College of Sciences • Graduate Catalog

Geoscience

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The Department of Geoscience is an active and enthusiastic department consisting of seventeen full-time faculty, approximately thirty-five graduate students and 80 undergraduate majors. The department offers a program of courses, seminars and research opportunities leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Geoscience. The interests of the faculty and students cover a wide range of topics, and graduate student research may be conducted with emphasis in one or more of the following fields: economic geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geochronology, geographic information systems, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrogeology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, invertebrate paleontology, Quaternary geology, sedimentology, soil studies, stratigraphy, structural geology, surficial processes, tectonics, and volcanology. Active research by faculty and students is ongoing throughout the western United States as well as in Antarctica, Australia, Canada, Jordan, New Zealand, Russia, and South America.

The department encourages interdisciplinary research. Opportunities for geological and interdisciplinary research may be pursued with organizations near or on campus that cooperate with the department including: the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies; the Water Resources Center of the Desert Research Institute (DRI), a division of the University and Community College System of Nevada; the Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Department of Energy; and other university departments such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Students are encouraged to read the general graduate college rules and regulations elsewhere in this catalog and to read the Department of Geoscience Graduate Student Guidelines, which are provided to each new graduate student and available in the department office. An understanding of these documents is essential for satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Admission Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees in Geoscience

Admission may be in the spring or fall semester.

Admission requirements include:

1. A bachelor’s degree in geology or an appropriate related field. At least six specified geology courses are required.

2. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.00.

3. Satisfactory scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals competent to comment on the applicant’s promise as a graduate student.

5. A letter of application stating interests and goals for graduate study.

6. Submission of academic transcripts.

7. Submission of an application and fees to the Graduate College.

To apply, send official copies of all academic transcripts, GRE test scores, and application and fees to the Graduate College; send unofficial copies of all academic transcripts and GRE scores, and items 4 and 5 to the Department of Geoscience.

Degree Requirements for Master of Science

A minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the undergraduate degree is required for the M.S. degree in Geoscience. Six credits of GEY 797 (Thesis) and 24 credits of course work will be counted toward the degree program although more course and thesis credits may be taken. Of the 24 required course credits, at least 12 credits must be in 700-level courses and include GEY 701 and 795. GEY 701 and 795 should be taken during the first year of enrollment. Credits taken at another institution will be considered for transfer, however, at least 16 of the 24 course credits required for the degree must be taken at UNLV.

Students must confer with their appointed advisor prior to enrollment in their first semester. An approved degree program and thesis prospectus must be filed with the Graduate College, and a thesis committee must be appointed by the end of the second semester after admission to the college. This responsibility rests with the student. Students will be dropped from the program and separated from the Graduate College if they fail to fulfill this requirement.

Satisfactory progress toward meeting the degree requirements is required of all students. Satisfactory progress includes maintaining at least a 3.00 grade point average in all graduate-level courses. One grade of B- is permitted in the degree program as long as the GPA remains at or above 3.00. One grade of C+ or lower automatically puts the student on probation even if the GPA remains above 3.00. Two grades of C+ or lower will result in automatic suspension from the program.

Degree Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral degree requires course work, written and oral examinations, and a written dissertation, which may consist of three or more publishable papers. A minimum of 60 credits past the baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree is required. Students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree in geology or a related field will be awarded 24 credits toward the Ph.D. Credits taken at another institution will be considered for transfer; however, at least two-thirds of the minimum number of credits required for the degree, not including dissertation credits, must be taken at UNLV.

Course selection is based on the student’s research objectives. The student, the advisor and the doctoral advising committee will design the degree program. All Ph.D. students must take at least 12 credits of GEY 799 (Dissertation). The 60 credits required of those students entering the program with a B.S. and must include at least 24 course credits at the 700 level. The 36 credits required of those students entering the program with an M.S. degree must include at least 12 course credits at the 700 level. In both cases the 700-level courses must include GEY 701; remaining courses may be at the 600 or 700 level. Although more course work and dissertation credits may be taken, only 12 credits of GEY 799, and 48 course credits for those entering the program with a B.S. or 24 course credits for those entering the program with an M.S. will be counted toward the degree program.

Doctoral students are encouraged to take courses from outside of geoscience; however, a minimum of 15 credits must be geoscience (GEY) courses. A maximum of three credits of Independent Study (GEY 793) are permitted, except in special circumstances in which case permission from the doctoral advising committee, the department Graduate Coordinator and the department chair is required.

A dissertation advisor should be chosen by the end of the first semester, and the doctoral advising committee should be appointed prior to the beginning of the third semester. An approved graduate degree program should be filed prior to the beginning of the third semester of enrollment. Students may request a maximum of 15 graduate credits taken at UNLV prior to admission be included in the graduate degree program, providing those credits were not used to fulfill undergraduate requirements and a grade of B (3.00) or higher was achieved.

