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2005 - 2006 Earth Systems Science Courses
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ESS
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101
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Introduction to Geography
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(3)
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Focuses on special relationships and how human culture adapts to varied
environments. Class includes how natural resources are utilized as a source
of economic and political power. Students also learn how our natural resources
are limited on a global scale.
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ESS
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110
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Introduction to Geology, LE
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(3)
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What are the processes and events that have made the earth look the way
it does today? How long have these processes been going on? How different
will the earth look in the future? In answering these questions, this
course will not only introduce students to the basic principles of geology,
but will also explore the problems inherent in the scientific study of
the deep past. Students should take note: this class will make you see
the world around you differently.
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ESS
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205
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Environmental Earth Sciences
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(4)
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A study of the earth as a dynamic system focusing on the human dimensions
of global change. Changes to the earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and
biosphere through time will be explored, as will geologic risks and human
impact on the globe.
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ESS
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200/300
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Special Topics in Earth Systems Science
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(1-4)
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Meets the special needs of students interested in pursuing more advanced
studies in geology, geography, physical and earth systems science. Topics
may include specialized studies within geology such as mineralogy, field
geology of Utah, paleontology, etc. Topics for study may also focus on
specific global environmental issues such as climate change or bio-diversity
loss. Advanced study of methods for studying earth systems such as GIS
or remote sensing may also be done. Field-oriented courses, which focus
on a specific geographic region, e.g., Africa, Latin America, Asia, may
also be offered. Prerequisite for 300-level credit: ESS 110 or ESS 205.
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ESS
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214
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Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
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(3)
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This course takes an in-depth look at how geologists us sedimentary rocks
to interpret the changing nature of the earth's surficial environment.
This class utilizes actualistic experiments and field studies in addition
to traditional lectures and discussions. Topics include the physical nature
of sediment and sedimentary environments (shelf, terrestrial, and carbonate);
naming clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks; dating, correlation, and
magnetostratigraphy; biostratigraphy and biogeography; and sequence stratigraphy.
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ESS
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315
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Principles of Paleontology
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(4)
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This course introduces the organisms that comprise the fossil record
as well as the methods that paleontologists use to reconstruct the life
of the past. Topics include modes of preservation, classification and
the species problem, biases of the fossil record, phylogenetic reconstructions,
functional morphology, paleoecology, morphometric analyses, evolutionary
developmental biology, evolutionary trends, and critical intervals in
the history of life. Same as BIOL 315.
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ESS
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321
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History of Life on Earth
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(3)
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This course examines a number of fundamental questions about the history
of this planet's biosphere. Questions include: how has the earth changed
as an abode for life over the course of geologic time? How has life on
earth changed over geologic time? Have there been significant interrelations
between changes in the earth and changes in its biota? How can we scientifically
study unique and unrepeatable events? Answers to these questions will
give students a better understanding of not only the nature and history
of our planet, but also of the methods used by scientists to study events
in the deep past. Same as BIOL 321.
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