Introduction to Earth Sciences

4.0 credits

The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.