Environmental Earth Science Department
Eastern Connecticut State University
Course Description










EES 104 - Dynamic Earth with Laboratory*(TINS) - 4 credits
Note: Not open to students who have completed EES 110.
Note: This course includes a mandatory laboratory that is equivalent to the stand alone laboratory EES 112.
Introduction to geology including common minerals and rocks forming Earth and serving as resources; Earth's interior; and processes affecting outer Earth and human beings, like volcanic and seismic activity, glaciation, and rivers. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
EES 106 - Geology of National Parks - 3 credits
The nation's National Parks provide a natural laboratory for understanding Earth materials and processes. This course will cover the plate tectonic and Earth Surface processes that shape the dramatic and often unique scenery preserved within the United States National park system. Three hour lecture. Students may take EES 112 Earth Science Laboratory in conjunction with this class.
EES 110 - Introduction to Geology* - 3 credits
Note:
Not open to students who have completed EES 104; EES majors should take EES 104. Common minerals and rocks forming Earth and serving as resources; Earth's interior; and processes affecting outer Earth and human beings, like volcanic and seismic activity, glaciation, and rivers. Three hours lecture.
EES 112 - Earth Science Laboratory (TINS) - 1 credit
Explore earth-forming minerals and rocks and earth-surface processes with hands-on laboratory exercises. This course must be taken in conjunction with EES 106, EES 125, EES 202, or EES 220. Taking this course with one of the above listed courses satisfies the LAC laboratory science requirement.
EES 125 Geology of Natural Resources (TINS) - 3 credits
Geology is the science that pursues an understanding of the Earth, including the materials that make it up and the processes by which they form. This course uses basic physical geological principles to understand the origin, distribution, and use of the Earth's natural resources both now and into the future. These resources include metal and mineral deposits, energy, soil, rocks, and water. This course can be taken in conjunction with EES 112 (Earth Science laboratory) to satisfy the requirements of a science with a lab.
EES 130 - Ancient Environments with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisite: EES 104
The changing geological conditions and environments of Earth over time. Aspects and techniques used to interpret earth history. Three hour lecture, three hour laboratory.
EES 200 - Oceanography* - 3 credits
Note:
Credit not applicable to Biology major requirements.
Introduction to physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceans.
EES 202 - Geological Setting of Connecticut (TINS) - 3 credits
Note: Not recommended for EES majors.
An exploration of the landscape and geological features of Connecticut and environs. The development of the underlying rock, the influence of glaciations, and related resource aspects will be covered. Local field trips will occur during some class times.
EES 204 - Global Climate Change (TINS) - 3 credits
A study of the scientific data, physical theory, and computer models that scientists are using to predict rapid global warming during the current century. These predictions will be compared to previous climate history of the Earth. The evidence that human activities, especially the emission of carbon dioxide through the burning of fossil fuels, is the dominant cause of the current global climate change and that global warming will cause irreversible damage to natural ecosystems and will cause substantial economic and health damage to human populations will be examined. Proposals for decreasing the amount of global climate change and adapting to climate change will be evaluated.
EES 205 Sustainable Energy and the Environment* - 3 credits
This course will evaluate the environmental impacts of power generation based on fossil fuels and nuclear fission, and will describe alternatives to these technologies, including conservation, mass transit, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, passive solar energy, solar thermal systems, photovoltaic power systems, hydroelectric power, wind energy, tidal power, ocean thermal energy, biomass, fuel cells, hydrogen fuel systems, and nuclear fusion. The course will evaluation the environmental, economic, and social issues related to the transition to sustainable energy systems.
EES 206 Impact of an Ice Age - 3 credits
The nature of glaciers and the ways that present or past glaciers affect the landscape and human activity. Concepts from basic geology will be covered as necessary. Some class meetings may be field trips involving walking.
EES 220 - Environmental Geology* - 3 credits
Environmental geology is the application of geologic information to the entire spectrum of interactions between people and the physical environment. In this course we will develop an understanding of geology's role in major environmental problems facing people and society.
EES 222 - Water Resources* - 3 credits
An introduction to water resources from a multidisciplinary perspective-historical, scientific, economic, social, political, and environmental. Foundational concepts and principles of water science, water management, and water policy will be covered. Inquiry and analysis skills will be used to investigate water resource issues of the 21st century.
EES 224 - Landform Analysis with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 104; EES 130 Recommended
Characteristics of continental landforms on Earth and processes that fashion them. Laboratory emphasizes recognition and interpretation of landforms on maps and aerial photos. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
EES 230 Scientific Dimensions of National Disasters (TIINS) - 3 credits
Natural disasters occur where and when destructive atmospheric, geologic and/or human-induced processes negatively impact people. Most such disasters are associated with large infrequent events such as hurricanes, ice storms, earthquakes, and floods (etc.). The risk of damage caused by these phenomena varies greatly depending upon the specific destructive process and the infrastructure and populations impacted. As such, natural disasters are complex interactions between natural processes and human response systems. This course focuses on analyzing risk associated with hazards and exploring the scientific basis for several types of natural disasters.
EES 305 - Sustainable Energy Resources - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 205 or EES 204; or Consent of Instructor
A study of the extent, geographical distribution, and accessibility of hydrocarbon, nuclear, and renewable energy resources with an emphasis on sustainable energy technologies, including passive solar energy, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic power, hydroelectric power, wind energy, biomass energy, fuel cells, and hydrogen fuel systems. The course will also address the environmental benefits of renewable energy and the economic and social barriers to its widespread adoption.

