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Graduate Courses (6000 level)

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Hydrogeology Field Course

Geologic Mapping Course in the Upper Peninsula (GEOS 4380)

Geologic Mapping Course in the Upper Peninsula (GEOS 4390)

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WMU Course Catalog

GEOS 6000 - Hydrogeochemistry
Geochemical origin and characteristics of surface water and groundwater; equilibrium thermodynamics, the carbonate system, redox processes, ion exchange, organic compounds and isotopes. Prerequisite: GEOS 5120 or consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6050 - Groundwater Modeling
Study of groundwater flow and contaminant transport rates using analytical and numerical models. Prerequisite: GEOS 5120 and MATH 1230. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6080 - Advanced Hydrogeochemistry
Investigation of selected topics in hydrogeochemistry. A problem-oriented approach to the study of classical and current topics dealing with natural and contaminated groundwaters. Prerequisite: GEOS 6000. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6090 - Surface Water Hydrology
Hydrology describes the waters of the earth, their occurrence, circulation and distribution, and their reaction with the environment. Emphasis is on quantitative aspects of surface water. Topics include; stream flow, precipitation, evapotranspiration, hydrographs, runoff, probability analysis and modeling. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6110 - Advanced Stratigraphy
Credits: 3 hours
This class will be mainly a discussion forum on topics related to rock-based sequence and cycle stratigraphy, with a strong bias towards carbonate systems. The two primary goals for this class are: 1) to introduce the student to the value of using a rock-based sequence stratigraphic approach to better understand the 3-D distribution of sedimentary systems; and 2) to do so in such a way that encourages the student to critically evaluate the peer-reviewed literature while also being able to develop clear, concise written and oral arguments for and against the application of these techniques in different settings.

GEOS 6120 - Advanced Hydrology
Analytical and numerical analysis of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Topics include well hydraulics, flow in unsaturated soils, multiphase flow, and advection-dispersion. Prerequisites: GEOS 5120, 6050, and MATH 1230. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6130 - Wetlands Hydrology
Introduction to hydrologic function of wetlands, wetlands classification, and the relationship between hydrology and soil and plants. Emphasis will be placed on the use of these parameters in wetlands delineation. Prerequisite: GEOS 5120 or consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6140 - Environmental Regulatory Overview
Study of those federal and state laws that govern the distribution, use and pollution of natural waters. Emphasis is placed on current interpretations and policy. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6150 - Contaminant Hydrology
Theory and field methods related to the transport of contaminants in groundwater. Includes theoretical considerations, case histories, law, analysis of problems, and preparation of hydrogeological reports. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6170 - Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Application of stable isotopes in the study of hydrologic cycle, global change, and atmospheric processes. Cosmochemical implications of stable isotope systematics in extra-terrestrial samples. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6300 - Structural Analysis
The theory of and methods involved in the geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis of deformed rock bodies. All scales of observation are considered from hand specimens to large map areas. Prerequisites: GEOS 4300 and consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6340 - Research in Geology and Earth Science
Advanced readings or research in an area to be selected after consultation with a supervising staff member. May be repeated for credit (for no more than a total of six hours). Credits: 1-4 hours

GEOS 6450 - Carbonate and Clastic Petrology
Identification, recognition, and analysis of sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and thin section. Study of the distribution of sediments in basinal settings. Prerequisites: GEOS 4330 and 4350, or consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6460 - Carbonate and Evaporite Depositional Systems
This course is focused primarily on the fundamentals of carbonate sediments and sedimentation, and the understanding of carbonate and evaporite depositional environments. The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the necessary background and experience to accurately describe carbonate facies, interpret depositional settings, and be able to develop a reasonable regional interpretation. We will stress the "comparative sedimentology" approach, using a variety of modern and ancient examples.

GEOS 6500 - Topics in Geology and Earth Science
An intense study of specific subjects in the area of Earth Science as listed. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Subject to be offered during a semester or term will be announced in advanced. Credits: 2-4 hours

GEOS 6550 - Quantitative Basin Analysis
Theory and practical application of sequence stratigraphy and backstripping; two fundamental tools of the petroleum industry and academic community. Prerequisites: GEOS 4350 and GEOS 5600 or consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6560 - Clastic Depositional Systems
Description and analysis of clastic depositional systems and discussion of the sediment they produce. Laboratory investigations include stratigraphic and seismic analysis. Prerequisite: GEOS 4350 or consent of instructor. Credits: 3 hours

GEOS 6600 - Seminar in Geology and Earth Science
A seminar designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine and discuss important problems in Earth Science. Oral presentations will be required. Prerequisite: consent. Credits: 1 hour

GEOS 6660 - Advanced Hydrology Seminar
Topics in theoretical and applied hydrology. Course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Credits: 1-3 hours

OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY:

GEOS 7000 - Master's Thesis
Credits: 6 hours

GEOS 7100 - Independent Research
Credits: 2-6 hours

GEOS 7120 - Professional Field Experience
Credits: 2-12 hours

GEOS 7300 - Doctoral Dissertation
Credits: 15 hours

GEOS 7350 - Graduate Research
Credits: 2-10 hours

Department of Geosciences
1187 Rood Hall
1903 West Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 387-5485
Fax: (269) 387-5513
mohamed.sultan@wmich.edu

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©2007 Department of Geosciences, WMU