Graduate Courses Offered by Department

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 360. Introduction to environmental studies through the application of remotely sensed imagery and geospatial technologies. The course covers principles of remote sensing, interactions of electromagnetic energy with the atmosphere and earth's surface, satellite systems and sensors (electro-optical, thermal, radar and LiDAR). Emphasis is placed on regional and global monitoring, land cover mapping, forestry, agriculture, geology, planning and oceanography. Laboratory emphasizes interpretation of remotely sensed imagery and introduction to digital image processing including enhancements, corrections and classification routines. May be taught concurrently with GEO 551. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 551 and GEO 651.

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 363 or permission of instructor. Principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Examines the nature and accuracy of spatially referenced data, as well as methods of data capture, storage, retrieval, visualization and output. This course will emphasize the application of GIS to solving geospatial problems in various disciplines. May be taught concurrently with GEO 561. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 661 and GEO 561.

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 561 or GEO 661. Basic understanding of the contemporary standards for using the Internet to distribute and utilize geospatial data. Students will set up and maintain a WebGIS server, design maps, and publish maps to the WebGIS server. A major part of the course will examine the development of WebGIS applications that utilize the published WebGIS services. May be taught concurrently with GEO 562. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 562 and GEO 662.

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 561 or GEO 661. A theoretical and practical examination of analytical methods used in GIS, including point pattern/clustering analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation, analysis of fields, spatial interpolation, map overlay and cartographic modeling, and new approaches to spatial analysis. May be taught concurrently with GEO 566. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 566 and GEO 666.

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 561 or GEO 661. Theoretical and applied aspects of map design in thematic mapping, animated mapping, interactive and web mapping. Emphasis will be applying computer-assisted mapping techniques of the problems of effective and efficient communication of spatial data. Field trip is required. May be taught concurrently with GEO 568. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 668 and GEO 568.

A project-based exploration of geospatial methods and processing techniques for the analysis, modeling, and prediction of hydrologic and geomorphic processes at various landscape scales. An emphasis will be placed on the applications of digital elevation models, remotely sensed data, and modeling techniques to understand landscape processes of interest to fields such as geology, physical geography, agriculture, soils, ecological systems, and archaeology. May be taught concurrently with GEO 569. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 669 and GEO 569.

Recommended Prerequisite: GRY 360. Course covers basic concepts of photogrammetry and LiDAR techniques such as stereo feature extraction, orthophoto, LiDAR point cloud visualization and DEM/DTM generation. Laboratory emphasizes geospatial stereo feature extraction using digital photogrammetry software, ArcGIS and Matlab toolboxes. May be taught concurrently with GEO 572. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 572 and GEO 672.

Recommended Prerequisite: GEO 561 or GEO 661, and either CIS 202 or CSC 121 or CSC 125. Course devoted to theories and processes of analytical and automated Geographic Information Science (GIS). Principal topics covered are spatial programming, geographic data storage, computer map rendering, application customization and automation and human interface development of GIS. Advanced GIS and programming skills for professional development are emphasized. May be taught concurrently with GEO 573. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 573 and GEO 673.

Theory and operation of global positioning systems (GPS) hardware and software. Including mission planning, measurement of point, line and area features, differential correction techniques and waypoint navigation. Field exercises required. May be taught concurrently with GEO 575. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 575 and GEO 675.

Advanced application of remote sensing digital image processing in areas of interest such as land use/land cover mapping, agriculture, forestry, resource planning and geology. Course covers image visualization, image correction, classification algorithms and change detection methods. Laboratory emphasizes advanced image processing techniques using ENVI software. May be taught concurrently with GEO 578. Cannot receive credit for both GEO 578 and GEO 678.

Detailed treatment of a selected topic in Geospatial Science that may vary from offering to offering. Variable content course. May be repeated for a total of 7 hours. May be taught concurrently with GEO 597. Cannot receive credit for the same topic in both GEO 597 and GEO 697.

This course serves as a foundation for students pursing a graduate degree in the Department of Geography, Geology and Planning. First-semester graduate students are introduced to the research interests of the department's faculty, are guided in effective strategies for conducting a literature search and are mentored in the effective development of a research proposal.

Methods of collecting, organization, and analyzing data pertinent to graduate study in geography, geology and planning. Emphasis will be on the application of univariate and multivariate statistical techniques and other quantitative techniques pertinent to mathematically and statistically modeling problems in geography, geology and planning.

This course consists of a series of oral presentations to be made by faculty members, students, and guest speakers from industry, academe and government on new developments in geography, geology or planning. Graded Pass/Not Pass. Repeatable to a maximum of 3 credit hours.

