Earth Science is an introductory geoscience course for non-majors that emphasizes basic principles of astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Topics covered include the origin of the Universe, solar system, and Earth; minerals and rocks; plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanism; groundwater; streams; geologic time; prehistoric life and evolution; ocean structure and life; the atmosphere and global climate change.

This is an introductory laboratory course that covers the nature of science and inquiry, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, rocks and minerals, geologic time, groundwater, streams, oceans, atmosphere and weather, climate, and global change. The course meets for a total of 30 laboratory hours per semester. ES 105 should be taken prior to or at the same time as this course. Course fee.

This course provides an exploration of selected topics in the earth and astronomical sciences. Studies will include plate tectonics, hydrologic cycle, earth history, earth resources, and fundamental characteristics of stars, galaxies, and planets. Students will investigate how this all fits together and our place in the universe. The course is taught in a "hands-on," inquiry based, constructivist method. Students completing ES 107 cannot earn credit for graduation for ES 105/106 or ASTR 151/152. Course meets Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree requirements. The course meets for a total of 45 lecture hours and 30 laboratory hours per semester. Course fee.