95 courses with the subject ESS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
The Earth's composition and history; the processes that occur on and within the Earth. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Distance education offering may be available.
A study of the ability of humans to survive and maintain their life quality, considering the limited resources and recycling capacity of planet Earth. Note: Students completing ESS 102 may not take SCB 102 or ENV 102 for credit. Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary, Sustainability Pathway Equivalent courses: ENV 102
An introductory course in astronomy. Topics will focus on the observable changes in the night sky, the properties of light, the laws of motion, the formation and composition of the solar system, extra solar planets, the properties of stars, stellar evolution and stellar death. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive
An introductory general education course in astronomy. Topics will focus on the properties of light and matter, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the expansion, structure, history and fate of the universe. Three hours of lecture. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive
An exploration of movies, media, and other mass communication media from an earth and space science perspective. Films, digital media (including trending videos or articles in social media news feeds), traditional news media, and other mass communication entertainment media will be viewed and analyzed to identify earth and space science topics and to correct these inaccuracies.
This course explores the science of natural disasters such as volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, climate change, and asteroid impacts. Students will learn to apply the tools of science to understand the processes behind natural hazards, quantify and communicate risk, and develop mitigation strategies to protect societies and the environment. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Distance education offering may be available.
This course examines the physical and biological processes in our ocean. The course begins with an overview of earth and ocean, and the history of earth. It will cover four areas of oceanographic research area: physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography. ESS 130 Corequisite: ESS 130L. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive, Sustainability Pathway 235
Laboratory studies that examine the physical and biological processes in our ocean. The course begins with an overview of earth and ocean, and the history of earth. It will cover four areas of oceanographic research area: physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography. ESS 130L Corequisite: ESS 130.
Why is the sky blue? What will the weather be tomorrow? What makes tornadoes? How did the ozone hole develop? What is the greenhouse effect? This class will use these questions and others to investigate the basic physical processes that determine the weather and climate on earth. A student who has successfully completed ESS 370 may not subsequently receive credit for ESS 170. Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive Distance education offering may be available.
Transfer Credits
An introduction to the basic methods of geologic data collection in the field; analysis, and presentation; literature research; and report writing. One weekend field trip is required. ESS 201 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101. Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis
An examination of how Earth has evolved over geologic time, from its origin as a tiny lifeless planetesimal to its present state as a dynamic planetary system teaming with life. Rocks, fossils, and other evidence of Earth's past are analyzed and evaluated with knowledge of modern physical and biological processes to infer Earth's history, understand its present state, and predict its future. Laboratory included. Recommended for students who have completed ESS 101 or another introductory (100-level) science course. ESS 204 Corequisite: ESS 204L. Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis
Laboratory studies of how Earth has evolved over geologic time, from its origin as a tiny lifeles planetesimal to its present state as a dynamic planetary system teaming with life. Rocks, fossils, and other evidence of Earth's past are analyzed and evaluated with knowledge of modern physical and biological processes to infer Earth's history, understand its present state, and predict its future. Recommended for students who have completed ESS 101 or another introductory (100-level) science course. ESS 204L Corequisite: ESS 204.
An introduction to principles and applications of geochemistry to geologic systems, including surface and ground waters, soils, and rocks. ESS 301 Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHE 103 and ESS 101.
In-depth survey of the formation, identification, classification, and uses of minerals. Principle of symmetry, crystallography, crystal chemistry, and optical mineralogy. Laboratory and field examination and analysis of minerals. ESS 302 Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHE 103, ESS 101, and ESS 204. Corequisite: ESS 302L.
Laboratory studies of the formation, identification, classification, and uses of minerals. Principles of symmetry, crystallography, crystal chemistry, and optical mineralogy. Laboratory and field examination and analysis of minerals. ESS 302L Corequisite: ESS 302.
The geology, origin, evolution, and properties of planets, comets, asteroids, moons, and meteorites.
An introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include celestial mechanics, the properties of light, matter and energy, the formation of stars and planets, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. ESS 311 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT 115, MAT 131, MAT 143, or MAT 161. 236
Laboratory studies of astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include celestial mechanics, the properties of light, matter and energy, the formation of stars and planets, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. ESS 311L Corequisite: ESS 311.
Application of computational and statistical methods to geologic problems. Geologic sampling, data comparisons in environmental, petrologic, paleontologic, and geochemical problems.
Occurrence, relationships, and geologic history of the rocks, minerals, and soils of this area, studied at representative locations. ESS 323 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 302.
Diverse Communities Gen Ed 3 Directed Elective 3 Credits 16
Laboratory studies of the science of the oceans, emphasizing the interconnected physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that shape the marine environment. The course begins with Earth’s formation and the origin of the oceans, then explores the major s subfields of oceanography: marine geology (seafloor features and marine sediments), physical oceanography (circulation, waves, and tides), chemical oceanography (seawater composition and interactions), and marine biology (marine life and ecosystems). Special attention will be given to contemporary issues such as climate change, ocean sustainability, and human impacts on the marine system. While oceanography is a highly interdisciplinary and quantitative science, students will engage with these concepts through guided in-class activities and practical exercises designed to strengthen quantitative reasoning, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning. ESS 330L Corequisite: ESS 330. Distance education offering may be available.
Identification and study of common fossils in order to understand their life processes and geologic significance. s ESS 331 Corequisite: ESS 331L. Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis
Laboratory studies related to the identification and study of common fossils in order to understand their life processes and geologic significance. ESS 331L Corequisite: ESS 331.
An advanced course in oceanography covering marine resources, oceanographic literature, animal-sediment relationships, field techniques, estuaries, salt marshes, sea level changes, and pollution. ESS 332 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 330.
The application of geological information to human problems encountered in natural phenomena, such as flooding, earthquakes, coastal hazards, and man-made concerns, including waste disposal, land use, and global change. ESS 336 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101. 2026-2027 CATALOG - UNDERGRADUATE
Constructional and degradational forces that have shaped present landforms and are constantly reshaping and modifying landforms. Interpretation of geologic and topographic maps; field studies. ESS 343 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101 and ESS 204.
A continuation of the study of earth surface processes. Interpretation of topographic maps and air photos. ESS 344 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 343.
One credit weekly seminar featuring guest lectures by Geoscience professionals, prominent scientists, faculty and students. Students will read professional literature, attend and participate in the lecture, and write a summary and/or analysis of each seminar. Repeatable for credit.
Field investigations of selected country's physical environments focusing on geology and natural resources in relationship to cultural traditions, lifestyle and sustainability. Case stud of human adaptation to local and global environmental challenges will be considered. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. ESS 348 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101 or ESS 102 or permission of instructor. Repeatable for credit.
An analytical and qualitative analysis of selected astronomical phenomena. Topics include telescope optics (including photographic and photoelectric attachments), lunar and planetary orbits, stellar motions and magnitudes, galactic classifications, and distances. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. ESS 355 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 111. Corequisite: ESS 355L.
Laboratory studies of selected astronomical phenomena. Topics include telescope optics (including photographic and photoelectric attachments), lunar and planetary orbits, stellar motions and magnitudes, galactic classifications, and distances. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. ESS 355L Corequisite: ESS 355.
Development of astronomical theories from the ancient Greeks until the 20th century. ESS 362 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 111.
This course is intended to prepare students to make multimedia products about fundamental scientific phenomena which can be used to educate and teach others. Through both theoretical and practical approaches, students learn skills and concepts that will enable them to complete a series of science-based creative projects and apply these skills toward future use.
A study of the principles governing the earth's atmosphere and how these principles determine weather conditions. ESS 370 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT 115, MAT 131, MAT 143, or MAT 161,
Laboratory studies of the principles governing the earth's atmosphere and how these principles determine weather conditions. ESS 370L Corequisite: ESS 370.
A continuation of the study of the principles governing the earth's atmosphere and how these principles determine weather conditions. ESS 371 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 370.