Advanced application of aerial photography and digital imagery, analytical photogrammetry, remote sensing, digital cartography and other geospatial technologies in areas of interest such as land use/land cover mapping, landscape ecology, agriculture, forestry, resource planning, geology, and soils. Since credit and topics vary, the course may be repeated for a maximum of 7 hours with permission.

Advanced training in laboratory and field methods in geography and geology. Topics will vary due to faculty expertise or student interest. Examples include watershed monitoring techniques, geochemical techniques, and field studies in remote areas. Field trips are required.

Extensive research paper on selected topic to be presented orally at a departmental seminar or professional meeting. Exclusively used to satisfy requirements for non-thesis option.

A study of inshore and nearshore geologic processes, sedimentation patterns and landform development. Must be taken at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with GLG 523. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 523 and GLG 623.

Laboratory portion of GLG 623. Field and laboratory activities. Must be taken at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. May be taught concurrently with GLG 524. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 524 and GLG 624.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 333. Essentials of optical crystallography; the use of the petrographic microscope in the identification of rock-forming minerals, both in oil-immersion grain mounts and in thin sections. May be taught concurrently with GLG 530. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 530 and GLG 630.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 332. Principles and techniques of x-ray mineralogy; the use of x-ray powder diffraction in the identification and characterization of minerals and related crystalline phases. May be taught concurrently with GLG 540. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 540 and GLG 640.

Recommended Prerequisite: BIO 122 or GLG 110 or GRY 142; and CHM 160 and CHM 161; and MTH 135. An interdisciplinary study of freshwater resource development, including environmental impacts of humans on hydrology and water quality, conflicts among users, and politics at local and global scales. Identical with BIO 647. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 647 and BIO 647. May be taught concurrently with GLG 547. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 647 and GLG 547.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 314 and GLG 334. Principles and procedures applied to the study of sedimentary successions; astronomical forcing, cyclicity, eustasy, and tectonic controls on stratification and basin evolution; application of the Stratigraphic Code, practical field methods, observations and interpretation of depositional environments, and sequence stratigraphic interpretations; field trips required. May be taught concurrently with GLG 570. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 570 and GLG 670.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 314; and either MTH 261 or MTH 287. Aquifer properties; elementary theory of groundwater flow through a porous medium; well and aquifer relationships. Laboratories include ground-water case studies and Hydrologic Investigation Atlas interpretations. Field trips required. Taught concurrently with GLG 572. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 572 and GLG 672.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 333. Engineering properties of rocks and soils; fundamentals of engineering geology field investigations; application of properties and fundamentals to engineering problems concerning slope stability, groundwater, industrial contamination, urban public works, and karst areas. Laboratories include engineering classification of soils, hydraulic conductivity testing, and public works design and management. Field trip to observe engineering problems of karst required. May be taught concurrently with GLG 573. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 673 and GLG 573.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 314 and GLG 333 and GLG 570. Origin of hydrocarbons in sedimentary successions; petroleum systems, sequence stratigraphic concepts; basin analysis; petroleum exploration techniques, including well log and seismic interpretation; techniques for resource exploitation and an introduction to petroleum production. May be taught concurrently with GLG 574. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 674 and GLG 574.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 332. Topics include the dominant chemical reactions in natural waters, equilibrium conditions between mineral precipitation and dissolution, and characteristics of contaminated groundwater. Field trips required. Taught concurrently with GLG 580. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 580 and GLG 680.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 332. Geochemical techniques and procedures used in ore exploration, point and nonpoint contamination and other environmental studies. Analyses of trace elements in rocks, soils, plants and waters using inductively coupled plasma methods. Also use of GPS to locate sample sites and ArcView to prepare maps. Field trips required. May be taught concurrently with GLG 581. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 581 and GLG 681.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 340; and either PHY 124 or PHY 204; and either MTH 280 or MTH 288. Application of geophysical methods in solving geologic problems. Techniques covered include seismic refraction and reflection, gravity, magnetics, direct current and electromagnetic resistivity. Field trips required. May be taught concurrently with GLG 590. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 590 and GLG 690.

The basic techniques to process seismic reflection data as used by for tectonic, oil, environmental and mining applications. Techniques include deconvolution, filtering, migration, stacking, normal moveout corrections. Basic seismic reflection interpretation will be addressed. This is a computer based class. May be taught concurrently with GLG 591. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 691 and GLG 591.

Detailed treatment of various advanced topics in geology which may vary from year to year. Some typical topics: geologic instrumentation, selenology, sedimentology, and crystallography. Variable content course. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours. May be taught concurrently with GLG 597. Cannot receive credit for both GLG 597 and GLG 697.

Earth materials, geological processes, geological history and the geological environments.

Continuation of GLG 701.

