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2016-2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
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2016-2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

How to Read Catalog Course Descriptions

Texas Tech offers nearly 5,000 courses as part of its curriculum. These courses are listed alphabetically by subject prefix within each college and departmental section of this catalog. The courses appear in numerical order, moving from beginning freshman or developmental level courses to graduate, research, and professional courses.

Not all courses listed in this catalog are offered every year. An online class schedule published before each registration period indicates courses that will be available during the upcoming term or semester and when each class will meet. The class schedule can be found at (www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/class_schedule/index.php). The university reserves the right to cancel any scheduled course or withdraw any program from the list of offerings when the best interests of the institution require such action.

Courses are designated by a subject prefix and number along with a descriptive title. Learn more  about interpreting the course descriptions found throughout the catalog.
 

Geography (Undergraduate Courses)
  

  • GEOG 4310 - Internship in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Minimum of 12 hours in geography, minimum 3. 0 GPA in geography, and consent of instructor. Supervised activity in a nonacademic setting. Students gain experience in the working world while having the opportunity to utilize accumulated geographic concepts and tools.
  

  • GEOG 4320 - Special Topics in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Seminar-led exploration in current topics and research. May repeat when topics vary.
  

  • GEOG 4321 - Biogeography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOG 1401  or consent of instructor. Study of plants and animals in their spatial context, functional interaction, and as related to human impacts.
  

  • GEOG 4324 - Geography of Health

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Consideration of the environmental and social factors that affect the distribution of health conditions at local, national, and global scales.
  

  • GEOG 4334 - Field Seminar in Human Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Seminar conducted in field setting. Students will conduct a research project and reflect on human geography of the region. May be repeated when specific region and topic vary.
  

  • GEOG 4335 - Field Methods in Physical Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Introduction to the collection of environmental and geographic data in the field. Topics Include mapping, sampling, record keeping and automated data collection.
  

  • GEOG 4357 - Geography of Arid Lands

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Systemic and regional inquiry into the physical nature and the problems of human utilization of the arid and semiarid lands of the earth.
  

  • GEOG 4369 - Independent Research in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Conference course. May be repeated for credit. (Writing Intensive)

Geography (Graduate Courses)
  

  • GEOG 5301 - Remote Sensing of the Environment

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Review of remote sensing techniques, including air photo interpretation and digital satellite image processing. Emphasis on the use of remote sensing imagery in geographic information systems.
  

  • GEOG 5303 - Advanced Human Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Consideration of current research in human geography with special reference to the spatial aspects of natural resource-environmental analysis. May be repeated as topic varies.
  

  • GEOG 5304 - Advanced Physical Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Consideration of current research in physical geography with special reference to the spatial aspects of natural resource-environmental analysis. May be repeated as topic varies.
  

  • GEOG 5306 - Seminar in Geography of Arid Lands

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Systematic and regional review and analysis of the physical nature and problems of human utilization of the arid and semi-arid lands of the earth.
  

  • GEOG 5309 - Seminar in Regional Analysis

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Consideration of the objectives and methods of regional analysis and the application of research techniques to the spatial analysis of selected regions. May be repeated as topic varies.
  

  • GEOG 5310 - Readings in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Conference course. May be repeated for credit.
  

  • GEOG 5312 - Seminar in Geographic Thought

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Discussions on the history and philosophy of geography and the breadth of geographical research.
  

  • GEOG 5320 - Special Topics in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Seminar-led exploration in current topics and research. Topics may vary.
  

  • GEOG 5330 - Applied Spatial and Spatiotemporal Data Analysis

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GIST 5302  or graduate-level statistics course, or instructor consent. Methods, software toolbox, current trends, and applications in spatial and spatiotemporal data analysis.
  

  • GEOG 5334 - Field Seminar in Human Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Seminar conducted in field setting. Primary focus is original research projects by students. May be repeated when region and topic vary.
  

  • GEOG 5335 - Field Seminar in Physical Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Original field research is done in a field setting, including design, data collection, data analysis and write-up of results.
  

