Earth Science (ERTH)

This 3-credit, non-laboratory natural science is suitable for science, education, and non-science majors. This course provides an exploration of the basic processes that have formed and continue to form our planet. Included in the content is an astronomical history of the Earth and universe; basic geology including: the geologic time scale, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, and erosional forces. Other topics included will be atmospheric processes and trends, weather patterns, global and regional climate change, ocean tides and currents, and ecosystems. Current environmental and global issues as they relate to Earth Science will be discussed.

This 3-credit non-laboratory natural science course introduces the causes, occurrence, and consequences of natural disasters. Suitable for non-science majors. Students will analyze the physical causes as well as the distribution and frequency of disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, and extraterrestrial impacts. Case studies will include local and regional examples of historical and recent disasters. The course will focus on naturally occurring disasters but will also consider the role of human activities in both contributing to and mitigating natural disasters.

This 4-credit laboratory natural science introduces the four main branches of Earth Science: Geology, hydrology and Oceanography, Meteorology and Climatology, and Astronomy. Students will investigate the dynamic nature of earth processes to understand human beings' place in the universe. Some field labs may be required. Required for the Environmental Science and Toxicology AS Degree.