PDF schedules of course offerings for the next four years:
All Courses
*Note that many upper level courses are only offered every two years*
ESCI 100 Search in Earth Sciences
(3 cr.) Examination of various topics, contemporary issues and problems in Earth Sciences, such as environmental impacts of human activity, severe weather and natural disasters, and climate change. Exploration of relevant science concepts and how these relate to current events. Cannot be used to meet requirements for majors or minors in Earth Science or Geology. No credit given to students having taken ESCI 100 with the same topic. Course may be repeated twice with different topics. Three hours of lecture per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 100 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken with the same topic.
ESCI 102 Environmental Justice in the 21st Century
(3 cr.) Introduction to key concepts of Environmental Justice and its historical development. Basic Earth Science concepts relevant to environmental issues such as climate change, toxic waste, water and air pollution, and examination of the disproportionate burdens of environmental contamination and related health disparities affecting communities of color across the US and internationally.
AST 113 The Cosmos
(3 cr.) Topics in modern astronomy with an emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and the scale and evolution of the universe. May not be applied to a major or minor in Earth Sciences. This course is equivalent to ESCI 113 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 121 The Dynamic Earth
(3 cr.) Exploration of the dynamic processes operating within the Earth system, and how those processes impact the Earth's surface, manmade structures, and human settlements. Topics include plate tectonics, earth materials, mineral and energy resources, climate change, and natural hazards such as volcanos, earthquakes, and flooding. Three hours of lecture per week. No credit given to students with credit for ESCI 131 or GSCI 131. This course is equivalent to GSCI 121 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 125 The Dynamic Earth Laboratory
(1 cr.) Laboratory investigation of the Earth's surface and the dynamic processes that shape it and impact humans living on the surface. Topics include rocks and minerals, streams and flooding, glaciers and climate change, coastal erosion, and water resources. One 3-hour laboratory per week. No credit given to students with credit for ESCI 135 or GSCI 135. This course is equivalent to GSCI 125 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 129 Meteorology: Earth's Weather
(4 cr.) How the Earth's atmosphere affects weather and climate. Topics include atmospheric composition, structure, and basic motions, high- and low-pressure systems, severe weather, and the nature of climate change. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 129 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 131 Environmental Earth Science
(3 cr.) Investigation of Earth environmental systems including streams, lakes, estuaries, coastal, groundwater, soil, and the atmosphere as well as the impact of humans on those environments. Topics will also include energy resources, waste disposal, climate change, as well as overview of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruption, mass wasting, floods, and tsunamis. Three hours of lecture per week. No credit given to students with credit for ESCI 121 or GSCI 121. This course is equivalent to GSCI 131 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 135 Environmental Earth Science Laboratory
(1 cr.) Laboratory investigations of Earth environmental systems including streams, lakes, estuaries, coastal, groundwater, soil, and the atmosphere, as well as the impact of humans on those environments. Topics will also include energy resources, waste disposal, and climate change. One 3-hour laboratory per week. No credit given to students with credit for ESCI 125 or GSCI 125. This course is equivalent to GSCI 135 and credit will not be given if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 141 Earth and Life History
(3 cr.) Formation and the evolution of the Earth and life. The connections between plate tectonics, climate change, the history of life, and geologic processes and events important to the formation of eastern North America will be examined. 3 hours of lecture per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 141 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 145 Earth and Life History Laboratory
(1 cr.) Laboratory investigations of topics relevant to the formation of the Earth and the evolution of life, including identification of common minerals, rocks, and fossils, evolution through the geologic and fossil records, and geologic techniques such as stratigraphy and radiometric dating. One three-hour laboratory per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 145 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 200 Exploration in the Earth Sciences
(3 cr.) Examination of contemporary topics and problems in Geological and Environmental Sciences, such as Physical Oceanography, Climate Change, or Water Resources. Exploration of relevant scientific topics and discussion of their relationship to current events. Three hours of lecture per week. No credit given to students having taken ESCI 100 or GSCI 100 with the same topic. Course may be repeated one time with a different topic.
