- EES is the
prefix for Earth and Environmental Sciences courses on schedules
and transcripts.
- Courses which
satisfy the General Education Requirements are EES 11, 16, 18,
and 21.
- All courses
are four credit hours.
- * next to
a course means that a lab fee is required
11 Earth
Systems*
An introduction to Earth as an evolving, integrated, and cyclic
system. Examination of major surficial and internal Earth processes
that shape the human environment and control the distribution of
geologic resources such as water, fossil fuels, strategic minerals,
and soils.
16 Global
Change*
Study of how planet Earth's environment has changed with time. Examination
of climate variations over Earth's history and how Earth has responded
to major events such as assembly of super continents and the origin
of life. In essence, the study of Earth's past may be the key to
predicting constraints on future, human-induced global change. Course
has different emphasis than EES 11, but can be a starting point
for EES majors.
18 Introduction
to Oceanography*
Examines basic concepts in oceanography and marine geology, including
oceanic circulation, plate tectonics, sea level rise, waves, tides
and currents. Special emphasis is placed on the coastal environment
and human impact.
21 Environmental
Science*
Study of biogeochemical cycles and human modification of the natural
Earth system. Includes consequences such as natural hazards, depletion
of resources, waste disposal and pollution, population and the environment;
and environmental regulation.
24 Introduction to Geographical Information System*
Introduction to use of Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to enhance geographic pattern and relationship recognition in geo-spatial data. Data collection and data quality. Data transformation and linkages. GIS modeling.
25 Remote Sensing of the Environment*
This course covers the theory and applications of remote sensing studies as a tool for environmental management. Topics discussed include the fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation, different methods of remote sensing, platforms and sensor technology, visual image interpretation, and digital image processing.
26 Surficial
Processes*
Prerequisite: EES 11 or EES 16 or EES 18 or EES 21
Introdction to the physical and chemical processes and their mechanics
that operate within the Earth's surficial systems to govern landform
development. Includes quantitative analysis of geomorphic data in
an interdisciplinary context, with emphasis on the interpretation
of process.
32 Mineralogy
and Petrology I*
Prerequisites or corequisites: EES 11 or 16 or 18 and Chem 11, or
permission of instructor
Introduction to minerals as basic Earth materials in terms of their
physical and chemical properties, use, environmental importance
and stability, including their identification in hand specimen.
Investigation of mineral assemblages found in igneous, metamorphic,
and sedimentary rocks in order to understand their origin, evolution,
and use. Identification of common rocks in hand specimen.
Field trips required.
Fall term.
35 Mineralogy
and Petrology II*
Prerequisite: EES 32
Corequisite: Chem 12
Advanced study of minerals with emphasis on the crystallography,
crystal chemistry, and optical properties of silicate minerals.
Advanced study of igneous and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on
the integration of field, geochemical, and optical techniques to
determine their conditions of formation and evolution.
Field trips required.
36 Structural
Geology*
Prerequisites: EES 11 or EES 16 or EES 18 or EES 21
Origin and description of folds, faults and fractures. Behavior
of earth materials under stress. Analysis of stress and strain.
Modern structural concepts.
Several field trips required.
Fall term
40 Paleontology*
Morphology, evolutionary relationships, and paleoecology of organisms
common in the fossil record.
Fall term
41 Sedimentation
and Sedimentary Petrology*
Prerequisite: EES 11 or 16 or 18 or permission of instructor
Principles of sedimentology, sedimentary processes, and depositional
environments. Description, classification, and interpretation of
sedimentary rocks.
Winter term
42 Stratigraphy*
Prerequisite: EES 41
Analysis of rock sequences leading to development of a history of
the earth. Emphasis on the stratigraphy of North America.
Winter term
44 Optical
Mineralogy*
Prerequisite: EES 32
Introduction to optical theory and the petrographic microscope.
Identification and significance of common rock-forming minerals
in immersion mount and thin section.
Winter term
45 Hydrogeology*
Prerequisite: EES 11 or 16 or 18 or permission of instructor
Study of the hydrology cycle, the groundwater system, principles
of groundwater flow, groundwater quality, monitoring and management
techniques, and computer modeling techniques.
Spring term
46 Igneous
and Metamorphic Petrology*
Prerequisite: EES 44
Phase equilibrium and its bearing on the formation and differentiation
of igneous rocks. Metamorphic reactions and processes related to
the formation of metamorphic rocks. Description and interpretation
of igneous and metamorphic rocks in thin section.
One field trip required.
47 Engineering
Geology*
Prerequisites: EES 35, 36
Theory and applied aspects of engineering geology; rock strength,
soil mechanics, and slope stability studies; geophysical methods
and remote sensing techniques as applied to problems in geological
engineering.
48 Watershed
Hydrology
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, or EES major at sophomore or
greater level
A study of the basic hydrologic concepts, the role of energy and
biology in the hydrologic cycle, climate and precipitation, and
the concept of the watershed with emplasis on morphology, watershed
functions, and management.
50 Ore Deposits*
Prerequisite: EES 35
Mineralogy, geochemistry and geologic associations of ore deposits.
Geochemical and geophysical methods of exploration. Ore minerals
in hand specimen and polished section.
Several field trips.
52 Geochemistry*
Prerequisite: EES 35
Distribution of the elements and geochemical evolution of the earth
and solar system. Isotope geochemistry. Chemical equilibrium in
igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Application
of thermodynamics to geologic systems.
54 Petroleum
Geology*
Prerequisite: EES 36
Origin, migration, accumulation of and exploration for hydrocarbons.
55 Marine
Geology*
Prerequisite: EES 41, 42, or permission of instructor
Integrated study of stratigraphy, sedimentology, plate tectonics,
paleoceanography, and paleoclimatology. The structure, evolution,
and effect of basin development on oceanic circulation and climate
through time, the various marine environments, and the techniques
of marine data acquisition and interpretation are explored.
56 Regional
Tectonics*
Prerequisite: EES 36
Emphasis on the history of the tectonic development of North America
as demonstrated by structure and stratigraphy.
59 Field
Study of Regional Geology*
2-4 credit hours
Prerequisite: EES 35
Field examination of lithologic and structural relationships and
ore deposits to demonstrate the geologic history of a specific region
of North America. Normally offered as a summer session course, which
includes a two- to three-week field trip to the region being studied.
75 Seminar
in Earth and Environmental Sciences
1-4 credit hours
80 Directed
Independent Study
2-4 credit hours
A topic of special interest selected by the student and a faculty
member with whom the student chooses to work. The study is done
mostly with geologic literature. Results of the investigation are
reported in a paper written according to the style and format of
professional geologic publications. The grade will depend largely
on the initiative of the student.
85 Research
in Earth and Environmental Sciences*
Similar to EES 80, but the investigation involves laboratory and/or
field work. Results of the research are reported as in EES 80. The
grade will depend largely on the initiative of the student.
95 Special
Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences*
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