Skip to Main Content

Environmental, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Course Listing

All courses, arranged by program, are listed in the catalog. If you cannot locate a specific course, try the Advanced Search. Current class schedules, with posted days and times, can be found on the NOW/Student Dashboard or by logging in to SiS.


Weather Forecasting Seminar (Formerly 85.102)

Description

Introduction to forecasting techniques including use of upper air observations and numerical forecast guidance. This course is intended primarily for students majoring in the various options of environmental science. It does not satisfy specific science requirements for majors in the Division of Science.

The Nature of Science (Formerly 85.120)

Description

In this course students are introduced to the role of critical thinking in the development of scientific theories. Several major areas of science are explored with a focus on the link between conceptual thought and the resulting physical laws. The importance to society of scientists and citizens making informed decisions on science/technology issues are examined. Methods to gather and assess data are discussed and a number of examples of the use of scientific principles to prove fact or fraud are studied. The students will learn how to question propositions put before them.

Weather and Climate (Formerly 85.141)

Description

General meteorology course. Topics include atmospheric composition, solar radiation, temperature, moisture and condensation relationship between air pressure and wind, weather patterns, severe weather, optical phenomena in the atmosphere, and the behavior and possible change of climate. Appropriate for KCS major science elective.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ATMO.1430L Weather & Climate Lab, and Anti-req: ENVI.2020 Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans, Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Weather and Climate Laboratory (Formerly 85.143)

Description

The laboratory encourages students to apply knowledge from the lectures to a variety of atmospheric and climatic phenomena developed from data analysis, experimentation, and maps. Synthesis and critical thinking are encouraged in the solution of problems.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ATMO.1410 Weather & Climate.

The Physical Science of Climate Change

Description

Due to the complexity of climate change, there are many important dimensions to the problem, including political, economic, social, and ethical. This course focuses on the physical science dimension of climate change: what are the key scientific principles that are needed to understand the causes and physical impacts of climate change, and to evaluate possible responses and their likely effectiveness The class is offered for both science and non-science majors.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ATMO.1520L The Physical Science of Climate Change Lab.

The Physical Science of Climate Change Lab

Description

This laboratory is designed to accompany the lecture material of The Physical Science of Climate Change (ATMO.1500), which focuses on the key scientific principles that are needed to understand the causes and physical impacts of climate change, and to evaluate possible responses and their likely effectiveness. The course is offered for both science and non-science majors.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ATMO.1500 The Physical Science of Climate Change.

Atmospheric Sciences 1000 level elective Lab(Formerly 85.199)

Description

Atmospheric Sciences 1000 level elective Lab.

Atmospheric Science Laboratory (Formerly 85.213)

Description

The plotting and analysis of meteorological data is introduced, with the goal of understanding the basis for various ways of looking at weather systems. After each technique is introduced, students will see the computer counterpart using the workstations in the weather lab. Both the strengths and weaknesses of automated displays are made clear to students, thus making them better able to interpret the computer images on a daily basis.

Meteorology Analysis Laboratory (Formerly 85.214)

Description

The use of the skew-T diagram to understand the vertical structure in the atmosphere is the main focus of this course. Students will learn to plot and analysis atmospheric sounding data, and to recognize various structures in the analyzed data. Both hand and computer-aided analysis will be compared.

Scientific FORTRAN Programming (Formerly 85.234)

Description

A basic course in computer programming using FORTRAN 90/95. Topics include programming arithmetic, decisions, repetition, input/output structures, arrays and array processing, and simple algorithms for searching and sorting.

Practicum in Meteorology (Formerly 85.291)

Description

"Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Atmospheric Thermodynamics (Formerly 85.301)

Description

The variables of state, Charles' law, Boyle's law, equation of state for an ideal gas, mixtures of gases. Thermodynamics of dry air, water vapor and moist air. Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Adiabatic and pseudoadiabatic processes. Moisture variables. Hydrostatics equilibrium, hydrostatics of special atmospheres. Hydrostatic stability. Convection theory, parcel method, slice method, entrainment, bubble theory.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: ENVI 2020 Earth & Env Systems II, PHYS 1030 General Physics I, and MATH 1320 Calculus II.

