Courses

An introduction to the materials and processes of the physical earth: rocks and minerals, earth structure and composition, plate tectonics, volcanology, seismology, crustal deformation, weathering and erosion, slope movement, sedimentation, wind and water processes, glaciation, and geologic time. Earth materials and processes are studied in the laboratory and in the field. This course is an environmental studies core requirement.

An overview of the fundamental earth science processes responsible for the creation, transformation, and ongoing physical development of western North America. These processes are studied in the context of the building of the North American continent through tectonic forces and surface dynamics. Topics include: geologic time, tectonics, volcanology, seismology, stratigraphy, glaciation, erosion, paleontology, paleoclimatology, and environmental issues. The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the physical environment around them so they may take a more active role in the stewardship of the earth. Field trips and field studies are included.

Introduction to the geological causes and characteristics of natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, floods, weather-related events, and climate change. The focus will be on understanding how the natural hazards affect us in everyday life and how we can predict the hazard, prevent, or moderate the hazard to avoid a natural disaster.

The scientific examination of the physical processes which shape landform development, structure, and dynamics. Topics include: weathering, slope systems, fluvial and coastal environments, and glacial and periglacial systems. Special emphasis is placed on deciphering past events from current landscape structures. Field trips and field studies are required.

A scientific investigation of the various aspects of soil as a natural resource. Topics include: physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soils applied in the context of soil formation, soil classification and land use, agriculture, and environmental engineering. Soil mapping and spatial distribution of soils is also considered. Field trips and field studies are required.