Earth Science B.A.
Earth Science Major
The B.A. Earth Science major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes UNIFI/General Education requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.
| Required | ||
| Earth Science: | ||
| EARTHSCI 1100 | Astronomy | 3 |
| EARTHSCI 1110 | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| EARTHSCI 1200 | Elements of Weather | 3 |
| EARTHSCI 1300 | Introduction to Geology | 4 |
| EARTHSCI 1320 | Earth History | 4 |
| Experiential Learning Requirement (2 hours from the following): | 2 | |
| Field Studies in ____________ | ||
| Internship | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Earth and Environmental Science | ||
Or an experience approved by the department | ||
| Mathematics: | 4 | |
| Precalculus | ||
or MATH 1420 | Calculus I | |
| Electives in Earth Science (3000/4000 EARTHSCI courses must include at least one course from each of astronomy, geology, and meteorology) | 16 | |
| Cognates - choose one of the following two options: | 5 or 8 | |
| Option 1 Chemistry (5 hours) | ||
| General Chemistry I-II | ||
| OR | ||
| Option 2 Chemistry/Physics (8 hours) | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
and one of the following: | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| Physics I for Science and Engineering | ||
| Option 1 total hours 42 | ||
| Option 2 total hours 45 | ||
| Total Hours | 42-45 | |
Four-Year Plan
Earth Science, B.A.
This is a sample plan of study with a suggested sequencing of classes for the major. University electives may be applied to earn additional academic majors, minors, or certificates. Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to plan their specific semester schedule to include UNIFI/General Education program and/or university elective hours required.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| CHEM 1110 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| UNIV 1000 | First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication I | 3 |
| EARTHSCI 1300 | Introduction to Geology | 4 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| EARTHSCI 1320 | Earth History | 4 |
| UNIV 1010 | First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication II | 3 |
| EARTHSCI 1200 | Elements of Weather | 3 |
| CHEM 1120 | General Chemistry II(OR PHYSICS 1501 or PHYSICS 1701) | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| EARTHSCI 1100 | Astronomy | 3 |
| EARTHSCI 1110 | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 1140 Precalculus (or MATH 1420) | 4 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geology, Astronomy and/or Meteorology Electives | 4 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geology, Astronomy and/or Meteorology Electives | 4 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geology, Astronomy, and/or Meteorology Electives | 4 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| EARTHSCI 3179 or EARTHSCI 3410 or EARTHSCI 3430 or EARTHSCI 4400 | 2 | |
| Geology, Astronomy, and/or Meteorology Electives | 2 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 11 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geology, Astronomy, and/or Meteorology Electives | 2 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 13 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Learning Outcomes
Earth Science, B.A.
Goal 1 - Critical Thinking & Data Analysis: Our students will use concepts from Earth and Space Science to critically analyze and interpret scientific data.
- Outcome 1.1 - Analyze and interpret scientific data to formulate an evidence-based conclusion
- Outcome 1.2 - Use a variety of mathematical tools and computer software to describe scientific phenomena and answer scientific questions
Goal 2 - Communication: Our students will be able to communicate concepts from Earth and Space Science.
- Outcome 2.1 - Create a well-written report or paper that summarizes scientific data and draws evidence-based conclusions
- Outcome 2.2 - Create and deliver a well-constructed oral report that summarizes scientific data and draws evidence-based conclusions
Goal 3 - Content Knowledge and Skills: Our students will apply concepts and theories from Earth and Space Science to the real world.
- Outcome 3.1 - Describe fundamental theories and concepts in Earth and Space Science
- Outcome 3.2 - Use concepts and theories from Earth and Space Science to create a model of a complex system
- Outcome 3.3 - Use concepts and theories from Earth and Space Science to solve a real-world problem
- Outcome 3.4 - Use scientific equipment to collect valid scientific data.