A survey of the fundamental principles of physical and historical geology. Topics include the formation of rocks and minerals, the structure of the earth's interior, the processes that shape the surface landscape, and the evolution of earth over time. Special Information: Not open to BIO, CHE, ESC, PHY majors. Recommended for non-science majors. Prerequisite(s): MAT 100 or higher. 3 credit(s).
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of physical geology including the composition, structure, and dynamics of the earth from the atomic scale of minerals to the planetary scale of plate tectonics. Recommended for students with concentrated interest in the sciences and for those who are interested in pursuing a degree in Earth Science or science teaching certification. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): MAT 103 or higher (may be taken concurrently). 4 credit(s).
Systematic study of minerals. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120 and “C” or better in ESC 200 or ESC 201. 4 credit(s).
Occurrence, classification, and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Silicate melt equilibria, rock associations, petrography and field relations. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): “C” or better in ESC 311. 4 credit(s).
Provides a comprehensive survey of modern marine geology with an emphasis on the deep sea. It will examine the physical and chemical processes that control the geology and structure of the continental margins and ocean basins incuding plate tectonics and marine sedimentation. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): 'C' or better in (ESC 200 or ESC 201) and ESC 220 and one ESC course at the 300 or 400 level. 3 credit(s).
Study of the soil-forming processes and properties of soil, with special attention to soils in land use decision making. Lecture, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): “C” or better in ESC 311. 3 credit(s).
The chemistry of natural materials and systems including the chemical evolution of the earth over geological time. Covers both practical and theoretical geochemistry, with an emphasis on how chemical principles are used to study earth sciences. Laboratory exercises focus on chemical analysis of earth materials from field collection to common instrumental methods and data analysis. Lecture, 2 hours; Laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite(s): ESC 311. 3 credit(s).
Preparation of an undergraduate thesis proposal in the earth sciences. Pass/fail only. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior ESC majors who have completed a minimum of 24 ESC credits and permission of instructor (faculty mentor). 1 credit(s).
The completion of a research project and reporting of this work in an undergraduate thesis, which must be defended successfully before the department. Prerequisite(s): ESC 492 and permission of instructor (faculty mentor). 3 credit(s).