Earth and Environmental Sciences (BS)

Overview of the processes that control water supply to natural ecosystems and human civilizations. Part I introduces the basic science that helps us understand the water planet, including the hydrologic cycle, glaciers and ice; rivers, oceans and natural hazards associated with water such as flooding, landsliding and tsunamis. Part II covers some of the management and resource allocation topics that face humanity today, including droughts, groundwater contamination, impacts on fisheries, conflicts over water, patterns of water use and effects of global climate change on future water supplies. Uses water issues facing Arizona and California as examples.

Focuses on the 4.6-billion year physical and geochemical evolution of Earth, with emphasis on planetary interior and surface processes through time that have resulted in current concentrations of fundamental chemical elements necessary to sustain modern civilization. Specific topics include: (1) elemental abundances and differentiation of the early solar system and Earth; (2) formation of Earth's compositional and rheologic layers; (3) interactions among planetary spheres with focus on biogeochemical cycles; (4) multi-scale tectonics (plate tectonics, continental deformation, igneous and earthquake processes, and mountain building). Provides an essential scientific context for understanding Earth system processes fundamental to environmental science.

Introduces marine geology, chemistry, and physical and biological oceanography. Methods of oceanic exploration, environmental and social aspects of oceans.

The Earth's near surface environment (the \

Capstone course intended primarily for seniors in the Earth and Environmental Studies degree program. Hybrid self-study design project workshop guided by faculty, in which student teams research and develop plans for a viable solution to a real environmental problem in the American Southwest.

Offers a broad survey of basic biological principles, with an emphasis on aspects of biology that are particularly important in the context of interdisciplinary Earth and environmental sciences. Explores how life on Earth has emerged and diversified and how the ubiquity of this life affects the Earth's chemistry, land surface and climate. As many of our current environmental issues are a direct consequence of human impacts on organismal physiology, biodiversity patterns, or ecosystem processes, strongly focuses on application of biological knowledge. Includes weekly laboratory exercises.

Exposes students to the coupled biogeochemical cycles that link Earth's biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. These cycles operate at the very long time-scales that stabilize Earth's climate and the very short time-scales that support the biosphere. Explores processes and changes through time and the human influence on these systems. Topics include: the rock cycle and the hydrologic cycle; biogeochemical systems; carbon, nutrient and oxygen cycles; global climate change; human forcing on the ecosphere; and future climate scenarios. Strongly emphasizes developing an understanding of the complex interactions among different systems and processes. Specific student interests inform some of the topics covered, and participation in the discussions and analyses are crucial to the success of this class. Develops understanding through readings, class discussion, in-class problem solving, written projects and student presentations.

Geological studies as they apply to interactions between humans and Earth. Includes geological processes and hazards, resources, and global change. Both GLG 110 and GLG 111 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.

Basic geological processes and concepts. Emphasizes geology-related environmental problems concerning Arizona. Both GLG 110 and GLG 111 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.