Majors & Minors

*New for Fall 2022!*
The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences has introduced a new set of majors and minors in Earth Science, Environmental Science, and Planetary Science.  The goal of these new programs is to provide greater interdisciplinarity and flexibility, while preparing students for a variety of careers in government, business, NGOs, and research.
Students who matriculated in FL21 or earlier are entitled to continue with the major / minor they have already declared.  However, all students are encouraged to consider these new opportunities.  For more details on each of the majors, please consult the Bulletin or review the list below.  Please contact Phil Skemer (Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies) for more information.

 

Earth Science Major

Earth Science is the application of natural science and mathematics to the study of the planet Earth, its formation, structure, evolution, and geologic hazards.

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science.

Math 131,132, and choose one of: (Math 233, 2200, 3200)

Chem 105 and Physics 191

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 5 Courses)

  • EEPS 317 Soil Science
  • EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
  • EEPS 385 Earth History 
  • EEPS 386 The Earth's Climate System
  • EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
  • EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
  • EEPS 409 Surface Processes
  • EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology 
  • EEPS 428 Hydrology
  • EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  
  • EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry            
  • EEPS 452 Introduction to Seismology                                    
  • EEPS 453 Interior of the Earth
  • EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics                               
  • EEPS 459 Geodynamics                                                                                  
  • EEPS 460 Introduction to Structural Geology                                                            
  • EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology

Additional Electives ( for breadth or depth) - Choose any three 300 - 500 level EEPS courses = 3 Courses

Skill Course: EnSt 380 Applications in GIS Geospatial Science, EnST 364 Field Methods in Environmental Science, EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology, EEPS 468 Geospatial Fields Methods, or EEPS 492 Field Camp = 1 Course

Capstone Experience: Build a portfolio of work from course based projects (such as Undergraduate Field Geology, Sustainability Exchange, Environmental Law Clinic, or Climate Negotiation Seminar), internship experience, or research. All capstones must be presented at the Spring EEPS Undergraduate Research Symposium = 17 Courses

      

Environmental Science Major

Environmental Science is the scientific investigation of natural systems including the hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, ecosystems, and landscapes which sit at the intersection of the Earth and humanity.

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science.

Math 131,132, and choose one of: (Math 233, 2200, 3200)

Chem 105 and Physics 191

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 342 Environmental Systems (and choose one of):
  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 5 Courses)

  • EECE 210 Introduction to Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering
  • Bio 381 Introduction to Ecology
  • EEPS 308 Topics in Environmental Sustainability
  • EEPS 317 Soil Science  
  • EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
  • EEPS 386 The Earth's Climate System
  • EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
  • EEPS 409 Surface Processes                                   
  • EEPS 428 Hydrology                                             
  • EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry                                                                                   
  • Econ 451 Environmental Policy or PoliSci 2010 Introduction to Environmental Policy
  • EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics   
  • EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology

Additional Electives ( for breadth or depth) - Choose any three 300 - 500 level EEPS courses = 3 Courses

Skill Course: EnSt 380 Applications in GIS Geospatial Science, EnST 364 Field Methods in Environmental Science, EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology, EEPS 468 Geospatial Fields Methods, or EEPS 492 Field Camp = 1 Course

Capstone Experience: Build a portfolio of work from course based projects (such as Undergraduate Field Geology, Sustainability Exchange, Environmental Law Clinic, or Climate Negotiation Seminar), internship experience, or research. All capstones must be presented at the Spring EEPS Undergraduate Research Symposium = 17 Courses

Planetary Science Major

Planetary Science uses the tools of geoscience and geospatial analysis to study objects in the solar system, including planets, moons, and meteorites.

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science.

