Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Major in Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology (Entering with Bachelor's Degree)

BIO 7100. Professional Development.

This course develops professional skills relevant to Biology graduate training and scientific careers. It examines career pathways, professional communication practices, and competencies required for academic and non-academic contexts. Instruction is delivered through structured modules, discussions, and applied assignments that analyze professional scenarios and workforce expectations, including evaluation of professional documents, communication strategies, ethical considerations, and data presentation conventions across diverse scientific and organizational settings. The course includes analysis of qualifications, career pathways, and professional development planning based on disciplinary standards, regulatory frameworks, and employment requirements.

BIO 7102. SEMINAR IN INTEGRATIVE AND APPLIED BIOLOGY.

This course examines current topics and emerging research through focused study of primary scientific literature. Topics vary by offering and address applications relevant to biological systems at multiple levels of organization, including discipline-based education research and human dimensions of biological sciences. Instruction includes student-led discussions, presentations, and critical review of published studies, with emphasis on research design, interpretation, and significance. The course focuses on synthesis of evidence, evaluation of complex issues, and communication of scholarly analyses of contemporary research questions.

BIO 7103D. Molecular Biology of the Cell.

Interactive discussion of current literature on molecular biology of the cell. The course is designed to discuss concepts and their applications and methodology associated with the structure and function of the cell at cellular and molecular level.

BIO 7103F. Molecular Genetics of Plant Development.

The study of plant development is rapidly changing as plant genome projects discover a multitude of new genes, and their expression and interaction patterns are understood. This course is designed to discuss concepts in plant development, and developmental processes as pathways of gene regulatory activities.

BIO 7104. Marine Pollution.

This course focuses on the sources, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and health effects of contaminants in the marine environment. Contaminants to be reviewed include trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oil, pesticides, radionuclides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plastics, pharmaceuticals, illegal drugs, and personal care products. Students read and critically evaluate peer-reviewed scientific papers that address a variety of marine life including plankton, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes, marine mammals, turtles, and birds. Students lead and participate in discussions and make recommendations for future research.

BIO 7105. Environmental Issues through Documentaries.

This course will examine how environmental issues are addressed in documentaries with an emphasis on critically evaluating each for scientific content, imagery, biases, misconceptions perpetuated or depicted, and ease of understanding. Students will watch a curated list of documentaries covering topics such as overfishing, wildlife trade, habitat degradation, pollution, energy resources, climate change, sustainability, and conservation. Students will gain the skills to review and analyze documentary content for scientific content and messaging, making recommendations to improve the medium.

BIO 7106. Molecular Biology of the Cell.

This course examines current literature in molecular and cellular biology through interactive seminar discussions, emphasizing critical analysis of concepts, methodologies, and applications for understanding cell structure and function at the molecular level. Students engage with research resources and explore emerging discoveries in molecular biology. Topics vary each semester to reflect advances in the field, allowing students to repeat the course for credit.

BIO 7107. Molecular Genetics of Plant Development.

This course engages students in interactive seminar discussions of current literature on molecular genetics of plant development. Emphasis is placed on understanding developmental processes as gene regulatory pathways and exploring how plant genome projects have advanced this field. Students critically analyze research methodologies and findings, considering implications for developmental biology. Topics vary each semester to reflect emerging discoveries, and the course may be repeated for credit.

BIO 7114. Collaborative Research.

This course provides Ph.D.‑level graduate students with structured opportunities to engage in collaborative biological research with graduate faculty in the Department of Biology. Research conducted in this course may be distinct from and supplemental to research completed under BIO 7303, BIO 7399A, or BIO 7699A. Emphasis is placed on collaborative scientific inquiry, including project development, experimental or analytical work, and scholarly interpretation within a faculty‑guided research environment. The course recognizes the collaborative nature of scientific investigation and supports advanced research skill development across diverse areas of biological study. Specific research topics and methods vary by faculty mentor and semester.

BIO 7120. Population Biology Seminar.

This course provides graduate students with a comprehensive introduction to specialized topics in population and conservation biology. Topics include contemporary issues in evolution, ecology, genetics, environmental policy, and conservation. Students examine primary scientific literature related to selected topics each semester. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of scientific literature, comparative evaluation of research approaches, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks. Students evaluate and synthesize contemporary research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in population and conservation biology.

BIO 7199A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

BIO 7214. Collaborative Research.

This course provides Ph.D.‑level graduate students with structured opportunities to engage in collaborative biological research with graduate faculty in the Department of Biology. Research conducted in this course may be distinct from and supplemental to research completed under BIO 7303, BIO 7399A, or BIO 7699A. Emphasis is placed on collaborative scientific inquiry, including project development, experimental or analytical work, and scholarly interpretation within a faculty‑guided research environment. The course recognizes the collaborative nature of scientific investigation and supports advanced research skill development across diverse areas of biological study. Specific research topics and methods vary by faculty mentor and semester.

BIO 7299A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

BIO 7300. Communicating Science.

This course explores how to effectively disseminate scientific research through visualizations, oral presentations, and written works to multiple audience types. The course emphasizes how to alter communication strategies for sharing scientific research with non-specialists, the media, grant-giving agencies, and scientific peers. The interactive, student-centered course includes multiple interactive opportunities to present research outcomes, reflect on jargon usage, grow verbal and nonverbal communication skills, provide constructive feedback, and integrate advice from others to enhance the impact of communicating scientific research.

BIO 7301. College Science Teaching.

This course provides graduate students in the sciences with a comprehensive foundation in evidence-based pedagogical practices for teaching at the collegiate level. Moving beyond the traditional lecture model, this course explores the intersection of cognitive science and discipline-based education research to answer a central question: How do college students best learn science, and how can we design and provide environments that best facilitate that learning? Students experience, evaluate, and apply research-based approaches to college science instruction while analyzing and designing effective learning environments for different instructional contexts.

BIO 7302. Problems in Aquatic Resources.

This course provides faculty‑supervised study of selected state, national, or international aquatic resource issues. Students investigate a focused problem or topic through directed readings, data analysis, field or laboratory work, or other scholarly activities appropriate to the subject area. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and methodological rigor. The specific topic, scope, and expected products are determined collaboratively by the student and supervising faculty member and documented at the start of the term. Students may not enroll in BIO 7302 more than twice for doctoral credit without approval of the Graduate Program Director.

BIO 7303. Research.

This course provides structured research enrollment for doctoral students who have not yet passed the Candidacy Examination. Students engage in supervised research activities under the direction of their research or dissertation supervisor while preparing for admission to candidacy. Pre‑candidacy students are required to enroll in this course each semester until candidacy is achieved to maintain formal academic oversight and research continuity. The course may be taken for doctoral credit no more than three times without approval from the Graduate Program Director. This enrollment supports the development of research skills, project refinement, and scholarly progress appropriate to the pre‑candidacy stage of doctoral study.

BIO 7307. Global Change Biology.

This course explores broad patterns of biological change across ecosystems, with attention to how environmental drivers influence ecological structure and function over time and space. Major topics include shifts in atmospheric and climatic conditions, invasive species, nutrient enrichment, land use, and biodiversity change. Students engage extensively with primary research, quantitative evidence, and model-based studies to examine ecological processes at large scales. Emphasis is placed on interpretation, integration, and critical evaluation of scientific information relevant to biological responses under changing environmental conditions.

BIO 7310. Global Aquatic Resources.

This course introduces global, national, and regional aquatic resource issues through comparative analysis of scientific, environmental policy, and socioeconomic perspectives. Students examine water quantity and quality challenges and their underlying causes across diverse geographic regions, with particular emphasis on case studies. The course focuses on understanding how physical, biological, economic, and institutional factors interact to shape aquatic resource conditions and management responses. Students critically analyze empirical evidence, policy frameworks, and regional contexts to develop an informed understanding of aquatic resource variability and complexity worldwide.

BIO 7311. Ecology of Temporary Waters.

