Shallow earth interactions in ESS emphasizing: groundwater geochemistry; elemental cycles linked to biological activity in the oceans; geochemistry and global climate cycles; geo-bioremediation; and applied analytical techniques including x-ray diffraction, potentiometric titrations, and aspects of UV/visible spectroscopy.
3 lect., 1 lab hr./wk.
Application of scientific and engineering principles in the remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater. Topics include environmental regulations and toxicology, soil-vapor extraction and bioventing, air sparging, pump and treat, bioremediation, surfactant-enhanced extraction, and permeable reactive barriers. Class project involves design of remediation systems for a hypothetical site.
3 hr./wk.
This course offers a quantitative examination of the processes that shape landscapes. Topics include glacial, fluvial, and aeolian erosion; physical and chemical weathering; mass wasting; runoff; hill slopes and rivers; and surface processes on other planets. Weekly quizzes, midterm and final exam. Lab reports and problem.
EAS 10600, Math 20100, or equivalent, or permission of instructor
3 hr./wk.
This class teaches the use of satellite techniques in meteorology and climate research.
3 hr./wk.
This course is intended to teach graduate-level students how to write computer algorithms for scientific analysis. Subjects that will be covered include: programming basics (e.g. variable types and algorithm structure), numerical differentiation and integration, downloading and input/output with big data, solving coupled differential equations.
Math 20100 or 20500. or equivalent
3 hr./wk.
This course is intended to teach graduate-level students quantitative data analysis skills. Subjects include probability and statistics fundamentals, hypothesis testing, linear regression, time series analysis, Fourier transform and analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. An independent class project will be required.
Math 20300 or equivalent,
EAS 30800 or equivalent
3 hr./wk.
Synoptic analysis of surface and upper-air meteorological observations, including satellite, radar, and aircraft measurements. Diagnostic calculations of vorticity, divergence and vertical motions in mesoscale, synoptic scale, and large scale weather systems.
5 hr./wk.
Advanced-level project utilizes field data to solve an urban environmental problem. Can be taken in the spring semester or in the summer. Also open to postgraduates in environmental fields, by permission. Can be applied to thesis credit.
4 weeks in field plus lab. analyses
Physical properties of rocks in different tectonic environments; deformation; petrofabric analysis. Geotectonics; orogenesis, earthquakes, interpretation of geologic maps and mapping techniques.
3 lect., 2 lab. hr./wk.
Detailed discussions of the concepts of mantle convection, continental drift, seafloor spreading, and subduction. Applications of these concepts to selected areas around the globe. The relationship of plate tectonics to earth history and to the global distributions of geologic hazards and mineral deposits. Implications of plate tectonics for other parts of the earth system.
An introductory course in physical geology or earth science.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Presentations and discussions by faculty and guest speakers on current topics in the area of earth and environmental science; can be taken twice for credit.
1 hr./wk.
This course covers the physical principles that govern the behavior and techniques used to infer the earth's internal structure, composition, and mineral resources. It provides earth scientists and engineers with the techniques to determine earth structures, locate environmental pollutants, and prospect for natural resources from remote locations. Topics include: Seismology, geodesy, gravity, magnetic, and thermal properties of the earth.
Two semesters of college physics and an introductory course in earth science.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Minerals in Earth Systems Science; principles of mineral stability and mineral associations; identification and recovery of earth resources. Mineral issues on human terms: toxic waste sites, climatology, and slope stability. Course introduces mineral optics and x-ray diffraction.
2 lect., 4 lab hr./wk.
This course is an introductory survey to the field of Atmospheric Science, with special attention given to atmospheric thermodynamic, dynamics, and weather systems. Atmospheric science is a complex field of study that builds on physics, chemistry, and math, hence the prerequisites. This course is intended to provide a solid foundation for masters students studying earth sciences and/or environmental remote sensing.
Vector Calculus,
CHEM 10401 (or equivalent), and
PHYS 20700 (or equivalent) or instructor`s permission.
3 lect. hr./wk.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to good commercial and customary practices in the US for conducting Phase I environmental site assessments (ESA) of commercial or residential properties with respect to hazardous substances and petroleum products. A Phase I ESA is the process for determining the presence of an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into the ground, ground water, surface water of the property, or into structures on the property. Graduate students receive extensive training on mainstream quality review and assessment methods of completed Phase I ESAs in preparation to enter the workforce in upper level management positions in the environmental engineering consulting industry.
