Earth Science (ESC)                           Course Schedules

The complete description of Earth Science is found in the Department of Geography in the College of Science & Technology

Descriptions of courses approved for the University Program appear in italic type.

ESC 105 Physical Geography 3(2-2) F, Sp
Study of the processes and distribution of weather, climate, landforms, soils and vegetation. Satisfies University Program laboratory requirement. (Group II-A)

ESC 201 Weather 4(4-0) F, Sp
Nature of atmospheric processes, weather, and climate why and how they vary over the face of the earth. (Group II-A)

ESC 205 Oceanography 3(3-0) F, Sp
Introduction to the properties and movements of ocean waters; to marine life, the ocean floors, and the effects of the oceans on man. (Group II-A)

ESC 210 Landforms 3(2-2) F, Sp
Study of geomorphic processes including mass wastage, streams, and glaciation affecting the evolution and distribution of landforms in the physical landscape. Prerequisites: ESC 105 or GEL 101, or permission of instructor.

ESC 240 Meteorology 4(3-2) D
Normally the first course for students majoring in Earth Science concentration in Meteorology. Quantitative treatment of atmospheric processes. How and why rains, winds, and storms occur. Credit may not be earned in both ESC 201 and ESC 240. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or MTH 107. (Group II-B)

ESC 301 Climatology and Climatic Change 3(3-0) D
A study of major climate types, their controls, distribution patterns and significance. Examination of the causes and implications of climatic change. Prerequisites: one of the following: ESC 105, ESC 201 or ESC 240.

ESC 303 Synoptic Meteorology I 3(2-2) F
A description of the structure and evolution of synoptic scale weather phenomena. Theory and use of thermodynamic diagrams. Techniques used in numerical weather prediction. Prerequisites: ESC 240 or permission of instructor.

ESC 304 Synoptic Meteorology II 3(2-2) Sp
A description of the structure and evolution of mesoscale and cumulus scale weather systems. Mesoscale forecasting techniques and manual and computer analysis of meteorological data. Prerequisites: ESC 303.

ESC 305 Oceanography: Economic and Environmental 3(3-0) F (Odd Years)
Study of the world ocean as a fragile marine environment being damaged by pollution and exploited for resources. Examination of ocean politics and marine research. Prerequisite: ESC 205 or permission of instructor.

ESC 310 Surface Hydrology 3(2-2) F
The course seals with stream waters and their alteration of the landscape. Stresses the interaction of water, land and human activity. Prerequisite: ESC 210 or permission of instructor.

ESC 320 Glacial Morphology and Landforms 3(3-0) D
Patterns and processes in the formation and distribution of selected glacial features. Prerequisite: ESC 210 or permission of instructor.

ESC 330 Biogeography 3(3-0) D
Atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic influences on the world distribution of plant and animal life. Prerequisite: ESC 105 or permission of instructor.

ESC 334 Soil Science 3(2-2) D
An introduction to the physical, chemical, and biotic properties of soils; soil classification and mapping; and soil resource issues. Identical to BIO 334. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: 6 hours of environmental science; CHM 120 or CHM 131.

ESC 340 Micrometeorology 3(3-0) D
Radiation balance, heat and moisture exchange, and wind structure near the ground; influences of topography, soil type, cultivation techniques, and vegetation. Applications of agriculture, forestry, cities, and air pollution. Prerequisite: ESC 105, ESC 201 or ESC 240, or permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in ESC 341.

ESC 341 Micrometeorology Laboratory 1(0-2) D
Field measurements of micrometeorological variables; examination of the impact of variations in the environment on the local climate. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in ESC 340.

ESC 346 Air Pollution 3(3-0) D
Nature and sources of gaseous and particulate pollutants, their origin, transport, dispersion, modification, and removal. Factors related to industrial site selection and control programs. Prerequisite: ESC 105, ESC 201 or ESC 240, or permission of instructor.

ESC 350 Environmental Catastrophes 3(3-0) F (Even Years)
Causes and effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, dam failures, tidal waves, freak seas, plagues, epidemics, and similar phenomena. Prerequisite: one or more environmental courses.

ESC 397 Independent Study 1-3(Spec) F, Sp
Exploration of topics in geography/earth science agreed upon by student and instructor. Prerequisites: 6 hours of ESC; permission of instructor and department chairperson before registration.

ESC 400 Earth Science Education 3(2-2) F, Sp
Study of earth science in the K-12 science curriculum, including relevant teaching methods and preparation of lesson plans in accordance with the State Science Content Standards. Prerequisites: junior standing; 12 hours of ESC, GEL, AST credit.

ESC 403 Physical Meteorology 3(3-0) D
Fundamentals of radiative transfer in the atmosphere and its impact on global energy balance. Atmospheric thermodynamics and cloud microphysical properties. Prerequisites: ESC 303; MTH 133 or MTH 137; PHY 146; or permission of instructor.

ESC 503 Dynamic Meteorology I 3(3-0) F
A derivation and examination of the equations of motion, and first law of thermodynamics. Vorticity and its relationship to development of synoptic weather disturbances. Prerequisites: ESC 303; MTH 223; or permission of instructor.

ESC 504 Dynamic Meteorology II 3(3-0) Sp
Quasi-geostrophic theory and its application in weather prediction and diagnosis. Atmospheric waves, barotropic and baroclinic instability theory. Prerequisite: ESC 503.

ESC 546 Biometeorology 2(2-0)
Description, measurement and analysis of plants, animals, and human interaction with the climate. Prerequisites: ESC 201; one of the following: ESC 330, ESC 340, or permission of instructor.

ESC 575 Special Studies in Earth Science 1-6(Spec) D
Various special topics offered at an advanced undergraduate and graduate level. Topics announced in Class Schedule Book. Prerequisites: permission of instructor.

ESC 591 Internship 1-12(Spec) F, Sp
Experiences in applying geographic techniques to environmental analysis, resource management and business applications. Up to 3 hours credit can be applied to geography/earth science major. A full-time internship position for one semester may qualify for 12 hours of credit.  Identical to GEO 591.  Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.  Prerequisite:  permission of program advisor.

ESC 597 Independent Study 1-9(Spec) F, Sp
Exploration of topics in earth science agreed upon by student and instructor. May be taken only by arrangement prior to registration. Prerequisite: 12 hours of earth science credit; permission of both instructor and department chairperson before registration.

Credit Limitation. Courses in the department that are subject to graduate credit limitations under the policy covering unspecified content or variable credit are: ESC 568, 575, 597.

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