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Earth Systems Science Area (Geospatial Science and Technology Track) – Bachelor of Science

The track in geospatial science is intended for students interested in the study of Earth from space-based (digital) observation in addition to the traditional field-based observation.

Program Competencies

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify Earth materials (minerals, rocks, fossils, sediments, soils, etc.)
  2. Map and correlate bodies of rock, sediment and soil using surface and subsurface data.
  3. Articulate the physical processes that shape Earth's surface and interior.
  4. Apply knowledge of modern geologic processes to interpret the geologic record.
  5. Describe methods used to explore for and develop mineral/petroleum/water resources.
  6. Assess the suitability of sites for the construction of buildings, roads, dams, landfills, septic systems, waste lagoons, etc.
  7. Describe methods used to monitor, reclaim, and remediate sites impacted by mining, improper waste disposal, leaking underground storage tanks, etc.
  8. Recognize existing or potential geologic hazards.
  9. Describe the details of the inter-relationships between components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) of the Earth System.

Assessment

  1. Graduating seniors will be given discipline-specific exit exam(s).

  2. Alumni will be surveyed regarding employment, acceptance to graduate school, or for other employment outcomes.

  3. Student results in the capstone (either ESS 499C or Field Camp) will be tracked to verify that integration of discipline skills is attained.

  4. Individual measures from classes will be recorded and tracked via WEAVE.

Program Requirements

General Education

General Education Courses(See GNED Course Listings)

33
Total Credit Hours:33

Refer to the General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University. Program requirements that are also general education requirements will count in both places (as applicable).

Area Requirements

Core Requirements

 
ESS 108Physical Geology

4
ESS 201Historical Geology

3
ESS 276Geologic Field Methods and Ground Truthing

3
ESS 325Earth Structure and Tectonics

4
ESS 330Geospatial Science I

3
ESS 350Geomorphology

3
ESS 440Biogeochemical Cycles

3
BIOL 155Environmental Biology

3
CHEM 111Principles of Chemistry I

4
CIS 101Computer Literacy

3
MATH 152College Algebra

3
MATH 174Pre-Calculus Mathematics

3
PHYS 201Elementary Physics I

4
PHYS 202Elementary Physics II

4
ESS 499C or Geology Field Camp(choose one)

3-6
Total Credit Hours:50-53

Geology Field Camp: Students who intend to pursue a graduate degree should take a geology field camp instead of the capstone. The field camp must be taken off-campus at an accredited university.

Geospatial Science and Technology Track

SSE 120Satellites and Space Systems I

3
SSE 122Satellites and Space Systems II

3
ESS 331Geospatial Science II

3
ESS 401Remote Sensing

3
ESS 455Geospatial Science Applications

3
SSE 460Spacecraft Sensors and Remote Sensing

3
SSE 476Directed Research

3
ESS/SSE 300 or higherelectives

9
Total Credit Hours:30

Free Electives

Free Electives (chosen by student)

variable

Total Credit Hours: 120