School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment Courses

Columbia, SC 29208 | 803.777.7000

School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment

Courses

Environmental Studies

ENVR 101 - Introduction to the Environment

Credits: 3

Analysis of environmental issues and the role of science in their identification and resolution.

Note: Carolina Core SCI

ENVR 101L - Introduction to the Environment Lab

Credits: 1

Demonstrations, field trips, data analyses, and discussion relating to environmental issues, such as sustainability, resource management, and pollution control.

Corequisite: Prereq or coreq: ENVR 101

Prerequisites: Prereq or coreq: ENVR 101

Note: Carolina Core SCI

ENVR 121 - Green Explorations

Credits: 3

Interdisciplinary seminar combining the intellectual exploration of ecological perspectives with the physical exploration of the local environment. First-year students only.

Cross-listed Course: POLI 121

ENVR 122 - Green Engagements

Credits: 3

Interdisciplinary seminar on designing, researching, and implementing collaborative projects to promote ecological sustainability. First-year students only.

Cross-listed Course: POLI 122

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

ENVR 200 - Natural History of South Carolina

Credits: 4

General review of plants, animals, and geological features of South Carolina, with an emphasis on connections to the natural world.

Note: 3 lecture hours and 3 lab hours per week.

Carolina Core: SCI

ENVR 201 - Environmental Science and Policy I

Credits: 4

Introduction to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives on environmental issues. Required for majors in the Environment and Sustainability Program. Integrative case studies address ways of understanding nature.

Prerequisites: Prereq: Sophomore Standing

Note: Carolina Core Integrative Course, Environmental Science, BS
Carolina Core Integrative Course, Environmental Studies, BA

ENVR 202 - Environmental Science and Policy II

Credits: 4

Continuing interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary exploration of relations between environment and society for majors in the Environment and Sustainability Program. Case studies raise issues, challenges, and strategies to achieving sustainability.

Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing, ENVR 201

Note: Carolina Core Integrative Course:Environmental Science, B.S.

ENVR 223 - Introduction to Global Environmental Health

Credits: 3

Introduction to global environmental health, with a focus on toxic pollution and disease burden in developing countries. Investigation of international treaties, corresponding environmental pollution processes, and human health effects.

Cross-listed Course: ENHS 223

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Global Learning

ENVR 231 - Introduction to Sustainability Management and Leadership

Credits: 3-4

Introduction to development, establishment, and implementation of sustainability management systems and organizational leadership for achieving environmental, social, and economic goals.

ENVR 295 - Green Technology in Germany

Credits: 3

Examination of roots and culture of environmentalism and related technological innovation in Germany. Comparison of green practices around the world to practices within Europe and U.S.

Cross-listed Course: GERM 295

ENVR 321 - Environmental Pollution and Health

Credits: 3

A survey of pollution (chemical, biological, physical) effects on environmental quality and public health with emphases on how each pollutant class behaves and affects individual and community health over acute to chronic exposure periods.

Cross-listed Course: ENHS 321

ENVR 322 - Environmental Ethics

Credits: 3

Examination of principles and arguments surrounding moral issues involving the environment.

Cross-listed Course: PHIL 322

Note: Carolina Core VSR

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Diversity and Social Advocacy
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Community Service
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Professional and Civic Engagement
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

ENVR 323 - Global Environmental Health

Credits: 3

Concerns in global environmental health, with a focus on toxic pollution and disease burden in developing countries. Investigation of international treaties, corresponding environmental pollution processes, and human health effects.

Cross-listed Course: ENHS 323

ENVR 331 - Integrating Sustainability

Credits: 3

Multidisciplinary approach to interrelated environmental, economic and social problems facing humans at local, regional and global scales.

ENVR 352 - Energy, Society and Sustainability

Credits: 3

The role of energy in shaping society and geographic settings, as well as how energy production and consumption are shaped by the societal values and norms in which it is extracted, produced, and consumed.

ENVR 399 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-6

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and dean of the School of the Environment is required for undergraduate students.

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

ENVR 460 - Congaree National Park: Field Investigations in Environmental Science

Credits: 4

Field research practices and analysis techniques in environmental science. Combines inquiry-based field investigations at Congaree National Park and laboratory sample analysis with integration of data and public policy concepts. Daily field trips required.

Prerequisites: ENVR 201 and 202, or permission of the instructor

ENVR 490 - Special Topics in Sustainability and the Environment

Credits: 1-4

Current developments in sustainability and global environmental issues selected to meet faculty and student interests. May be repeated as content varies by suffix and title.

