PHYSICAL SYSTEMS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: Not open to students with credit for ENVIR ST/GEOG 120 Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Breadth - Physical Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe at a basic level the most important processes of the Earth system, including formation and weathering of rocks and minerals, soil development and erosion, atmospheric circulation, and the global cycles of water and carbon. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply concepts from this course to understand environmental issues such as global climate change and the sustainability of agriculture, and natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods, and make informed contributions to public debate and decision-making on how to address these issues and hazards. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Identify important research methods, through case studies and labs, that are the basis of modern Earth system science. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe at a basic level the most important processes of the Earth system, including formation and weathering of rocks and minerals, soil development and erosion, atmospheric circulation, and the global cycles of water and carbon. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply concepts from this course to understand environmental issues such as global climate change and the sustainability of agriculture, and natural hazards such as earthquakes and floods, and make informed contributions to public debate and decision-making on how to address these issues and hazards. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Identify important research methods, through case studies and labs, that are the basis of modern Earth system science. Audience: Undergraduate