Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
Department website: https://www.wku.edu/eeas/graduateprogram.php
Leslie North, Department Chair
Environmental Science & Technology 304
(270) 745-4555
At WKU, students and faculty within the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) study an interdisciplinary cadre of contemporary topics aimed at exploring, understanding, and solving the wonderous curiosities of our dynamic planet, and its effects on society. EEAS offers three undergraduate programs and one graduate program, directs two certificate programs, and shares graduate duties with a partnered graduate program:
- B.S. Environmental, Sustainability & Geographic Studies
- B.S. Geological Sciences
- B.S. Meteorology (GS-1340)
- M.S. Geoscience
- Certificate (online): Emergency Management Disaster Science (EMDS; undergraduate/graduate)
- Certificate: Geographic Information Science (GIS; undergraduate)
- M.S. Homeland Security Science (HSS; co-advised with Physics & Astronomy)
In addition to developing fundamental core knowledge in the classroom, EEAS emphasizes applied experiential and high-impact student learning (undergraduate and graduate) via immersive study abroad programs and otherwise nationally awarded (Field Methods in Severe Weather Analysis & Forecasting) and globally recognized (Karst Field Studies Program) field course programs. Students engage in the department’s state-of-art operational and research facilities, certified commercial water quality laboratories, as well as service-learning experiences in collaboration with local, regional, national, and global entities. Students in EEAS also work directly alongside faculty with university and state-level appointments, including the Kentucky State Climatologist, WKU’s University Meteorologist, University Emergency Manager, and University Director of Sustainability. EEAS students are also guided to prominent national-level internship and research programs around the country.
All students in EEAS are invited to participate in any of the four Ogden College of Science & Engineering Applied Research & Technology Program (ARTP) facilities and co-associated initiatives housed in the department. These include:
- Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES) and HydroAnalytical Lab
- Crawford Hydrology Lab
- Disaster Science Operations Center (DSOC) and White Squirrel Weather
- Kentucky State Climate Office – The Kentucky Mesonet
Whether students are helping with state-wide weather and climate monitoring, conducting dye-trace stream analysis, monitoring water quality, or providing hyperlocal meteorological and emergency management decision-support and training, the ARTP programs of distinction and its supporting units within EEAS provide robust student-centered experiential professional development opportunities unique to WKU. Additionally, EEAS provides students with seven innovative lab spaces dedicated for applied learning and research that focuses on geospatial analytics, applied meteorological and climatological sciences, environmental and sustainability issues, and advances in geology.
The EEAS “learn by doing” philosophy has a proven, measured record of providing key pathways to help students develop advanced professional analytical and communication skills that promote post-graduate readiness in a variety of career sectors.
Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) degree offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in approximately five years. Contact the graduate program coordinator for additional information.
The Geoscience, Master of Science (072) provides advanced professional training for careers as hydrologists, environmental resource managers, city and regional planners, engineering geologists, geophysical and geochemical geologists, meteorologists and climatologists, earth science teachers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists, consultants in business and industry, and professional educators. The program also provides a scientific foundation for graduate students who plan to continue advanced studies leading to the Ph.D.
Faculty
Professor
Jerald A. Brotzge PhD, University of Oklahoma Norman, 2000
Joshua D. Durkee PhD (Geography), University of Georgia, 2002
Xingang Fan PhD (Atmospheric Sciences, Synoptic Dynamics), Lanzhou University, 1996
MD R. Gani PhD (Geosciences), University of Texas at Dallas, 2005
Nahid Gani PhD (Geosciences), University of Texas at Dallas, 2006
Margaret M. Gripshover PhD (Geography), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1995
Christopher G. Groves PhD (Environmental Science), University of Virginia, 1993
Michael T. May PhD (Geological Sciences), Indiana University-Bloomington, 1992
Jason Polk PhD (Geography and Environmental Science and Policy), University of South Florida, 2009
Jun Yan PhD (Geography), SUNY College at Buffalo, 2004
Associate Professor
Leslie A. North PhD (Geography and Environmental Science and Policy), University of South Florida, 2011
Assistant Professor
Zachary J. Suriano PhD (Climatology), University of Delaware, 2018
Instructor II
Patricia N. Kambesis PhD (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), Mississippi State University, 2014
Geoscience Courses
GEOS 500 Geoscience Research and Literacy 3 Hours
Development of geoscience research skills with emphasis on posing of research problems, documentation, organization, and presentation.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
GEOS 501 Seminar in Geoscience 3 Hours
Topical seminar examining current issues and trends of the discipline and related fields, recent research, and the role of science, communication, and technology in society.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 502 Geoscience Research Methods 3 Hours
This course will introduce basic Geoscience methods techniques, provide exposure to lab and field environments, and focus on methods development and synthesizing data for dissemination. The main components will include (1) generating appropriate questions that can be answered with methodical data collection, (2) project planning to focus research efforts, (3) methods and techniques of data collection, (4) processing and analysis of data, and (5) synthesizing and communicating methods and datasets. Field trips and application-based exercises may be required.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 500 (may be taken concurrently)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
GEOS 505 Biogeography 3 Hours
The evolutionary, geographical, ecological, pedological, and edaphic factors involved in the naturalization, acclimatization, and distribution of plant and animal life. Note: Introductory course in geography and/or biology required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 506 Seminar in Environmental Science and Sustainability 1-3 Hours
Guided seminar-style course focused on major environmental and sustainability issues from an applied, multidisciplinary perspective. Course includes seminars by expert professionals and scientists in their respective fields providing experiential context for the issues being discussed.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 507 Geographic Concepts and Skills for Teachers 3 Hours
Designed for experienced social studies, earth science, and geoscience teachers. Provides up-to-date geographic content, information, and related geographic skills with geography core content for the P-12 classroom.
