• Earth Systems I: The Solid Earth, EES 100A, 4 credits.
• Earth Systems II: The Earth's Surface, EES 100B, 4 credits.
• Earth Materials, EES 200, 4 credits.
• Structure of the Earth, EES 300, 4 credits.
• Surficial Processes and Landforms, EES 400, 4 credits.
  
  And at least one course from the following:
• Global Change & Earth History, EES 230, 3 credits.
• Geochemistry, EES 420, 4 credits.
• Sedimentary Processes and Products, EES 430, 4 credits.
• Water Resources, EES 470, 4 credits.

* Students considering graduate studies in geology should consult the Earth and Environmental Sciences department faculty for additional advising.

1

Introduction to Environmental Science 

An introduction to scientific, social, and historic context of selected contemporary environmental issues. The courses emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and their solutions. Focusing on Southern California, topics include resources and hazards, natural and urban ecology, demography, and pollution. One semester, 3 credits.

 

100A

Earth Systems I: The Solid Earth 

An introduction to planet Earth, emphasizing the fundamental earth materials and the deep-Earth processes that formed them. Focuses on shifting continents, earthquakes, volcanoes, the origin of extractable resources, and the geological perspective on changes occuring below the surface. Lectures and laboratory. One semester, 4 credits.

 

100B

Earth Systems II: The Earth's Surface 

An introduction to the global fluid systems operating at and near the Earth's surface. Emphasizes oceanic, atmospheric, and hydrologic systems as agents in creating and maintaining the environment in which life exists. Lectures and laboratory. One semester, 4 credits.

 

200

Earth Materials 

Identification and interpretation of naturally occuring solid Earth materials. Emphasis on the analysis of the chemistry and internal ordering of Earth materials in order to understand and predict their behavior, stability, and occurence. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100A or 100B. One semester, 4 credits.

 

230

Global Change & Earth History 

Examination of the geologic history of the Earth and the evolution of fossil life forms provides a unique perspective for examination of global environmental change. The profound depth of geologic time offers a meaningful context for modern decision making. One semester, 3 credits.

 

300*

Structure of the Earth 

Analysis of the behavior of Earth materials under both localized and regional stress, and the identification of the resulting structures. Measurements in the field and the laboratory contribute to analytical and conceptual treatments of mountain-building, plate motions, and continental growth. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100A or 100B. One semester, 4 credits.

 

400*

Surficial Processes and Landforms 

An examination of the agents and processes that shape the Earth's surface and the results of their work. Emphasizes process-response models for natural and human alteration of landscapes. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: 100A or 100B. One semester, 4 credits.

 

420*

Geochemistry 

An introduction to the chemistry of solid and liquid Earth material. Geochemical data and methods of analysis are used as tools in the study of hydrologic systems, crystalline rocks, and hydrothermal ore deposits. Attention given to the use of trace elements and isotopes as indicators of geological processes and as means of evaluating groundwater contamination. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 100A or 100B. One semester, 4 credits.

 

430*

Sedimentary Processes and Products 

An introduction to physical, chemical, and biochemical sedimentary processes and products. The focus is on sedimentary materials as records of the Earth's history, as reservoirs for fluid resources (water, oil, and gas), and as repositories for wastes. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 100A or 100B. One semester, 4 credits.

 

470*

Water Resources 
        Principles of atmospheric, surface and subsurface water circilation.  Examines the physical, chemical, and geologic aspects of water resources.


* indicates course not offered every year

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