This course examines temporary waters—such as ponds, streams, and rainpools that regularly dry and the biodiversity they support of aquatic and terrestrial organisms worldwide. It explores their ecological and social significance, including their role in nutrient fluxes in river networks and for human well-being, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Through analysis of scientific literature, case studies, and discussion, students investigate species adaptations, population and community dynamics, and human impacts. By the end, students will be able to explain key processes, synthesize research findings, and articulate the value of temporary waters for conservation and management.

BIO 7314. Collaborative Research.

This course provides Ph.D.‑level graduate students with structured opportunities to engage in collaborative biological research with graduate faculty in the Department of Biology. Research conducted in this course may be distinct from and supplemental to research completed under other research courses. Emphasis is placed on collaborative scientific inquiry, including project development, experimental or analytical work, and scholarly interpretation within a faculty‑guided research environment. Students develop advanced research skills across diverse areas of biological study. Specific research topics and methods vary by faculty mentor and semester.

BIO 7318. Wildlife Policy and Law.

This course examines the historical, legal, and institutional foundations of wildlife policy and law in North America, with emphasis on the United States and Texas. Students analyze federal treaties, statutes, case law, and regulatory frameworks that shape wildlife management and conservation practice. Using comparative and historical approaches, the course investigates how local, national, and international policy instruments structure decision‑making and governance in wildlife conservation. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in interpreting statutory language, regulatory guidance, and policy analyses within their legal and institutional contexts. The course is intended for students in wildlife biology and related programs seeking an analytical understanding of wildlife law and policy.

BIO 7324. Natural History and Conservation of Large Mammals.

This course provides a comprehensive study of large mammals, including ecology, behavior, life history, distribution, and evolutionary relationships, with emphasis on sylvan species native to North America including both marine and terrestrial species. Content addresses distinctive anthropogenic factors influencing the management and conservation of this group of mammals, many of which are species of conservation concern. Instruction is delivered through lectures, analysis of scientific literature, and field based activities. Students examine reasons behind endangerment status, evaluate management practices, and apply conservation assessment techniques in scientific contexts.

BIO 7326. Immunobiology.

This course examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune system and its role in health and disease. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity, B and T cell activation and regulation, antigen processing and presentation, and immunological memory. Students examine immune-mediated diseases, hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, transplantation, and cancer immunology through evaluation of experimental findings and clinical evidence. By integrating molecular concepts with clinical case studies, the course highlights how immune function influences health, disease progression, and therapeutic strategies.

BIO 7327. Ecological Immunology.

This course explores the roles of immunity in natural ecosystems, focusing on central concepts in ecological immunology. It examines interactions among hosts, pathogens, and environmental factors across biological systems, including viruses, parasites, and other disease agents. Topics include foundational and emerging research in ecological immunology, with emphasis on integrating immunological and ecological perspectives. Instruction is based on analysis of primary scientific literature, with attention to research design, data interpretation, and the ecological context of immune function in natural populations.

BIO 7331. Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation.

This course examines advanced theoretical and methodological foundations of human dimensions in wildlife and fisheries conservation, emphasizing social, political, economic, and cultural drivers of management outcomes across global contexts. Students critically analyze foundational and emerging scholarship, comparing competing frameworks and evaluating their implications for conservation policy and governance. Through intensive seminar discussion and independent research, students synthesize theory and empirical evidence to generate original insights and scholarly products suitable for professional presentation or publication.

BIO 7332. Introduction to R Programming for Biologists.

This course introduces the programming language R. Emphasis is placed on best practices in programming and the use of Base-R and RStudio. Topics include navigating the R and RStudio environment, installing packages, loading, manipulating, and visualizing data, declaring variables, writing loops, and writing functions. The course will consist of lectures on various aspects of scientific programming followed by an interactive R programming session. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable and proficient in scientific programming in R.

BIO 7333. Phylogenetic Comparative Methods.

This course introduces students to modern phylogenetic comparative methods and provides in-class examples on how to perform them. Topics include constructing phylogenies, dating phylogenies, finding and using previously published phylogenetic datasets, phylogenetic data visualization, and a variety of methods to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses in a phylogenetic framework. Instruction will consist of a lecture covering methods followed by an active coding session in which these methods are explored. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable with conducting phylogenetic comparative analyses and able to apply them to real-world datasets.

BIO 7336. Evolutionary Ecology.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts in evolutionary biology and applications to ecology and behavior of organisms. Major topics include quantitative methods in evolution, ecology and behavior, biotic interactions, community ecology, ecophysiology, phylogenetic inference and comparative phylogenetics. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of scientific literature, comparative evaluation of research approaches, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks to specific questions in evolutionary ecology. Students examine theoretical and analytical methods and case studies from the primary scientific literature, and synthesize the research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in evolutionary ecology.

BIO 7342. Virology.

This course examines the structure, replication, and genetics of bacterial and animal viruses with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of infection and disease. Topics include viral structure and assembly, genome replication strategies, host–virus interactions, immune responses, vaccines and unconventional infectious agents such as prions. Through lectures, active learning activities, case studies and literature reviews, students will apply core virology principles to analyze viral replication cycles, compare major virus families, and evaluate mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and prevention.

BIO 7346. Conservation Biology.

This course examines the principles and practice of conservation biology, emphasizing the scientific foundations and interdisciplinary approaches used to maintain biodiversity in changing environments. Students evaluate ecological, genetic, and socio-environmental factors influencing species persistence and ecosystem resilience across local and global scales. Using case studies, quantitative analyses, and current scientific literature, students assess conservation strategies, analyze drivers of biodiversity loss, and compare management approaches across ecosystems. Through these analyses, students develop the ability to evaluate conservation interventions and design evidence-based strategies for protecting biodiversity and sustaining ecological systems.

BIO 7353. Biogeography.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, core concepts, major questions and methods in biogeography. Topics include ecological biogeography, historical biogeography, the history of ideas in biogeography, earth history, experimental designs and the use of molecular genetics for hypothesis testing. Students examine case studies from the primary scientific literature. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of scientific literature, comparative evaluation of research approaches, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks to specific questions in biogeography. Students evaluate and synthesize contemporary research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in biogeography.

BIO 7354. Applied Analyses of Populations.

This course provides applied statistical techniques for analyzing biological populations using quantitative and computational approaches. Topics include model selection, parameter estimation, and evaluation of environmental effects on population dynamics, including abundance, occupancy, survival, recruitment, and habitat use. Instruction is delivered through coding exercises, analysis of real-world datasets, and application of statistical models to ecological questions. Students analyze population data, evaluate model performance, and apply statistical methods to estimate parameters and interpret ecological patterns in research and management contexts.

BIO 7360P. Regulation of Plant Growth and Development.

This course examines the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that regulate plant growth and development. Topics may include hormonal control, signal transduction pathways, gene regulation, environmental influences, and developmental processes across the plant life cycle. Emphasis is placed on understanding how internal regulatory systems and external factors interact to influence plant form and function. Students engage with current scientific literature and experimental evidence to analyze regulatory mechanisms and developmental outcomes. The course develops advanced conceptual understanding relevant to research and professional work in plant biology and related fields.

BIO 7360R. Community and Ecosystem Ecology.

This course explores community and ecosystem ecology using theoretical approaches and empirical case studies. Lecture topics include biological diversity and its consequences for ecosystem functioning, biotic interactions, food webs, primary production, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and ecological succession. In-class discussions of peer-reviewed literature reinforce and extend these topics. The course emphasizes understanding ecological processes across multiple ecosystem types and spatiotemporal scales, along with critical evaluation of primary scientific literature in community and ecosystem ecology.

BIO 7360T. Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology.

This course provides students with both an introduction to and advanced understanding of karst hydrogeology, geology, and geomorphology, with emphasis on field and theoretical applications of this information to the study of karst systems. Central to this will be the recognition and understanding of karst landforms at the Earth’s surface and their relationships with subsurface hydrogeologic and geochemical processes in varied settings. Course materials and field experiences allow a comprehensive examination of karst hydrogeology and geomorphology, emphasizing field and theoretical approaches to understanding karst landforms, subsurface-surface hydrologic linkages, and geochemical processes across scales from pore to watershed.

