ESSC 130 The Dynamic Earth [GEKN]

An introduction to the Earth System and its components. Utilizes the scientific method to address composition of the Earth System, fundamental processes within the Earth System and linkages between its components. Includes consideration of how humans impact, and are impacted by, the Earth System.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall, Winter, and Summer

Prerequisites - Level 3 Math Placement, MATH 098 with a “C” or higher, or a “MATH” course (100-499), ESSC 131 (may be taken concurrently)
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing

Additional Information - ESSC 131 must also be taken to satisfy the Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Science portion of the General Education program.

Rationale for Knowledge of the Disciplines - Rationale for Knowledge of the Disciplines - In this course, the Earth is viewed as a single, dynamic system, composed of four principal components: Geosphere (the solid Earth), Atmosphere (the gaseous outer envelope of the Earth), Hydrosphere (the liquid water component of the Earth), and Biosphere (the living component of the Earth). This course provides a detailed overview of how the scientific method is applied, in the context of the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry, to understand the Earth System, with particular emphasis being placed on the Geosphere component. The overarching goal of the course is to create scientifically literate citizens that are both willing and able to participate responsibly in a global community by: (1)carefully applying the scientific method as a tool for problem-solving, in general (2) critically evaluating the scientific merit of anything that is presented as science (is it really science?), especially in the area of Earth System Science; and (3) thoroughly incorporating Earth System Science in important decisions and issues at the personal, local, national and global levels

Equivalent Course(s) - ESSC 160, GEOL 160 ESSC 110
Course History -
Changes to prereqs, course title, course number 04/2026, effective Fall 2024; Change to prereq 12/2014, effective Summer 2015; Course Rotation added 12/2014

Earth Science, Earth Systems, Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Sciences (GEKN)

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