Geosciences
Geosciences offers baccalaureate degrees and minors in both geology and geography and a master’s degree in geosciences, focusing on either geology or geography. Study and training in the geosciences are designed to provide: (1) students with an understanding of the methods of science and the fundamentals of geosciences as they relate to the physical and cultural environments of humans and their dependence upon earth resources; (2) science students with the fundamentals of geology as a foundation for other science studies; (3) an understanding of the relationships between humans and their environment, plus training in sophisticated methods of spatial mapping and analysis, like remote sensing and geographic information systems; (4) training in earth and space sciences as an area of specialization for elementary and secondary school teachers; (5) professional degrees for employment or future graduate study; and (6) graduate degrees for the professional geologist or geographer.
Fort Hays State University is located at the eastern margin of the High Plains, an area of one of the most complete sections of Late Cretaceous rocks in North America. Hays is a day’s drive from numerous classic igneous, metamorphic, paleontological, and structural locales in Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Field work is emphasized in the department and undergraduate research is encouraged. Scholarships and graduate teaching assistantships are available for qualified students.
Department of Geosciences Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Environmental Geosciences - BA Geography Minor Geology Minor Geosciences - BS in GSCI Geosciences Masters - MS GIS User Certificate Museum Studies CertificateCourses
Introductory survey of fossils found in western kansas. Designed for non-geology majors and teachers of general or earth science. Su on demand.
Introduction to the outcropping rocks and sediments in western kansas. Designed for non-geology majors and teachers of general or earth sciences. Su on demand.
Introduction to physical and historical geology. May be taken with or without GSCI 102. May not be taken for credit after GSCI 200.
Introduction to the basic concepts and elements of the physical envrionment: earth-sun relationships, earth's atmosphere, soils, vegetation, and landforms. Examiniation of the interrelationships among the elements, their geographic distribution, and the tools used to study them.
Basic investigation of geologic materials, processes, and methods. Hands-on, active experience with emphais on observation and measurement. May be takend with GSCI 100 or GSCI 340, but not required.
Hands-on exercises intended to illustrate physical processes related to earth's features and to provide experience with tools used to study those processes and features.
A survey of traditional and popular culture structured around five themes: cultural region, cultural diffusion, cultural ecology, cultural integration, and cultural landscape.
Promotes international understanding via a survey of the world as a system of interrelated political units, environments, resources, lifestyles, and problems.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
Study of earth's internal and external structure, nature and origin of rocks, geological processes, and methods of inquiry. F-S
A study of the origin, formation, and development of the earth and its inhabitants.
A survey of petroleum geology, including basic characteristics of petroleum, where petroleum is found, skills necessary for petroleum exploration, drilling techniques, and production methods.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionized the manner that spatial data is stored, analyzed and presented. This course provides a foundation towards understanding and operating GIS. Along with addressing primary GIS theory and concepts, GIS technical skills are reinforced through hands-on activities using widely used industry software.
Examination of the theory and methods applied to the transformation of geographic space onto maps, their content, structure, and utilization. Interpretation of maps and extraction of information from maps.
Identification, classification, and occurrence of minerals; emphasis on crystallography, crystal chemistry, and descriptive and determinative mineralogy.
Description, classification, occurrence, and origin of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
A survey of the United States as a functioning system of interrelated regions with emphasis on enviornments, resources, lifestyles, and problems.
A survey of Latin America's interconnected system of political units with emphasis on environments, resources, lifestyles, problems, and relationships to the rest of the world.
A survey of Europe's interconnected system of political units with emphasis on environments, resources, lifestyles, problems and relationships to the rest of the world.
This course provides a basic overview of the technology by which aircraft and satellite images of the earth are produced as well as hands-on experience manipulating and interpreting images from a variety of sources.
A survey of earth materials and processes with emphasis on environmental implications. Includes natural hazards (such as earthquakes and volcanoes), water and other resources, and applications of land-use planning concepts. May be taken with or without GSCI 102.
An environmental geology course that examines hazardous earth processes, including river flooding, landslides, subsidence, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and coastal hazards.
Location, topics and credit hours will vary. Each section will have location and topic description in the title.