Math 131,132, and choose one of: (Math 233, 2200, 3200)

Chem 105 and Physics 191

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 5 Courses)

  • EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
  • EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
  • EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  • EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
  • EEPS 459 Geodynamics
  • EEPS 460 Introduction to Structural Geology
  • EEPS 467 Planetary Mission Design
  • EEPS 473 Planetary Geology
  • EEPS 474 Planetary Geochemistry
  • EEPS 567 Planetary Materials
  • EEPS 568 Scientific Exploration of the Moon
  • EEPS 570 Planetary Geophysics and Dynamics
  • EEPS 576 Advanced Planetary Geology: Ice Worlds
  • Phys 3300 Planets and Life In the Universe

Additional Electives ( for breadth or depth) - Choose any three 300 - 500 level EEPS courses 

Skill Course: EnSt 380 Applications in GIS Geospatial Science, EnST 364 Field Methods in Environmental Science, EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology, EEPS 468 Geospatial Fields Methods and GPS course, or EEPS 492 Field Camp = 1 Course

Capstone Experience: Build a portfolio of work from course based projects (such as Undergraduate Field Geology, Sustainability Exchange, Environmental Law Clinic, or Climate Negotiation Seminar), internship experience, or research. All capstones must be presented at the Spring EEPS Undergraduate Research Symposium = 17 Courses

Minor in Earth Science

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science = 1 course

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 2 Courses)

  • EEPS 317 Soil Science
  • EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
  • EEPS 385 Earth History
  • EEPS 386 The Earth's Climate System
  • EEPS 401 Earth System Science
  • EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
  • EEPS 409 Surface Processes
  • EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology
  • EEPS 428 Hydrology
  • EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  • EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
  • EEPS 452 Introduction to Seismology
  • EEPS 453 Interior of the Earth
  • EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
  • EEPS 459 Geodynamics
  • EEPS 460 Introduction to Structural Geology
  • EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology

 

Minor In Environmental Science

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science = 1 course

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 342 Environmental Systems        ( And choose one of the following):
  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 2 Courses)

  • Bio 381 Introduction to Ecology
  • Econ 451 Environmental Policy or PoliSci 2010 Introduction to Environmental Policy
  • EECE 101 Introduction to Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering
  • EEPS 308 Topics in Environmental Sustainability
  • EEPS 317 Soil Science
  • EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
  • EEPS 386 The Earth's Climate System
  • EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
  • EEPS 409 Surface Processes
  • EEPS 428 Hydrology
  • EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
  • EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
  • EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology

Minor in Planetary Science

Required Courses

EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science = 1 course

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources and the Environment
  • EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Disciplinary Electives: ( 2 Courses)

  • EEPS 401    Earth Systems Science   
  • EEPS 407    Remote Sensing   
  • EEPS 437    Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology   
  • EEPS 441    Introduction to Geochemistry   
  • EEPS 459    Geodynamics   
  • EEPS 460    Introduction to Structural Geology   
  • EEPS 467    Planetary Mission Design   
  • EEPS 473    Planetary Geology   
  • EEPS 474    Planetary Geochemistry   
  • EEPS 567    Planetary Materials   
  • EEPS 568    Scientific Exploration of the Moon   
  • EEPS 570    Planetary Geophysics & Dynamics   
  • EEPS 576    Advanced Planetary Geology: Ice Worlds

 

Minor in Geospatial Science

Required Courses

Disciplinary Requirements: ( 2 Courses )

  • EEPS 387 or EEPS 587 Geospatial Science
  • Enst 380 Applications in GIS

Disciplinary Electives: (3 Courses)

  • Anthro 4803    Advanced GIS Modeling and Landscape Analysis   
  • CSE 217A    Introduction to Data Science *   
  • CSE 314A    Data Manipulation and Management *   
  • CSE 417T    Introduction to Machine Learning *   
  • EEPS 407    Remote Sensing   
  • EEPS 468    Geospatial Field Methods   
  • EnSt 481    Advanced GIS   
  • EnSt 482    Applications in Geospatial Intelligence   
  • EnSt 483    Introduction to Spatial Epidemiology   
  • ESE 417    Introduction to Machine Learning and Pattern Classification *

 

  *  Previous or concurrent enrollment in CSE 131 Introduction to Computer Science is recommended.