BIO 7361A. Discipline-Based Educational Research Methods.

This course will expose science graduate students to discipline-based educational research (DBER) in a practical setting, with a focus primarily on qualitative methods and quantitative measures commonly used in DBER involving human subjects. This interactive course will provide students with scaffolded opportunities to practice research skills using real-world data examples as they each work to generate their own rigorous DBER project proposals that comply with Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines for the ethical treatment of research participants.

BIO 7361C. Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics.

This course equips students with the computational skills necessary to process and analyze data generated by contemporary genomics tools. Lectures cover basic and advanced topics in genomics and epigenomics alongside their bioinformatics frameworks, providing the theoretical context needed to interpret complex datasets. Students perform analyses using personal and cluster computing environments, gaining direct experience with workflows and tools used in modern genomic research. Students present their analyzed datasets, fostering critical evaluation and scholarly communication of genomic findings. The hands-on nature of the course ensures that acquired skills are immediately applicable to future research endeavors in genomics and related fields.

BIO 7361H. Professional Research Ethics in Life Sciences.

This course explores the application of ethical conduct in scientific research and research spaces and provides the opportunity to critically analyze and address ethical behavior and associated professional issues. Students develop problem-solving skills related to key ethical dilemmas, including parachute science, interactions with private land, conflict of interest, responsibilities (e.g., mentor/mentee, record keeping, academic integrity), data management (e.g., sharing, fabrication), AI use/misuse, authorship guidelines, protecting one's work (e.g., patents, intellectual property), research subject protections (e.g., human subjects, non-human animal welfare), and additional topics as necessary. This comprehensive approach equips students to navigate the ethical landscape of their professions effectively.

BIO 7377. Applied Bioinformatics.

This course provides an introduction to computing, scripting, and other computational techniques used to process, analyze, and visualize large biological datasets. Large data analysis is an increasingly important component of many biological fields. This course focuses on foundational concepts and skills necessary to conduct common analyses. Topics covered include command line interfaces, regular expressions, common scripting languages, and remote computing, and emphasizes the development of a solid foundation in broadly applicable bioinformatics skills.

BIO 7399A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

BIO 7402. Molecular Field Techniques.

This course examines the application of molecular tools for identifying, quantifying, and interpreting biological diversity in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Topics include identification of microorganisms, vertebrate genetic systems, experimental design, and integration of molecular data in field-based research. Students apply field logistics and molecular methodologies to analyze genetic datasets derived from environmental sampling. Emphasis is placed on designing rigorous field protocols, evaluating data quality, and synthesizing molecular findings within contemporary ecological and evolutionary frameworks.

BIO 7405. Statistics and Experimental Design I.

This course is an introduction to the basic types of statistical analysis routinely conducted in biological research. Students learn the fundamental philosophy behind null-hypothesis statistical testing, how to think quantitatively about data, and the proper way to make inferences from a statistical test. The course provides a solid understanding of the mechanics and motivation of proper study design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Students learn how to select an appropriate method of analysis to address a well-framed test hypothesis and to be a critical evaluator of statistical analyses applied by others.

BIO 7406. Statistics and Experimental Design II.

This course builds on foundational statistical knowledge to develop advanced analytical competency for biological research. Topics include multiple regression techniques, generalized linear models, analysis of variance designs, model selection approaches, linear mixed effects models, Bayesian statistics, and multivariate statistics. Core statistical principles of randomization, replication, and blocking are examined in the context of planning and designing rigorous scientific studies. Students will be able to conduct analyses using the R statistical computing platform with emphasis on applying appropriate methods to real biological data sets. Prerequisite: BIO 7405 with a grade of "C" or better.

BIO 7410. Aquatic Microbial Ecology.

This course explores the diversity of microbial life, microbial metabolisms, and the basis and consequences of their interactions within their environments. Students will gain the knowledge and tools to investigate the ecology, evolution, and functions of natural microbial populations. Combining theory with hands-on practice, students will apply laboratory and computational techniques to real environmental samples through a semester-long research project, while learning the current conceptual frameworks that shape our understanding of the most diverse forms of life on the planet.

BIO 7412. Environmental Hydrology.

This course examines hydrologic processes that govern the movement, storage, and quality of water in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Students evaluate precipitation, infiltration, runoff, evapotranspiration, groundwater–surface water interactions using quantitative and conceptual approaches. Emphasis is placed on how hydrologic variability influences aquatic habitat, ecosystem function, and biodiversity, as well as how land use and climate change alter these relationships. The laboratory component includes hydrologic data analysis, watershed simulation, GIS-based assessment, and modeling of environmental hydrologic processes.

BIO 7414. Ecology of Infectious Diseases in Wildlife.

This course provides a comprehensive study of the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive the transmission of pathogens, the impact of diseases on host populations, and the emergence of infectious diseases in human and wildlife populations. Content addresses the integration of concepts from community ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology to examine how host-pathogen relationships are shaped by environmental factors. Instruction is delivered through lectures, discussion and analysis of scientific literature, and research driven semester projects. Students examine the drivers of zoonotic diseases, wildlife conservation implications, and public health control strategies.

BIO 7419. Stream Ecology.

This course introduces the structure, function, and ecology of stream ecosystems, which are exceptionally dynamic, complex and diverse ecosystems. It explores the fundamental processes and theoretical concepts of streams and rivers, as well as monitoring approaches. The course combines lectures, scientific literature analysis, and team-based activities to apply ecological concepts in practical settings. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain fundamental stream processes, design and interpret ecological studies, critically evaluate human impacts on watersheds, and communicate ecological information effectively.

BIO 7426. Ecology and Management of Aquatic Macrophytes.

This course examines ecological processes that structure wetland ecosystems, with emphasis on interactions among hydrology, soils, and vegetation. Topics include wetland classification, plant adaptations, community dynamics, nutrient processes, and ecosystem function. It also addresses approaches to management and restoration in wetland systems. Students engage in field and laboratory investigations, quantitative analysis, and evaluation of ecological models to examine wetland processes across scales. Emphasis is placed on integrating empirical data and theory to assess vegetation patterns and ecosystem dynamics.

BIO 7427. Principles of Population Biology I.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts in population biology and applications in conservation biology. Major topics include population ecology, population enumeration, population genetics, molecular ecology, quantitative genetics, evolutionary biology and principles of conservation biology. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of scientific literature, comparative evaluation of research approaches, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks to specific questions in population and conservation biology. Students examine theoretical and analytical methods and case studies from the primary scientific literature and synthesize contemporary research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in population biology.

BIO 7428. Principles of Population Biology II.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts in population biology and applications in conservation biology. Major topics include community ecology, ecological and evolutionary biogeography, phylogenetic inference, comparative phylogenetics, species delimitation, molecular ecology and principles of conservation biology. Instruction emphasizes critical analysis of scientific literature, comparative evaluation of research approaches, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks to specific questions in population and conservation biology. Students examine theoretical and analytical methods and case studies from the primary scientific literature, and synthesize the research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in population biology.

BIO 7430. Mycology.

This course provides advanced study of fungal biology with an emphasis on taxonomy, systematics, morphology, ecology, and evolution. Students examine fungal diversity and evolutionary relationships while evaluating fungi as ecological drivers, symbionts, and pathogens. Emphasis is placed on integrative approaches to fungal classification and interpretation of mycological data. The course supports advanced understanding of fungi as model systems in biological research and prepares students for professional and scholarly work in ecology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology.

BIO 7433. Population Genetics.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts in population genetics and applications in evolutionary biology. Major topics include principles of population genetics, quantification of genetic variation, molecular marker systems, mathematical modeling and simulations, molecular evolution and evolutionary processes. Instruction emphasizes basic computer programming, critical analysis of scientific literature, and application of quantitative and conceptual frameworks to specific questions in population genetics and genomics. Students examine theoretical and analytical methods and case studies from the primary scientific literature. Students evaluate and synthesize contemporary research findings to construct evidence-based conclusions about specialized topics in population genetics.

