EARTH SCIENCE COURSES
Check the current course schedule for the the up-to-date information on earth science course offerings.
ESC 100 - Astronomy/Meteorology
An introduction for non-science majors to the sciences pertaining to earth's place in the universe and to its weather and climate. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 101 - Geology/Oceanography
An introduction for non-science majors to the origin and composition of the earth and its oceans, and the geological processes which modify them. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 104 - Geohazards
Examines environmental hazards resulting from natural geologic processes and from human modification of natural systems. Topics include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, water and air pollution, floods, landslides, coastal erosion, waste disposal, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 105 - Meteorological Observation and Communication
Operational aspects of modern meteorology, emphasizing the use and interpretation of instruments and graphical analytic techniques, including construction of weather maps and interpretation of weather radar and satellite records. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Recommended for non-science majors. 3 credits.
ESC 110 - Earth Science
The sciences pertaining to the earth and its place in the universe. Major aspects of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy are considered. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Not open to science majors. 3 credits.
ESC 120 - General Geology
Physical processes, earth materials, geologic hazards and landscapes are studied for a geological perspective on the earth's environment. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Recommended for non-science majors. 3 credits.
ESC 140 - Oceanography
Physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the ocean basins and waters. The historical development and interdisciplinary nature of oceanography are stressed. For non-science majors only. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 200 - Principles of Geology
Internal and surface structure, composition, and physical features of the earth and the processes which have produced them. Recommended for science majors. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. 4 credits.
ESC 201 - Historical Geology
Evolution of the earth with emphasis on the geologic history of North America. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 200. 4 credits.
ESC 202 - Glacial Geology of New England
Glaciers, surficial deposits, quaternary history of New England and post-glacial environmental changes. Field studies and mapping of glacial deposits. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 200. 3 credits.
ESC 204 - Environmental Earth Science
The collection, interpretation and utilization of natural resource information as it applies to environmental decision making. Subject matter will be synthesized through the preparation of an environmental impact statement. Prerequisite: One course in earth science or geography, or ENV 300. Lecture, 3 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 205 - Principles of Meteorology
Description of atmospheric phenomena and discussion of their underlying physical principles. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. 4 credits.
ESC 211 - Mineralogy
Systematic study of minerals. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHE 100 or 120 and ESC 200. 4 credits.
ESC 212 - Petrology
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: ESC 211. 4 credits.
ESC 298 - Special Topics in the Earth Sciences
Study of subdisciplines and current issues in the earth sciences. Lecture, 3 hours; or lecture, 2 hours; laboratory 2 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 300 - Physical Meteorology
Theoretical treatment of atmospheric principles including atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics, radiative transfer, and global energy balance. Prerequisites: ESC 205 or PHY 200 and MAT 150. Lecture, 3 hours. 3 credits.
ESC 304 - Air Pollution Meteorology
Physical aspects of the atmosphere that determine air quality. Emphasis on modelling. 3 hours lecture. Prerequisite: ESC 205 or 2 semesters of physics. 3 credits.
ESC 310 - Astronomy
A search to answer the questions: How do the planets move? How large is the universe? The focus is on the solar system to discover the physical laws unifying the cosmos. Lecture, 3 hours, with occasional laboratory and observing sessions. Prerequisites: algebra, trigonometry, and one semester of physics. 3 credits.
ESC 315 - Geomorphology
Study of the earth's surface features with emphasis on fluvial, eolian, and glacial landforms on maps and aerial photographs. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 200. 3 credits.
ESC 320 - Marine Science I
Physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of ocean water and the ocean basins. Lecture, 3 hours; periodic field trips. For junior and senior science majors with a background in the basic sciences. 3 credits.
ESC 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
Occurrence, genesis, and physical and chemical properties of sediments. Methods of using ancient sediments to determine geological history. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 211. 4 credits.
ESC 330 - Field Geology
The techniques of geologic mapping and surveying by brunton compass and plane table. Geologic reports and problem solving based on field observations. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hrs. Prerequisite: ESC 200. 3 credits.
ESC 357 - Hydrology
The development and utilization of water resources; groundwater occurrence, stream flow, and flooding. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 200 or GEO 201. 3 credits.
ESC 358 - Soil Science
Study of the soil-forming processes and properties of soil, with special attention to soils in land use decision making. Lecture, 3 hours. Prerequisite: ESC 200 or GEO 201. 3 credits.
ESC 398 - Advanced Topics in Earth Science
Advanced study of subdisciplines and of current issues in the earth sciences. Prerequisites: ESC 200 or equivalent. 1-3 credits.
ESC 400 - Structural Geology
Mechanisms of deformation of rocks and the evidence for deformation in rocks. Forms of deformation from hand specimen size to regional features are considered. Lecture, 3 hours. Prerequisites: ESC 211. 3 credits.
ESC 421 - Marine Geology
Processes that produce and control the structure of the continental margins and ocean basins including seafloor spreading, plate tectonics, sedimentation, and near-shore processes. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisites: ESC 200, 320. 3 credits.
ESC 497 - Internship in Earth Science
Supervised, on-the-job, practical experience in a business or government agency, or a nonprofit organization, related to the student's program. Prerequisites: Senior status, minimum Earth Science QPR of 3.0 and departmental permission. 3 credits.
ESC 498 - Advanced Topics in Earth Science
Advanced study of subdisciplines and of current issues in the earth sciences. Prerequisites: ESC 200 or equivalent. 1-3 credits.
ESC 499 - Independent Study and Research
Prerequisite: departmental permission. 1-3 credits.
