Duluth campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
Duluth Campus

Earth and Environmental Science B.A.

D Earth & Environmental Sci
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 60 to 66
  • This program requires summer terms.
  • TBD
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
The BA in Earth and Environmental Science is designed for students seeking a multidisciplinary science education and experience focusing on the study of Earth, its environments, natural resources, and human interactions with Earth systems. Study in Earth and Environmental Science requires a broad base of knowledge in the basic sciences and may include mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and statistics. The BA degree in Earth and Environmental Science can lead to rewarding careers in industry, government, conservation, consulting, law, and business. Honors requirements: To attain department honors, students must undertake an independent research project and maintain a cumulative overall GPA of 3.00. The research can be part of a UROP, directed research, independent study, or an internship with a faculty member. Students must either make a brief oral presentation to the department summarizing their results and produce a research paper (minimum 10 pages) OR give an oral or poster presentation of their research results at a regional or national meeting (e.g., GSA, AGU, ILSG, or similar campus event). A summer term is only required if the student chooses to use EES 4500 Field Geology to fulfill their Advanced Applications requirement.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. A second field of study (e.g. minor, major, degree) is required for this major.
Learning in Community (1 cr)
The Learning in Community requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post-high school, and for UMD students who started in a UMD program where this was not required. First-year students who have completed 30 PSEO credits may request a waiver to the student’s primary college.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EHS 1000 - Into the World [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
Introduction (3 - 4 cr)
EES 1110 - Geology and Earth Systems [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
or EES 1130 - Introduction to Environmental Science [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
or EES 1610 - Oceanography [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (3.0 cr)
or GEOG 1414 - The Physical Geography [LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
Core (15 cr)
EES 2010 - Surface Processes (4.0 cr)
EES 2110 - Reconstructing Earth's Climate History (4.0 cr)
EES 2301 - Earth Materials (4.0 cr)
EES 3203 - Environmental Hydrology (3.0 cr)
GIS (4 cr)
EES 3562 - Introduction to Principles of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Science (4.0 cr)
or GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis (4.0 cr)
or GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS (4.0 cr)
Advanced Core (12 cr)
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· CHEM 2212 - Environmental Chemistry [NAT SCI, SUSTAIN] (4.0 cr)
· EES 2302 - Optical Mineralogy (1.0 cr)
· EES 2312 - Petrology (4.0 cr)
· EES 3201 - Environmental Resources and Remediation (3.0 cr)
· EES 3202 - Energy Resources (3.0 cr)
· EES 3301 - Meteorology and Climatology for the Earth Sciences (3.0 cr)
· EES 3420 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4.0 cr)
· EES 3444 - Traditional Ecological Systems (3.0 cr)
· EES 4201 - Watershed Hydrology (3.0 cr)
· EES 4250 - Hydrogeology (4.0 cr)
· EES 4260 - Fluvial Geomorphology (3.0 cr)
· EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science (3.0 cr)
· EES 4450 - Structural Geology (4.0 cr)
· EES 4460 - Tectonics (3.0 cr)
· EES 4510 - Field Methods in Hydrology (2.0 cr)
· EES 4710 - Geochemistry (4.0 cr)
· EES 4800 - Principles of Geophysics (4.0 cr)
· EES 5251 - Well Hydraulics (3.0 cr)
Biology or Physics (5 cr)
General Biology with Lab
BIOL 1011 - General Biology I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (5.0 cr)
or Introduction to Physics I with Lab
PHYS 1001 - Introduction to Physics I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (5.0 cr)
or General Physics I with Lab
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 2017 - Honors: General Physics I [NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
with PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I [NAT SCI] (1.0 cr)
Chemistry I with Lab (5 cr)
CHEM 1113 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (5.0 cr)
or CHEM 1114 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry II (5.0 cr)
or CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
with CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (1.0 cr)
Mathematics or Statistics (3-5 cr)
MATH 1250 - Precalculus Analysis [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1290 - Calculus for the Natural Sciences [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1296 - Calculus I [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (3.0 cr)
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science (3.0 cr)
Advanced Applications (3 - 6 cr)
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment (3.0 cr)
or EES 4500 - Field Geology (6.0 cr)
or EES 4620 - Environmental Data Science (3.0 cr)
or CE 4228 - Watershed Engineering (3.0 cr)
Electives (6 cr)
Courses cannot be used to fulfill more than 1 requirement within the major.
