Dr. Jennifer Lindline, Department Chair
Ivan Hilton Science Center, Room 332
Phone: 505-426-2046
Fax: 505-454-3103
E-mail: lindlinej@nmhu.edu
About
The Natural Resources Management (NRM) Department includes the disciplines of Geology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, and Geographic Information Systems that work collaboratively to provide opportunities for students to obtain an exceptional education in natural resources management. Areas of study focus on the management of natural resources, with an emphasis on integrating knowledge
from fields of earth science, economics, social science, and public policy to understand, evaluate, and provide sustainable solutions for multi-dimensional resource management problems across spatial and temporal scales. The NRM Department offers instructional programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
in Environmental Geology, with minors in Environmental Science, Geology, and Geographic Information Systems. A certificate is also offered in Geographic Information Systems.
Mission of the Department of Natural Resources Management
The mission of the NRM Department academic programs is to provide students with a solid understanding of the natural environment and to improve the utilization and stewardship of land and water resources. The degree programs in Environmental Geology offer high quality instruction that includes hands-on learning, field immersion, and laboratory experience. The Environmental Geology degree and GIS program, with disciplines in Geology, Water Resources, and Environmental Science, instill scientific and technical backgrounds that empower students to successfully pursue science and technology careers or proceed to advanced graduate studies. The NRM professors strive to make each student’s educational experience challenging and rewarding.
Resources and Facilities
The Department of Natural Resources Management is housed in the Ivan Hilton Science and Technology Building. Modern classrooms and spacious laboratories showcase state-of-the-art analytical equipment and modern safety features and provide students with hands-on, student-centered learning environments.
Natural Resources Management
Faculty
Jennifer Aldred, Ph.D. (Geology)
William Jaremko-Wright, M.S. (Geology)
Jennifer Lindline, Ph.D. (Geology)
Michael S. Petronis, Ph.D. (Geology)
Joseph P. Zebrowski, MS (Geographic Information Science, Forestry)
Environmental Geology (BS)
Environmental Geology is an interdisciplinary major concerned with the practical application of the principles of geology in the solving of environmental problems. Environmental Geology deals with earth resources, geologic hazards, and the interaction of humans with the environment. Courses are designed to provide students with scientific knowledge, mathematical proficiency, research skills, technical abilities, and writing competencies to launch exciting and rewarding careers in the geosciences. The Environmental Geology B.S. offers three concentrations of study – Environmental Science, Geology, and Water Resources. The concentrations share a core set of chemistry, math, and physics foundational courses after which students focus on a series of upper-division courses in their intended concentration. In each concentration, students master content knowledge in basic areas of geology (earth materials, geologic hazards, and environmental law and policy), critical and reflective thinking skills, effective use of technology, and effective written and oral communication skills. All three degree tracks offer field study, laboratory experience, independent research, and elective coursework. Environmental Geology students are not required to take a minor, but those concentrating in Geology are required to take a summer field course (GEOL 375) prior to graduation. Graduates of the Environmental Geology program have excellent career opportunities in water, mineral, and energy resource exploration, resource recovery, resource management, water minimization, pollution prevention, contamination remediation, and environmental protection.
The Environmental Science concentration focuses on the application of geologic, physical, biological, and chemical principles to the study of the physical environmental and the solution of a wide range of environment problems. The Environmental Science degree track is deliberately designed to be sufficiently flexible to allow students, with close guidance from a faculty adviser, to design a major program, emphasizing a variety of specific approaches to studying earth’s environment, based on a firm foundation of supporting sciences and ending with a project-oriented capstone course. The Geology concentration is designed to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways involving interdisciplinary study of the environment, with a geological emphasis. It highlights those subjects that are most relevant to society, including hydrology, geomorphology, earth materials, geochemistry, and soil science, as well as the tools and techniques for environmental geology study. The Water Resources concentration is designed to provide disciplinary and interdisciplinary preparation for positions in industries or agencies requiring diversified experience in water science and management. Coursework emphasizes surface and ground water hydrology, water science, watershed management, watershed restoration, geochemistry, and water policy.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Programs
GIS is a computer-based database management system for capture, storage, retrieval, analysis and display of spatial data. The GIS minor and certificate program provide students with a basic proficiency with cutting edge GIS technology that can immediately be applied in the workplace, a highly marketable skill-base when seeking employment, and/or skills for pursuing an advanced degree in GIS. The GIS minor consist of 21-22 credit hours and the GIS certificate program requires 17-19 credit hours. Both programs afford students with a conceptual base and technical skills in using a desktop GIS and applying GIS across disciplines to solve real-world problems. Each GIS option includes 5 geology courses and an additional geology upper-division elective. Students who complete the GIS minor or GIS certificate program are prepared to map data for decision-making in business, environmental protection, risk assessment, utility planning and management, emergency response, land use planning, transportation planning, delivery route planning, real estate, crime prevention, and other areas.
