The study of the origin and development of the planet earth including plate tectonics. Structure, composition, and identification of earth materials are emphasized. Lecture and laboratory. Study of modern astronomy and the structure of the universe. Material topics studied include the solar system and its mechanics, description astronomy, galaxies, stellar evolution, distances of space, pulsars, quasi-stellar objects, and black holes.
Emphasis is on the methods and process of science.
Lecture and laboratory. Examination of the development of major ideas in science in a historical, political, social and cultural context. Offered yearly, with the major theme of the course alternating between scientific disciplines. The appropriate departmental designation will be applied according to the major theme.