A typical Ph.D. student will spend four years completing the required course work and research, and the department and advisor will strive to provide four academic years of support. During this time, the student must be a teaching assistant or instructor for at least one semester.

Satisfactory progress toward meeting the degree requirements is required of all candidates. Satisfactory progress is defined as, at minimum:

1. Maintenance of at least a 3.00 grade point average in all graduate-level courses. Two grades of B- are permitted in the degree program as long as the GPA remains at or above 3.00. Two grades of C+ or lower will result in automatic suspension from the program.

2. Satisfactory performance on written and oral comprehensive examinations. Students will complete two comprehensive examinations. One exam focuses on the dissertation proposal and the student’s ability to perform research. It includes a formal oral presentation of the student’s dissertation proposal, research to date, and question by the dissertation advisory committee on the dissertation topic. The other comprehensive exam focuses on the student’s knowledge of specified topics within geoscience. This exam is typically taken after the majority of course work is completed. Students who fail to pass either parts of the Comprehensive Examination on the first attempt must successfully complete a second examination (as specified by the doctoral advising committee) within the next twelve months. Students who entered the program with a baccalaureate degree and who fail the second examination may be allowed to continue as a Master of Science student with the consent of the doctoral advising committee. Students who fail the examination a second time will be separated from the program. A student who has successfully passed both parts of the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination will be admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

3. Satisfactory performance on a final examination will consist of the presentation and defense of the dissertation research. The defense will consist of a presentation open to the public, a short period of questions from the public, and a closed session of questions from the doctoral advising committee. Any graduate faculty member may attend the closed session of the defense.

GEY 701 - 3 credits
Research Methods in Geoscience
Discussion of the processes of scientific research and research design as applied to modern geoscience. Includes scientific approaches to field and laboratory research, research and professional ethics, writing, and public presentation. Model thesis prospectus and grant proposals prepared. Required weekend field trips familiarize students with the local geology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 707 - 3 credits
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Investigates stable isotopes in the hydrologic and geologic cycles, and their use as tracers in paleoclimatology, hydrogeology, and oceanography. Theory and research applications of stable isotopes in geologic, biologic, water, and atmospheric samples, including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, strontium, and sulfur isotopes.

GEY 708 - 3 credits
Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
Principles of radiogenic isotope geochemistry as a monitor of geochemical processes in the mantle, lithosphere, and hydrosphere; applications to petrology, tectonics, economic geology, marine geology and paleoclimatology.

GEY 709 - 3 credits
Hydrologic Techniques
Field and laboratory data and sample collection concerning ground water and surface water quality and quantity. Prerequisite: GEY 700.

GEY 710 - 4 credits
Igneous Petrology
Origin of igneous rocks, relation of magma types to tectonic settings, physical properties of magmas, application of trace elements and isotopes to petrogenesis, modeling of crystal fractionation and partial melting, phase diagrams. Six hours laboratory. Prerequisite: GEY 325 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

GEY 711 - 3 credits
Principles of Hydrology and Hydraulics
Consideration of modern concepts of hydrology and hydraulics. Includes coverage of statistical methods of analysis, unsteady flow, channel design, modeling and simulation, urban hydrology, and design of hydraulic structures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GEY 712 - 3 credits
Watershed Hydrology
Concepts and processes controlling water movement and distribution within the watershed; analysis techniques for understanding watershed dynamics; numerical simulation of various watershed-scale hydrologic processes. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GEY 715 - 4 credits
Advanced Hydrogeology
Advanced concepts used in ground water investigations, including flow system analysis, resource evaluation, exploration, development, and monitoring. Prerequisite: GEY 674.

GEY 716 - 3 credits
Geostatistics
Analysis of the spatial and temporal variations in geologic, hydrologic and geochemical data, including derived distributions, time series analysis, correlation and spectral analysis, interpolation techniques, cluster analysis and sensitivity and uncertainty techniques. Prerequisites: STA 491 or 691 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor.

GEY 719 - 3 credits
Vadose Zone Hydrology
Basic physical properties of soils and water and the physical principles governing the soil-water system. Modeling the transport of moisture and chemicals in unsaturated soil with applications to practical field problems. Prerequisite: GEY 674.

GEY 720 - 4 credits
Advanced Geochemistry
Contemporary geochemistry applied to igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, economic mineral deposits, and problems of the origin of the Earth and other terrestrial planets. Six hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 725 - 3 credits
Seminar in Petrology
Analysis of current problems, concepts, and research in petrology and closely related fields. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 727 - 4 credits
Metamorphic Petrology
Application of field studies, petrography, mineralogy, phase equilibria, and isotopic methods to the study of metamorphic rocks and crustal evolution; explores relationships among metamorphism, tectonics and thermal evolution of the crust. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: GEY 429/629 or equivalent and graduate standing, or consent of instructor.