Major in Environmental Geology (BS)
Concentration in Geology
Required Core: 48 credit hours
GEOL 1110 Physical Geology (4)
GEOL 2110 Historical Geology (4)
GEOL 3010 Environmental Geology (4)
GEOL 3170 Depositional Environments (4)
GEOL 3250 Earth Materials (4)
GEOL 3300 Structural Geology (4)
FORS 3400 Quantitative Methods (3); OR
MATH 3450 Mathematical Statistics
GEOL 3750 Field Geology (4)
FORS 4120 Surveying and GIS (4)
GEOL 4210 Environmental Ground Water Hydrology (4)
GEOL 4320 Environmental Geochemistry (4)
GEOL 4250 Geomorphology (4)
GEOL 4950 Senior Geology Applications (1)
Additional requirements: 26 – 28 credit hours
MATH 1510 Calculus 1 (4)
MATH 1440 Calculus 2 (4)
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
Choose one of the following:
PHYS 1230 Algebra-based Physics 1 (4)
OR
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics 1 (5)
Choose one of the following:
PHYS 1240 Algebra-based Physics 2 (4)
OR
PHYS 1320 Calculus-based Physics 2 (5)
OR
GEOL 4240 Environmental Geophysics (4)
Electives: > 5 upper division credit hours
With the advice and consent of an adviser, students take 5 upper division credit hours in geology, math, or an approved science discipline.
Major Total: 74-76 credits hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 124-132 credit hours*
*A minor is not required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Concentration in Water Resources
Required Courses: 53 credit hours
GEOL 1110 Survey of Earth Science (4)
BIOL 2110 Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology (4); OR
FORS 2110 Terrestrial Ecology (4)
GEOL 3010 Environmental Geology (4)
FORS 3400 Quantitative Methods (3); OR
MATH 3450 Math Statistics (3)
GEOL 4120 Geol Resources, Law & Env Policy (3); OR
FORS 3150 Natural Resources Law & Policy (3)
FORS 4080 Limnology (4)
FORS 4120 Survey and Geographic Information Systems (4)
FORS 4170 Watershed Management (3)
GEOL 4150 Remote Sensing and Analysis (4)
GEOL 4210 Environmental Ground Water Hydrology (4)
GEOL 4250 Geomorphology (4)
GEOL 4320 Environmental Geochemistry (4)
FORS 4330 Water Science
FORS 4530 Toxicology in Life Science (3)
GEOL 4950 Senior Geology Applications (1)
Additional requirements: –17-18 credit hours
MATH 1510 Calculus 1 (4)
MATH 1440 Calculus 2 (4)
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
Choose one:
PHYS 1230 Algebra-based Physics 1 (4)
OR
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics 1 (5)
Major total: 70-76 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 120-132 credit hours*
*A minor is not required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Concentration in Environmental Science
Required Courses: 19 credit hours
GEOL 1110 Survey of Earth Science (4)
FORS 1010 Ecosystems and Humans (4); OR
BIOL 2110 Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology
GEOL 3010 Environmental Geology (4)
FORS 3400 Quantitative Methods (3); OR
MATH 3450 Mathematical Statistics (3)
FORS 3300 Natural Resources Law/Policy (3)
OR
GEOL 4120 Geologic Resources, Law and Environmental Policy (3)
FORS/GEOL 4950 Senior Geology Applications (1)
Additional Science Requirements: 20-23 credit hours
BIOL 2110 Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology (4); OR
FORS 2110 Terrestrial Ecology (3)
MATH 1510 Calculus 1 (4)
PHYS 1230 Algebra-based Physics I (4)
OR
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics I (5)
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry I for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L General Chemistry I Lab for STEM MAJORS (2)
One additional foundational science or MATH course. (4)
Electives: 34 upper-division credits
With the advice and consent of an advisor, students take a minimum of 34 upper division credits in geology, math, or an approved allied discipline. Note: Students planning to continue on to graduate school are strongly encouraged to take GEOL 3750 Field Geology as this is a required class in many graduate programs.