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· EES 3xxx
· EES 4xxx
· EES 5xxx
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Swenson College of Science and Engineering

View sample plan(s):
· Earth & Environmental Sci B.A. Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Earth and Environmental Science B.A.
View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

Swenson College of Science and Engineering

Duluth Admissions

Duluth Application

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
EHS 1000 - Into the World (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the transition into college learning and student life at UMD and the College of Education and Human Service Professions. Introduces the promise and peril of global challenges in the 21st century and relates these challenges to local communities. pre-req: 1st semester CEHSP student
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. This course explores the global cultural context of sustainability while facilitating the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Examine the topic of environmental sustainability through the context of global culture and affairs. Explore different cultural approaches to solving environmental issues, compare and contrast these approaches with those taken in the US. Investigate the concept of outsourcing with respect to the peoples and ecosystems that are impacted by the practice. pre-req: less than 30 credits earned
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD while simultaneously fulfilling other core requirements. Examines the topic of Cultural Diversity in the U.S. through the context of language and dialect in American English. Explores the impact language has on the broad spectrum of American culture, and conversely, the ways in which various American cultures and their diverse heritages have influenced the many ways language is spoken in the United States. Investigates concepts of linguistic competency, perceptions and biases toward language, power structures manifested in language, and influences of class, race, ethnicity, and heritage on spoken language. pre-req: less than 30 credits
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD; applications of positive psychology across cultures and positive behavior change; the examination of diverse perspectives in positive psychology; the promotion of student well-being, community and inclusivity, and time- and stress-management techniques. pre-req: less than 30 credits
EES 1110 - Geology and Earth Systems (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 1110 FST 1409
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Earth systems science is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the processes operating within and the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. In this course we investigate the changing nature of the Earth; its composition, architecture, and antiquity; the internal and external processes that shape it through time; cycles of energy and matter; the development of life and impact of human activity; and both local environmental issues and global change. For students using a 2012-2021 LEP catalog year, the GEOL subject is now EES. If you took GEOL 1610, EES 1110 will not fulfill the requirement of a different subject. Credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 1110
EES 1130 - Introduction to Environmental Science (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 1130/FST 1410
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Earth's physical and biological systems and human interaction with the environment. Climate, rocks, soils, ecosystems, human population, land use, energy use and its consequences, environmental policy, air and water pollution, and conservation issues. Credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 1130.
EES 1610 - Oceanography (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 1610/FST 1512
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Origin and history of ocean basins, sea floor morphology, chemistry of sea water, currents, waves, tides, life in the sea, primary productivity, nutrient dynamics, human impact. For students using a 2012-2021 LEP catalog year, the GEOL subject is now EES. If you took GEOL 1110, EES 1610 will not fulfill the requirement of a different subject. Credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 1610.
GEOG 1414 - The Physical Geography (LE CAT, NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
The environment is highly dynamic and is continually modified by human and environmental processes. This course examines these processes to better understand how the Earth's landscapes were formed and how they are currently being transformed. Specifically, students will understand the fundamental processes that govern the physical environment including Earth-sun relations, water resources, landforms, weather and climate, natural vegetation, and soils.