  • GEOG 5340 - Research Design and Methodology in Geography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Core course in geography designed to develop the student’s research design and analysis skills.
  

  • GEOG 6000 - Master’s Thesis

    V1-6 Semester Credit Hours
  

  • GEOG 7000 - Research

    V1-12 Semester Credit Hours

Geology (Undergraduate Courses)
  

  • GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory

    1 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: GEOL1103 Laboratory study of rocks, minerals, and geologic mapping. Partially fulfills core Life and Physical Sciences requirement.
  

  • GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory

    1 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: GEOL1104 Prerequisite: GEOL 1101 . Laboratory study of fossils, geologic maps, and geologic structure.
  

  • GEOL 1105 - History of Life Laboratory

    1 Semester Credit Hours
    Introduction to and applications of methods employed by paleontologists to interpret the fossil record. Not for credit for majors.
  

  • GEOL 1303 - Physical Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: GEOL1303 Introduction to earth structure and composition, minerals and rocks, surface processes, orogeny, and the principle of plate tectonics. Partially fulfills core Life and Physical Sciences requirement.
  

  • GEOL 1350 - History of Life

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    A survey of the evolution of life on earth as interpreted from the fossil record and the processes that produced extinct and modern ecosystems. Not for credit for majors.
  

  • GEOL 2401 - Historical Geology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 1303  and GEOL 1101 . Survey of the earth’s geological history and the evolution of life and its interaction with geological processes. Interpretation of rocks, fossils, and geological maps.
  

  • GEOL 3301 - Geomorphology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: GEOL 1303  and GEOL 1101 , or GEOL 3324  or GEOG 1401 . Introductory course regarding the landforms and surface processes of the earth and other solar system bodies.
  

  • GEOL 3322 - Oceanography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOL 1303 , GEOL 3324 , GEOG 1401 , or ATMO 1300 . The physiography and origin of ocean basins and the processes and systems operative in them including physical, chemical, and biological factors as well as sedimentation patterns.
  

  • GEOL 3323 - Environmental Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOL 1303  or GEOL 3324 . Study of geological processes that affect human activities, emphasizing natural hazards, water resources, waste disposal, energy, mineral resources, and land use and planning.
  

  • GEOL 3324 - Geology for Petroleum Engineers

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in ME 2322 . Survey of geology with emphasis on concepts and processes important for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction. Petroleum engineering majors only.
  

  • GEOL 3328 - Geology of Energy Resources

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOL 1303  or GEOL 3324 . Origin, distribution, and exploitation of geological resources of energy, with emphasis on hydrocarbons, coal, and nuclear energy.
  

  • GEOL 3401 - Mineralogy and Petrology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in GEOL 1303 , GEOL 1101 , GEOL 2401 ; CHEM 1307  and CHEM 1107 ; CHEM 1308  and CHEM 1108  (may be taken concurrently); 2. 5 cumulative GPA. Classification and origin of minerals and rocks. Relationships of rock and mineral stability to pressure, temperature, and tectonic processes. Requires field trip that includes strenuous activity.
  

  • GEOL 3402 - Structural Geology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in PHYS 1403  or PHYS 1408  (concurrent enrollment allowed) and GEOL 3401 . Structural analysis of deformed rocks. Laboratory includes fieldwork, stereonets, map and cross-section construction. Required field trip that includes strenuous activity. (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GEOL 3450 - Paleontology and Paleoecology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in GEOL 2401 . Classification, evolution, and paleobiology of invertebrate fossils. Applications of paleontological data in geological dating, correlation, and paleoenvironmental analyses.
  

  • GEOL 4001 - Problems in Geosciences

    V1-6 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Independent study under guidance of faculty member.
  

  • GEOL 4101 - Undergraduate Seminar

    1 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Senior standing and majors only.
  