Methods in Meteorology (Formerly 85.304)

Description

The application of vector analysis to dynamic meteorology. Three-dimensional divergence and vorticity, circulation, and solenoids. Selected ordinary and partial differential equations of fluid mechanics and their solutions. Spectral decomposition of hemispheric wave motion.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: ENVI 2020 Earth & Env Systems II and MATH 2340 Differential Equations or MATH 2360 Eng Differential Equations.

Methods in Meteorology II (Formerly 85.305)

Description

Fundamentals of numerical weather prediction. Data analysis methods in meteorology using the techniques of curve fitting, correlation, and power spectrum analysis. Solution of stability problems.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: ATMO 3040 Methods in Meteorology I and ATMO 2340 Scientific FORTRAN Programming.

Synoptic Meteorology (Formerly 85.308)

Description

Explores techniques of synoptic analysis including graphical subtraction, thickness analysis, isentropic analysis, streamlines and trajectories, divergence and vorticity. The use of a computer to perform these computations is explored through student projects.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: ATMO 1020 Weather Forecasting Seminar and ENVI 2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Forecasting and Synoptic Techniques II (Formerly 85.309)

Description

Explores three-dimensional structure and dynamics of mid-latitude storm systems; capabilities and limitations of the barotropic model; quasi-geostrophic model; and operational primitive equation models. Some mesoscale phenomena are covered as time permits including coastal cyclogenesis, thermal lows, and sea-breeze circulations.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: 85.308 Forecast & Synop Techniques I.

Physical Climatology (Formerly 85.313)

Description

Atmospheric processes determining the climate: solar and terrestrial radiation, elevation and thermal properties of surfaces, atmospheric circulations and eddy conduction between the atmosphere and land or sea surfaces, heat and water balance of earth's surface and the atmosphere; hydrologic cycle; and climatic simulation models.

Tropical Meteorology (Formerly 85.340)

Description

An introduction to the tropical atmosphere including tropical climatology, structure and dynamics of easterly waves, tropical cyclones and monsoonal circulations.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Satellite and Radar Meteorology (Formerly 85.350)

Description

Explores theory and applications of radar, satellites, and lidar. Use of satellite imagery as a forecasting aide, theory and use of satellite profiling, and application of conventional and Doppler radar to severe weather and short term forecasting. Use of lidar and other profiling techniques to determine vertical temperature structure and turbulence.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Physical Meteorology (Formerly 85.403)

Description

Explores solar and terrestrial radiation processes and the heat balance of the atmosphere; fundamentals of radiation theory; radiative transfer processes in the atmosphere; atmospheric condensation processes; and nucleation theory and the growth of water drops and ice crystals by condensation, sublimation and accretion.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: 85.301 Atmospheric Dynamics.

The Climate System (Formerly 85.408)

Description

The course covers the main elements of the climate system--the atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, solid earth, and cryosphere--and the primary source of energy, the sun. The elements are examined in terms of observed structure and important physical processes, the ways in which they interact, and how they can be modeled. The global energy budget is discussed and both natural and human-caused climate change are considered.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: MATH.1310 Calculus I, or MATH.1290 Calculus IB, and PHYS.1030 General Physics I, or PHYS.1410 Physics I.

Advanced Forecasting (Formerly 85.410)

Description

Advanced analysis techniques and their use as forecasting tools are explored in both manual and computer formats. Techniques include moisture advection, moist isentropic trajectories, boundary layer destabilization, and other state-of-the-art techniques. Application of techniques to small and mesoscale phenomena.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Synoptic Weather Patterns (Formerly 85.412)

Description

This course is focused on applying meteorological theory to real weather patterns, with an emphasis on how the theory helps to understand the broad forcing mechanisms for each pattern as well as gaining an appreciation for the individual characteristics of each example. Topics will include nor'easters, back-door cold fronts, Alberta clippers, upper-air blocking, snow squalls, and stationary fonts. Analysis techniques will use digital display software as well as manual analysis of plotted weather data. In addition to individual homework, some case studies will be examined in small groups.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: 85.308 Forecast & Synop Techniques I.

Atmospheric Dynamics (Formerly 85.415)

Description

Explores dynamics of rotating fluids in a rotating reference frame. Conservation laws (momentum, continuity, and thermodynamics energy equations). Scale analysis, geostrophic balance. Applications to balanced flow, streamlines and trajectories, thermal wind, vertical motion, and surface pressure tendency. Circulation and vorticity, potential vorticity equation, barotropic and baroclinic vorticity.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: ATMO 3010 Atmospheric Dynamics and MATH 2340 Differential Equations or MATH 2360 Eng Differential Equations.

Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics (Formerly 85.416)

Description

Atmospheric turbulence and boundary layer equations. Secondary circulation and spindown. Quasi-geostrophic prediction, diagnosis of vertical motion, and baroclinic disturbances. Atmospheric oscillations and perturbation theory. Hydrodynamic instability, baroclinic instability, and baroclinic waves.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: 85.415 Adv Atmospheric Dynamics I.

Introduction to Operational Numerical Weather Prediction (Formerly 85.420)

Description

In this class, the student will learn the structure and science behind modern numerical weather prediction models and how to use them to solve real-world issues facing modern meteorological consultants. The student will learn how to operate and apply a modern numerical weather prediction model to study such issues as offshore wind farm siting, solar power prediction, and energy load forecasting. Students should be prepared to use Linux-based PC's (supplied) to perform and submit projects.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Satellite and Radar Meteorology (Formerly 85.450)

Description

This course explores the theory behind the operation of radar, satellites, and lidar. It demonstrates the use of satellite imagery as a forecasting aid, and the application of conventional and Doppler radar to severe weather and short term forecasting. Additional topics include the techniques used to determine vertical profiles of temperature, moisture and turbulence using lidar and satellite data.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2020 Earth & Env Systems II.

Air Pollution (Formerly 85.471)

Description

There is currently no description available for this course.

Space Weather (Formerly 85.484)

Description

Space Weather is an emerging field of space science focusing on understanding the conditions and processes on the sun, in the interplanetary space, and in the Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and can endanger human life or health. This course is an introduction level course. It applies knowledge learned in Physics I and II in particular in electromagnetics to a real situation: space. The course introduces the present knowledge of space phenomena and the physical understanding of the plasma environment from the sun to the earth's ionosphere and in the heliosphere. Regions in space to be discussed include solar surface, solar wind, bow shock, magnetsheath, magnetosphere, magnetotail, radiation belts, ring currents, and ionosphere. Among space plasma physics theories, single particle theory, kinetic theory, and magnetohydrodynamics, which describe charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields and its consequences, are introduced and applied to space environment.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: MATH 2310 Calculus III, PHYS 1030 General Physics I, and PHYS 1040 General Physics II.

Cloud Physics (Formerly 85.487)

Description

The course considers the physical processes involved in the formation of clouds and precipitation, and the properties of clouds. Topics include the thermodynamics of dry and moist air, with emphasis on moist air saturation; atmospheric dynamics leading to instabilities, convection, and air mixing; the formation and growth of air droplets, ice crystals, clouds, and the initiation of precipitation.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: 85.301 Atmospheric Dynamics.

Directed Study (Formerly 85.491)

Description

Students, through regular and frequent consultation with the instructor, undertake independent study of a particular area of meteorology. "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Internship: Atmospheric Science (Formerly 85.493)

Description

Work experience with private or public employer. Written report and supervisor evaluation required. "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Honors Research: Atmospheric Science (Formerly 85.495)

Description

An individual or team research project carried out by qualified students with the approval of and supervision by a faculty member.

Practicum Experience in Meteorology (Formerly 85.496)

Description

A program of on-campus and/or off-campus experiences developed by the student in consultation with a faculty member and, when appropriate, a member of the staff of an off-campus firm. May be repeatedup to a maximum of six credits. The practicum may not be substituted for a nonelective course in the major. "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Research: Atmospheric Science

Description

An independent scientific research project carried out by a qualified senior under the supervision of a faculty member.

Environmental Science Seminar (Formerly 87.101)

Description

A survey of the field of environmental science, curriculum options, and career opportunities. Presentations by members of the department and guest speakers. This course is intended primarily for students majoring in the various options of environmental science. It does not satisfy specific science requirements for majors in the Division of Science, nor does it qualify as a science with lab perspective.

Environmental Problems Seminar (Formerly 87.102)

Description

A survey of environmental problems and issues. Topics include air, water, and noise pollution; solid and liquid waste disposal; and the social, political, and economic implications of these issues. Readings, discussions, guest speakers, and field trips. This course is intended primarily for students majoring in the various options of environmental science. It does not satisfy specific science requirements for majors in the Division of Science.

