LCC Home  |  Classes  |  Contact Us Search  |  A – Z  |  Quick Find
Quick Find Links
CLOSE
 

EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ADVISING INFORMATION

A LIST of courses in the Earth (and Environmental) Sciences follows,
with links to short descriptions of courses and othe information pertinent to advising and registration.

Course LIST Course DESCRIPTIONS

When Courses are Normally Offered - All Terms

Fall Term Winter Term Spring Term Summer Term

Transfer Information

Advisor for those majoring in Earth Sciences and Environmental Science: David Cordero, dcordero@lcc.ctc.edu

Note about COURSE NUMBERING.
In general, courses with lower numbers should be taken prior to courses with higher numbers.

ERSI 104, ERSI 105, and GEOG 105 are broad overviews of the sciences dealing with the earth. It is recommended that one of these courses be taken prior to a course with a more restricted subject matter, such as GEOL 116 or OCNG 140.

ENVS 200 is intended as a 2nd year (sophomore) course. While there is no prerequisite, a prior knowledge of science and environmental concepts makes this course much less difficult. It is strongly recommended that a student taking ENVS 200 has completed a prior natural science course at the college level.

EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES COURSES:

  1. EARTH SCIENCES

  2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

  3. PHYSICAL & LIFE SCIENCES

    The Physical Sciences include CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS
    The LIFE SCIENCES are the BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BIOLOGY)

    For LINKS to information about these related sciences, go to the LCC NATURAL SCIENCES WEB PAGE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

See the LCC On-line Catalog for full course descriptions.

See the LCC On-line Class Schedule Information for official upcoming term schedule information.

ASTRONOMY

ASTR 110 DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY (TELECOURSE), 3 or 5 credits , Fall, Spring, and Summer
3 credits without lab ("Plan B" Natural Science), 5 credits with lab ("Plan B" Natural Science Lab Credit), Schaaf. Telecourse with instruction via KLTV/video. Lab work involves use of lab exercises and outdoor observations which can be done at home. Optional laboratory "help gatherings" will be available 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays, and are highly encouraged for students who are less than self directed learners. Initial meeting to discuss exam schedule, lab/ course requirements, help, etc. is usually the first day of term at 4:00 & 5:00 p.m. in SCI 102.

Go to LCC Astronomy Home Page

Go to Joel Schaaf's - Astronomy 110Web Page

EARTH SCIENCE / EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE

Earth science is an integration of the more specialized sciences (geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy) that seek to understand major aspects of the earth. Either of these courses gives students a foundation for further study in the earth (and environmental) sciences, as well as providing insight into the methodology of science. Major concepts include composition and structure of the earth (including rocks, atmosphere and oceans), plate tectonics, weather, climate, and the earth's place in the universe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_science Earth science - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/earthsystem/nutshell/index2.html NASA's Description of Earth System Science

ERSI 104 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE, 5 credits, (lab), Fall
ERSI 104 is an introduction to the Earth Sciences: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
It provides a comprehensive picture of Earth and its unique place in the universe.
Major subjects are composition, structure, and processes of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere (solid Earth). Topics include global atmospheric circulation, Earth in space, Earth-Sun relationships, ocean characteristics, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and life history of stars.

It is strongly suggested that this course be taken prior to other natural science courses with higher course numbers.
A student CANNOT earn credit for this course, ERSI 104, and ERSI 105 or GEOG 105. This is because the subject matter is very similar in all three courses. Field trips may be required.

ERSI 105 EARTH SYSTEMS, 5 credits, (non-lab), Offered on-line
This course is a NON-LAB introduction to the earth and environmental sciences. It considers Earth (our environment) as a system of interrelated parts (biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solid earth) and focuses on understanding the relationships within and between these components. Major concepts from astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography, geology, biology, and ecology are covered. This course should be taken prior to other natural science courses with higher course numbers. Because there is no lab with this course it in NOT intended for science majors. A student CANNOT earn credit for ERSI 105 and ERSI 104, or GEOG 105.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

ENVS 110 INTERTIDAL ECOLOGY, 2 credits, (non-lab), Spring

ENVS 120 NATURAL HISTORY & ENVIRONMENT, 3 credits, (non-lab), Fall, Spring

ENVS 200 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, 5 credits, (non-lab), Fall, Winter, Spring
This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of environmental science which is based on major concepts from the physical, biological and social sciences, including political science and economics. It examines the interrelationships between the environment and its inhabitants, including humans. Major topics include: ecosystems, natural resources, pollution and other wastes, population, consumption, history of conservation and resource management, and environmental ethics, issues, and information. Recommended prerequisite: Any college level natural science course.

