E&ES101 Dynamic Earth!

The earth is a dynamic planet, as tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions make tragically clear. The very processes that lead to these natural disasters, however, also make life itself possible and create things of beauty and wonder. In this course, we will study the forces and processes that shape our natural environment, as well as the effect we have on this world. Topics range in scale from the global pattern of mountain ranges to the atomic structure of minerals, and they range in time from billions of years of Earth history to the few seconds it takes for a fault to slip during an earthquake. Hands-on activities and short field trips complement lectures to bring the material to life. So put on your hiking boots and get ready to explore our planet.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES102 Dynamic Earth! Lab

Connecticut is rich with geologic features that can be reached by a short van ride from the Wesleyan campus! This course explores the Earth and environmental sciences through field trips that provide the opportunity to examine evidence for volcanoes, dinosaurs, glaciers, and rifting continents right here in Connecticut. This course is required for students enrolled in EES 101. 
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES102Z Natural History of the Connecticut River Valley

Please note: Readings and assignments will be due during winter break, prior to arriving on campus for Winter Session. Please visit the Winter Session website for the full syllabus -- http://www.wesleyan.edu/wintersession.



What did Middletown look like 200 million years ago? What about 20,000 years ago, or 200 years ago? The natural history of Middletown and the broader Connecticut River valley is a rich tapestry. In this course, we will explore some of its major threads, including the geologic, glacial, Native American, early European, and industrial histories. The primary goal of the course is to deepen your sense of place for this valley that you call home during your four years at Wesleyan. The majority of the class time will be spent visiting sites in the valley, both indoor and outdoor. You must be prepared to spend multiple hours outside, including walking up to two miles. The presence of snow may cause some trips to be postponed or cancelled. To remain flexible for these possible contingencies, students should keep the entire January 7-21 block open in their schedules.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES111F As the World Turns - Earth History, with Life's Ups and Downs (FYS)

An introduction to the major events that shaped our modern Earth over the 4.5-billion-year history of our planet. We discuss the composition of the early atmosphere devoid of oxygen, the great oxygenation event related to the emergence of cyanobacteria, snowball Earth, origin and evolution of life prior to 500 million years ago, and then a treatment of the major asteroid impacts, mega-volcanic periods, and other disasters that catastrophically modified the Earth and influenced all that lived on it. We close with possibly the biggest disaster of them all: the human era, with the climate crisis, pollution, and possibly the largest extinction event ever? We use the Earth and environmental sciences, astronomy, and the basic sciences to introduce and explain the processes that ultimately shaped our modern world.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES115 Introduction to Planetary Geology

This course will examine the workings of Earth and what we can learn from examining Earth in the context of the solar system. Comparative planetology will be used to explore such topics as the origin and fate of Earth, the importance of water in the solar system, the formation and maintenance of planetary lithospheres and atmospheres, and the evolution of life. Exercises will utilize data from past and present planetary missions.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES115F Introduction to Planetary Geology

This first-year seminar course will examine the workings of Earth and what we can learn from examining Earth in the context of the solar system. Comparative planetology will be used to explore such topics as the origin and fate of Earth, the importance of water in the solar system, the formation and maintenance of planetary lithospheres and atmospheres, and the evolution of life. Exercises will utilize data from past and present planetary missions.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES125 Black Speculative Fictions and the Anthropocene

The genre of black speculative fiction--in the form of literature, art, music, and theory--provides a generative framework through which to (re)think understandings of race, gender, sexuality, class, the body, disability, citizenship, and the human. Often couched as taking place in the "future," black speculative fictions also engage the past and critique the present. This makes the genre a critical resource for addressing the Anthropocene. The term "Anthropocene" first emerged from the discipline of geology in 2000. Scientists proposed that Earth had entered a new epoch (following the Holocene) in which "humans" had become geological forces, impacting the planet itself. However, the term Anthropocene raises numerous questions. What does it mean to think about the human at the level of a "species"? What constitutes evidence of the Anthropocene and when did it begin? Who is responsible for the Anthropocene's attendant catastrophes, which include earthquakes, altered ocean waters, and massive storms? Does the Anthropocene overemphasize the human and thus downplay other interspecies and human-nonhuman, animate-inanimate relations? Or does it demand a (potentially fruitful) reconceptualization of the human? Further, how does artificial intelligence complicate definitions of the human and, by extension, of the Anthropocene? Centering the work of black speculative thinkers and placing it in conversation with scientific studies ranging from marine biology and geology to cybernetics, this course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the Anthropocene that endeavors to (re)conceptualize the human, ecological relations, and Earth itself. Texts engaged will include: novels, art, music, theory, and scientific studies.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: HA-CHUM
Identical With: AFAM312, FGSS301
Prereq: None

E&ES130F Digital Storytelling with Maps: Science Stories (FYS)

Digital storytelling describes the practice of using digital tools to tell a 'story' in an engaging and compelling format. A story map is a digital storytelling tool that combines maps with multimedia content (e.g., images, video, text) to convey geographic information as a narrative. In this course, students will employ elements of cartographic design, spatial analysis, and data visualization within story maps as a means for creating interactive 'stories' about empirical scientific data. (No prior experience with web maps or story maps is required.) Students will explore multiple story map formats and their utility in the effective communication of science to scientists, the public, and policy makers.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES142F Astrogeochemistry: The Search for Life in the Solar System and Beyond (FYS)

This course will examine the role that geochemistry plays in our search for life in the Solar System as well as exoplanetary systems. We will examine the habitability of different environments on different bodies (Venus, Mars, Europa, Enceladus), and compare them to the environments of the ancient and modern Earth. We will consider what would constitute geochemical evidence of life in these different systems, and how this can aid us to interpret chemical signals from exoplanets. We will also critically evaluate past and recent claims of extraterrestrial life.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES151 The Planets

More than 100 planets are now known in the universe, eight of which circle the sun. NASA missions and improved telescopes and techniques have greatly increased our knowledge of them and our understanding of their structure and evolution. In this course, we study those eight planets, beginning with the pivotal role that they played in the Copernican revolution, during which the true nature of the Earth as a planet was first recognized. We will study the geology of the Earth in some detail and apply this knowledge to our closest planetary neighbors--the moon, Venus, and Mars. This is followed by a discussion of the giant planets and their moons and rings. We will finish the discussion of the solar system with an examination of planetary building blocks--the meteorites, comets, and asteroids. Additional topics covered in the course include spacecraft exploration, extrasolar planetary systems, the formation of planets, life in the universe, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ASTR103
Prereq: None

E&ES154F Volcanoes of the World (FYS)

In this First Year Seminar, we will discuss how volcanology was historically a descriptive science: people watched eruptions, looked at the deposits, and then tried to relate older rocks to the newly-erupted analogs. However, the science has evolved as the theory behind volcanic processes has been developed and researchers pursue investigations in the field, lab, and via numerical modeling. In this class, we will explore the nature and composition of the Earth and how plate tectonics controls the global distribution of volcanoes. We will discuss volcano types, magmas, minerals and rocks, and the complex interplay of chemistry and physics that shapes volcanic eruptions via nine case studies. Moreover, we will consider the effects these eruptions have had on human history, politics, and art.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES155 Earth System Science

An introduction to Earth system science intended for students pursuing the Earth and environmental sciences major and others with good high school math and science preparation. Earth system science integrates chemistry, physics, biology and geology to understand the Earth as an integrated planetary whole. The course will focus on the four major earth systems: land, water, air, and life and how their interactions determine past, current and future global changes. Required laboratory sections will meet every other week and include a combination of lab and field exercises.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES160 Life in the Oceans in the Anthropocene and Beyond

Little is known about life in the deep sea, the largest habitat on Earth, even about the largest animals living there, such as the giant squid. Humans, however, are severely affecting even these most remote areas of our planet, and wildlife populations in the oceans have been badly damaged by human activity. We will look at the amazing diversity of ocean life and the disparate building plans of its animals, and see how oceanic ecosystems are fundamentally different from land ecosystems. Then we will explore how human actions are affecting oceanic ecosystems directly, for instance by overfishing (especially of large predators and filter feeders), addition of nutrients (eutrophication) and pollutants, and the spread of invasive species, as well as indirectly, through emission of carbon compounds into the atmosphere. Rising atmospheric CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification and global warming, affecting the all-important metabolic rates of ocean life, as well as oceanic oxygen levels and stratification, thus productivity. We will try to predict the composition of future ecosystems by looking at ecosystem changes during periods of rapid warming in the geological past and see whether future ecosystems will become dominated by jellyfish, as they were 600 million years ago.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: CIS160, BIOL160
Prereq: None

