Department

Department of Earth and Environment Sciences

Peter Van de Water, Chair
Science II Building, Room 114
559.278.3086
www.fresnostate.edu/csm/ees/

Degrees and Programs Offered

BS in Geology, B.S.
BS in Environmental Sciences, B.S.
CERT in Geographic Information Systems, Certificate of Adv Study - Continuing & Global Education
CRED in Single Subject Credential - Geological Science
MN in Geology, Minor
MS in Geology, M.S.
MS in Water Resource Management, M.S. - Continuing & Global Education

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at California State University, Fresno offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Geology -- as well as the Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences and the Minor in Geology -- which are especially well-suited for primary and secondary teachers.

Coursework and research emphasize field and laboratory investigations of geologic and environmental problems. Our field orientation takes advantage of the university's proximity to the Sierra Nevadas, the California Coast Ranges, coastal California, and the desert provinces. This unique location gives faculty and students access to an unparalleled outdoor laboratory, all within short trips from the university.

The department's close relationship with state agencies and the private sector enables many students to pursue internships or part-time employment in geologic and environmental work while they complete their degrees.

The Bachelor of Science in Geology prepares students for employment in petroleum geology, mineral exploration, land-use planning, environmental assessment, hydrology, and engineering geology, or for teaching earth science or physical science at the secondary level. The Master of Science program provides a graduate degree for students who want to work in industry or government on the professional level, for students who want to teach earth science in junior college, or for students who wish to pursue further graduate study.

Our applied geology option specializes in engineering geology, hydrogeology, or exploration geology fields, which have the strongest employment potential.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, and geology. This degree is designed for students interested in areas such as pollution abatement, water resources, ecosystem protection, restoration, or management.

Students may also participate in coursework and research in marine geology and oceanography offered through Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Monterey Bay. Consult the chairs of the Earth and Environmental Sciences and Biology departments. See Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Biology Department.

Courses

Earth & Environment Sciences

EES 1. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources

Prerequisite: G. E. Foundation B4 (except for those with declared major in the College of Science and Mathematics). Recommended: MATH 4R or second-year high school algebra. Processes and materials that produce the different geologic resources and hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides). Plate tectonic theory (including continental drift) as the unifying model to explain geologiv phenomena. Emphasizes the relationship between geology and humans. G. E. Breadth B1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours; optional field trips (Course fee, $10) (CAN GEOL 2)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: B1

EES 1V. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources - Virtual Labs

Prerequisite: G. E. Foundation B4 (except for those with declared major in the College of Science and Mathematics). Recommended: MATH 4R or second-year high school algebra. Processes and materials that produce the different geologic resources and hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides). Plate tectonic theory (including continental drift) as the unifying model to explain geologic phenomena. Emphasizes the relationship between geology and humans. G. E. Breadth B1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours; optional field trips (Course fee, $10) This course offers virtual labs with alternating in-class and self-paced lab options

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: B1

EES 2. Historical Geology

Prerequisites: EES 1. Origins & evolution of solid earth, life, oceans, and atmosphere as revealed by the rock record's fossil remains with emphasis on the evolution of life and the physical environment (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 3. Geology Field Trip

Extended weekend field trip to areas of geologic interest including Yosemite National Park, Death Valley, or coastal California. May be repeated. Nonmajors encouraged. CR/NC grading only. (Weekend field trips required; Field trip fee, $60)

Units: 1, Repeatable up to 3 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 4. Environmental Science

Prerequisite G.E. Foundation B4. Introduction to environmental science, focusing on environmental principles and processes. Topics include human population and consumption, ecosystems and biodiversity, resource management and conservation, energy sources and technology use, dynamics, ecosystems, pollution and wastes, environmental economics and ethics, global changes, and tomorrow's world. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: B1

EES 9. Introduction to Earth Science

Introduction to earth science emphasizing K-6 teacher preparation. Addresses topics in earthquakes, volcanoes, rock and mineral formation, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology. For liberal studies majors only (Course fee, $10)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

EES 12. Mineralogy

Prerequisite: EES 1; CHEM 1A (or concurrently). Properties, relationships, uses origin of minerals; determination of common minerals by physical and other tests. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 30. Introductory Field Methods

Pre- or co-requisites: EES 1, EES 2 or instructor's permission. Introduction to geologic fieldwork methods, including use of Brunton pocket transit and stereo aerial photographs, preparation/interpretation of maps and geologic cross-sections. Graded for EES majors/minors. (1 lecture, 6 lab/field hours) (Weekend field trips required) (Course fee, $35.00)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 50. National Parks of the Sierra Nevada

Geology, ecology, and history (human and natural) of Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks and issues facing these Parks. (3 lecture hours, Field Exercises required; Field trip fee, $25).