BIO 7434. Herpetology.

This course examines the origin and evolution of amphibians and reptiles, including their reproductive and physiological adaptations, taxonomy, systematics, and population biology. Content emphasizes North American species, especially groups inhabiting Texas. Students consider how amphibians' and reptiles' biology informs understanding of broader environmental patterns and processes. Laboratory work develops identification skills, evaluates habitat requirements, and examines conservation issues. Students analyze diagnostic visual and auditory characteristics to distinguish among amphibians and reptiles and to draw evidence-based biological inferences.

BIO 7440. Aquatic Toxicology.

This course introduces students to the principles for identifying and assessing the adverse effects of chemicals and their mixtures on freshwater and marine organisms and ecosystems. After reviewing the basic concepts of toxicology, students will investigate the toxicodynamics and environmental fate of classic pollutants, such as trace elements, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alongside emerging threats such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), micro- and nanoplastics, and pharmaceuticals. Through a series of case studies, students critique historical environmental disasters and investigate current national and global regulatory frameworks.

BIO 7443. Vertebrate Endocrinology.

This course examines function and organization of the endocrine system. It describes the major endocrine glands, the synthesis and release of their hormone products, and their effect on target tissues. Endocrine control of digestion, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis will be compared between mammals and other vertebrate groups. Students will benefit from having a background in genetics and physiology.

BIO 7466. Phylogenetics.

This course examines advanced phylogenetic methodologies used to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among organisms. The main topics include principles of homology, understanding analytical assumptions, model selection, construction of molecular datasets, sequence alignment, tree-building algorithms, and statistical evaluation of phylogenetic hypotheses. Students analyze molecular data using contemporary computational tools and evaluate methodological assumptions underlying phylogenetic inference. Emphasis is placed on developing independent research questions, managing large-scale datasets, and interpreting phylogenetic results within evolutionary and comparative biological frameworks. Prerequisite: BIO 7405 with a grade of "B" or better.

BIO 7468. Groundwater Resources.

This course covers concepts related to geological, physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing sustainable groundwater resources, including hydrologic linkages and interactions with surface aquatic resources. Emphasis will be on the karst aquifer systems of Central Texas and other aquifer systems of the United States. Students will analyze groundwater processes by synthesizing field observations, laboratory measurements, and publicly available hydrologic datasets. Through these approaches, students learn to evaluate groundwater quantity, quality, and data uncertainty, construct water budgets for complex aquifer systems, and interpret groundwater data to assess resource availability and management challenges in regional and national water resource contexts.

BIO 7472. Agent-Based Modeling and Ecology.

This course introduces agent-based modeling as a method for exploring how interactions among individual agents and their environments give rise to populations and ecosystems. Students examine concepts and theories of individual-based ecology and computational modeling for research applications. Emphasis is placed on model development, guiding students from conceptualization through implementation in software used to test scientific hypotheses. Students are expected to enter the course with prior coursework in statistics, ecology, and ecological modeling.

BIO 7599A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

BIO 7699A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

BIO 7999A. Dissertation.

This course represents doctoral‑level enrollment for original dissertation research and writing in Integrative and Applied Biology conducted under the direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. Students engage in independent, sustained scholarly inquiry, including research design, data collection or analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparation of the dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required during each long semester in which dissertation research or writing is conducted to ensure ongoing faculty supervision and academic oversight. This course supports the completion of advanced research that contributes to the scientific understanding of biological systems and resources and fulfills doctoral dissertation requirements.

CHEM 7101. Doctoral Assistant Development.

This course examines the roles, responsibilities, and professional practices associated with serving as a doctoral teaching assistant. Students analyze instructional support activities, classroom management practices, and communication strategies relevant to undergraduate and graduate learning environments. Topics may include instructional preparation, grading and assessment procedures, academic integrity, inclusive classroom practices, and effective interaction with faculty and students. The course evaluates institutional policies, ethical considerations, and professional standards governing instructional support roles. Emphasis is placed on developing procedural knowledge and practical skills necessary to support course delivery while maintaining academic and professional expectations.

CHEM 7110. Advances in Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry.

This course supports the professional development of doctoral students in the Integrated Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry PhD program by fostering independent engagement with emerging scientific knowledge. Students examine current advances within and beyond their dissertation areas through seminar attendance, presentations on recent literature, and presentations of ongoing graduate research. The course develops skills essential for doctoral success, including primary literature searching, critical evaluation of scientific findings, and professional oral communication. Emphasis is placed on independent thinking, interdisciplinary awareness, and the ability to contextualize new discoveries within the broader molecular and biophysical chemistry landscape.

CHEM 7199. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress towards completion of the doctoral degree.

CHEM 7200. Graduate Research.

This course provides pre-candidacy doctoral students with an elective research option to conduct original scientific research in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry, carried out under direct supervision of their dissertation committee chair. Students examine relevant experimental methodologies and laboratory techniques, evaluate strategies for generating reliable preliminary data, and evaluate approaches used in defining feasible research objectives. This course also guides students in reviewing disciplinary literature, organizing emerging research questions, and understanding the procedural steps involved in constructing a dissertation proposal. Through these activities, students strengthen their capacity to plan and execute early-stage research. In these ways, the course enables students to prepare effectively for their doctoral candidacy examination.

CHEM 7201. Graduate Laboratory Rotations.

This course coordinates three structured short research opportunities for students to inform their selection of a doctoral committee chair and doctoral dissertation research group. Since students work in several laboratories during their first semester in the Integrated Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry program, they experience a variety of research opportunities, techniques, methodologies, and mentoring styles. The course includes structured self-assessment mechanisms and constructive feedback from supervising faculty, enabling both students and faculty to make an informed decision about initiating a productive dissertation research project and an intensive mentoring relationship.

CHEM 7299. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress towards completion of the doctoral degree.

CHEM 7300. Graduate Research.

This course provides pre‑candidacy doctoral students with an elective research option to conduct original scientific research in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry, carried out under direct supervision of their dissertation committee chair. Students examine relevant experimental methodologies and laboratory techniques, evaluate strategies for generating reliable preliminary data, and assess approaches used in defining feasible research objectives. The course also guides students in reviewing disciplinary literature, organizing emerging research questions, and understanding the procedural steps involved in constructing a dissertation proposal. Through these activities, students strengthen their capacity to plan and execute early‑stage research. In these ways, the course enables students to prepare effectively for their doctoral candidacy examination.

CHEM 7305A. Physico-Chemical Properties and Metabolism of Xenobiotics.

This course introduces students to the physico‑chemical properties of small molecules and examines how these properties influence their use as chemical probes in biological systems. Emphasis is placed on the role of metabolic processes in limiting, activating, or modifying xenobiotics and on the use of chemical probes to investigate these processes. Students explore experimental and computational methods for determining relevant physico‑chemical and metabolic properties of biologically active compounds. The course integrates concepts from chemistry, physics, and biology to support molecular‑level analysis of xenobiotic behavior in complex biological environments.

CHEM 7311. Natural Products, Anti-Infective, and Anti-Cancer Agents.

This course surveys the major classes of secondary metabolites, focusing on their classification, nomenclature, biosynthesis, and structural elucidation. Students examine the chemical principles governing the utilization of natural products as primary leads in the development of modern antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Methodology includes the analysis of metabolic pathways and the application of advanced organic and biochemical techniques to the chemistry-biology interface. Through this curriculum, students will be equipped with the analytical expertise required for sophisticated research in natural product-based drug discovery and the evaluation of naturally derived bioactive molecules within the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.

CHEM 7330. Environmental Chemistry.