Global Environmental Studies

Description

This course investigates how human activities impact the earth's environment on a local, national, and global scale. Topics covered include the scientific method, population, fresh water resources, air and water pollution, climate change, energy, biodiversity, food security, solid waste management and sustainable living. Suitable as a Science elective for a degree in the College of Sciences.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.1120L Global Environmental Studies Lab, and Anti-req: ENVI.1200 Principles of Environmental Science. Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Sustainable Solutions for People and the Planet

Description

This course explores some of the most challenging questions of our times: How can modern society thrive on a finite and changing planet? In what ways is our climate changing and what is causing those changes? How will human society be impacted: What could a transition to a sustainable, green, low-carbon economy consists of? We will explore these questions through a combination of simulations, serious games, and 'systems thinking' - building a skill set to think strategically about complex, dynamic problems. The course considers current events as they relate to climate change and sustainability and introduces students to real-world, interactive tools that allow them to explore scenarios and solutions for themselves.

Global Environmental Studies Lab

Description

This laboratory course will complement the material covered in the Global Environmental Studies Lecture. Topics include ecological footprints, nutrient cycling, water, and air quality, soil characteristics, ocean pollution, environmental justice, and climate change.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.1100 Global Environmental Studies.

Natural Disasters

Description

The purpose of this course is to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind natural disasters. Each natural disaster will be examined from the perspective of Earth's systems. Students will learn the best way to prepare themselves should a disaster strike.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.1140L Natural Disasters Laboratory.

Natural Disasters Laboratory

Description

This lab consists of hands-on activities and worksheet to better understand the science behind natural disasters.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.1140 Natural Disasters.

Astronomy (Formerly 87.115)

Description

Offers an introduction to the study of astronomy including historical development, instruments, solar system dynamics, planetary evolution, stellar systems and stellar evolution. Several field trips are included. This course satisfies the Gen Ed science requirement, but not specific science requirements for majors in the Division of Science.

Prerequisites

Co-Req: ENVI.1170L Astronomy Lab; Anti-Req: PHYS.1210 Exploring the Universe. Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Astronomy Lab (Formerly 87.117)

Description

Intended to develop a deeper understanding of astronomy through an exposure to the methods and materials used in astronomical analysis. Corequisite: 87.115 I,II(0,2)1

Prerequisites

Co-Req: 87.115 Astronomy.

Principles of Environmental Science

Description

In this course, we will approach Environmental Science from an interdisciplinary viewpoint and use quantitative approaches to understand the physical, chemical, and biological environment and their interactions. A critical emphasis through this course will be on ecosystem services and how climate change, land use change, and pollution affect these. We will further review environmental law and policies and address concepts of sustainability and resource conservation.

Prerequisites

Kennedy College of Science majors only, and Anti-req: ENVI.1100 Global Environmental Studies. Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Envi. Science 1000 level elec.

Description

Envi. Science 1000 level elec.

Earth Systems: Geosphere (Formerly 87.201)

Description

Earth Systems: Geosphere deals with the origin of the universe, solar systems and planet earth, the solid earth and processes at the earth's surface, geological hazards, coastal processes, deep sea sediments and the climate record, and contamination of water and soil.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2030L Earth Systems: Geoscience Lab, and Kennedy College of Science majors only, and Anti-req: GEOL.1010 General Geology.Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans (Formerly 87.202)

Description

Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans deals with the atmosphere, and oceans, as well as the important role they play within Earth's vital systems. These interactions will address atmospheric structure, processes, and pollution. It will also address ocean-atmosphere exchange, ocean structure, processes, pollution, and coastal and deep sea sedimentation processes.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2040L Earth Systems Atmosphere and Oceans Lab, and Kennedy College of Science majors only, and Anti-req: ATMO1410 Weather and Climate. Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

Earth Systems: Geosphere Laboratory (Formerly

Description

The Laboratory component Earth Systems: Geosphere requires the student to make measurements, analyze and plot data, draw conclusions from the data plots, characterize and identify earth materials, and interpret geospatial representations. These skills will follow lecture material and increase understanding through active learning.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2010 Earth Systems: Geoscience, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans Laboratory (Formerly 87.204)

Description

Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans Lab is designed to complement the lecture material from ENVI.2020 - Earth Systems Atmosphere and Oceans. This course, along with the other Earth Systems courses and corresponding labs use a systems-based approach for the topic of Earth and Environmental Science. This laboratory will concentrate on the Atmosphere and Oceanography.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2020 Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Oceans, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change