ENVR 499 - Research in Environmental Science

Credits: 1-3

Independent student research in collaboration with faculty mentors. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required.

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

ENVR 500 - Environmental Practicum

Credits: 3

Multidisciplinary research projects related to University or community environmental problems (e.g., energy, water conservation, solid waste, recycling).

Prerequisites: permission of instructor

ENVR 501 - Special Topics in the Environment

Credits: 3

An in-depth analysis course of a specific interdisciplinary environmental topic. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by suffix and title.

Prerequisites: ENVR 101 or ENVR 201 or consent of instructor

ENVR 531 - Sustainability Management and Leadership Strategies

Credits: 3-4

Integrated management system principles and advanced leadership strategies to create sustainable development initiatives.

ENVR 538 - Global Food Politics

Credits: 3

Political, social, and cultural landscapes of food and farming around the world; issues of agricultural production, trade, consumption, and food security.

Cross-listed Course: GEOG 538

ENVR 548 - Environmental Economics

Credits: 3

An analysis of the economics aspects of environmental decay, pollution control, and natural resource use. Analysis of the ability of the market system to allocate resources efficiently when economic activity is accompanied by environmental damage. Discussion of alternative public policy approaches to pollution control and natural resource conservation.

Cross-listed Course: ECON 548

Prerequisites: Prereq: ECON 221 and 222, or ECON 224

ENVR 571 - Conservation Biology

Credits: 3

Principles of conservation biology. Importance of biodiversity, causes of decline and extinction, and restoration and conversation policy in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 571

Prerequisites: BIOL 301

ENVR 572 - Freshwater Ecology

Credits: 3

Quantitative study of the population, community and evolutionary ecology of freshwater habitats (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands).

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 572

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor

Note: Includes mandatory fieldtrips.

ENVR 590 - Environmental Issues Seminar

Credits: 3

Collaborative study of a contemporary environmental issue.

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of the department

Note: Field trips may be required. Restricted to:Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors

Geological Sciences

GEOL 101 - Introduction to the Earth

Credits: 4

Origin and nature of the earth with emphasis on internal processes and phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building; surface processes, including landform evolution.

Note: Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week.

Carolina Core: SCI

GEOL 102 - Fossils and the Evolution of Life on Earth

Credits: 4

Basic overview of fossils, including dinosaurs, and their importance for understanding earth history and the evolution of life.

Note: Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week.

GEOL 103 - Environment of the Earth

Credits: 4

Analysis of basic energy cycles of the earth. Interaction of human activity with earth processes to affect the environment.

Note: Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week. Field trips required.

Carolina Core SCI

GEOL 110 - Cultural Geology

Credits: 3

The growth of geological concepts, scientific and non-scientific. The impact of geological factors on human affairs. The role of time and evolution (biological and physical). Restricted to non-science majors.

Note: Carolina Core SCI

GEOL 201 - Observing the Earth

Credits: 4

An introduction to study of the earth through observation of ancient and modern earth systems in a field setting.

Note: Field trips required.

GEOL 205 - Earth Resources

Credits: 3

Mineral, energy, and water resources with emphasis on geological processes governing their distribution. Intended for non-science majors.

Note: Three lecture hours each week with occasional field trips.

Carolina Core SCI

GEOL 215 - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S.

Credits: 3

Coastal zones of South Carolina and neighboring states, including geologic history, geomorphology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and effects of man. Not available for geology major credit.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 215

Note: Three lecture hours each week plus optional field trips.

Carolina Core: SCI

GEOL 215L - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S. (Laboratory)

Credits: 1

Exercises examining coastal ecology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and human impact. Not available for marine science major credit.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 215L

Note: Two laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.

Carolina Core: SCI

GEOL 230 - Geology of the National Parks

Credits: 3

Examination of the geologic setting and scientific significance of selected National Parks.

Note: Three lecture hours.

Carolina Core SCI

GEOL 250 - Continental Drift and Ice Ages

Credits: 3

An introduction to geology and geophysics. The structure of the earth, core, mantle, and crust; problems of facies, plate motions, and their probable influence on climate and evolution. Future prospects.

GEOL 302 - Rocks and Minerals

Credits: 4

Chemical and physical processes of mineral formation in earth systems including an overview of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock-forming processes.

Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or 201. CHEM 111 recommended

Note: Includes laboratory. Field trips required.

GEOL 305 - Earth Systems through Time

Credits: 4

Survey of earth history, the evolution of continents and oceans, the history of life, and geological dating methods.

Note: Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips. Taught alternate years.

GEOL 315 - Surface and Near Surface Processes

Credits: 4

Overview of groundwater, surface water hydrology, sediment transport, river systems, and coastal processes.

