INSTRUCTOR

Carol L. Ekstrom. B.S., Beloit College; M.S., George Washington University. (Department of Physics, Geology.)

The Earth System Science minor is described in the section on Interdisciplinary Study.

COURSE OFFERINGS

111. Earth System Science.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Natural Science, F7.
A study of the dynamic interaction of earth, water, air, and life. Emphasis is placed on the geology of the mid-south, and the ways that geological knowledge is acquired. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week, plus a week-end field trip to the Ouachita Mountains. Not open to seniors. (Course offered in alternate years, scheduled for 2008-2009.)

112. Evolution of the Earth.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Natural Science, F7.
The origin and evolution of the earth as revealed by the rocks and fossils of the earth’s crust. A regional analysis of selected areas of North America is related to the broader context of global tectonics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week, plus a weekend field trip to northeastern Mississippi. (Course offered in alternate years; scheduled for 2009-2010.)

116. Global Environmental Change.
Fall, Credits: 4
Degree Requirements: Natural Science, F7.
A survey of the underlying scientific basis of the issues involved in global environmental change: greenhouse warming, biogeochemical cycles, ozone depletion, sea-level rise, fresh-water, energy resources, and toxic-waste concerns. The laboratory portion of the course involves computer modeling of relevant global systems. Not open to seniors. (Course offered in alternate years, scheduled for 2008-2009.)

214. Environmental Geology.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Natural Science, F7, F11.
The application of geologic principles to understand the response of our environment to natural and anthropogenic forces of change. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, and the hydrologic cycle. Local environmental topics will be analyzed spatially using GIS (geographic information system).
A service-learning component of the course focuses on both campus environmental audits, and local environmental problems. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Not open to seniors. (Course offered in alternate years, scheduled for 2008-2009).

301. Special Problems in Geology.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 1, 2, or 4.
An opportunity to do research on current problems in geology.
Prerequisites: Geology 111 or 116, and approval of instructor.

460. Internship in Geology.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
A program designed to introduce students to the practical applications of their academic studies. Students may work with professionals in such agencies as the U. S. Geological Survey, USGS Water Resources Division, and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI). A written and oral presentation is required at the end of the internship integrating the student’s academic work and the internship project.