Department of Earth and Space Sciences

ESC 199. Transfer Credits (Graduate). 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESL 199. Transfer Credits. 1 Credit.

Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 101. Introduction to Geology. 3 Credits.

The earth's composition and history; the processes that occur on and within the earth.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ESS 102. Humans and the Environment. 3 Credits.

A study of the ability of humans to survive and maintain their life quality, considering the limited resources and recycling capacity of planet Earth. Note: Students completing ESS 102 may not take SCB 102 or ENV 102 for credit.
Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Cross listed courses SCB 102, ENV 102, ESS 102.

ESS 111. Other Worlds, Other Stars. 3 Credits.

An introductory course in astronomy. Topics will focus on the observable changes in the night sky, the properties of light, the laws of motion, the formation and composition of the solar system, extra solar planets, the properties of stars, stellar evolution and stellar death.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 112. Galaxies and Cosmology. 3 Credits.

An introductory general education course in astronomy. Topics will focus on the properties of light and matter, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the expansion, structure, history and fate of the universe. Three hours of lecture.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 127. Movies, Media, and Entertainment from an Earth and Space Science Perspective. 3 Credits.

An exploration of movies, media, and other mass communication media from an earth and space science perspective. Films, digital media (including trending videos or articles in social media news feeds), traditional news media, and other mass communication entertainment media will be viewed and analyzed to identify earth and space science topics and to correct these inaccuracies.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 128. The Science of Natural Disasters. 3 Credits.

This course explores the science of natural disasters such as volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, climate change, and asteroid impacts. Students will learn to apply the tools of science to understand the processes behind natural hazards, quantify and communicate risk, and develop mitigation strategies to protect societies and the environment.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ESS 130. Our Ocean. 3 Credits.

This course examines the physical and biological processes in our ocean. The course begins with an overview of earth and ocean, and the history of earth. It will cover four areas of oceanographic research area: physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 170. Introduction to Our Atmosphere. 3 Credits.

Why is the sky blue? What will the weather be tomorrow? What makes tornadoes? How did the ozone hole develop? What is the greenhouse effect? This class will use these questions and others to investigate the basic physical processes that determine the weather and climate on earth. A student who has successfully completed ESS 370 may not subsequently receive credit for ESS 170.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ESS 199. Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 201. Field Geology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the basic methods of geologic data collection in the field; analysis, and presentation; literature research; and report writing. One weekend field trip is required.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 201 requires a prerequisite of ESS 101.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 204. Historical Geology. 3 Credits.

An examination of how Earth has evolved over geologic time, from its origin as a tiny lifeless planetesimal to its present state as a dynamic planetary system teaming with life. Rocks, fossils, and other evidence of Earth's past are analyzed and evaluated with knowledge of modern physical and biological processes to infer Earth's history, understand its present state, and predict its future. Laboratory included. Recommended for students who have completed ESS 101 or another introductory (100-level) science course.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ESS 301. Environmental Geochemistry. 3 Credits.

An introduction to principles and applications of geochemistry to geologic systems, including surface and ground waters, soils, and rocks.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 301 requires prerequisites of CHE 103 and ESS 101.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 302. Mineralogy. 3 Credits.

In-depth survey of the formation, identification, classification, and uses of minerals. Principles of symmetry, crystallography, crystal chemistry, and optical mineralogy. Laboratory and field examination and analysis of minerals.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 302 requires prerequisites of ESS 101 and ESS 204 and CHE 103.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 307. Geology of the Solar System. 3 Credits.

The geology, origin, evolution, and properties of planets, comets, asteroids, moons, and meteorites.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 311. Introduction to Astronomy. 3 Credits.

An introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include celestial mechanics, the properties of light, matter and energy, the formation of stars and planets, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 311 requires a prerequisite of MAT 115 or MAT 131 or MAT 143 or MAT 161.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 321. Geometrics. 3 Credits.

Application of computational and statistical methods to geologic problems. Geologic sampling, data comparisons in environmental, petrologic, paleontologic, and geochemical problems.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 323. Gen'l Geol Field Studies of SE Pennsylvania. 3 Credits.