E&ES195 Sophomore Field Course

This course is designed for sophomores who have declared a major in earth and environmental sciences. The course will give students a common experience and a more in-depth exposure to the department curriculum prior to their junior year. Students will be exposed to the wide variety of geological terrains and ecological environments of southern New England.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES197 Introduction to Environmental Studies

This course explores the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies to better understand the characteristics of human interaction with and dependence on the environment, and the causes and consequences of environmental degradation at local and global scales. We will explore key processes, characteristics, and phenomena of the natural world, and relevant human system and social dynamics. We will apply this information to identifying important issues and trends of global climate change and sustainability. Projects facilitate synthesis and application, skill development, reflection, and independent exploration.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS197, BIOL197
Prereq: None

E&ES201 Geology of Connecticut

The geology of Connecticut offers a unique opportunity to study the formation and deformation of rocks dating back more than a billion years. These rocks occur in belts that each record the arrival of exotic (plate tectonic) terranes that together built and rebuilt the Appalachian mountain belt. Few states in the nation possess a similar diversity of exposed rock and mineral occurrences. The course consists of weekly Friday afternoon field trips to key localities. Students will learn how to recognize and classify different rock types and distinguish their formational and deformational histories. Emphasis will be on learning (1) to recognize the clues to identifying the origin and evolution of the large variety of sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic, and igneous rocks in Connecticut and (2) to use them to reconstruct their plate tectonic context. We will include visits to historic sites that influenced our socioeconomic development such as the brownstone quarries and "copper" mines in the Connecticut Valley, and the granite quarries in the southeastern part of the state. A one-day required Saturday field trip will be scheduled during the first class meeting. Student co-enrollment in EE&S 213 or 223 or 230 is encouraged.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES213 OR E&ES223 OR E&ES230

E&ES205 The Shaping of a Landscape: Exploring the Geology of Western North America

In this course, students will explore the geologic history that formed the western margin of the North American continent over more than 600 million years. The first half of the course will review fundamental solid earth processes, including plate tectonics, sedimentology, and volcanology in the context of the geology of western North America, in preparation for a mandatory one-week field trip to the region during the first week of spring break. In the second half of the course, students will interpret their observations from the field in the context of the ongoing study of the geology of western North America.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES213 Mineralogy

Most rocks and sediments are made up of a variety of minerals. Identifying and understanding these minerals are initial steps toward an understanding of the genesis and chemistry of Earth materials. Crystallography is elegant in its own right. In this course, we will study the crystal structure and composition of minerals, how they grow, their physical properties, and the principal methods used to examine them, including polarized-light microscopy and x-ray diffraction.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES214 Laboratory Study of Minerals

This lab course presents practical aspects of the recognition and study of the common minerals in the lab and in the field. It includes morphologic crystallography and hand specimen identification, the use of the polarizing microscope, and x-ray powder diffractometry.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES215 Earth Materials

This course introduces students to the solid, natural, and nonbiological materials that make up our world. We will cover the fundamentals of mineralogy and the petrology of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. We will also discuss materials that are used by humans and form the basis of societies.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES216 Earth Materials Laboratory

This course will introduce students to laboratory techniques used in identifying and understanding rocks, minerals, and other Earth materials.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES220 Geomorphology

This inquiry into the evolution of the landscape emphasizes the interdependence of climate, geology, and physical processes in shaping the land. Topics include weathering and soil formation, fluvial processes, and landform development in cold and arid regions on Earth and other planets. Applications of geomorphic research and quantitative theories of landform development are introduced throughout the course where appropriate. This course must be taken concurrently with E&ES 221: Geomorphology Laboratory.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197 OR EES199

E&ES221 Geomorphology Laboratory

This course will introduce various methods of measuring landforms in the field, including stream measurement, hazard assessment, and the classification of glacial, volcanic, coastal, and tectonic features. The course includes laboratory exercises in the utilization of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and various remote-sensing techniques. This will include field trips to various locations in CT. This laboratory class must be taken concurrently with E&ES 220: Geomorphology.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197 OR EES199

E&ES223 Structural Geology

Structural geology is the study of the physical evidence and processes of rock deformation, including jointing, faulting, folding, and flow. Geologic structures can be used to interpret tectonic history and understand physical process responsible for geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. Many structures also exert a primary control on fluid flow in the earth's crust and thus play an important role in determining the distribution of natural resources and environmental contaminants. In this course students will learn the theoretical foundations, observational techniques, and analytical methods used in modern structural geology. Case studies are drawn from local field work (see description of E&ES224) and published data sets from around the world.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES523
Prereq: E&ES101 OR EES199 OR E&ES115 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197]

E&ES224 Field Geology

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of geological principles in the field. Emphasis will be on describing, measuring, and mapping bedrock geology and structures with applications to tectonics, mountain building, earthquake science, volcanology, and groundwater hydrology.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR EES199 OR E&ES115 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197]

E&ES230 Sedimentology

Sedimentary geology impacts many aspects of modern life. It includes the study of sediment formation, erosion, transport, deposition, and the chemical changes that occur thereafter. It is the basis for finding fossil fuels, industrial aggregate, and other resources. The sedimentary record provides a long-term history of biological evolution and of processes such as uplift, subsidence, sea-level fluctuations, climate change, and the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes, storms, floods, and other catastrophic events. This class will examine the origin and interpretation of sediments, sedimentary rocks, fossils, and trace fossils. Students must take E&ES231 Sedimentology Laboratory concurrently. There may be optional weekend field trips.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES197 OR ENVS197 OR E&ES155

E&ES231 Sedimentology Laboratory

This course provides macroscopic and microscopic inspection of sedimentary rocks. It will include laboratory analyses and field trips. There may be optional weekend field trips. E&ES230 must be taken concurrently.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197

E&ES234 Geobiology

Fossils provide a glimpse into the form and structure of ancient ecosystems. Geobiology is the study of the two-way interactions between life (biology) and rocks (geology). Typically, this involves studying fossils within the context of their sedimentary setting. In this course, we will explore the geologic record of these interactions, including the fundamentals of evolutionary patterns, the origins and evolution of early life, mass extinctions, and the history of the impact of life on the climate.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: BIOL233, ENVS233
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR EES199 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197]

E&ES235 Geobiology Laboratory

This laboratory course will explore more deeply some of the concepts introduced in E&ES234. Both the fundamental patterns and practical applications of the fossil record will be emphasized.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: BIOL229
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR EES199 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197]

E&ES236 Nuclear Power Plant Design and the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima Accidents

This course provides an introduction to radiation, nuclear physics, and nuclear power plant design. It will trace the steps that led to the three most well-known nuclear power plant accidents: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. It provides information useful for evaluating the impact of nuclear power on environmental decision-making.