 

 

 

 

Geology Major

Geologists use a variety of observational and analytical tools to investigate the composition and structure of the Earth, with the objective of understanding how its features evolved over time. Planetary geologists may apply the same set of tools and principles to explore other objects in the solar system. Many geologists are employed by corporations or government agencies tasked with assessing natural hazards, natural resources, and the environment.

Required Courses

Core courses:

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Geology major. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

Starting in the Fall 2021, a new course -- EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment --  will be offered every fall. This course will take the place of EEPS 352 Earth Materials and will be required of all Geology majors. Students who have already taken EEPS 352 have fulfilled this requirement and will not have to take EEPS 340.


EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021) or EEPS 352 Earth Materials (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 353 Earth Forces
EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Additional required coursework:

Chemistry 105 & 106 or Chemistry 111A & 112A
Physics 191 & 192
Math 131, 132, & 233

Capstone experience:

All majors are required to complete a capstone experience during their junior or senior year.

Field camp:

Students must complete an approved geology field camp worth at least 6 units of credit. Most field camps take place over the summer and are coordinated by other universities. Additionally, the field camp requirement may be fulfilled by certain study abroad programs, or by successful completion of two semesters (6 credits total) of EEPS 496. Please contact Professor Brad Jolliff for more information.

      

 

Electives

Choose three of the following:

EEPS 385 Earth History
EEPS 409 Surface Processes
EEPS 317 or 413 Soil Science
EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 460 Structural Geology
EEPS 473 Planetary Geology
EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology (may not also serve as capstone)

Choose one of the following:

EEPS 319 Physical Oceanography
EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
EEPS 386 Earth's Climate System
EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
EEPS 408 Earth’s Atmosphere and Global Climate
EEPS 410 Remote Sensing Methods and Instrumentation
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
EEPS 444 Environmental Geochemistry
EEPS 446 Stable Isotope Geochemistry
EEPS 452 Introduction to Seismology
EEPS 453 Interior of the Earth
EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
EEPS 459 Geodynamics
EEPS 474 Planetary Geochemistry
EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology

 

Geochemistry Major

Geochemistry applies knowledge of chemical systems to understand the Earth, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Geochemists analyze elemental and isotopic abundances to understand physical chemical and biological processes occurring within the Earth system. Many geochemists are employed as consultants or in government agencies tasked with environmental assessment of soil, water, and air quality, as well as work in identifying and managing natural resources.

Required Courses

Core courses:

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Geochemistry major. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

Starting in the Fall 2021, a new course -- EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment -- will be offered every fall. This course will take the place of EEPS 352 Earth Materials and will be required of all Geochemistry majors. Students who have already taken EEPS 352 have fulfilled this requirement and will not have to take EEPS 340.


EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021) or EEPS 352 Earth Materials (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 353 Earth Forces
EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry

Additional required coursework:

Chemistry 105 & 106 or Chemistry 111A & 112A
Physics 191 & 192
Math 131, 132, & 233
Math 217 or Math 309 or Math 2200 or Math 3200

Capstone experience:

All majors are required to complete a capstone experience during their junior or senior year.

 

 

Electives

Choose three of the following:

EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
EEPS 444 Environmental Geochemistry
EEPS 445 Organic Geochemistry
EEPS 446 Stable Isotope Geochemistry
EEPS 474 Planetary Geochemistry
EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology
EEPS 511 Minerals in Aqueous Environments
EEPS 545 Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
EEPS 569 Thermodynamics & Phase Equilibria
EEPS 571 Meteorites

Choose one of the following:

EEPS 319 Physical Oceanography
EEPS 361 Structural Geology
EEPS 385 Earth History
EEPS 386 Earth's Climate System
EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
EEPS 408 Earth’s Atmosphere and Global Climate
EEPS 409 Surface Processes
EEPS 410 Remote Sensing Methods and Instrumentation
EEPS 317 or 413 Soil Science
EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
EEPS 452 Introduction to Seismology
EEPS 453 Interior of the Earth
EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
EEPS 459 Geodynamics
EEPS 473 Planetary Geology
EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology (may not also serve as capstone)

