of these principles to solving geological problems. Laboratory develops techniques for describing and interpreting sedimentary rocks, structures, and stratigraphy.

GLY 420 - Stratigraphy and Paleontology (4)
Prerequisite: GLY 415. Description, correlation, and interpretation of stratified sedimentary sequences; identification and interpretation of the fossils they contain. Emphases: rock- vs. time- stratigraphy, facies relationships, sequence stratigraphy, event stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, well log correlation.

GLY 451 - Field Camp (6) SUMMER ONLY.
Prerequisite: GLY 409 and 410. Field-training course in the northern and central Rocky Mountains (6 weeks). Analysis of rock sequences; geologic mapping of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous terrains; interpretation of complex rock deformation; regional geological synthesis with emphasis on tectonics; and visits to many instructive geologic localities including national parks and monuments.

GLY 490 - Applied Geology: Case Studies (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 109 or departmental approval. Detailed analysis of the environmental implications of human use of earth materials and interaction with geologic processes.

GLY 490 - Applied Geology: Case Studies (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 109 or departmental approval. Detailed analysis of the environmental implications of human use of earth materials and interaction with geologic processes.

GLY 499 - Senior Thesis (3)
Prerequisite: Senior standing and departmental approval. Supervised, independent thesis project for majors in geology. Thesis project must be approved by faculty supervisor and department committee prior to enrolling in course.

GLY 500 - Earth Science Problems for Teachers: __(1-3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Designed to fit needs of individual students majoring in education (general science) who need special instruction in the earth sciences. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of nine hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 503 - Earth Materials (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or equivalent. Survey of natural materials: minerals, rocks, soils and natural resources presented in the compositional structure of the Earth. Emphasis on the interaction of these materials and human activity, and on analytical techniques.

GLY 504 - Earth Processes (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or equivalent. Survey of natural materials: minerals, rocks, soils and natural resources presented in the compositional structure of the Earth. Emphasis on the interaction of these materials and human activity, and on analytical techniques.

GLY 512 - Geology of Soils (3)
Composition, classification, and evolution of soils; role of climate, living organisms, physiography, and underlying geology in soil formation. Emphasis on clay mineralogy, soil analytical techniques, soil mapping, paleosols in the rock record, human interaction with soils, and the economic importance of soils.

GLY 535 - Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisites: GLY 108 or departmental approval. Origin, occurrence, movement, utilization, and conservation of groundwater. Qualitative and quantitative presentation of geological, physical, and geochemical aspects of groundwater hydrology.

GLY 540 - Biogeochemical Treatment Processes (3)
Prerequisite: CHE 112 or departmental approval. Survey of remediation processes for polluted wares and soils; emphasis on understanding the science of application for various treatment processes.

GLY 550 - Evolution of the Earth (3)
Prerequisite: senior standing or departmental approval. Capstone course: overview of geological principles from the perspective of earth's history, physical and biological. Emphasis on critical thinking and expressive writing.

GLY 580 - Selected Topics: ___________ (1-3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Designed to explore specific aspects of geology. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topic is different each time.

Graduate Courses

GLY 700 - Earth Science Problems for Teachers: __(1-3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Designed to fit needs of individual students majoring in education (general science) who need special instruction in the earth sciences. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of nine hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 703 - Earth Materials (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or equivalent. Survey of natural materials: minerals, rocks, soils and natural resources presented in the compositional structure of the Earth. Emphasis on the interaction of these materials and human activity, and on analytical techniques.

GLY 704 - Earth Processes (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 108 or equivalent. Survey of natural materials: minerals, rocks, soils and natural resources presented in the compositional structure of the Earth. Emphasis on the interaction of these materials and human activity, and on analytical techniques.

GLY 712 - Geology of Soils (3)
Composition, classification, and evolution of soils; role of climate, living organisms, physiography, and underlying geology in soil formation. Emphasis on clay mineralogy, soil analytical techniques, soil mapping, paleosols in the rock record, human interaction with soils, and the economic importance of soils.

GLY 735 - Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisites: GLY 108 or departmental approval. Origin, occurrence, movement, utilization, and conservation of groundwater. Qualitative and quantitative presentation of geological, physical, and geochemical aspects of groundwater hydrology.

GLY 740 - Biogeochemical Treatment Processes (3)
Prerequisite: CHE 112 or departmental approval. Survey of remediation processes for polluted wares and soils; emphasis on understanding the science of application for various treatment processes.

GLY 750 - Evolution of the Earth (3)
Prerequisite: senior standing or departmental approval. Capstone course: overview of geological principles from the perspective of earth's history, physical and biological. Emphasis on critical thinking and expressive writing.

GLY 780 - Selected Topics: ___________ (1-3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Designed to explore specific aspects of geology. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 800 - Selected Topics for Teachers: _________ (1-3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Designed to offer a range of geological topics for teacher education. May be retaken to a maximum of nine hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 802 - Scientific Communication in Geosciences (2)
Co-requisite: GLY 803. Introduction to design of research, preparation of papers for scientific publication, and the preparation and presentation of displays and papers at scientific meetings.