Starting with a history of the atomic discoveries and fundamental physics that led to the atomic bomb production at the end of WWII, the course will then trace the design steps that allowed commercial nuclear power plants to evolve from those weapon-making discoveries. Finally it will trace the accidents and the aftermath from the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima nuclear power accidents.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS236
Prereq: None

E&ES237Z Forests: Ecology, Conservation and Futures

Forests are critical to the survival of humans and their fauna. Tropical and temperate forests, by their structure and composition, contain extraordinarily high biological diversity and provide critical ecosystem services with complex interactions with humans. This course will examine the structure, function, and diversity of tropical and temperate forests, with an emphasis on the ecological processes that shape plant and animal communities within these unique and diverse ecosystems. The class will examine major threats to the global forests and measures that may be put in place to allow for their recovery post disturbance. The course will be delivered though lectures, student-led discussions and debates and other in-class activities.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ENVS
Identical With: ENVS237Z
Prereq: None

E&ES238 The Forest Ecosystem

This course examines basic ecological principles through the lens of forest ecosystems, exploring the theory and practice of forest ecology at various levels of organization from individuals to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Lectures, lab exercises, and writing-intensive assignments will emphasize the quantification of spatial and temporal patterns of forest change at stand, landscape, and global scales.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL346, BIOL546, E&ES538, ENVS340
Prereq: [BIOL182 or MB&B182] OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197] OR EES199

E&ES240 Invasive Species: Biology, Policy, and Management

Invasive species account for 39 percent of the known species extinctions on Earth, and they are responsible for environmental damages totaling greater than $138 billion per year. However, the general population has little knowledge of what invasive species are or what threats they pose to society. In this course, we will explore the biological, economic, political, and social impacts of invasive species. We will begin by exploring a definition of an invasive species and looking at the life history characteristics that make them likely to become pests. Then we will consider the effects of invasive species expansion on the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem function, as well as their global environmental and political impacts. Finally, we will explore the potential future changes in invasive species distributions under a changing climate.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL226, ENVS226
Prereq: [E&ES197 or BIOL197 or ENVS197] OR [BIOL182 or MB&B182] OR EES199

E&ES242 Irrigation

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to support crop growth, playing a crucial role in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and global food security. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of irrigation techniques, systems, and management practices essential for optimizing water use efficiency and enhancing crop productivity. Students will explore various irrigation methods, including surface, sprinkler, and drip irrigation, analyzing their advantages, limitations, and suitability for different crops and environments. Key topics include soil-water relationships, crop water requirements, irrigation system components, irrigation scheduling techniques, and sustainable water management strategies. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on activities, students will gain the skills needed to design, implement, and manage efficient irrigation systems.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES542, ENVS231
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES197 OR BIOL197 OR ENVS197 OR EES199

E&ES244 Soils

Soils represent a critical component of the world's natural capital and lie at the heart of many environmental issues. In this course we will explore many aspects of soil science, including the formation, description, and systematic classification of soils; the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients through soil systems; and the issues of soil erosion and contamination.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197 OR EES199 OR BIOL182

E&ES245 Soils Laboratory

This course will explore more deeply the concepts introduced in E&ES244 in a laboratory setting. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of soil profiles both in the field and in the laboratory.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197 OR EES199 OR BIOL182

E&ES246 Hydrology

This course is an overview of the hydrologic cycle and man's impact on this fundamental resource. Topics include aspects of surface-water and ground-water hydrology as well as discussion about the scientific management of water resources. Students will become familiar with the basic concepts of hydrology and their application to problems of the environment.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES546, ENVS219
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES197 OR BIOL197 OR ENVS197 OR EES199

E&ES248 Environmental Investigation and Remediation

This course will cover environmental investigation and remediation methods in varying geologic settings and how they have changed over time due to regulatory changes and advances in technology. An introduction to various aspects of environmental consulting will be incorporated throughout the term using case studies, guest lecturers, and emerging trends and research from online sources.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS248
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR EES199 OR E&ES197

E&ES250 Environmental Geochemistry

This course is a qualitative and quantitative treatment of chemical processes in natural systems such as lakes, rivers, groundwater, oceans, and the atmosphere. General topics include equilibrium thermodynamics, acid-base equilibria, the carbonic acid system, oxidation-reduction reactions in nature, and isotope geochemistry. The associated lab course (E&ES 251) must be taken concurrently if offered. The lab course will be a service-learning course in which students work with a community organization to solve an environmental problem or a semester-long research project. There are no official prerequisite classes, but students should be comfortable with chemical concepts or should have taken introductory college chemistry or advanced high school chemistry courses.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS280
Prereq: None

E&ES251 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory

This course will supplement E&ES 250 by providing students with hands-on experience of the concepts taught in E&ES 250. Students must enroll in E&ES 250 at the same time. This course will emphasize the field collection, chemical analysis, and data analysis of environmental water, air, and rock samples. This course will be taught as a service-learning course where the class works with a community organization to solve an environmental problem or will work on a semester-long research project. The subject of this class will be announced on the first day of class.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS281
Prereq: None

E&ES253 Energy Sustainability: An examination of US, New England and Connecticut Energy

This course will survey the state of energy generation and use in Connecticut, New England, and the U.S. It will include fundamental characteristics of fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy, plus their impact on the local and national energy grid. It will examine how utilities maintain power, including the variable nature of many renewable sources. The course will also examine fuel reliability and impact on local and global air pollution. The course will examine pathways forward for the local and national energy grid. One to two site visits may be incorporated as part of the class, with potential sites including: ISO New England (Holyoke, Mass.), Trash-to-Energy (Hartford, Conn.), combined cycle plant, Kleen Energy plant (Middletown, Conn.), and Combined Heat & Power (UConn Cogen).
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS253
Prereq: None

E&ES254 Renewable Energy

This course is an introduction to renewable energy from an Earth science perspective, covering the physical principles of power generation from natural energy flows and the transformation, transmission, and storage of energy on the electrical grid, as well as topics from energy markets and utilization. We focus on hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, wave, and tidal energy, along with modern bioenergy. For comparison, we also briefly cover the conventional energy technology of fossil fuels and nuclear power. We discuss each renewable- energy resource, including the advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts of its accompanying technology. The course is quantitative with bi-weekly problem sets. Students are expected to gain theoretical and practical knowledge of renewable energy.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS239
Prereq: None

E&ES255 The Changing Ocean

The Earth is always changing, and we're currently experiencing some of the most rapid changes to have occurred within the history of life. This course presents a topical approach to major oceanographic concepts, particularly those impacted by an anthropogenic change, by linking core concepts in modern oceanography with paleoceanographic proxies and the fossil record. We will integrate geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography across multiple timescales to build a conceptual understanding of not only how the ocean works but how we can understand the past, present, and future of the world's ocean.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES257 Environmental Archaeology

Archaeological materials provide long-term records of how humans have modified past environments and how human societies respond to environmental change. In this course, students will learn how data from ancient plants, animals, and soils can be analyzed in order to draw interpretations about past human-environmental interactions. We will also discuss key topics in environmental archaeology, including the long-term environmental impacts of plant and animal domestication and debates over environmental causes for the "collapse" of civilizations such as the ancient Maya. The course will involve hands-on preparation and cataloging of plant and animal specimens to add to the Wesleyan Environmental Archaeology Laboratory comparative collections. Students must be available for one weekend class meeting to complete the first stage of animal skeleton preparation.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ARCP, SBS-ARCP
Identical With: ARCP257, ENVS257, ANTH257
Prereq: None

E&ES258 Community Paleoecology

The study of community paleoecology seeks to derive ecological meaning from the reconstruction of ancient ecosystems. From this vantage point, fossil assemblages are used to observe long-term patterns in biogeography, evolution, and organism-environment interactions. The overarching themes in this course will emphasize theoretical frameworks in community ecology and stratigraphic paleobiology that advance the collective understanding of how to read and interpret the fossil record to document ecosystem interactions over geologic history. Case studies from across Earth's history will underscore the necessity of examining past ecosystems to contextualize modern and future ecosystem structure. We will accomplish these aims with lectures, readings and discussion of the primary literature, and student presentations. Pre/co-requisites: BIOL182, E&ES101, E&ES115, E&ES155, E&ES197, or E&ES199.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS288
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR ENVS197 OR EES199 OR BIOL182

E&ES259 Introductory Ecological Methods in R

This lab class is required of students enrolled in the accompanying lecture (EES 258). We will learn to use R to analyze paleontological records with multivariate methods and specifically become familiar with the vegan package for interpreting large ecological datasets such as species abundance data. Prior knowledge of or experience with R is not a prerequisite and beginners are especially encouraged to enroll in this course. Students with intermediate and advanced R skills are still welcome to enroll, but should recognize that much of this course will focus on the beginner experience. Assignments and projects will be collaborative, such that students across experience levels will work together to complete the course material. Pre/co-requisites: BIOL181/BIOL182, E&ES101, E&ES115, E&ES155, E&ES197, or E&ES199.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: None
Identical With: ENVS289
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR EES155OR ENVS197 OR EES199 OR BIOL182