Prerequisites: PHYS 201 or 211 or consent of instructor

Note: Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

GEOL 318 - Field Studies in Geology

Credits: 1

Directed field studies of extraordinary geological locations in North America.

Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 103, or 201 and consent of instructor

Note: Requires a seven- to nine-day field trip during spring break.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

GEOL 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins

Credits: 4

Overview of sedimentary basins, sediment transport, sedimentation, depositional environments, stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, eustacy, and sedimentary petrology.

Prerequisites: GEOL 202

Note: Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips. Taught alternate years.

GEOL 335 - Processes of Global Environmental Change

Credits: 4

The science of global change, its relation to the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Global system science, biogeochemical cycles, paleoclimatology, glaciation, and eustacy.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 335

GEOL 345 - Igneous and Metamorphic Processes

Credits: 4

Origin and significance of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and relation to tectonic processes. Mineralogy, geochemistry, volcanism, plate tectonics, isostasy, heat flow.

Prerequisites: GEOL 302; MATH 122 or MATH 141 or consent of instructor.

Note: Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips.

GEOL 355 - Structural Geology and Tectonics

Credits: 4

Geologic structures and deformation of Earth materials. Stress and strain, deformation mechanisms, P-T-t paths, geologic maps, and structural regimes in plate tectonics.

Prerequisites: GEOL 302; PHYS 201 or 211 or consent of instructor.

Note: Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips. Taught alternate years.

GEOL 371 - A View of the River

Credits: 3

Introduction to terrestrial and tidal river morphology and processes, with case studies of South Carolina.

Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or 103 or 201

Note: Field trips required.

GEOL 399 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-6

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

GEOL 498 - Undergraduate Research

Credits: 3

Student research on problems of regional and fundamental significance, supervised by a faculty member of the student’s choice. Emphasis is on the development of critical thinking and lucid scientific report writing.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

GEOL 499 - Undergraduate Research

GEOL 500 - Field Geology

Credits: 6

Geological field techniques including the use of field instruments and the preparation of geologic maps. Written and oral reports required.

Prerequisites: GEOL 325 and 355 or consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

Carolina Core Integrative Course, Geological Sciences, BS

GEOL 501 - Principles of Geomorphology

Credits: 3

The process of earth denudation with emphasis on chemistry of weathering, stream and erosion hydraulics, quantitative analysis of land form evolution.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 501

Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and 102

GEOL 502 - Principles of Coastal Geomorphology

Credits: 4

Geological and physical controls on the morphology, development, and stability of coastlines. Analysis of waves and erosional processes, and coastal zone morphodynamics.

Corequisite: Prereq or coreq: MATH 122 or 141

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 502

Prerequisites: Prereq or coreq: MATH 122 or 141 [concurrent enrollment acceptable]

Note: Several required field trips

GEOL 503 - Regional Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy of North America

Credits: 3

Sedimentologic, biostratigraphic, and tectonic history of North America, approached from paleogeographic considerations with emphasis on the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Continental Margin.

Prerequisites: senior standing

Note: Three hours lecture and three hours recitation per week. Required field trips.

GEOL 508 - Palynology

Credits: 3

Fundamentals of pollen analysis including morphology of modern and fossil forms, use of pollen and spores for correlation, dating, establishing phylogenetic trends, and reconstruction of ancient environments.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Note: Two lectures plus one two-hour lab per week.

GEOL 510 - Organic Sedimentation and Coal Genesis

Credits: 3

Theories of origin of coal deposits and coal-forming ingredients. Basic concepts of coal composition and classification. Practical applications of coal petrographic techniques.

Note: Two lectures plus one two-hour lab. Two optional field trips.

GEOL 511 - Advanced Paleontology

Credits: 3

Systematic, ecologic, biogeographic, and evolutionary aspects of paleontology; lectures, practical exercises, field trips.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 511

Prerequisites: GEOL 305

GEOL 515 - Marine Micropaleontology

Credits: 4

Marine microfossils; distribution, ecology, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy; use of microfossils in marine sediments to study oceanographic history.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 515

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Note: Three lectures and two laboratory hours per week.

GEOL 516 - Sedimentology

Credits: 4

Modern concepts of sediment composition, sedimentary facies, depositional environments, and stratigraphy.

Prerequisites: GEOL 325, 522 or the consent of instructor

Note: Includes laboratory.

GEOL 518 - Surface to Subsurface Stratigraphy

Credits: 3

Surface to subsurface stratigraphic interpretation and techniques; litho- and biostratigraphy; geophysical log interpretation and subsurface presentation.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

GEOL 520 - Isotope Geology and Geochronology

Credits: 3

Dating techniques for Pleistocene deposits, sediments, archaeological materials, igneous and metamorphic rocks.

