Earth Science Course Descriptions
ASTRONOMY
AST 501 Spherical and Elliptical Astronomy
The course is devoted to an advanced study of astronomical concepts, especially the motions of the earth and other bodies in the solar system and the physical phenomena to which they give rise. Topics include the Celestial Sphere, the Sun, Precession of the Equinoxes, the Observer-Based Celestial Sphere, Diurnal Motion, the Celestial Meridian, the Solar System, Planetary Orbits and Motions, the Moon and Eclipses.
On Occasion, 3 credits
EARTH SCIENCE
ERS 505 Natural Disasters
This course examines how Earth processes when concentrated in space and time can become extreme events posing serious hazards to humans and their infrastructures. Emphasis is given to the fact that earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, landslides, floods, and tsunamis are not disasters until a vulnerable group of people is exposed. Case histories describing emergency mitigation, preparation and recovery strategies will also be examined.
On Occasion, 3 credits
ERS 513 The Earth Environment I
Cross-listed as Geography 513 This course consists of two hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory for four credits. Students not in the Earth Science Adolescence Education program may opt to take the course for 3 credits without the laboratory. This course is a study of the interrelationships that exist among various aspects of the natural environment. Topics covered include the Earth as a planet and Earth-Sun relationships as a basis for understanding the differential pattern of energy-receipt on the Earth; elements of meteorology; the geographical pattern of world climates; relationship of climate to the basic biogeographical resources-vegetation and soils; the impact of man upon weather, climate, soils, and vegetation, and the resultant problems of conservation.
Prerequisite: Graduate status or departmental permission. Laboratory fee, $45
Spring, 3 or 4 credits
ERS 514 The Earth Environment II
Cross-listed as Geography 514 This course is two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory for four credits.
Students not in the Earth Science adolescence education program may opt to take the course for 3 credits without the laboratory. Topics covered in this course include: constitution and formation of the rocks of the earth; large-scale geological structures and global tectonics; the evolution of surface landscapes in response to internal crustal agents and agents operating externally to the earth’s crust – weathering and erosion; and topographic maps and air photographs in the study of earth land-forms.
Prerequisite: Graduate status or departmental permission. Laboratory fee, $45
Fall, 3 or 4 credits
ERS 515 Principles of Meteorology
Cross-listed as GGR 515
This course examines atmospheric energy including composition of the atmosphere; insulation and the heat-budget of the earth; the geographical transference of heat-energy. The course also covers moisture in the atmosphere including evaporation, condensation and precipitation; adiabatic changes; atmospheric stability and instability and motion of the atmosphere such as controls on horizontal air-movements; global wind-belts and the general atmospheric circulation; air masses and fronts. Also discussed is weather forecasting including traditional and modern methods and the impact of man upon the weather.
Prerequisite: Earth Science 513 (or equivalent) or departmental permission
On Occasion, 3 credits
ERS 700 Research Problems in Earth Science
This detailed study of a chosen research topic or problem is presented under the guidance of an Earth and Environmental Science faculty member.
On Occasion, 1 or 2 credits
GEOGRAPHY
GGR 518 Topics in Applied Conservation
The application of geographic principles to the problems of environmental conservation is discussed. The course will include detailed studies of selected aspects of resource conservation. Students must demonstrate an ability to explain the various ways in which geographers and other environmental scientists organize knowledge and communicate the results of their research in their disciplines.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GEOLOGY
GLY 502 History of the Earth
A journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history guided by geologic theories, principles and methodologies. Emphasis is on the remarkable events that have profoundly altered the Earth’s continents, oceans, atmosphere and life as it has evolved through deep time to the present.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 510 Oceanography
This course studies the geological, chemical, physical and biological aspects of the oceans. Topics include: crustal and sedimentary composition and processes, morphologic features and their origins, tides, waves, currents, coastal dynamics, ecosystems and the physical and chemical properties of water. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the development and organization of the discipline as well as an ability to communicate this understanding through the discursive conventions of the sciences.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 511 Continental Drift and Plate
Tectonics
This course investigates the development of the modern theory of the Earth from the theory of continental drift in the 1920s, through the observations that led to the plate tectonic revolution in the 1960s, to recent discoveries of the Earth’s internal dynamics. Topics will also include past super continents, modern tectonically formed regions and the influence of tectonics on past and present climate. Through reference to classic papers, students will explore how earth scientists have approached outstanding problems in the large-scale dynamics of the Earth. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the development of the scientific knowledge as presented in the literature.
Prerequisite: One year of undergraduate Geology or departmental permission
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 513 Marine Geology
(This course may be taken with or without the laboratory)
Topics covered include the origin and nature of the crust and sediments of the ocean floor, and a survey of their exploration and exploitation.
