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ESCI
Earth Science
Department of Earth Sciences
(406) 994-3331
ESCI 111IN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
ESCI 112CS PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
ESCI 211RN YELLOWSTONE: A SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY
ESCI 280CS SPECIAL TOPICS (Core effective Fall/odd years)
ESCI 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
ESCI 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
ESCI 307 PRINCIPLES OF GEOMORPHOLOGY
ESCI 310 AERIAL PHOTO INTERPRETATION
ESCI 432R SURFACE-WATER RESOURCES
ESCI 440 GROUND-WATER RESOURCES
ESCI 450R SNOW DYNAMICS & ACCUMULATION
ESCI 455 PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES
ESCI 476 INTERNSHIP
ESCI 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
ESCI 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
ESCI 495 SENIOR THESIS
ESCI 500 SEMINAR
ESCI 502 FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
ESCI 505 GEOMICROBIOLOGY
ESCI 512 MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS RIPARIAN PROCESSES
ESCI 516 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN GEOLOGY
ESCI 517 ELECTRONIC HYDROLOGY
ESCI 519 HYDROLOGY OF STREAMS AND LAKES
ESCI 576 INTERNSHIP
ESCI 580 SPECIAL TOPICS
ESCI 582 QUATERNARY PALEOECOLOGY & VEGETATION HISTORY
ESCI 583 TOPICS IN PALEOECOLOGY
ESCI 584 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES
ESCI 585 ADVANCES IN GEOBIOLOGY
ESCI 588 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ESCI 589 GRADUATE CONSULTATION
ESCI 590 MASTER'S THESIS
ESCI 600 DOCTORAL SEMINAR
ESCI 689 GRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
ESCI 690 DISSERTATION RESEARCH
ESCI 111IN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
F,S,Su 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
-- Examination of basic geologic processes, Earth and planets through geologic time, internal geosystems, and surficial geosystems.
ESCI 112CS PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
F,S 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
-- Weather and climate, soils, vegetation, land forms, and water with emphasis on their interdependence and distribution.
ESCI 211RN YELLOWSTONE: A SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY
F 4 cr. LEC 3 RCT 1
-- The Yellowstone region is an unparalleled laboratory for earth scientists. The volcanic, glacial, climatic, and ecological processes that shaped the region will be introduced through lecture, discussions, and projects. Recitation sections and field trips provide additional hands-on experiences.
ESCI 280 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITES: None required but some may be determined necessary by each offering department.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
ESCI 289R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S 1-3 cr. RCT may be repeated
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
ESCI 290R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
F,S 1-6 cr. IND may be repeated
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a written work or other creative project.
ESCI 307 PRINCIPLES OF GEOMORPHOLOGY
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111 and ESCI 112; familiarity with spreadsheets and word-processing is assumed. Junior standing
-- Framework, process, system, and time as factors which control the generation of land forms. Laboratories involve field trips and map interpretation, and computer modeling.
ESCI 310 AERIAL PHOTO INTERPRETATION
F 4 cr. LEC 3 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and ESCI 111 and ESCI 112.
- Interpretation of aerial photographs to obtain quantitative and qualitative information about the physical and cultural features on earth's surface.
ESCI 432R SURFACE-WATER RESOURCES
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Junior Standing, ESCI 112 and STAT 216 or STAT 332 and PHYS 205 or PHYS 211.
-- Physical analysis of the surface portion of the hydrologic cycle: climate, evapotranspiration, precipitation, runoff, flooding, stream channels, sediment production, sediment transport and drainage basins. The surface-water resource in terms of regional supply and human use and intervention. Laboratory fee required.
ESCI 440 GROUND-WATER RESOURCES
F alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, MATH 170 or MATH 182; CHEM 132, PHYS 205 or PHYS 211, ESCI 111 and ESCI 112.
-- The relationship between ground-water and other parts of the hydrologic cycle: ground-water availability, movement, chemistry, exploration, geology, and aquifer tests. The ground-water resource in terms of regional supply and human use and intervention.
ESCI 450R SNOW DYNAMICS & ACCUMULATION
S 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2
PREREQUISITE: Junior or Senior standing; STAT 216; ability to ski at intermediate level in alpine terrain; PHYS 205 or 211 and ESCI 112 or consent of instructor.
-- Senior capstone for the Snow Science Option. The accumulation, redistribution, and metamorphism of snow as related to humans. Avalanche, recreation, agriculture, silviculture, runoff, and the alpine environment. Field studies are conducted on a regular basis under rigorous field conditions.
ESCI 455 PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES
S, alternate years to be offered even years 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, ESCI 307.
-- The physiographic provinces of the United States, their physical characteristics, evolution, and identification.
ESCI 476 INTERNSHIP
On Demand 2 - 12 cr. IND
PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of department head.
-- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
ESCI 489R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Max 4 cr.
COREQUISITE: ESCI 490.
-- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
ESCI 490R UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY
F,S,Su 1 - 6 cr. IND May be repeated. Max 12 cr.
-- Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis.
ESCI 495 SENIOR THESIS
F,S 3 cr. RCT 3
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing; minimum 3.0 cum gpa; faculty recommendation.
-- Senior thesis provides an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member leading to the production of a research paper ("mini-thesis") and an oral presentation to the department or at a professional meeting. Excellent preparation for graduate school and professional work.
ESCI 500 SEMINAR
On Demand 1 cr. SEM 1 Maximum 4 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or seniors by petition. Course prerequisites as determined for each offering.
-- Topics offered at the graduate level which are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material.