  • GEOL 4201 - Field Methods in Sedimentary Geology

    2 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 3402  and GEOL 4325 . Description of sediments and sedimentary rocks in the field, measurement of stratigraphic sections, mapping of surficial deposits and stratified rocks, interpretation of depositional environments. Field work requires strenuous physical activity.
  

  • GEOL 4300 - Independent Studies in Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Independent studies in geology. May be repeated for credit.
  

  • GEOL 4301 - Advanced Fields Methods

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in GEOL 3402 , GEOL 4201 , GEOL 4321 . Field mapping of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Field work requires strenuous physical activity.
  

  • GEOL 4306 - Introduction to Petroleum Systems

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOL 3402  (may be taken concurrently). General and updated background knowledge of petroleum geosciences, including unconventional resources. Generation and migration of petroleum, reservoir properties, sedimentary basins and petroleum exploration.
  

  • GEOL 4310 - Planetary Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GEOL 3401  and GPH 3300 . An introduction to the solid bodies of the solar system beyond Earth, with an emphasis on surface processes and landforms.
  

  • GEOL 4312 - Undergraduate Research

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Senior standing, GEOS majors only, prior approval from specific professor. Independent research in an area of current interest in the geosciences. (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GEOL 4318 - Geology of Texas

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: GEOL 1303  and GEOL 1101 , or GEOL 3324 . A comprehensive study of the structure, stratigraphy, and economic geology of Texas and parts of adjacent states.
  

  • GEOL 4320 - Optical Mineralogy and Crystallography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 3401 . Crystal symmetry groups and classes; principles of transmitted light microscopy; the relationships between crystal structure, chemical composition, and optical properties of minerals and use of these relationships in identification of common rock-forming minerals.
  

  • GEOL 4321 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrography

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in GCH 3303  and GEOL 4320 . The study of rock texture and paragenesis in thin section. Required field trip that includes strenuous activity.
  

  • GEOL 4324 - Geology of Hydrocarbons

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 3324 ; for petroleum engineering majors making progress in the PE program only. A study of the world-wide distribution and geologic setting of petroleum in addition to methods of exploration.
  

  • GEOL 4325 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites:C or better in GEOL 2401 , GEOL 3401 , GEOL 4320 . Sedimentary textures and structures, classification, petrography, and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks, lithostratigraphy, facies, and basin models.
  

  • GEOL 4331 - Digital Imagery in Geosciences

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Senior standing, GEOL 1303  and GEOL 1101  or GEOG 1401 , MATH 1320  or higher. Introduction to digital image processing, visualization, and raster GIS modeling applied to geosciences. Involves computer lab exercises.
  

  • GEOL 4332 - Spatial Data Analysis and Modeling in Geosciences

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: GIST 3300  and MATH 1451 . Introduction to vector GIS data manipulation, geostatistics, and spatial modeling applied to geosciences. Involves computer lab exercises.
  

  • GEOL 4334 - Structural Analysis in Hydrocarbon Systems

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: C or better in GEOL 3324  and GEOL 4324 ,  petroleum engineering majors in good standing in the PE program as determined by the PE department and partner advisors. Structural and geological analysis of hydrocarbon systems.
  

  • GEOL 4351 - Imaging Spectroscopy and Raster Classification

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 4331 , or instructor consent. A comprehensive study of the techniques of reflectance spectroscopy, and of per-pixel and sub-pixel classification methods. Involves computer lab exercises.
  

  • GEOL 4361 - Advanced Structural Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Senior standing in major, GEOL 3402 . Topics include deformation mechanisms and rheology, tectonic evolution of oceanic lithosphere and evolution of arcs.
  

  • GEOL 4362 - Tectonics

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: Senior standing in the major and GEOL 3402 . Survey of the plate tectonic paradigm in terms of historical development and modern application.
  

  • GEOL 4370 - Hydrogeology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites C or better in GEOL 3323 , GEOL 4325 . Physical, chemical and geologic mechanisms of surface and groundwater now and solute transport through aquifers, with emphasis on principles, practical applications, and case studies.