This course includes a field trip to the national parks in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, northern Utah, and Colorado. The purpose of the course is to look at the geologic features of the national parks in these states and to develop an appreciation of the geology and geologic history of the region. 2026-2027 CATALOG - UNDERGRADUATE DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES
Theories of the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks based on field occurrence, physical properties, geochemistry, thermodynamics, and petrography. Classification and identification of rocks. Laboratory and field examination of rocks. ESS 405 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 201 and ESS 302. Corequisite: ESS 405L.
Laboratory studies of the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks based on field occurrence, physical properties, geochemistry, thermodynamics, and petrography. Classification and identification of rocks. Laboratory and field examination of rocks. ESS 405L Corequisite: ESS 405.
Determination of the sequential development and the forces involved in the various structural features of the earth. ESS 420 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 201 and ESS 302. Corequisite: ESS 420L.
Laboratory studies of the sequential development and the forces involved in the various ies structural features of the earth. ESS 420L Corequisite: ESS 420.
An introduction to the science and technology of remote sensing and the applications of remote sensing data to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and the environment. Includes a discussion of the history and principles of remote sensing; fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation; theory and types of active and passive remote sensing systems; fundamentals of image interpretation; digital analysis of LANDSAT and AVHRR data; operation of environmental satellites; and future imaging systems. ESS 435 Corequisite: ESS 435L.
Laboratory studies of the science and technology of remote sensing and the applications of remote sensing data to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and the environment. Includes a discussion of the history and principles of remote sensing; fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation; theory and types of active and passive remote sensing systems; fundamentals of image interpretation; digital analysis of LANDSAT and AVHRR data; operation of environmental satellites; and future imaging systems. ESS 435L Corequisite: ESS 435.
This applied course covers groundwater flow systems, well hydraulics, advective contaminant transport, groundwater flow modeling, and sustainable management of water resources. Special emphasis is placed on scientific and professional ethics while applying hydrogeologic concepts to solve real-world environmental problems that affect communities. Students considering employment in the environmental industry as environmental scientists or professional geologists are encouraged to complete this course. ESS 439 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101. Corequisite: ESS 439L. Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement
Laboratory studies of groundwater flow systems, well hydraulics, advective contaminant transport, groundwater flow modeling, and sustainable management of water resources. Special emphasis is placed on scientific and professional ethics while applying hydrogeologic concepts to solve real-world environmental problems that affect communities. Students considering employment in the environmental industry as environmental scientists or professional geologists are encouraged to complete this course. ESS 439L Corequisite: ESS 439.
Gravitational, magnetic, seismic (refraction and reflection), and electrical properties of rocks and minerals in the earth. Physical principles of the earth; geophysics in relation to economic deposits. ESS 442 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT 162; and PHY 140 or PHY 180.
A one credit weekly seminar featuring guest lectures by Geoscience professionals, prominent scientists, faculty and students. Each week students will read professional literature, attend and participate in the lecture, and write a summary and/or analysis of each seminar. ESS 447 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 347; or department consent. Repeatable for credit. 237
Lecture and field studies of sediments, sedimentary rocks, depositional processes and environments, and diagenesis. Description, mapping, and correlation of strata to infer temporal-spatial relationships, locate resources, and interpret Earth history. ESS 450 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 301, ESS 302, ESS 331, and ESS 343.
Laboratory studies of sediments, sedimentary rocks, depositional processes and environments, and diagenesis. Description, mapping, and correlation of strata to infer temporal-spatial relationships, locate resources, and interpret Earth history. ESS 450L Corequisite: ESS 450.
Contact department for more information about this course. Repeatable for credit.
Reports on special topics and current developments in the earth and space sciences. Repeatable for credit. Equivalent courses: ESS 580
Soil properties, classification, and genesis from geologic, agricultural, and engineering perspectives. Topics include pedology, soil physics, geotechnical engineering, erosion, septic systems, soil contamination, and remediation. ESS 490 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 101. Corequisite: ESS 490L.
