Basic concepts of geology. The materials, structures, and surface features of the earth, and the processes which have produced them.
3 hr./wk.
An introduction to the processes and phenomena of our atmosphere for non-science majors. Topics include clouds, sky color, greenhouse effect, storms, climates and Ice Ages.
3 lect. hr./wk.
An introduction to the geological aspects of environmental issues and sustainability for non-science majors. Presents the basic concepts of geology, followed by discussion of selected environmental issues, such as mineral and energy production; water supplies and pollution; flooding and erosion; earthquake and volcanic hazards.
3 lect., hr./wk.
Provides a concise and current view of the factors governing global warming and climate change and its implications for society as a whole. The use of climate models and data analysis build an understanding of the quantitative elements of the climate system and demonstrate how climate change is measured. Topics include: Earth's energy balance, measuring climate change, statistical significance of cycles, natural and anthropogenic sources of climate change, consequences of climate change, and modeling and predicting climate change. This course is recommended for non-EAS majors with an interest in learning the science behind the climate change debate.
3 lect., 1 lab hr/wk.
A systematic global view of the features, processes, and underlying scientific concepts of the earth, atmosphere, and oceans, emphasizing environmental applications.
$10
3 lect., 3 lab. hr./wk.
Fundamental facts and principles of geology with special reference to their importance in engineering projects; geologic perspective on current environmental issues; remote sensing; techniques for geologic study of project sites in terms of the surface and subsurface environment.
6 hours
Analysis and modeling of the grand cycles and systems in the Earth Sciences, including plate tectonics and climate change, by incorporating the underlying physical, chemical and biological principles. Physical and chemical properties of earth materials are examined. EXCEL and STELLA software are used extensively.
3 lect., 2 lab. hr./wk.
Geometry of elementary earth structures, especially faults and fractures, their modes of origin, stress analyses, and models. The mechanics of naturally occurring structures and their relationship to human-made structures. Includes earthquake mechanics and development of geological maps.
EAS 10000, EAS 10600, or ENGR 10610.
3 lect., 2 lab. hr./wk.
Presentations and discussions by faculty and guest speakers on current topics in the area of earth and environmental science.
1 hr./wk.
Research and studies in Earth Systems Science. Approval from the Department required. Apply in MR-106, no later than December 10 in the Fall term or May 1 in the Spring term.
usually 3 cr./sem.
Applications of the principles of ESS to the diagnosis and modeling of global and local environmental problems. Introduction to remote sensing techniques, processing, and analyses of global data sets, and computer models of Earth Systems.
3 lect., 1 lab. hr./wk.
This course is an introductory survey of the field of atmospheric science, with special attention given to atmospheric thermodynamics, 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 students studying earth science and/or environmental remote sensing.
3 hr./wk.
Individual laboratory, field or library investigation of a problem in Earth Systems Science.
Approval of instructor required.
1-4 cr./sem.
3 hours
Current topics and problems with emphasis on aspects not treated in regular courses.
Department permission required.
3-4 lect. or rec. hr./wk. 3-4cr./sem.
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 lect. hr./wk.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems using ArcGIS. Analysis of spatial data based on location. Hands-on work with downloading databases from the Internet, modification of formats, editing, and data analyses. Visual representation of data will emphasize different data types (point, linear, and spatial) and use of various analytical tools (IDW, spline, nearest neighbor, quadrat analysis, and different pattern types, such as random, clustered uniform, bi-modal, etc). Environmental Applications are stressed in class and include: Earthquake Patterns and Risk Analysis, Vegetation Patterns and Changes over Time, Patterns of Sea Level Change due to Global Warming, remote sensing of fracture patterns, aerosol dispersal over time, pollution plumes in subsurface groundwater.
3 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.
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.
3 hr./ wk.
Introduction to hydrological data, the hydrologic cycle. Precipitation, streamflow, evaporation, and runoff. Emphasis is on their interactions and processes.
3hr./wk.
Principles governing the atmosphere-land-ocean-biosphere interactions in coastal environments. Topics include: coastal dynamics, bathymetric features, sea-level change, wave formation, physicochemical properties of the ocean; coastal biogeochemical processes; remote sensing observations (land-atmosphere-ocean); coastal urbanization; atmospheric pollution and impacts on coastal ecosystems; coastal acidification; eutrophication; coastal hazards; human impacts & management of coastal zones.
