Major and Minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Earth and environmental sciences is a multidisciplinary field that addresses the interactions between humans and the environment. Study in this field includes both an understanding of the basic principles that govern geological, biological, and chemical interactions as well as the applied context of developing solutions to current environmental problems. The earth and environmental sciences curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in both earth science and environmental science as well as supporting coursework in chemistry, biology and physics. This preparation will prepare students for careers or graduate study in earth or environmental science.
Major Requirements:
A major in Earth and Environmental Science consists of a minimum of 58 semester hours (traditionally graded). These include 29-33 required lower level hours and 20 required upper level hours. The balance of the 58 semester hours must be selected from the list of electives below. Courses designed exclusively for non-science majors cannot be counted toward the major in earth and environmental sciences (58 semester hours), but can be counted toward the degree (120 semester hours).
Required Lower Level Courses (29-33 semester hours total):
EES 124/125 or 130/131 .................................................................. 4 sem. hours
EES 132/133 .................................................................................... 4 sem. hours
BIO 110 and 111, or 207 ................................................................ 4-8 sem. hours
CHEM 117 and 118 ......................................................................... 8 sem. hours
CHEM 210 ....................................................................................... 5 sem. hours
PHYS 215 or 221 ............................................................................. 4 sem. hours
Required Upper Level Courses (20 semester hours total):
BIO 316 or 318 ................................................................................ 4 sem. hours
INST 300 ......................................................................................... 4 sem. hours
EES 320 ........................................................................................... 3 sem. hours
EES 330 ........................................................................................... 4 sem. hours
EES 400 ........................................................................................... 4 sem. hours
EES 480 ........................................................................................... 1 sem. hour
Electives (selected from the following to bring the total to at least 58 semester hours):
BIO 300, 310, 316, 318, 332, 350, 370, 373, 410, 482, 484; CHEM 220, 311, 312, 321, 322, 411, 412, 422; ESS 200, 480; INST 340/440; PHYS 216, 222.
Students are strongly encouraged to take Math 106 and 171.
Students interested in pursuing graduate study are strongly encouraged to take both Math 171 and 172.
Minor Requirements:
A minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences consists of a minimum of 18 semester hours (traditionally graded), at least 9 of which must be at the 300/400 level. A minimum of 9 semester hours must be taken in residence at VWC. A course taken to fulfil a major requirement may not count toward a minor requirement. However, a course used to fulfil a minor requirement may be used to fulfil a general studies requirement. A 2.0 GPA is required for all courses taken in the minor field.
Lower Level (8 semester hours total):
EES 124/125 or 130/131 or 132/133 ............................................... 4 sem. hours
BIO 207 ........................................................................................... 4 sem. hours
Upper Level (10 semester hours total):
EES 480 ............................................................................................ 1 sem. hour
At least 9 semester hours selected from the following:
BIO 316, 318, EES 320, 330, 400, INST 300 or 340/440.
EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES COURSES (ESS)
124 Evolution of the Earth (3) (E)
Explores the physical, chemical, and biological events of earth history. Topics such as the origin of the earth, the birth of ocean basins, continents, and mountain ranges, the beginning of life in the oceans and on the continents, and patterns and causes of climate changes, continent shifting, and mass extinction will be examined. Offered each spring.
125 Evolution of the Earth Lab (1)
Explores the major geologic events of earth history as recorded by geologic deposits and fossils. The course will combine local geology field trips and indoor exercises, including geologic map interpretation, to reconstruct the geologic history of areas such as Virginia Beach. The course is intended for either science or non-science majors and fulfills the laboratory requirements for students intending to graduate with honors. Prerequisite or corequisite: SCI 124. Offered each spring.
130 Physical Geology (3) (E)
One of the most significant advances of the 20th century has been the recognition of Earth as a dynamic and continually changing planet. This course will explore the interior of the Earth through the rock cycle and the unifying theory of plate tectonics. The causes and consequences of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the origin of mountain ranges, and the vastness of geologic time are topics to be addressed. Offered each fall.
131 Physical Geology Lab (1)
Explores the materials and processes of the physical Earth. Activities include the basic identification of rocks and minerals, reading and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, assessment of earthquake and volcanic hazards and geologic time. For either science or non-science majors. Prerequisite or co-requisite: SCI 130. Offered each fall.
132 Environmental Geology (3) (E)
Focuses on the entire spectrum of possible interactions between people and the physical environment. Natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and coastal erosion will be explored in detail. In addition, the course will investigate numerous environmental issues related to water and energy resources and hazardous waste management. Important topics dealing with global change such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect will also be examined. Lecture 3 hours each week. Offered each spring.
133 Environmental Geology Lab (1) Explores the impact of humans on their physical
environment and vice versa. Topics will include recognition of earth materials, field and laboratory techniques of water and soil quality analysis, basic map reading and interpretation, geologic hazard assessment, and natural resource availability. Several short field trips to local wetlands, sites of coastal erosion and other pertinent areas are planned. For either majors or non-science majors. Prerequisite or corequisite: SCI 132. Offered each spring.