Laboratory studies of soil properties, classification, and genesis from geologic, agricultural, and engineering perspectives. Topics include pedology, soil physics, geotechnical engineering, erosion, septic systems, soil contamination, and remediation. ESS 490L Corequisite: ESS 490.
Contact department for more information about this course. Repeatable for credit.
This is the Geoscience Capstone course, which will serve as a culminating experience in which students will synthesize geoscience knowledge and interests that have been acquired, and along with the development of research skills, apply these skills in preparation of a geoscience research prospectus as an artifact for entry into a graduate program or career. Students will orally present and defend a research prospectus as well as related geoscience content and research topics of interest. Students will also develop competency in leading and partaking in whole and small group discussions and performing scenario-based and topic-based activities.
Migration and distribution of the chemical elements within the earth; chemistry of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere; chemical changes throughout earth history; the geochemical cycle.
Origins of minerals and rocks. Observation, data collection, and analysis applied to the study of earth materials. Hands-on experience in sample identification and mineral analysis in the laboratory and field. Introduction to software and Internet resources for minerals and rocks. Preparation of teaching modules involving minerals, rocks, and local geology. Required one-day field trip on a weekend. CHE 103 and 104 or equivalent is strongly recommended.
Origin, classification, and identification of rocks. Hand specimen examination. ESS 505 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 502. Corequisite: ESS 505L.
Laboratory studies of the origin, classification, and identification of rocks. Hand specimen examination. ESS 505L Corequisite: ESS 505.
The geology, origin, and properties of planets, comets, asteroids, moons, and meteorites; planetary exploration.
An introduction to structural analysis: a study of the deformational features of the earth's crust and the forces responsible for producing them.
Laboratory studies of structural analysis: a study of the deformational features of the earth's crust and the forces responsible for producing them. ESS 520L Corequisite: ESS 520.
Application of computational and statistical methods to geological problems. Geologic sampling, data comparisons in environmental, petrologic, paleontologic, and geochemical problems.
Methods of geologic data collection, analysis, and presentation using a variety of geologic sites in SE Pennsylvania; the use and interpretations of geologic maps to understand the geologic events that produced this region.
Geology of the ocean floor, water movements, chemical characteristics of sea water, and vertical and horizontal distribution of plants and animals. Brief history of oceanography.
Identification, paleobiology, and importance of fossils; paleoecology; and evolution. ESS 531 Corequisite: ESS 531L.
Laboratory studies on the identification, paleobiology, and importance of fossils; paleoecology; and evolution. ESS 531L Corequisite: ESS 531.
An advanced course in oceanography covering resources, oceanographic literature, animal- sediment relationships, field techniques, estuaries, salt marshes, sea level changes, and pollution. ESS 532 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 330 or ESS 530.
An introduction to the science and technology of remote sensing and the applications of remote sensing data to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and the environment. Includes a discussion of the history and principles of remote sensing; fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation; theory and types of active and passive remote sensing systems; fundamentals of image interpretation; digital analysis of LANDSAT and AVHRR data; operation of environmental satellites; and future imaging systems.
Application of geology to problems such as environmental degradation, pollution, and hazards, which arise from human interaction with natural materials and processes.
This applied course covers groundwater flow, well hydraulics, water resources, contaminant transport, and groundwater remediation. Familiarity with calculus is recommended. ESS 539 Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHE 103 and ESS 101.
This course investigates the gravitational, magnetic, seismic, thermal and electrical properties of rocks and minerals and the application of these properties to imaging the subsurface of the earth, both the near-surface and deep interior. Topics also include radioactivity and radiometric dating. One semester of calculus and one semester of physics recommended.
Lectures will present the constructional and degradational processes that have shaped present landforms and are constantly modifying those landforms. Laboratories will focus on the interpretation of topographic maps and the use of remote sensing materials.
A continuation of the study of earth surface processes. Laboratories will focus on the interpretation of topographic maps and the use of remote sensing materials. . ESS 544 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 543.
Weekly seminar course featuring guest lectures by geoscience professionals, prominent scientists, faculty, and students. Each week students will read professional literature, attend and participate in the lecture, and write a summary and/or analysis of each seminar.