AST 208 Planetary Astronomy
(4 cr.) The formation and evolution of the solar system, including the Earth, other planets, and Sun. Topics include comparison of the surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and climates of solar system bodies, the formation of the solar system, detection of planets around other stars, and mathematical techniques for remote study of astronomical objects. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. This course is equivalent to ESCI 208 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 209 Stellar and Galactic Astronomy
(4 cr.) Study of stars and galaxies as separate bodies and members of clusters. Topics will include astrophysical properties of stars and galaxies, stellar and galactic evolution, and cosmology. Emphasis will be placed on observational and experimental methods astronomers use to study the universe. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. This course is equivalent to ESCI 209 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 212 Studies in Astronomy
(3 cr.) Examination of interdisciplinary topics, contemporary issues, and ongoing problems in Astronomy and Planetary Science such as the possibilities for life outside Earth and the cultural relevance of the science of astronomy. This course is equivalent to AST 112 and ESCI 112 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken. Course may be repeated one time with a different topic. Three hours of lecture per week.
ESCI 221 Mineralogy
(4 cr.) Study of mineral occurrence, properties, composition, and classification. Environmental and societal problems such as asbestos clean-up and conflict minerals will be discussed. Laboratory work includes study of minerals using properties, crystallography, X-ray diffraction, mineral chemical analysis, and optical petrographic microscope techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week.
ESCI 223 Sedimentary Geology
(4 cr.) Study of the processes and environments that produce sedimentary rocks and analyses of sedimentary strata to examine the spatial and temporal history of depositional environments Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or more one-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 223 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 260 Communicating the Earth and Space Sciences
(1 cr.) Introduces the skills necessary to effectively communicate topics in the earth and space sciences to other scientists and the general public. Topics will include critically reading and citing geologic literature, developing materials for public outreach, preparing graphical representations of data, and giving effective presentations. One hour of lecture per week plus required attendance at weekly department seminars.
AST 278 The Night Sky
(3 cr.) Emphasis on communicating knowledge of astronomy to others through the use of simple astronomical tools, including binoculars. Learn to operate a telescope and the planetarium equipment. Participation in public outreach events is required. Two 50-minute lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.
ESCI 290 Field Methods in the Earth Sciences
(2 cr.) Methods and equipment used in field geology and environmental assessment, including use of a Brunton compass, GPS, outcrop description and sketching, basic mapping techniques, well testing, soil sampling and description, stream flow analysis, notebook maintenance, field safety, and report writing. One three-hour lab per week. Lab sessions will typically involve outdoor activities. Two or more half-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 290 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 321 Structural Geology
(4 cr.) Study of the geometry and origin of rock structures such as faults and folds that are products of earth deformation. Emphasis will be placed on recognition and interpretation of structures through field and laboratory studies. Application to environmental and engineering problems will be discussed. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or more one-day field trips are required. This course is equivalent to GSCI 321 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 322 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
(4 cr.) Study of igneous and metamorphic processes and environments of formation. Application of chemical principles to the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Identification and petrographic microscope analysis of rocks will be emphasized in the laboratory. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or more one-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 322 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 350 Computer Methods in the Earth and Space Sciences
(3 cr.) Application and theory of computer applications commonly used in research and industry to solve problems in the earth, environmental, and planetary sciences. Topics to include applications of coordinate systems, geographic information systems, analysis of spatial datasets, digital elevation data sources and error assessment, application and evaluation of algorithms for terrain analysis, watershed characterization, hydrologic analysis and basic coding to enable automation of analysis procedures. Three hours of lecture per week.
ESCI 360 Research Methods in the Earth and Space Sciences
(1 cr.) Investigation of the process of research through development of an independent research project, including applying the scientific method, identifying research questions, writing a research proposal, project management, and communication of results via written report and oral presentation. One hour of lecture per week plus required attendance at weekly department seminars. This course is equivalent to GSCI 360 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 378 Earth and Planetary Science
(3 cr.) A comparison of the natural processes affecting objects in the Solar System with the goal of better understanding the geology and climate of the Earth system. Topics include formation of the solar system, impact cratering, and analysis of satellite images and geophysical datasets with the goal of understanding the evolution of planetary bodies, including Earth, over geologic time. Three hours of lecture per week. This course is equivalent to ESCI 378 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 418 Stellar Astrophysics
(3 cr.) Astrophysics of stars, including binary star orbital dynamics, stellar structure, nuclear reactions, and stellar evolution. This course is equivalent to ESCI 418 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 424 Geomorphology