ESCI 502 FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
On Demand 3 cr. LEC 3
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 307 or other introduction to fluvial systems or instructor permission.
-- This course provides a foundation for understanding fluvial processes, interpeting fluvial forms, and teaches basic tools for use in watershed and river assessment. Course will cover drainage networks, channel form, and apply these concepts to a river assessment problem.
ESCI 505 GEOMICROBIOLOGY
S alternate years, to be offered even years 3 cr. SEM
-- The course will examine geochemical and microbial interactions that control earth surface processes and ultimately major bigeochemical cycles. The course will study integrated approaches to research problems using geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, culture-based and molecular microbial techniques.
ESCI 512 MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS RIPARIAN PROCESSES
Su On Demand 2 cr. SEM 2
PREREQUISITE: Introductory geology (ESCI 111), secondary teaching certification plus two years teaching experience; recommended ESCI 511 and access to the world wide web.
-- Riparian hydrologic and gemorphic processes with examples drawn from the mountains and plains. Ground-water recharge and discharge; Horton overland flow; partial variable runoff areas; riparian best management practices; sapping, types of springs; sediment from slopes. K-12 riparian science education.
ESCI 516 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN GEOLOGY
Su 2 cr. SEM 1 LAB 1
PREREQUISITE: Introductory geology (ESCI 111), introductory physical geography (ESCI 112), historical geology (GEOL 210); graduate standing; secondary teaching certification plus two years teaching experience ; a computer with modem.
-- Geologic history of Northern Rocky Mountains, and landscapes from Archean to present. Structural, tectonic, and surficial elements. Field examination of geologic evidence for history of the Gallatin Range, Bridger Range, and Yellowstone National Park. Exploration and development of teaching methods and resources for the K-12 classroom.
ESCI 517 ELECTRONIC HYDROLOGY
Su On Demand 2 cr. SEM 2
PREREQUISITE: ESCI 111, ESCI 112; secondary teaching certification plus two years teaching experience; access to the world wide web linked with telnet. Recommended ESCI 511 or ESCI 519.
-- Electronic acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of hydrologic data for K-12 teachers. Data acquired through the world wide web and telnet. Students will learn to download, analyze and interpret data including rainfall, snowfall, precipitation probability, temperature, stream flow, flood frequency, evapotranspiration, and reservoir capacity.
ESCI 519 HYDROLOGY OF STREAMS AND LAKES
Su On Demand 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: Introductory geology/physical geography; two years K-12 teaching experience; recommended ESCI 516, and a basic course in physics.
-- Streams lakes in the mountains and plains: drainage basic analysis, stream hydraulics, slope, channel plan, channel cross section, channel types, geologic origin, evaporation, ground water recharge/discharge. Applications in the K-12 science classroom (habits of a scientific mind).
ESCI 576 INTERNSHIP
On Demand 2 - 12 cr. IND
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor and approval of department head.
-- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
ESCI 580 SPECIAL TOPICS
On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Upper division courses and others as determined for each offering.
-- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
ESCI 582 QUATERNARY PALEOECOLOGY & VEGETATION HISTORY
F alternate years, to be offered odd years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 303, GEOL 302, GEOL 309, GEOL 581 or equivalent cousework, or consent of instructor.
-- Course examines the history and development of modern biomes and the causes and consequences of long-term ecological change.
ESCI 583 TOPICS IN PALEOECOLOGY
S 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 303, GEOL 302, GEOL 581 or equivalent coursework, basic Paleontology or consent of the instructor.
-- Course examines important themes in paleoecology. Topics change on a yearly basis addressing needs and interests of current students. It is intended for students with an interest in ecology, paleontology and environmental history.
ESCI 584 QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES
F, to be offered even years 3 cr. SEM 3
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 445, GEOL 581, ESCI 307, GEOG 302 or equivalent course work, or consent of the instructor.
-- This graduate course examines current research and recent developments in Quaternary paleoclimatology in the western U.S. The seminar will be centered around weekly discussions of the primary literature, hands-on experience with international data bases, and class paper and presentation.
ESCI 585 ADVANCES IN GEOBIOLOGY
F, to be offered even years 1 cr. SEM 1
-- Discussion of recent developments in paleontology, paleoecology, biogeochemistry, and biogeography based on current literature and presentation of faculty and student works in progress.
ESCI 588 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
On Demand 1 - 3 cr. May be repeated; maximum 3 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, teaching experience and/or current employment in a school organization, consent of instructor and Dean of Graduate Studies.
-- Courses offered on a one-time basis to fulfill professional development needs of in service educators. A specific focus is given to each course which is appropriately subtitled.
ESCI 589 GRADUATE CONSULTATION
F,S,Su 3 cr. TUT
PREREQUISITE: Master's standing and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
-- This course may be used only by students who have completed all of their course work (and thesis if on a thesis plan) but who need additional faculty or staff time or help.
ESCI 590 MASTER'S THESIS
F,S,Su 1 - 10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Master's standing.
ESCI 600 DOCTORAL SEMINAR
F,S,Su 1 - 3 cr. SEM Maximum 6 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral candidate standing.
ESCI 689 GRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION
F,S 1 - 3 cr. RCT Maximum 3 cr.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral candidate standing.
-- Directed doctoral research/creative activity projects; may include reading research publications in the field in preparation for beginning dissertation research.
ESCI 690 DISSERTATION RESEARCH
F,S,Su 1 - 10 cr. IND Maximum credits unlimited.
PREREQUISITE: Doctoral candidate standing.
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