200 Oceanography (4) Explores the geology of the ocean basins and the physical and chemical nature of seawater. Topics studied include ocean waves, tides, and currents. Links between the oceans and the atmosphere are explored with special emphasis on the effect of oceans on climate, El Nino, and climate change. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Designed for science and non-science majors. Prerequisite or Corequisite: math placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104. Course fee of $50 required. Offered every fall. 210 Meteorology (4) An introduction to the atmosphere and the science behind weather phenomena such as clouds, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Students practice weather forecasting, use meteorological instrumentation, and analyze global meteorological datasets. Designed for science and non-science majors. Prerequisite or Corequisite: math placement level H, A, or B, or MATH 104. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Course fee of $50 required. Offered every spring. 250 Field Experiences in Earth and Environmental Sciences (2 or 4) Provides students with an intensive field experience in selected habitats as they conduct studies to examine various geological sites and sample particular habitats. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Lab fee. Prerequisite: consent. Offered in selected January Terms or summers on demand. 270 Environmental Chemistry (4) An exploration of the Earth system and human perturbations to that system from a chemical perspective. Topics covered include ozone depletion, persistent organic pollutants, wastewater treatment, and toxicity of environmental contaminants. Laboratory exercises give students experience in environmental sampling and analysis. Prerequisites: CHEM 120. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Identical to CHEM 270. Offered fall of odd-numbered years. 300 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4) Introduces the computer-literate student to the underlying theory and practical applications of Graphic Information System (GIS) technology. Lectures are interwoven with hands-on computer exercises that illustrate the principles, develop technical competence, and demonstrate the versatility of GIS. Individualized projects reinforce concepts and help students acquire the knowledge and confidence required to use GIS outside the classroom. Prerequisites: math placement level H, A, or B, and junior/senior status, or MATH 104, or consent. Offered fall of even-numbered years. 305 Teaching Experience (1) Qualified students assist instructors in the teaching of EES courses and laboratories. May be repeated for credit, but students may apply no more than 4 semester hours toward graduation. Prerequisite: Consent. Offered every semester. 316 General Ecology (4) W A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Topics will range from the individual level to the global scale, including both basic and applied ecological topics. Prerequisites: BIO 130, successful completion of ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, and sophomore status or higher. Identical to BIO 316. 320 Energy and the Environment (4) An introduction to the fundamental physical concepts underlying energy, its conversion, and its impact on the environment. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear-fueled power plants, renewable forms of energy, pollution, and energy conversion. Prerequisite: math placement level H or A, or MATH 135. Offered spring of odd-numbered years. 330 Advanced Topics in Geology (4) An in-depth study of some aspect of geology. Topics may include structure and evolution of mountain belts, paleontology, earth materials, and sedimentology. May be taken multiple times for credit as topic varies. Prerequisite: EES 131. Course fee of $50 required. Offered spring of even-numbered years. 340 Climatology (4) W An examination of the earth’s climate system and the science of climate change. Topics include the dynamics and feedbacks of the climate system, ocean and biosphere influences on climate, reconstruction of past climate, predications of future climate, and human influences on global and regional weather patterns. Prerequisites: ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, and EES 200 or EES 210. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
Virginia Wesleyan University 2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog
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