GEOL 521 - Introduction to Geochemistry

Credits: 3

Investigation of low temperature chemical reactions controlling the geochemistry of the earth’s surface. Emphasis on CO2, carbonates, oxidation-reduction, thermodynamics, isotopes, biogeochemistry.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 521

GEOL 524 - Environmental Radioisotope Geochemistry

Credits: 3

Introduction to radioactivity and the use of radionuclides to study environmental processes, including age-dating and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 524

Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112, MATH 141

Note: Two lectures per week.

GEOL 526 - Igneous Petrology

Credits: 4

Petrography and petrogenesis of igneous rocks; evolution of contrasting petrotectonic terranes.

Prerequisites: GEOL 202

Note: Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.

GEOL 527 - Metamorphic Petrology

Credits: 4

Petrography and petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks in orogenic belts.

Prerequisites: GEOL 202

Note: Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.

GEOL 531 - Plate Tectonics

Credits: 3

Geological and geophysical evidence for plate tectonics, detailed development of the plate tectonics model, and present areas of research, including measurements of plate motion using satellite geodesy.

Prerequisites: Must have passed two GEOL courses numbered 300 or above, or consent of instructor.

Note: Three lecture-discussion hours per week.

Carolina Core Integrative Course, Geophysics, BS

GEOL 537 - Field Methods in Geophysics

Credits: 3

Application of two or more geophysical field methods to a current geological problem. Independent study contract required.

GEOL 540 - Earth Science for Teachers I

Credits: 3

Survey of topics related to the origin, internal structure, and internal processes of the earth, including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building.

Cross-listed Course: EDSE 548

Note: Required field trips, two lectures, and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in M.S. or Ph.D. programs in geology.

GEOL 541 - Earth Science for Teachers II

Credits: 3

Surface processes acting on the earth; introduction to weather and climate, weathering, erosion, and sedimentary processes; landform evolution; ocean currents and tides, near-shore geologic processes.

Cross-listed Course: EDSE 549

Prerequisites: EDSE 548/GEOL 540

Note: Required field trips, two lecture and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in M.S. or Ph.D. programs in geology.

GEOL 545 - Geological Oceanography

Credits: 3

A comprehensive study of the origin and development of the major structural features of the ocean basins and the continental margins. Discussion of the techniques used in obtaining geologic data and the interpretation of sedimentary processes, vulcanism, and the stratigraphy of the ocean basins.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 545

Prerequisites: consent of instructor required for undergraduates only

GEOL 546 - Marine Geophysics

Credits: 3

Introduction to the nature and structure of the ocean floor as revealed by geophysical techniques.

Note: Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory.

GEOL 548 - Environmental Geophysics

Credits: 4

Practical geophysical techniques for exploring the shallow subsurface. Seismic, resistivity, well log, gravity, magnetic methods. Includes lectures and field exercises to collect and analyze data.

Prerequisites: MATH 141 and PHYS 201 or 211

GEOL 550 - Sedimentary Simulations and Sequence Stratigraphy

Credits: 4

Problems of sequence stratigraphy resolved with graphic computer simulations. Sedimentary fill of basins by carbonates and/or clastics tracked as a function of rate of sediment accumulation, tectonic behavior, and sea level.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 550

Prerequisites: GEOL 325 or consent of the instructor

Note: Includes laboratory.

GEOL 553 - Marine Sediments

Credits: 3

Marine sedimentary environments; physical/biological factors which control the formation and distribution of modern marine sediments.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 553

Prerequisites: GEOL 516 or consent of instructor

GEOL 554 - Applied Seismology

Credits: 3

Theory of seismic wave propagation. Seismic reflection data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.

Prerequisites: MATH 141; PHYS 201 or 211; or consent of instructor

GEOL 555 - Elementary Seismology

Credits: 3

Basic elements of seismology. Mathematical development of seismic wave equations; measurement, description, and interpretation of seismic data.

Prerequisites: MATH 241 or consent of instructor

GEOL 556 - Seismic Reflection Interpretation

Credits: 3

The interpretation of geologic structure using seismic sections. Recognition of apparent structure caused by velocity anomalies, multiples, and complex reflector geometry. Application to hydrocarbon exploration.

GEOL 557 - Coastal Processes

Credits: 3

Physical and geological processes controlling the formation and evolution of beach, barrier, and nearshore environments, including discussion of coastal management issues.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 557

GEOL 560 - Earth Resource Management

Credits: 3

An approach to problems of resource management by lecture and seminar using case studies in mineral, energy, hydrogeological, and environmental science.