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 100. Analytical Methods in the Earth Sciences

Prerequisites: EES 12 (concurrent enrollment recommended). The course covers various methods for identifying and characterizing crystalline substances. Topics include Crystallography, Optical methods for mineral identification, and powder X-ray diffraction methods for mineral identification structure characterization. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 2
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 101. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Prerequisites: EES 30, EES 100; CHEM 1B (or concurrently). Origin classification, textures, structures, and geologic setting of igneous and metamorphic rocks; examination of samples in outcrop, hand specimen, and thin section. Weekend field trips required. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 102. Sedimentology

Prerequisites: EES 30, EES 100,. Origin, classifications, textures, and structures of sedimentary rocks; examination of samples in hand specimen and thin section. Required field component for field stratigraphy and sedimentology, and producing a formal field report. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field project) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 104. Scientific Writing and Research Techniques

Prerequisite: EES 1, or EES 4. A passing grade on the Upper-Division Writing Exam, or completion of an upper-division writing course with a C or higher (or concurrently). Organizing and writing the scientific report. Topics include: techniques and conventions in research methods, evaluation approaches, and presentation of results. Peer reviews. Oral presentation and term paper required. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours).

Units: 2
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 105. Geomorphology

Prerequisite: EES 1; EES 30 (or concurrently). Landforms, climates, geologic processes, and their interrelation in shaping the earth's surface today and in the geologic past. Interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photographs. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 106. Structural Geology

Prerequisites: EES 30, EES 101; MATH 75 (or concurrently), PHYS 2A. Recognition, representation, and interpretation of structural features of the earth's crust. Includes theoretical and mechanical principles. Study of regional tectonics and major structural provinces of the Cordillera. Required field component for field mapping, collectiing and producing formal field report. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field project) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 107. Advanced Field Methods

Prerequisites: EES 102, EES 104, EES 106. Field trips to areas of diverse geology; observation, description, and mapping of geologic phenomena. Includes written reports of areas selected for study. Students should contact the department for details. (9 lab hours usually including fieldwork on weekends or during January intercession and spring vacation) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 108. Soil and Water Sciences

Prerequisites: BIOL 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, EES 1 or EES 4, PHYS 4B or PHYS 2B, MATH 75. Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and water in relation to environmental sustainability. Introduction to the hydrologic cycle, distribution of soil and water sources. Discussion of soil and water resources management and policy issues. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours; optional field trips) (Formerly EES 103A) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 109. Atmospheric Science

Prerequisites: BIOL 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, EES 1 or EES 4, PHYS 4B or PHYS 2B, MATH 75. The structure of the atmosphere and man's impact upon it. The causes and consequences of air pollution. Air quality standards. Stratospheric and tropospheric ozone. Introduction to the chemistry of air pollution and air pollution control strategies. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours; optional field trips) (Formerly EES 103B) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 3

EES 110. Invertebrate Paleontology

Prerequisites: EES 1 or BIOL 1A and BIOL 1B, or BIOL 12, or BIOL 11. Invertebrate structures and development of prehistoric animals; introduction to stratigraphic importance of fossils. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 3

EES 112. Planet Earth through Time

Credit not allowed after completion of EES 2. Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Principles of geology used in the interpretation of the history of Earth as revealed in rocks and their fossils. Includes origin of the solar system, evolution of atmosphere and oceans, origin of life, rise and fall of the dinosaurs, plate tectonics,and ice ages. G. E. Integration IB. Does not satisfy Division 1 pre-1999 G. E. curriculum.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: IB