ENVS 210 ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS OF ENERGY, 5 credits, (non-lab), Spring, Summer

GEOGRAPHY

GEOG 105 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, 3 or 5 credits, Winter
This course is an introduction to physical geography, the study of the distribution and interrelationships of such physical elements of the global environment as weather, soils, vegetation, and landforms. This course focuses on the dynamic natural processes and systems that have created and continue to modify Earth's diverse landscapes and environments. Topics include climate, hydrology, geomorphology, and ecosystems. Options include taking the lecture and laboratory sections for five credits or taking lecture section only for 3 credits. The lab component is designed to help develop skills in analysis and problem solving in areas related to the physical environment. Field trips may be required. Physical geography is considered a natural science. Human geography, which at present is not offered at LCC, is a social science. A student cannot earn credit for GEOG 105 and ERSI 104, or ERSI 105.

GEOLOGY COURSES

The study of GEOLOGY is generally divided into two broad categories:
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY and HISTORICAL GEOLOGY.
Many schools offer a full year sequence in geology which consists of two quarters of physical geology followed by a quarter of historical geology. In some schools it is one semester of physical and one semester of historical. Physical geology is concerned with basic concepts and processes of geology: minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, erosion, etc. Historical geology is concerned with the history of Earth, including life on Earth, (an understanding of which depends upon the principles of physical geology).

GEOL 105 GEOLOGY - EARTH REVEALED TELECOURSE, 5 credits, Not currently offered
This course offers a comprehensive one-term study of the Earth's physical properties and processes, with emphasis on understanding the scientific theories behind the geological principles. Major topics include rocks and minerals, weathering, erosion (streams, glaciers, wind, and waves), deserts, shorelines, ground water, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, metamorphism, and geologic hazards. Laboratory work, to be completed at home, includes identification of rocks, interpretation of topographic maps, and recognition of geologic hazards.
Not recommended for students who are not self-motivated.

GEOL 116 GEOLOGY OF EARTH'S INTERIOR, 5 credits, (lab), Fall
Examines Earth's internal structure, composition, and processes. Major topics include rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, metamorphism, and geologic hazards. Laboratory exercises include identification of minerals and rocks, location of earthquake epicenters, and interpretation of Earth's internal structure.

GEOL 117 GEOLOGY OF EARTH'S SURFACE, 5 credits, (lab), Winter
Examines Earth's rocks, structures, and the surficial processes of weathering, mass wasting, and erosion. Major topics include sedimentary rocks and minerals, streams, glaciers, wind and deserts, waves and shorelines, ground water, topographic features, and geologic resources. Laboratory work includes identification of rocks, interpretation of topographic maps, and recognition of geologic hazards.

GEOL 118 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY, 5 credits, (lab), Offered occasionally - Spring
Examines the physical, chemical and biological evolution of Earth based on geologic analysis of the evidence preserved in rocks and fossils. Major topics include plate tectonics, evolution, biogeography, sedimentary environments, geologic time, ice ages and climate change. Laboratory work includes identification of rocks and fossils, determination of relative ages, and interpretation of past environments.

GEOL 170 GEOLOGY OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, 3 or 5 credits, Note - Offered on-line
Explores the rocks, geologic features, and evolution of the Pacific Northwest, including the Cascades, Columbia Plateau, Olympic Mountains, and Yellowstone. Options include taking the lecture and laboratory sections for five credits or taking lecture section only for 3 credits. Laboratory includes rock identification, interpretation of landforms, and classification of fossils common to the Northwest.

OCEANOGRAPHY

OCNG 140 INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 or 5 credits , Spring
3 credits (non-lab); 5 credits (lab) This course is an introduction to oceanography which includes the origin and evolution of the ocean basins and their waters (geological oceanography), chemistry and physics of sea water (chemical and physical oceanography), movements of ocean waters (waves, currents, and tides), and the marine environment (marine biology). Options include taking the lecture and laboratory sections for five credits or taking lecture section only for 3 credits. Field trips may be required.

GENERAL EARTH SCIENCE ADVISING REMINDER:
Students may ONLY earn credit for ONE of the following: ERSI 104, ERSI 105, GEOG 105.
In other words, they can only take one of these three courses and get credit.

Return to TOP of this page
Go to LCC Earth Sciences Home Page
Go to LCC Earth & Environmental Sciences Advising Planner Page
Go to LCC Earth Sciences LINKS Page

LCC Earth Sciences Advising Web Page 04/13/07
David Cordero
dcordero@lowercolumbia.edu