EES 2010 - Surface Processes
Credits: 4.0 [max 8.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESCI 2010/EES 2010
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Study of earth surface processes emphasizing the origin and evolution of the earth's surface; response of the physical environment to anthropogenic perturbations, climate change, and tectonic events; and application of physical, chemical, and mathematical principles to the study and interpretation of the environment. Surface processes will be explored through field and lab exercises designed to give the student hands-on experience in environmental characterization and monitoring. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414, MATH 1250 or 1290 or 1296 or 1596, CHEM 1153 or 1173 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2010 or ESCI 2010
EES 2110 - Reconstructing Earth's Climate History
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 2110/FST 2082
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
What is it that makes Earth habitable? What makes earth?s climate stable over geologic time? In this class, we will examine energy sources to earth?s surface and the processes that change them over geologic time. We will do this within a framework of mass balance ? comparing inputs to outputs at varying scales, investigating the evolution of climate, life and tectonics through time. Our goal is to identify, investigate, characterize, and assess the principal processes that shape earth?s surface environment from 4.54 billion years ago to present. To accomplish this aim, we will learn how geoscientists read Earth?s history, and what tools they use to do so. prereq: GEOL or EES 1110 or 1130 or 1610 or Ast 1040 or Geog 1414 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2110
EES 2301 - Earth Materials
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 2311/EES 2301
Grading Basis:
Typically offered: Every Fall
Study of the materials of the solid Earth, including mineral structure, mineral chemistry, and formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, with a focus on mineral associations, environments of formation, and benefits and costs to society of extracting resources from these materials. pre-req: EES 1110 or 1130 or 1610 or GEOG 1414; and CHEM 1103 or 1113 or 1153 or 1173; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2311 or EES 2311.
EES 3203 - Environmental Hydrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Water at the Earth?s surface is constantly exchanged between wetlands, streams, lakes and shallow groundwater reservoirs. Human activities alter drainage patterns and impact surface water, runoff, and infiltration. Drainage of wetlands and construction of impervious surfaces increases the rate of storm water runoff and can lead to increases in flood frequency. Agricultural activities introduce fertilizers and pesticides into the soil, which can then contaminate surface water and groundwater reservoirs. Surface water is intimately connected to ground water through complex hydraulic interactions that are difficult to observe and measure and therefore are often ignored in water management policy implementation. This course examines the natural processes of groundwater and surface water interaction; classification of lakes, streams, and wetlands; sources, measurement and interpretation of hydrologic and geochemical data; and, through numerous case studies, the impacts of human activities on surface water and groundwater. pre-req: pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414 and EES or GEOL 2010 or ESCI 2010 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3203
EES 3562 - Introduction to Principles of Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course introduces fundamental concepts and methods in geographic information science (GIScience), and the GIS software ESRI ArcGIS Pro. The course is designed for students who have an interest in learning the stories behind the maps. The lectures introduce basic concepts and methods in GIS with real-world examples. The lab exercises help students to comprehend those concepts and methods. The focus will be on environmental applications and problems encountered by natural scientists. This class will allow students to continue into GIS 3564 (GIS 2). Students already considering a certificate, minor, or major in GIS are encouraged to take GIS 2552 first. pre-req: minimum 90 credits or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3562
GIS 3563 - Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3563 emphasizes the concepts needed to use GIS effectively for acquiring, editing, querying, analyzing and visualizing spatial data. This course is an introduction to GIS and trains basic skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. The course covers basic data modeling, data manipulation, analytical methods and implications of geospatial technologies on society. prereq: credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
GIS 3564 - Geographic Information Science II: Applied GIS
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
GIS 3564 follows 3563 and provides more hands-on skills with industry standard GIS software in a wide variety of applications in both the natural and social sciences. It covers more advanced analytical methods for both raster and vector data. Lastly, the course questions ethics regarding geospatial information and introduces the code of ethics for GIS professionals. prereq: 3563; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOG 3564 or 4563 and 4564 or GIS4565.
CHEM 2212 - Environmental Chemistry (NAT SCI, SUSTAIN)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Study of chemical processes in natural air, water, soil and sediment environments. Sources, reaction, transport, effects, and fates of natural and anthropogenic chemical species will be covered. Methods of analysis of environmental samples, with emphasis on quantitative treatment of data. pre-req: 1152 or 1162 or 1155 and 1156 or 1175 and 1176
EES 2302 - Optical Mineralogy
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Application of petrographic microscopes to examine mineral and rock specimens in thin section. This course introduces concepts of light interaction with mineral structures and teaches the basics of operating a petrographic microscope with applications to interpreting textures of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. pre-req: EES 2301 previous or concurrent enrollment
EES 2312 - Petrology
Credits: 4.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 2312/FST 2342
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Petrology of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including their occurrence, petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Emphasis on the relationships between mineral assemblages, rock textures, geochemistry, origins, and rock-forming processes. prereq: GEOL or EES 2311; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 2312.