E&ES260 Oceans and Climate

Earth's climate is not static. Even without human intervention, the climate has changed, but mostly at a slower rate. In this course we will study the major properties of the ocean and its circulation and changes in climate during the Cenozoic Era (the past 66 million years). We will examine the effects of variations in greenhouse gas concentrations, the locations of continents, and the circulation patterns of oceans and atmosphere. Once a basic understanding of the climate system is attained, the focus will be on how we know about past climates. Through reading and in-class exercises students will look at data from sediment cores, ice cores, and tree rings to learn about past climates. The final project will investigate measures humans can take to slow the rate of climate change. It is possible and must be done. Although this course is offered pass/fail, participants are expected to maintain a grade of B- or better to pass.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS290, E&ES560
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197

E&ES261 Techniques in Ocean and Climate Investigations

Weekly field trips, computer and/or laboratory exercises will allow us to see how climate and oceans function today and in the past. We will use data sets from international organizations to examine what we know about past climates. There may be an opportunity to use a climate model, En-ROADS, with a community group to investigate what can be done to reduce greenhouse gases input to the atmosphere. Although this course is offered pass/fail, participants are expected to maintain a grade of B- or better to pass.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS292
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197] OR EES199

E&ES262 An Inspection of Human-Wildlife Interactions

Humans adore their animals, but only some types of animals. Do animals adore humans? Do all animals care about humans? While this class does not set out to specifically answer these questions, it will explore the complex relationship between humans and animals, in particular how humans view and approach wild animals. The class will take a historical view of humans and their interactions with wildlife and move through to the more modern tools and strategies used to better appreciate the value of wild animals in both terrestrial and marine settings. Through a series of lectures, data analysis sessions, and data collection exercises, the class will examine how humans perceive wild animals, in particular, and seek to understand how human wildlife-interactions scenarios may impact the survivability of both humans and wildlife alike. Students will analyze data on human-wildlife conflict, and develop projects aimed at understanding how people perceive various species of wild animals.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR EES 197 OR EES199

E&ES270 Quantitative Methods for the Biological and Environmental Sciences

This course offers an applied approach to statistics used in the biological, environmental, and earth sciences. Statistics will be taught from a geometric perspective so that students can more easily understand the derivations of formulae. We will learn about deduction and hypothesis testing as well as the assumptions that methods make and how violations affect applied outcomes. Emphasis will be on analysis of data, and there will be many problem sets to solve to help students become fluent with the methods. The course will focus on data and methods for continuous variables. In addition to basic statistics, we will cover regression, ANOVA, and contingency tables.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL242, BIOL542, E&ES570, ENVS242
Prereq: None

E&ES271Z Mapping the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the global community's daily relationship with space and movement, both at a hyperlocal scale of social distancing to a global scale of disease spread. Spatiotemporal visualizations in the form of maps and apps have allowed us to watch the worldwide spread of COVID-19 and keep tabs on local case counts in our own spaces. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide citizens, researchers, health care providers, and policy makers with a powerful analytical framework for visualization, data exploration, spatial pattern recognition, response planning, and decision making within our life in the time of COVID-19. This course is designed to develop spatial thinking and visualization skills relevant to COVID-19. Students will look at (and critically evaluate) existing maps and apps related to the current pandemic, create their own maps and apps, and critically evaluate their classmates' maps and apps. Class meetings will consist of case study lectures/discussions, instructor-led skill-building workshops, studio work sessions, and presentation/critique sessions. Spatial data collection, management, analysis, and visualization will occur within a cloud-based GIS (ArcGIS Online). Readings prior to the first class will establish a baseline for student comprehension of the breadth of applied geospatial thinking in today's research arena. The course is aimed at students with limited or no prior GIS experience.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: QAC232Z
Prereq: None

E&ES274 Strategies in Conservation and Environmental Action

This course is only open to Wesleyan sophomores and above, with permission of instructor during pre-registration. This course provides students with a framework for better understanding how environmental policy, programs, and change goals are developed and actions are taken. Content will provide students with information from different disciplines in order to better understand the context, challenges, and intent of a specific environmental project to be addressed by the class over the course of the semester. The class project will have a land or material management focus and be developed with an environmental partner. Content topics may include logistics and impacts of various management systems; ecosystem function and landscape ecology; environmental policy and stakeholder dynamics; data collection and analysis; and communications and education. Project work will include research, meetings, and field work, including service work that contributes to short-term goals and tests protocol. Time required may vary by week. Class periods, assessments, and readings will be right-sized to facilitate this time commitment. Students will be assigned project tasks according to their major and skills. The class will collectively produce and present finished products to the environmental partner. Projects change with each semester and vary in emphasis and ecological vs. social components.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ENVS
Identical With: ENVS244
Prereq: None

E&ES275 Remote Sensing for Natural Hazards

This course explores the role of remote sensing in monitoring and mitigating natural hazards. Students will learn how to acquire, process, and analyze remote sensing data, with a specific focus on both optical and radar satellite data. These technologies will be applied to assess the spatial extent, severity, and risk of natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanic activity. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how different types of remotely sensed data interact with various environmental features, such as landforms, vegetation, and water bodies. Through a combination of lectures, data analysis exercises, and practical applications, students will gain hands-on experience in using remote sensing tools to develop hazard models and response strategies. Case studies from recent natural disasters will be used to illustrate key concepts. Prior knowledge of GIS or geospatial analysis is recommended.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS258
Prereq: None

E&ES280 Introduction to GIS

Geographical information systems (GIS) are powerful tools for organizing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. GIS has applications in a wide variety of fields including the natural sciences, public policy, business, and the humanities; literally any field that uses spatially distributed information. In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of GIS with an emphasis on practical application of GIS to problems from a range of disciplines. The course will cover the basic theory of GIS, data collection and input, data management, spatial analysis, visualization, and map preparation. Coursework will include lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES580, ENVS278
Prereq: None

E&ES281 GIS Service-Learning Laboratory

This course supplements E&ES280 by providing students the opportunity to apply GIS concepts and skills to solve local problems in environmental sciences. Small groups of students will work closely with community groups to design a GIS, collect and analyze data, and draft a professional-quality report to the community.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES581
Prereq: None

E&ES282 Earthwatch: Satellite Data Storytelling for Science Communication

The fingerprint of human activity on planet Earth continues to magnify as we move deeper and deeper into the Anthropocene. Satellite remote sensing is a rapidly developing field for monitoring and visualizing planetary change in real time. Vast amounts of satellite data are now freely available for documenting, mapping, and communicating the impacts of natural and human disturbances on the Earth system. Students in this course will learn how to 1) analyze remotely sensed imagery using open-source software, 2) make high-quality maps documenting planetary change, and 3) communicate satellite data patterns to broad audiences using data storytelling. Students will master a wide range of techniques for detecting and articulating the stories behind satellite images and data sets through visual, oral, and written assignments aimed at diverse public audiences.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.50
Gen Ed Area: None
Identical With: ENVS298
Prereq: E&ES115 OR E&ES101 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197 OR ENVS197

E&ES283 Drones and Change

Civilian use of unoccupied aerial vehicles or drones to capture data and measure change can enhance our understanding of the natural and built environments. While drones are increasingly available for entry-level to professional level adoption, there remains value in understanding how the infrastructure for their development and deployment have evolved and what is required to ensure their continued safe and ethical utility of these devices. In this class, we will explore the legal and infrastructure elements of drone development and deployment for civilian utility of drones, while working on data collection, analysis, and interpretation that will allow students to better appreciate the value and utility of drones. Over the course of the semester, students will work on understanding and building drones, collecting data with small drones, examining the commercial versus open-source platforms for drones, and preparing to take the Federal Aviation Authority Part 107 license to allow them to fly drones safely.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS269, IDEA283
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197

E&ES284 Drones and Change Lab

Civilian use of unoccupied aerial vehicles or drones to capture data and measure change can enhance our understanding of the natural and built environments. While drones are increasingly available for entry-level to professional level adoption, there remains value in understanding how the infrastructure for their development and deployment have evolved and what is required to ensure their continued safe and ethical utility of these devices. In this class, we will explore the legal and infrastructure elements of drone development and deployment for civilian utility of drones, while working on data collection, analysis, and interpretation that will allow students to better appreciate the value and utility of drones. Over the course of the semester, students will work on understanding and building drones, collecting data with small drones, examining the commercial versus open-source platforms for drones, and preparing to take the Federal Aviation Authority Part 107 license to allow them to fly drones safely.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS299
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197

E&ES301 New England Geology

For more than a century, students and professionals interested in the geology of New England have gathered at the annual meeting of the New England Intercollegiate Geologic Conference (NEIGC), a weekend of field-based education. In this seminar, we will choose three NEIGC fieldtrips to attend, study the appropriate background material in preparation for the trips, and compile our own guide to the trips that summarizes the appropriate background material. The class will culminate in attendance at the annual NEIGC meeting on the weekend of October 12-14, 2018 in the Lake George region of Upstate New York and Vermont.