Major totals: 73-76 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 123- 132 credit hours
*A minor is not required. Additional credit hours may exceed the total degree credit requirement if proficiency courses are required. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Minor in Environmental Science
Required Courses: 21 credit hours
FORS 4130 Environmental and Ecological Monitoring (3)
FORS 4160 Soil Science (4)
GEOL 4210 Environmental Ground-Water Hydrology (4)
FORS 4330 Water Science (4)
FORS 4530 Toxicology in Life Science (3)
FORS 4610 Atmospheric Science (3)
Minor Total: 21 credit hours
Minor in Geology
Required courses: 20 credit hours
GEOL 1110 Physical Geology (4)
GEOL 2110 Historical Geology (4)
GEOL 3010 Environmental Geology (4)
GEOL 3170 Depositional Environmental (4)
GEOL 3250 Earth Materials (4)
Electives: 3 credits hours
Choose at least one additional 3/4000-level geology course for which prerequisites for that course have been satisfied.
Minor Total: 23 credit hours
Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Required Courses: 22 credits hours
Choose one of the following:
GEOL 1110 Physical Geology (4)
FORS 1010 Ecosystems and Humans (4)
POLS 1120 American National Government (3)
ANTH 1140 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
Additional requirements:
FORS 4120 Surveying and GIS (4)
GEOL 4150 Remote Sensing and Analysis (4)
GEOL 4180 Advanced GIS (4)
GEOL 4940 GIS Capstone Seminar* (2)
Elective: 4-5 credit hours (to reach 22 credit hours)
Choose a 3000/4000-level course from geology, forestry, political science, or anthropology.
Minor Total: 22 credits hours
*This class (existing course or selected topic) is an elective within the GIS program that varies by discipline. The course fulfills the minor degree requirement as determined by the student’s faculty adviser.
GIS Certificate
Required Courses: 18 credit hours
Choose one of the following:
GEOL 1110 Physical Geology (4)
FORS 1010 Ecosystems and Humans (4)
POLS 1120 American National Government (3)
ANTH 1140 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
Additional requirements:
FORS 4120 Intro to GIS Surveying (4)
GEOL 4150 Remote Sensing and Analysis (4)
GEOL 4180 Advanced GIS (4)
GEOL 4940 GIS Capstone Seminar (2)
Certificate Total: 18 credit hours
Geology – Environmental (GEOL), Courses in
GEOL 1110. Physical Geology (4); 3, 2 Fa, Sp
Physical Geology is an introduction to our dynamic Earth introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice can shape the landscape. Students will also develop a basic understanding of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on natural resources and global climate change. Previous NMHU GEOL 101.
GEOL 1101. Physical Geology Laboratory (0)Physical Geology Lab is the laboratory component of Physical Geology. Students will learn to identify rocks and minerals in hand samples, work with topographic maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross-sections, and apply stratigraphic principles to explore geologic time.
GEOL 1050. The Planets (4); 3, 2 Var
A study of the eight planets in our solar system, with emphasis on geologic and atmospheric processes. Topics include the study of faults and tectonic features, impact craters, evolution and internal structures, atmospheres, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and analysis of spacecraft images. Applies to NM Common Core.
GEOL 2110. Historical Geology (4); 3, 2 Sp
This course reviews the major geological and biological processes and events over the Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history. Students will learn about the formation of the Earth and its development through time including changes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The interrelationships between the physical aspects of Earth history and biological origins, evolution of species, and causes of extinctions will be explored. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110. Previous NMHU GEOL 202.