Description

Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change explores the origin and evolution of life on Earth, its history, and how life has interacted with Earth systems throughout its history. Students will become familiar with the biomes of the world, ecological processes within those biomes, the biological communities that inhabit them, and how ecological processes lead to evolution over time. Throughout the course, we will examine how human society interacts with the biosphere, including how global change is both generated by and responds to the interaction.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2070L Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change Lab, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change Lab

Description

This lab is designed to complement the lecture material from ENVI.2050 - Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change. This course, along with the other Earth Systems courses and corresponding labs use a systems-based approach for the topic of Earth and Environmental Science. This laboratory will concentrate of the Biosphere and Global Environmental Change.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.2050 Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change , and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Envi. Science 2000 Level Elective

Description

Envi. Science 2000 Level Elective.

GIS in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Formerly 87.301)

Description

This course introduces earth and environmental science students to applications of geographic information systems, emphasizing hands-on field experience in collecting spatial location data and in mapping environmental data using GIS software. Covers fundamentals of: geodesy; spherical and plane coordinate systems; spatial data concepts, including error, accuracy, and precision; location measurement technologies including GPS: vector and raster GIS data structures and file types, basic GIS operations, including georeferencing of raster files and editing of vector files; assembly of field data over a base map; analysis of spatial relationships using GIS tools; symbology and methods of map presentation.

Senior Seminar in Environmental Sciences

Description

The Senior Seminar in Environmental Sciences includes speaker presentations by invited external and internal faculty, as well as student presentations. The class includes interdisciplinary topics in Atmospheric Sciences, Geosciences, and Environmental Sciences. The goals are to improve oral communication skills and expand knowledge of stat-of-the-art research approaches and research themes.

Prerequisites

Junior/Senior Standing in Environmental Science.

Soil Science

Description

This class provides a fundamental understanding of the formation, structure, and functioning of soils. Topics include soil formation and history, soil chemistry and physics, soil endangerment and protection, and distribution and characteristics of soils across the world.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.4120L Soil Science Lab, and Pre-req: GEOL.3070 Earth Materials, and CHEM.1220 Chemistry II, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Soil Science Laboratory

Description

This lab is designed to complement the lecture material from ENVI.4100 - Soil Science. The lab includes field and laboratory measurements of soil structure and soil physical and chemical characteristics. As the outermost layer of the Earth's crust, soils are at the interface between earth, air, water, and life. Soils provide important ecosystem services and are critical for the sustenance of humanity.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.4100 Soil Science, and Pre-req: GEOL.3070 Earth Materials, and CHEM.1220 Chemistry II, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Biogeochemical cycles

Description

This class will explore the origins, transport, and transformations of elements in the global environment. We will us quantitative approaches to understand physical, chemical, and biological controls on elemental cycles. Many of these elements cycle between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and quantifying exchanges and fluxes between compartments is a critical component of understanding their distribution. We will also emphasize microbial processes that are critical in shaping biogeochemical cycles.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: CHEM.1220 Chemistry II, and ENVI.2010 Earth Sys: Geosphere, or ENVI.2050 Earth Systems: Biosphere and Global Change, or BIOL.3150 Principles of Ecology, and Kennedy College of Science majors only.

Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions (Formerly 81.416/BIOL.4160)

Description

Like many of the 'grand challenges' currently facing society, climate change is a complex problem that cuts across academic disciplines, including the physical sciences, biology, engineering, economics, political sciences, and behavioral psychology. In this course, we integrate recent research from many of these disciplines to explore the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts on the natural world and human society, and societal responses to it. Through interactive simulations, class discussions, lectures, current scientific literature, and student-led projects (such as video production and dynamic modeling), the goal of this course is to empower students to come to their own decisions about how society can address the climate change challenge.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.4170L Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions Lab.

Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions Lab

Description

This course is designed to integrate closely with the lecture course, Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions. Students will use interactive simulations, build models, and create media projects that explore climate change and sustainability. Topics include the physical climate system and carbon cycle, human energy systems, and climate policy and economics.

Prerequisites

Co-req: ENVI.4160 Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions.

