You are in the official 2013-2014 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2013-2014 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
COURSES
Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES)
EES 1. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources
(4 units)
Prerequisites: 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) (Formerly GEOL 1)
EES 2. Historical Geology (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1. Origin and 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) (Formerly GEOL 2)
EES 3. Geology Field Trip (1; max total 3
units)
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) (Formerly GEOL 3)
EES 4. Environmental Science (4 units)
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) G.E. Breadth B1. (Course
fee, $10) (Formerly ENSC 1)
EES 9. Introduction to Earth Science (3 units)
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. (2 lecture,
2 lab hours) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly GEOL 9)
EES 12. Mineralogy (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1; CHEM 1A (or concurrently). Prerequisite: high school
chemistry. 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) F (Course
fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 12)
EES 30. Introductory Field Methods (2 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1, MATH 5. Introduction to geologic fieldwork methods,
including use of Brunton pocket transit and stereo aerial photographs, preparation/interpretation
of maps and geologic cross-sections. CR/NC grading. Graded for EES majors/minors.
(6 lab/field hours) (Weekend field trips required) (Course fee, $35) (Formerly
GEOL 30)
EES 50. National Parks of the Sierra Nevada
(3 units)
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) (Course fee, $25)
EES 100. Analytical Methods in the Earth
Sciences (2 units)
Prerequisites: EES 12 (concurrent enrollment recommended). 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 and structure
characterization. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $10) F
(Formerly GEOL 100)
EES 101. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
(4 units)
Prerequisites: EES 30, 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)S (Formerly GEOL 101)
EES 102. Sedimentology (4 units)
Prerequisites: EES 30, 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 for
producing a formal field report. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field project)
F (Course fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL
102)
EES 104. Scientific Writing and Research
Techniques (2 units)
Prerequisites: 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
(may be taken concurrently). Organizing and writing the scientific report
and thesis. 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) F
(Formerly GEOL 104)
EES 105. Geomorphology (3 units)
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) (Formerly GEOL 105)
EES 106. Structural Geology (4 units)
Prerequisites: EES 30, 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, collecting, and producing formal field report.
Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field project) F (Course fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 106)
EES 107. Advanced Field Methods (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 102, 104, 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)S
(Formerly GEOL 107)
EES 108. Soil and Water Sciences (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, EES 1 or EES 4, PHYS 4B or 2B,
MATH 75. Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties
of soil and water in relation to environmental sustainability. Introduction
to the hydrological cycle and distribution of soil and water sources. Discussion
of soil and water resources management and policy issues. (3 lecture, 3
lab hours; optional field trips) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly ENSC 100A,
EES 100A)
EES 109. Atmospheric Science (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, EES 1 or EES 4, PHYS 4B or 2B,
MATH 75. The structure of the atmosphere and humanity'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) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly ENSC 100B, EES 100B)
EES 110. Invertebrate Paleontology (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1 or BIOL 1A and 1B, or BIOL 11 or BIOL 12. 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) (Formerly GEOL 110)
EES 112. Planet Earth through Time (3 units)
Credit not allowed after completion of EES 2. Prerequisites: 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. (Formerly GEOL
112)
EES 113. Stream Habitat Restoration (3
units)
Prerequisites: EES 1 or BIOL 1A or BIOL 10 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 113)
EES 114. Engineering Geology (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1 and MATH 5 or 72 or 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) (Formerly GEOL 114)
EES 117. Hydrogeology (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 1; MATH 72 or 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) (Formerly
GEOL 117)
EES 118. Applied Geophysics (3 units)
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, and electrical resistivity.
Field instrumentation is used throughout. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course
fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 118)
EES 122. Stratigraphy (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 2, 30, 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) (Formerly GEOL
122)
EES 124. Geochemistry (3 units)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A and 1B and EES 1 or 15; EES 12 and 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)
EES 125. Global Paleoclimates (3 units)
Prerequisite: EES 1 and either MATH 2, 5, or 75. Introduction to processes
and mechanisms behind what is thought to be 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.
(Formerly GEOL 150T)
EES 130T. Advanced Problems in Geology
(1-3; max total 6 units if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: senior standing in geology. Topics or problems in the following
fields: engineering geology, geology of North America, field geology, micropaleontology,
advanced ground water geology, sedimentation and sedimentary rocks, geochemistry,
geophysics, volcanic geology and marine geology. Some topics may have labs.