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

GEOL 561 - Environmental Field Geology

Credits: 6

An introduction to field methods in sedimentology, structural geology, hydrogeology and geophysics with special reference to geological hazards and environmental problems.

GEOL 567 - Long Term Environmental Change

Credits: 3

Climatic changes of the past and their impact on the physical landscape, with an emphasis on the Quaternary period.

Cross-listed Course: GEOG 567

Prerequisites: A 200-level course in physical geography or geology or equivalent

GEOL 568 - Introduction to Micrometerology

Credits: 3

Small-scale processes in the atmospheric boundary layers, including energy budget, radiation, soil heat transfer, humidity, viscous flows, turbulence, momentum and heat exchanges, evaporation, and marine atmospheric boundary layer.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 568

Prerequisites: PHYS 201 and MATH 141, or consent of instructor

GEOL 570 - Environmental Hydrogeology

Credits: 3

Environmental considerations of the hydrologic cycle, occurrence and movement of ground water, aquifer analysis, and water well emplacement and construction. Water quality, pollution parameters, and the geochemistry of selected natural systems. The effects of environmental problems, waste disposal, and urban development upon the aqueous geochemical regime.

Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and CHEM 111 or their equivalents

GEOL 571 - Soil Hydrology

Credits: 4

Saturated and unsaturated water flow through soils, pore pressure development, runoff generation, and watershed response to rainfall.

Prerequisites: PHYS 202 and MATH 142 or consent of instructor

Note: Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

GEOL 575 - Numerical Modeling for Earth Science Applications

Credits: 3

Finite difference and finite element methods for solving the diffusion equation and advection-dispersion equation, with applications in hydrogeology, geophysics, geology, and marine science.

Prerequisites: MATH 142; MATH 241 is recommended

GEOL 579 - Air-Sea Interaction

Credits: 3

The physical mechanism responsible for interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere and the influence of air-sea interaction on atmospheric and oceanic dynamics and thermodynamics on a wide variety of spatial/temporal scales.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 579

GEOL 580 - Satellite Oceanography

Credits: 3

This course provides knowledge of various techniques used in satellite remote sensing of the oceans. Key skills will be developed in satellite data processing, image analysis, and hands-on research.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 580

GEOL 581 - Estuarine Oceanography

Credits: 3

Estuarine kinematics and dynamics; classification of estuaries; estuarine circulation and mixing.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 581

Prerequisites: MSCI 314 or consent of instructor

Note: Scheduled field trips are required.

GEOL 582 - Marine Hydrodynamics

Credits: 3

Basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics. Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; viscosity, vorticity, and boundary layers with examples from the marine environment. Applications to and analysis of ocean currents and waves.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 582

Prerequisites: differential equations, PHYS 201 or 211, or consent of instructor

Note: Scheduled field trips are required.

GEOL 583 - Geology and Geochemistry of Salt Marshes

Credits: 3

Geological and geochemical processes in salt marshes. Methods of geological research in marshes, including instrumental techniques, sampling design, and data analysis.

Cross-listed Course: MSCI 583

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Note: Two lectures per week plus four weekends of project-oriented fieldwork and/or equivalent lab work. Scheduled field trips are required.

GEOL 600 - Senior Seminar in Geology and Geophysics

Credits: 2

Advanced research topics in geology and geophysics; critical reading of literature, technical presentations, and written reports.

Prerequisites: senior standing

GEOL 650 - Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis

Credits: 4

SEM, ESEM, TEM, and EMPA, WDS quantitative analysis, EDS semi-quantitative analysis, EBSD, methods of sample preparation, and applications in varieties of disciplines.

Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or equivalent or consent of instructor

Note: Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

GEOL 699 - Senior Thesis

Credits: 3-6

Senior capstone experience, research on a problem on fundamental significance, supervised by faculty member; must include field study component, written final project report, and oral presentation at departmental seminar.

Prerequisites: senior standing and contract approved by instructor, advisor and department chair

Note: May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours total.

Marine Science

MSCI 101 - The Ocean Environment

Credits: 4

Origin and evolution of the oceans, plate tectonics, ocean circulation, waves and tides, seawater and sediment composition, and influences on biology. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.

Prerequisites: science, engineering, or education major or consent of instructor

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 102 - The Living Ocean

Credits: 4

Origin, evolution, and diversity of marine life, biological production, trophic dynamics, nutrient cycles, marine resources, and environmental concerns. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.

