Earth Systems Science
Faculty
M. Chapman, E. Jerde, C. Mason, S. Reid
Science Education Faculty
R. Boram, W. Gonzalez-Espada, J. O'Keefe, E. Roland
Program Competencies
Students will be able to:
- Identify earth materials (minerals, rocks, fossils, sediments, soils, etc.).
- Map and correlate bodies of rock, sediment, and soil using surface and subsurface data.
- Understand the physical processes that shape the earth's surface and interior.
- Apply knowledge of modern geologic processes to interpret the geologic record.
- Understand methods used to explore for and develop mineral/petroleum/water resources.
- Assess the suitability of sites for the construction of buildings, roads, dams, landfills, septic systems, waste lagoons, etc.
- Understand methods used to monitor, reclaim, and remediate sites impacted by mining, improper waste disposal, leaking underground storage tanks, etc.
- Recognize existing or potential geologic hazards.
Assessment Procedures
Performance of graduates on discipline-specific exit exam(s)
Survey of alumni regarding employment, acceptance to graduate school, strengths of MSU's Earth Systems Science program, and weaknesses of the program
Survey of employers or graduate advisors
Bachelor of Science
Area of Concentration
The Area of Concentration is intended for students who desire rigorous, broad-based preparation in most of the subdisciplines within geology. This program is strongly recommended for students who wish to attend graduate school.
Core
ESS 108 — Physical Geology |
4 |
SCI 110 — Intro to Scientific Computing |
3 |
*MATH 141 — Plane Trigonometry |
3 |
*MATH 152 — College Algebra |
3 |
BIOL 155 — Intro to Environmental Sci |
3 |
ESS 201 — Historical Geology |
3 |
PHYS 201 — Elementary Physics I |
3 |
PHYS 201A — Elementary Physics I Lab |
1 |
ESS 325 — Earth Structure and Tectonics |
4 |
ESS 350 — Geomorphology |
3 |
SCI 498 — Senior Thesis I |
2 |
SCI 499C — Senior Thesis II |
1 |
*MATH 174 Pre-Calculus Mathematics may be substituted for MATH 141 and MATH 152.
Option 1: Geology* (24-28 credit hours)
ESS 262 — Mineralogy |
3 |
ESS 263 — Advanced Mineralogy Lab |
1 |
ESS 300 — Petrology |
3 |
ESS 301 — Advanced Petrology Lab |
1 |
ESS 315 — Sedimentation and Stratigraphy |
4 |
GEO 351 — Geographic Information Sys |
3 |
Three electives from the following list: |
9-1 |
ESS 276 — Geologic Methods |
3 |
ESS 303 — Planetary Geology |
3 |
CHEM 332 — Environmental Chemistry |
3 |
ESS 340 — Oceans & Atmosphere |
3 |
ESS 376 — Environmental Geology |
3 |
ESS 379 — Invertebrate Paleontology |
4 |
ESS 425 — Hydrogeology |
3 |
ESS 499D — Geology Field Camp** |
6 |
Supplemental Requirements (15-16 credit hours)
CHEM 111 — Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
CHEM 112 — Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
PHYS 202 — Elementary Physics II |
3 |
PHYS 202A — Elementary Physics II Lab |
1 |
MATH — One course from the following: |
3-4 |
MATH 174 — Pre-Calculus Mathematics |
|
MATH 175 — Analytic Geom & Calc I |
|
MATH 275 — Analytic Geom & Calc II |
|
*Students planning to attend graduate school are strongly encouraged to take MATH 175, MATH 275 and Field Camp.
**Geology Field Camp may be used to meet the capstone requirements (SCI 498 & SCI 499C) for the Geology Option, and must be taken off-campus at an accredited university.
Option 2: Environmental Dynamics (21-23 credit hours)
ESS 262 — Mineralogy |
3 |
ESS 300 — Petrology |
3 |
ESS 340 — Oceans & Atmosphere |
3 |
ESS 376 — Environmental Geology |
3 |
ESS 440 — Biogeochemical Cycles |
3 |
Two electives from the following: |
6-8 |
ESS 276 — Geologic Field Methods |
3 |
ESS 315 — Sedimentation and Stratigraphy |
4 |
CHEM 332 — Environmental Chemistry |
3 |
PHYS 350 — Nuclear Science |
4 |
CHEM 360 — Analytical Chemistry |
3 |
GEO 345 — Environmental Geography |
3 |
GEO 351 — Geographic Information Sys |
3 |
GEO 355 — Remote Sensing of the Env. |
3 |
ECON 401 — Environmental Economics |
3 |
ESS 425 — Hydrogeology |
3 |
Supplemental Requirements (12 credit hours)
CHEM 111 — Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
CHEM 112 — Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
PHYS 202 — Elementary Physics II |
3 |
PHYS 202A — Elementary Physics II Lab |
1 |
Option 3: Earth & Space Science Education*** (21-23 credit hours)
ESS 340 — Oceans & Atmosphere |
3 |
ESS 303 — Planetary Geology |
3 |
ESS 440 — Biogeochemical Cycles |
3 |
SCI 402 — Integrated Teaching Methods |
3 |
SCI 403 — Integrated Field Experience |
3 |
Two electives from the following: |
6-8 |
ESS 315 — Sedimentation and Stratigraphy |
4 |
ESS 376 — Environmental Geology |
3 |
ESS 379 — Invertebrate Paleontology |
4 |
ESS 410 — Geol. Hist. Plants & Animals |
3 |
ASTR 311 — Astrophysics I: Stars & Stellar Evolution |
3 |
ASTR 312 — Astrophysics II: Galaxies & Cosmology |
3 |
Supplemental Requirements (10-14 credit hours)
ASTR 111 — Concepts I: Planetary |
3 |
ASTR 112 — Concepts II: Cosmology |
3 |
4 |
|
CHEM 201 — Survey of Organic Chemistry |
4 |
***Acceptance to the Teacher Education Program (described in the College of Education section) is required for students pursuing the Earth & Space Science Teaching Option. Courses required by this program for Certification in Secondary Education are:
EDF 207 — Foundations of Education |
3 |
EDF 211 — Human Growth and Development |
3 |
EDF 311 — Learning Theories & Assessment in Ed |
3 |
EDSE 312 — Educational Methods and Technology |
3 |
EDSE 483 — Class Organ & Mgt for Secondary Teach |
3 |
EDSP 230 — Education of Exceptional Teachers |
3 |
EDSE 416 — Clinical Practice |
12 |