Ph.D. in Geology
| Degree Description |
The Department of Geology offers graduate work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in geology. Opportunities for research and specialization include theses in:
• Hydrogeology and hydrology
• Environmental geology
• Urban geology
• Geomorphology
• Geographic information systems
• Wetlands
• Geophysics
• Petroleum geology and stratigraphy
• Structural geology and tectonics
• Sedimentology, sedimentary petrology, sedimentary geochemistry and diagenesis
• Invertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, and modern carbonate environments
• Igneous petrology and volcanology
• Geoarchaeology
| Degree Requirements |
All students accepted into the doctoral program must have received a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in geology or a related field prior to enrolling and must complete a minimum of sixty semester hours beyond the Bachelors degree (including twelve hours of dissertation) for the Ph.D. degree.
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) General Test is required within the last five years. The student's advisory committee shall consider his/her past course work and determine the courses needed for this degree. There is no foreign language requirement. All students are required to pass a preliminary examination. The dissertation must be completed as three first-author papers published in refereed journals. All Ph.D. students are required to take Geo 5110 (History of Geology) or its equivalent. All students must enroll in Geo 5050 (Geology Technical Sessions) each semester that he/she is in residence.
| Ph.D. Curriculum |
An advisement committee sets the curriculum for each student.
Ph.D. Course Listings
Geology Courses (GEO)
4255 Advanced Seismic Interpretation
Prerequisite: GEO 4458 or consent of instructor.
Modern techniques used to extract geological information from seismic reflection data. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of real data sets and the the construction of subsurface maps and sections.
4312 Oceanography
Physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans with special emphasis on the direct and indirect relationships of humans to the oceans. Such topics as mining the sea and its floor, farming the seas, and influence of the oceans on weather are included. Field trips and laboratory exercises. May not be taken for credit if GEO 1402 has been taken.
4313 Astronomy
A brief history of astronomy developments followed by a survey of the dimensions, motions, and interrelationships of bodies in our solar system. Additional emphasis is given to galaxies, stellar evolution, and cosmology. (2-1)
4314 Meteorology
Prerequisite: Upper-level standing or consent of instructor.
Composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric processes, weather disturbances, and climate elements and controls. Emphasis is placed on climate classification and measurements of human inputs into the atmosphere.
4325 Economic Mineral Deposits
Prerequisites: GEO 3427 and 3455
Non-hydrocarbon economic mineral deposits. Origin and migration of ore-bearing fluids; mineralogy and geometry of ore bodies; relations of ore deposits to magnatism and tectonics. Field trip to Central Texas mining district.
4328 Sedimentary Petrology
Prerequisites: GEO 3427 and 3435, or consent of instructor.
Microscopic and field characteristics of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on interpretation of depositional and diagenetic environments and relationships between geometry of rock bodies and sedimentary processes.
4335 Volcanology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Analysis of volcanic ejecta. Mechanisms of lava and pyroclastic eruptions. Geomorphological analysis of volcanic land forms. History of volcanological studies and case studies of well known volcanoes. Field trips.
4336 Analytical Techniques in Geochemistry
Prerequisite: GEO 3427
Principles and practice of X-ray fluorescence and electron probe analysis of geologic materials. Includes extensive laboratory work. (2-2)
4337 Paleoecology
Prerequisite: GEO 3435 or consent of instructor.
Relationship of fossil plants and animals to their physical and biological environment. Examination of principles of paleosynecology and paleoautecology; data gathering, analysis, and techniques of interpretation. (2-2)
4338 Biostratigraphy
Prerequisites: GEO 3435 and consent of instructor.
Stratigraphic units, with major emphasis on environmental interpretations and on the importance and limitations of using selected fossil groups in providing a chronological basis for detailed facies analyses. Consists of both field and laboratory studies.
4339 Advanced Marine Field Studies
Prerequisite: GEO 3341 or 5333, or BIO 3341).
