Environmental Science Esci 101 Introduction to Environmental Science No prerequisite. An introduction to the causes of environmental problems as well as strategies for potential solutions from both a natural science and a social science perspective. Scientific understanding of the environment is emphasized. The course gives an overview of major environmental problems and scientific principles, with a focus on managing environmental problems and important natural resources. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits. Esci 103 Introduction to Geosciences No prerequisite. Introduction to Geosciences will explore basic principles and processes of geology (emphasizing surface processes), astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. Lecture and laboratory. Weekend field trips required. (Offered every semester.) 4 credits. Esci 104 Introduction to Physical Science An introduction to physical sciences with an emphasis on physics and chemistry. Designed for the non-science major and liberal studies students. Basic principles of science are taught through hands-on demonstrations, field trips, examples of science at work in the real world, and selected topics of current interest. Laboratory experiments highlight areas of physical science, including electricity, water chemistry, motion and gravity. (Offered every semester.) 4 credits. Esci 105 History of the Earth No prerequisite. An introduction to geology and the geological history of the earth. Students examine 4.6 billion years of the Earth’s evolution including the rise and fall of mountain ranges, the movement of the continental and oceanic plates over time, and the beginnings of life. Students focus on the important cycles in the Earth’s evolution, as evidenced in the rock record and fossils. Lecture. (Offered only at Academic Centers.) 3 credits. Esci 111 Physical Geology No prerequisite. An introduction to geology. Earth, the third planet from the sun, is a dynamic system. The geologic principles and processes that make our planet unique are introduced from a broad perspective. Covers the structure of the Earth, Earth materials, geologic processes, the oceans, and introduction to environmental geology. Required lab and Saturday field trips provide “hands-on” experience. (Offered every year.) 4 credits. Esci 140 The Atmosphere A non-technical survey of the earth’s atmosphere and the processes which govern it; weather influences on human activities; major wind and weather systems; precipitation processes; weather forecasting; severe storms; cloud types and structures; air pollution; changing climates. Esci 207 Oceanography No prerequisite. Students study the ocean environment and its importance to man, composition of the ocean, causes and effects of waves, currents, the tides, processes, that change the coasts, geological origin and evolution of ocean basins, economic resources, marine organisms, history of oceanographic exploration. Lab fee: $25. (Offered only at Academic Centers.) 3 credits. Esci 227 Darwin and the Galapagos Students learn about the environmental uniqueness of the Galapagos Islands, and how Charles Darwin’s observations in the “living laboratory” lead to a theory of evolution by natural selection, which is considered one of the major breakthroughs in scientific thought. Students are required to participate in a field trip to the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) during the course, to observe first-hand the biodiversity that Darwin saw. (Offered on demand.) 4 credits. Esci 234 Earthquakes and California Tectonics The geologic and tectonic history of California with emphasis on the development of the San Andreas Fault system. Fundamentals of geology and plate tectonics are reviewed/introduced in light of the geologic evolution of California. (Offered only at Academic Centers.) 3 credits. Esci 301 Environmental Geology Prerequisite, Esci 111 or equivalent. Environmental geology is the application of geologic information to solving problems such as minimizing possible adverse environmental degradation, or maximizing possible advantageous conditions resulting from our use of the natural and modified environment. Lecture, laboratory, field trips. (Offered alternate years.) 4 credits. Esci 335 Environmental Sampling and Analysis Prerequisite, Esci 101. Environmental samples are collected from ambient air, surface and ground water, soil, and containers using a variety of different methods. These samples are then analyzed for many different inorganic and organic analytes, and for various chemical and physical properties. In this course, students will learn about these different sampling and analysis methods for the environmental sciences. One or more field trips will be taken to actual environmental site investigations. (Offered Interterm, alternate years.) 3 credits. Esci 420 Environmental Hydrology Prerequisites, Esci 101 or 111; precalculus-level mathematics. Water is an essential natural resource. This course provides a qualitative overview of the occurrence, distribution, quality and movement of water in the environment, and introduces quantitative methods for analyzing hydrologic processes. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits. Esci 428 Environmental Chemistry Prerequisite, Chem 150 (Same as Chem 428.) Students will learn about the natural chemistry that takes place in the environment, which includes the air, water, and soil. Natural and anthropogenic (man-made) chemical contaminants impacting the air, soil, and water on planet earth will then be discussed. Examples of topics to be discussed will include smog formation, ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, chemicals released into the air, soil, and water (surface and ground water), and the fate and transport of contaminant chemicals. An emphasis will be placed on the chemical reactions (and their mechanisms) associated with these topics. Chemicals of commerce and how they are made and used will also be presented. 3 credits. Esci 490 Independent Internship 1-3 credits. May be repeated for credit. Esci 496 Seminar in Environmental Science Prerequisite, Esci 101 or 102 or equivalent. Scientific topics of contemporary interest and concern involving the natural sciences. The theme will change from year to year. (Offered alternate years.) 1 credit. Esci 499 Environmental Research Prerequisite, instructor’s consent. 1-3 credits.