GEOL 2350 – 4350. Selected Topic in Geology (1-4 VC); Var
Course in topic or topics in geology. May be repeated with a change in content. Previous NMHU GEOL 235-435.
GEOL 2900 – 4900. Independent Study (1-4 VC); Fa, Sp, Su
Individual study arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 290-490.
GEOL 3010. Environmental Geology (4); 3, 2 Sp
A study of the human interactions with the earth, its resources, and natural hazards. Includes instruction in the geological principles that can be utilized to both prevent and ameliorate environmental problems. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110. Previous NMHU GEOL 301.
GEOL 3170. Depositional Environments (4); 3, 2 Alt, Fa, Even
Survey of sedimentary rock types, principles of description and classification, sediment genesis and transport, distribution and origin of sedimentary deposits. Includes paleoenvironmental determinations from analysis of modern marine, transitional, and continental environments with the information applied to problems in environmental geology. Course includes an investigation of evolution of life on a dynamic earth. The course will investigate stratigraphic and paleontologic principles to aid in paleoenvironmental interpretation and evolutionary studies. Students will gain an appreciation of the dynamic nature of the earth and the importance of scientific thought processes. Laboratory portion of the course emphasizes lecture topics through hands-on laboratory experiences, including several field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110. Previous NMHU GEOL 317.
GEOL 3200. Mineralogy (4); 3, 2 Var
A study of the fundamental aspects of mineralogy, including crystal symmetry, crystal structures, crystal chemistry, and the physical properties of minerals. Students will practice hand specimen identification, optical mineralogy, and powder X-ray diffractometry towards the study of elected mineral groups. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 320.
GEOL 3210. Petrology (4); 3, 2 Var
An introduction to the fundamentals of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The lecture will focus on the experimental and field evidence for interpreting rock associations and the interplay between igneous and metamorphic rock formation and the plate tectonic model. Topics include textures, structures, microscopic identification, geochemistry, and rock classification as a background for discussing rock origins. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110, 3200 or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 321.
GEOL 3250. Earth Materials (4); 3, 2 Fa
A study of the origin, identification, and significance of geologic materials and processes. The course blends basic descriptive aspects with theory and quantitative analysis. Course objectives include the following: the recognition of major rock-forming minerals and other selected minerals in hand specimen and thin section; the mastery of hand specimen and petrographic microscope analyses for mineral identification and rock interpretation; and the ability to relate crystal chemistry, crystallographic alignment, and physical attributes of a mineral to its identification, as well as rock petrogenesis. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110. Previous NMHU GEOL 325.
GEOL 3300. Structural Geology (4); 3, 2 Alt, Fa, Odd
A detailed study of the forces acting on the earth’s crust and a resolution of these forces in terms of joints, faults, folds, uplifts, and related phenomena. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110, MATH 1220, and MATH 1250 or by permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 330.
GEOL 3500. Seminar in Geology (3); Var
Seminar course in topic or topics in geology. Previous NMHU GEOL 350.
GEOL 3750. Field Geology (4); 0, 12 Su
Principles of geologic mapping, including the use of a Brunton compass, barometer, hand-level, plane table, and other instruments. The course also includes the solution of actual field problems and preparation of reports. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110, 3170, 3300 or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 375.
GEOL 4100. Applications of Paleomagnetism and Rock Magnetism (4); 3, 1 Var
The purpose of this class is to introduce the students to the concepts of paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, and fine partial magnetism of natural, synthetic, and biological materials. The class will investigate the theoretical aspects of permanent (s.l.) magnetization in materials, the application of magnetic studies, and instrumentation used to measure magnetic materials.
GEOL 4120. Geologic Resources, Laws, and Environmental Policies (3); Alt, Sp, Even
A study of the policies that protect public and private lands and communities in from hard-rock mining impacts. The course will briefly cover the nature and origin of the earth’s rock and mineral resources, methods of resource extraction, and impacts on the environment. The course will thoroughly cover the major types of regional and federal environmental policies, discuss the roles of the major players in the public policy process, and consider how to use science to inform the debate and remediate or lessen mining impacts. The class will study the 1872 Mining Law which grants fee and open occupation, exploration, and purchase of public lands to U.S. citizens. We will also study The 1993 New Mexico Mining Act that improved regulation of mining at the state level will also be covered. Selected NM hard- rock mining cases and issues relevant to the southwest will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 or an introductory physical science laboratory course. Previous NMHU GEOL 412.
