This minor provides students with an introduction to and essential knowledge of the discipline of environmental earth sciences. It focuses on both natural processes and anthropogenic activities and their effects on Earth’s environments. The impact of human activity is central to the minor and is discussed both in terms of developing a more sustainable and resilient future earth system.
Students explore the concept of the earth system by acquiring knowledge of the compositional, geochemical, and hydrological characteristics of the Earth’s crust and develop an understanding of the complex interplay of natural processes and Earth’s realms including geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Anthropogenic issues such as sustainable energy sources, availability and access to natural resources, in particular water, as well as pollution and contamination are explored. These issues are investigated in a broader context of climate change and a sustainable future for human society and the Earth.
Requirements
The minor in Environmental Earth Sciences requires the completion of 14 credit hours in earth science courses.
CE/SC 20110: Planet Earth (4 credits)
3 earth science electives (3 credits each)
CE 45200 or CE 45300: Field trip (1 credit)
Total: 14 credits
Students wishing to minor in environmental earth sciences may double-count classes for their minor and major in accordance with policy of their home department.
Environmental earth sciences electives include the following courses. Prerequisites may be required for entry into elective classes if applicable.
- CE 20300: Global Change, Water & Energy
- CE 20320: Environmental Aquatic Chemistry
- CE 30500: Geomorphology
- CE 30530: Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
- CE 30540: Earth Materials
- CE 30555: Living and Working on Our Moon
- CE 30560: Dynamic Earth & Natural Hazards
- CE 40300: Geochemistry
- CE 40360: Geomicrobiology
- CE 40381: Environmental Isotope Geochemistry
- CE 40382: Actinide Chemistry
- CE 60310: Organic Geochemistry
- CE 45200: Spring Field Trip
- CE 45300: Fall Field Trip
Contact
For more information about the Minor in Environmental Earth Sciences, please contact Associate Teaching Professor Stefanie Simonetti at simonetti.4@nd.edu.