EES 113. Stream Habitat Restoration

Prerequisites: EES 1 or BIOL 10 or BIOL 1A or instructor's consent. Investigation of stream geology, hydrology, and biology relevant to restoring stream habitat. Includes collecting and interpreting lab and field data. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 150T)

Units: 3

EES 114. Engineering Geology

Prerequisites: EES 1 and MATH 5 or MATH 72 or MATH 75. Introduction to techniques and theory of geotechnical investigations. Includes field and lab techniques in soil and rock mechanics, rock logging, geophysics, slope stability, engineering hydrogeology, stereo analysis, seismic engineering. Recommended for students in geology or civil engineering. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 117. Hydrogeology

Prerequisites: EES 1 or EES 15; MATH 72 or MATH 75; and EES 124 and MATH 76 recommended. The hydrologic cycle; surface water processes; stream flow and hydrograph; properties of porous geologic materials; principles of groundwater flow; water wells; geology of groundwater occurrence; water quality and pollution. Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 118. Applied Geophysics

Prerequisites: EES 1, PHYS 2A and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2B. Presents an overview of geophysics as applied to problems in exploration, engineering, and environmental geology. Emphasizes hands-on methods of data acquisition and interpretation that entry-level geologists will most likely encounter including gravity, magnetics, seismic refraction, ground penetrating radar, down-hole surveys, andelectrical resistivity. Field in strumentation is used throughout. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 130T)

Units: 3

EES 122. Stratigraphy

Prerequisites: EES 2, EES 30, EES 102 (may be taken concurrently). Stratigraphic principles and recognition of stratigraphic units. Emphasis on tectonostratigraphic concepts. (2 lecture, 3 lab/field hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3

EES 124. Geochemistry

Prerequisites: CHEM 1A and CHEM 1B and EES 1 or EES 15; EES 12 and EES 101 recommended. Chemistry applied to earth processes and evolution. Reactions involved in origin and transformations of natural waters, rocks, and minerals. Crystal chemistry and behavior of elements and isotopes. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly GEOL 124)

Units: 3

EES 125. Global Paleoclimates

Prerequisites: EES 1 and either MATH 2, MATH 5, or MATH 75. Introduction to processes and mechanisms behind gradual and abrupt climate change over the last 500 million years. Discussion of investigation methods in paleobiology, paleogeography, and paleoceanography. Proxies interpretation for building age models and correlation of marine and terrestrial records.

Units: 3

EES 135W. Dinosaurs

Prerequisite: satisfactory completion (C or better) of the ENGL 5B or ENGL 10 graduation requirement, to be taken no sooner than the term in which 60 units are completed. Introduction to the dinosaurs as revealed from sedimentary rocks and fossils, including their evolution, diversity, habitats, extinction, and fossilization. Develops skills for scientific writing of proposals, abstracts, journal articles, and reviews. Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation (3 lecture hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

EES 150T. Introduction to Geoscientific Computing

In this course, you will learn the basics of programming in an Earth-science setting. We will use Matlab/Octave as programming language and will, among other things, learn how to program reading, processing, and writing of a range of geoscientific data files.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units

EES 154. Introductory Earth Science

Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Appropriate for liberal studies majors and K-6 teachers. Earth systems interactions demonstrated through hands-on activities, experiments, and field work. Topics include recognition, origin, and use of rocks and minerals; geologic timeand fossils; interpretation of landscapes and the rock record; and plate tectonics. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours, 1 hour arranged) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly GEOL 151)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 155. Discovering Earth Science

Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: EES 1, or EES 112, or instructor's permission. Appropriate for students and 7-12 teachers seeking a secondary school science credential. Activity-based discovery of earth science and its integration with other sciences. Topics include energy in the earth system, geochemical cycles, dynamic interactions between the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, and origin/evolution of the earth. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours, 1 hour arranged) (Course fee, $10)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

EES 160. Field Studies

Prerequisite may be specified by instructor. Field trips during weekends or winter/spring recess to geologically important and significant areas such as the Grand Canyon, Baja California, the Sierra Nevada, Death Valley.