Prerequisites: science, engineering, or education major or consent of instructor

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 210 - Oceans and Society

Credits: 3

A nontechnical introduction to human interactions with the marine environment: marine organisms, marine systems, and the physical and chemical characteristics of oceans and estuaries. Not available for marine science major credit.

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 210L - Oceans and Society Laboratory

Credits: 1

Experiments and exercises which illustrate how specific components of marine environments are structured, function, and can be measured. Two laboratory hours per week. Not available for marine science major credit. Attendance on designated field trips may be required.

Prerequisite or Corequisite:
MSCI 210

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 215 - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S

Credits: 3

Coastal zones of South Carolina and neighboring states, including geologic history, geomorphology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and effect of man. Three lecture hours each week plus optional field trips. Not available for marine science major credit.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 215

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 215L - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S. (Laboratory)

Credits: 1

Exercises examining coastal ecology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and human impact. Two laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required. Not available for marine science major credit.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 215L

Note: Carolina Core: SCI

MSCI 305 - Ocean Data Analysis

Credits: 3

Instrumentation, oceanographic time series, spatial and directional data sets, and basic parametric modeling.

Prerequisites: MSCI 101 and MATH 141, or consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 311 - Biology of Marine Organisms

Credits: 4

Biological concepts emphasizing adaptation to marine environments. Laboratory experiments emphasize principles and techniques of marine biological study. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips are required.

Prerequisites: MSCI 102 or BIOL 101

Note: Carolina Core Integrative Course, Marine Science, BS

MSCI 312 - Physical and Chemical Oceanography

Credits: 4

Properties of seawater, mass balances, biogeochemical cycles, circulation, mixing, waves and tides, continental shelf processes, estuarine dynamics. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips are required.

Prerequisites: MSCI 101, MATH 142, CHEM 112, PHYS 201 or 211

MSCI 313 - The Chemistry of the Sea

Credits: 4

Biogeochemical cycling, carbonate chemistry, climate change, hydrothermal vents, stable isotopes, trace metals, radioactive tracers, mass balance, and properties of sea water. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Corequisite: CHEM 112

Prerequisites: MSCI 101, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, MATH 141

Note: Carolina Core Integrative Course, Marine Science, BS

MSCI 314 - Physical Oceanography

Credits: 4

Properties of seawater, mass and momentum balances, circulation, mixing, waves and other processes in the marine environment.

Prerequisites: MSCI 101, MATH 141, PHYS 201 or 211

Note: Carolina Core Integrative Course, Marine Science, BS

MSCI 335 - Processes of Global Environmental Change

MSCI 390 - Policy and Marine Science

Credits: 3

Analysis of past and current issues in global and national marine policy. Relationship between science and policymakers.

MSCI 399 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-6

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 450 - Principles of Biological Oceanography

Credits: 3

Principles and methods of measuring production in the sea. Emphasis on the ocean’s role in the global carbon budget. Three lecture hours per week. Scheduled field trips are required.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 450

Prerequisites: MSCI 311, BIOL 301, or consent of instructor

MSCI 460 - Field and Laboratory Investigations in Marine Science

Credits: 4

Intensive inquiry-based investigations combining oceanographic field sampling with laboratory measurements of collected samples using modern analytical instrumentation, and with analysis and integration of data into a final research report. Course conducted in residence at a marine field site.

Prerequisites: MSCI 311, MSCI 313 and 314

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Professional and Civic Engagement
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 495 - Internship in Marine Science

Credits: 0-6

Internship experience that offers practical field or laboratory experience in oceanography and/or related marine sciences. Course content varies and will be announced by title in schedule of courses. Usually conducted off campus and student must be able to access internship on their own.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MSCI 311, 313 and 314 or consent of the instructor.

Note: Restricted to Marine Science majors and minors or consent of the instructor.

Special Permission by the department.

MSCI 496 - Undergraduate Research

Credits: 3

Student research on problems of fundamental significance in collaboration with faculty mentors. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, proposal development, scientific writing, and professional presentation. Nine hours of laboratory, field, or library work per week.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 497 - Undergraduate Research

MSCI 498 - Undergraduate Research

MSCI 499 - Undergraduate Research

MSCI 501 - Principles of Geomorphology

MSCI 502 - Principles of Coastal Geomorphology

Credits: 4

Geological and physical controls on the morphology, development, and stability of coastlines. Analysis of waves and erosional processes, and coastal zone morphodynamics.

Prerequisite or Corequisite:
MATH 122 or 141

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 502

Note: Several required field trips.