This course examines environmental chemistry principles relevant to natural and engineered systems. It covers principles of geochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to understand pollutant sources, transport, transformation, and impacts across the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, with integration of sustainability concepts and green chemistry and engineering approaches. Students engage in quantitative analysis, modeling, and evaluation of treatment and remediation processes. By the end of the course, students are expected to assess contaminant behavior and design or evaluate environmentally responsible solutions using sustainability-based and green engineering frameworks.

CHEM 7342. Bioinorganic Chemistry.

This course describes natural and artificial metalloproteins ― from secondary structures to atomistic views of how cofactors catalyze reactions and transport species. Complementing lectures, students will also use contemporary protein visualization tools and research the primary literature and structural repositories. Topics covered in the course include dioxygen transport and activation, electron-transfer, dinitrogen and hydrogen activation, photosystem and oxygen evolution, zinc-containing proteins, carbon dioxide reduction, and modern advancements in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Overall, students will develop foundational knowledge in metalloenzyme structure, function, and reaction mechanisms.

CHEM 7354. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Macromolecular Structure.

This course examines the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes through an approach that emphasizes macromolecular and atomic‑level structure. Topics include eukaryotic DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and post‑translational protein modification. The course also introduces macromolecular structure determination methods and their application to studying gene expression pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Students develop a conceptual understanding of eukaryotic molecular biology and acquire skills needed to analyze contemporary literature, generate research hypotheses, and design experiments appropriate for advanced research and grant proposal development.

CHEM 7361. Quantitative Methods in Biophysical Chemistry.

This course will integrate the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of fundamental biophysical methods, including spectroscopy, calorimetry, and hydrodynamics. These methods are compared in the context of both classical and contemporary problems. Students develop a functional quantitative skillset in multiple analytical methods used to characterize biological systems across a range of scales and levels of complexity. This course provides students with the physical and chemical foundation needed to quantitatively study biological macromolecules using modern biophysical approaches.

CHEM 7385. Metabolism and Metabolomics.

This course will cover the metabolism of biomacromolecules and the principles and practice of metabolomics in contemporary biological chemistry and molecular biochemistry research. It will cover (1) biosynthesis and biodegradation of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids; (2) fundamental physical, chemical, and biological principles of metabolomics; and (3) applications of metabolomics in biomedicine and medicinal chemistry. Students will utilize information about metabolic pathways along with analysis of experimental metabolomics results to consider the impact of metabolic dysregulation on human health. Students will develop skills in critical reading and analysis of both classical and contemporary literature in metabolomics.

CHEM 7391. Chemical Biology.

This course introduces the emerging field of chemical biology and the tools used in contemporary research to analyze and manipulate biological processes with small molecules. Students develop a foundation in the design and synthesis of chemical tools to interrogate biological systems of varying complexity. Emphasis is placed on the implementation and interpretation of chemical and biochemical assays using these tools, with examples drawn from current primary literature. Topics are presented within the broader context of small‑molecule discovery and development for applications in biological research and human health.

CHEM 7395. Fundamentals in Molecular and Biophysical Chemistry.

This course provides doctoral level students with an integrated overview of physics, chemistry, and biology concepts central to molecular and biophysical chemistry. Students apply core principles from biochemistry, organic chemistry, and biophysics, including chemical synthesis, thermodynamics, and molecular modeling, to molecular problems in complex biological systems. Emphasis is placed on quantitative reasoning and critical evaluation of primary literature. Through lectures, problem sets, and interactive discussion, students develop a shared scientific vocabulary across disciplines and a broad scientific foundation. The course prepares students to pursue interdisciplinary research projects and to collaborate effectively across subdisciplines throughout their doctoral studies.

CHEM 7399. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress toward completion of the doctoral degree.

CHEM 7599. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress toward completion of the doctoral degree.

CHEM 7699. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress toward completion of the doctoral degree.

CHEM 7999. Dissertation.

This course provides enrollment for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research and writing in integrated molecular and biophysical chemistry. Work is conducted under the direct supervision of a dissertation advisor and involves activities necessary for completing the dissertation, such as research planning, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written dissertation chapters. Candidates may engage in laboratory research, computational studies, or other approved investigative approaches as appropriate to their study. Enrollment is required for each long semester while conducting research or writing to maintain steady progress toward completion of the doctoral degree.

ENG 7300. Language Issues in Multicultural Environments.

This course examines language issues arising in multicultural environments through sociolinguistic, descriptive, and semantic perspectives. Students analyze language variation, multilingualism, and language contact phenomena across diverse communities. Topics include the role of language in education, writing across cultural contexts, and the relationship between language and social identity. The course investigates how sociolinguistic research methods inform understanding of writing and communication in multilingual settings. Students evaluate competing scholarly frameworks used to describe patterns of language use and their implications for educational and professional contexts.

ENG 7314. Specializations in Professional and Technical Communication Topics.

This course provides advanced study in specialized areas of technical and professional communication outside primarily technology-focused contexts. Topics vary by semester and may include grant and proposal writing, government and public sector communication, health and medical communication, environmental communication, nonprofit communication, policy writing, crisis communication, science communication, or community-based professional writing. Students engage relevant theoretical frameworks and disciplinary scholarship while producing applied, genre-specific deliverables. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical analysis, audience adaptation, ethical considerations, and professional standards within specialized contexts. The course may be repeated with different emphases for up to twelve hours of graduate credit.

ENG 7316. Foundations in Rhetoric and Composition.

This course examines theoretical, pedagogical, and methodological foundations in the field of rhetoric and composition. Students analyze major scholarly traditions, research methods, and instructional approaches that shape the discipline. Topics may include writing pedagogy, digital writing, pedagogical theory, and writing in public and civic contexts. The course emphasizes critical engagement with foundational texts and the application of disciplinary frameworks to questions of writing, teaching, and inquiry. Students evaluate competing perspectives within the field and assess their implications for scholarship and practice. Repeatable with different emphases for up to nine hours of English credit.

ENG 7317. Specializations in Rhetoric and Composition.

This course examines specialized areas within rhetoric and composition, providing theoretical, pedagogical, methodological, and administrative grounding in focused topics. Students analyze scholarship, methods, and practices relevant to the selected area of emphasis. Topics may include writing center theory and administration, writing across the curriculum, literacy studies, and contemporary areas of rhetorical theory. The course emphasizes critical engagement with disciplinary scholarship and the application of specialized knowledge to questions of writing, rhetoric, and institutional practice. Students evaluate research and competing frameworks within the area of specialization. The course may be repeated with different emphases.

ENG 7326. Contemporary Composition Theory.

This course examines the history of writing instruction in the university and the theories of writing and composing that inform contemporary composition studies. Students trace the development of major theoretical traditions in the field, analyzing how evolving conceptions of writing have shaped instructional practices and disciplinary inquiry. Topics include historical and contemporary approaches to composition theory, the relationship between theory and pedagogy, and current scholarly debates within the discipline. Students engage with foundational and recent scholarship to evaluate how theoretical frameworks inform research and the teaching of writing.

ENG 7383. Studies in Rhetorical Theory.

This course examines rhetorical theory from classical traditions through contemporary scholarship. Students analyze major rhetorical concepts, movements, and debates that have shaped the discipline across historical periods. Topics may include classical rhetoric, modern and postmodern rhetorical theory, and the application of rhetorical frameworks to areas such as composition studies and technical communication. The course emphasizes close engagement with primary theoretical texts and the development of analytical skills for interpreting rhetorical traditions within their intellectual and historical contexts. The course may be repeated with different emphases.

GEO 7190. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7199A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7199B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7199C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7290. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7299A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7299B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7299C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7300. Advanced Geographic Research Design.

This course provides students with an appreciation for the process of research as practiced by contemporary professional geographers. Topics covered include formulating research problems, reviewing and critiquing published literature, developing and executing a research design, and completing a research proposal. The course emphasizes the importance of aligning research questions, hypotheses, data sources, data analysis, reporting of results, and recommending further research. Additionally, the course covers research ethics and procedures for research projects that require data collection from human subjects.

GEO 7301. Spatial Statistics and Modeling.

