BIOEES 489 Research in Natural Sciences (3)
EES 124 Evolution of the Earth (3) (E)
Explores the physical, chemical, and biological events of earth history. Topics such as the origin of the earth, the birth of ocean basins, continents, and mountain ranges, the beginning of life in the oceans and on the continents, and patterns and causes of climate changes, continent shifting, and mass extinction are examined. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
EES 125 Evolution of the Earth Lab (1)
Explores the major geologic events of earth history as recorded by geologic deposits and fossils. The course combines local geology field trips and indoor exercises, including geologic map interpretation, to reconstruct the geologic history of areas such as Virginia Beach. The course is intended for either science or non-science majors and fulfills the laboratory requirements for students intending to graduate with honors. Prerequisite or corequisite: EES 124. Offered spring of all-numbered years.
EES 130 Physical Geology (3) (E)
One of the most significant advances of the 20th century has been the recognition of Earth as a dynamic and continually changing planet. This course explores the interior of the Earth through the rock cycle and the unifying theory of plate tectonics. The causes and consequences of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the origin of mountain ranges, and the vastness of geologic time are topics addressed. Optional lab offered concurrently (EES 131). Offered each fall.
EES 131 Physical Geology Lab (1)
Explores the materials and processes of the physical earth. Activities include the basic identification of rocks and minerals, reading and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, assessment of earthquake and volcanic hazards and geologic time. For either science or non-science majors. Prerequisite or co-requisite: EES 130. Offered each fall.
EES 132 Environmental Geology (3) (E)
Investigates the interaction between people and the earth. This course acquaints students with the geologic origin, distribution, and exploitation of mineral, water, and energy resources. Issues surrounding the consequences, both good and bad, of human alteration of the environment are investigated with particular emphasis on those currently in the news. Optional lab offered concurrently (EES 133). Offered each spring.
EES 133 Environmental Geology Lab (1)
Explores the impact of humans on their physical environment and vice versa. Topics include recognition of earth materials, field and laboratory techniques of water and soil quality analysis, basic map reading and interpretation, geologic hazard assessment, and natural resource availability. Several labs utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are included. For either science or non-science majors. Prerequisite or corequisite: EES 132. Offered each spring.
EES 200 Oceanography (4) (E)
The world?s oceans remain one of the least explored places on earth. Despite this reality, the science of oceanography has progressed rapidly in recent decades revealing that the oceans hold many clues to unravel the evolution of the planet earth. In this course, the geology of the ocean basins and the physical and chemical nature of seawater are explored. Topics studied include ocean waves, tides, and currents. Links between the oceans and the atmosphere are explored with special emphasis on the effect of oceans on climate, El Nino and climate change. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Designed for science and non-science majors. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 104 or 105. Offered each fall.
EES 210 Meteorology (4) (E)
An introduction to the atmosphere and the science behind weather phenomena such as clouds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Students practice weather forecasting, use meteorological instrumentation and analyze global meteorological datasets. Designed for science or non-science majors. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 104 or 105. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered each spring.
EES 220 Paleontology of Dinosaurs (4)
A study of the diversity, morphology, and ecology of dinosaurs. Intended for science majors and non-majors who are interested in discovering the modern concepts surrounding the evolution, biology, and extinction of the dinosaurs. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
EES 250 Field Experiences in Earth and Environmental Sciences (3) (E)
Provides students with an intensive field experience in selected habitats. Studies will be conducted to examine various geological sites and sample particular habitats. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Does not fulfill the Natural Science requirement for Latin Honors. Lab fee. Offered in selected Winter Sessions or summers on demand.