EES 3201 - Environmental Resources and Remediation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course ties together environmental science, geology, and environmental remediation technologies by examining consumption, extraction, processing, and disposal of environmental resources (mineral and non-mineral), environmental impacts from extraction to disposal, and environmental remediation technologies. Additional topics include the environmental footprint of resource mining, economic drivers, and the impact of technological and societal development. prereq: MATH 1290 or 1296 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3201
EES 3202 - Energy Resources
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geologic principles of carbon-based energy resources, with emphasis on coal and conventional and unconventional (e.g. shale oil, oil-sands, ultra-heavy crude oil) petroleum and gas; fundamentals of nuclear energy; introduction to technologies associated with the extraction, production, refinement, consumption, and byproduct treatment/disposal of carbon-based and nuclear-energy resources; importance of carbon-based energy in global industrialization and associated population growth; limits of population growth imposed by energy requirements; principles and associated technologies of renewable energy and energy conversion, with focus on solar (direct and indirect), geothermal, tidal, and biofuel energy resources. prereq: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 and PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3202
EES 3301 - Meteorology and Climatology for the Earth Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course addresses the fundamentals of meteorology and climatology with an emphasis on weather systems in the humid, temperate climate of central North America. Topics covered include: Large-scale atmospheric circulation and associated fluxes of heat and water vapor; formation and evolution of mid-latitude cyclones; convective precipitation and severe weather; tropical cyclones; forensic analysis of historical weather events; and fundamentals of weather forecasting. A significant course component focuses on the weather and meso-scale climatology that characterize the Great Lakes region, where there exists a fascinating juxtaposition of continental and maritime climates. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 3301
EES 3420 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: EES 3420/FST 3730
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to the concepts, methods, and application of sedimentology and stratigraphy, including the description and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks, their provenance, stratal packaging, and tectonostratigraphic setting. (Course fee assessed.) pre-req: GEOL or EES 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 3420.
EES 3444 - Traditional Ecological Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AMIN 3444/EES 3444
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course will provide an introduction to Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) systems TEK is the cumulative and evolving knowledge acquired by Indigenous peoples over hundreds or thousands of years through direct contact with the environment. Students will gain an understanding of what TEK systems are how they developed, their current relevance and benefits. In addition, students will examine literature on TEK and its relationship between society and academia, the ethics in using TEK systems, and responsibility in engaging with Indigenous communities. pre-req: minimum 30 credits
EES 4201 - Watershed Hydrology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESCI 4201/EES 4201
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is an upper-division hydrology course covering the hydrologic cycle in the context of wildland watersheds. The course will cover the major components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, snow hydrology, canopy interception, evapotranspiration, infiltration, soil water storage, runoff, streamflow and groundwater flow. The impacts of watershed management on water quantity and quality will be discussed using regional, national, and global examples, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems using hydrologic datasets. pre-req: MATH 1290 or MATH 1296, no credit granted if already received for GEOL or ESCI 4201 or EES or ESCI or GEOL 5201
EES 4250 - Hydrogeology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Fundamentals of hydrology and hydrogeology with emphasis on environmental applications. The course develops the disciplines of surface water hydrology, surface water/groundwater interaction, and groundwater flow with application to common environmental problems and investigations. Emphasis is on analysis of precipitation and streamflow, hydrologic budgets, surface water/groundwater interaction, pumping tests to evaluate aquifer properties and safe yields, evaluation of the impacts of agricultural irrigation and agricultural feedlots, commonly used methods of environmental assessment, and introduction to the regulatory framework. pre-req: MATH 1290 or 1296 or 1596 and PHYS 2011 or 2013 or 2014 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4250
