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Earth System Science (ESS)

1000 Level | 2000 Level | 3000 Level | 4000 Level

USP Codes are listed in brackets by the 1991 USP code followed by the 2003 USP code (i.e. [M2<>QB]).

1000. Wyoming in the Earth System. 2. [(none)<>I, L] Introduces prospective Science majors to the interdisciplinary study of Earth's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Focus on regional topics, such as the influence of energy development on water resources. Students learn about the methods Earth system scientists use to generate knowledge, access and use data. In addition to library skills, spatial information including remote sensing and geographic information systems is introduced. Prerequisites: none.

2000. Geochemical Cycles and the Earth System. 4. [(none)<>SE] Introduces the Earth system, including the solid Earth, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Emphasizes the evolution of the Earth, rock associations and geochemical cycles. Cross listed with GEOL 2000. Prerequisites: a 1000-level GEOL course with a lab and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1020. (Normally offered fall semester)

3480. Environmental Change. 3. [(none)<>G, WB] Examines changes in the bio-physical environments and landscapes of Earth during its habitation by humans. Emphasizes integrated approaches to understanding environmental changes based on climatological, ecological, geological, archeological, and historical evidence. Explores how humans have modified Earth's environments and how societies have responded to natural and anthropogenic environmental change. Cross listed with GEOG 3480. Prerequisites: GEOG 1010 or any USP S, SB, SE or SP course; any WA course. (P)

4001. Modeling the Earth System. 4. Takes a modeling approach to demonstrate how the Earth is integrated into an interconnected system through exchanges of energy and matter, and how Earth system functioning is susceptible to human alteration. Unifying concepts focus on quantitative interactions between the Earth and the Sun, and between the Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Cross listed with ATSC/BOT/GEOL 4001. Prerequisites: MATH 2205 or equivalent and [ESS 2000 or GEOL 2000].

4950. Exploring the Earth System. 3. [(none)<>WC] Conduct interdisciplinary research on a problem addressing physical, biological, and human components of the Earth System. With several written reports, students will critically review existing literature, define a research question, collect and analyze data, and present their results in a recognized journal format. Prerequisites: ESS 2000 and either ESS 3480 or GEOG 3450.

4970. Internship in Earth System Science. 2. Academic credit for internship required of all ESS majors. The work is usually off-campus with government or industry, but may involve research with UW faculty member. Requires a written proposal and written report, both reviewed and approved by the ESS Steering Committee. Prerequisite: ESS 4001.

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