Earth and Environmental Sciences

EES (EVST) 002: Introduction to Environmental Science
3 credits 
Focuses on natural and human-induced drivers and consequences of environmental change. Exploring options for mitigating and adapting to environmental change in ecosystems, physical and social systems, the course examines such topics as biogeochemical cycles, population pressure, ecosystem diversity, productivity and food security, energy, water resources, climate change, pollution, ozone, urban issues and sustainability. Stresses interactions using case studies. Intended for any student with an interest in the environment. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES (EVST) 004: Science of Environmental Issues
1 credit 
Analysis of current environmental issues from a scientific perspective. The focus on the course will be weekly discussions based on assigned readings. May be combined with other EES 3 credit courses for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS, STS
 
EES 011: Environmental Geology
3 credits 
Analysis of the dynamic interaction of geologic processes and human activities. Catastrophic geologic processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides), pollution of geologic systems, and engineering case studies. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES 015: Volcanoes and the Ring of Fire
3 credits 
Volcanoes are a tangible, often breathtaking, reminder of the inner workings of our restless planet. In this course, we consider the processes leading to volcanic eruptions, the significance of volcanism for long-term Earth evolution, and the hazards volcanoes create for humans, particularly those living in the circum-Pacific (the Ring of Fire). May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES 021: Introduction to Planet Earth
3 credits 
Processes within the Earth and dynamic interactions between the solid earth, the atmosphere, and the oceans. Lectures. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES 022: Exploring Earth
1 credit
Laboratory course in methods, data acquisition, data analyses and scientific communication relevant to Earth and Environmental Sciences. Building on the framework of the “Earth Science Literacy Initiative” the course introduces students to the foundations of the scientific method, the basic concepts of the Earth systems, and the influence and interaction of the natural world in everyday life. Topics include Hazards, resources, anthropogenic forcing and impacts, biogeochemical cycles and sustainability. May be combined with other EES Courses for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: LS, NS 
 
EES 026: Energy, Origins, Impacts, & Options
3 credits 
Critical assessment of current and predicted energy resources used by humans, including their origins, distribution, environmental impacts, and feasibility. Lectures, discussion, field trips. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES 027: Natural Hazards: Impacts and Consequences
3 credits 
Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods, and hurricanes are a natural part of the Earth and our environment. These events have violent consequences for our lives and significant economic implications. This course examines the causes, predictability, and risk mitigation for these events. We will also consider how natural disasters are represented by popular media and whether this helps or hurts public understanding of our dynamic planet and our relationship to it. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
 
EES 080: Intro to the Earth System
4 credits 
Study of the integrated earth system, including the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere and interactions between these components (e.g., plate tectonics, biogeochemical cycling, climate, anthropogenic impacts). The course is designed to prepare students for a major in earth and environmental sciences and includes a lab that develops skills relevant to this broad field including data analysis, modeling, use of maps and geospatial data, and field work. Lectures and lab.
Attribute/Distribution: NS
*Department Permission Required - please contact inadvise@lehigh.edu for assistance