Systems Thinking for Sustainability

Description

In this course, students will develop and apply systems thinking skills to explore, understand, and design solutions to one of the defining challenges of our time: charting a transition to a thriving, sustainable society on a finite planet. 'System thinking' is a way of understanding complex problems from a holistic, long-term perspective. It provides a set of tools to visualize the structure of systems - or the interactions between system elements - and how that structure generates dynamic behavior. Systems thinking provides a framework and approaches that transcend disciplines and help identify strategic points of intervention in complex problems. 'System dynamics' extends systems thinking to include formal mathematical modeling of the interactions between system elements. It uses computer-assisted simulation to facilitate understanding and strategic management of complex systems. This course uses systems thinking, simulation, and system dynamics to enable students to make sense of cross-disciplinary sustainability challenges and design strategic solutions.

Prerequisites

This course is open to students who are minors in Climate Change and Sustainability and/or Majors in the B.A. or B.S. in Environmental Science or Meteorology & Atmospheric Science, or permission of instructor.

Internship: Environmental Studies (Formerly 87.493)

Description

Work experience with private or public employer. Written report and supervisor evaluation required. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC). "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Honors Research: Environmental Studies (Formerly 87.495)

Description

An individual or team research project carried out by qualified students with the approval of and supervision by a faculty member. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Practicum (Formerly 87.496)

Description

A program of on-campus and/or off-campus experiences developed by the student in consultation with a faculty member from the Department and, when appropriate, a member of the staff of an off-campus firm. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. The practicum may not be substituted for a required course in the major. "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Research: Environmental Studies

Description

An independent scientific research project carried out by a qualified senior under the supervision of a faculty member.

General Geology (Formerly 89.101)

Description

Presents a study of the earth with emphasis on earth materials, earth structure (crustal and internal), earth history, and the development of life. Designed for the general student.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.1030L General Geology Lab, and Anti-req: ENVI.2010 Earth Systems Geosphere. Please Note: Academic petition is required for anti-req exceptions.

General Geology Laboratory (Formerly 89.103)

Description

Topics covered include rock and mineral identification; interpretation of topographic and geologic maps; earthquakes and rock deformation; ground water, streams, wind, and glaciers and the sculpting of the Earth's surface; and natural hazards and their impacts to humans.

Prerequisites

Co-Req: GEOL.1010 General Geology.

Earth and Life (Formerly 89.151)

Description

This course will trace the changes in both the Earth and a variety of organisms through an investigation of fossils, field sites, map interpretation, and basic earth science principles. The effects of physical change and geobiochemical processes on evolution will be stressed as will the effects of life on Earth. Students will gain an appreciation of the very special nature of the earth and its symbiont life forms when seen against the background of other planets.

Prerequisites

89.153 co-req

Earth and Life Laboratory (Formerly 89.153)

Description

This laboratory will concentrate on the identification of fossils, discrimination of fossils from sedimentary structures, and interpretation of ancient environments from lithology, fossils, and maps. A field trip is required.

Prerequisites

89.151 co-req

Geology Lab 1000 level elective

Description

Geology Lab 1000 level elective

Forensic Geology (Formerly 89.215)

Description

This course deals with the application of geological and related principles to the solution of various types of crimes. The course will explore the use of evidence (rocks and minerals, soils, geochemistry, etc.) to identify the source and hence the potential perpetrator of the crime. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CTPS) and Quantitative Literacy (QL).

Geology Lab 2000 level elective

Description

Geology Lab 2000 level elective

Mineralogy and Crystallography (Formerly 89.301)

Description

This course will introduce the concepts of crystallography necessary to prepare the student to use the analytical equipment of Optical Mineralogy and X-ray Crystallography. It also contains topics on the physical properties and chemistry of minerals aimed at improving the student's ability to identify mineral samples. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to an introduction to optical methods using oil immersion and thin section techniques.

Prerequisites

89.303 co-req

Mineralogy And Crystallography Laboratory (Formerly 89.303)

Description

Techniques of crystallographic description. Megascopic and microscopic techniques of mineral identification.

Prerequisites

89.301 co-req

Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (Formerly 89.304)

Description

The origin and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis will be on physical and chemical processes, magma transport and crystallization, phase equilibria, development of metamorphic facies, open and closed system behavior, and the development of metamorphic fabric.

Prerequisites

Co-req: 89.306 Ig & Meta Petrology Lab.

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory (Formerly 89.306)

Description

Identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is on thin section identification and use of rock textures and compositions as guides to petrogenesis.

Prerequisites

Co-req: 89.304 Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology.