Equivalent(s): EDU 507
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022
GEOS 510 Selected Topics in Geoscience 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Special topics in applied or basic geoscience topics.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024
GEOS 515 Remote Sensing Applications 3 Hours
Applications of remote sensing, analysis of current systems in use globally, and use of data for research and policy. Associated laboratory work and research project includes remote sensing techniques.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
GEOS 517 Spatial Databases 3 Hours
Advanced topics in GIS database planning, design and implementation and administration. Covers a variety of GIS data models and their design and use in spatial database engines (SDG) used with database management systems software.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 520 Geoscience Statistical Methods 3 Hours
This course introduces a variety of statistical methods appropriate for the analysis of spatial and temporal data sets commonly used in geosciences.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
GEOS 521 Seminar in Geomorphology 3 Hours
Systematic study of the processes that shape and modify Earth’s landforms and landscapes in a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Coupling between climatic, biologic, tectonic, and human influences on landscape changes are examined.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023
GEOS 522 Seminar in Physical Climatology 3 Hours
Addresses the complexity of climactic processes at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and from selected theoretical and practical perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): (METR 324 and MATH 237) or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 523 Geoprocessing & GIS Applications 3 Hours
Applications of GIS and spatial methods to urban and regional analysis. Students develop analytical capabilities using a variety of GIS operations and spatial methods in urban and regional planning, transportation, location analysis, and business geographics.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
GEOS 525 Seminar in Political Geography 3 Hours
This course analyzes the world's geopolitical relationships in a seminar environment. Project-based course structure addresses statehood, society, independence movements, supra-nationalism, nationalism, economy.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 526 Applied Meteorology and Climatology 3 Hours
This course offers a practical insight into the influence of meteorology and climatology on everyday life. Environmental problems caused by changes in the atmosphere are also examined.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 530 Seminar in Cultural Geography 4 Hours
Seminar-field experience. Covers cultural origins and dispersals, environmental perception and behavior, and resulting consequence upon the geographic landscape.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 531 Seminar in Dynamic Met I 3 Hours
Introduction to large-scale dynamics of the Earth's troposphere focusing on fundamental topics, the basic governing equations of motion in the atmosphere, and dry thermodynamics.
Prerequisite(s): (METR 324 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent) and (MATH 237 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 533 Seminar in Synoptic Meteorology 3 Hours
Seminar addresses the analysis and prediction of large-scale weather systems, such as extratropical cyclones and their associated fronts and jet streams, with an emphasis on a supervised research project.
Prerequisite(s): equivalent and (MATH 237 or equivalent)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 535 Seminar in Dynamic Meteorology II 3 Hours
Phenomena related to large-scale tropospheric dynamics. Topics include moist and dry thermodynamics, applications of balanced flow, boundary layer processes, and vorticity.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 531 or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 537 Seminar in Mesoscale Meteorology 3 Hours
Use of mesoscale analysis techniques in the prediction of convective precipitation systems, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 533 or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 538 Seminar in Physical Meteorology 3 Hours
Microscale analytic techniques related to radiative transfer in the atmosphere, cloud and precipitation processes, and dry and moist thermodynamics.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 531 or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 539 Seminar in Atmospheric Modeling 3 Hours
An introduction to numerical weather and climate modeling techniques and models, with focus on modeling fundamentals, including dynamics, physical parameterizations, grids and resolutions, model structures and components. Includes hands-on experience with designing numerical experiments, configuring and running model simulations, post-processing model outputs, and visualization.
