EARTH SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

A special fee is charged for all courses with laboratories.

General Education Course *
Writing Intensive Course **

Earth Science 101. Physical Science. A survey of basic physics and chemistry needed for a cross-disciplinary major.  3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods; for Liberal Studies majors and other students seeking teaching endorsement. 4 credits.

Earth Science 126. Essential Laboratory Techniques (BIOLOGY 126, CHEMISTRy 126, PHYSICS 126). Good laboratory techniques, skills and safe practices are taught by actual practice in the laboratory. 1 credit.

Earth Science 210. Physical Geology. An introduction to the natural physical environment, the materials and processes which shape the earth’s crust. Specific topics include minerals, rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, the ocean, and plate tectonics. Also the effects of streams, waves, ground water, ice, wind, and gravity on the surface of the earth. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods; 4 credits.*

Earth Science 220. Astronomy. Descriptive study of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods; 4 credits.

Earth Science 252 (GEOGRAPHY 252). Physical Geography. A study of the earth’s physical landscape, the dynamics of the natural systems which form it and the interrelationships between the systems. Included are investigations of human impacts on the earth’s system. 3 lecture periods.  3 credits.

Earth Science 261 (GEOGRAPHY 261). Meteorology. A study of the basic weather phenomena and processes including the elements for modern weather forecasting. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods; 4 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 292.  Internship in Earth Science.  A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of earth science.  1-18 credits.

Earth Science 300  The Dynamic Planet. This course explores the major principles of the earth sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The course focuses on earth-shaping processes, atmospheric dynamics, oceanographic circulation, and earth’s place in the solar system. It is designed to develop an awareness and appreciation for these geosystems and their important interrelationships, as well as an understanding of the scientific approach to problem solving. Emphasis will be placed on interactions between systems in order to better understand the earth as a single, multidimensional system. For liberal studies majors and others seeking teaching endorsement.  2 lecture and one 2-hour lab period.  3 credits.  Does not meet the requirements for the earth science minor.

Earth Science 310. Historical Geology. An introduction to the methods, assumptions, and current interpretations of the evidence concerning the origin and evolution of the earth and its life forms. Emphasis on the geologic history of the United States. Co- or prerequisite: EASC 210 or permission of instructor. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods; 4 credits.

Earth Science 311, 312. Studies Abroad. Primarily intended for transfer of credit earned abroad in courses in earth science. 1-18 credits.

Earth Science 341 (BIOLOGY 341). General Ecology. The principles underlying the interrelations of groups of organisms with their environments, including the population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization. The lab normally includes local field trips. 3 lecture and one 3-hour lab periods; 4 credits.

Earth Science 353 (GEOGRAPHY 353). Geography of Virginia. Geographical appraisal of Virginia, including the geology, landforms, soils, climate, economic minerals, original vegetation, and human geography of Virginia, emphasizing settlement of population, agriculture, industries and transportation. 3 lecture periods.  Prerequisite: GEOG 201 and permission of instructor. 3 credits.

Earth Science 354 (GEOGRAPHY 354). Hydrology. This course is an introductory survey of hydrology. Emphasis is on the general physical and chemical principles which govern hydrologic processes. Approaches to hydrologic measurements and the application of hydrologic analyses to water-resource management issues will be examined. A basic understanding of elementary mathematics, physics, physical geography, and chemistry is assumed.  3 lecture periods.  3 credits.

Earth Science 355 (GEOGRAPHY 355). Climatology.  A study of the dynamics of the atmosphere as an energy system, its interactions with other parts of the Earth’s physical system, and the effects of these interactions on human life and activity. Climate variations on global, regional, and local scales are investigated including methods of climate classification and techniques used to model future climatic conditions. 3 lecture periods.  3 credits.

Earth Science 358 (GEOGRAPHY 358). Map Design and Analysis.Emphasis is focused on construction of thematic maps at the preprofessional level and their incorporation in presentations of research. Modern techniques and processes are  stressed along with  rudimentary geographic information system design. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab period; 4 credits.

Earth Science 363. Physical Oceanography. An introduction to the historical, geological, chemical and physical aspects of the oceans. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 390.  Directed or Independent Study.  Must be approved by the head of the department.  May be repeated as 391.  1-18 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 392.  Internship in Earth Science.  A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of earth science.  1-18 credits.

Earth Science 410 (Geography 410). Geomorphology. Treatment of the processes that have shaped the varied surface features of the earth. Theories and concepts relating to geomorphic evolution in the major and minor physiographic divisions will be emphasized. 3 lecture periods. 3 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 490.  Directed or Independent Study.  Must be approved by the head of the department.  May be repeated.  1-18 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 492.  Internship in Earth Science.  A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of earth science.  1-18 credits.

Earth Science 495. Special Topics in Earth Science. Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically. 1-4 credits.

EARTH SCIENCE 498.  Honors Research in Earth Science.  Students conduct research in earth science under the direction of a faculty member and the Senior Honors Research Committee.  May be repeated as 499.  3 credits. **

SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Science EDUCATION 330 (MATH 330.) Integration of Mathematics and Science Principles. An inquiry into basic principles involved in the study of mathematics and science. Emphasis on measurement, use of manipulatives, inference, prediction, data analysis, and hypothesizing. For Liberal Studies Majors only. Students are required to take these courses simultaneously. 1.5 credits each.  Corequisite:  MATH 330.

Science EDUCATION 352. Science for Secondary Teachers. A study of materials and methods for teaching the physical and/or biological sciences at the junior and senior high school level. Course content will be designed to meet the individual needs of each student. Recommended prior to student teaching. 3 lecture periods.  3 credits.

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