Current Earth and Environmental Geoscience Courses

Fall 2024▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis

EEG 100 - Campbell, Timothy D. (Tim)

The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment. Preference given to first-years and sophomores. Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. Laboratory course.

FS: Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis

EEG 100A - Knapp, Elizabeth P.

The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth’s crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment. Preference given to first-years and sophomores. Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. Laboratory course.

Earth's Freshwater: Introduction to Hydrologic System Science

EEG 103 - Chakraborty, Madhumita

Freshwater is a limited, yet vital resource that supports life on this planet. In this course, we will be learning about the availability and distribution of earth’s fresh water and its movement through the hydrological cycle. We will gain a scientific understanding of the different hydrologic subsystems — surface water, groundwater, atmospheric water, and their interconnectedness. We will examine the challenges associated with the quantity and quality of water available for human consumption, exploring how human influences can contribute to or mitigate these challenges.

Dynamic Earth: Science of Natural Hazards

EEG 107 - Barber, Nicholas D.

This course will provide students with both the specialized knowledge and the practical skills needed to understand how natural disasters develop and unfold. This is a crucial skillset to aid students in understanding the world around them, as well as helping them to understand the impact of climate change in amplifying these problems in their lifetimes. As both citizens and future decision-makers, our students will benefit from a science-based enquiry into the processes giving rise to hazards, and the human choices that amplify those processes.

Geomorphology

EEG 247 - Harbor, David J.

Investigation of earth-surface landforms and processes from maps, aerial photographs, and digital data. Includes numerical analysis and modeling of surface process systems and the deep history of our palimpsest Appalachian landscape. Laboratory activities include identification and interpretation of topography, field measurements of soil, unconsolidated materials, landform shapes, and erosional processes. Laboratory course.

Introductory Geophysics

EEG 275 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.

A review of the geophysical methods used to study the interior of the Earth, the magnetic field, isostasy, and earthquake seismology. Attention is given to the methods used in geophysics to collect and analyze data. A gravimeter, a magnetometer, seismic refraction and electrical resistivity equipment are used to collect field data. The data, corrections, and interpretations are incorporated into a technical report for each of the four surveys. PHYS 111 or 112 are recommended. Laboratory course.

Environmental Field Methods

EEG 314 - Hinkle, Margaret A.

An introduction to the study of standard methods, equipment and tools used in environmental field investigations. Special attention is given to methods used by geoscientists to measure, record, and report field observations associated with groundwater, surface water, soil and air. Focus is given to the validity of data obtained using various investigative strategies as well as data handling and presentation. The course has an intensive field component using the local watershed as a model environmental system.

Senior Research Thesis

EEG 472 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.

Original research culminating in a senior thesis.

Senior Research Thesis

EEG 472 - Barber, Nicholas D.

Original research culminating in a senior thesis.

Senior Research Thesis

EEG 472 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)

Original research culminating in a senior thesis.

Senior Research Thesis

EEG 472 - Hinkle, Margaret A.

Original research culminating in a senior thesis.

Honors Thesis

EEG 493 - Hinkle, Margaret A.

Original research culminating in an Honors thesis.

Spring 2024▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Earth Lab: Introduction to the Geology of Hawaii

EEG 105F - Knapp, Elizabeth P.

As part of an intensive introductory study of Earth Science and the Geology of the Hawaiian Islands, first-years will spend two weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii observing a wide variety of geologic processes in action, including rock forming processes, volcanism, island biogeography. Students will also gain an increased appreciation of Pacific Island culture, history, and the relationship between the land and its people. As a First-Year Seminar, this course will entail close interaction with faculty and intensive study amongst the students during the term.

Earth Lab: Journey Down the River: Exploring the Natural and Human Influence on Water Quality

EEG 105G - Chakraborty, Madhumita

River systems have shaped civilizations through time, nourishing ancient cultures in fertile floodplains. In our modern era, these waterways remain indispensable as vital sources of water for communities. Understanding the natural factors and the consequences of human stresses on river water quality is not solely an academic pursuit; it is imperative for a sustainable future!Embark on a scientific expedition down the length of the James River System, where we will decode intricate chemical story of this remarkable waterway. Our journey begins at the river’s origin and inflows downstream towards it estuary, as we scrutinize the evolving landscape. Throughout this course, we will assess the profound influence of natural landscapes, evolving land use practices, and the hand of human activities on the river’s water quality.

