Course Descriptions

ESCI 102 : General Oceanography - NW

Oceanography and its relationship to other fields; physical, chemical, biological, climatic, and geological aspects of the sea. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

ESCI 103 : Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Geologic Hazards - NW

Study of the geologic environment and its relationship to humans, with emphasis on geologic features and processes that create hazards when encroached upon by human activity; including, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches, and solutions to problems created by these hazards. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

ESCI 104 : Conservation of Natural Resources - NW

Principles and problems of public and private stewardship of our resources with special reference to the Pacific Northwest. Includes labs and field trips. (4)

ESCI 106 : Geology of National Parks - NW

Study of the significant geologic features, processes, and history as illustrated by selected National Parks. Relationship between human history and geology and the impact of geology on our lives will be included. (4)

ESCI 107 : Global Climate Changes - NW

A survey of current climate change research. Students will develop and apply a fundamental understanding of earth systems through evaluation of geologic and other scientific evidence for long- and short-term climate change. (4)

ESCI 109 : The Geology of Energy - NW

Geoscientific exploration of natural systems and processes that create non-renewable and renewable energy resources. Issues of extraction and exploitation of diverse energy resources in a global context. Includes labs. (4)

ESCI 201 : Geologic Principles - NW

This course prepares students for upper-division classes in earth science by investigating earth materials and tectonic processes across spatial scales from the microscopic to the planetary and through geologic time. Emphasis is placed on learning how to form and answer geologically appropriate questions. Includes labs and field trips outside of class time. This course meets state education certification requirements for content in physical and historical geology. (4)

ESCI 287 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 288 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 289 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

ESCI 325 : Structural Geology

The form and spatial relationships of various rock masses and an introduction to rock deformation; consideration of basic processes to understand mountain building and continental formation; laboratory emphasizes practical techniques which enable students to analyze regional structural patterns. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

ESCI 327 : Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

Formational principles of surface-accumulated rocks, and their incorporation in the stratigraphic record. This subject is basic to field mapping and structural interpretation. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

ESCI 331 : Maps: Computer-Aided Mapping and Analysis

Computer-based Geographic Information Systems, digital maps, and data sources. The creation, interpretation, and analysis of digital maps from multiple data sources. Analysis of spatial information from sciences, social sciences, and humanities using sets of digital maps. Prerequisite: previous science (earth science preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. Familiarity with maps recommended. (4)

ESCI 332 : Geomorphology

Study of the processes that shape the Earth's surface with emphasis on the effects of rock type, geologic structure, and climate on the formation and evolution of landforms. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

ESCI 336 : Geochemistry

Study of fundamental geochemistry principles with focus on applications to investigations into a wide-range of earth and atmospheric processes and systems. Analysis and interpretation of student-collected and published field and lab data. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 and either CHEM 104 or 115 or consent of instructor. (4)

ESCI 342 : Climate and Earth Systems

Study of climate and climate change, past and present, including the impact of climate changes on earth systems, and the disproportionate impact these changes will have on communities around the globe. Prerequisite: ESCI 201. (4)

ESCI 345 : Tectonic Petrology

This class introduces igneous and metamorphic petrology by following rock compositions through several tectonic processes to see how petrology can be used to better understand large-scale tectonics. Students will interpret rock samples and 8 datasets to produce a comprehensive petro-tectonic analysis in a research-group like setting. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)

ESCI 387 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 388 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 389 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 401 : Field Trip

Field and on-campus study of major geologic sites in western U.S. Trips take place during spring break or at end of spring semester. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. A minimum of 4 semester hours of 300-level earth science courses. Pass/Fail. (1)

ESCI 487 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 488 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 489 : Special Topics in Earth Science

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ESCI 491 : Independent Study

Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Requires regular supervision by a faculty member. (1 to 4)

ESCI 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

ESCI 498 : Seminar

Discussion of professional papers and introduction to directed research for the Capstone project. Required of all majors in their senior year. December graduates should complete the sequence (ESCI 498-499) in their final full year. Prerequisite: at least 8 semester hours of 300-level or above courses in earth science. Pass/Fail. (1)

ESCI 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR

Culminating experience applying geological methods and theory through original literature or field or laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with written and oral presentation of results. Required of all majors in their senior year. Prerequisite: ESCI 498. (4)