Occurrence, relationships, and geologic history of the rocks, minerals, and soils of this area, studied at representative locations.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 323 requires prerequisite of ESS 302.
Typically offered in Summer.

ESS 330. Introduction to Oceanography. 3 Credits.

A survey of our present knowledge of the waters and floors of the oceans.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 330 requires a prerequisite of ESS 101.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 331. Introduction to Paleontology. 3 Credits.

Identification and study of common fossils in order to understand their life processes and geologic significance.
Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 332. Advanced Oceanography. 3 Credits.

An advanced course in oceanography covering marine resources, oceanographic literature, animal-sediment relationships, field techniques, estuaries, salt marshes, sea level changes, and pollution.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 332 requires prerequisite of ESS 330.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 336. Environmental Geology. 3 Credits.

The application of geological information to human problems encountered in natural phenomena, such as flooding, earthquakes, coastal hazards, and man-made concerns, including waste disposal, land use, and global change.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 336 requires prerequisite of ESS 101.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 343. Geomorphology. 3 Credits.

Constructional and degradational forces that have shaped present landforms and are constantly reshaping and modifying landforms. Interpretation of geologic and topographic maps; field studies.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 343 requires prerequisites of ESS 101 and ESS 204.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 344. Geomorphology II. 3 Credits.

A continuation of the study of earth surface processes. Interpretation of topographic maps and air photos.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 344 requires a prerequisite of ESS 343.

ESS 347. Earth & Space Science Seminar. 1 Credit.

One credit weekly seminar featuring guest lectures by Geoscience professionals, prominent scientists, faculty and students. Students will read professional literature, attend and participate in the lecture, and write a summary and/or analysis of each seminar.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 348. International Geology Field Studies. 3 Credits.

Field investigations of selected country's physical environments focusing on geology and natural resources in relationship to cultural traditions, lifestyle and sustainability. Case studies of human adaptation to local and global environmental challenges will be considered. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 348 requires prerequisite ESS 101 or ESS 102 or permission of instructor.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 355. Intermediate Astronomy. 3 Credits.

An analytical and qualitative analysis of selected astronomical phenomena. Topics include telescope optics (including photographic and photoelectric attachments), lunar and planetary orbits, stellar motions and magnitudes, galactic classifications, and distances. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 355 requires a prerequisite of ESS 111.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 362. History of Astronomy. 3 Credits.

Development of astronomical theories from the ancient Greeks until the 20th century.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 362 requires a prerequisite of ESS 111.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 365. The Science and Media Connection: Producing and Communicating Science. 3 Credits.

This course is intended to prepare students to make multimedia products about fundamental scientific phenomena which can be used to educate and teach others. Through both theoretical and practical approaches, students learn skills and concepts that will enable them to complete a series of science-based creative projects and apply these skills toward future use.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 365 requires a prerequisite of 60 credits.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Cross listed courses ESS/MDC 365, COM/ESS 565.

ESS 370. Introduction to Meteorology. 3 Credits.

A study of the principles governing the earth's atmosphere and how these principles determine weather conditions.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 370 requires a prerequisite of MAT 115 or MAT 143 or MAT 131 or MAT 161.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 371. Advanced Meteorology. 3 Credits.

A continuation of the study of the principles governing the earth's atmosphere and how these principles determine weather conditions.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 371 requires prerequisite of ESS 370.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 394. Geology of Northwestern National Parks. 4 Credits.

This course includes a field trip to the national parks in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, northern Utah, and Colorado. The purpose of the course is to look at the geologic features of the national parks in these states and to develop an appreciation of the geology and geologic history of the region.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Summer.

ESS 405. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. 3 Credits.

Theories of the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks based on field occurrence, physical properties, geochemistry, thermodynamics, and petrography. Classification and identification of rocks. Laboratory and field examination of rocks.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 405 requires prerequisites of ESS 201 and ESS 302.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 420. Structural Geology. 3 Credits.