EES 306 - Sustainable Energy Applications - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 205 or EES 204; or Consent of Instructor
A study of the sustainable use of energy resources with emphasis on sustainable buildings, mass transit, cogeneration, and energy conservation in residential, educational, governmental, commercial, and industrial buildings and systems. The course will also address the potential benefits of energy conservation and the economic and social barriers to its widespread adoption.

EES 307 - Sustainable Energy and Sustainable Development - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 205 or EES 204; or Consent of Instructor
An eight to twelve day field experience in a developing country. An intensive study, including interviews and site visits, of the role that sustainable energy systems play in sustainable development in a developing country.

EES 310 - Physical Geography* - 3 credits
Note:
Not suggested for EES majors; EES majors should take EES 104.
Study of physical characteristics of the Earth affecting people and their environment, such as development of surface features, soils, climate, and weather.
EES 312 - Physical Geography with Laboratory - 4 credits
Note:
Not suggested for EES majors; EES majors should take EES 104.
Study of physical characteristics of the Earth affecting people and their environment, such as development of surface features, soils, climate, and weather. Laboratory includes applied exercises on these topics.
EES 315 Environmental Science and Society (TIINS) - 3 credits
This course is an introduction to how scientists approach some of the serious environmental problems facing our society. We will seek to understand how scientists acquire environmental data and how the data are used to mitigate environmental problems such as water pollution, climate change, acid rain, and food resources. We will also discuss the limits of science in trying to solve these problems.
EES 320 - Environmental Management - 3 credits
Note: Consent of Instructor for non-EES majors.
As population continues to grow, humans are consuming more natural resources (e.g., land, water, air, energy) and producing more waste than ever before. Environmental approaches will be covered that address management of natural resources, natural hazards, and natural ecosystems, with special attention given to land-use planning and management.
EES 321 - Introduction to Watershed Management - 3 credits
This course explores the principles and practice of watershed management in the United States. Self-paced modules cover topics such as watershed ecology, natural and human-induced changes in watersheds, watershed planning and monitoring, management practices to reduce environmental impacts, and social issues and relevant laws/regulations. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible for the U.S. EPS Watershed Academy's Watershed Management Training Certificate.
EES 322 - Hydrology with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 224; ENG 100; CSC 100 or 110; MAT 130;
MAT 216 Recommended or Consent of Instructor

An introduction to the field of hydrology including surface-water, groundwater, and vadose-zone hydrology. Basic hydrologic concepts and standard hydrologic techniques that are used in solving a wide range of environmental problems will be presented. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 323 Drinking Water Management - 3 credits
An introduction to drinking water regulations and practices in the United States. Topics explored include the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, public health issues, water and wastewater treatment plants, water supply systems, water sampling methods and water standards, source water protection, sanitary surveys and case studies.
EES 326 - Geologic Hazards - 3 credits
Prerequisite: EES 224
Theory and case studies of natural hazards including volcanism, earthquakes, tsunami, and landslides and related mass movements. Geological and geophysical techniques used for classification, prediction, and decision-making.
EES 330 - Mineralogy and Rock Analysis with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 104; CHE 210; CHE 211 Recommended
An introduction to major rock-forming and ore minerals. The genesis and characteristics of rocks, especially the igneous and metamorphic families. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
EES 336 - Applied Hydrogeochemistry with Laboratory - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 104; CHE 210; CHE 211 Recommended
An introduction to aqueous geochemistry and isotope hydrology. Emphasis is placed on using the chemical and isotopic properties of water, and their spatial distribution, as a means of investigating water transport on and below the earth's surface. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 340 - Geographic Information Systems with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisite:: EES 224, or Consent of Instructor
GIS is a spatial analysis system designed to improve environmental decision-making. Course objectives are to examine how digital earth resources data are collected, stored, analyzed, and displayed. The emphasis will be on natural resource problems, although we will discuss additional applications. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 342 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisite: EES 340, or Consent of Instructor
This course explores advanced topics in the spatial analysis of natural resources. We will investigate strategies for the integration of digital earth resources data in environmental modeling and gain experience in the use of advanced spatial data analysis software. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 344 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 130, 224; EES 330 Recommended
Study of the formation, distribution, and classification of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 350 - Field Methods in Earth Science - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 130, 224; EES 330 Recommended
Analysis and description of exposed bedrock and sediments. Mapping of geologic aspects for academic or practical purposes. Use of Brunton compass, and other equipment. Field trips.
EES 356 - Structural Geology and Environmental Applications with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 130, 330, MAT 130; EES 350 Recommended
An introduction to the genesis, characteristics, and methods of studying geologic structures like folds and fractures. Also, examples of the relevance of that knowledge to various land-use, hazard, or environmental exercises. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 361 - Gemstones* - 3 credits
Focus on the composition, origin, occurrence, properties, and identification of important gemstones.
EES 362 - Climate and Weather* - 3 credits
Study of the Earth's climate zones and weather phenomena, including how they develop and are investigated.
EES 392 - Environmental Earth Science Practicum - 1-3 credits
Special situation enabling a student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the Environmental Earth Science major, but the situation does not qualify as an internship, directed research, or an independent study. Hours to be arranged.
EES 405 - Sustainable Energy Analysis - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 305, EES 306, EES 340, PHY 204/205 or PHY 208/209
This course provides students with experience in developing and using computer simulations of sustainable energy systems such as solar collectors, solar electric power systems, and wind turbines. Students develop detailed mathematical descriptions of sustainable energy systems and use standard simulation software packages to develop computer simulations of these systems. The course includes experience using computer simulations of sustainable energy systems to predict system performance in different geographical regions.