At the end of this course, you will not only know a lot more about New England geology and have met many current and future field geologists, but you will also have learned to synthesize the literature to assess the current state of knowledge and evaluate how field studies can advance our understanding of regional geology and environmental issues.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES306 Ecology and Natural History of Freshwater Fishes of South America

South America has the highest diversity of freshwater fishes anywhere in the world. In fact, there are more than twice the number of mammals and about the same number of birds in the world. Why has this remarkable radiation occurred in a relatively short period of time? How can so many fishes coexist in the same rivers, utilizing the same resources? In this intensive course, we will travel to Colombia during spring break (March 7-21) in order to gain firsthand knowledge about the ecology and natural history of freshwater fishes in South America. We will learn about the ecological and environmental factors that contribute to perhaps the largest biological radiation on the planet.



Students will obtain firsthand experience with the South American tropics, freshwater fishes, and with doing experiments in the field. Each day there will be a combination of lectures and field or laboratory exercises. We will travel to and explore fish ecology in different types of rivers at different elevations. Students will gather and analyze data about biological, physical, and environmental issues that are covered in the lectures. The habitats that we explore will be both terrestrial and freshwater rivers. Our base will be at the Instituto Humboldt in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. We will interact with Colombian students who are studying ecology and biodiversity at the Institute in order to exchange ideas about current environmental issues.



All the costs of travel, lodging, and meals will be covered by the course.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: ENVS306, BIOL306
Prereq: None

E&ES312 Global Change Biogeography

On our home planet, Earth, the current geologic epoch is characterized by rapid changes to the environment due to human behavior. Biogeography examines the spatiotemporal distribution of life on Earth, from species to ecosystems and from landscapes to continents. How is anthropogenic climate change modifying the distribution and function of organisms and ecosystems? What can we learn from the evolutionary history of the life-planet system that can help us understand the possible impacts of future climates on the biosphere? To address these questions rigorously, we will explore primary literature from a wide range of theoretical and empirical studies. The course emphasizes inquiry, contact with primary literature, discussion, statistical and spatial coding, learning to obtain data, and visualization. The beginning of the semester provides an overview of physical geography and the Earth System, with field and data experiences that build remote sensing and spatial analysis skills. The second half of the semester is focused on the exploration of relevant scientific literature based on student interests and recent papers, as well as independent research projects.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: BIOL312, ENVS311
Prereq: None

E&ES313 Petrogenesis of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

This course studies the occurrence and origin of volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks and how to read the record they contain. Topics will include the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks, but emphasis will be on the geological, chemical, and physical processes taking place at and beneath volcanoes, in the Earth's mantle, and within active orogenic belts.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES513
Prereq: E&ES213 OR E&ES215

E&ES314 Laboratory Study of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

This lab course focuses on the recognition and study of volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and in thin section.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: (E&ES213 AND E&ES215)

E&ES317 Volcanology

Volcanic eruptions, among the most impressive natural phenomena, have been described throughout history. In this course, we will look at the physical and chemical processes that control volcanic eruptions and their environmental impacts. We also examine the direct impact on humanity, ranging from destructive ashfalls to climate change, and the benefits of volcanoes for society (e.g., geothermal energy, ore deposits).
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES517
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES213 OR E&ES215

E&ES319 Meteorites and Cosmochemistry

This course will focus on the materials in the world's collection of extraterrestrial samples and what they tell us about Earth, our nearest planetary neighbors, and the origin of our solar system. Planetary geochemical processes will be discussed through the examination of samples from comets, asteroids, Mars, the moon, Vesta, and Earth. Other topics covered will be impact cratering and the delivery of meteorites to Earth. Meteorites teach us about the earliest history of planet formation in this solar system, and we will compare this to what is observed in other solar systems. The course is intended for majors and graduate students in Wesleyan's Natural Science and Mathematics (NSM) division.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES519
Prereq: None

E&ES320 Meteorites Laboratory

This will be the lab component of E&ES319 Meteorites and Cosmochemistry and must be taken concurrently. This class will be primarily hands-on learning using extraterrestrial materials and their terrestrial analogs.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES520
Prereq: None

E&ES321 Planetary Evolution

Why are we the only planet in the solar system with oceans, plate tectonics, and life? This course examines how fundamental geologic processes operate under the unique conditions that exist on each planet. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that control the different evolutionary histories of the planets. Much of the course will utilize recent data from spacecraft. Readings of the primary literature will focus on planetary topics that constrain our understanding of geology as well as the history and fate of our home, the Earth.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES521
Prereq: E&ES213 OR E&ES220 OR [E&ES223 or E&ES523] OR [E&ES250 or ENVS280]

E&ES325 Geologic Field Mapping

In this project-based service learning course students will learn to construct accurate large-scale (>1:24000) geologic maps (2D) and photo-realistic outcrop models (3D). They will apply these skills to make maps and models of local open-spaces to enhance recreational use and environmental education. The specific mapping technologies learned and applied will depend on the project and be determined in consultation with community partners. Methods may include GPS and/or total station surveying, structure from motion (photogrammetric) ranging, lidar data processing and analysis, drone imaging, and GIS synthesis. The instructor will introduce the theory and practice for each method used.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES201 OR E&ES213 OR E&ES215 OR E&ES220 OR E&ES223 OR E&ES230

E&ES327 The Microbial Fossil Record

This course invites students to investigate the fossil record of microbial life to reveal the outsized impact microbes have on Earth and environmental systems. We will explore topics such as the origin of life, micropaleontology, marine biogeochemistry, biological oceanography, environmental microbiology, and astrobiology. This course will present students with the opportunity to engage with primary literature, write integrative narratives, and craft microbially inspired creative works.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ENVS327, E&ES527
Prereq: None

E&ES329 Fire Ecology and Management

Fire is a fundamental ecological disturbance process that regulates the structure and function of plant communities worldwide. However, increasing aridity under climate change and shifting human land use in recent centuries have altered fire behavior, imperiling many species. This course explores the ecological and social aspects of fire and sustainable fire management on planet Earth. Students examine shifting fire regimes over time, from indigenous use of fire prior to European colonization of the globe, to contemporary fire management. Class participants study the effects of global climate change on fire regimes and how such changes influence contemporary fire regimes and human livelihoods. The course format consists of a mixture of lectures, field exercises, active class discussions, student presentations, and research papers.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ENVS
Identical With: ENVS329
Prereq: BIOL182 or ENVS197 or BIOL216 or EES199

E&ES336 Global Change Biogeography

On our home planet, Earth, the current geologic epoch is characterized by rapid changes to the environment due to human behavior. Biogeography examines the spatiotemporal distribution of life on Earth, from species to ecosystems and from landscapes to continents. How is anthropogenic climate change modifying the distribution and function of organisms and ecosystems? What can we learn from the evolutionary history of the life-planet system that can help us understand the possible impacts of future climates on the biosphere? To address these questions rigorously, we will explore primary literature from a wide range of theoretical and empirical studies. The course emphasizes inquiry, contact with primary literature, discussion, statistical and spatial coding, learning to obtain data, and visualization. The beginning of the semester provides an overview of physical geography and the Earth System, with field and data experiences that build remote sensing and spatial analysis skills. The second half of the semester is focused on the exploration of relevant scientific literature based on student interests and recent papers, as well as independent research projects.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES342 Ecological Resilience: The Good, the Bad, and the Mindful

This course will examine the concepts of resilience, fragility, and adaptive cycles in the context of ecosystem and social-ecological-system (SES) structures. These concepts have been developed to explain abrupt and often surprising changes in complex ecosystems and SES that are prone to disturbances. We will also include nonhierarchical interactions among components of systems (termed panarchy) to compare the interactions and dependencies of ecological and human community systems. A systems approach will be applied to thinking about restoration ecology, community reconstruction, and adaptive management theory.