Continuation of GEO 3341/5333. Field examination of marine environments. Individual research projects emphasize biology and geology of carbonate depositional regimes.
4340 Geomorphology (See GEOG 4340)
Development and modification of land-surface form by atmospheric, fluvial, glacial, mass-wasting, volcanic, and tectonics agents. Emphasis is placed on the spatial aspects of landscape evolution.
4341 Introduction to Hydrology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Basic applied techniques in surface and ground water hydrology. Surface water hydrology will incorporate analysis of precipitation records, runoff processes, and calculation of flood hazard. Ground water hydrology will emphasize hydrogeology techniques, including simple models of ground water movement.
4345 Water Management (See ENV 4345)
4346 Hydrogeology
Prerequisites: GEO 3342 and 3445
Hydrogeology (ground water hydrology) for geologists and engineers. Topics to be covered include evaporation and precipitation, soil moisture, principles of ground water flow, regional ground water flow, geology of ground water occurrence, flow to wells, ground water chemistry, and ground water development and management. (2-1)
4348 Geoarchaeology
Prerequisite: Upper-level standing or consent of instructor.
Concepts and methods of the geosciences applied to solving archaeological problems. Emphasis on stratigraphy, soils, climate, dating techniques, site formation, and site preservation related to both New World and Old World archaeology.
4371 Wetlands
Theory and application of the wetland concepts: classification, hydrology, biochemistry, soils, vegetation, construction, regulation, and delineation. Field lab.
4373 Global Soil Systems
Fundamentals of soil genesis, classification, geomorphology, ecosystems, and environmental interpretation. Includes the role of soil biogeochemical cycles in past, current, and future global change issues. Field lab.
4375 Natural Landscape Evaluation and Planning
Recognition of natural features that affect human uses. Evaluation of natural landscapes on a scale from complete preservation to full development. Experience in urban landscapes. Includes one or more Saturday field trips.
4385 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and upper-level standing.
Map properties, map design, remote sensing, GPS, and the growth and development of geographic information. Students will use computers and other tools related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
4386 Remote Sensing
Physical mechanisms of surface and atmospheric materials absorption, transmittance, reflection, and emittance of light measured by various remote sensing platforms. Survey various applications related to earth science, ecology, meteorology, and environmental science.
4387 Applied Geographic Information Systems
Prerequisite: GEOG 4385 or consent of instructor.
Principles and techniques of spatial date collecion, handling, analysis, and visualization. Application of geographic information systems technology in land use, ecology, resource management, environmental site evaluation, demographics and marketing, and map-making. Hands-on experienc with workstation and ware.
4430 Vertebrate Paleontology (See BIO 4430)
4457 Geophysical Exploration I
Prerequisites: GEO 3342 and 3445 and consent of instructor.
Exploration geophysics, using gravity, magnetics, heat flow, telluric currents, resistivity, and other methods of remote sensing of hidden geological phenomena exclusive of seismic exploration. Laboratory work will emphasize geological interpretation of geophysical data.
4458 Geophysical Exploration II
Prerequisites: GEO 3342 and 3445 and consent of instructor.
Exploration geophysics, using latest seismic techniques and well-log analyses, with emphasis on petroleum exploration.
4459 Engineering Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Soil and rock mechanics. Analysis of geotechnical problems in the field and lab, report preparation, and computer evaluation of geotechnical problems. (3-4)
4465 Petroleum Geology
Prerequisites: GEO 3342 and 3445.
Origin, migration, and accumulation of petroleum. Exploration and production methods for hydrocarbon recovery. (2-6)
4656 Geophysical Field Training
Prerequisite: GEO 4457 or 4458, or consent of instructor.
Practice in the efficient, accurate, and cost effective acquisition of geophysical data in the field. The course will involve field practice with gravimeters, magnetometers, borehole drilling and logging devices, exploration seismic gear, surface electrical prospecting equipment, physical laboratory models, and digital data processing equipment as specific equipment is available from summer to summer. Field work will be conducted on a weekly schedule of at least five half days, with data reduction taking up the remaining time.