EES 4260 - Fluvial Geomorphology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Fluvial geomorphology covers the physical processes operating in stream channels and watersheds including watershed-scale hydrology and topography; reach-scale fluid mechanics and sediment transport; and channel patterns, forms, and classification systems. Other topics included will be river history, human alterations to rivers, and river restoration efforts. pre-req: (MATH 1290 or 1296) and (PHYS 1001 or 2013) and (EES or ESCI 2010 or EES or GEOL 3420); no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4260
EES 4280 - Principles of Soil Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers basic concepts on all aspects of soil science including soil genesis and taxonomy; physical, chemical, and biological properties; vadose zone hydrology; soil conservation and management; and soil fertility. pre-req: EES or GEOL 1110 or 1610 or GEOG 1414; CHEM 1153; or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4280
EES 4450 - Structural Geology
Credits: 4.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to brittle and ductile deformation, including joints, faults, shear zones, and folds; deformation mechanisms; elementary stress and strain theory. Labs include geometric, structural, and kinematic analysis, and a group project. Course fee assessed. prereq: EES or GEOL 2120 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4450 or EES or GEO 5450
EES 4460 - Tectonics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
plate motions, evolution of divergent, convergent and transform margins, anatomy of orogenic belts, and neotectonics. Examines tectonic phenomena in the context of geological, geophysical and surficial processes. pre-req: EES 2120 or GEOL 2120, or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received credit for GEOL 5480, EES 5460, or EES 5480
EES 4510 - Field Methods in Hydrology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The quantity and quality of hydrologic storage and fluxes will be determined using field data acquisition methods alongside data visualization and statistical analyses. Students will learn how to install equipment, scout field sites, program data loggers, collect physical samples, troubleshoot data, and analyze and interpret physical and chemical hydrologic datasets. pre-req: EES/ESCI 3203 or EES/GEOL 4201 or EES/ESCI 4250 or EES/ESCI 4260 or EES/GEOL 5201 or EES/GEOL 5250 or EES/GEOL 5251 or CE 3225 or GEOG 4446 or instructor consent, no grad credit
EES 4710 - Geochemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
What geochemical processes occur at the intersection of the biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere? How did earth?s surface geochemistry change over geologic time and how can we tell? In this course, we will investigate questions that relate to the co-evolution of life and Earth through a geochemical lens. Overall, the course will divide into two parts: (1) the geochemical structure of Earth from the core to the surface; and (2) practical applications for geochemistry and geochemical techniques. Discussion will begin with an overview the discipline of geochemistry, which will serve as a framework to interpret the geochemical evolution and structure of the internal and external components of Earth. Following this portion, we will examine modern advances of analytical techniques and applications in geochemistry. prereq: Math 1290 or Math 1297 or MATH 1297 and Chem 1153 or Chem 1173 or grad student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4710 or GEOL or EES 5711
EES 4800 - Principles of Geophysics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: GEOL 3800/EES 4800
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
An introduction to the geophysical concepts and techniques used by practicing geoscientists Course fee assessed. pre-req: EES or GEOL 2120, MATH 1297 and (PHYS 1002 or 2015) credit will not be accepted if already received for GEOL 3800 or GEOL 4800
EES 5251 - Well Hydraulics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Hydraulics of groundwater flow to wells: equations of flow; analysis of steady and non-steady radial flow; aquifer response to stress; analysis of monitoring well networks, pumping tests, and single-point aquifer performance tests. prereq: PHYS 1001 or 2013 or 2017 and MATH 1290 or 1296 or instructor consent or grad student; credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 5251
BIOL 1011 - General Biology I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: BIOL 1011/BIOL 1013
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental concepts of biology, including chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energy transformations, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, molecular biology, DNA technology, development, origin of life, and evolution. (4 hrs lect, 2.5 hrs lab) prereq: 1 yr high school Chem or 1 semester college Chem, Math ACT 21 or higher or MATH 1005 or higher; credit will not be granted if already received for BIOL 1013
PHYS 1001 - Introduction to Physics I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Noncalculus general physics course primarily for certain preprofessional fields. Topics in mechanics, heat, and sound. prereq: Algebra, trig
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Calculus-based introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2014 should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2013 and 2014 meets liberal education category 4. prereq: previous or concurrent registration in PHYS 2014. Prerequisite of Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596; credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS 2011.