Earth Lab: Volcanoes of the US

EEG 105H - Barber, Nicholas D.

Volcanoes have shaped the history of our planet, and today they inspire both fear and awe. In this course, you will learn how to apply the scientific method to the study of volcanic processes, with a focus on the volcanoes of the United States. You will learn how to describe volcanic eruptions, identify their hazards, products, and the resulting volcanic rocks, and synthesize geological data to design mitigation strategies. You will then apply your classroom learning on a 10-day field trip to the volcanic areas of the western US. This course is welcoming to scientists and non-scientists alike!

Field Methods in the Appalachians

EEG 230 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)

An introduction to the study of geology in the field with special attention to the methods used by geologists to make, record, and interpret field observations. The course includes study of and field trips in the central Appalachian region.

Regional Geology

EEG 373 - Harbor, David J.

The emphasis and location of the study area differs from year to year. Most course activity involves outside fieldwork with a series of multi-day to multi-week field trips.

Winter 2024▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology

EEG 101 - Gill, Karena / Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)

The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet. Topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; the origin of landforms; and the concept of deep time. Additional topics, with emphasis varying by instructor, include: climate change; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; energy resources; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.Involves moderate hiking and other physical activities outside in all types of weather. Additional fee required. Laboratory course.

Sustainable Earth: Introductory Environmental Geology

EEG 102 - Hinkle, Margaret A.

The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. There is special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington. Depending on the instructor, various topics include: plate tectonics; the materials and structure of the Earth's crust; climate change; the nature of the Earth's interior; the origin of landforms; weathering and erosion; water quality and movement; natural hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes; energy resources; the concept of deep time; geospatial and quantitative data analysis; and the relationship between humans and the environment.

Global Climate Change

EEG 141 - Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)

A study of Earth's complex climate system and the impact of human activities on future climates. Through readings, discussions, data analyses and modeling exercises, the past and future changes in temperature, ocean circulation, rainfall, storminess, biogeochemistry, glacial ice extent and sea level are explored.

Special Topics: Mineral Resources and the Green Energy Transition

EEG 197D - Barber, Nicholas D.

In this class, we will explore: what raw materials we need to make the green energy transition possible, where mineral resources come from and how they form, how we get them out of the ground, and what the environmental impacts of their extraction are.  This course will help you build a broad scientific understanding of the mineral resources required to build renewable energy infrastructure, including their geographic, geological, and physical features. We will also draw on insights from economics, engineering, politics, ethics, and public policy to understand the promises and the perils of the green energy transition.

History and Evolution of the Earth

EEG 205 - Gill, Karena / Greer, Mary L. (Lisa)

An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include: (1) the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; (2) the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; (3) explanations for the development of life; (4) organic evolution and interpretations of mass extinctions; (5) the changing configuration of continental blocks and ocean basins by continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics; and (6) the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems.

GIS and Remote Sensing

EEG 260 - Harbor, David J.

A laboratory course introducing the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing in geological/environmental analyses and decision making. Students use state-of-the-art software with a wide variety of spatial geologic, environmental, economic and topographic data derived from satellites; remote databases and published maps to evaluate geologic conditions; local landscape processes; environmental conditions; and hypothetical land-use cases.

Petroleum Geology and Geophysics

EEG 335 - Connors, Christopher D. (Chris)

A survey of the theory and practice of petroleum geology and geophysics. Topics covered include the nature and origin of petroleum, a study of where oil and gas accumulate from the perspective of basin analysis, and the basic principles of reflection seismology and petrophysics. The key petroleum system elements of source, charge, seal, reservoir and trap are studied within the context of how a geologist or geophysicist goes about exploring for and developing petroleum accumulations. Emphasis is placed on the Geology use of industry software and data to analyze geologic features, deposits, and basins that are relevant to petroleum exploration and production.

Directed Independent Research

EEG 421 - Rahl, Jeffrey M.

Directed research in Earth and environmental geoscience. Specific research activities will depend upon the project, but may involve literature research, field work, laboratory work, data analysis, and written or oral presentations.

Honors Thesis

EEG 493 - Harbor, David J.

Original research culminating in an Honors thesis.

Honors Thesis

EEG 493 - Barber, Nicholas D.

Original research culminating in an Honors thesis.