GEOL 4150. Remote Sensing and Analysis (4); 3, 2 Fa
Instruction in remote sensing theory, applications, and case studies, and exposure to and practice with airborne and satellite remote sensing and image processing. Students will be able to acquire data, process the images, create appropriate data, analyze the accuracy of the results, and utilize the data for specific applications. Prerequisites: FOR 4120 and MATH 1220 with at least a C or better, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 415.
GEOL 4180. Advanced Geographic Information Systems (4); 3, 2 Sp
A scheme of hardware, software, and procedures designed to support the capture, management, manipulation, analysis, modeling and display of spatially referenced data for solving complex planning and management problems. GIS applications in both spatial information (maps) and databases to perform analytical studies. The course will build upon knowledge and experience in GIS, gained in the introductory course to provide students with an understanding of cartographic and geodetic concepts, impacting GIS analysis, filed data collection techniques with global positioning systems and handheld computer mapping software, effective map design, and modeling topographic and statistical surfaces. Prerequisites: FOR 4120 and MATH 1220 with at least a C or better, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 418.
GEOL 4210. Environmental Groundwater Hydrology (4); 3, 2 Alt, Sp, Odd
Study of the origin, movement, method of entrapment, and removal of subsurface waters. Course includes extensive discussion of problems associated with groundwater pollution and remediation. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110, MATH 1430 or MATH 1510 or previous NMHU GEOL 101, MATH 1430 or MATH 1510. Previous NMHU GEOL 421.
GEOL 4220. Genesis and Environmental Impact of Earth’s Resources (3); Var
Study of the distribution, mineralogy, classification, modes of occurrence, and economic implications to industry and world affairs of mineral deposits. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110 and 3250 or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 422.
GEOL 4240. Environmental Geophysics (4); 3, 2 Alt, Fa, Even
Instruction in the geophysical tools, processes and concepts applied in environmental geology. Processes, e.g., volcanism, plate tectonics, mountain building, and climates, are discussed in the context of the earth and other planets. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110, PHYS 1230, MATH 1250, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 424.
GEOL 4250. Geomorphology (4); 3, 2 Alt, Sp, Odd
This course is an introduction to the description of landforms and landscapes on the earth’s surface. Emphasis is placed on the basic processes that govern landform evolution, human impact on land surfaces, and on the history of geomorphic study. Several field trips are required. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110, GEOL 325, PHYS 1230, MATH 1250, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 425.
GEOL 4320. Environmental Geochemistry (4); 3, 2 Alt, Sp, Even
A study of the chemistry of the earth, including mineral mobility, cosmochemistry, chemical weathering, digenesis, igneous and metamorphic chemistry, stable isotopes, pollution, and the thermodynamics and kinetics associated with these systems. Prerequisites: GEOL 101, CHEM 1215 and 1215L, MATH 1250, or by permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 432.
GEOL 4940. GIS: Capstone Seminar (2); Fa, Sp
Individual, directed research study arranged with an instructor. Students will conduct an independent research project involving GIS and/or remote sensing analysis applied to a subject of study associated with their discipline. Each student will present a written report and applied GIS project to his or her mentor. All students will be responsible for demonstrating how GIS technology has enabled them to address a spatial problem more effectively. Prerequisites: FOR 412, GEOL 415, and GEOL 418. Previous NMHU GEOL 494.
GEOL 4950. Senior Geology Applications (1); Fa, Sp
Required class for all graduating seniors. The purpose of the course will be is to assess the student’s understanding of environmental geology, critical thinking, and applications to geology and research methods. Assessment will consist of oral and written examinations and problem solving. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 495.
GEOL 4990. Independent Research in Geology (1-4 VC); Fa, Sp, Su
Individual, directed research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU GEOL 499.