PHYS 2017 - Honors: General Physics I (NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced coverage of General Physics topics that include Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat. Mathematically and conceptually demanding problem solving techniques. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2014, should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2014 and PHYS 2017 meets liberal education natural science with lab. prereq: Previous or concurrent registration in PHYS 2014. Previous or concurrent registration in Math 1290 or Math 1296 or 1596, or physics major or instructor permission. Credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS PHYS 2011 or PHYS 2013.
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I (NAT SCI)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Calculus-based introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat exemplified by laboratory study. This laboratory accompanies lecture PHYS 2013 and should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2013 and 2014 meets liberal education category 4. prereq: previous or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2013 or 2017
CHEM 1113 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemical principles and their applications: atomic and molecular structure, solutions, acids, bases, salts, equilibria. prereq: ACT of 21 or higher or MATH 1005; for students terminating study of chem with no more than 10 cr; credit will not be granted if already received for 1151, 1153/1154, 1161, 1173/74 or 2172
CHEM 1114 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry II
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Chemical principles and their applications: physical and chemical properties of organic compounds, organic chemistry of living systems; carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and metabolic pathways. prereq: 1113
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1173/CHEM 1153/CHEM 1161
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamental principles of chemistry exemplified by study of elements, compounds, and their reactions. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom, molecule, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gas laws, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, and other selected topics. The companion laboratory, CHEM 1154, should be taken concurrently. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets the lab component of NAT SCI, LE CAT 4. prereq: One year high school chem, Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of least C- in Math 1005, Credit will not be granted if already received for 1151 or 1161 or 1173. Fall semester, SCSE majors only.
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1174/CHEM 1154
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating the fundamental principles of chemistry. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom and molecule, stoichiometry, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermochemistry, characteristic properties of anions, gas laws and spectrophotometry. This laboratory accompanies lecture CHEM 1153. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets liberal education category 4 requirements. prereq: Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1153 or 1173; credit will not be granted if already received for CHEM 1151, 1161 or 1174.
MATH 1250 - Precalculus Analysis (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course introduces the concepts of analytical geometry, relations, functions, and graphs. It includes exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions as well as conic sections, sequences and series, and systems of linear equations. prereq: Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1005 or department consent
MATH 1290 - Calculus for the Natural Sciences (LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1290/1296/1596
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Differential and integral calculus needed for modeling in earth and life sciences. Computational software. Not intended for students in mathematics, engineering, or physical sciences. prereq: Math ACT 27 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1250 or department consent
MATH 1296 - Calculus I (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1290/1296/1596
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
First part of a standard introduction to calculus of functions of a single variable. Limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. prereq: Math ACT 27 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1250 or department consent
STAT 2411 - Statistical Methods (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, elementary probability, sampling distributions, estimations, confidence intervals, one-sample and two-sample t-test. prereq: Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1005 or higher or department approval
WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of mathematics and life and physical sciences. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. prereq: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress
EES 4102 - Environmental Assessment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Environmental issues identification and investigation. Review of case studies of environmental investigations and the components of environmental impact statements. Selection of local or regional environmental issues and evaluation of the environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. Preparation of draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). prereq: instructor consent; no grad credit; credit will not be granted if already received for ESCI 4102
EES 4500 - Field Geology
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
Geological mapping of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic terranes and of Quaternary deposits and landforms; topographic maps and aerial photographs, including preparation of geologic maps and cross sections, and map unit descriptions. prereq: EES or GEOL 4450, department consent; no grad credit, credit will not be granted if already received for GEOL 4500
EES 4620 - Environmental Data Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students will use basic programming (e.g. R, Matlab, and/or Python) to manipulate, graph, and analyze environmental data to create advanced data visualizations or master new analysis techniques such as mixed-effect modeling and ordination. pre-req: EES 2110 or 3203 or instructor consent or grad student
CE 4228 - Watershed Engineering
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic principles in hydrologic modeling and concepts of watershed delineation, land use change impact, case studies, and modeling tools are discussed and applied to natural and urban watersheds. The course will utilize hydraulic and hydrologic models and GIS tools for engineering design. pre-req: CE 3225 or instructor consent