Earth Materials I (Formerly 89.307)

Description

An introduction to the basic principles that control the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids (minerals) and their physical and chemical properties. Topics include crystal chemistry, crystal symmetry, macroscopic mineral identification, and the use of polarizing light microscopy and X-ray diffraction to identify and characterize minerals.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.3090L Earth Materials I Lab, and Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Science Majors only.

Earth Materials II (Formerly 89.308)

Description

Origin and properties of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The rock cycle is used as a unifying concept. The role of rock properties in environmental, economic, and engineering applications is considered.

Prerequisites

Pre-req:GEOL.3070 Earth Materials I and GEOL 3090L Earth Materials I Lab and Co-req: GEOL 3100L Earth Materials II Lab, and Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Science Majors only.

Earth Materials I Laboratory (Formerly 89.309)

Description

Laboratory to accompany Earth Materials I lecture. Topics include crystal structures, crystal symmetry, hand-speciman identification of minerals, X-ray diffraction, and polarizing light microscopy.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.3070 Earth Materials I.

Earth Materials II Lab (Formerly 89.310)

Description

Macroscopic and microscopic characterization and classification of rocks. Investigation of physical processes and spatial representation of rock and sediment distribution.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.3080 Earth Materials II.

Hydrogeology (Formerly 89.314)

Description

This course investigates the science of water in a geologic setting with special emphasis on the distribution, movement, and chemistry of the water. The course will include the following topics: techniques for measuring elements in the hydrologic equation, accuracy of hydrologic measurement, statistical studies of floods, and study of groundwater for both steady-state and transient conditions.

Environmental Geochemistry (Formerly 89.315)

Description

Application of geochemical principles to environmental problems including air pollution and atmospheric processes, climate change, water chemistry and water-rock interactions, and the transport and dispersal of organic and inorganic pollutants. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Prerequisites

Pre-req: CHEM.1210 Chemistry I, and CHEM.1230L Chemistry I Lab, and Co-req: GEOL.3170L Environmental Geochemistry Lab.

Geomorphology (Formerly 89.316)

Description

A study of the physical and chemical processes at work on the earth's surface which result in the formation and development of surface features. Emphasis is placed on the mechanics of erosion (water, wind, ice, and waves) and the morphology and spatial distribution of the resultant landforms.

Prerequisites

89.316 co-req

Environmental Geochemistry Lab

Description

Application of geochemical principles to environmental problems including air pollution and atmospheric processes, climate change, water chemistry and water-rock interaction, and the transport and dispersal of organic and inorganic pollutants. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Prerequisites

Pre-req: CHEM.1210 Chemistry I, and HEM.1230L Chemistry I Lab, and Co-req: GEOL.3150 Environmental Geochemistry, Limit to Kennedy College of Science Majors.

Geomorphology Laboratory (Formerly 89.318)

Description

Investigates landforms and surficialprocesses through an interpretation of maps and field work. Environmental applications of surficial processes are stressed.

Prerequisites

89.316 co-req

Earth Surface Processes (Formerly 89.319)

Description

A study of the physical and chemical processes that create landforms on the Earth's surface. Emphasis is placed on physical and chemical weathering, fluvial erosion, glacial processes, soil formation, mass movements, slope stability and tectonic geomorphology.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.3210L Earth Surface Processes Lab, and Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Science Majors only.

Earth Surface Processes Laboratory (Formerly 89.321)

Description

Hands-on investigation of landforms and surficial processes through interpretation and synthesis of maps, aerial photography and field data.

Prerequisites

Co-req: 89.319 Earth Surface Processes.

Structural Geology (Formerly 89.322)

Description

An analysis of crustal deformation through detailed study of geologic structures with emphasis upon the response of geologic materials to stress and strain. Field techniques, tectonic principles, and geometrical analysis are employed.

Prerequisites

Co-req: Structural Geology Laboratory.

Structural Geology Laboratory (Formerly 89.324)

Description

A survey of the graphical techniques used to convert field measurement into the information needed in the construction of geologic maps, cross-sections, and crustal stress-strain histories.

Prerequisites

Co-Req: 89.322 Structural Geology.

Geology for Engineers (Formerly 89.325)

Description

This course will introduce basic geological principles with an emphasis on engineering applications. Topics covered include minerals and rocks and their properties, surface processes, earthquakes and rock deformation, dynamic processes that affect the earth's surface, geological hazards and their mitigation, earth resources.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: CHEM 1210 Chemistry l, CHEM 1230L Chemistry l Lab, PHYS 1410 Physics l, and PHYS 1410L Physics l Lab.

