Course Catalog

Earth Science Catalog Information


An Interdisciplinary Program
Program offered
• Minor in Earth Science (20 credits)

Faculty
Heidi L.K. Manning
Mark W. Gealy
Krystle D. Strand

The earth science courses fulfill the broadening core requirements of prospective science teachers and serve as elective offerings.

Minor in Earth Science
The requirements for a minor in earth science are 20 credits:
• ESC 104 – Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System, 4 credits
• ESC 302, ENVR 302 – Geology, 4 credits
• 12 additional credits from among the following areas:
– ESC 106 – Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Nebulae and Cosmology,
4 credits
– ESC 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 1 credit AND
ESC 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits
– ESC 480 – Independent Study, 2 to 4 credits
– Geology or meteorology courses available through the Tri-College University
– Other external earth science courses, upon approval of the department

Earth Science Courses


ESC 104, PHYS 104 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, PHYS 106 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, 1 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.