200 Oceanography (4) (E)
The world's oceans remain one of the least explored places on earth. Despite this reality, the science of oceanography has progressed rapidly in recent decades revealing that the oceans hold many clues to unravel the evolution of the planet earth. In this course, the geology of the ocean basins and the physical and chemical nature of seawater are explored. Topics to be studied include ocean waves, tides, and currents. Links between the oceans and the atmosphere are explored with special emphasis on El Niño and climate change. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours each week. Designed for science and non-science majors. Offered each fall.
320 Energy and the Environment (3)
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 113. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
330 Geology of the Appalachians (4) (E)
An introduction to the disciplines of stratigraphy and structural geology focusing on the Appalachian Mountain Belt as a case study. Topics include 1) the observation, description and interpretation of the sedimentary record; 2) the measurement and analysis of folds, faults and other features associated with tectonic uplift and 3) the tectonic history of the Appalachians. Prerequisite: SCI 123 and SCI 124 or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory 3 hours each week. Field trips to key locations in the central Appalachians. Offered spring of even-numbered years.
400 Watershed Hydrology (4) (E)
Hydrology is the study of the occurrence and movement of water on and beneath the Earth’s surface, and addresses all aspects of water’s relationship to its material and biological environment. A watershed is a topographically delineated area drained by a stream and groundwater system, and often serves to define physical-biological and socio-economic boundaries for the purpose of planning and managing natural resources. EES 400 is designed to introduce the junior or senior interested in environmental issues to the underlying theory and practical applications of water science at the watershed scale. Brief lectures are followed by hands-on computer exercises that illustrate the ecohydrologic principles discussed. EES 400 satisfies the college lab science requirement.
EES 480 Advanced Seminar in EES (1)
An advanced seminar on various announced topics in earth and environmental sciences. Topics may include, but are not limited to: conservation of biodiversity, risk assessment, the Chesapeake Bay, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, biogeochemistry, environmental policy, and sustainable development. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: Junior/senior standing and consent. Offered each spring.
INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES (INST)
300 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)
A geographic information system (GIS) is a database with spatial attributes and the tools needed to extract, display, manipulate, and analyze the information. The course introduces the computer-literate GIS novice to the underlying theory and practical applications of this technology. Lectures are interwoven with hands-on computer exercises that illustrate the principles, develop technical competence, and demonstrate the versatility of GIS. Individualized projects will reinforce concepts and help students acquire the knowledge and confidence required to use GIS outside the classroom. Prerequisites: Math 104 or 105 and jr/sr standing, or consent. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
340/440 Global Environmental Issues (3) (I)*W
This course is designed for upperclassmen in all disciplines and can serve for the SIE at the 440 level. Students will examine the impact of Human society and competing interests on local and global ecosystems and will explore models for sustainable development *Only 440 is designated I.
BIOLOGY COURSES (BIO)
110 General Botany (4) (E)
An introduction to the vegetable kingdom which will include basic cellular structure and function, morphology, and variation of plants from the bacteria to flowering plants. Designed for the student intending to major in biology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered each fall.
111 General Zoology (4) (E)
A systematic treatment of the animal kingdom to include histologic examination of animal cells and tissues. Designed for the student intending to major in biology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered each spring.
A study of specific environmental issues, especially those that influence biodiversity and
the abundance of organisms. Emphasis will be placed on basic ecological principles,
overpopulation, air and water resources, environmental monitoring, and biodiversity.
Designed for majors in the sciences or students minoring in EES. Lecture three hours,
laboratory three hours each week. Prerequisites: None. Offered each spring.
316 General Ecology (4) (W)
A study of plant and animal communities in relation to habitat with emphasis on the effect of the environment on community structure and distribution. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 111 or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory/field three hours per week. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
318 Marine Ecology (4) (E, W)
A study of the interactions between environment, adaptations of organisms, and ecological processes in shaping marine and estuarine communities. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 111 or consent. Lecture three hours, laboratory/field three hours each week. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
CHEMISTRY COURSES (CHEM)
117 College Chemistry I (4) (E)
An introduction to chemical principles that includes atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Lecture three hours,laboratory three hours each week. Prerequisites: high school chemistry (within the last five years) or CHEM 105 (or equivalent), two years of high school algebra or MATH 105 (or equivalent), and placement in Group A or B on the math placement test. Offered each fall.
118 College Chemistry II (4) (E)
A further study of chemical principles. The principal subject areas are reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acids-bases, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 117. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours each week. Offered each spring.
210 Analytical Chemistry (5)
Analytical techniques are applied to inorganic, organic and biochemical systems. The experimental methods include volumetric and gravimetric analysis, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, with emphasis on instrumental procedures. The class work is coordinated with the laboratory experiments. Prerequisites: CHEM 118. Lecture three hours, laboratory five hours each week. Offered fall of even-numbered years.
PHYSICS COURSES (PHYS)
215 General Physics (4) (E)
An introductory non-calculus treatment of the basic principles of physics. Areas of study include mechanics, fluids, forms of energy, and wave motion. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed. Prerequisite: MATH 113. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
221 Physics (4) (E)
A calculus-based introduction to kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, work and energy, gravitation, waves, fluid mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MATH 207. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Offered fall of even-numbered years.