This course examines quantitative approaches for analyzing geographically referenced data and modeling spatial processes, with emphasis on spatial statistical methodology. It addresses the application of multivariate statistical techniques to geographic data and the methodological considerations associated with implementing statistical and other quantitative methods in spatial contexts. Topics include spatial point processes, spatial cluster detection, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression, and forest-based regression models. Emphasis is placed on probabilistic foundations, model specification, parameter estimation, statistical inference, and computational implementation.

GEO 7302. Nature and Philosophy of Geography.

This course traces the historical development and theoretical and philosophical foundations of geography as an academic discipline and realm of practice. Students examine major paradigms, debates, and methodological shifts that have shaped geographic inquiry over time. The seminar emphasizes the evolution of key concepts such as space, place, scale, and environment, highlighting their roles in framing research questions, methodologies, and approaches. Through critical engagement with foundational and contemporary texts, students gain perspective on the discipline’s intellectual lineage and diverse theoretical orientations. (MULT).

GEO 7304. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course provides an in depth introduction to qualitative research traditions in geography and environmental studies, emphasizing research design, data collection, and inductive forms of analysis. Students examine epistemological foundations of qualitative inquiry alongside techniques such as interviewing, participant observation, textual analysis, and field based documentation. The course highlights standards of scientific rigor that support systematic examination of complex social relationships and environmental interactions. Applications focus on human geography and nature–society relations, with attention to ethical considerations, positionality, and reflexive practice. Students gain experience designing qualitative projects and interpreting qualitative evidence within diverse geographic and environmental contexts.

GEO 7305. Historical Geography of the Environment.

This course examines the evolution of environmental problems through the techniques and analytical perspectives of historical geography, emphasizing how past human–environment interactions shape present conditions. Students explore how environmental change unfolds over time in response to economic development, political decisions, technological innovation, and social processes. Special emphasis is placed on the historical roots of contemporary environmental challenges associated with urbanization and climate change. Through critical engagement with scholarship in the historical geography of the environment, students analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret spatial and temporal patterns, and develop original research projects that contribute to understanding long-term environmental change and its implications for present-day planning and policy.

GEO 7308. Advanced Regional Field Studies.

This course focuses on advanced observation, description, and analysis of a geographic environment through structured off-campus study in that setting. Students examine physical features, cultural landscapes, spatial patterns, and human–environment relationships within a defined region. Emphasis is placed on field-based methods, place-based inquiry, and the interpretation of geographic processes as they occur in the region of study. The course includes preparation of site inventory, site guides, and on-site presentations. The course may be repeated once, provided the second study is in a different region, for a total of 6 semester hours.

GEO 7313. Environmental Systems.

This course examines environmental systems as integrated interactions among the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and human systems. Students explore theoretical frameworks and analytical approaches used to understand complex environmental processes, including ecosystem dynamics, global change drivers, and system feedbacks across spatial and temporal scales. Using a geographic perspective, the course investigates the scientific, cultural, and economic dimensions of environmental systems and their management. Through critical analysis of contemporary research, students evaluate methods and tools used to study environmental systems and develop conceptual foundations for addressing complex environmental challenges.

GEO 7316. Remote Sensing and the Environment.

This course is an advanced seminar on extracting environmental information from satellite imagery using cutting-edge machine learning and other quantitative remote sensing approaches. Students examine current research from a selection of topics such as semantic segmentation, feature extraction, atmospheric correction, and estimation of environmental variables, and implement selected methods using appropriate workflows for large image collections. Emphasis is placed on model and algorithm design, parameter selection, validation, and interpretation in the context of environmental questions, with attention to uncertainty, generalizability, and reproducibility. In some offerings, students also collect field data and integrate it with satellite image analysis to strengthen applied competence.

GEO 7318. GIS and Environmental Geography.

This course examines the nature of environmental phenomena and explores the application of GIS to a wide range of environmental modeling domains across physical, human, and environmental systems. The course emphasizes the use of GIS as an integrative analytical framework for understanding complex environmental systems and human–environment interactions. Students learn to design, implement, and execute advanced GIS workflows that support environmental modeling, spatial simulation, and decision-making. The course engages students in developing GIS-based research agendas focused on environmental topics across disciplinary and applied contexts.

GEO 7330. Geography of Hazards and Disasters.

This course examines advanced scholarship in the geography of hazards and disasters, focusing on threats to human life, health, and welfare arising from natural, technological, and social processes. Students engage with key theoretical frameworks that explain how hazards are produced, perceived, and managed, including concepts of risk, vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation. The course emphasizes analytical approaches used to assess and manage hazards and disasters across local, regional, and global scales. Through critical readings, case studies, and applied research, students evaluate disaster impacts, policy responses, and mitigation strategies, developing a sophisticated understanding of how geographic context shapes risk and disaster outcomes.

GEO 7334. Geographic Aspects of Water.

This course examines scientific, legal, cultural, economic, and conservation-related issues of water resources from a geographic perspective. The focus of this seminar is on developmental and current literature that define water’s role in influencing the physical and cultural characteristics of the earth. Weekly readings and discussions cover topics such as water as a critical natural resource, human-environment interactions, environmental history, land-water nexus, aquatic ecosystems, and water policy. The final project includes a thorough literature review under the theme of geographic aspects of water.

GEO 7337. Global Climate Change.

This course examines the scientific foundations of global climate change and its implications for natural systems and human societies. Emphasis is placed on physical climate processes, drivers of variability and change, and observed trends across multiple temporal scales, with particular attention to developments during the 20th and 21st centuries. The course is organized in a lecture–seminar format, and students learn from lectures, readings, discussions, presentations, and independent project. Students engage actively in discussion of scientific literature and develop written and oral communication skills through science-based assignments.

GEO 7339. Geography of Land Management.

This course explores U.S. land management philosophies, techniques, and development approaches within their historical, political, and environmental contexts. Students examine foundational land ethics and philosophies, along with U.S. traditions in cadastral geography and property systems. Major topics include patterns and consequences of urban sprawl, principles of green and sustainable development, and land conservation strategies such as zoning, easements, and preservation programs. The course also analyzes the roles of local, state, and federal regulations in shaping land management decisions. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of land development and the trade-offs inherent in land-use planning.

GEO 7340. Managing Urbanization.

This course examines the dynamics of urban growth and spatial change in a variety of geographical regions. Students analyze patterns of land use, infrastructure development, and population distribution, considering the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. Emphasis is placed on conceptual frameworks and methodologies for understanding urban systems and evaluating management approaches. Through case studies, the course explores how urbanization processes influence resource allocation, governance structures, and regional planning strategies in diverse global contexts.

GEO 7341. Urban Environment.

This course explores the interactions between urban systems and environmental processes across diverse geographic settings. Students examine how cities shape and are shaped by physical, ecological, and socio-spatial factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding relationships between urban development trajectories and patterns of land use, resource flows, and environmental change. The course integrates theoretical and empirical perspectives from geography and cognate fields to analyze urban environments as dynamic complex systems influenced by natural processes and human decision-making. (MULT).

GEO 7342. Theories and Methods in Geographic Education.

This course is a doctoral seminar focused on critical analysis of historical and contemporary scholarship in geography education. It examines literature addressing pedagogy, philosophy, learning theory, research methods, teaching methodologies, and instructional techniques. Emphasis is placed on rigorous examination of research designs, theoretical arguments, and methodological approaches, along with the synthesis of scholarly perspectives. The seminar supports development of an original research paper grounded in disciplinary literature and aligned with established standards of academic inquiry in geography education.

GEO 7343. Synthesis of Geography Education Research.

This course introduces methods for synthesizing research, including systematic review, meta-analysis, and narrative review, within geographic education. It addresses procedures for identifying, evaluating, and integrating scholarly literature using established research synthesis frameworks. Attention is given to comparing review approaches, examining best practices, and selecting appropriate methods for specific research questions and disciplinary topics. The course emphasizes analytic processes, methodological rigor, and conventions for communicating synthesized findings in geography education research contexts and professional scholarly publications.