4 cr.) Study of the processes shaping the Earth's surface and the landforms that they produce. Investigation of tectonics, climate, and human influences on landscape development. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or more one-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 424 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 425 Glacial Geology and Ice Ages
(3 cr.) Examination of the role of glaciers in Earth's climate system with a focus on the on-going ice age, the mechanics of glaciers and their role in large-scale landscape change, the effects of climate change on glaciers, and the characteristics of the glacial deposits of southern New England. Three hours of lecture per week. One or more one-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 425 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 431 Hydrogeology
(4 cr.) Overview of the factors controlling the occurrences and dynamics of surface and subsurface waters. Examination of flow equations, governing principles, as well as assessment of chemistry, geochemical evolution through natural and anthropogenic processes, quality, contamination, and remediation. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or one-day field trips. This course is equivalent to GSCI 431 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 441 Environmental Geochemistry
(3 cr.) Geochemical principles controlling occurrence and distribution of inorganic and organic pollutants in the soil, atmosphere, and groundwater, as well as processes involving contaminant mobility, fate and transport within the critical zone environments. Emphasis will also be made on various contaminant remediation techniques. Three hours of lecture per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 441 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 443 Principles of Soil Science
(4 cr.) Exploration of the fundamental physical, chemical, biological, and spatial properties of soils and processes governing soil formation, development, and differentiation. Soil classification, mapping, conservation, management practices, and human influence on soil quality and productivity. Lab activities will include collection and geochemical analysis of soil samples. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. One or more half-day field trips are required. This course is equivalent to GSCI 442 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 452 Independent Study in Earth Sciences
(1-3 cr.) Special work in laboratory, theory, or research to meet individual requirements in areas not covered by regular curriculum. May be taken more than one semester up to 6 credits. This course is equivalent to GSCI 452 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 455 Energy Science and Technology
(3 cr.) Scientific principles, technologies and impacts of energy resources, including fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), nuclear energy, geothermal, tidal energy, wind energy, solar energy, and indirect solar energy. Three hours of lecture per week. This course is equivalent to GSCI 455 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 460 Independent Research in Astronomy
(1-3 cr.) Investigation of a topic of current research interest as determined by the student in consultation with the faculty. Research technique, critical data evaluation, specialized knowledge, independence and originality are cultivated as the project develops. Written report and presentation are required. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.
ESCI 460 Senior Project
(1-3 cr.) Investigation of a topic of current research interest in consultation with a faculty advisor and as determined by student while completing the required pre-req ( ESCI 360 ). Research technique, critical data evaluation, specialized knowledge, independence and originality are cultivated as the project develops. Written report and conference-style presentation required at the completion of the project. Students may earn up to 6 credits of ESCI 460 . This course is equivalent to GSCI 460 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 470 Exoplanets and Astrobiology
(3 cr.) Exploration of the processes related to planet formation and evolution and the planetary conditions required for the emergence of life, as well as the astronomical techniques used to detect extrasolar planets, discern their properties (include potential habitability), and collect statistics on their occurrence in the universe. This course is equivalent to ESCI 470 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
ESCI 478 Image Analysis in the Earth and Space Sciences
(3 cr.) Application and theory of satellite image analysis to determine the properties of the surfaces of the Earth and other solar system bodies. Examination of elevation, surface morphology, mineralogy, vegetation cover, and land use through analyses of multi-and hyper-spectral visible and infrared, thermal, and radar images as well as derived datasets such as digital elevation models and gravity anomalies. Three hours of lecture per week.
ESCI 480 Internship in the Earth Sciences
(1-3 cr.) Students serving in the program will serve as interns, obtaining outside industrial and/or research experiences in an environment directly related to their specialization. Internships may be in any area of astronomy, environmental or geological sciences, meteorology, or planetary science. Projects will be supervised by one or more department members. Written report and conference-style presentation required. This course is equivalent to GSCI 480 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.
AST 490 Topics in Astronomy
(3 cr.) Selected studies in Astronomy which are not offered presently in the curriculum of the Earth and Space Sciences department. Course may be repeated with different topics. This course is equivalent to ESCI 490 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken with the same topic.
ESCI 490 Topics in Earth Sciences
(3-4 cr.) Selected studies in Geological Sciences which are not offered presently in the curriculum of the department. Course may be repeated with different topics. This course is equivalent to GSCI 490 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken with the same topic.
AST 495 Seminar in Astronomy
(1 cr.) Study of contemporary topics in astrophysics, astrobiology, or planetary science through individual readings, discussions, and presentations. May be repeated under a different topic.
ESCI 519 Topics in Earth Sciences
(3-4 cr.) Selected studies in the Earth Sciences. Combination of lecture, discussion, and student seminar presentations. May be taken more than once for credit under different topics. This course is equivalent to GSCI 519 and credit will not be earned if this course has been previously taken.