Earth Science Major
Why study earth science at CMU?
This interdisciplinary program offers a wide range of studies in meteorology, geology, biology, chemistry, and physics that will prepare students for a variety of careers. A program concentration in oceanography also is available. Consider these key features distinguishing these programs:
- Opportunities to work in close collaboration with faculty on research projects, senior projects, and capstone experiences
- The only university in Michigan and one of two in the Midwest that operates an island research station - the CMU Biological Research Station on Beaver Island located in northern Lake Michigan
- Practical experience opportunities through a semester or summer session at CMU-affiliated University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
- Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as the Conservation Club or the Geology Club
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Demand for management, scientific, and technical consulting services will be spurred based on need for energy, environmental protection, responsible land management, and water-related issues.
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services increased the hiring of many geoscientists, partly in response to the demand to provide technical assistance and management plans.
- Many will be needed to monitor the quality of the environment, including aquatic ecosystems, issues related to water conservation, deteriorating coastal environments, and rising sea levels - all of which will stimulate employment growth for geoscientists.
Career options
Graduates of the earth science program will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Consultant
- Earth Science Teacher
- Environmental Scientist
- Field Technician
- Geoscientist
- Research/Laboratory Specialist
- Marine Biologist
- Oceanographer
- Science Writer
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Earth Science Major
Advisors: Becker, Francek, Matty, Morgan
( Total: 35-36 semester hours
Note: At least 15 hours of the major should be at the 300 level or above. )
(6 hours)
Required Courses I
3
GEL 101 Physical Geology
An introduction to the surficial and internal earth processes that shape our world. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Ice Age. Credit may not be earned in both GEL 101 and GEL 100, GEL 105, or GEL 130. (University Program Group II-A)
3
GEO 205/GEL 205 Oceanography
Introduction to the properties and movements of ocean waters; to marine life, the ocean floors, and the effects of the oceans on man. Identical to GEL 205, credit may not be earned in both of these courses. (University Program Group II-A)
(3-4 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following:
4
MET 201 Weather
Nature of atmospheric processes, weather, and climate - why and how they vary over the face of the earth. (University Program Group II-A)
3
MET 240 Meteorology
Normally the first course for students majoring in Meteorology. Quantitative treatment of the atmosphere. Credit cannot be earned in both MET 201 and 240. Satisfies Group II laboratory requirement. Recommended: Two years of high school algebra or MTH 107. (Group II-B)
Select any ESC, GEL or AST course, or from the following:
( Notes:
GEO 210 AND GEL 102 are strongly recommended
You may not count both BIO 101 and BIO 105 )
3
BIO 101 General Biology
The study of living organisms. Fundamental principles of biology are integrated with local and global issues of current interest. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. No credit toward Biology major or minor. May be used toward satisfying the requirements of Integrated Science major or minor for students seeking certification in Elementary Education only. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: BIO 101, BIO 105, or BIO 110. (University Program Group II-A)
3
BIO 105 Introductory Quantitative Biology
Basic theories of biology including the characteristics of life, physiological mechanisms of organisms, patterns of heredity, and ecological interactions. Quantitative aspects of these topics. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Credit may not be earned in both BIO 101 and BIO 105. (University Program Group II-B)
3
BIO 203 General Botany
Study of the structure, function, physiology, evolution, diversity and ecology of plants. Prerequisites: One of the following: BIO 101, 105 or 110
3
BIO 218 General Zoology
A general survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on phylogeny, taxonomy, structure, physiology, and ecology of type examples of the major phyla. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or BIO 105.
3
BIO 229 Nature Study
Identification of local flora and fauna and their relationships to the environment. Materials important for teachers, and for outdoor and recreational directors.
3
BIO 240 Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecological approaches to issues of global environmental sustainability, with emphasis on preservation of natural resources such as soil, water, forests and wildlife. (University Program Group II-A)
3
BIO 340 Ecology
Interaction among plants, animals, man, and the environment. Prerequisite: Completion of University Program Group II (Natural Sciences) and a minimum of 45 hours of University credit.