On Occasion, 3 or 4 credits
GLY 514 Marine Sedimentary Environments
In this course, processes and sedimentation in various siliciclastic, carbonate and evaporite coastal environments and deep water settings including deltas, estuaries, beaches, tidal areas, shelves, platforms, slope and rise, oceanic ridges, trenches and abyssal plains. The course examines the characteristics of biogenic, authigenic and terrigenous sediments in these environments. Topics are introduced as aims for learning. Students respond to the aims of each topic in a seminar discussion guided by a student leader and a workbook. Not open to students who have completed GLY 512 Marine Sedimentation and GLY 514 Coastal Environments.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 516 Physical Oceanography
This course is a study of tides, waves, surface and deep currents and water movements in shallow areas of the ocean. Topics covered include the hydrodynamic equations used in calculating and describing the thermohaline circulation of the ocean and the transport of conservative and nonconservative water properties in the sea (heat, salinity, chemicals and elements).
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 517 Geomorphic Processes
This course is an analysis of the processes of erosion and deposition with special emphasis on their effects on short-term changes in landforms. Topics include slope processes and slope stability, and the geologic work of streams, waves and wind.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 518 Groundwater Geology
The course considers the factors controlling the occurrence and movement of groundwater, the hydrologic cycle, groundwater regimes, theories and models of groundwater flow and storage, porosity and permeability, the geologic work of groundwater, exploration for groundwater, problems of groundwater quality and contamination, and groundwater management techniques.
Prerequisite: Physical Geology or permission of department
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 519 Coral Reef Geology
A coral reef field course, emphasizing coral reef facies, physical and chemical controls on carbonate sedimentation and diagenesis, coral reef ecology and paleoecology, Jamaica’s stratigraphy and Caribbean tectonics. Two weeks of lectures, laboratory work and field trips to modern and ancient coral reefs: sediment and water quality surveys, snorkeling on coral reefs, examination of cave and shoreline environments, fault line orientation measurement, fossil, mineral and rock collection and identification. Accommodations, lectures and laboratory work at a marine laboratory on the north shore of Jamaica. SCUBA diving is optional for certified divers.
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 520 Sedimentary Geology
The study of the classification, origin and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The course is concerned with the physical, chemical and biological properties of sedimentary rocks, the process responsible for these properties and how these characteristics provide the basis for interpreting paleoclimatology, paleogeography and paleoecology. Students must demonstrate an understanding of how geologists discover and organize knowledge, as well as an ability to communicate this understanding through the discursive conventions of the discipline.
Prerequisite: ERS 514 or one semester in Geology or instructor’s permission
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 521 Stratigraphy
This course studies sedimentary rock strata and their age relationships, succession of beds, local and worldwide correlation of strata, and stratigraphic order and chronological arrangement of beds in the geologic column. Students will learn how to apply the principles of magnetostratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy and chemostratigraphy (isotope stratigraphy) to stratigraphic problems. Students must demonstrate an understanding of how knowledge is sought and tested in geology, as well as an ability to communicate this understanding through the discursive conventions of the discipline.
Prerequisite: ERS 514, or an undergraduate course in Physical Geology or Earth Science 2, or permission of the instructor
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 523 Environmental Geochemistry
This course is the study of the chemistry of the earth with emphasis on the surficial geologic environment. Topics include the chemistry of crustal rocks; chemical weathering and its products; the chemistry of natural waters and of soils; isotope geochemistry as a tracer of environmental processes; natural bedrock-related hazards such as radon; global chemical cycles, especially the role of geologic feedbacks in the carbon cycle, and the moderating effects on global change.
Prerequisites: At least one course in Introductory Chemistry and Introductory
Geology respectively or permission of the instructor
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 524 Methods of Mineral Identification
This laboratory and field course deals with identification of minerals by their physical and chemical properties. Topics include optical methods such as special instruments and techniques, and evaluation and selection of mineral tests. The course is supplemented by field trips to select mineral collecting localities and is designed to assist teachers of earth science in the quick determination of minerals.
Prerequisite: Mineralogy or permission of instructor. Special fee, $50
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 526 Earth Materials
A course studying the materials of the Earth’s crust and surface, including the important rock-forming minerals; igneous rocks, igneous processes and igneous bodies; weathering, sediments and sedimentary rocks; metamorphic processes and metamorphic rocks. Minerals and rocks will be identified in hand specimen and under the microscope.
Prerequisites: ERS 514 or equivalent and one semester of Chemistry, or permission of instructor
On Occasion, 3 credits
GLY 533 Methods of Field Geology for Earth Science Teachers
The course is designed to provide field experience including geological mapping, field study of primary and secondary structures, and methods of collecting fossils.
Prerequisite: One year of Introductory Geology or permission of the instructor
On Occasion, 3 credits
THESIS
ERS 707 Thesis Research
Students will work with an advisor to prepare a thesis proposal and conduct the necessary research. Approval of faculty advisors and department chair is required.
No formal syllabus.
3 credits
ERS 708 Thesis
Students will write and defend a thesis based on the research developed in ERS 707 as approved by the faculty advisor and two readers.
No formal syllabus.
3 credits
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