MSCI 503 - Environmental Microbiology

Credits: 3

An overview of the microbial world including a survey of the distribution, functioning, and diversity of microorganisms in natural systems. Discusses the crucial roles that microorganisms play in ecosystem function, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental quality.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 502

Prerequisites: MSCI 102 or BIOL 102, CHEM 112

MSCI 505 - Senior Seminar

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: restricted to undergraduate Marine Science majors

MSCI 509 - MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Science

Credits: 3

MATLAB-based course in processing, analysis, and visualization of large oceanographic data sets. Includes scalar and vector time series measured at fixed locations as well as shipboard surveys of oceanographic characteristics varying both in 3-D and in time. Methods and techniques are relevant to other geoscience disciplines.

Prerequisites: MATH 141 or consent of instructor

MSCI 510 - Invertebrate Zoology

Credits: 4

Phylogenetic and comparative aspects of anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and embryology of the invertebrates.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 510

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or MSCI 311

Note: Three lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 511 - Advanced Paleontology

Credits: 3

Systematic, ecologic, biogeographic, and evolutionary aspects of paleontology. Lectures, practical exercises, occasional field trips.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 511

Prerequisites: GEOL 311

MSCI 515 - Marine Micropaleontology

Credits: 4

Marine microfossils: distribution, ecology, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy; use of microfossils in marine sediments to study oceanographic history. Three lectures and 2 laboratory hours per week.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 515

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

MSCI 521 - Introduction to Geochemistry

Credits: 3

Investigation of low temperature chemical reactions controlling the geochemistry of the earth’s surface. Emphasis on CO2, carbonates, oxidation reduction, thermodynamics, isotopes, biogeochemistry.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 521

MSCI 524 - Environmental Radioisotope Geochemistry

Credits: 3

Introduction to radioactivity and the use of radionuclides to study environmental processes, including age-dating and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems. Two lectures per week.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 524

Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112, MATH 141

MSCI 525 - Marine Plants

Credits: 4

Diversity, distribution, physiology, ecology, evolution, and economic importance of marine algal, seagrass, and mangrove communities. Three lectures and 3 laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips are required.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 525

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or MSCI 311

MSCI 535 - Fishery Management

Credits: 3

Management and conservation of aquatic and marine resources, with emphasis on fisheries. Data procurement and analysis; commercial and recreational fisheries; sociological, political, legal, and environmental factors that affect fishery management; and fish biodiversity.

Prerequisites: BIOL 301

MSCI 536 - Ichthyology

Credits: 4

Phylogeny, morphology, behavior, and ecology of fishes. Three lecture and 3 laboratory hours plus three field trips to be arranged.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 536

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or MSCI 311 or consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 537 - Aquaculture

Credits: 3

Introduction to the practical and scientific aspects of the commercial culture of freshwater and marine organisms. Three lecture hours per week. One all-day field trip required.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 537

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or MSCI 311

MSCI 538 - Behavior of Marine Organisms

Credits: 4

The identification of behavioral adaptations of estuarine and marine organisms: their ecology, physiology, development, and evolutionary history; field observations.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 538

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102 or MSCI 311 or consent of instructor

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 545 - Geological Oceanography

Credits: 3

A comprehensive study of the origin and development of the major structural features of the ocean basins and the continental margins. Discussion of the techniques used in obtaining geologic data and the interpretation of sedimentary processes, vulcanism, and the stratigraphy of the ocean basins.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 545

Prerequisites: consent of instructor required for undergraduates only

MSCI 550 - Sedimentary Simulations and Sequence Stratigraphy

Credits: 4

Problems of sequence stratigraphy resolved with graphic computer simulations. Sedimentary fill of basins by carbonates and/or clastics tracked as a function of rate of sediment accumulation, tectonic behavior and sea level. Includes laboratory.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 550

Prerequisites: GEOL 301 or consent of instructor

MSCI 552 - Population Genetics

Credits: 3

An introduction to the principles of population genetics, with emphasis on the origin, maintenance, and significance of genetic variation in natural populations.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 552

Prerequisites: BIOL 301, MSCI 311, and BIOL 303

Note: Graduation with Leadership Distinction: Research

MSCI 553 - Marine Sediments

Credits: 3

Marine sedimentary environments; physical/biological factors which control the formation and distribution of modern marine sediments.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 553

Prerequisites: GEOL 516 or consent of instructor

MSCI 555 - Conservation and Health in Marine Systems

Credits: 3

Introduces the field of conservation and explores the intersection between conservation and environmental health with a particular focus on coastal and marine case studies.