3
CHM 111 The Interaction of Chemistry and Society
The impact of chemistry on our environment. Emphasis on water, air, and environmental pollution. Recommended for elementary school teachers. No credit toward major or minor. No previous chemistry required. (University Program Group II-A)
4
CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry
Elementary concepts of chemistry for students on curricula needing minimal chemical background, e.g., forestry, conservation, agriculture, nursing. Cannot be counted on major or minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry. CHM 131 and CHM 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Prerequisite: high school algebra (one unit). (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 131. Prerequisite: CHM 131 or permission of instructor.
1
GEL 102 Physical Geology Laboratory
Laboratory study of minerals, rocks, maps, and geologic processes. Should be taken concurrently with GEL 101, GEL 105, or GEL 301. Satisfies UP Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-Requisites: one of the following: GEL 101, GEL 105, GEL 203, or GEL 301. Credit may not be earned in GEL 102 AND GEL 100 OR GEL 130. (University Program Group II-A)
3
GEO 203 Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Fundamentals of geographic information science - including map interpretation and spatial data gathering, measurement, classification, analysis and display. Current computer mapping technologies are used in laboratory.
3
GEO 210 Landforms
Study of geomorphic processes including mass wastage, streams, and glaciation affecting the evolution and distribution of landforms in the physical landscape. Prerequisites: GEO 105 or GEL 101.
3
GEO 303 Geographic Information Systems I
Concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS). Capturing, storing, querying, and displaying geographically referenced data. Primary emphasis is on vector-based GIS. Prerequisite: GEO 203
3
GEO 305 Remote Sensing of the Environment
Characteristics and principles of sensing systems. Interpretation of photographic and electronic imagery of earth environment from airborne and space platforms. Recommended: 6 hours of geography or other environmental science.
3
GEO 330 Resource Perception and Utilization
Influence of physical, economic, political, and social factors on the total resource system.
3
GEO 500 Advanced Cartography
Advanced techniques for cartographic exploration and communication. Cartographic representation of multivariate data, interactive and animated cartography, and Web-based cartographic communication. Prerequisite: GEO 303.
3
GEO 506 Applications in Remote Sensing of the Environment
The study of imagery to reveal characteristics of natural and cultural environment. Photographic, thermal infrared, and radar imagery to be considered, emphasis on aerial photography. Prerequisite: GEO 305.
3
GEO 530 Land Use Planning
Study of land use planning history, concepts and techniques. Analysis of federal, state, and local government roles in planning. Examination of specific land use programs. Prerequisites: GEO 303; 6 additional semester hours in either or both GEO or PSC.
4
PHY 130 College Physics I
Mechanics, heat, kinetic theory, and sound. The mathematics used is algebra and trigonometry. The sequences PHY 130-131, PHY 170-171 satisfy minimum requirements for medical and dental schools. Prerequisites: MTH 106. (University Program Group II-B)
4
PHY 131 College Physics II
A continuation of PHY 130 that covers the topics of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 130.
4
PHY 145 University Physics I
Normally the first physics course for majors and minors. Mechanics of single and many-particle systems, conservation laws, statistical concepts, and gravitational interaction. Corequisite: MTH 132. (University Program Group II-B)
4
PHY 146 University Physics II
Electromagnetic interaction, electrical circuits, electromagnetic radiation, and optics. Not open to those with credit in PHY 131. Prerequisite: PHY 145. Corequisite: MTH 133.
1
PHY 170 College Physics Laboratory I
Experimental techniques of physics introduced by studying quantitative situations through error analysis, graphical analysis, small computer calculations, and linear measurements. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Corequisite: PHY 130. (University Program Group II-B)
1
PHY 171 College Physics Laboratory II
Laboratory experience for PHY 131. Introductory experimental techniques and instrumentation for electrical, optical, and nuclear phenomena. Prerequisite: PHY 170. Corequisite: PHY 131.
1
PHY 175 University Physics Laboratory I
Laboratory experience for PHY 145. Introduction to experimental techniques and the treatment of experimental data. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Corequisite: PHY 145. (University Program Group II-B)
1
PHY 176 University Physics Laboratory II
Laboratory experience for PHY 146. Introduction to electrical measurements and instrumentation. Introduction to techniques of optical measurements. Prerequisite: PHY 175. Corequisite: PHY 146.