EES 422 - Groundwater Hydrology with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 322; MAT 240 or 243; PHY 205 or 208;
EES 344 Recommended, or Consent of Instructor

Study of the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Field and laboratory techniques in subsurface hydrology will be covered. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 423 Health and Safety at Hazardous Waste Sites - 3 credits
Environmental scientists who perform investigative or remedial activities at hazardous waste sites or may otherwise be exposed to hazardous substances and health hazards are required by OSHA to receive a minimum of 40 hours of instruction in hazardous materials safety. This course meets the 40-hour off-site training requirement. Topics covered include hazard materials recognition and properties, toxicology and chemical exposure, air monitoring, protective clothing and equipment, decontamination, and health and safety programs/plans.
EES 424 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 130, 224
Characteristics of glaciers and related erosional and depositional features. Stratigraphic and dating aspects pertinent to Quaternary deposits. Three hours lecture.
EES 428 - Geologic Regions of North America - 3 credits
Prerequisites: EES 130, 224
Distinctive aspects of geologic provinces including surface features, structures, history, resources, and environmental aspects. Three hours lecture.
EES 430 Optical Mineralogy with Laboratory - 4 credits
Prerequisite: EES 330
Optical crystallography, crystal chemistry, and structural properties of minerals. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 436 Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology - 3 credits
Prerequisite EES 422 OR EES 336; or Consent of Instructor
A practical course on conducting contaminant hydrogeologic investigations. Topics covered include drilling techniques, sampling protocols, mass transport of contaminants, and aquifer characterization. Three hours lecture.
EES 440 Process Geomorphology - 4 credits
Prerequisites: EES 224; EES 350 Recommended
An in-depth examination of selected themes in process geomorphology with New England examples. Topics include systems theory, weathering processes, tectonic geomorphology, karst, fluvial processes, coastal processes, and climatic geomorphology with emphasis on cold non-glacial processes. Laboratories involve field activities, computing techniques, and computation. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
EES 444 - GIs Applications in Environmental Science - 3 credits
Prerequisite: EES 342, or Consent of Instructor
This course will give students applied experience in using GIs in natural resource management. Each student will develop a GIs project and present it in a written, poster, or oral format.
EES 457 - Instrumental Methods in Environmental Earth Science - 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Laboratory experiences will vary; methods may include work with the petrographic microscope, differential thermal analysis unit, Vreeland spectroscope, and thin-section making equipment.
EES 460-462 - Special Topics in Earth Science - 1-4 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Note: Special-interest courses for EES majors.
Occasional offerings of EES topics not covered in the standard EES courses.
EES 480 - Independent Study in Earth Science 1-6 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and Department Chairperson
Student conducts independent research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
EES 486-488 Earth Science Research - 1-4 CREDITS
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Student involvement in faculty research that does not qualify as an independent study.
EES 490 - Internship in Earth Science Laboratory - 1-4 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and Department Chairperson
Student assists EES faculty member in laboratory teaching.
EES 491 - Internship in Environmental Earth Science - 1-15 credits
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and Department Chairperson
Practical experience in earth science working with a government agency or private company under the supervision of an EES faculty member and an agency representative.


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