(Formerly GEOL 130T)
EES 135W. Dinosaurs (3 units)
Prerequisite: satisfactory completion (C or better) of the ENGL 5B or 10
graduation requirement, to be taken no sooner than the term in which 60
units are completed. Introduction to dinosaur theory derived from sedimentary
rocks and fossils, including 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) (Formerly EES 130T)
EES 150T. Studies in Earth Science (1-3;
max total 6 units)
Applicable to the geology major only with prior departmental approval. Prerequisite:
EES 1. Earth science topics designed for students minoring in geology, with
an interest in earth science, in teacher training, and for elementary and
secondary teachers. (Formerly GEOL 150T)
EES 154. Introductory Earth Science (3
units)
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 time and fossils; interpretation
of landscapes and the rock record; and plate tectonics. (2 lecture, 2 lab
hours, 1 hour arranged) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly GEOL 154)
EES 155. Discovering Earth Science (3 units)
Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: EES 1 or 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) (Formerly GEOL 155)
EES 160. Field Studies (1-4; max total
4 units)
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.
(Formerly GEOL 160)
EES 167. Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate
Change (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Integrated introduction
to oceans, atmosphere, and climate change: their origin and evolution; plate
tectonics; ocean currents, waves, and tides; atmospheric circulation and
El Niño; production and life; and environmental issues and concerns.
G.E. Integration IB. (Formerly GEOL 167)
EES 168. California's Earth System (3 units)
Not applicable to B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and
Breadth Area B. Interaction of earth, water, air, and life in California's
earth system over geologic time. Human interaction with the environment.
G.E. Integration IB. (Formerly GEOL 168)
EES 177. Quantitative Methods for Earth
Science (3 units)
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 177)
EES 178. Geostatistics (3 units)
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. 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) (Formerly GEOL 178)
EES 180. Computer Applications in Geology
(3 units)
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 180)
EES 185. Remote Sensing for the Natural
Sciences (3 units)
Prerequisite: G.E. Breadth, Area B; GEOG 151 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) (Formerly
GEOL 185)
EES 186. Environmental GIS (3 units)
Prerequisite: GEOG 142 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 and restoration, and endangered species. Familiarity with computers
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 186)
EES 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total
6 units)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly GEOL 190)
EES 199. Undergraduate Thesis (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 102, 104, 106; senior standing. Independent research
project in any geologic topic supervised by a faculty member and leading
to completion of baccalaureate degree. (Formerly GEOL 199)
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Geology
EES 201. Seminar in Geology (3 units)
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) S
(Formerly GEOL 201)
EES 202. Geology Laboratory Teaching Techniques
(1 unit)
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) (Formerly GEOL
202)
EES 210. Analysis of Faults and Earthquakes
(3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 106 and 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) (Formerly GEOL 210)
EES 211. Fundamentals of GIS (3 units)
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.
EES 212. Geospatial Technologies (3 units)
Introduces global positioning systems, remote sensing, and light detection
and ranging technology and their integration with Geographic Information
Systems. Asynchronous online.
EES 214: Advanced Spatial Analysis (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 211 and 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.
EES 216. GIS Practicum (3 units)
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.
EES 217T. Topics in Hydrogeology and Environmental
Geology (2-3; max total 6 units)
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 217T)
EES 220. Groundwater Hydrology (3 units)
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) (Formerly GEOL 220)
EES 230. Contaminant Transport (3 units)
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 are used to solve the
governing equations of chemical diffusion, advection, and dispersion in
the environment. (Formerly GEOL 217T)
EES 231. Depositional Systems (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 102 and 105. Investigation of modern and ancient depositional
systems. Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $35)
(Formerly GEOL 231)
EES 232. Basin Analysis Seminar (3 units)
Prerequisites: EES 102 and 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 232)
EES 250T. Topics in Geology (1-3 units;
may be taken more than once if no topic is repeated)
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. (Formerly GEOL 250T)
EES 251T. Topics in Engineering Geology
(1-3 units; may be taken more than once if no topic is repeated)
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. (Formerly GEOL 251T)
EES 271. Volcanology (3 units)
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) (Course
fee, $35) (Formerly GEOL 271)
EES 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total
6 units)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly GEOL 290)
EES 299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6 units)*
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly GEOL
299)
_________
* For 299C courses, see Graduate Studies.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Degrees
Department
Page
Courses
and Programs Menu
Catalog Home
University Home