Curriculum

James Fullmer
CHAIRMAN

MAJOR IN EARTH SCIENCE

The Earth Science Department offers major programs in earth science leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with specializations in environmental earth science, geology, and oceanography for students whose career interests are well-defined. Diversified programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Science in secondary education are also available for students who have more general interests.

To ensure high standards within the program, the Earth Science Department has a requirement of a grade of "C" or better in all courses that will count toward graduation. Additionally, a grade of "C" or better is required in all earth science classes that are prerequisites for the program.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Students who are interested in science and who wish to pursue a career in a field in which a scientific or technical background is necessary, but who do not want to follow one of the more specialized programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree, may enroll in this program. A minimum of 30 credits in earth science at the 200 level or above, including at least 15 credits at the 300 level or above, is required. Students select courses in a planned pattern with their adviser's consent. Cognate course requirements include PHY 200 or 210, CHE 100, and MAT 108.

Bachelor of Science Degree

All majors must complete the following six core courses:
ESC 200 - Principles of Geology
ESC 201 - Historical Geology
ESC 205 - Principles of Meteorology
ESC 211 - Mineralogy
ESC 310 - Astronomy
ESC 320 - Marine Science

All majors must complete the following six core courses:ESC 200 - Principles of GeologyESC 201 - Historical GeologyESC 205 - Principles of MeteorologyESC 211 - MineralogyESC 310 - AstronomyESC 320 - Marine Science

In addition the following courses are required:
BIO 102 - Zoology
or BIO 103 - Botany
CHE 120-121 - General Chemistry I, II
PHY 200 - General Physics I
or PHY 210 - University Physics
or PHY 230 - Physics for Engineering I

It is desirable that these courses be completed in the freshman and sophomore years, because they are prerequisites to several introductory earth science courses.

Secondary Education Program

In addition to the requirements for all earth science majors, students must select four additional earth science courses at the 200 level or above and MAT 108 - Mathematics for the Natural Sciences.

Students in this program must also complete specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut. These are listed under the heading Major Programs in Secondary Education in the School of Education.

Earth Science Specialization - B.S. Degree

Upon consulting with a departmental adviser concerning the choice of one of the four specialities listed below, the student must complete the six core courses and the courses in related science and mathematics listed above for all majors.

In addition, the student must complete the following requirements:
MAT 139 and 221 - Calculus/Statistics
or MAT 150-151 - Calculus I, II
PHY 201 - General Physics II
or higher-level physics course

Furthermore, students must complete 3 credits of practical application and skill development from the following:
ESC 497 - Internship
or ESC 499 - Independent Study.

The student must complete at least 6 courses in a specialization from any of those listed below.

Geology

For students planning professional careers in geology or in environmental geology (†-U.S.G.S. requirements).
ESC 202 - Glacial Geology of New England
ESC 212 - Petrology† (required)
ESC 315 - Geomorphology†
ESC 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation†
ESC 330 - Field Geology
ESC 400 - Structural Geology†
ESC 420 - Economic Geology

Oceanography

For students planning professional careers in geological oceanography (†-U.S.G.S. requirements).
ESC 212 - Petrology†
ESC 315 - Geomorphology†
ESC 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation†
ESC 357 - Hydrology (required)
ESC 400 - Structural Geology†
ESC 421 - Marine Geology (required)

Environmental Earth Science

For students planning professional careers dealing with physical environmental problems, including the physical aspects of land-use planning.(† U.S.G.S. requirement)
ESC 204 - Environmental Earth Science (required)
ESC 304 - Air Pollution Meteorology
ESC 315 - Geomorphology†
ESC 357 - Hydrology
ESC 358 - Soil Science
ESC 400 - Structural Geology†
ESC 421 - Marine Geology

 

MINOR IN EARTH SCIENCE

Structured Program

The minor consists of 18 credits, including ESC 200, 205, 310, and 320. The student elects two additional courses in the earth sciences at the 200-level or above. Cognate course requirements are CHE 100 or 120, and PHY 200 or 210. This minor is suitable for students who would benefit from a broad base in the earth sciences, such as majors in education.

 

Planned Program

The optional form of the minor consists of 18 credits in earth science courses at the 200 level or higher. The student's intended sequence of courses must be approved by the adviser prior to taking the fourth course of the plan. It is especially suitable for students who want to concentrate their efforts in only one aspect of the earth sciences.