Field work; identification and correlation of rock units; determination of depositional environments from fossils and other indicators. Students are required to make a collection of specimens from rock formations in the study area. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours when destination varies.

Topics include the application of radiogenic, radioactive and stable isotopes to the processes and timescales relevant to the formation of the planet and solar system, the evolution of the Earth system and interactions in the hydrosphere and biosphere. Course consists of lecture and seminar section, where students are exposed to these applications and discuss relevant papers from the literature. A semester long project using geochronology and isotope geochemistry data is required.

Preparation of an extensive paper on selected topics to be read before staff seminars.

Students cooperatively select from general subject areas in earth science more specific areas to explore. Topics are studied consecutively during the semester. Subject areas from which the topic selections are made are included in the class schedule for each term the course is offered. Variable content course. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated for a total of 6 hours. Identical with GRY 740. Cannot receive credit for more than 6 hours of GLG 755 and GRY 740 combined.

Original research supervised by the geology staff, involving special areas of the geological sciences. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours.

Recommended Prerequisite: undergraduate background in both geology and chemistry. Geochemical principles applied to solve environmental problems effecting surface water and groundwater. Case studies in groundwater geochemistry, medical geology, and mining geology. Geostatistics (ArcGIS, SPSS) and geochemical modeling (MINTEQ) tools used.

Recommended Prerequisite: GLG 314. The fundamental basis of plate tectonics. Topics covered include geophysical methods, plate motion theory, fundamental properties of plate boundaries, formation of sedimentary basins and orogenic belts.

Completion of an internship project (80 hours/credit hour) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a masters degree.

Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.

An in-depth geographic study of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Surveys physical and political geography, climate, tribalism, religion, demography, natural resources, transportation, industry and economic activities of African states South of the Sahara. Students are required to complete two research projects. May be taught concurrently with GRY 507. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 507 and GRY 607.

Recommended Prerequisite: GRY 410. This course will explore environmentally and socially responsible tourism strategies and innovations, and provide tools needed by private and public tourism entities to work together. The principles of Geotourism will be applied in a practicum to a local, regional or national community. Students will work as a team and individually to develop a tourism policy and plan based on Geotourism parameters. May be taught concurrently with GRY 510. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 610 and GRY 510.

Recommended Prerequisite: GRY 142; or both GRY 135 and GLG 110. Identification, recognition, and impact of hazards. Physical exposure to hazards and human vulnerability in LDCs and MDCs. Disaster trends and patterns. Behavioral and structural paradigms of hazards. EM-DAT: international disaster database. Statistical methods used in risk assessments. Risk perception, communication, and disaster management. Tectonic, mass movement, atmospheric, hydrological, biophysical, and technological hazards: analysis, preparedness, and mitigation. May be taught concurrently with GRY 525. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 525 and GRY 625.

Recommended Prerequisite: GRY 135; and MTH 340 or AGR 330 or ECO 308 or PSY 200 or QBA 237 or REC 328 or SOC 302. Energy and mass exchanges. Global atmospheric circulation; surface and upper-air flows. Index cycle: zonal and meridional atmospheric circulations. Teleconnections and atmospheric oscillations: NAO, PNA, PDO, AO, ENSO, and AMO. Interactions between atmospheric oscillations and surface climatic variables in the United States and around the world. Weather cycles, natural climatic variability and climate change. Drought indices. Spatial and temporal statistical domains used in climatic data analysis. May be taught concurrently with GRY 535. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 535 and GRY 635.

Recommended Prerequisite: GRY 142 or both GRY 135 and GLG 110. Energy and mass fluxes and storages in the interlinked physical components of the ecosphere. Chemistry of the global atmosphere. Role of the oceans and thermohaline circulation. Land use and land cover influences on terrestrial ecosystems. Concepts of environmental cycles, thresholds, resilience, recovery and response times. Understanding past environmental changes. Causes, mechanisms and likely impacts of natural and anthropogenically-induced changes on the global environment. Predictive models on global environmental change. May be taught concurrently with GRY 545. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 545 and GRY 645.

Study of the formation, composition, distribution of fluvial landforms. Emphasis is on channel hydrology, quantification of geomorphic relationships, reach and watershed-scale processes, sediment transport, water and sediment contamination, and management applications to streams in the Ozarks Region as well as other places. Field work may be required. May be taught concurrently with GRY 550. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 550 and GRY 650.

Selected topics in geography and earth science to upgrade understandings and skills in improvement of elementary or secondary teaching. Each course is concerned with a single topic or subject matter area. Number of class hours determined by semester hours of credit. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 5 hours credit. May be taught concurrently with GRY 596. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 596 and GRY 696.