All of the terms--resilience, fragility, adaptation, restoration, reconstruction--are fraught with subjectivity and valuation. We will use mindfulness and meditation techniques (including breathing and yoga) to more objectively and dynamically engage in the subject matter, leaving behind prejudice or bias. Students will be expected to approach these techniques with an open mind and practice them throughout the semester. The objective is to provide students with a more comprehensive framework with which to gain deeper understanding and integration of the science with the social issues.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ENVS
Identical With: ENVS369, BIOL368
Prereq: [E&ES197 or BIOL197] OR [BIOL182 or MB&B182]

E&ES350 Animals in Archaeology

This laboratory course will explore how zooarchaeological methods for analyzing animal bones and teeth excavated from archaeological sites allow us to reconstruct ancient human-animal-environmental interactions. We will cover a range of topics and techniques, including hands-on sessions for the identification and quantification of faunal remains. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify every bone in the mammalian skeleton and distinguish between the bones of common non-mammalian taxa. Additional topics will include ancient DNA in zooarchaeology, bone stable isotope analyses, human-caused extinctions, animal domestication, bone artifact production, and animal sacrifice.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ARCP, SBS-ARCP
Identical With: ARCP350, ENVS348
Prereq: None

E&ES359 Global Climate Change

The climate of the earth has been changing over the course of earth history. Over the last few decades, we have come to realize that humans may be the strongest driver of climate change in the 20th century and near future. In this class we evaluate that hypothesis in some depth, using the basic physical foundations of climate science with a focus on radiative principles. We study the details of the short carbon cycle and the empirical climate record of the last 1000 years, with data from the instrumental record, historical indicators, and physical (pollen, geochemical/isotopic temperature indicators) records. Besides the principles of fundamental climate science, we will deal with some of the results of climate change, mainly sea-level rise and feedbacks on the biosphere. We look at the impact of humans on atmospheric chemistry and how human civilization has caused changes in the carbon cycle, possibly as early as the transition period from hunter-gatherers to agricultural society. The final part of the lecture section is on future climate, using economic scenarios, mitigation and adaptation efforts, and climate/economics models. Parallel to the lectures, several experimental projects are done by groups of students: studies with our experimental "analog earth" climate model; monitoring CO2 in Middletown air for a semester; working with data from the Wesleyan weather station to calculate theoretical climate fluctuations; experimental work on the absorption of CO2 into water for the geochemically inclined; the impact of increased CO2 levels on plant growth for the biologically inclined; and a social-economic global assessment on carbon policies for the environmental studies types. In other years, students built solar ovens and a basic infrared spectrometer among projects.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES360 An Inspection of Human-Wildlife Interactions

Humans adore their animals, but only some types of animals. Do animals adore humans? Do all animals care about humans? While this class does not set out to specifically answer these questions, it will explore the complex relationship between humans and animals, in particular how humans view and approach wild animals. The class will take a historical view of humans and their interactions with wildlife and move through to the more modern tools and strategies used to better appreciate the value of wild animals in both terrestrial and marine settings. Through a series of lectures, data analysis sessions, and data collection exercises, the class will examine how humans perceive wild animals, in particular, and seek to understand how human wildlife-interactions scenarios may impact the survivability of both humans and wildlife alike. Students will analyze data on human-wildlife conflict, and develop projects aimed at understanding how people perceive various species of wild animals.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES361 Living in a Polluted World

This course treats the occurrences and origins, natural pathways, toxicologies, and histories of the major environmental contaminants. We all know about lead and its effects on humans, but how about cadmium and hexachromium, or the many unpronounceable organic contaminants, usually referred to by some acronym (e.g., DDT, POPs)? We also deal with the larger topics of CO2/climate change, the environmental nitrogen-oxide balance, and eutrophication of coastal waters (the "dead zones"). To be effective in this course, students will need basic high school/college-level proficiency in chemistry and math as we will delve into aspects of geochemistry, geology, toxicology, environmental law, and some simple modeling. The class consists of lectures, one problem set, one Hg-in-hair class study, and a class project on lead in drinking water in the Middletown area. This is also a service-learning course, providing environmental outreach to the larger Middletown community on local pollution.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-ENVS
Identical With: ENVS361
Prereq: None

E&ES368 Isotope Geochemistry

This class introduces the theory and application of the main radiogenic (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb, and K-Ar) and stable (O, H, C, N, S) isotopic techniques used in environmental geochemistry and geology. Applications include geochronology, earth evolution, provenance, biogeochemical cycles, paleoenvironments, paleoclimate, hydrology, paleontology, ecology, and archaeology.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES568
Prereq: None

E&ES375 Modeling the Earth and Environment

Models can provide insights into Earth systems that are difficult to obtain by direct experimentation or observation. This course will introduce students to the process of translating Earth systems into idealized mathematical models, specific methods for solving the resulting equations, and implementation of models in MATLAB. We will explore cases from a range of topics in the earth and environmental sciences to gain a better appreciation of the insights models can offer. Students should have MATLAB installed on a laptop computer for in-class work.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES575, IDEA375
Prereq: MATH120 OR MATH121

E&ES376 Mass Extinctions in the Oceans: Animal Origins to Anthropocene

Geoscientists are debating whether we are living in the Anthropocene, defined as a period during which humans are having a significant effect on atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic, and biospheric earth system processes. There is considerable discussion whether we are indeed affecting the biosphere to such an extent that life on Earth will suffer an extinction similar in magnitude to these that have occurred during earth history. Studies of the fossil record provide unique evidence that is used to evaluate the large extinctions of the past and compare them to ongoing extinction processes, extinctions rates and patterns, and magnitude. Organisms with hard skeletons are most easily and most abundantly preserved in the rock record. Many of these are invertebrates that lived in the oceans (e.g., clams, sea urchins, corals). In the first part of this course, students will become familiar with the nature of the fossil record, the most common marine animals in the fossil record, and their evolution and diversification. Lectures will be combined with studying fossils. In the second part of the course, possible causes for mass extinction will be considered, together with their specific effects on environments and biota, and these predicted effects will be compared to what has been observed. Potential causes include asteroid and comet impacts, large volcanic eruptions, "hypercanes," and "methane ocean eruptions," and more exotic processes. Students will present in class on these topics, and we will compare rates and magnitude of environmental change with severity and patterns of extinction.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: CIS375
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR ASTR155 OR MB&B181

E&ES385 Remote Sensing

This course studies the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of remotely sensed images and their application to geologic and environmental problems. Emphasis is on understanding the composition and evolution of the Earth and planetary surfaces using a variety of remote-sensing techniques. This course will discuss the theory and technology behind a number of remote sensing platforms and how data at different wavelengths interacts with rocks, soils, water and vegetation.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES585
Prereq: [E&ES234 or BIOL233 or ENVS233] OR E&ES213 OR E&ES220 OR [E&ES223 or E&ES523] OR [E&ES250 or ENVS280] OR [E&ES260 or ENVS290 or E&ES560] OR E&ES215

E&ES386 Remote-Sensing Laboratory

This laboratory course includes practical application of remote-sensing techniques, primarily using computers. Exercises will include manipulation of digital images (at wavelengths from gamma rays to radar) taken from orbiting spacecraft as well as from the collection of data in the field. Students will learn the software program ENVI, a marketable skill.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES213 OR E&ES220 OR [E&ES223 or E&ES523] OR [E&ES234 or BIOL233 or ENVS233] OR [E&ES250 or ENVS280] OR [E&ES260 or ENVS290 or E&ES560]

E&ES395 Quantitative Chemical Analysis

Measurement and chemical analysis are at the very heart of the chemical sciences. Practicing chemists depend heavily on chemical analysis, as do medical professionals, environmental scientists, and many others. Quantitative chemical analysis is the science of determining "how much"--as in, "how much toxic lead is in your drinking water?" In this course, you will first learn how to treat measured chemical data to extract meaningful information, and then we will proceed to study classical methods of chemical analysis, expanding upon your knowledge of general chemistry. A practical laboratory experience will reinforce the curriculum and build your skills as a chemist. This course is part of the required curriculum listed in the American Chemical Society Guidelines for Bachelor's Degree Programs, and this course is highly recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies and/or employment in a chemical discipline.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-CHEM
Identical With: CHEM317
Prereq: (CHEM142 OR CHEM142Z OR CHEM144) AND (CHEM152 OR CHEM152Z)

