Undergraduate Course Descriptions
ESS 111 Astronomy (2 credits)
Study of the heavens. Topics include the life cycle of stars, phases of the moon, a
descriptive study of the planets and constellations, and the evolution of our concept
of the universe from Ptolemaic beliefs to modern cosmology. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: CHM 102 and PHY 102.
ESS 112 Meteorology (2 credits)
A study of the dynamic nature of our atmosphere, the physical processes that shape
weather and climate and the factors that control prediction of the weather. Includes
laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 102 and PHY 102.
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ESS 113 Geology (2 credits)
An introduction to physical geology with an emphasis on
those processes acting to create rocks and minerals, landforms, and structures in and
on the earth. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 102 and PHY 102.
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ESS 114 Oceanography (2 credits)
An introduction to the study of the world's oceans from an environmental perspective
that covers fundamental topics such as marine life, the physical properties of the
oceans, and the chemistry of water. Prerequisites: CHM 102 and PHY 102.
ESS 116 Food, Water, and Energy (4 credits)
This course is a survey of three critical elements of the human environment, food,
water and energy. It includes human's search for these necessary quantities and how
their exploitation by the human race impacts the environment in general. This class
integrates food, water and energy with environmental exploration and describes the
natural world and how humans affect it.
ESS/BIO 228 Ecology and Environmental Studies (4 credits)
A survey of living systems and their inter-relationship with the environment including
humans. The laboratory portion of the course includes fieldwork. Prerequisite: BIO 107
or 112; Corequisite: CHM 110.
ESS/PHY 348c Thematic Studies: History of Science (4 credits)
A study of some of the revolutions in scientific theory from the beginnings of Western
civilization to the present. Topics include the Aristotelian cosmos and the historical
foundations of astronomy, geology, biology, natural history, chemistry, and physics;
includes laboratory. Prerequisites: ENG 101-102 or 110-111.
ESS/BIO/CHM/PHY 473 Research Methods (2 credits)
An introduction to independent scientific research with emphasis on experimental design,
literature survey, data collection, and analysis. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
ESS/BIO/CHM/PHY 498 Seminar (2 credits)
A survey of the literature in an area of current interest in the natural sciences. Special
emphasis is placed on interpretation of published work. Prerequisite: Consent of the
instructor.