Cross-listed Course: ENHS 555

MSCI 557 - Coastal Processes

MSCI 566 - Ecosystem Analysis

Credits: 3

The formulation and simulation of compartment models of marine and terrestrial ecosystems with complex nutrient cycling, food chains, and energy flow. Analog and digital simulation techniques. Ecosystem stability and sensitivity. Organization, structure, and diversity of an ecosystem.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

MSCI 568 - Introduction to Micrometeorology

Credits: 3

Small-scale processes in the atmospheric boundary layers, including energy budget, radiation, soil heat transfer, humidity, viscous flows, turbulence, momentum and heat exchanges, evaporation, and marine atmospheric boundary layer.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 568

Prerequisites: PHYS 201 and MATH 141, or consent of instructor

MSCI 574 - Marine Conservation Biology

Credits: 3

Exploration of how human activities affect marine natural populations, species, communities and ecosystems, including threats to biodiversity; approaches to marine conservation; and ecological and evolutionary repsonses to anthropogenic disturbance.

Prerequisites: BIOL 301

MSCI 575 - Marine Ecology

Credits: 3

Structure, dynamics, and interactions between populations and communities in marine ecosystems. Three lecture hours per week. Attendance at designated departmental seminars is required.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 575

Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and BIOL 301 or MSCI 311)

MSCI 575L - Marine Ecology Laboratory

Credits: 1

Laboratory and field exercises in coastal environments. Three hours per week plus field trips.

Corequisite: Prereq or coreq: MSCI 575

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 575L

Prerequisites: Prereq or coreq: MSCI 575

MSCI 576 - Marine Fisheries Ecology

Credits: 3

Interdisciplinary examination of the distribution, reproduction, survival, and historical variation of the principal commercial marine fisheries.

Prerequisites: BIOL 301

MSCI 577 - Ecology of Coral Reefs

Credits: 4

Structure, productivity, and biodiversity of coral reefs, emphasizing their sensitivity, stability, and sustainability. Taught as an extended field experience with daily lectures and guided research activities.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 577

Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or MSCI 311 or consent of instructor

MSCI 578 - Physiological and Pollution Ecology of Marine Organisms

Credits: 3

Functional adaptation of marine plants and animals to ecological stresses including pollution. Three lecture hours per week.

Prerequisites: MSCI 311 or equivalent

MSCI 579 - Air-Sea Interaction

MSCI 580 - Satellite Oceanography

MSCI 581 - Estuarine Oceanography

Credits: 3

Estuarine kinematics and dynamics; classification of estuaries; estuarine circulation and mixing.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 581

Prerequisites: MSCI 314 or consent of instructor

MSCI 582 - Marine Hydrodynamics

Credits: 3

Basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics. Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; viscosity, vorticity, and boundary layers with examples from the marine environment. Applications to and analysis of ocean currents and waves.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 582

Prerequisites: differential equations, PHYS 201 or 211, or consent of instructor

MSCI 583 - Geology and Geochemistry of Salt Marshes

Credits: 3

Geological and geochemical processes in salt marshes. Methods of geological research in marshes including instrumental techniques, sampling design, and data analysis. Two lectures per week plus four weekends of project oriented fieldwork and/or equivalent lab work.

Cross-listed Course: GEOL 583

Prerequisites: consent of instructor

MSCI 585 - Coastal Tropical Oceanography

Credits: 4

Descriptive oceanography of mangrove and coral reef coasts with emphasis on physical processes. Taught as an extended field experience with daily lectures and guided research activities.

Prerequisites: MSCI 312 or consent of instructor

MSCI 590 - Beach-Dune Interactions

Credits: 3

Influence of wind on coastal systems, with emphasis on nearshore currents, sediment transport and bedforms, aeolian transport, and dunes.

Cross-listed Course: GEOG 590

Prerequisites: Minimum Junior standing required

MSCI 599 - Topics in Marine Science

Credits: 1-3

Current developments in marine science selected to meet faculty and student interests. Course content varies and will be announced by suffix and title in schedule of courses.

MSCI 624 - Aquatic Chemistry

Credits: 3

Study of the chemical reactions and processes affecting the distribution of chemical species in natural systems. Three lecture hours per week.

Corequisite: Prereq or coreq: CHEM 321, MATH 142, or consent of instructor

Cross-listed Course: CHEM 624

Prerequisites: Prereq or coreq: CHEM 321, MATH 142, or consent of instructor

MSCI 627 - Marine Phytoplankton

Credits: 3

Examines the physiology and ecology of phytoplankton, including environmental controls on community composition, primary productivity, and detection and characterization of water quality (eutrophication) and harmful algal blooms.

Cross-listed Course: BIOL 627

Prerequisites: MSCI 102 or MSCI 450/BIOL 450

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