A concentrated study of some topic or unit. Regular lectures. ON DEMAND.
Intermediate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) explores spatial analysis through the use of raster, network, and 3D analysis. Additional approaches towards GIS cartographic design, data creation, and management are explored. GIS technical skills are reinforced through hands-on activities using widely used industry software.
An introductory course on modern evaluation methods in well-site geology using cased and openhole logs, core data, geological information, and the physics of fluid-flow in porous media. Several case study examples will be used to illustrate, reinforce, and apply the fundamental technical concepts used in the field.
By appt., course provides practical experience in Geosciences.
Field Trip focuses on the geology of: Ellis County, FHSU campus, a rare volcanic ash quarry, and provides an introduction to local Hays, KS region geological formations. This course provides students with a field trip experience that introduces them to geologic and geographic features around Ellis County (where FHSU is located) in Western Kansas. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
Field Trip provides an overview of the geology between FHSU & Lake Wilson, discussion of the I-70 sink hole, and a study of the Wilson Lake spillway. Trip includes stops at various road cuts. This course provides students with a field trip experience that introduces geologic and geographic features around Lake Wilson in Western Kansas. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
Earth is a dynamic system with many parts and processes that can be better understood by exploring the world around us, and we will be exploring the environment and ecosystem of Kansas 85 million years ago. This course provides students with a field trip experience that provides an introduction to the geology and paleontology of Western Kansas, specifically the Castle Rock area of Gove County, KS. Field Trip to Castle Rock includes: stops overlooking Hays, Cedar Bluff Reservoir, & Ogallala. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
Field trip to Grand Canyon includes: learning activities that illustrate the different aspects and information regarding the Grand Canyon's geologic and human history. This course includes research on a specific aspect of the Grand Canyon and presentation of research. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
Field trip to Mesa Verde includes: Exploration of geologic features of Mesa Verde, the cultural and archaeological importance of Mesa Verde, and identify historical aspects of the region. This course includes research on a student’s favorite aspect of Mesa Verde and presentation of research. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
A survey of major cave types to include the local geology and an examination of the development of cave systems. Major cave systems include: Mammoth Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, Mystery Cave, and others. Additionally, other aspects of cave science will be covered to provide a complete overview of cave science. Trip may be offered in-person or virtual. For the virtual field trip experience students must have good internet connection, video player, and sound on computer.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
Study of rock geometry, concepts of descriptive, kinematic, and dynamic analyses related to plate tectonics and time. Graphic, trigonometric, and computer solutions to structural problems and maps.
Techniques for petroleum geology exploration and operations including case histories. Emphasis on fundamentals of geologic, geochemical, geophysics, seismic, and aerial imagery methods used in exploration. The course will also focus on properties of source rocks, reservoir rocks, traps and seals, and elements of basin analysis and production.
Geologic principles and techniques of acquisition and interpretation of field data. S
An integrative geology capstone course involving a broad range of applied field techniques and procedures. Must have a 2.0 GPA (C average) in all core courses.
Structural, stratigraphic, and field mapping problems of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock terrains. Must have a 2.0 (C ave.) Gpa in all prerequisites.
An undergraduate thesis that is the written result of independent research. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in FHSU courses and permission of Department Chair.
A survey of Kansas as a functioning system of interrelated regions with emphases on environments, resources, lifestyles, problems, and relationships to the rest of the United States.
A survey of Kansas as a functioning system of interrelated regions with emphases on environments, resources, lifestyles, problems, and relationships to the rest of the United States.
This class will explore the urban environment, focusing on global urban development. Topics that will be discussed include urban origins and theory, historical development, and modern urban form. Other topics will include urban environmental impact, urban population, landscapes of inequality, and urban planning.
This class will explore the urban environment, focusing on global urban development. Topics that will be discussed include urban origins and theory, historical development, and modern urban form. Other topics will include urban environmental impact, urban population, landscapes of inequality, and urban planning.
Origin and development of landforms. Interrelationships among geologic structure, climatic environment, and surface processes. F S
Origin and development of landforms. Interrelationships among geologic structure, climatic environment, and surface processes. F S
A survey of the geologic and geographic characteristics of selected United States national parks and monuments.
