The emphasis is on explanation of environmental issues in terms of basic science principles. GLY105 may be taken concurrently to provide a laboratory if desired. Laboratory involves field measurements of streams, computer modeling of physical processes, and map analysis. The significance for society of the environmental findings of science is considered. Laboratory involves chemistry of natural waters, global climate change, and natural resource evaluation.
Course emphasizes the interaction of the Earth's processes and features as a global system.
Field trip required. Concurrent registration with GLY105 required for majors, encouraged for others. Course examines the principles of historical inference in the geological sciences, the character of organic evolution, and the interaction of geological and biological processes that produced the history of the Earth. Also explores the relationships between human society and science, particularly with reference to the role of societal attitudes in shaping scientific concepts, as well as the influence of scientific knowledge on our concept of humanity and our place in nature. Field trip required.