 

Geophysics Major

Geophysics is a subset of Earth and Planetary Science that uses quantitative tools from physics and math to understand the processes that control the evolution of the interior or the surface of a planet. A geophysicist might analyze seismic or satellite data, conduct laboratory experiments, or construct numerical models of complex systems. Many geophysicists are employed by exploration companies, by academic institutions, and by the government.

Required Courses

Core courses:

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Geophysics major. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

Starting in the Fall 2021, a new course -- EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment -- will be offered every fall. This course will take the place of EEPS 352 Earth Materials and will be required of all Geophysics majors. Students who have already taken EEPS 352 have fulfilled this requirement and will not have to take EEPS 340.


EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021) or EEPS 352 Earth Materials (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Additional required coursework:

Chemistry 105 & 106 or Chemistry 111A & 112A
Physics 191 & 192
Math 131, 132, & 233
Math 217
Math 309

Capstone experience:

All majors are required to complete a capstone experience during their junior or senior year.

 

Electives

Choose three of the following:

EEPS 319 Physical Oceanography
EEPS 386 Earth's Climate System
EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
EEPS 408 Earth’s Atmosphere and Global Climate
EEPS 410 Remote Sensing Methods and Instrumentation
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 452 Introduction to Seismology
EEPS 453 Interior of the Earth
EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
EEPS 459 Geodynamics
EEPS 460 Structural Geology
EEPS 553 Geophysical Data Analysis
EEPS 558 Advanced Geodynamics
EEPS 561 Advanced Seismology
EEPS 570 Planetary Geophysics & Dynamics

Choose one of the following:

EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
EEPS 361 Structural Geology
EEPS 385 Earth History
EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
EEPS 409 Surface Processes
EEPS 317 or 413 Soil Science
EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology
EEPS 437 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
EEPS 444 Environmental Geochemistry
EEPS 446 Stable Isotope Geochemistry
EEPS 473 Planetary Geology
EEPS 474 Planetary Geochemistry
EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology
EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology (may not also serve as capstone)

 

Environmental Earth Sciences Major

Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) is an interdisciplinary major that combines a solid background in Earth science with complementary breadth in other environmental disciplines, including anthropology and biology. Students completing the EES major often seek careers in academia, consulting firms, non-profits, or government agencies.

Required Courses

Core courses:

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Earth Sciences major. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

Starting in the Fall 2021, a new course -- EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment -- will be offered every fall. This course will take the place of both EEPS 336 Minerals and Rocks in the Environment and EEPS 352 Earth Materials and will be required of all Environmental Earth Sciences majors. Students who have already taken EEPS 336 or EEPS 352 have fulfilled this requirement will not have to take EEPS 340.


Phil 235F Intro to Environmental Ethics or Pol Sci 2010 Intro to Environmental Policy
Biol 2950 Intro to Environmental Biology
EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021) or EEPS 336 Minerals and Rocks in the Environment or EEPS 352 Earth Materials (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 317 or 413 Soil Science or EEPS 422 Sedimentary Geology

Additional required coursework:

Chemistry 105 & 106 or Chemistry 111A & 112A
Physics 191
Math 131 & 132

Capstone experience:

All majors are required to complete a capstone experience during their junior or senior year.