Selected topics in geography. Special topics will be included in the class schedule for each term. Field trips may be required. Number of class hours determined by semester hours of credit. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours credit. May be taught concurrently with GRY 597. Cannot receive credit for both GRY 597 and GRY 697.

Enrichment through guided but independent, original research in geography and geography related subject areas. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours.

Population and the spatial imprint of man on the landscape in terms of settlement, economic activities, institutions; methods and materials of the high school geography project; other current curriculum materials.

Continuation of GRY 700. Contemporary problems in land use, urbanization and planning for optimum use of resources; methods and materials of the high school geography project; other current curriculum materials.

Physical processes of the earth's atmosphere, use of weather instruments and interpretation of weather maps. Applied aspects of weather and climate and their effects on man's activities. Emphasis on current curriculum materials for secondary schools.

The procedures and processes of environmental assessment. Soils, hydrology, climate, biogeography and geomorphology will be examined in an environmental assessment context. Environmental assessment is a prerequisite for satisfying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

Students cooperatively select from general subject areas in earth science more specific areas to explore. Topics are studied consecutively during the semester. Subject areas from which the topic selections will be made are included in the class schedule for each term the course is offered. Variable content course. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated for a total of 6 hours. Identical with GLG 765. Cannot receive credit for more than 6 hours of GRY 740 and GLG 765.

Landforms, economic minerals, soils, climate, water resources and closely related aspects of the natural environment as they relate to man's inhabitation and use of the earth; map reading and simple map construction; methods and materials for secondary schools.

Critical review of recent advances and trends in applied and/or theoretical physical geography. Course will involve the study of seminal and recent journal articles and presentation of a research paper. Course content may vary among the subfields of physical geography including geomorphology, hydrology, water resources, soil geography climatology, and biogeography. Field trips may be required.

Enrichment through guided but independent, original research in geography and geography related subject areas. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours.

Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.

This course will address planning practice in relation to values of justice, equity, fairness, and efficiency. In particular the course will focus upon inclusion of different community groups within the planning decision making process. A field project is required. May be taught concurrently with PLN 505. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 605 and PLN 505.

Study of the legal foundations of land use controls. Topics include historic legal cases establishing government intervention in private development zoning, subdivision, growth management, individual liberty, environmental regulation and the general welfare concept. May be taught concurrently with PLN 570. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 570 and PLN 670.

Recommended Prerequisite: PLN 271 or PLN 372 or FIN 266. Focuses on conceptual and analytical techniques of land use planning, including land use analysis, planning studies and procedures, and the synthesis of planning elements through comprehensive plan development. The course also explores land use planning with regard to social justice and sustainability, diverse communities, and resiliency planning. May be taught concurrently with PLN 571. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 571 and PLN 671.

Focuses on the process of plan preparation and is intended to provide experience in the application of planning principles and analytical techniques learned in other program courses to a planning problem in an area community. Students will work on an individual basis and as part of a team in preparing a final report. Field trip(s) required. May be taught concurrently with PLN 572. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 572 and PLN 672.

Recommended Prerequisite: PLN 271 and GRY 322. Elements of urban design and preservation in relation to social, economic, and political forces; the role of the urban designer in the planning process. May be taught concurrently with PLN 573. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 573 and PLN 673.

Principles and methods of open space planning. Students will learn about the relationship between open space and the quality of life in cities and will obtain a foundation for conducting open space planning projects. Class format includes lecture, seminar and studio. Field problem required. May be taught concurrently with PLN 574. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 574 and PLN 674.

Recommended Prerequisite: PLN 371 and PLN 372. Focuses on the principles of site planning approaches in evaluating, planning, and designing sites within the context of natural and cultural systems. Provides a foundation for conducting any type of site planning project. A specific site in the region is studied and plans are developed for present and future use. May be taught concurrently with PLN 576. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 576 and PLN 676.

Enrichment through guided but independent, original research in planning and planning related subject areas. May be repeated to a total of 6 credit hours. May be taught concurrently with PLN 596. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 596 and PLN 696.

Detailed treatment of various advanced topics in planning which may vary from semester to semester. Some typical topics: Economic Development Planning, Rural and Small Town Planning, Housing in America. Variable content course. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours. May be taught concurrently with PLN 597. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 597 and PLN 697.

Recommended Prerequisite: PLN 571. Work in community or regional planning agency. Students are monitored by Planning faculty and supervisory personnel of the planning agency. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours. May be taught concurrently with PLN 599. Cannot receive credit for both PLN 599 and PLN 699.

Explanation of community growth and change. Review of public and private agency programs. Topics may focus on small towns and rural areas as well as urban and metropolitan areas. Since credit and topics vary, the course may be repeated for a maximum of 7 hours with permission.