Prerequisite(s): CS 245 and METR 324
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 543 Environmental Science Problem Solving 3 Hours
Provides students a fundamental understanding of the inter-relationship between the science and technical disciplines that contribute to key concepts in environmental science, along with their methodologies and approaches to knowledge production. Students are exposed to the unique challenges facing environmental scientists, both from a practitioner and researcher perspective. Examines the relationship between environmental science and public policy, both historically and in the present day and encourages critical analysis and evaluation of potential approaches to environmental problem solving, with an emphasis on systems thinking.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023
GEOS 544 Practical Environmental Ethics 3 Hours
Examination of ethical theory as it relates to environmental issues such as resource allocation, population growth, and technology. Ethical theory is evaluated in terms of its practical contributions to effective environmental understanding, decision-making, and everyday life.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 545 Aqueous Geochemistry 3 Hours
An introduction to geochemical processes of surface and ground water including concentrations of ions and organic compounds, chemical equilibria, and analytical techniques. Carbonate and clay minerals will be studied in detail.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 550 Seminar in Sustainable Economic Development 3 Hours
Examine the modern role of sustainability methodologies and models to the functional interrelationships among economic and business activities in consumption, production, marketing and exchange of goods and services. Students may engage in sustainable economic research and field experiences during the course with an emphasis on innovation through sustainability.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 555 Global Climate Change 3 Hours
Explores the science behind climate change, including how models, observations, and proxies are used to understand and predict past and future climate, international perspectives on global climate change, and mitigation strategies put forth by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2024
GEOS 559 Hydrological Fluid Dynamics 3 Hours
Focus on how fluids respond to the application of forces and their impact on the movement of natural waters within the context of the hydrologic cycle. Note: Field trips required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 560 Environmental Geology 3 Hours
The interrelationships of geologic processes, earth materials, and human activities. Assessment of geologic factors with respect to site selection, energy production, land use, waste disposal, planning, water resources, engineering practices, and the recognition and control of geologic hazards. Class exercises stress the application of geologic knowledge to specific environmental situations.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2024
GEOS 561 Hydrogeology 3 Hours
Origin, occurrence, and movement of ground water; water wells and aquifer evaluations; exploratory investigations; quality of ground water supplies; legal aspects.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023; fall 2024
GEOS 563 Geology of Fossil Fuels 3 Hours
Formation of coal, petroleum, and natural gas including depositional setting, source materials, and processes of thermal maturation. Stratigraphic and structural relations, modes of occurrence, exploration techniques, and resource evaluation are emphasized. Field trip required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 565 Geophysics 3 Hours
The fundamentals of general and exploration geophysics. Topics include the origin of the earth and solar system, the earth's interior, geochronology, gravity and isostasy, seismology, the earth's heat, geomagnetism, upper atmosphere, continents and ocean basins, ridges and island arcs, and plate tectonics. The theory and applications of exploration geophysics are also covered, especially gravity, magnetic, and seismic methods.
Equivalent(s): PHYS 465G
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024
GEOS 566 Karst Geoscience 3 Hours
Focus on the geological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes of karst landscapes, including human-environment interactions over time, with emphasis on the characterization, distribution, and function of various karst systems. Note: Field trips and field-based exercises are required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 570 Tectonics 3 Hours
A survey of recent and past global tectonic activities and environments, including mantle plumes and processes, rifted continental margins, oceanic ridges, subduction and transform zones, mountain building and landforms, tectonic geomorphology, and interplay between climate and tectonics. Tectonic implications of environmental changes, natural hazards, and natural resources are discussed.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 571 Applied Natural Resource Management 3 Hours
Seminar approach to understanding natural resource management in the United States and internationally through analysis of past and present environmental problems and implemented alternative solutions.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024
GEOS 575 GIS Analysis and Modeling 3 Hours
Develops expertise with a broad range of spatial analysis functions applied with a cartographic modeling framework.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 576 GIS Programming 3 Hours
Planning and implementing GIS within an organization. Designing and developing GIS applications to support spatial decision making.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 577 Special Topics in Geographic Information Systems 3 Hours
Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to applied research in urban and regional planning, geology, environmental modeling, transportation, locational analysis, criminology, public health, and internet GIS.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024
GEOS 580 Seminar in Sustainable Cities 3 Hours
This seminar explores the consequences of urban development and the essentials of sustainable urbanism. Topics include environmental and human costs of urbanization, landscape change, mobility, and urban responses to climate change.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024
GEOS 584 Applied Environmental Planning 3 Hours
Analysis and application of advanced topics and results of recent research in environmental and general land use planning. The course includes a broad examination of mitigation, remediation, and land use planning challenges from an applied perspective, particularly as they relate to problem-solving scenarios in sustainable development.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
GEOS 587 Environmental Law, Regulations, and Policy 3 Hours
This is an introductory course on environmental management and law. Environmental Law is comprised of a vast body of legislation and common law, and management and law dominate all aspects of society. It is important to understand that law isn’t designed to determine what is ‘right or moral,’ but rather to enforce what is expedient for society’s optimal functioning. This course will include a thorough examination of major legislative, administrative, and judicial management approaches to addressing current environmental conditions related, but not limited to, natural resource consumption and air, water, and hazardous pollutants, in the United States and abroad.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 590 Experimental Design and Data Analysis 3 Hours
Statistical consideration in experimental design including covariance, multiple regression, factorial design, incomplete block designs, etc.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
GEOS 595 Geoscience Practicum 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Supervised geoscience teaching, applied research, and/or internship experience in a research center, lab, cooperating government or private agency, business, or community.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
GEOS 599 Thesis Writing and Research 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Thesis research and writing directed by faculty advisor and committee.
Prerequisite(s): GEOS 500 with a minimum grade of B and GEOS 502 with a minimum grade of B
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
GEOS 600 Maintain Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for thesis completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024