Units: 1-4

EES 167. Oceans and Atmosphere and Climate

Prerequisite: G. E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Integrated introduction to oceans, and atmosphere, and climate changes: their origin and evolution; plate tectonics; ocean currents, waves, and tides; atmospheric circulation and El Nino; production and life; and environmental issues and concerns. G.E. Integration IB.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: IB

EES 168. California's Earth System

Prerequisites: G. E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Not applicable to B.S. in Geology. Interaction of earth, water, air, and life in California's earth system over geologic time. Human interaction with the environment. G.E. Integration IB.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: IB

EES 177. Quantitative Methods for Earth Science

Prerequisites: EES 1; MATH 75. Applications of mathematical techniques and quantitative methods in earth science; introduction to basic skills, including statistical methods, numerical techniques, matrix operations, and spatial analysis. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 150T section)

Units: 3

EES 178. Geostatistics

Prerequisites: EES 1 or EES 4; Math 75 recommended. Principles and application of geostatistics and visualization techniques in Geo-environmental sciences. Topics include spatial and temporal correlation, variograms, kriging, and factor analysis, etc. Techniques are used for evaluation of mineral deposits and characterization of an environment with limited sampling data. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours, 1 day required field tests).

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

EES 180. Computer Applications in Geology

Use of computers in geology, focusing on such applications as multi-dimensional graphics, desktop mapping, communications, on-line resources, modeling. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 130T section)

Units: 3

EES 185. Remote Sensing for the Natural Sciences

Prerequisite: General Education Breadth, Area B; GEOG 105 recommended. Introduction to remote sensing techniques, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared electromagnetic sensors, both space and aircraft based, and acoustic methods. Laboratory exercises will use examples from geology, agriculture, and society. familiarity with computers required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)

Units: 3

EES 186. Environmental GIS

Prerequisite: GEOG 107 recommended. Spatial information management, analysis, interpretation, and display using computer methods. Map concepts, spatial relationships, database design, and spatial analysis of data. Laboratory exercises using geologic map data, faults, earthquake epicenters, stream habitats adn restoration, and endangered species. Familiarity with computers required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)

Units: 3

EES 190. Independent Study

See Academic Placement - Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

EES 199. Undergraduate Thesis

Prerequisites: EES 102; EES 104; EES 106; senior standing. independent research project in any geologic topic supervised by a faculty member, and leading to completion of baccalaureate degree.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

EES 201. Seminar in Geology

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar covering advanced and evolving topics in the earth sciences. Requirements include active discussion participation, frequent oral presentation, and written research papers. Satisfies Graduate Writing Skills requirement. (3 seminar hours)

Units: 3

EES 202. Geology Laboratory Teaching Techniques

Laboratory safety, lab lecture techniques, earth and environmental science activity design, equipment setups, student evaluation methods and grading, peer teaching assessment, leading field trips, etc. Primarily for teaching associates in geology. CR/NC grading only. (one 2-hour lab)

Units: 1

EES 210. Analysis of Faults and Earthquakes

Prerequisites: EES 106 and EES 107. Includes plate tectonic theory; kinematics and dynamics of fracturing and faulting; formation and propagation of seismic waves; recognizing and quantifying seismic potential; remote sensing and geophysics in applied fault studies. Field projects and oral presentations required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3

EES 211. Fundamentals of GIS

Fundamental concepts and techniques of GIS; hands-on labs on data exploration and analysis; advanced skills in spatial and 3-D analysis on terrain and watershed delineation; midterm and final term projects. Asynchronous online.

Units: 3

EES 212. Geospatial Technologies

The course introduces global positioning systems, remote sensing, and light detection and ranging technology and their integration with Geographic Information Systems. Asynchronous online.

Units: 3

EES 214. Advanced Spatial Analysis

Prerequisites: EES 211 and EES 212. Spatial analysis is an advanced course in GIS that exposes students to an array of spatial analysis theories, techniques, and practices. Reading, demonstrations, applied assignments. Primarily asynchronous online.

Units: 3

EES 216. GIS Practicum

Prerequisites: EES 211; EES 212; EES 214 co-requisite. Culminating experience for Advanced Certificate in GIS designed to demonstrate advanced working knowledge of GIS. Proposal; data privacy and management; GIS project; documentation; write-up; and presentation. Primarily asynchronous online.

