Earth Science (ERSC)

Survey of fundamental processes of Earth science. Application of systems thinking to understand the dynamic interactions among geologic, hydrological, biological, and atmospheric components of the Earth system. Explore how geographic, soil, and human factors shape the Earth. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Origin, composition, identification and weathering of rocks, minerals, and clays important in the development of soils. Parent materials as related to the nature and properties of soils. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Addresses the origins and patterns of the earth's diverse assemblage of climates, landforms, biota and soils. A major focus on relationship between human cultures and these earthly environments. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 250.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 270.

Evaluation of soil and water conservation with application toward agriculture, rangeland, and urban land uses. Study of process, regulation, and best management practices for soil erosion, water quality, and stormwater. Development of stormwater pollution prevention or farm water quality plans to meet regulatory requirements. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Geographic perspective on the interrelationships between climate and human cultures. Effects of people on climate and the influence of climate and weather upon human activities and behavior. Focus on global human conditions which are responsible for the alteration of climate and in turn are vulnerable to climate change. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 325.

Global assessment of the impact of humans on the earth's vegetation, animals, soil, water and atmosphere. Emphasis on problems stemming from the interactions of human attitudes, technologies, and population with natural resources. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 333.

Explore past civilizations and how management of soil, water, and other natural resources allowed them to flourish, decline, or fail. Sustainability of natural resource use in modern/future societies. Issues include sustainability, agricultural practices, deforestation, water quality, and land management. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Selected students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved firm or agency engaged in work and study related to their major. A detailed written proposal and written interim and final reports required. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of internship. Credit/No Credit grading. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 339.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 12 units. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 400.

The earth's pattern of climates and the physical processes that account for them. Focus on interrelationships between climate and the physical/biological and cultural environments. Special emphasis on modern climate changes and their consequences. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 414.

Physical processes in the atmosphere that determine regional weather, climate and climate variability. Surface and satellite systems for weather observation, and weather/climate modeling. Dynamics of weather systems, including thunderstorms and hurricanes. Emphases on weather/climate affecting agriculture and other human activities. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 415.

Collecting and interpreting field-geologic data. Description of sedimentary rocks and construction of stratigraphic columns. Mapping geologic structures in the field. Surficial geologic stratigraphy and surficial geologic mapping. Understanding geologic processes through field study. Communicating results of field study. 1 lecture, 3 activities. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOL 416. Formerly ERSC/GEOL 401.

Bedrock geologic mapping on topographic maps and aerial photos. Surficial geologic mapping on topographic maps and aerial photos. Correlating and defining surficial geologic map units on the basis of soil development. Understanding landscape evolution using soil development 4 activities. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOL 417. Formerly ERSC/GEOL 402.

Evaluation of processes shaping landscapes. Field-based production of surficial geologic maps. Field, aerial photograph, and topographic map analysis to assess processes shaping landscapes. Interpretation of landforms and landform relationships. Understanding how tectonics and climate influence landscapes. Fundamentals of soil geomorphology. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory, 1 activity.

Applied field methods of vadose zone and groundwater flow modeling, resource evaluation, confined and unconfined aquifer characterization, well installation and groundwater monitoring. Introduction to groundwater modeling software including MODFLOW and AQTESOLV. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 442.

Applied study of mechanisms of fate and transport of contaminants in soils and groundwater. Field methods and technologies of soil and groundwater sampling and site characterization. Representative conceptual and mathematical models, case studies, laboratory study of breakthrough behavior, and remediation technologies. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 470.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 471.

Independent internship experience conducted under faculty supervision focusing on a discipline area of environmental science/management. Completion of a project as a component of their internship. Satisfies the senior project requirement. Minimum 90 hours required. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 476.

Guided research experience in a specific area of environmental science. Implementation of materials and methods. Collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Completion of formal written report. Satisfies senior project requirement. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 477.

Critical evaluation and formal presentation of current issues in environmental science/management. Evaluation of current topics, analysis of supporting evidence, and synthesis and presentation of resulting perspectives on different approaches to current challenges in environmental science/management. Satisfies the senior project requirement. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 478.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 90 hours total time. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 479.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.