GESC 114 National Parks and Monuments (2 hrs)
An analysis of the geology, vegetation, and wildlife that led to the designation of certain US lands as national parks, monuments, and recreational areas. The environmental impact of people on the ecology of these areas resulting from population pressures of camping, trail use, fire, tourist services, and recreational facilities; NPS conservation policies that govern preservation of our heritage. Illustrated lectures and demonstrations.
GESC 177/178/179 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GESC 202 Science for Elementary Teachers (3 hrs)
Lectures and laboratory deal with earth science concepts and teaching methodology. Nationally used elementary science curriculums acquaint the student with techniques of teaching basic earth science concepts. Emphasis on student-centered, process-oriented approaches widely used in elementary classrooms. Not open to students with credit in GESC 108. Lecture: two hours per week. Laboratory: one two-hour period per week.
GESC 208 Natural Environmental Hazards (3 hrs)
Analysis of devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, violent storms, freezes, and other environmental catastrophes, emphasizing their causes and human adjustments to these events.
GESC 227 Topographic Maps (2 hrs)
Interpretation of distances, slopes and terrain features as shown on topographic contour maps. Preparation of contour maps from numerical data and of topographic profiles from contour maps; the correlation of landforms and landform patterns with the geologic materials and processes responsible for them.
Prereq: GESC 108.
GESC 250 Introduction to Coastal Processes (3 hrs)
Description and analysis of the physical and biogeographical processes of ocean and lake coasts. Distribution and origins of coastal environments. Natural and human modification of beach, river valley, estuary, marsh, delta, and coral reef environments by waves, currents, and tides. Classroom demonstrations and field trips.
Prereq: GESC 108 or BIOL 105 or department permission.
GESC 277/278/279 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other department offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times as long as different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GESC 303 Field Geography (3 hrs)
Techniques in the observation and analysis of geographic features in the field. Emphasizes individual and group problem formulation, problem solving of geographic questions by using the scientific method, and combining traditional field exploration with the use of library aids.
GESC 305 Aerial Photograph Interpretation (3 hrs)
Analysis of black and white and color infrared photographs for land use planning, environmental assessment, geology, and resource management. Weekly lab exercises. Optional field trip.
Prereq: GESC 108 and algebra/trigonometry, or department permission.
GESC 309 Plate Tectonics (3 hrs)
An introduction to plate tectonicsÐi.e., continental drift and seafloor spreadingÐemphasizing the historical development of this new theory. Topics include the theory's influence on improving our understanding of the close relationships between earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain building, the formation of continents, and the origin of and eventual destruction of oceans. Lecture: three hours per week.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 or GESC 202 or department permission.
GESC 320 The Oceans (3 hrs)
A study of the world's oceans, including coasts, waves, currents, tides, sediments, marine geology, properties of sea water, the energy balance, oceanographic research techniques, and marine resources, stressing physical oceanography.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 or GESC 202 or department permission.
GESC 324 Weather (3 hrs)
Introduction to the properties and processes that create weather, including an analysis of conditions aloft, the formation of storms, and methods and problems of weather forecasting.
Prereq: GESC 108 or department permission.
GESC 327 Soil Science (3 hrs)
The mineralogical, physical, chemical, and engineering properties of soils as related to soil formation, groundwater movement, soil erosion, plant-soil relationships, and land development capability. Field trips and exercises required. Fall semester only.
Prereq: GESC 108 or GEOL 160 or department permission.
GESC 334 Weather and Climate Investigations (1 hr)
A laboratory course for weather and climate students; includes the techniques utilized and concepts involved in the fields of weather and climate. Two hours of laboratory per week.
Prereq: GESC 324 or GESC 424; may be taken concurrently.
GESC 347 Teaching Earth Science and Physical Geography (3 hrs)
The techniques of teaching laboratory-centered earth science and physical geography courses, emphasizing inquiry teaching and questioning techniques. Practical experience is obtained by teaching actual earth science and physical geography classes. A requirement for teacher certification in earth science, geology, and geography. Not open to students on academic probation.
Prereq: GESC 108 or equivalent and junior standing or department permission.
GESC 350 Biogeography (3 hrs)
Analysis of the distribution, geologic setting, and ecological function of inland freshwater lakes and Great Lakes coasts. Emphasis on sediment, vegetation, wildlife, waterfowl and fisheries resources.