Units: 3

EES 217T. Topics in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology

Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Studies of current issues and recent research topics which may include groundwater contamination, environmental pollution, and hazardous and nuclear waste management. Readings from books, journals, and government publications. Independent research and oral presentation required. Laboratory activities may be required. (FOrmerly GEOL 217)

Units: 2-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

EES 220. Groundwater Hydrology

Prerequisites: EES 117. MATH 77 recommended. Principles of flow through porous and fractured media; groundwater hydraulics in the saturated and unsaturated zones; contaminant transport; introduction to groundwater models. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)

Units: 3

EES 230. Contaminant Transport

Prerequisites: EES 117 or permission of instructor, MATH 76 and EES 178 recommended. A study of analytical methods to predict and draw maps of contaminant transport in water, air, and soil. MathCAD program will be used to solve the governing equations of chemical diffusion, advection and dispersion in the environment.

Units: 3

EES 231. Depositional Systems

Prerequisites: EES 102 and EES 105. Investigation of modern and ancient depositional systems. Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 206)

Units: 3

EES 232. Basin Analysis Seminar

Prerequisites: EES 102 and EES 106. Topics may include: basin styles, tectonics and sedimentation, seismic stratigraphy, subsidence and thermal history, and petroleum plays. Research paper and oral presentation required. (Course fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 250T)

Units: 3

EES 250T. Topics in Geology

Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Advanced studies of such areas as petrology, marine geology, and regional stratigraphy. Some topics may have labs and field trips.

Units: 1-3

EES 250T. Geoscience Research Seminar

This course introduces students to the analysis and synthesis of scientific articles and presentations. The weekly course topics will center on scientific research completed in the department and by invited speakers. Students will then present their understanding of scientific works via written and oral presentation during the class period. Class meetings will be composed of student presentations and discussion of weekly topics.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

EES 250T. Introduction to Geoscientific Computing

In this course you will learn the basics of programming in an Earth-science setting. We will use Matlab/Octave as programming language and will, among other things, learn how to program reading, processing, and writing of a range of geoscientific data files.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

EES 250T. Subduction Zone Geology and Tectonics

This course will explore research on subduction zone geology and tectonics with particular emphasis on the rock record of processes along the subduction interface. The class will be a seminar style class in which students read papers from published literature, make short presentations summarizing these papers, and discuss them. There will be a field trip to California Coast Ranges to view some of the sorts of geologic features explored in the various research papers.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units

EES 251T. Topics in Engineering Geology

Prerequisites: major or minor in geology; permission of instructor. Advanced studies in areas such as slope stability, ground water monitoring, drilling and core logging, water sampling, hazardous waste site investigations, and geophysical instrumentation.

Units: 1-3

EES 263. Water Resource Management Internship

Course is taken with permission from the internship coordinator and program director. The internship requires at least 150 hours of work at pre-qualified, academically related site. Final report and presentation required. Report and presentation judged and graded by the faculty.

Units: 3

EES 264. Climatology

This course provides an understanding of weather phenomenon as the foundation of climate. Climate data from the National Climate Data Center will be manipulated to integrate spatial and temporal changes along with future forecast changes to understand natural water systems.

Units: 3

EES 265. Hyrdological System

Mechanisms of water and sediment transport in the hydrologic cycle. Advanced tools such as GIS will be used to quantify the storage and movement of water in the atmosphere, land surface, soil and underground aquifers.

Units: 3

EES 266. Natural and Agricultural Uses of Water

This course reviews natural and agricultural water use. The course identifies stakeholders and addresses natural water quality protection. Agricultural issues include soil properties, irrigation, water quality, and water reuse. Students will focus on water supply and quality management issues.

Units: 3

EES 267. Urban and Industrialized Water Use

This course introduces water management systems in urban and industrial settings. The basics of water occurrence, use, transport, treatment, and disposal are included.

Units: 3

EES 268. Water and Politics

This course explores the role of politics and public policy in developing water resources for California and the Central Valley. It provides background for understanding today's battles over the control and use of water and the future of water policy.