Earth History (Formerly 89.331)

Description

An introduction to the history of the Earth and its life over the last 4.6 billion years. Applications include geologic principles, earth material, depositional environments, stratigraphy, the geological timescale, plate tectonics, and evolutionary theory.

Prerequisites

Co-req: GEOL.3330L Earth History Laboratory, and Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Science Majors only.

Earth History Laboratory (Formerly 89.333)

Description

This laboratory compliments Earth History lecture material. Exercises include stratigraphic methods, geologic maps and fossil identification.

Prerequisites

Co-req: 89.331 Earth History.

Geology of North America

Description

This is a reading course that is paired with a summer field experience lab section (GEOL.3420L). This course will involve familiarization of the geology of a region in North America including, but not limited to State and National Parks, with a different regional focus each time the course is offered. Students will read and discuss papers on the region of geologic interest and will learn necessary skills (e.g., geologic mapping, sampling, geophysical methods, equipment use, safety, etc.) needed for the subsequent field experience.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: ENVI.2010 Earth Systems:Geosphere & EEAS Majors Only.

Geology of North America - field experience

Description

Field experience is essential to geoscience education. This course will include a minimum of two weeks of intensive field work including note taking, mapping, analysis of geologic history and structures, geologic illustration, and report writing. Completion of this course will create a skill set that will be very beneficial to the geology professional. Additional fees may be required to cover transportation and lodging.

Prerequisites

Pre-req GEOL.3400 Geology of North America or Permission of Instructor.

Sedimentation And Stratigraphy (Formerly 89.352)

Description

Principles and processes of sedimentation: erosion, mechanics of transport, diagenesis and lithification, models for sedimentary environments. Development of the stratigraphic record, relative and absolute time, and seismic stratigraphy.

Prerequisites

89.354 co-req

Sedimentation And Stratigraphy Laboratory (Formerly 89.354)

Description

Determination of mass properties of sediments with emphasis on mechanical and statistical analysis, identification and description of sedimentary rocks, facies models and stratigraphic cross-sections.

Prerequisites

89.352 co-req

Geology of New England

Description

New England has an ancient and diverse geologic history. This course covers the tectonic and sedimentary processes that formed the bedrock of New England and New York, the Pleistocene history of ice sheet erosion and deposition and the most recent period of human interactions with the landscape.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: ENVI.2010 Earth Systems: Geosphere, or GEOL.3190 Earth Surface Processes, or GEOL.3310 Earth History.

Exploring the Solar System

Description

we live in a remarkable era of robotic space exploration. In this course, we will walk through the formation of the Soar System and the comparative evolutions of the planets, moons, and other objects from a geological perspective, with special attention paid to the latest research and missions. We will also consider the prospects for life on other planetary bodies in our Solar System and in extrasolar planetary systems.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: CHEM.1110 General Chemistry I, and PHYS.1030 General Physics I, and GEOL.1010 General Geology.

Lab and Field Methods in Hydrogeology

Description

The purpose of this course is to learn how to engage in scientific and observational inquiry and to use hydrologic instruments for collecting lab and field data. Students will work with water level sensors, multiparameter water quality probes, and permeameters. Students will also learn basic surveying techniques, characterize aquifer properties, and measure water table levels in monitoring wells installed across campus. Emphasis will be placed on data collection and exploratory data analysis. Class well be spent in the classroom and outdoors.

Prerequisites

Pre-req: GEOL.3140 Hydrogeology.

Applied Geophysics (Formerly 89.456)

Description

Application of geophysics to problems in geology and environmental science. Principles and techniques of gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. Field projects and surveys.

Directed Study: Geoscience (Formerly 89.491)

Description

The student, through regular and frequent consultation with the instructor, undertakes independent study of a particular area of the geosciences. "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Internship: Environmental Geoscience (Formerly 89.493)

Description

Work experience with private or public employer. Written report and supervisor evaluation required. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC). "Variable credit course, student chooses appropriate amount of credits when registering."

Honors Research: Geoscience (Formerly 89.495)

Description

An independent scientific research project carried out by a qualified senior under the supervision of a faculty member. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).

Research: Geoscience

Description

An independent scientific research project carried out by a qualified senior under the supervision of a faculty member.