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Undergraduate Catalog 2009-2011 (Archived) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Earth System Sciences, BS
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General Education Requirements (GER) for the proposed ESS program will be as stated in the current university catalog. |
Area I – English Composition 6 Hours
Area II – Humanities and Fine Arts 12 Hours
Humanities and Fine Arts:
Note(s):
* Students must complete a two-course sequence in literature or history Area III – Natural Science and Mathematics 11-12 Hours
Area IV – History, Social and Behavioral Sciences 12 Hours
Note(s):
*Students must complete a two-course sequence in literature or history Area V – Preprofessional and elective courses 14 Hours
Science or Engineering course outside major:
Core Studies
A major in Earth System Science requires a minimum of 38 semester hours of coursework and includes the following core courses (23 hours). Specialty Tracks
In addition, a major must select at least 15 credits in a single specialty track from the list below. A student my createtheir own specialized (or Cognate) specialty track by selecting a linked set of 15 or more ESS credits as approved by their advisor and the ATS Department Chair. 1) Atmospheric Science
The requirements of the American Meteorological Society for a B.S. degree include: 1. 12 semester hours of lecture and laboratory courses
with calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite, in atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamic, synoptic, and mesoscale meteorology that collectively provide a broad treatment of atmospheric processes at all scales 2. 3 semester hours of atmospheric physics, with emphasis on cloud/precipitation physics and solar and terrestrial radiation
3. 3 semester hours of atmospheric measurements, instrumentation, or remote sensing, including both lecture and laboratory components
4. at least 3 semester hours in applied/specialty meteorology topics
5. up to 3 semester hours of a synthesizing experience such as an undergraduate research project
6. a minimum of a three-semester sequence of calculus that includes vector calculus and ordinary differential equations
7. a one-year sequence in physics lecture and laboratory courses, with calculus as a prerequisite or corequisite
8. at least one course (3 semester hours) in chemistry appropriate for physical science majors
9. a course with a multi-disciplinary and/or integrative approach to an environmental topic, such as a course on climate change
10. an appropriate level of coursework or demonstrated competency in the following areas:
computer science or information technology appropriate for physical science majors, including a course that teaches scientific, structured programming skills Additional Information
As in any science curriculum, students should have the opportunity and be encouraged to supplement minimum requirements with additional course work in the major and supporting areas. This supplemental course work may include courses designed to broaden the student’s perspective on the earth as a system, the environmental sciences, science administration, ethics, history of science, and policy making, as well as additional courses in the basic sciences, mathematics, statistics, and engineering. Also, students should be strongly urged to supplement their atmospheric science course work with additional courses or other activities designed to develop effective communication skills, both written and oral.
The atmospheric science track prepares students for graduate school and a research career in the atmospheric sciences/ meteorology. Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Mathematics. Typical Four-Year Curriculum Atmospheric Science Specialty
2) Atmospheric Chemistry
The atmospheric chemistry track prepares students for graduate school and a research career in atmospheric chemistry.
At least 15 hours of coursework from the following: Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Mathematics Typical Four-Year Curriculum Atmospheric Chemistry Specialty
3) Geophysical Information Systems (GIS) and Satellite Remote Sensing
Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Computer Science or Cognate Typical Four-Year Curriculum GIS and Remote Sensing Specialty
4) Earth Ecosystems
At least 15 hours of coursework from the following: Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Chemistry, Biology or Cognate Typical Four-Year Curriculum Earth Ecosystems Specialty
Fall
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ESS Specialty
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3 |
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ESS Specialty
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3 |
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ESS Specialty
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3 |
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GER (SS)
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3 |
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Elective
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3 |
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Elective
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2 |
Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Mathematics Typical Four-Year Curriculum Hydrology Specialty
6) Earth Science Secondary Education
Note(s):
MS 425 will be created to replace MS 525. Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Education Typical Four-Year+ Curriculum Earth Science Education Specialty
7) Human Dimensions and Societal Impacts
At least 15 credits from the following: Note(s):
Suggested Minor: Political Science or other Social Science Typical Four-Year Curriculum Human Dimensions and Societal Impacts Specialty
Fall
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ESS Specialty
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3 |
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ESS Specialty
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3 |
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GER (SS)
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3 |
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Elective
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3 |
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Elective
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3 |
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Elective
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3 |
A major in Earth System Science requires a minimum of 38 semester hours of coursework and includes the following core courses (23 hours):
Additional Information
BYS 119 (Principles of Biology), PHL 202 (Introduction to Ethics) and EH 301 (Technical Writing) are also required for all majors and can be used to satisfy General Education Requirements. In addition, a major must select at least 15 credits in a single specialty track: Atmospheric Science, Atmospheric Chemistry, Geophysical Information Systems (GIS) and Satellite Remote Sensing, Earth Ecosystems, Hydrology, Earth Science Secondary Education, Human Dimensions and Societal Impacts
Model plan for an ESS major using Atmospheric Science Specialty. Other minors and major concentrations are possible. The four year plans should be understood as examples of the many four year plans that are possible. |
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