Units: 3

EES 269. Environmental Policy for Water Management

This course provides an overview of environmental law and policy including environmental impact assessment. Students prepare decision-making documents under the auspices of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for water specific projects.

Units: 3

EES 270. Water Economics

This course will analyze water availability in light of water resource economics. Analytical tools will be used for policy and project assessment. Access points will be established for key material, providing for problem comprehension and the initiation of contemporary solutions.

Units: 3

EES 271. Volcanology

Prerequisite: EES 101. A study of volcanic activity, including classification, characteristics, products of eruptions, human interactions with volcanoes and related phenomena. Field trips required. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)

Units: 3

EES 290. Independent Study

See Academic Placement - [-LINK-]. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

EES 298. Water Resource Management Project

Students receive data-sets and lists of deliverables and due dates. Student use course skills to analyze, synthesize, and produce professional quality documents and presentations within a time frame. A passing grade must be achieved for PSM in WRM completion.

Units: 3

EES 298C. Project Continuation

Pre-requisite: Project 298. For continuous enrollment while completing the project. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

EES 299. Thesis

Prerequisite: See [-LINK-]. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 2-6

EES 299C. Thesis Continuation

Pre-requisite: Thesis EES 299. For continuous enrollment while completing the thesis. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

NSCI 15. Environmental Science: An Integrative Course

A study of the interrelationships among the anthropological, biological, and geological aspects of man/woman and the natural environment. Team taught. CR/NC grading only. (HNE program field trip fee, $300)

Units: 3

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Requirements

Master of Science in Water Resource Management
Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Water Resources Management is an online degree program offered through the Division of Continuing and Global Education. Classes within the degree program can only be taken after qualifying for admission to the M.S. degree program. In addition to meeting the requirements for a classified graduate student standing set forth by the university's Division of Graduate Studies, students must complete the predetermined courses in a predetermined sequence over the five-semester period.

The M.S. in Water Resource Management was developed to meet the growing demand for advanced knowledge in water resources and their use in the urban, industrial, and agricultural environment. The degree includes political and policy aspects of water use as well as an understanding of the economics involved. The program of study will rely upon the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assemble and analyze databases describing water availability, use, and reclamation. The student will also gain a proficiency in water management that relies on spatial visualizations and basic modeling skills used to track the natural variability of water supplies and water-use forecasting. Each student will acquire a deep understanding of the physical processes of water delivery and storage along with the management of these water resources.

The aim and goal of the M.S. degree in Water Resource Management is to introduce the student to a systematic understanding of how water is delivered to the terrestrial environment from our climate system, follow it through its storage and use. Water moves through the natural and manmade environment where it is monitored, pumped, and applied to urban and agricultural systems. Once used, it then must be treated as effluent and returned to the natural environment. The student is expected to integrate the effects of changes in water availability in terms of supply and also the effect on its economics and the politics surrounding these changes.

The M.S. in Water Resource Management consists of eight courses, an internship with 150 hours working in a professional environment, and a culminating project course (Water Resource Management Project) for a total of 30 units of graduate level academic credit. Each of the classes will be taught entirely online with instructors using a variety of delivery styles and methods to interact with the students. The desired design is to complete the program as a cohort (i.e., lock-step program). Courses are based on the concepts learned[ in previous courses and students must enroll in courses in the chronological order listed below. Successful completion of all courses is required to earn the M.S. in Water Resources Management.

The students are required to complete a "Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)" class that will instruct them on the basics of ArcGIS software prior to the programs initiation. This prerequisite can be satisfied by taking EES 211 (offered through Continuing and Global Education), baccalaureate GIS classes, or technical classes offered through ESRI or other GIS software companies. GIS will be used in many of the assignments throughout the program.

Formal admission to Fresno State through CSU mentor is required for participation in the M.S. in Water Resource Management with the exception of graduate students who are currently admitted to the university. All candidates interested shall meet the university admission requirements including the following criteria. Applicants will qualify if they already hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and hold a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA calculated from the last 60 unites from an accredited institution)

Core Classes (24 units)
EES 212, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270

Internship (3 units)
EES 263

Final Project (3 units)
EES 298

Total (30 units)

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Faculty