GEY 730 - 3 credits
Seminar in Quaternary Studies
Evaluation of current methodology focused on solving problems of Quaternary chronology, geomorphic processes, and environmental reconstruction. Emphasis on pluvial and post-pluvial environments of the western United States, the evolution of landforms and the development of stratigraphic units and surficial geology originating during the past three million years. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 735 - 3 credits
Seminar in Environmental Geology
Application of basic geologic concepts to environmental problems: emphasis on geologic hazards, waste disposal, urban planning, resource policy issues, and environmental programs. Prerequisite: GEY 672 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

GEY 740 - 3 credits
Arid Zone Soils
(Same as BIO 745) The role soils have in the soil-plantatmospheric continuum of arid regions, the influence of arid zone soils on all aspects of plant growth and development, influence of soil forming factors on the development of arid soils. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

GEY 742 - 3 credits
Seminar in Volcanology
Analysis of current problems, concepts, and research in volcanology and closely related fields. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 743 - 3 credits
Seminar in Planetary Geology
Analysis of current problems, concepts, and research in planetary geology with emphasis on newly available data. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 744 - 3 credits
Tectonics and Structures
Analysis of upper crustal deformation with emphasis on faulting, neotectonics and seismic interpretation; includes a group research project with field and literature data collection, analysis and results suitable for presentation at a professional conference. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GEY 745 - 3 credits
Advanced Structural Geology
Analysis of deformation of the Earth’s crust with emphasis on deformation mechanisms operative in rocks at different crustal levels; the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of common geological structural associations, and mechanism and styles of deformation in orogenic belts. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: GEY 341 and GEY 349.

GEY 746 - 4 credits
Strain and Microstructural Analysis
Examination of the principles and techniques of finite and incremental strain analysis and their application to naturally deformed rocks. Investigation of plastic deformation processes and deformation mechanisms, and recognition and interpretation of microstructures developed during deformation. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: GEY 341 or consent of instructor.

GEY 747 - 3 credits
Geological Evolution of Western North America
Study of the geological evolution of western North America. Emphasis on the stratigraphic, structural, and tectonic development of the continent within the framework of plate tectonics. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: GEY 223, GEY 341, GEY 462.

GEY 749 - 3 credits
Advanced Geochronology and Thermochronology
Detailed discussion of isotopic dating of rocks with application to geologic problems. Diffusion theory and reconstruction of thermal histories of rocks. Includes surface exposure dating using cosmogenic isotopes, study of uranium series disequilibrium, luminescence, electron spin resonance, and 14c dating. Prerequisite: GEY 426.

GEY 750 - 3 credits
Seminar in Paleobiology
Fossil record as a tool for understanding evolutionary processes, the early history of life, eruptive radiation, mass extinction, macroevolution, and the origin of higher taxa. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geology or biology or consent of instructor.

GEY 755 - 3 credits
Seminar in Paleontology
Special topics of current interest in paleontology, with emphasis on Great Basin fossil faunas. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in geology or biology or consent of instructor.

GEY 760 - 4 credits
Advanced Spatial Modeling with GIS
Advanced study in computer-based techniques for the storage, retrieval, analysis, and representation of spataially referenced data. Emphasis on the development of spatially distributed models in the geosciences using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Students required to develop system models in their chosen thesis area. Prerequisite: GEY 430 or GEY 630. Three hours lecture and three hours lab.

GEY 762 - 3 credits
Geological Applications of Computers
Use of computer algorithms to solve geological problems, geostatistics, modeling of geological processes. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and CSC 116 and 169.

GEY 765 - 3 credits
Seminar in Stratigraphy
Special topics in stratigraphy with emphasis on southern Nevada and adjacent regions. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 770 - 3 credits
Sedimentary Basins
Analysis of current ideas concerning the plate tectonic setting and evolution of sedimentary basins. Emphasis on characteristic styles of basin sedimentation and resulting stratigraphic framework, provenance of basin fill, chronologic relationship of tectonic events and sedimentation, and methods of basin analysis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 775 - 3 credits
Seminar in Economic Geology
Analysis of current problems, concepts and research in economic geology and closely related fields. Prerequisite: GEY 677 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

GEY 777 - 3 credits
Instrumental Techniques in Geology
Use of modern instrumentation to acquire geological and geochemical data. Includes, but not limited to, the practical application of x-ray diffraction and fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Six hours laboratory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

GEY 779 - 3 credits
Theory of Ore Deposition
Study of physical and chemical processes which contribute to metal solubility, transport, and precipitation. Includes fundamental geochemical and thermodynamic concepts as they apply to ore and gangue mineral stability under various geologic conditions. Prerequisites: GEY 429 and GEY 477.

