Earth Science Department Courses
ESC 104 A, N – Introductory Astronomy: Solar System, 4 credits. E1. This course is an introduction to our solar system designed for students in all disciplines. Topics include: light and telescopes, a historical overview of astronomy, a study of the components of the solar system and a discussion of the formation of the solar system. Past, present and future space exploration missions are also covered. Three class periods and one laboratory/observing period each week. Prerequisite: high school algebra and geometry or MATH 110 – Precalculus ESC 106 A, N – Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Nebulae and Cosmology, 4 credits. E2. This course is an introduction to the universe beyond our solar system designed for students in all disciplines. Topics include: light and telescopes, the appearance of the sky, negotiating star maps, the physical nature of stars and their formations and life cycles, clusters of stars, gas clouds, and laboratory/observing period each week. (Introductory Astronomy: ESC 104 – The Solar System is not a prerequisite.) Prerequisite: high school algebra and geometry, or MATH 110 – Precalculus ESC 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 1 credit. B4. An introduction to the fundamentals of three earth sciences: astronomy, geology and meteorology. Designed to provide a background for students on the earth science May Seminar. ESC 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS. ESC 302, ENVR 302 – Geology, 4 credits. E2. A study of the structure of the earth, its dynamic nature, the processes of its formation and the forces changing it. A brief introduction to historical geology and regional geomorphology is included. Laboratory sessions will emphasize the study and identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of land forms and geological maps, a lapidary project, and a survey of the fossil record. A field trip to western North Dakota, eastern Montana and the Black Hills region of South Dakota is an integral part of this course. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week ESC 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program director for more information. ESC 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 8 credits. E. ESC 480 – Independent Study, 2 to 4 credits. E. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program director for more information.
Course Catalog