3 lect. 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 sets.
EAS 106, Math 201, or permission of instructor.
3 lect. hr./wk.
A traditional geochemistry survey course that emphasizes earth system science considerations. The survey includes groundwater systems, the ocean system, carbon-silicon cycle relative to these systems, stable and radioisotope geochemistry, trace metal distribution theory and applications, and an introduction to igneous and metamorphic petrology.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Satellites have become an increasingly important tool for studying and monitoring the Earth's weather and climate. Topics include orbits of meteorological satellites, instruments they carry, fundamentals of atmospheric radiation and remote sensing, meteorological parameters that can be retrieved from satellites, and applications. Matlab is used to analyze satellite data.
MATH 20300, and
PHYS 20800, or permission of instructor.
3 hr./wk.
This course will teach students majoring in Earth Sciences and related fields 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 20300, and
PHYS 20800, or permission of instructor.
3 hr./wk.
Remote sensing of the environment is a course devoted to the study of earth system interactions through downloading and manipulating satellite data. The course reviews the historical creation of satellite platforms, current usages of satellite data in the earth sciences, and emphasizes image analytical techniques used to highlight important data sets. Lecture and laboratory work emphasizes the use of Interactive Data Language (IDL) programming to perform image manipulations.
Undergraduate course in computer science or permission of instructor.
3 lect. hr./wk.
This course is intended to equip students majoring in Earth Sciences and related fields with knowledge and skills in statistical analysis. Subjects include probability and statistics fundamentals, hypothesis testing, linear regression, time series analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis.
3 lect. hr./wk.
A comprehensive introduction to space-based remote sensing of ocean processes. Through guest lectures, student-led discussions, interactive activities, skills development, and hands-on team projects, the course reviews the basic concepts, satellite datasets, and algorithms available for studying ocean dynamics, mesoscale phenomena, biogeochemical processes, marine ecosystem resources, human impacts, and coastal hazards.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Composition, texture, classification, depositional setting, provenance and correlation of sediments and sedimentary rocks; identification of common environments of deposition. 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.
3 hr./ wk.
Minerals in Earth Systems Science: principles of mineral stability and mineral associations; identification and recovery of earth resources. Mineral issues in human terms: toxic waste sites, climatology, and slope stability. Course introduces mineral optics and x-ray diffraction.
2 lect., 4 lab. hr./wk.
Occurrence of ground water. Basic equations and concepts of groundwater flow. Flow nets. Methods of groundwater investigation.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Overview of critical Earth systems and their interrelationships; Lecture component places environmental issues in an ecological framework; Hands-on laboratory component introduces concepts and methods used in Earth system analysis with emphasizes in sustainable management of aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems. Data set analysis tasks are assigned and student presentations are given throughout this class.
6 hr./wk.
This course introduces basic field concepts and applications related to the environmental evaluation of water, soil, and sediment quality. It focuses on various environmental sampling and monitoring techniques, laboratory chemical analyses, and data reporting. Topics will include surface/ground water sampling, soil sampling, sediment sampling, stream gauging, groundwater level monitoring, monitoring well installation, etc. The class consists of lectures, field trips, and labs. Each student will prepare field reports, and carry out a small project of his/her choice.
3 hrs./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, magnetics, and thermal properties of the earth.
3 hrs./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.
3 hrs./wk.
Senior-level capstone research project utilizing laboratory, remote sensing, and/or field data, in combination with associated measurement techniques and analysis tools to address a problem in the geosciences selected with a faculty mentor. Upon completion, students are required to write an in-depth scientific report and make an oral presentation of their work to the faculty. Course may be taken over two semesters.
(minimum 4 credits in total).
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.
3 lect. 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.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Deep earth involvement in Earth Systems Science: plutonism and volcanism; isotopic age dating; non-radiogenic isotope systematics; and trace metal characteristics of evolving earth systems. Course introduces petrography and x-ray fluorescence.
3 lect. hr./wk.