GEO 7344. Seminar in Geographic Curriculum.

This course examines curriculum theory and the role of geography within social studies and interdisciplinary educational contexts. It analyzes major curriculum frameworks and standards to evaluate how geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives are represented and structured across educational systems. The seminar explores relationships between geography, U.S. and world history, economics, and civics, with attention to curriculum integration and instructional implications. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing scholarship to inform research and contribute to curriculum development in geography education.

GEO 7345. Contemporary Topics in Geographic Education.

This course examines historical and contemporary developments in geography education across K–12 and higher education contexts. It analyzes major reform movements and policy initiatives that have shaped geography education, including emerging issues that influence curriculum, standards, and instructional practice. The seminar evaluates current research literature to assess how institutional, technological, and societal changes shape the field. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing scholarship to identify research directions and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations in geography education.

GEO 7346. Curriculum, Standards and Assessment in Geography.

This course examines major theories of curriculum and assessment in geography education. Classic literature is paired with contemporary studies of curriculum content and design over several decades of reforms in geography education in the United States and other countries. A major emphasis is on the concept of powerful knowledge and its relationship to human capability development. Additionally, the course analyzes documented inequalities in student outcomes as reported in educational assessment research.

GEO 7349. Population and Sustainability.

This course examines the geographic dimensions of sustainability through population–environment relationships across multiple scales. Students investigate how fertility, mortality, migration, age structure, and urbanization intersect with resource use, land use change, exposure to environmental hazards, and climate adaptation. Emphasis is placed on interpreting socio-demographic and environmental data, assessing spatial variability in sustainability challenges, and evaluating approaches to sustainable development and resilience. The course introduces frameworks for analyzing coupled human–environment systems and long-term socio-ecological dynamics.

GEO 7350. Practicum in Teaching Geography and Environmental Studies.

This course introduces key concepts in teaching geography and environmental studies and provides structured training and periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Topics include instructional strategies, assessment approaches, classroom management, and development of pedagogical content knowledge for higher education. Required for first-year instructional assistants in Geography and Environmental Studies, the course is graded on a credit/no-credit basis and does not count toward graduate degree credit. Emphasis is placed on pedagogical theory, instructional materials development, and the improvement of teaching effectiveness.

GEO 7352. Social Theory, Space, and Geography.

This course examines key thinkers and core concepts in social and political theory, focusing on theories of space and their mobilization in geographical research. Class meetings will alternate between discussing works by theorists and philosophers of space and examining how geographers have not only contributed to spatial social theory but also deployed, adapted, and expanded the ideas of other theorists in geographical research. The course provides students with a foundation in spatial social and political theory and its role in research design and a pragmatic understanding of how theory informs their own research.

GEO 7361. Advanced Geographic Information Systems.

This course introduces advanced topics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), emphasizing quantitative approaches for analyzing, modeling, and interpreting complex spatial patterns and relationships. Students will examine methods for investigating environmental and human systems, integrating diverse spatial and non-spatial datasets, and applying computational and analytical tools to solve real-world geographic problems. The course strengthens skills in spatial reasoning, model development, data management, and systematic evaluation of analytical results, preparing students to conduct rigorous and applied geographic research across varied spatial contexts.

GEO 7362. Spatial Data Visualization.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of spatial data visualization, emphasizing its role in exploring, analyzing, and communicating spatial information within GIS and geospatial data science. Students examine emerging visualization technologies and computational strategies for developing dynamic interfaces that facilitate spatial exploration and insight generation. The course focuses on integrating interactive mapping environments with analytical workflows to effectively represent both spatial datasets and the outputs of spatial models. Emphasis is placed on critical interpretation of results, and the thoughtful communication of findings to support data-driven decision-making across environmental, urban, and socio-spatial contexts. Prerequisite: GEO 3411 with a grade of "D" or better.

GEO 7364. Geocomputation.

This course reviews and analyzes concepts of computational modeling in geography. The course covers modeling theory and techniques that intersect Geographic Information Science (GIScience), computer science, and other multidisciplinary domains. Topics include distributed computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, geographic microsimulation, scientific visualization, and advanced spatial modeling. Students examine conceptual frameworks for advanced technical methodologies and apply computational techniques to geographic research problems.

GEO 7366. Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing.

This course explores advanced remote sensing through a rigorous treatment of its theoretical basis, mathematical foundations, and current research frontiers. Students deepen their understanding of the physics of image formation and measurement, the mathematical models that underpin sensing systems and data products, and the analytical methods used to extract reliable information from complex observations. The course emphasizes critical engagement with contemporary scholarly literature, enabling students to evaluate emerging methods, compare competing approaches, and identify open research questions. Students apply advanced remote sensing concepts to research design and to contribute thoughtfully to ongoing scientific and technical debates. Prerequisite: GEO 5415 with a grade of "C" or better.

GEO 7368. Lidar and SfM Data Processing and Analysis.

This course examines lidar systems and Structure from Motion (SfM) workflows for environmental mapping and geospatial analysis. Students explore airborne laser scanning, computer vision principles, point cloud classification, quality assessment, and derivative product generation. Emphasis is placed on topographic modeling, hydroenforcement, vegetation structure analysis, and drone-based data acquisition, image processing, and orthophoto generation. Through lab applications and independent projects, students develop skills in processing, analyzing, and visualizing lidar and SfM datasets.

GEO 7369. Exploring Spatial Databases.

This course examines the design and use of spatially enabled database systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing geographic information. It introduces foundational ideas in ontology, semantics, and entity–relationship modeling to conceptualize how real‑world phenomena are represented in database schemas. Students study core relational database concepts and advanced query constructs alongside spatial extensions that support geometry types, coordinate reference systems, and spatial operators. Using a spatially enabled RDBMS, they practice importing, creating, reading, updating, deleting, and analyzing spatial and non‑spatial data, and complete a semester‑long spatial database project of their choosing. Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of 'B' or better.

GEO 7370. Advanced Seminar in Environmental Geography.

This course examines methods, approaches, issues, and concepts associated with major themes in environmental geography. The course emphasizes theoretical and conceptual perspectives on human–environment interactions from a geographical standpoint. Students engage with scholarly literature, discuss current research directions, and analyze methodological frameworks used in the field. Topics may vary by offering and reflect emerging or specialized areas of study within environmental geography. The seminar may be repeated once for additional credit when a different topic is addressed.

GEO 7371. Advanced Seminar in Geographic Education.

This course is designed as a doctoral-level seminar that examines foundational theories, methodological approaches, and current scholarship in geography education. It emphasizes critical analysis of research literature, structured scholarly dialogue, and development of advanced academic competencies. The course may address a range of emerging and frontier topics in geography education, reflecting ongoing developments in research, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. It supports independent inquiry, peer review, and preparation for scholarly dissemination consistent with doctoral study in geography education.

GEO 7372. Seminar in Geographic Information Science.

This course deals with advanced and current research issues in Geographic Information Science. Based on this objective, the course prepares doctoral students to conduct original research in the theoretical and methodological aspects of Geographic Information Science as well as develop innovative applications of Geographic Information Science. It covers the most current literature and cutting-edge research themes in various topical areas of Geographic Information Science. The course may be repeated for credit with a different topic.

GEO 7374. Advanced Seminar in Human Geography.

This course engages students in systematic critical analysis of theories and methods in human geography by providing advanced theoretical, methodological, and professional training in environmental interpretation. It builds on undergraduate foundations in environmental and human geography by emphasizing research-informed interpretation, audience analysis, and program evaluation within varied environmental and institutional contexts. The course supports graduate pathways in applied geography, environmental communication, and professional practice. Students develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches that inform effective communication of environmental information across diverse geographic settings.

GEO 7376. Evidence-based Practices in Geography Education.

