Undergraduate Program

This class is in basic oceanography. Oceanography is the study of marine systems from a physical, chemical, geological, and biological point of view. In this class, we will explore the formation and structure of the oceanic basins, the geochemistry of seawater and sediments, the ocean circulation patterns, and the composition and distribution of biological populations as a function of different physical and chemical variables. At the end of the semester, we will discuss some special topics, such as global warming and ocean acidification, overfishing, and coastal pollution. Clusters:N1INT003, N1INT015, N1EES007, N1EES004

Location

(TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

We live on a dynamic planet where the seemingly tranquil landscape is often disrupted by catastrophic events. This course explores how geological hazards, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, are violent manifestations of plate tectonics. It begins with the mechanisms behind these disasters, then examines meteorological and cosmological hazards from solar energy release, including storms and floods. The final section focuses on mitigation programs and relevant case studies. NOTE: Juniors and Seniors in the natural sciences and engineering are required to enroll in EES 211. Students cannot take both EES 111 and EES 211.

Location

(MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM)

Historical geology encompasses the (1) dynamic history of the physical earth: the development of land forms, rise and fall of ancient seas, movements of continents, etc., and (2) the evolution of historical geology such as paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochronology, and plate tectonics, and a chronological survey of earth and life history, emphasizing the evolution of North America.

Location

(MWF 10:25AM - 11:15AM)

The optional companion lab for EESC 201. Recommended for students considering a major in Earth and Environmental Sciences programs. Biweekly meeting (A or B week). This course will offer students a hand-on experience with educational materials important to the study of the history of the Earth.

Prior or concurrent enrollment in EESC 201.

Location

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(M 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

The optional companion lab for EESC 201. Recommended for students considering a major in Earth and Environmental Sciences programs. Biweekly meeting (A or B week). This course will offer students a hand-on experience with educational materials important to the study of the history of the Earth.

Prior or concurrent enrollment in EESC 201.

Location

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

(T 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

This course is designed to introduce the basic principles of paleontology- the study of fossil organisms in the geological record. Topics to be covered include: taphonomy and the processes of fossilization, principles of evolution as evidenced by the fossil record, taxonomy and the recognition and naming of fossil species, biostratigraphy as a means of dating a rock and/or learning about ancient environments, geochemistry of fossils as a means to understand ancient habitats and behaviors. This course will include an overview of important fossil groups with hands-on experience and a field trip.

Location

(MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

Labs will focus on the processes of fossilization, an overview of important fossil groups, and learning to identify fossils with hand-on experience and an end-semester field trip.

The lab is designed to augment the course material and provide hands-on experience. Enrollment in the lab is not required but is recommended for students interested in careers in earth, environmental, and/or climate sciences.

Location

(F 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

See EECS 207 and EES department writing plan. This section fulfills the upper level writing requirement.

Location

(MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)

We live on a dynamic planet. The seemingly tranquil, unchanging landscape of the Earth's surface is often interrupted by abrupt, catastrophic events. Earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lay waste to buildings, towns and sometimes entire cities. Dormant volcanoes come to life in explosions of lava and large volumes of aerosols and greenhouse gases, with implications for global climate change. In this course, we learn how these geological hazards are a violent manifestation of plate tectonics, the movement of the relatively rigid plates forming Earth's outer shell. The first third of the class focuses on the causative mechanisms of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, volcanic-eruption induced climate change. The second third outlines the consequent hazards and forecasting efforts, and feedbacks between these processes. The final third of the course examines mitigation programs, with numerous case studies

Location

(MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM)

We live on a dynamic planet. The seemingly tranquil, unchanging landscape of the Earth's surface is often interrupted by abrupt, catastrophic events. Earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis lay waste to buildings, towns and sometimes entire cities. Dormant volcanoes come to life in explosions of lava and large volumes of aerosols and greenhouse gases, with implications for global climate change. In this course, we learn how these geological hazards are a violent manifestation of plate tectonics, the movement of the relatively rigid plates forming Earth's outer shell. The first third of the class focuses on the causative mechanisms of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, volcanic-eruption induced climate change. The second third outlines the consequent hazards and forecasting efforts, and feedbacks between these processes. The final third of the course examines mitigation programs, with numerous case studies

Location

(MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM)

This course presents the geochemical principles and tools that are needed to understand natural perturbations in earth’s critical zone and the fate of anthropogenic pollutants. Topics will include thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, carbonate chemistry, and isotope geochemistry. Class discussions and assignments will focus on the practical application of these topics to local and global environmental issues. In some years, students will have the pportunity of working directly with industry partners on their course projects and/or attending field visits.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

This course presents the geochemical principles and tools that are needed to understand natural perturbations in earth’s hydrosphere and the fate of anthropogenic pollutants. Topics will include thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, carbon chemistry, and basic isotope geochemistry. Class discussions and assignments will focus on the practical application of these topics to local and global environmental issues. Enrollment in lab is required. 