EES 270 Environmental Chemistry (4)
An understanding of the chemistry of the natural world is vital to an understanding of earth processes, the fate of pollutants, and the proposal of solutions to environmental problems. Students explore the earth system and human perturbations to that system from a chemical perspective. Topics covered include ozone depletion, persistent organic pollutants, wastewater treatment, and toxicity of environmental contaminants. Laboratory exercises give students experience in environmental sampling and analysis. Identical to CHEM 270. Prerequisites: CHEM 117 and 118. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
EES 300 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)
A geographic information system (GIS) is a data-base with spatial attributes and the tools needed to extract, display, manipulate, and analyze the information. The course introduces the computer-literate GIS novice to the underlying theory and practical applications of this technology. Lectures are interwoven with hands-on computer exercises that illustrate the principles, develop technical competence, and demonstrate the versatility of GIS. Individualized projects reinforce concepts and help students acquire the knowledge and confidence required to use GIS outside the classroom. Does not fulfill any requirements for Latin Honors. Prerequisites: MATH 104 or 105 and junior/senior status, or consent. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
EES 320 Energy and the Environment (3)
An introduction to the fundamental physical concepts underlying energy, its conversion, and its impact on the environment. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear-fueled power plants, renewable forms of energy, pollution, and energy conversion. Prerequisite: MATH 113. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
EES 330 Geology of Mountain Belts (4)
An introduction to the disciplines of stratigraphy and structural geology focusing on mountain belts as case studies. Topics include 1) the observation, description and interpretation of the sedimentary record; 2) the measurement and analysis of folds, faults and other features associated with tectonic uplift and 3) the tectonic history of the Appalachians. Prerequisites: EES 124/125 or EES 130/131 or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Includes at least two required field trips to key locations in the central Appalachians. Offered spring of even-numbered years.
EES 340 Climatology (3) (W)
An examination of the earth's climate system and the science of climate change. Concern over global warming has stimulated public discourse and motivated research on climatology. The importance of the climate system is not new; the earth's climate has always had a fundamental influence on human civilization and all life on earth. Topics covered include the dynamics and feedbacks of the climate system, ocean and biosphere influences on climate, reconstruction of past climate, predications of future climate, and human influences on global and regional weather patterns. Prerequisite: EES 200 or EES 210. Offered fall of even-numbered years. ý
EES 410 Watershed Hydrology (3)
An introduction to the underlying theory and practical applications of water science at the watershed scale. Lectures include brief in-class exercises and problems that illustrate hydrologic principles. Prerequisites: MATH 113 and junior/senior status or consent. Offered spring of even-numbered years. ý
EES 450 Global Environmental Cycles (4)
Explores the connections between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere throughýexploration of global cycling of nutrients and pollutants. We investigate these biogeochemical cycles through analysis of primary research articles, field measurements, chemical analysis and a self-designed research project. Prerequisite: junior/senior status and a major in the natural sciences. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Identical to CHEM 300. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
EES 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences (3)
An intensive study of a particular field of science through on-site field experience. Internships involve hands-on opportunities in the sciences that are relevant to that particular site. Students are expected to devote a minimum of at least 120 hours for 3 semester hours, but some placements may require more time. Students must coordinate their internship placement with the supervising faculty member at least two months prior to placement. Pass/fail grading. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and consent. Offered each semester.
EES 480 Seminar in Earth & Environmental Sciences (1)
An advanced seminar on various announced topics in earth and environmental sciences. Topics may include, but are not limited to: conservation of biodiversity, risk assessment, the Chesapeake Bay, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, biogeochemistry, environmental policy, and sustainable development. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing and consent. Offered each spring.
EES 485 Earth and Environmental Science for Secondary School Teachers (1-4)
Provides in-service middle and high school earth science teachers with an intensive survey of an advanced topic in the earth or environmental sciences. Topics covered are tailored to the needs of the school district requesting the course and may include such topics as historical or structural geology, meteorology, oceanography or geographic information systems (GIS). The requirements for SOLs will strongly influence the selection of course material. Discussions include how to effectively convey the scientific information to students. Prerequisite: consent. Offered on demand.ýý
EES 489 Research in Natural Sciences (3)
Identical to BIO 489 and CHEM 489.
EESCHE 270 Environmental Chemistry (4)
An understanding of the chemistry of the natural world is vital to an understanding of earth processes, the fate of pollutants, and the proposal of solutions to environmental problems. Students explore the earth system and human perturbations to that system from a chemical perspective. Topics covered include ozone depletion, persistent organic pollutants, wastewater treatment, and toxicity of environmental contaminants. Laboratory exercises give students experience in environmental sampling and analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 117 and 118. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
EESCHE 450 Global Environmental Cycles (4)
Explores the connections between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere through exploration of global cycling of nutrients and pollutants. We investigate these biogeochemical cycles through analysis of primary research articles, field measurements, chemical analysis and a self-designed research project. Prerequisite: junior/senior status and a major in the natural sciences. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.