Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

ESCI 101 Earth's Climate System

Introduction to Earth's climate system. Formation and characteristics of the atmosphere and oceans. Impact of climate change on severe weather, watersheds, groundwater and glaciers.
4

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and GT Natural & Phys Science

ESCI 150 Our Violent Earth

Examines the causes, effects, and options available to respond to and potentially mitigate the effects of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, landslides, severe weather, and floods. Differing impacts in developing and industrialized countries will be discussed. 

3

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: ESCI 150 and GEOL 100 and GEOL 110 and MET 110

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and GT Natural & Phys Science

ESCI 200 Introduction to Environmental Earth Science

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) An exploration of the complex changes in Earth's environment, the science behind these changes, and impacts on human populations requiring interdisciplinary strategies to solve problems.
4

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

ESCI 225 Energy and the Environment

This course will examine various energy resources including fossil fuels, nuclear, and green energy alternatives. We will learn how these resources form, how they are utilized, and how their utilization impacts the environment and society.

3

Offered

Generally offered Spring Odd Years

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and GT Natural & Phys Science

ESCI 320 Earth Materials

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Investigation of rock and mineral chemistry, formation, identification, and significance to society. Focus on clay and analytical instrumentation. Field trip(s) required.

4

Prerequisites

GEOL 100 or GEOL 201 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered fall odd years.

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: ESCI 320 and GEOL 320

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

ESCI 330 Earth Science Statistical Analysis

(2 lecture, 3 laboratory) Course covers research methods, statistical analysis, manipulation and presentation of data. Multiple projects using and solving authentic Earth and Atmospheric Science data and research problems.
3

Prerequisites

(GEOL 201 or MET 205 or ESCI 200 with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 349 Earth Science Professional Seminar

Preparation for graduate school or job market. Includes finding jobs, internships, and/or appropriate graduate schools; also cover letters, resumes, GRE preparation, phone and in-person interviews, and expectations. S/U graded.
1

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Earth Sciences Major(s)/Minor(s)

Class Restriction

Include Sophomore and Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 365 Advanced Earth Science Concepts for Elementary Teachers

(2 lecture, 2 laboratory) Students will expand their knowledge of Earth Science and learn methods for teaching earth science including integration of other subject areas.
3

Prerequisites

SCI 266 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

ESCI 420 Chemistry of the Earth System

Distribution, characteristics, and interaction of elements and related ions in the Earth system with an overview of analytical techniques. Emphasis on geochemical cycles as related to use in human society.

4

Prerequisites

(CHEM 111 with a minimum grade of D-) and (GEOL 100 or GEOL 201 or ESCI 200 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Even years.

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 461 Ecoclimatology

Identify/describe how plants, animals, and ecological communities will respond to global change across different scales (temporal, spatial, etc.). Introduction to global climate models and using relevant climate and ecological data to predict future change. 

3

Prerequisites

(BIO 111 or MET 205 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring odd years

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: BIO 461 and ESCI 461

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 472 Industrial Safety

Industrial safety covers the theory of historical occupational hazards, current safety issues, agencies that regulate workplace hazards, accident causation and prevention, and training needed for the workplace.
3

Prerequisites

(CHEM 111 and CHEM 111L with a minimum grade of D-)

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

ESCI 474 Principles of Surface and Groundwater Hydrology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Students will quantify and model the movement of water within the hydrologic and geologic cycles, including surface and groundwater hydrologic processes. The course will consist of lectures, laboratories, field projects, and presentations. Two field trips are required.

4

Prerequisites

(Concurrent Prerequisite MATH 127 or MATH 131 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall Odd Years

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Participation Fee Required

ESCI 490 Colloquium in Earth Sciences

Invited speakers, including faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates, present current earth science research topics in seminar format. Students also learn about STEM-based career paths and internship opportunities. S/U graded.
1

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 491 Geoscience Field Issues

Analysis and investigation of contemporary issues and development of research skills in the field of earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, or geosciences. The course may include extensive field work.
1- 6

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Supervision Fee Required

ESCI 492 Earth Science Internship

Internship in a public agency or private firm to provide professional experience under the supervision of an area specialist. S/U graded.
1-15

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 15 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 495 Special Topics in Earth Science

This course explores advanced topics for qualified undergraduates in an area of Earth Science. S/U or letter graded.

1-3

Special Notes

Consent of instructor required

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Winter Interim, Spring, and/or Summer - Check with department/school for next offering

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Earth Sciences Major(s)

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 496 Earth Science Study Abroad

Exploration of contemporary issues associated with natural hazards, resources and environmental change impacting society, culture, and diverse ecosystems at international sites. Research skill development in geology, meteorology, and environmental sciences.
1- 6

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

ESCI 497 Undergraduate Research

Original research in the earth sciences conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Results of the investigation are to be presented both in a written report and orally.
1- 4

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required