Earth & Environmental Sciences

Modern society functions with incredible resources and conveniences. Some of this progress has come at a great environmental price. This course investigates the scientific principles of the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, and examines the environmental issues that our society faces. Topics include sustainability,ecology, resources, energy, pollution, wastes, and approaches at living in a more sustainable way. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Scientific Explanations.

Investigation of selected natural hazards, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, severe weather and landslides that affect and may be affected by humans. Topics are interrelated by case studies, discussion of current issues and laboratory and field exercises. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Scientific Explanations.

This course focuses on life from its origin on this planet to its present diversity of species. Students learn about the fundamental physical and biological changes that have shaped and influenced the Earth system since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. Topics addressed include physical concepts that deal with geologic time and stratigraphic relationships, plate tectonics and nutrient cycling. Discussions cover such topics as the origin of life, evolutionary processes, the expansion of biodiversity, the radiation of organisms in the oceans, the conquest of land, mass extinctions, dinosaurs and the rise of humans. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Scientific Explanations.

Introduction to basic concepts in meteorology including temperature, pressure, precipitation, winds, fronts, severe weather, forecasting and atmospheric measurements. The focus is on observing the atmosphere and explaining our observations. Labs include weather map analysis, lab experiments and field trips. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Scientific Explanations.

Modern society relies on cheap and abundant energy for almost every aspect of daily life, from transportation to entertainment. Where does this energy come from? How much do we consume? How will we meet our future energy needs? What are the consequences of our energy use? These questions will be addressed as energy use and its impact on the environment is explored. Topics include the scientific principles that define energy and its transformation, society’s current reliance on fossil fuels, climate change, and alternative and sustainable energy sources. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Scientific Explanations.

Fundamental concepts and principles of geology and the processes and materials that interact at the surface of the Earth. The course includes rocks and minerals, plate tectonic interactions, weathering and erosion, the cycling of materials through different environments, and how we use these resources. Same as ECOL-113. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

Introduction to oceanography. The processes that control the formation and function of the oceans. The course focuses on food, mineral and energy resources associated with the ocean and societies’ influence on those resources. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Diversity Intensive, Ethics Intensive, Scientific Explanations.

Introduction to watersheds and water resources. Study the distribution and variation in water resources (lakes, rivers, groundwater) and the historical impact of water resources on societies past and present. Topics include: surface water hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, hill slope processes, water budgets, stream flow, water allocation law, water conflicts, and surface water and groundwater interactions. Prerequisite: EENV-101 or ECOL-100 or EENV-113. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Team Intensive.

A comprehensive overview of the atmospheric processes responsible for observed weather patterns. This course provides students with an understanding of radiation and energy budgets, cloud formation, precipitation processes, surface and upper-level winds, the global circulation, and the development of mid-latitude cyclones and severe weather. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

An overview of the Earth’s past, present and future climate. Topics include climate forcing, response and feedbacks; observed climate change; climate data; anthropogenic climate change; and climate change treaties. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary, Writing Intensive.

Selected topics vary depending on instructor, student interest and new advances in environmental science. Topics might include watershed modeling, geology of Pennsylvania, meteorology or the natural history of the Susquehanna River basin. Prerequisite: Earth and environmental sciences major or minor, environmental studies major or minor, ecology major or minor. 1-4 SH.

An introduction to the properties, classification and nomenclature of soils, sediments and sedimentary rocks. Discusses processes that create, transport, deposit and lithify sediments. Students examine depositional environments where sediments form and accumulate, the properties of sedimentary rocks and the stratigraphic framework of sedimentary successions. Prerequisite: EENV-113. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Writing Intensive.

This course will examine the Susquehanna River drainage basin from multiple perspectives including its geologic history, ecologic relationships and influences throughout the basin, the historical colonization and use of resources within the basin, and our recent response to the environmental issues that currently plague the system. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will begin to better understand this complex environment and its future outcome. Prerequisites: EENV-101 or ECOL-100 and EENV-113. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Ethics Intensive and Interdisciplinary.

An overview of energy use, its effect on the environment and the potential for sustainable energy solutions. Traditional, non-sustainable energy production from fossil fuels is first described in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact and available reserves. This is followed by a description of individual sustainable energy technologies with a focus on the underlying science, energy production rates, viability and potential limitations. Specific technologies that are discussed include wind turbines, solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaics, hydropower, wave and tidal energy capture, and geothermal heating. Prerequisites: sophomore standing. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. 4 SH. CC: Interdisciplinary.