This course examines research evidence from the science of learning and applies it to practices in geography teaching. Emphasis is placed on instructional strategies that support development of transferable knowledge, skills, habits, and mindsets that support continued learning, as identified in learning sciences research. The course addresses how learning sciences research informs classroom practice, systems of support for evidence-based teaching, and integration of research findings into geography instruction. Attention is also given to instructional design and the development of evidence-based teaching units for geography courses.

GEO 7390. Independent Study.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience that allows students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract that defines the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, creative work, or other discipline-appropriate product. GEO 7190, GEO 7290, and GEO 7390 may be taken for a total of six semester hours of credit.

GEO 7393D. International Migration.

This course examines international migration from a geographic perspective, analyzing spatial patterns, drivers, and consequences of human mobility across multiple scales. Major migration theories and conceptual frameworks are introduced to interpret population movement between and within regions. The course considers migration drivers, including economic conditions, political circumstances, social networks, demographic change, and environmental variability. Topics include diasporas, transnational connections, borders and borderlands, and refugee and asylum processes. Attention is given to relationships among migration, labor markets, urban development, and regional change. Quantitative and qualitative data are used to examine migration flows and migration experiences across world regions. (MULT).

GEO 7393G. Political Geography.

This course provides an advanced survey of geographic and social science research within the field of political geography. Students examine major theoretical developments, analytical frameworks, and contemporary debates that shape political geographic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on understanding how political processes, governance structures, territorial arrangements, and spatial power dynamics are studied across diverse empirical contexts. The course highlights interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on human geography, political science, and related social sciences to analyze topics such as boundaries, geopolitics, citizenship, and environmental governance. Students engage with current research to evaluate methodological strategies and apply political geographic perspectives to complex human-environment and socio-political issues. (MULT).

GEO 7393J. Soil and Society.

This course examines soils as dynamic natural systems that underpin environmental processes, human societies, and long-term sustainability. Students engage with advanced concepts in soil science, including soil formation, classification, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, and spatial variability, while critically evaluating the social, economic, and environmental implications of soil use and management. Emphasis is placed on the role of soils in ecosystem function, food security, land-use change, climate regulation, and sustainable development. Through quantitative analysis, field investigation, and evaluation of regional and global case studies, students develop interdisciplinary perspectives on soil conservation, degradation, and resource stewardship relevant to contemporary environmental challenges.

GEO 7393N. Rivers and Society.

This course examines nature and society interactions in river systems from an applied physical and environmental geography framework. Students integrate a spatial and temporal understanding of river system processes, how they are influenced by human activities, and how rivers influence society. River and society interactions include examples from historic cultures to the modern world, and international to local case studies. The course covers topics such as bio-cultural connections to rivers, social-aesthetic dimensions of riverine landscapes, river-related hazards, engineering works, impacts of water resource development, instream and riparian restoration, environmental flow management, and watershed conservation practices. Students examine principles and practices of river basin management with attention to stakeholders, perspectives, and management goals.

GEO 7399A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7399B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7399C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7415. Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing.

This course is an accelerated introduction to digital remote sensing and Earth observation designed for graduate students who have limited experience with remote sensing. Students learn fundamental concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum and its interaction with the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, and develop practical skills in radiometric and geometric correction, image enhancement, and thematic classification. Students progress to accuracy assessment and change detection analysis using satellite imagery to investigate geographic patterns and human–environment relationships. Integrated lecture and laboratory activities help students build both conceptual understanding and applied competence, preparing them for more advanced remote sensing and geospatial analysis work.

GEO 7417. Geographic Information Systems.

This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of maps stored in digital form. Students are introduced to concepts and practices involving computerized geographic data input, storage, and retrieval, as well as data manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic modeling. The course covers methods for producing graphic and tabular outputs and examines the use of GIS software for analyzing spatial data. Applications are drawn from a range of geographic topics to illustrate common analytical workflows and data structures used in GIS.

GEO 7418. Technical Foundations and Methods in Geographic Information Science.

This course examines the technical foundations and analytical methods that support research in geographic information science. It covers fundamental concepts of geographic representation, spatial algorithms, and analytical operations, along with current topics in GIScience. Students apply these methods to analyze geographic phenomena using advanced GIS tools and computational approaches, with emphasis on spatial data structures, modeling, and algorithmic problem-solving in geographic research.

GEO 7419. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Science.

This course develops GIS concepts, application issues, and spatial data manipulation and analysis skills, while providing hands-on experience with spatial analytics hardware and software environments. Students engage with advanced GIS techniques, geoprogramming workflows, and analytical methods to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data. The course focuses on systematic problem formulation, reproducible analytical workflows, and effective interpretation of spatial results. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of these skills to real-world geographic problems across a range of disciplinary, research, and professional contexts. Prerequisite: GEO 7417 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

GEO 7430. Field Methods.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices used to observe, measure, document, and analyze geographic phenomena in field settings. Emphasis is placed on hands-on data collection, spatial observation, mapping techniques, and the use of field instruments and geospatial technologies. Students gain practical experience designing and conducting field investigations in local and regional environments while developing skills in data recording, interpretation, and professional reporting. The course also emphasizes research design and technical proposal development, preparing students to plan independent geographic field projects and communicate scientific objectives effectively. Prerequisites: GEO 2301 and GEO 3301 both with grades of "D" or better.

GEO 7447. Geospatial Technologies in Education.

This course examines the applications and implications of geospatial technologies in education, particularly their roles as instructional tools to facilitate inquiry. The course focuses on how geographic information systems, web mapping platforms, and other emerging geospatial technologies support student learning of disciplinary knowledge, skills, and practices through review of research on methods and strategies for using geospatial technologies in educational contexts. The laboratory component addresses the development of relevant technical skills and competencies for advanced instructional design and classroom implementation.

GEO 7599A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7599B. Dissertation.

Original research and writing in Geographic Education to be accomplished under direct supervision of the dissertation advisor. While conducting dissertation research and writing, students must be continuously enrolled each long semester.

GEO 7599C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7699C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999A. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geography. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999B. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Education. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

GEO 7999C. Dissertation.

This course is for students seeking a Ph. D. in Geographic Information Science. The course guides doctoral candidates through the conceptualization, execution, and completion of a dissertation that makes an original and defensible contribution to scholarship. Working under faculty supervision, students refine a significant research problem, develop a comprehensive literature-based rationale, and design a rigorous methodology appropriate to the field. Emphasis is placed on advanced research ethics, proposal development, data collection and analysis at a doctoral level, and iterative scholarly writing. The course supports sustained progress toward key milestones (proposal approval, data/analysis completion, manuscript drafting) and culminates in a dissertation document prepared for committee review and an oral defense.

PHIL 7101. Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Ethics.

This course examines issues, concepts, professional standards, and case studies in research ethics and the responsible conduct of research at the doctoral level. The course is designed to meet training requirements associated with agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Topics include research integrity, conflicts of interest, authorship and publication practices, peer review, human and animal experimentation and research, mentorship and supervision, data management, and the role of values in scientific inquiry. Emphasis is placed on analyzing ethical dilemmas, interpreting regulatory frameworks, and evaluating professional responsibilities in research contexts. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

PHIL 7323. Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Aquatic Resources.

This course provides a philosophical investigation of ethical reasoning as it applies to environmental policy and aquatic resource management. The course includes classical and contemporary ethical frameworks and their use in interpreting and critiquing environmental decision-making. Through case analysis and evaluation of arguments, it emphasizes conceptual clarity, logical rigor, and examination of policy questions related to aquatic resources and sustainability.

PHIL 7355. Philosophy of Science.

This course examines major philosophical questions about scientific inquiry and practice, including the nature of evidence, induction, explanation, theory choice, and scientific reasoning. Students explore the logic of scientific reasoning and the structure of explanation, and analyze debates concerning the role of values in science and the conceptual commitments involved in accepting scientific theories. Emphasis is placed on studying scientific practices as objects of philosophical investigation. Through engagement with historical and contemporary texts, students develop tools for understanding how scientific knowledge is produced, justified, and evaluated.