Is the Planet Dying?

3 Credits

This course aims to provide a comprehensive view of how the earth functions as an ever-changing dynamical system. This journey through earth system science will integrate multiple disciplines that include biology, chemistry, geology, geophysics, hydrology, oceanography and meteorology. Students will learn the origin and dynamics of the great forces that shape the evolution of our planet, from the deep interior to its surface. They will also learn that the earth is made up of an interconnection of dynamical systems exhibiting complex behaviors at multiple spatial and temporal scales, which are relevant to society. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.