3 hr./wk.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to good commercial and customary practices in the United States of America for conducting Phase II environmental site assessments (ESA). A Phase II ESA is an evaluation process for confirming and quantifying the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products in environmental media (i.e., soil, rock, groundwater, surface water, air, soil gas, sediment) throughout a contaminated site. A Phase II ESA typically includes a determination through field screening and chemical testing of the geological, hydrogeological, hydrological, and engineered aspects of the site that influence the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products (e.g., migration pathways, exposure points) and the existence of receptors and mechanisms of exposure. Students are automatically enrolled in the 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) certification program which applies to employees who are engaged in clean-up operations that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
Graduate students receive extensive training on mainstream quality review and assessment methods of completed Phase I ESAs in preparation to enter the workforce in upper level management positions in the environmental engineering consulting industry.
Students are automatically enrolled in the 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) certification program which applies to employees who are engaged in clean-up operations that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
3 hr./wk.
Study of important, naturally-occurring destructive phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and coastal flooding. Long-term causes and remediation of these problems. Topics will focus on consequences to urban environments.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to hydrological data, the hydrologic cycle. Precipitation, streamflow, evaporation, and runoff. Emphasis is on their interactions and processes.
Two semesters of Calculus, and two semesters of general physics or permission of the instructor.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Occurrence of ground water. Basic equations and concepts of ground water flow. Flow nets. Methods of ground water investigation.
Two semesters of general chemistry, and two semesters of entry level earth science, or permission of instructor.
3 lect., hr./wk.
Overview of critical Earth systems and their interrelationships with emphasis in sustainability; Lecture component places environmental issues in an ecological framework; Hands-on laboratory component introduces concepts and methods used in Earth system analysis with emphasis in sustainable management of aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems. Data set analysis tasks are assigned and student presentations are given throughout this class.
An introductory course in Earth Science, or permission of instructor.
3 lect. 3 lab hr./wk.
A comprehensive introduction to ocean remote sensing, covering aspects of both physical and biological oceanography, ocean dynamics, mesoscale phenomena, biogeochemical processes, marine ecosystem resources, human impacts, climate change, and coastal hazards. The course focuses on development of skills in underwater radiative transfer modeling and ocean remote-sensing data analysis and visualization.
An introductory course in Earth Science, or one semester of college biology, or one semester of introductory Remote Sensing, or permission of instructor.
3 hr./wk.
The application of geophysics to environmental and engineering problems. Hands-on work and demonstrations of seismic, electrical, electromagnetic, and magnetic instruments and techniques. Survey design and execution. Computer analysis of survey results
A two - semester introductory course sequence in physics and at least one semester of calculus.
3 hrs./wk.
Principles governing the atmosphere-coast-ocean interactions. The course utilizes the department's Weather Station and Geosciences Computer Laboratory where oceanographic and atmospheric data are remotely sensed from space. The role of the world's oceans to current global warming/cooling models will be examined. Topics also include: bathymetric features, origin of the hydrosphere, sea-level change, wave formation, temperature, salinity, and density of the ocean water.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Composition, texture, classification, depositional setting, provenance and correlation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Study of global and local formations to explore stratigraphic nomenclature, facies relationships and correlation of sedimentary sequences. Course includes a field trip to local outcrops to observe sedimentary rocks and facies and identify depositional paleoenvironments. Four partial exams, one comprehensive final exam and one 15-page term paper.
Permission of instructor.
3 hr./wk.
This course links processes and interactions of the atmosphere, ocean and solid earth and their impact on climate and climate change. Topics include the physical principles of climate; climates of the past and present; Ice Age theories; the Greenhouse Effect; and human impact on climate.
One semester of calculus, and one semester of physics, and one semester of introductory earth science, or permission of instructor.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Current topics and problems with emphasis on aspects not treated in regular courses. Department permission required.
1-2 lect. and/or lab. hr./wk.
Current topics and problems with emphasis on aspects not treated in regular courses. Department permission required.
1-2 lect. and/or lab. hr./wk.
Current topics and problems with emphasis on aspects not treated in regular courses. Department permission required.
1-2 lect. and/or lab. hr./wk.
Review and critical analysis of selected research publications in meteorology. Students are expected to prepare and participate in discussions on topics of current interest.
1-3 hr./wk.
Reviews and critical analysis of selected research publications in oceanography. Students are expected to prepare and participate in discussions on topics of current interest.
1-3 hr./wk.
Preparation of a thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor. May be taken for total of 6 cr.; Cr. applied on completion of the thesis option.
Hrs. to be arranged
3 hr./wk.
Individual laboratory, field, or library investigation of a problem in Earth Systems Science. Up to 6 cr. can be applied to master's degree.
Approval of instructor required.