5050 Geology Technical Sessions
A forum for: (a) outside speakers, (b) presentation of student research, (c) discussion of current geologic and geophysical literature, and (d) guidance in thesis preparation. May be repeated as required by the department. M.S. and M.A. students must attend at least four semesters. Ph.D. candidates must attend while in residence.
5110 History of Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of the department.
Evolution of geological thought. Required, or its equivalent, of all M.S., M.A., and Ph.D. candidates.
5252 Seismic Stratigraphy
Interpretation of seismic data for the purpose of inferring stratigraphic changes and depositional environments.
5308 Advanced Studies in Earth Science
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Special topics in earth science. May be repeated once with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5315 Clastic/Carbonate Depositional Systems
Prerequisites: GEO 4328 and 3342.
Criteria for the recognition of clastic and carbonate depositional environments.
5318 Advanced Studies in Geophysics
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in geophysics. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5320 Geochemistry
Prerequisites: CHE 1302, GEO 3342 and 3445. Advanced standing in geology.
Application of isotope geochemistry, thermodynamics, and phase equilibrium studies to the solution of geological problems.
5321 Isotope Geochemistry
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Theory and application of stable and radioactive isotopes in geology with particular emphasis on the use of stable isotopes in solving environmental and hydrogeologic problems.
5325 Advanced Studies in Geochemistry-Petrology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in geochemistry-petrology. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5329 Igneous Petrology
Prerequisites: GEO 3427 and graduate standing.
Intensive examination of igneous rocks. Format and subject material will vary from year to year, but will include descriptive and genetic aspects of igneous rocks and their relationships to tectonic settings. Laboratory and field trips.
5331 Field Geology for Earth Scientists I
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Field experience in the American West. Designed with exercises to acquaint graduate earth science majors with the fundamentals of field geology. Offered in the field during summer sessions for three(3) hours of credit.
5332 Field Geology for Earth Scientists II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Continuation of GEO 5331. Offered in the field during summer sessions for three hours of credit.
5333 Modern/Ancient Depositional Environments I
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Field study of depositional systems and facies. Course participants will examine modern depositional environments varying from fluvial, deltaic, beach, and nearshore systems to modern barrier and fringing reefs along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and in the Caribbean. These depositional environments will be used to interpret ancient sedimentary facies examined in the field during the last portion of the course. Offered in the field during summer session for three hours of credit.
5334 Modern/Ancient Depositional Environments II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Continuation of GEO 5333. Offered in the field during the summer session for three hours of credit.
5335 Principles of Micropaleontology
Prerequisite: GEO 3435
Taxonomy, morphology, evolution, paleoecology, and stratigraphic occurrence of important microfossils. Independent field and laboratory problems may be required. (1-4)
5337 Advanced Studies in Remote Sensing Geomorphology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in remote sensing and geomorphology. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5338 Advanced Studies in Paleontology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in paleontology. May be repeated wtih change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5339 Sandstone Petrology
Prerequisites: GEO 4328 and graduate standing.
Petrography of clastic sedimentary rocks. Includes mineralogical study, provenance analysis, and diagenetic interpretation. Field trips.
5341 Cordilleran Tectonics
Prerequisite(s): GEO 3445 and consent of instructor.
Geologic history of the North American Cordillera from Precambrian to present, based on analysis of stratigraphic, structural, paleomagnetic, and paleobiogeographic constraints.
5343 Stratigraphy
Prerequisite: GEO 3342
Concepts of facies analysis and spatial prediction are presented within a swquence stratigraphic context. The course is conducted as a three week field excursion to west Texas, New Mexico and Utah. The course emphasizes both outcrop and subsurface problem solving, and is supplemented by extensive literature review.
5344 Field Structural Geology I
Instruction in advanced and specialized methods of structural analysis applied to a variety of problems in structural geology. Both local and regional structural relationships will be studied. Location of field study areas will be determined by instructor.