GLY 803 - Graduate Seminar (1)
Co-requisite: GLY 803. Weekly departmental seminar directed toward current research in geosciences. Presenters include faculty, invited professionals, and graduate students. Active participation as a presenter and an informed respondent required. Intended as a complement to GLY 802, but may be retaken to a maximum of four (4) hours.

GLY 804 - Research Methods in Geosciences (3)
Practical methodology of geological research, a modular applications course taught by various faculty with student exercises. Includes, but is not limited to, petrography (required for GLY 822 and GLY 823); orientation to available laboratory facilities, equipment, and analytical instruments; well log analysis, and field investigations.

GLY 805 - Advanced Structural Geology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 410 or departmental approval. Emphasis on plate tectonics, regional structure, and the mechanics of stress and strain.

GLY 821 - Sedimentology: ________ (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 415 or departmental approval. Emphasis on either siliciclastic or carbonate sedimentology. Study of physical, chemical, and biological processes leading to interpretation of depositional and diagenetic environments. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours if topic is different.

GLY 822 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 409, or GLY 703 and GLY 804. Mineralogy, chemistry, texture, structure, and tectonic environment of the principle suites of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis on petrogenetic models within an overall context of global tectonics.

GLY 823 - Sedimentary Petrology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 409, or GLY 703 and GLY 804. Study of composition, texture, and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on microscopic examination.

GLY 836 - Seminar: Granular Hydrogeology
Prerequisite: GLY 535/735 or departmental approval. Divergent groundwater flow in ideally homogeneous, isotropic, porous and permeable media, both vadose and phreatic; examples illustrating departures from the ideal. Seminar features exposition of theoretical concepts and their practical application, current journal articles, case studies, and student/instructor/guest presentations.

GLY 837 - Seminar: Karst Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 535/735 or departmental approval. Convergent groundwater flow in soluble rocks exhibiting heterogeneous, anisotropic, conduit dominated permeability, both vadose and phreatic. Seminar features lecture presentations relevant to comprehending and analyzing these complex aquifers, demonstration of tracer investigations and electronic monitoring, case studies, field trip, and student presentations.

GLY 838 - Seminar: Contaminant Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 535/735 or departmental approval. Point and non-point source contamination of granular and karst aquifers; vadose and phreatic zone transport of various kinds of pollutants; groundwater monitoring, aquifer restoration and environmental remediation. Seminar features exposition of theoretical concepts and their practical application, current journal articles, case studies, and student/instructor/guest presentations.

GLY 860 - Low-Temperature Geochemistry (3)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. reactions between natural waters, atmospheric gases and earth materials in surface and near surface environments. Emphasis is placed on consequences of chemical weathering, composition of surface and near surface water, geochemical cycles, and natural and anthropogenic geochemical events.

GLY 880 - Seminar: ________ (1-3)
Prerequisite: instructor approval. Designed to meet specialized needs for instruction. May be retaken to a maximum of nine hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 890 Geological Literature Review (3)
Prerequisite: GLY 802. Critical analysis of research in a specific field of geology or environmental science, written in consultation with faculty committee. Required of graduate students in non-thesis option; credit will not be given for both GLY 899 and GLY 890.

GLY 898 - Special Problems in Geology (1-6)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Topic determined by student and instructor. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours provided topic is different each time.

GLY 899 - Thesis (3-6)
Prerequisites: admission to candidacy and departmental approval. Research leading to thesis as directed by chair of thesis committee. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours.

GLY 899C - Thesis Continuation (3-9)
Prerequisite: departmental approval. Continuation of research leading to thesis as directed by chair of thesis committee. Student must have already registered for six hours of GLY 899. May be retaken as necessary. May not be used to satisfy degree program requirements.

General Education Courses
Integrated (CNM)

CNM 101 - Cosmos and Evolution I: An Exploration of Nature (3)
This science course integrates the biological and physical sciences by exploring centrally significant ideas that attempt to explain major events that have transformed the universe, the earth, and life on earth.

CNM 102 - Cosmos and Evolution II: An Exploration of Nature (3)
This science course integrates the biological and physical sciences by exploring centrally significant ideas that attempt to explain major events that have transformed the universe, the earth, and life on earth.

Natural Science (NAT)

NAT 300 - Science as a Human Endeavor (3)
Using examples from biological and physical science this course investigates the scientific community, its structure, methods, and philosophy. Emphasis is on scientific revolutions that have affected perceptions of space, time, and cause.

NAT 305 - Dinosaurs (3)
The rise, diversification, and extinction of this prominent group of organisms. This course attempts to explore how scientists make inferences about the past, including the use and limitations of physical evidence and the nature of science.

NAT 310 - Topics in the Natural Sciences (1-3)
Selected interdisciplinary topics and topics of current interest in the natural sciences. May be retaken to a maximum of three hours provided topic is different each time.

NAT 363 - Ecology and Human Affairs (3)
A biological science course that develops the basic principles of ecology, and uses them as a basis for consideration of agriculture, land use, endangered species, and other environmental issues.

NAT 380 - Science and Society (3)
By investigating incidences in which scientific knowledge interacts with society, this course attempts to understand the involvement of science with religion, government, technology, human population, energy, the environment, and the future.