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

The atmosphere helps to maintain habitable temperatures on our planet's surface and contains gases which are essential for life. Key topics covered in this course include atmospheric structure and composition, the role of emissions (including from human activity) and chemical reactions in determining atmospheric composition, and the role of the atmosphere in determining Earth's climate. The course will also emphasize relevant practical skills, such as working with geochemical box models, considerations for atmospheric measurements and leveraging AIs for calculations. There will be optional hands-on laboratory and field activities.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

The atmosphere helps to maintain habitable temperatures on our planet's surface and contains gases which are essential for life. Key topics covered in this course include atmospheric structure and composition, the role of emissions (including from human activity) and chemical reactions in determining atmospheric composition, and the role of the atmosphere in determining Earth's climate. The course will also emphasize relevant practical skills, such as working with geochemical box models, considerations for atmospheric measurements and leveraging AIs for calculations. There will be optional hands-on laboratory and field activities.

Location

(F 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Remote sensing refers to the field of using transmitted, reflected, and absorbed radiation to infer properties of different phenomena. This course explores the fundamentals of remote sensing as a tool to understand the Earth system. This will include the physics of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared as well as models for the ways in photons in each of these regions are generated, transmitted, reflected, and absorbed. Key remote sensing technologies such as passive radiometers and spectrometers along with active sensors like LiDAR and RADAR will be discussed. The course will cover methods for processing remote sensing data from raw digital number counts to geophysical variables and how these data can be used to better understand processes in ecology, geology, and atmospheric science.

Location

(MW 11:50AM - 1:05PM)

Remote sensing refers to the field of using transmitted, reflected, and absorbed radiation to infer properties of different phenomena. This course explores the fundamentals of remote sensing as a tool to understand the Earth system. This will include the physics of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared as well as models for the ways in photons in each of these regions are generated, transmitted, reflected, and absorbed. Key remote sensing technologies such as passive radiometers and spectrometers along with active sensors like LiDAR and RADAR will be discussed. The course will cover methods for processing remote sensing data from raw digital number counts to geophysical variables and how these data can be used to better understand processes in ecology, geology, and atmospheric science.

Location

(MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

Earth’s surface is constantly changing as water, wind and gravity sculpt landscapes. In this course, we will cover the physics of sediment transport and landscape change with respect to rivers, hillslopes, glaciers, sand dunes and more. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of calculus, including derivatives and integrals.

Location

(TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)

The goal of this course is to develop critical thinking skills that are essential not only in class and research, but also in everyday life. Some of the questions we will explore in class are so-called Fermi problems, such as “How many piano tuners are there in Rochester, New York?” and “How many sand grains are there on the beaches of Lake Ontario?” These types of questions are also commonly asked in consulting job interviews. Course materials include, but are not limited to, Fermi problems, order-of-magnitude estimates in everyday life (i.e. budgets, energy, city planning, disaster mitigation), dimensional analysis, fluid dynamics, material properties, thermodynamics, waves.

Location

(MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

This course combines lectures and hands-on weekly labs, to introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and concepts. Using both commercial (ArcGIS) and open source software (QGIS, OpenLayers), we will cover: GIS data structures, map projections, collecting and creating GIS data, map making, exploring spatial patterns and data visualization. Topics will be framed using examples across disciplines (e.g. physical sciences, humanities and social sciences). At the end of the semester, students will complete a final project, in which they can apply their learning to their own major area of study. Despite the technical nature of this course, no prerequisites are required and material is appropriate for all students. Student learning will be assessed throughout the semester via class participation, a mid-term exam and the final project.

Location

(MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

This course will focus on geologic and geophysical studies of planets (interiors and surfaces), and the conditions that led to the origin of life. We will start with initial conditions, defined here as the formation of Earth and the Moon-forming event, and trace development of the planet from cooling of the magma ocean onwards. We next consider how our planetary neighbors (Venus and Mars) evolved, as well as key satellites in the solar system that may harbor life, or provide insight into early conditions on Earth.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

This course will focus on geologic and geophysical studies of planets (interiors and surfaces), and the conditions that led to the origin of life. We will start with initial conditions, defined here as the formation of Earth and the Moon-forming event, and trace development of the planet from cooling of the magma ocean onwards. We next consider how our planetary neighbors (Venus and Mars) evolved, as well as key satellites in the solar system that may harbor life, or provide insight into early conditions on Earth.

Location

(TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM)

Definitions and metrics of sustainability. Properties of systems. Relevant issues at different scales, from building to campus to community. Resource use, waste production, procurement policies, transportation, and social dimensions. This is a closure course for EVS and ESP majors

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

See EESC 320 and EES Department Writing Plan. This section fulfills the upper level writing requirement.

Location

(MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course offers undergraduate students a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain experience in supervised teaching within a college-level classroom setting. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students assist in course delivery, lead discussions or labs, support instructional design, and participate in pedagogical reflection. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)