Earth and Environmental Sciences (EESC)

Open to qualified students by permission of department. Supervised on-campus or off-campus summer research experience developed in consultation with department.

Connecting humans and the environment with biological, chemical, and geologic principles, with a focus on ecological effects.

The modern view of the Earth as a dynamic, constantly-changing planet and the impact of geological processes on our lives. Discussions will include the origin of the solar system and Earth, how earthquakes and volcanoes result from heat-driven plate tectonic processes and our ongoing attempts to predict such hazardous events, and how Earth's rocks and minerals are ingrained in our everyday lives. Streams and groundwater processes, and cycles of mountain uplift and erosion that continuously alter the Earth’s surface, will also be examined. Laboratory.

History of the Earth with emphasis on surficial processes, evolution of life, climate change, and energy resources. Laboratory.

Scientific examination of human impacts on the environment, including population growth, pollution, climate change, and energy use, along with possible solutions for a more sustainable world. Laboratory.

An introduction to the oceans. Physical and chemical processes affecting seawater; the geology of the seafloor; biological productivity in the oceans; and environmental challenges involving the oceans. Laboratory.

This course emphasizes the acquisition of spatial data and their display and analysis within ArcGIS geographic information system software. The class also includes an introduction to the use of global positioning system instruments for data collection. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: EESC 120. An in-depth analysis of specific global environmental problems facing society today. The course connects economic development, population growth, resource consumption, and environmental degradation with detailed case studies. The challenges of achieving a sustainable society today will be investigated through the lessons learned from these environmental crises across the world.

Prerequisites: EESC 110 or EESC 111 or GEOG 110. The Earth & Environmental Sciences rely heavily on mapping and collection of physical, chemical, and biological field data. Students enrolled in the course will complete weekly laboratory and hands-on exercises to learn the essential field skills necessary to advance their careers in the earth sciences as technicians, academics, and/or educators. This introductory field course will provide a solid foundation to prepare students for advanced earth science study and/or a general introduction to the field methods within the discipline.

Prerequisite: EESC 111. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 111. Study of Earth’s major rock forming minerals, and those of economic value, in hand sample, microscopic thin section and through field studies. Course is conducted as a mix of lecture and laboratory activities. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: EESC 301. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 112. Study of metamorphic and igneous processes and important rock types in hand sample, microscopic thin-section and through field studies. Course is conducted as a mix of lecture and laboratory activities. Laboratory.

Prerequisites: EESC 110 or EESC 111 or GEOG 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 112. An introduction to soil formation processes; soil classification (both basic classification and soil taxonomy); physical properties of soil; soil chemistry; and discussion of soil as an environmental interface.

Prerequisite: EESC 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 111. Recommended: EESC 301. This course provides an overview of the concepts associated with sedimentary rock formation, including theoretical sedimentology, process oriented facies analysis and applied stratigraphy in the context of cyclic sea level and climate change through time. Class work includes several field trips to collect samples for physical and chemical analysis. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: EESC 111 or GEOG 111; EESC 205 or GISC 250 or GISC 200. Use of both classical (qualitative) and modern (quantitative) analytical methods to evaluate the environmental evolution of surface water basins (riverine and lacustrine watersheds). Contemporary land-use intensification and progressive global climate change are the main drivers of both short- and long-term alterations to watersheds. Responses to these drivers vary depending on the geomorphology of individual watersheds, as well as land-use and land-cover characteristics of a given watershed. Successful management of these important water bodies necessitates a comprehensive understanding of watershed processes. The class combines field-based observations and basic GIS models with in-class instruction. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: EESC 111. An introduction to surface water and groundwater flow; the hydrologic cycle; aquifer testing; flow to wells; contaminant transport; and field and laboratory instruments. Laboratory.

Prerequisites: EESC 110, EESC 120, and CHEM 112. Study of chemical processes operating at or near the surface of the Earth, in bedrock, soils, streams, the oceans and the atmosphere. Particular attention is given to environmental applications. Laboratory.

Prerequisite EESC 110 and EESC 120. This course provides an examination of the legislative and scientific approaches to reduce pollution. Examples include an evaluation of industry processes, recycling, wastewater, air and solid waste treatment.

Prerequisite EESC 110 and EESC 120. This course provides an introduction to environmental laws and regulations with a focus on policy development and implementation.

Prerequisite: EESC 111 This laboratory course offers a comprehensive study of lithospheric plate movements using information derived from seismology, paleomagnetics, petrology and tectonics. Selected topics also include a historical review of the development of the theory of plate tectonics, geologic and geophysical events at plate boundaries and an evaluation of evidence regarding plate-driving forces. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: One from BIOL 126, or BIOL 132, or CHEM 112, or EESC 111, or EESC 120, or PHYS 106. Intended primarily for science majors, this course investigates the basic science and technology relating to alternative energy sources and fossil fuels. Students who complete this class will have a greater technical understanding of energy sources and the methods used to tap them.

Prerequisite: EESC 111 or EESC 112 or EESC 120 or EESC 121. This course examines the history of the Earth’s climate system in the context of the two primary modes: Icehouse and Greenhouse. Through critical evaluation of primary literature, written assignments and oral presentations, students will gain an appreciation of the magnitude of temporal and spatial climate reorganizations through time and develop an in-depth understanding of both long and short term cyclic changes that have contributed to the development of our modern climate system.

Specialized courses with a significant filed component not offered on a regular basis. Study of selected environments along with relevant geological issues with a focus on active exploration and research. Overnight trips and extra fees required. Permission of instructor required to register.

Prerequisite: EESC 301 Analysis and interpretation of structural features of the Earth’s crust such as folds and faults. Laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and CHEM 112 (C- or better in each course). Students enrolled in this course will study the release of anthropogenic toxic contaminants into the environment, their transport through natural compartments, persistence in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, and their effects on wildlife and human health.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Specialized topics not offered on a regular basis.

Multidisciplinary evaluation of environmental and geological problems. Senior-level seminar for EESC majors; others by permission of the instructor.

Co-requisite: Senior status and EESC major. This course will guide EESC students through the evaluation of the skills, knowledge, and experience they have accumulated at the University of Mary Washington and elsewhere in preparation for post-collegiate life. Student products include a scientific resume and online professional portfolio that will reflect their strengths and professional potential.

Readings in environmental and/or geologic literature selected by the student, who is guided by a faculty member. Open to majors by permission of the department. A maximum of two (2) credits count toward the major requirements.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and the department. Investigation of a topic which may include laboratory, field work, and literature research. Course of study determined by supervising instructor and student. A maximum of four (4) credits may count toward the major requirements.

Prerequisites: EESC 491 and permission of instructor and the department. Independent research project which may include field and/or laboratory work. Course of study determined by supervising research advisor and student. Successful completion of a written thesis and oral defense is required, and will result in the student earning Departmental Honors at graduation. A maximum of four (4) credits may count toward the major requirements.

Supervised off-campus experience, developed in consultation with the department.