Electives

 

      Choose seven of the following, at least three from EEPS:

Anthro 361 Culture and Environment
Biol 2960 Principles of Biology I
Biol 2970 Principles of Biology II
Biol 349  Fundamentals of Microbiology
Biol 381 Introduction to Ecology
Biol 419 Community Ecology
Biol 4193 Experimental Ecology Laboratory
Chem 261 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
Chem 401 Physical Chemistry I
Econ 451 Environmental Policy
EECE 210 Introduction to Environmental Engineering
EECE 531 Environmental Organic Chemistry
EnSt 380 Applications in GIS
EnSt 405 Sustainability Exchange (may not also serve as capstone)
EnSt 539 Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic (may not also serve as capstone)
EEPS 219 Energy and the Environment
EEPS 308 Topics in Environmental Sustainability
EEPS 319 Physical Oceanography
EEPS 353 Earth Forces
EEPS 361 Structural Geology
EEPS 385 Earth History
EEPS 386 Earth's Climate System
EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
EEPS 407 Remote Sensing
EEPS 408 Earth's Atmosphere and Global Climate
EEPS 409 Surface Processes
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
EEPS 444 Environmental Geochemistry
EEPS 445 Organic Geochemistry
EEPS 446 Stable Isotope Geochemistry
EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology
EEPS 496 Undergraduate Field Geology (may not also serve as capstone)
Math 217 Differential Equations
Math 2200 Elementary Probability and Statistics
Math 233 Calculus III
Math 309 Matrix Algebra
Math 3200 Statistics and Data Analysis

 

Minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Because Earth and Planetary Sciences have natural links with many other disciplines, a minor is an attractive option for students majoring in a variety of other fields, such as biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The growing national concern for the natural environment and natural resources means that a minor in Earth and Planetary sciences is also valuable professionally to students who intend to pursue these and other fields.

Required Courses

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Earth and Planetary Sciences minor. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

For all cohorts up to Spring 2021, a minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences consists of at least four courses and 16 credits (see below). Starting with the Fall 2021 cohort all EEPS minors must take a minimum of 18 credits of advanced coursework (numbered 300 or above):


EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021) or EEPS 352 Earth Materials (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 353 Earth Forces

Two additional EEPS course numbered 300 or above (beginning in Fall 2021), not including EEPS 390 and EEPS 490 Independent Study, is required.

 

        

 

Minor in Environmental Earth Sciences

The minor in Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) is an attractive option for students majoring in a variety of other fields. The growing national concern for the natural environment and natural resources means that an EES minor is also valuable professionally to students who intend to pursue these and other fields, including law and architecture. Following the philosophy of the EES major, the minor combines interdisciplinarity with a solid grounding in Earth science.

Required course

Starting in Spring 2022, a new course -- EEPS 202: Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science -- will be offered every semester. This course is an alternative to EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment. Either EEPS 201 or 202 will fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Earth Sciences minor. Students may not take both EEPS 201 and 202 for college or major credit.

For all cohorts up to Spring 2021, a minor in Environmental Earth Science consists of at least six courses and 16 credits (see below). Starting with the Fall 2021 cohort all EES minors must take a minimum of 19 credits of advanced coursework (numbered 300 or above):

EEPS 201 Earth and the Environment or EEPS 202 Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
Biol 2950 Introduction to Environmental Biology
Pol Sci 2010 Introduction to Environmental Policy or Phil 235F Environmental Ethics

An additional three elective courses should be chosen from the list below.

 

Electives

In addition to three core courses, a minor in Environmental Earth Sciences includes at least three elective courses from the following list:

EEPS 308 Topics in Environmental Sustainability
EEPS 323 Biogeochemistry
EEPS 336 Minerals and Rocks in the Environment (until Spring 2021)
EEPS 340 Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment (beginning Fall 2021)
EEPS 352 Earth Materials (5 credits, counts as 2 courses) (until Fall 2020)
EEPS 353 Earth Forces
EEPS 385 Earth History
EEPS 386 Earth's Climate System
EEPS 401 Earth Systems Science
EEPS 317 or 413 Soil Science
EEPS 428 Hydrology
EEPS 429 Environmental Hydrogeology
EEPS 430 Environmental Mineralogy
EEPS 441 Introduction to Geochemistry
EEPS 442 Aqueous Geochemistry
EEPS 444 Environmental Geochemistry
EEPS 454 Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
EEPS 486 Paleoclimatology