A survey of the geologic and geographic characteristics of selected United States national parks and monuments.
Principles and techniques in the use of the polarizing microscope in the identification and study of minerals.
Principles and techniques in the use of the polarizing microscope in the identification and study of minerals.
This course provides an advanced experience in the art and science of cartography.
This course provides an advanced experience in the art and science of cartography.
Application of theoretical GIS concepts and practical GIS techniques to solve complex realworld problems from data acquisition to analysis and presentation of results. Major foci are identifying, acquiring, and processing external data sets and conducting the spatial analysis necessary to answer questions.
Application of theoretical GIS concepts and practical GIS techniques to solve complex realworld problems from data acquisition to analysis and presentation of results. Major foci are identifying, acquiring, and processing external data sets and conducting the spatial analysis necessary to answer questions.
Broad overview of the landscapes and features produced by soluble bedrock. This course will include a focus on the major karst regions of the world, the hazards associated with those regions, and the interaction of humans with these hazards. In addition, the course will discuss the role of karst in Kansas and the nearby regions. The course may require fees associated with a field trip to a nearby karst region.
Broad overview of the landscapes and features produced by soluble bedrock. This course will include a focus on the major karst regions of the world, the hazards associated with those regions, and the interaction of humans with these hazards. In addition, the course will discuss the role of karst in Kansas and the nearby regions. The course may require fees associated with a field trip to a nearby karst region.
This course covers the theory of quantitative analytic techniques specific to spatially referenced data.
This course covers the theory of quantitative analytic techniques specific to spatially referenced data.
Modern evaluation techniques for subsurface formations using geophysical open and cased hole logs and well site methods.
Modern evaluation techniques for subsurface formations using geophysical open and cased hole logs and well site methods.
Fundamental concepts in 2/3-D seismic interpretation for oil exploration.
Fundamental concepts in 2/3-D seismic interpretation for oil exploration.
Geologic analysis and integration of 3-D seismic and well data for oil exploration.
Geologic analysis and integration of 3-D seismic and well data for oil exploration.
Advanced geologic techniques used for oil exploration.
Advanced geologic techniques used for oil exploration.
Principles and concepts of surface and subsurface hydrology. Origin, occurrence, and movement of water. Aquifers and water resources. F
Principles and concepts of surface and subsurface hydrology. Origin, occurrence, and movement of water. Aquifers and water resources. F
Geochemistry of ground waters, surface waters, weathering, chemical sediments, and contamination of natural waters.
Geochemistry of ground waters, surface waters, weathering, chemical sediments, and contamination of natural waters.
Survey of principles and methods of geophysics as applied to geologic structures. F
Survey of principles and methods of geophysics as applied to geologic structures. F
Climatology is the study of the long-term behavior of the earth's Atmosphere/Ocean/Land system. This course covers the definition of climate, processes within the climate system, climate classification, microclimates, paleoclimatology, climate change, and predictions of future climates.
Climatology is the study of the long-term behavior of the earth's Atmosphere/Ocean/Land system. This course covers the definition of climate, processes within the climate system, climate classification, microclimates, paleoclimatology, climate change, and predictions of future climates.
A survey of the origins, captial distributions, characteristics, and problems of the world's agricultural system. ON DEMAND.
A survey of the origins, captial distributions, characteristics, and problems of the world's agricultural system. ON DEMAND.
A survey of environmental philosophies, perceptions, and land uses that were influential during the settlement and development of the United States. ON DEMAND.
A survey of environmental philosophies, perceptions, and land uses that were influential during the settlement and development of the United States. ON DEMAND.
A concentrated field study emphasizing the environment, resources, lifestyles, and/or problems of a designated territory of the world.
A concentrated field study emphasizing the environment, resources, lifestyles, and/or problems of a designated territory of the world.
In this seminar, students survey and discuss the theoretical background, observational record, model predictions, and impacts of climate change, particularly as driven by human activity.
In this seminar, students will survey and discuss the theoretical background, observational record, model predictions, and impacts of climate change, particularly as driven by human activity.
A concentrated field study of some topic or unit in an area where the instructor has exceptional expertise. SU ON DEMAND.
A concentrated field study of some topic or unit in an area where the instructor has exceptional expertise. SU ON DEMAND.