Geology (Graduate Courses)
  

  • GEOL 5001 - Problems in Geosciences

    V1-6 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Independent study under guidance of a faculty member.
  

  • GEOL 5101 - Seminar

    1 Semester Credit Hours
  

  • GEOL 5300 - Individual Studies in Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Instructor consent. A structured independent graduate studies course under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit.
  

  • GEOL 5303 - Advanced Igneous Petrology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Phase relations, geochemistry, and tectonic setting of igneous rocks. Emphasis on modern concepts of magma origin and differentiation. May be repeated for credit.
  

  • GEOL 5304 - Techniques in Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Graduate student in good standing. Application of electron microscopy and microanalysis to the study and characterization of organic and inorganic substances.
  

  • GEOL 5311 - Micropaleontology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Lectures and labs are designed to acquaint the student with basic lab techniques, morphology, and classification within the major microfossil groups, and to demonstrate the usefulness and importance of microfossils as biostratigraphic and paleoecologic tools.
  

  • GEOL 5322 - Sedimentary Processes

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Principles of fluid dynamics important in sedimentation, interpretation of primary sedimentary structures, and description of depositional environments.
  

  • GEOL 5325 - Petrophysics

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Physical properties of reservoir rocks, including porosity, permeability, composition, and texture. Interrelationships between rock characteristics and electric log responses in geologic exploration and exploitation.
  

  • GEOL 5327 - Problems in Paleontology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Subjects include origin of life, Precambrian life, origin and relationships of fish, amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, birds, and primates; mass extinction and impact cratering processes.
  

  • GEOL 5340 - Advances in Historical Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Survey of currently important topics in earth processes and history for science educators, with an emphasis on how geologists interpret modern and past geologic events.
  

  • GEOL 5341 - Digital Imagery in Geosciences

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Introduction to digital image processing, visualization, and raster GIS modeling applied to geosciences. Involves computer lab exercises.
  

  • GEOL 5342 - Spatial Data Analysis and Modeling in Geosciences

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Introduction to vector GIS data manipulation, geostatistics, and spatial modeling applied to geosciences. Involves computer lab exercises.
  

  • GEOL 5351 - Imaging Spectroscopy and Raster Classification

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: C or better in GEOL 4331 , or instructor consent. . A comprehensive study of the techniques of reflectance spectroscopy, and of per-pixel and sub-pixel classification methods. Involves computer lab exercises
  

  • GEOL 5361 - Advanced Structural Geology

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Topics include deformation mechanisms and rheology, tectonic evolution of oceanic lithosphere, and evolution of arcs. May be repeated once for credit.
  

  • GEOL 5362 - Advanced Tectonics

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Survey of the plate tectonics paradigm in terms of its historical development and modern application.
  

  • GEOL 5399 - Advanced Petrophysics

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Analysis of complex reservoirs, such as shaly sands, carbonates with complex pore geometries, fractured reservoirs, and gas-bearing dolomites. The development and use of new logging tools is also covered.
  

  • GEOL 5410 - Vertebrate Paleontology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    An introduction to the principles of paleontology governing evolution, morphology, and phylogeny of major groups of vertebrates.
  

  • GEOL 5420 - Geological Correlation

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Principles and methods of correlation of stratigraphic units with the geological time scale including chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, ecostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, event stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, and related techniques.
  

  • GEOL 5422 - Sedimentary Geology of Carbonates

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Classification and interpretation of carbonate rocks, processes that control their deposition and diagenesis, evolution of carbonate systems through times.
  

  • GEOL 5424 - Clastic Sedimentology

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Origins, classification, petrology, diagenesis, and facies analysis of clastic sedimentary rocks. Survey of modern and ancient clastic depositional systems.
  

  • GEOL 5426 - Sequence Stratigraphy

    4 Semester Credit Hours
    Fundamental concepts of sequence stratigraphy and application to interpretation of sedimentary basins across a range of depositional systems. Application to petroleum exploration and production.
  