GEY 780 - 3 credits
Terrigenous Depositional Systems
Examination of modern non-marine and marine depositional environments that are dominated by terrigenous sediments, the processes that operate in these settings, and responses of sediment to the processes. Establish criteria for recognizing these environments and processes in ancient terrigenous sequences. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and GEY 462 or consent of instructor.

GEY 781 - 3 credits
Carbonate Depositional Systems
Examination of modern non-marine and marine depositional environments dominated by carbonate sediments, the organisms that produce the sediments, the processes that operate in these settings, and responses of sediment to the processes. Establish criteria for recognizing these environments and processes in ancient carbonate sequences. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and GEY 462 or consent of instructor.

GEY 782 - 4 credits
Sandstone Petrology
Description, classification, and interpretation of terrigenous sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on petrographic methods applied to sandstones and interpretation of provenance of sedimentary sequences. Prerequisite: GEY 780 (corequisite) or consent of instructor.

GEY 783 - 4 credits
Carbonate Petrology
Study of the physical and chemical factors important in the genesis and diagenesis of carbonate sediments and rocks. Various analytical techniques covered, with emphasis on thin section petrography for deciphering rock components and diagenesis. Prerequisite: GEY 781 (corequisite) or consent of instructor.

GEY 785 - 1-4 credits
Seminar in Sedimentology
Analysis of current problems, concepts, and research in sedimentary geology and related fields. Emphasis may be upon the genesis and diagenesis of specific sedimentary sequences or upon particular depositional or diagenetic environments. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and either GEY 780 or GEY 781, or consent of instructor.

GEY 786 - 3 credits
Soils Applications: Paleoclimate, Neotectonics, Archeology
Special topics of current interest in soil science with emphasis on the use of soils for applications in geomorphology, paleoclimate, neotectonics, and/or archeology. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in geology, biology, anthropology, or consent of instructor.

GEY 787 - 1-6 credits
Thesis Research
Supervised research prior to approval of master’s program prospectus. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits, but only one credit can be applied to the student’s program. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the M.S. program.

GEY 789 - 1-6 credits
Dissertation Research
Supervised research prior to advancement to candidacy in the doctoral program. May be repeated, but only two credits can be applied to the student’s program. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the doctoral program.

GEY 792 - 1-3 credits
Seminar in Hydroscience
Specialized topics in hydroscience.

GEY 793 - 1-3 credits
Independent Study and Research
Independent study and research projects in some field of geology. Proposed project for study must be submitted in writing to the graduate program coordinator and the department chair for approval and credit evaluation at least two weeks prior to registration. May be repeated for credit, but only three credits are permitted per instructor unless special permission is received. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GEY 795 - 1 credit
Poster Presentation and Time Management
Presentation of geological information in poster format, and time management skills. Poster presentation includes layout and design, focus, data versus interpretation, computer graphics, verbal presentation and referencing. Time management issues include scheduling, planning, organization, and productivity. Should be taken during first or second semester of graduate program. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Geoscience.

GEY 796 - 1-3 credits
Advanced Topics in Geoscience
Variety of advanced studies of current and/or topical interest in specialized areas of geoscience. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Varies, depending upon the specific topic.

GEY 797 - 1-6 credits
Thesis
May be repeated, but only six credits applied to the student’s program. S/F grading only. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

GEY 799 - 3-6 credits
Dissertation
Research analysis and writing toward completion of dissertation and subsequent defense. Twelve credits are required for the degree, may be repeated, but only twelve credits will be applied to the student’s degree program. Prerequisite: Successful completion of qualifying examination and approval by department. May be repeated but only a maximum of 12 credits may be used in students degree program S/F grade.

Graduate credit may be obtained for courses designated 600 or above. Full descriptions of these courses may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog under the corresponding 400 number. Credit at the 600-level normally requires additional work.

GEY 610 Soil Classification and Resource Management

GEY 620 Introduction to X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Spectrometry Methods

GEY 629 Geochemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

GEY 630 Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Theory and Applications

GEY 633 Glacial and Periglacial Geology

GEY 634 Quaternary Geology

GEY 636 Quaternary Paleoecology

GEY 637 Paleoclimatology

GEY 640 Volcanology

GEY 643 Plate Tectonics

GEY 644 Tectonics of Orogenic Belts

GEY 645 Geophysical Methods

GEY 646 Geologic Applications in Remote Sensing

GEY 649 Geochronology

GEY 671 Petroleum Geology

GEY 672 Environmental Geology

GEY 673 Soil Genesis and Geomorphology

GEY 674 Hydrogeology

GEY 675 Hydrogeochemistry

GEY 677 Geology of Metallic Ore Deposits

GEY 690 Microtechniques in Geoscience style