Determination of the sequential development and the forces involved in the various structural features of the earth.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 420 requires prerequisites of ESS 201 and ESS 302.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 435. Remote Sensing. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the science and technology of remote sensing and the applications of remote sensing data to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and the environment. Includes a discussion of the history and principles of remote sensing; fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation; theory and types of active and passive remote sensing systems; fundamentals of image interpretation; digital analysis of LANDSAT and AVHRR data; operation of environmental satellites; and future imaging systems.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 439. Hydrogeology. 3 Credits.

This applied course covers groundwater flow systems, well hydraulics, advective contaminant transport, groundwater flow modeling, and sustainable management of water resources. Special emphasis is placed on scientific and professional ethics while applying hydrogeologic concepts to solve real-world environmental problems that affect communities. Students considering employment in the environmental industry as environmental scientists or professional geologists are encouraged to complete this course.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 439 requires a prerequisite of ESS 101.
Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 442. Geophysics. 3 Credits.

Gravitational, magnetic, seismic (refraction and reflection), and electrical properties of rocks and minerals in the earth. Physical principles of the earth; geophysics in relation to economic deposits.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 442 requires prerequisites of PHY 140 or PHY 180 and MAT 162.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESS 447. Earth and Space Science Seminar. 1 Credit.

A one credit weekly seminar featuring guest lectures by Geoscience professionals, prominent scientists, faculty and students. Each week students will read professional literature, attend and participate in the lecture, and write a summary and/or analysis of each seminar.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 447 requires prerequisite of ESS 347 or department consent.
Typically offered in Fall.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 450. Sedimentation & Stratigraphy. 3 Credits.

LAB, LEC Class, laboratory, and field studies of sediments, sedimentary rocks, depositional processes and environments, and diagenesis. Description, mapping, and correlation of strata to infer temporal-spatial relationships, locate resources, and interpret Earth history.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 450 requires prerequisites: ESS 301, 302, 331 and 343.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 460. Internship. 1-18 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 480. Special Problems. 1-6 Credits.

Reports on special topics and current developments in the earth and space sciences.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter.
Repeatable for Credit.
Cross listed courses ESS 480, ESS 580.

ESS 490. Fundamentals of Soils. 3 Credits.

Soil properties, classification, and genesis from geologic, agricultural, and engineering perspectives. Topics include pedology, soil physics, geotechnical engineering, erosion, septic systems, soil contamination, and remediation.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 490 requires prerequisite of ESS 101.
Typically offered in Fall.

ESS 491. Independent Studies. 1-3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

ESS 499. The Professional Geoscientist. 3 Credits.

This is the Geoscience Capstone course, which will serve as a culminating experience in which students will synthesize geoscience knowledge and interests that have been acquired, and along with the development of research skills, apply these skills in preparation of a geoscience research prospectus as an artifact for entry into a graduate program or career. Students will orally present and defend a research prospectus as well as related geoscience content and research topics of interest. Students will also develop competency in leading and partaking in whole and small group discussions and performing scenario-based and topic-based activities.
Pre / Co requisites: ESS 499 requires a prerequisite of 90 credits earned overall, of which 18 must come from ESS.
Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.

SCE 320. Science Methods for Grades PK-4. 3 Credits.

A science methods course for PreK-4 teachers to master classroom and materials preparation and the design of developmentally effective instruction and assessment. Teachers learn methods that promote children's ability to do inquiry and master PA academic standards in science and technology and environment and ecology.
Pre / Co requisites: Formal Admission Teacher Ed.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

SCE 330. Science Methods for Middle Level (4-8). 3 Credits.

A course to prepare the middle level teachers for teaching science with a focus on the developmental and pedagogical needs of middle level students. Teacher candidates will apply science content, develop knowledge how students learn science, explore materials and resources, and learn how to plan and access effective standards based middle level science instruction.
Pre / Co requisites: Formal Admission Teacher Ed.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SCI 101. The Carbon Cycle. 3 Credits.

An exploration of how the carbon cycle connects earth and life, through photosynthesis, respiration, decay, rock formation and weathering, and plate tectonics. Humans have altered the carbon cycle by burning fossil fuels. Students investigate the carbon cycle on the WCU campus and consider the implications for global warming.
Pre / Co requisites: SCI 101 requires students to be education majors only.
Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.