  • GEOL 6000 - Master’s Thesis

    V1-6 Semester Credit Hours
  

  • GEOL 7000 - Research

    V1-12 Semester Credit Hours
  

  • GEOL 8000 - Doctor’s Dissertation

    V1-12 Semester Credit Hours

German (Undergraduate Courses)
  

  • GERM 1310 - Survival German Language and Cultures

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    A study of situation-based German and the cultures of German-speaking countries to prepare students to study abroad. Fulfills multicultural requirement.
  

  • GERM 1501 - A Beginning Course in German I

    5 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: [GERM 1511] Prerequisite: Permission of department. Oral practice, elementary reading, and grammar.
  

  • GERM 1502 - A Beginning Course in German II

    5 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: [GERM 1512] Prerequisite: GERM 1501 . Oral practice, elementary reading, and grammar.
  

  • GERM 1507 - Comprehensive German Review - First Year

    5 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Two years of high school German or permission of department. A comprehensive one-semester review.
  

  • GERM 1607 - Intensive German Review

    6 Semester Credit Hours
    Intensive immersion development of the four language skills in German: oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Taught in Germany.
  

  • GERM 2301 - A Second Course in German I

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: GERM2311 Prerequisite: GERM 1502  or GERM 1507 . Reading, cultural background, grammar review, and conversation.
  

  • GERM 2302 - A Second Course in German II

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    TCCNS: GERM2312 Prerequisite: GERM 2301 . Reading, cultural background, grammar review, and conversation.
  

  • GERM 2312 - Literature of the Holocaust

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Examination of the Holocaust as represented in literature, film, and art. Conducted in English. Fulfills core Language, Philosophy, and Culture requirements.
  

  • GERM 2313 - Northern Myths and Legends

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Introduction to Germanic myths, epics, sagas, legends, and fairy tales. Selected readings in translation with lectures and discussions in English. Fulfills core Language, Philosophy, and Culture requirements.
  

  • GERM 2607 - Intensive German Second Year

    6 Semester Credit Hours
    Intensive immersion development. Reading, writing, culture, conversation, and composition. Taught in Germany. Equivalent to GERM 2301  and GERM 2302 .
  

  • GERM 3301 - German Culture and Society

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . Study of video, Internet, and textual resources on culture and current issues. Conducted in German. (Writing Intensive) F.
  

  • GERM 3303 - Conversation and Composition

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . Emphasis on fluency in spoken and written German. Conducted in German. May be taken concurrently with GERM 3301 . (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GERM 3304 - Introduction to Literature

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . An introduction to periodization of German literature, literary genres, and literary theory. Conducted in German. (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GERM 3305 - German Language Studies

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Germany. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each summer.
  

  • GERM 3306 - Contemporary Germany

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . Readings in cultural history and literature, lectures, and tours on location. Taught in German. May not be repeated for credit toward major or minor. (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GERM 3314 - Cultural Excursions in Germany

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: GERM 2302  or GERM 2607 . Students participate in lectures on German culture and history, visit sites of cultural and historical interest, and discuss social and cultural topics. Taught in German-speaking countries.
  

  • GERM 4000 - Individual and Group Studies in German

    V1-6 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisite: Consent of department. Study in German under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit up to 6 hours.
  

  • GERM 4301 - Grammar

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: GERM 3301  and GERM 3303 . Review of grammatical structure. Practice in pronunciation and in written and spoken German.
  

  • GERM 4303 - German Classics

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: 6 hours from GERM 3301 , GERM 3303 , GERM 3304 . Readings in German literature through selected works by Hoffman, Bⁿchner, Keller, Kleist, Storm, and Hauptmann. Conducted in German. (Writing Intensive)
  

  • GERM 4305 - Readings in German Language and Literature

    3 Semester Credit Hours
    Prerequisites: GERM 3303  and GERM 3304 . Readings from a particular period or study of a literary theme. Conducted in German. May be repeated once for credit with consent of instructor. (Writing Intensive)
 

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