E&ES396 Instrumental Analysis

Chemical analysis has kept pace with the advent of modern technology through the development of instruments capable of ever-improving levels of detection for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Many students are exposed to the use and interpretation of these modern methods of chemical analysis, but this experience typically comes with little understanding of how and why these instruments work. This course will investigate instrumentation across three broad categories of analysis: electrochemical, spectrochemical, and separations. The lecture course will be supplemented with a practical laboratory experience. Instrumental analysis is part of the required curriculum listed in the American Chemical Society Guidelines for Bachelor's Degree Programs, and this course is highly recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies and/or employment in a chemical discipline.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-CHEM
Identical With: CHEM318
Prereq: (CHEM142 OR CHEM142Z OR CHEM144) AND (CHEM152 OR CHEM152Z)

E&ES399 Calderwood Seminar in Public Writing: Environmental Science Journalism

This is a seminar for science majors who want to develop skills in communicating science to non-scientists, by writing about environmental science topics. The course will concentrate on writing, public presentations and interviews. Students will read scholarly articles, interview scientists, and/or conduct independent research to write articles, essays and op-eds. Each week students will take alternating roles as writers and editors. The course is only open to science majors.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES401 Individual Tutorial, Undergraduate

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES402 Individual Tutorial, Undergraduate

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES407 Senior Tutorial (downgraded thesis)

Downgraded Senior Thesis Tutorial - Project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor. Only enrolled in through the Honors Coordinator.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F

E&ES408 Senior Tutorial (downgraded thesis)

Downgraded Senior Thesis Tutorial - Project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor. Only enrolled in through the Honors Coordinator.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F

E&ES409 Senior Thesis Tutorial

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F

E&ES410 Senior Thesis Tutorial

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F

E&ES411 Group Tutorial, Undergraduate

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES412 Group Tutorial, Undergraduate

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES419 Student Forum

Student-run group tutorial, sponsored by a faculty member and approved by the chair of a department or program.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U

E&ES420 Student Forum

Student-run group tutorial, sponsored by a faculty member and approved by the chair of a department or program.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U

E&ES421 Undergraduate Research, Science

Individual research projects for undergraduate students supervised by faculty members.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES422 Undergraduate Research, Science

Individual research projects for undergraduate students supervised by faculty members.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES423 Advanced Research Seminar, Undergraduate

Advanced research tutorial; project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES424 Advanced Research Seminar, Undergraduate

Advanced research tutorial; project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES465 Education in the Field, Undergraduate

Students must consult with the department and class dean in advance of undertaking education in the field for approval of the nature of the responsibilities and method of evaluation.
Offering: Host
Grading: A-F

E&ES466 Education in the Field, Undergraduate

Students must consult with the department and class dean in advance of undertaking education in the field for approval of the nature of the responsibilities and method of evaluation.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES469 Education in the Field, Undergraduate

Students must consult with the department and class dean in advance of undertaking education in the field for approval of the nature of the responsibilities and method of evaluation.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES491 Teaching Apprentice Tutorial

The teaching apprentice program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to assist in teaching a faculty member's course for academic credit.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES492 Teaching Apprentice Tutorial

The teaching apprentice program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to assist in teaching a faculty member's course for academic credit.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES497 Senior Seminar

This seminar-style capstone course for E&ES seniors focuses on career-building and improving scientific research skills by completing an original research project. In groups, students will develop original, field-based research projects, write a proposal, and complete the project. The goal of the course is to help students transition to independent, professional scientists. This year's trip is to Puerto Rico in mid-January 2025 for approximately one week. The department will cover the costs of airfare, food, and lodging. Students need to be comfortable being outside for hours with moderate hiking. Participation in the trip and the spring course (E&ES 498) is required to receive credit. In contrast to previous years, the course is not required for the E&ES major, but still counts toward major requirements as an elective. This class requires the approval of the instructor (POI). To register for this class, please complete the Google Form that will be emailed to all current EES junior majors once pre-registration opens on April 2, 2024. POI decisions will be handled promptly.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES497A Introduction to Portuguese and the Azores (CLAC .25)

This course will be an introduction to Portuguese/Azorean history and geography. It will include an introduction to Portuguese pronunciation, greetings, basic expressions, food, weather, and vocabulary related to the geology and culture of the islands.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: CGST497A
Prereq: E&ES497

E&ES498 Senior Field Research Project

This course is a continuation of the E&ES 497 Senior Seminar and focuses on improving scientific research skills for E&ES Seniors. The class includes a research field trip to Puerto Rico in January 2025 and will conclude with student group presentations and reports before spring break in March.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: E&ES497

E&ES500 Graduate Pedagogy

The elements of good teaching will be discussed and demonstrated through lectures, practice teaching sessions, and discussions of problems encountered in the actual teaching environment. The staff consists of faculty and experienced graduate students. An integral part of the course is a required one-day workshop before the first day of formal classes.



Training in pedagogy in the first semester of attendance is required for all incoming Wesleyan MA and PhD students who have not already fulfilled this requirement at Wesleyan. BA/MA students are not required to get training in pedagogy but may choose to do so.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: None
Identical With: ASTR500, CHEM500, BIOL500, MB&B500, MUSC500, PHYS500, PSYC500, MATH500
Prereq: None

E&ES501 Individual Tutorial for Graduate Students

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES502 Individual Tutorial, Graduate

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES503 Selected Topics, Graduate Sciences

Topic to be arranged in consultation with the tutor. A seminar primarily concerned with papers taken from current research publications designed for, and required of, graduate students.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES513 Petrogenesis of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

This course studies the occurrence and origin of volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks and how to read the record they contain. Topics will include the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks, but emphasis will be on the geological, chemical, and physical processes taking place at and beneath volcanoes, in the Earth's mantle, and within active orogenic belts.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES313
Prereq: E&ES213 OR E&ES215

E&ES517 Volcanology

Volcanic eruptions, among the most impressive natural phenomena, have been described throughout history. In this course, we will look at the physical and chemical processes that control volcanic eruptions and their environmental impacts. We also examine the direct impact on humanity, ranging from destructive ashfalls to climate change, and the benefits of volcanoes for society (e.g., geothermal energy, ore deposits).
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES317
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES213 OR E&ES215

E&ES518 E&ES Colloquium I

This course includes presentations by outside experts and discussion of material at the forefront of the discipline. The course is open to graduate students and undergraduate majors and potential majors. Attendance at all meetings required. Undergraduates may take this course up to four times for credit towards graduation.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES519 Meteorites and Cosmochemistry

This course will focus on the materials in the world's collection of extraterrestrial samples and what they tell us about Earth, our nearest planetary neighbors, and the origin of our solar system. Planetary geochemical processes will be discussed through the examination of samples from comets, asteroids, Mars, the moon, Vesta, and Earth. Other topics covered will be impact cratering and the delivery of meteorites to Earth. Meteorites teach us about the earliest history of planet formation in this solar system, and we will compare this to what is observed in other solar systems. The course is intended for majors and graduate students in Wesleyan's Natural Science and Mathematics (NSM) division.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES319
Prereq: None

E&ES520 Meteorites Laboratory

This will be the lab component of E&ES319 Meteorites and Cosmochemistry and must be taken concurrently. This class will be primarily hands-on learning using extraterrestrial materials and their terrestrial analogs.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES320
Prereq: None

E&ES521 Planetary Evolution

Why are we the only planet in the solar system with oceans, plate tectonics, and life? This course examines how fundamental geologic processes operate under the unique conditions that exist on each planet. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that control the different evolutionary histories of the planets. Much of the course will utilize recent data from spacecraft. Readings of the primary literature will focus on planetary topics that constrain our understanding of geology as well as the history and fate of our home, the Earth.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES321
Prereq: E&ES213 OR E&ES220 OR [E&ES223 or E&ES523] OR [E&ES250 or ENVS280]

E&ES523 Structural Geology

Structural geology is the study of the physical evidence and processes of rock deformation, including jointing, faulting, folding, and flow. Geologic structures can be used to interpret tectonic history and understand physical process responsible for geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides. Many structures also exert a primary control on fluid flow in the earth's crust and thus play an important role in determining the distribution of natural resources and environmental contaminants. In this course students will learn the theoretical foundations, observational techniques, and analytical methods used in modern structural geology. Case studies are drawn from local field work (see description of E&ES224) and published data sets from around the world.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES223
Prereq: E&ES101 OR EES199 OR E&ES115 OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197]