This course covers the application of programming languages towards the modification and development of Geographic Information Systems. Topics include: programming formats, GIS interface modification, design and development of GIS, objects-based programming, and Data/Network interconnectivity.
This course covers the application of programming languages towards the modification and development of Geographic Information Systems. Topics include: programming formats, GIS interface modification, design and development of GIS, objects-based programming, and Data/Network interconnectivity.
A concentrated study of some topic or unit. Regular lectures.
A concentrated study of some topic or unit. Regular lectures.
Study of the evolution of invertebrates as shown by their fossil remains.
Study of the evolution of invertebrates as shown by their fossil remains.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Study of the evolution of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles as shown by their fossil remains.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Study of the evolution of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles as shown by their fossil remains.
Study of the evolution of birds, mammal-like reptiles, and mammals as shown by their fossil remains.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Lab, museum sessions, or field trip.
Study of the evolution of birds, mammal-like reptiles, and mammals as shown by their fossil remains.
This course is designed to introduce students to numerous weather forecasting, storm-spotting, and severe weather safety tools while attempting to target and observe severe weather in the Great Plains. Students must participate in a 10-day field trip that requires travel in a 10-passenger van and out-of-state lodging in hotels with classmates.
This course is designed to introduce students to numerous weather forecasting, storm-spotting, and severe weather safety tools while attempting to target and observe severe weather in the Great Plains. Students must participate in a 10-day field trip that requires travel in a 10-passenger van and out-of-state lodging in hotels with classmates.
Reading programs developed to fit the special needs of students in areas not represented in the regular curriculum. F-S-SU
Reading programs developed to fit the special needs of students in areas not represented in the regular curriculum. F-S-SU
An individual geosciences investigation chosen by the student and carried out under supervision.
An individual geosciences investigation chosen by the student and carried out under supervision.
Interpretation and analysis of aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
Interpretation and analysis of aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
Practicum to teach students the importance of professionalism, service to the discipline, and continuing education.
Practicum to teach students the importance of professionalism, service to the discipline, and continuing education.
Course is designed to provide practical experience in Geosciences.
Course is designed to provide practical experience in Geosciences.
Survey of modern and ancient depositional environments emphasizing sedimentary facies concepts.
Survey of modern and ancient depositional environments emphasizing sedimentary facies concepts.
Description, classification, occurrence, and origin of sedimentary rocks.
Emphasis on petrographic (microscopic) recognition of textures and compositions of common sedimentary rocks in thin section.
Emphasis on petrographic (microscopic) recognition of textures and compositions of common sedimentary rocks in thin section.
Description, classification, occurrence, and origin of sedimentary rocks.
A course in stratigraphic principles and regional stratigraphy of North America.
A course in stratigraphic principles and regional stratigraphy of North America.
Students will evaluate and synthesize scientific literature and apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to scientific applications. Students will communicate scientific material using various formats, including research proposals, papers, and posters.
Student will evaluate and synthesize scientific literature and apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to scientific applications. Students will communicate scientific material using various formats, including research proposals, papers, and posters.
Supervised work experience in an organization or department using the concepts of geography and Geographic Information Systems to accomplish a task or produce a report. Supervision will be provided by both university and field supervisors.
Supervised work experience in an organization or department using the concepts of geography and Geographic Information Systems to accomplish a task or produce a report. Supervision will be provided by both university and field supervisors.
Techniques and methods of writing scientific papers. Satisfies graduate research methods requirement.
Survey of paleontological principles. Considers nature of fossil record, species concepts, theories of evolution and extinction, paleoecological analysis, and functional morphology. S ON DEMAND.
The institute will focus on the five fundamental themes of geography and the content and methods of geographic inquiry.
Assigned reading in selected areas of geoscience. F-S-SU
An individual geosciences investigation chosen by the student and carried out under supervision.
Independent study of a geosciences problem, usually to provide material and data for a thesis.
Detailed study of physical and bio-stratigraphy of cretaceous and late cenozoic rocks in Western Kansas. Museum and field trips. F evennumbered years.
The written result of independent research. F-S-SU
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
785-628-FHSU (3478)