Field investigations of selected country's physical environments focusing on geology and natural resources in relationship to cultural traditions, lifestyle and sustainability. Case studies of human adaptation to local and global environmental challenges will be considered. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab.
An advanced groundwater course covering complex well hydraulics, contaminant fate and transport processes, heat flow, saltwater and NAPL behavior, numerical groundwater and solute modeling, emerging remediation technologies, isotope methods, and other contemporary topics. A previous course in hydrogeology or significant hydrogeology experience recommended.
The nature and origin of stratified deposits; the temporal-spatial relationships among stratified deposits, and other geologic and biologic phenomena; and the reconstruction of paleoenvironments. ESS 550 Corequisite: ESS 550L.
Laboratory studies of the nature and origin of stratified deposits; the temporal-spatial relationships among stratified deposits, and other geologic and biologic phenomena; and the reconstruction of paleoenvironments. ESS 550L Corequisite: ESS 550.
An analytical and qualitative analysis of selected astronomical topics: orbits, stellar properties, telescopes, photometry, solar surface details, nebulae, galaxies, and stellar evolution. Two-hour lecture and two-hour lab, including independent observatory work.
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain on-the-job training and to learn how to work as effective geoscience professionals. Specific learning outcomes include demonstrating the ability to apply content knowledge to real-world geological problems, and learning to perform responsibly as an effective member of an organization. These outcomes will be assessed by mentor review, self-reflection, and a final presentation. Repeatable for credit.
The development of astronomical theories from Greek times to the 20th century.
This course is intended to prepare students to make multimedia products about fundamental scientific phenomena which can be used to educate and teach others. Through both theoretical and practical approaches, students learn skills and concepts that will enable them to complete a series of science-based creative projects and apply these skills toward future use.
An in-depth study of the dynamic nature of the atmosphere with an emphasis on the role of weather-related phenomena in daily life.
A further investigation of atmospheric behavior, including exploring more advanced meteorology topics, such as vorticity, advection, and the ageostrophic wind. Students also participate in a semester-long research project where an online severe weather database is used to identify atmospheric ingredients necessary to produce severe weather in Pennsylvania. A manuscript and presentation are required at the end of the semester. One introductory meteorology course and one course in algebra/trigonometry required.
Study of special topics and current developments in the earth and space sciences.
Soil properties, classification, and genesis from geologic, agricultural, and engineering perspectives. Topics include pedology, soil physics, geotechnical engineering, erosion, septic systems, soil contamination, and remediation.
ies Laboratory studies of soil properties, classification, and genesis from geologic, agricultural, and engineering perspectives. Topics include pedology, soil physics, geotechnical engineering, erosion, septic systems, soil contamination, and remediation. ESS 590L Corequisite: ESS 590.
An investigation by the student.
This course includes a field trip to the national parks in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, northern Utah, and Colorado. The purpose of the course is to look at the geologic features of the national parks in these states and to develop an appreciation of the geology and geologic history of the region.
Energy drives interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and ecosphere producing an earth system of biogeochemical cycles that may be in homeostasis or change. The geological records of past icehouse and greenhouse climates are examined as potential models for evaluating the consequences of human-induced global environmental change and the choices that face society at local, national, and international scales. Instruction and assessments designed to model innovative strategies and current themes in earth systems science. ESS 596 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ESS 523, ESS 530, ESS 536, or ESS 570.
s, Transfer Credits Repeatable for credit.
This course, typically taken the semester before graduation, provides students dedicated time (~5 hours/week) to focus on a research project with an assigned faculty member, who will serve as a research advisor. By the end of the semester, students must construct and submit a ~15-20 page research manuscript and ~15-30 min oral presentation. These products will then be showcased to a 3-person graduate committee as part of the required final project for the M.S. Geoscience degree. Throughout the semester, the student is expected to communicate regularly to his/her research advisor, provide task updates and receive guidance. Repeatable for credit. 2026-2027 CATALOG - GRADUATE
Source: West Chester University of Pennsylvania's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