E&ES527 The Microbial Fossil Record

This course invites students to investigate the fossil record of microbial life to reveal the outsized impact microbes have on Earth and environmental systems. We will explore topics such as the origin of life, micropaleontology, marine biogeochemistry, biological oceanography, environmental microbiology, and astrobiology. This course will present students with the opportunity to engage with primary literature, write integrative narratives, and craft microbially inspired creative works.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES327, ENVS327
Prereq: None

E&ES528 E&ES Colloquium II

This course includes presentations by outside experts and discussion of material at the forefront of the discipline. The course is open to graduate students and undergraduate majors and potential majors. Attendance at all meetings required. Undergraduates may take this course up to four times for credit towards graduation.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES533 Planetary Science Journal Club

Presentation and discussion of current research articles in the field of planetary science.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES538 The Forest Ecosystem

This course examines basic ecological principles through the lens of forest ecosystems, exploring the theory and practice of forest ecology at various levels of organization from individuals to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Lectures, lab exercises, and writing-intensive assignments will emphasize the quantification of spatial and temporal patterns of forest change at stand, landscape, and global scales.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL346, BIOL546, E&ES238, ENVS340
Prereq: [BIOL182 or MB&B182] OR [ENVS197 or BIOL197 or E&ES197] OR EES199

E&ES542 Irrigation

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to support crop growth, playing a crucial role in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and global food security. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of irrigation techniques, systems, and management practices essential for optimizing water use efficiency and enhancing crop productivity. Students will explore various irrigation methods, including surface, sprinkler, and drip irrigation, analyzing their advantages, limitations, and suitability for different crops and environments. Key topics include soil-water relationships, crop water requirements, irrigation system components, irrigation scheduling techniques, and sustainable water management strategies. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on activities, students will gain the skills needed to design, implement, and manage efficient irrigation systems.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES242, ENVS231
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES197 OR BIOL197 OR ENVS197 OR EES199

E&ES546 Hydrology

This course is an overview of the hydrologic cycle and man's impact on this fundamental resource. Topics include aspects of surface-water and ground-water hydrology as well as discussion about the scientific management of water resources. Students will become familiar with the basic concepts of hydrology and their application to problems of the environment.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES246, ENVS219
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES197 OR BIOL197 OR ENVS197 OR EES199

E&ES547 Environmental Biology Journal Club

Presentation and discussion of current research articles in the field of environmental biology.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL547
Prereq: BIOL182 OR E&ES197

E&ES548 Environmental Biology Journal Club II

Presentation and discussion of current research articles in the field of environmental biology.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL548
Prereq: BIOL182 OR E&ES197

E&ES549 Advanced Research Seminar, Graduate

Advanced research tutorial; project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES550 Advanced Research Seminar, Graduate

Advanced research tutorial; project to be arranged in consultation with the tutor.
Offering: Host
Grading: OPT

E&ES555 Planetary Science Seminar

This course will examine topics and methods in the interdisciplinary field of planetary science. Students will join several faculty members in the planetary science group to discuss the origin, evolution, and habitability of planets in this and other solar systems. This class is intended for graduate students who are pursuing or who intend to pursue the planetary science concentration. Other graduate and undergraduate students may request admission to the course.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: ASTR555
Prereq: None

E&ES557 Research Discussion in Earth & Environmental Sciences

This course focuses on the specific research projects of individual graduate students in the E&ES department, and it comprises student presentations and discussion, including the department faculty and graduate students. The course offers a forum for presenting new results and exploring new ideas, as well as for providing researchers with feedback and suggestions for solving methodological problems. It also provides an opportunity for graduate students in the program to become familiar with the wide range of research taking place in the department. This course may be repeated for credit.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: None
Prereq: None

E&ES558 Research in Progress in Earth & Environmental Sciences

This course focuses on the discussion of research projects, strategies and challenges between the department faculty, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students. The course offers a forum for presenting new results and exploring new directions, as well as for providing researchers with collaborative feedback and suggestions for solving methodological and analytical problems. It also provides an opportunity for students in the program to become familiar with the wide range of research taking place in the department. This course may be repeated for credit.
Offering: Host
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 0.25
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Prereq: None

E&ES560 Oceans and Climate

Earth's climate is not static. Even without human intervention, the climate has changed, but mostly at a slower rate. In this course we will study the major properties of the ocean and its circulation and changes in climate during the Cenozoic Era (the past 66 million years). We will examine the effects of variations in greenhouse gas concentrations, the locations of continents, and the circulation patterns of oceans and atmosphere. Once a basic understanding of the climate system is attained, the focus will be on how we know about past climates. Through reading and in-class exercises students will look at data from sediment cores, ice cores, and tree rings to learn about past climates. The final project will investigate measures humans can take to slow the rate of climate change. It is possible and must be done. Although this course is offered pass/fail, participants are expected to maintain a grade of B- or better to pass.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: Cr/U
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES260, ENVS290
Prereq: E&ES101 OR E&ES115 OR E&ES155 OR E&ES197

E&ES568 Isotope Geochemistry

This class introduces the theory and application of the main radiogenic (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb, and K-Ar) and stable (O, H, C, N, S) isotopic techniques used in environmental geochemistry and geology. Applications include geochronology, earth evolution, provenance, biogeochemical cycles, paleoenvironments, paleoclimate, hydrology, paleontology, ecology, and archaeology.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES368
Prereq: None

E&ES570 Quantitative Methods for the Biological and Environmental Sciences

This course offers an applied approach to statistics used in the biological, environmental, and earth sciences. Statistics will be taught from a geometric perspective so that students can more easily understand the derivations of formulae. We will learn about deduction and hypothesis testing as well as the assumptions that methods make and how violations affect applied outcomes. Emphasis will be on analysis of data, and there will be many problem sets to solve to help students become fluent with the methods. The course will focus on data and methods for continuous variables. In addition to basic statistics, we will cover regression, ANOVA, and contingency tables.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-BIOL
Identical With: BIOL242, BIOL542, E&ES270, ENVS242
Prereq: None

E&ES575 Modeling the Earth and Environment

Models can provide insights into Earth systems that are difficult to obtain by direct experimentation or observation. This course will introduce students to the process of translating Earth systems into idealized mathematical models, specific methods for solving the resulting equations, and implementation of models in MATLAB. We will explore cases from a range of topics in the earth and environmental sciences to gain a better appreciation of the insights models can offer. Students should have MATLAB installed on a laptop computer for in-class work.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES375, IDEA375
Prereq: MATH120 OR MATH121

E&ES580 Introduction to GIS

Geographical information systems (GIS) are powerful tools for organizing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. GIS has applications in a wide variety of fields including the natural sciences, public policy, business, and the humanities; literally any field that uses spatially distributed information. In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of GIS with an emphasis on practical application of GIS to problems from a range of disciplines. The course will cover the basic theory of GIS, data collection and input, data management, spatial analysis, visualization, and map preparation. Coursework will include lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES280, ENVS278
Prereq: None

E&ES581 GIS Service-Learning Laboratory

This course supplements E&ES280 by providing students the opportunity to apply GIS concepts and skills to solve local problems in environmental sciences. Small groups of students will work closely with community groups to design a GIS, collect and analyze data, and draft a professional-quality report to the community.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: OPT
Credits: 0.50
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES281
Prereq: None

E&ES585 Remote Sensing

This course studies the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of remotely sensed images and their application to geologic and environmental problems. Emphasis is on understanding the composition and evolution of the Earth and planetary surfaces using a variety of remote-sensing techniques. This course will discuss the theory and technology behind a number of remote sensing platforms and how data at different wavelengths interacts with rocks, soils, water and vegetation.
Offering: Crosslisting
Grading: A-F
Credits: 1.00
Gen Ed Area: NSM-EES
Identical With: E&ES385
Prereq: [E&ES234 or BIOL233 or ENVS233] OR E&ES213 OR E&ES220 OR [E&ES223 or E&ES523] OR [E&ES250 or ENVS280] OR [E&ES260 or ENVS290 or E&ES560] OR E&ES215