Prereq: GESC 108 or BIOL 224; GESC 250 recommended.
GESC 377/378/379 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other department offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times as long as different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GESC 387 Cooperative Education (3 hrs)
Four to six months of full-time employment at a firm or agency chosen for imparting a practical educational experience in earth science or land use planning. The program consists of two work experiences (GESC 387 and GESC 487) alternated with full-time University attendance. A written report is required at the end of each employment period. Graded on a credit/no credit basis.
Prereq: Completion of sophomore year, earth science or urban and regional planning major. Admittance by application only.
GESC 401 Cartography (3 hrs)
A lecture-laboratory course in the techniques of map making and visual representation of geographic information. The study and construction of several map projections, the evaluation of maps, and the use of map-drawing instruments. One hour lecture and four hours laboratory per week.
GESC 402 Advanced Cartography (3 hrs)
A continuation of GESC 401. Emphasizes the student's production of thematic maps; the use of press-on materials, tapes and acetate overlays; scribing, computer mapping; reproduction techniques. One hour lecture, four hours laboratory per week.
Prereq: GESC 401 or department permission.
GESC 424 Climatology (3 hrs)
An analysis of the world's climate types, including characteristics, classification, controls, and their effects on world soils and natural vegetation.
Prereq: GESC 324.
GESC 425 Severe and Unusual Weather (3 hrs)
Analysis of cyclones, blizzards, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other catastrophic weather phenomena. Their environmental impact and prediction.
Prereq: GESC 424.
GESC 450 Lake and Coastal Management (3 hrs)
An analysis of modern coastal management problems of inland lakes and Great Lakes coasts. Selected topics include beach erosion, dredging, loss of wetlands, wildlife habitat degradation, and impact of shoreland development.
Prereq: GESC 250 or GESC 350 or department permission.
GESC 470 Quantitative Methods in Geography and Geology (3 hrs)
Introduction to current techniques and methods applicable to geographic and geologic problems. A laboratory course emphasizing statistical analyses and computer applications.
Prereq: Geography, geology, or earth science major, junior standing, or department permission.
GESC 475 Computer Mapping (3 hrs)
A laboratory course introducing interactive operation of microcomputers to produce maps on line printers and plotters. Students learn to develop and apply computer mapping graphics, databases, digitized data, and a simple geographic information system. Two hours instruction and two hours laboratory each week.
Prereq: A course in computer programming (FORTRAN) or cartography is recommended.
GESC 476 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 hrs)
Introduction to basic Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts, geographic referencing, and to available software programs. Includes theory on map projections, mapping techniques, data collection and compilation, and data analysis. Microcomputer oriented.
Prereq: GESC 401 or GESC 475 or department permission.
GESC 477/478/479 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other department offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times as long as different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.
GESC 485 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 hrs)
Introduction to remote sensing techniques and types of imagery, including multispectral, thermal, and radar images. Emphasis on image enhancement and interpretation in regard to land use planning and resource management.
Prereq: GESC 305 or department permission.
GESC 487 Cooperative Education (3 hrs)
Four to six months of full-time employment at a firm or agency chosen for imparting a practical educational experience in earth science or land use planning. The program consists of two work experiences (GESC 387 and GESC 487) alternated with full-time University attendance. A written report is required at the end of each employment period. Graded on a credit/no credit basis.
Prereq: Completion of sophomore year, earth science or urban and regional planning major. Admittance by application only.
GESC 488/489/490 Internship (4/5/6 hrs)
Supervised internship in some aspect of earth science or land use that is of mutual interest to the qualified student and the place the student will work. This experience is designed to integrate academic training with practical application. May be taken only once for credit.
Prereq: Department permission and placement.
GESC 495/GPLN 495 Environmental Assessment and Planning (3 hrs)
An examination of the program elements of environmental impact statements. Geobased data sources are explored and analyzed. Impact statements are prepared by the class and existing impact statements are evaluated.
Prereq: GPLN 215 or BIOL 224.
GESC 497/498/499 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
Advanced study on individual basis in areas in which the department does not offer a formal course. Normally restricted to proficient students in the senior year under the general conditions prescribed for honors courses.
Prereq: Department permission.