An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) theory, software and practical application. Students will use GIS software to organize, edit, analyze and display geographic data to develop new understanding and interpretation of both natural and human landscapes and resources. Mapping exercises and student projects will be used to develop skills in data management, spatial analysis and estimation (geostatistics), terrain analysis, and spatial modeling. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. CC: Interdisciplinary.

Methods of near-surface geophysical explorations with emphasis on solving environmental and geotechnical problems. Students learn the basic physical variation in Earth and non-Earth materials and how these variations may be used to discern what lies beneath the Earth’s surface. Examples of near-surface geophysical applications include detection of contaminant plumes, buried metallic objects, variations in geological materials, aggregates and mining, forensics, archaeology, and hydrogeology. Prerequisites: EENV-113 Geology & the Environment and MATH-111 Calculus I. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

An introduction to air quality and air pollution issues from the regional scale to the global scale. This course examines the various types and sources of air pollutants and the effects of air pollution on health, welfare and the environment. Specific topics include acid deposition, tropospheric and stratospheric ozone, visibility degradation, air pollution meteorology, and regulatory aspects of air quality. Laboratory experiments focus on air-quality measurement strategies. Prerequisites: EENV-240, General Chemistry I (CHEM-103, or -111), General Chemistry II (CHEM-104, or 112), or instructor’s permission. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

Wetlands are complex environments that are controlled by chemical, biological and physical interactions. The course explores the structure, function, management and jurisdictional delineation of non-tidal freshwater wetlands. Lecture material covers the history of wetlands use/abuse, current definitions and analysis of the common indicators of wetland function; hydrology, soils and vegetation. The laboratory consists of plant identification, techniques for hydric soil analysis, identification of wetland hydrology indicators using current methodologies for delineation of jurisdictional wetlands. Same as ECOL-380. Prerequisite: CHEM-104. 4 SH.3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Writing Intensive.

Soil science is the exploration of the organic and mineral material that forms thin layers where atmospheric, biological and geological interactions occur. Students study the materials that make up soil; their relationship to each other; water and air interactions; and the biological, chemical and physical processes that are at work in soil. The course also explores how various cultures have used and abused this natural resource and how different diversity markers, such as sexual orientation, ethnic background, global residence and socioeconomic status, have affected the science and participation in federal support programs. Prerequisite: EENV:113 or instructor’s permission. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours. CC: Diversity Intensive.

A comprehensive study of groundwater and the technologies that locate, extract and protect this resource. Emphasizes practical knowledge, developing theoretical principles when applicable. Includes origin and movement of groundwater, exploration techniques and groundwater computer modeling. Prerequisites: EENV-101 or ECOL-100, EENV-113, and MATH-111. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

Chemical reactions in the atmosphere, land surface and groundwater determine the distribution of both beneficial and toxic materials on earth that may affect resource distribution and human health. Chemistry of Natural Waters examines the elements and reactions that govern the mobility, stability and distribution of nutrients, salts and toxins in freshwater, marine, atmospheric and groundwater systems. Chemical analysis techniques, field methods, computer applications and problem-solving are important components of the course. Prerequisites: CHEM-104. 4 SH. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/field hours.

Introduces students to environmental research, reading and writing in the context of a collaborative or independent research project. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. 4 SH.

A continuation of collaborative or independent research with an emphasis on written and oral presentation of data and explanation of results. Prerequisite: EENV-510 or instructor’s permission. 4 SH. Capstone. CC: Writing Intensive.

Individual students select a contemporary environmental topic to investigate in depth and propose their plan of study to the department for approval. Each student is assigned a departmental faculty mentor to oversee the project. Projects require extensive literature searches accompanied by oral and written presentations. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and department approval of project. 4 SH.

Individual student work in private industry or public agency. Open only when positions are available. The student, employer and the department internship coordinator must complete the student learning contract prior to the end of the drop/add deadline. Oral and written presentations and employer’s written evaluation are required. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and department permission. May be repeated for credit. 2-4 SH. Capstone.

Independent research projects in the earth and environmental sciences. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and department permission. 2 SH. Capstone.

Participate in another institution’s summer field program and transfer the credits to satisfy the capstone experience requirement in earth and environmental sciences. Acceptable programs are those that are three to six weeks in length and include field instruction, independent projects and a final presentation of the completed work. Requirements to be met in residence at Susquehanna include attendance at capstone class meetings and completion of projects assigned therein, to include both written and oral presentation of the work. Prerequisite: Department permission. 2-4 SH. Capstone.