5347 Advanced Hydrogeology
Prerequisite: GEO 4346 or consent of instructor.
Analytical techniques and concepts necessary for hydrogeologic research and problem solving. Areas of emphasis will include field methods, well hydraulics, and computer models of ground water systems. Occasional field trips will be required as part of the laboratory.
5348 Applied Ground Water Modeling
Prerequisite: GEO 5347
Lectures on the theory of analytical and numerical models applied to hydrogeological research. Laboratory exercises will involve solving hydrogeological problems, using the models discussed in lecture.
5349 Urban Geology
Interrelationships between geological processes and urban development. Case histories and applied field projects will be examined in surrounding urban areas.
5368 Advanced Studies in Sedimentary Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in sedimentary geology. May be repeated once with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5369 Advanced Studies in Petroleum Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in petroleum geology. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5377 Advanced Studies in Structural Geology-Tectonics
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in structural geology-tectonics. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5378 Advanced Studies in Hydrogeology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Special topics in hydrogeology. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5388 Advanced Studies in Hydrology-Engineering Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructorl
Special topics in hydrology-engineering geology. May be repeated with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5398 Advanced Studies in Environmental-Urban Geology
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Special topics in environmental-urban geology. May be repeated once with change of content. Maximum 6 sem. hrs.
5457 Gravity, Magnetic, and Electrical Exploration
Theory and applications of gravitational, magnetic, and electrical techniques to subsurface exploration.
5458 Seismic Exploration
Seismic refraction and reflection techniques and their application to petroleum exploration and to problems of shallow geologic structure.
5656 Application of Geophysics to Environmental Engineering Problems
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
A field course in which seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, well logging and ground penetrating radar techniques are used to solve problems associated with waste disposal, groundwater, and engineering characterizations.
5V90 Special Problems in Geology
Individual course in which students solve a geologic problem and submit a written report. Staff approval required. 1 to 5 sem. hrs.
5V99 Thesis
Prerequisite: Staff approval required. 1 to 6 sem. hrs.
6V99 Dissertation
Required of all doctoral candidates. In no case will less than twelve semester hours be accepted for a dissertation. Students may not enroll for dissertation hours until they have been officially accepted into candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. After initial enrollment, students must enroll for at least one semester hour of dissertaion every semester (summer semester excluded). Staff approval required.
Geography Courses (GEOG)
4314 Meteorology
Prerequisite: Upper-level standing or consent of instructor.
Composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric processes, weather disturbances, and climate elements and controls. Emphasis is placed on climate classification and measurements of human inputs into the atmosphere.
4315 Political Geography
Concepts and principles of political geography. Analysis of dynamics of spatial relations and interactions of states. Comparison of main approaches, including geo-politics. Study of state elements, especially territorial integrity and frontiers. Survey and analysis of world political patterns.
4333 Coastal Zone Management
Strategies for managing flood and storm risk, pollution mitigation, recreational development and fisheries exploitation.
4340 Geomorphology
Development and modification of land-surface form by atmospheric, fluvial, glacial, mass-wasting, volcanic, and tectonics agents. Emphasis is placed on the spatial aspects of landscape evolution.
4350 Field Geography
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
The field experience of an overseas or domestic geographic problem using accepted geographic research techniques and resulting in an illustrated written report.
4385 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and upper-level standing.
Map properties, map design, remote sensing, GPS, and the growth and development of geographic information. Students will use computers and other tools related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
4386 Remote Sensing
Prerequisite: GEOG 4385 or consent of instructor.
Application of remote sensing to a variety of geologic problems with emphasis on geologic interpretation of multiple image data sets.
4387 Applied Geographic Information Systems
Prerequisite: GEOG 4385 or consent of instructor.
Principles and techniques of spatial date collecion, handling, analysis, and visualization. Application of geographic information systems technology in land use, ecology, resource management, environmental site evaluation, demographics and marketing, and map-making. Hands-on experienc with workstation and ware.
