{"id":3666,"date":"2025-08-28T14:14:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/earth-climate-sciences\/?page_id=3666"},"modified":"2025-08-28T14:14:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:14:02","slug":"courses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/earth-climate-sciences\/courses\/","title":{"rendered":"Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Earth’s surface environments are in a constant state of change resulting from the interaction of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Changes on the surface occur on various time scales from brief, severe storms to glaciations lasting thousands of years and changes in continents and ocean basin environments occurring over millions of years due to tectonic processes. Studies of surficial processes and materials illustrate the dynamic nature of the Earth and provide a key to understanding past and future environmental change. The lectures are complemented with field and laboratory study. Field experiences include day trips to local geologic settings and to the Maine coast.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis are examples of tectonic hazards that directly affect human populations. Yet the processes responsible for such natural hazards are an integral part of the global tectonic cycle that over millions of years results in the formation of ocean basins, mountain ranges, and the global-scale motion of continents. Study of active and ancient tectonic activity is key to forecasting future volcanic eruptions and earthquakes as well as global environment change.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> The Earth System is composed of the dynamic interactions between its various components: the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and the atmosphere. Humans are perturbing these components at unprecedented rates, resulting in climate and environmental change on regional and global scales. In this course, students examine the Earth\u2019s climate system on multiple timescales and investigate current topics in global change, including the impact of greenhouse gases on global climate, sea level, El Ni\u00f1o, global dimming, and ocean acidification. Experiential learning may include field trips to sites that illustrate environmental change on local and regional scales and analysis of large data sets.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Oceanography is the science of the world\u2019s oceans, and is a trans-disciplinary enterprise combining geology, physics, chemistry, and biology to understand how the marine systems operate on this planet. The course begins with deep geologic time and a description of the ocean basins and their origins. The physical and chemical properties of seawater will be considered next. The course will examine the role of carbon and nitrogen cycles and the interaction of chemistry and biology in seawater. The biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of the deep sea, coral reefs, coastal ocean, beaches, and estuaries lead into a discussion of the ocean\u2019s major biological communities. The course will explore the current state of the field through readings from the primary literature. Topics of current interest (climate change, coastal development, aquaculture, conservation biology, coral bleaching) will be discussed. The course will include a visit to marine habitats and ocean environments of Maine. Not open to students who have earned credit for BIO 113<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> The study of modern sedimentary processes and environments provides geologists with a basis for comparison with ancient deposits preserved in the rock record. The analysis of modern sedimentary environments and reconstruction of ancient environments permit stratigraphic reconstructions at regional and global scales. Laboratory work includes field studies of processes and interpretation of modern and ancient depositional systems. Prerequisite(s): one introductory earth and climate sciences course.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Geographical information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems for geographical data presentation and analysis. They allow rapid development of high-quality maps, and enable sophisticated examination of spatial patterns and interrelationships. In this course students learn the principles of GIS through extensive computer use of ArcGIS Pro (ESRI). Geological and environmental projects introduce students to cartography, common sources of geographic data, methods for collecting novel spatial data, and data quality. Finally, students learn to extend the capabilities of GIS software to tackle more advanced spatial analysis tasks by completing an independent project. Lectures supplement the laboratory component of the course. Not open to students who have received credit for ENVR220<\/a>. Prerequisite(s): one 100-level course in earth and climate sciences or one 200<\/a>-level course in environmental studies.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> An introduction to the dynamical behavior of climate on geologic and human timescales. Simple conceptual models are developed, with the goal of understanding the role of feedback, stability, and abrupt changes. Topics include the basic physics of climate, El Ni\u00f1o\/La Ni\u00f1a, climate models, the greenhouse effect and global warming, and glacial cycles. Python is used as the main computational tool; no prior experience is required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 105<\/a> or 106<\/a>; and any 100-level earth and climate sciences course or PHYS 109<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Many geochemical processes that occur within the lithosphere, such as crystallization of magmas, metamorphism, and weathering, are understood through the study of minerals and rocks. This course covers the occurrence and composition of the common rock-forming minerals; the mineral reactions and assemblages typical of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments; and applications to a range of tectonic processes. The laboratory involves the identification of minerals and the determination of mineral composition in hand specimens and by optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Prerequisite(s): one introductory earth and climate sciences course.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Hydrogeology is the study of the movement and interaction of surface water and groundwater within rocks and sediments. This course uses hydrogeology as a disciplinary framework for learning about surface water and groundwater processes, contamination, supply, use, and management. Students engage in practical applications of hydrogeology via discussions, guest lectures, research projects, problem sets, and hands-on experience. Students learn field and laboratory methods for determining and analyzing surface water and groundwater flow, contamination, and aquifer properties by working on data from sites of interest in central Maine and elsewhere. Class visits by professional hydrogeologists and environmental consultants provide connections and information on career opportunities in the field. Prerequisite(s): ENVR 203<\/a> or one 100<\/a>-level earth and climate sciences course.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> The processes of mountain building and plate tectonics are understood by observing the structure and architecture of rocks. This course explores the nature and types of structures present in rocks that make up the Earth’s crust. Fundamental concepts and principles of deformation are examined in a variety of field settings. The laboratory introduces the techniques used in descriptive and kinematic structural analysis. Several one-day excursions and one weekend field trip may take place throughout Maine and the mountains of the northern Appalachians. Prerequisite(s): any 100-level earth and climate sciences course.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Environmental Geochemistry explores the distribution of elements and compounds in the Earth\u2019s surface environments and how they are influenced by both natural systems and human activities. Students investigate critical environmental challenges such as water pollution, acid mine drainage, and ocean acidification. Emphasizing real-world applications, the course introduces geochemical tools and principles to trace pollutants, understand carbon cycling, and develop practical solutions. Hands-on field and lab research projects provide experience in collection and analysis of samples using specialized instrumentation (such as multiparameter water quality meters, ICP-MS, and EA-IRMS). Prerequisite(s): any 100-level earth and climate sciences course.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> This course explores the structure and function of lakes and rivers and their relationship to the surrounding terrestrial systems. Students consider physical, chemical, and biological processes that influence the movement and quality of water, emphasizing controls on the distribution, movement, and chemistry of water both to and within freshwater ecosystems. Field and laboratory studies combine ecological, geological, and chemical approaches to questions of water quality and quantity as well as an introduction to working with large data sets. Students are assumed to be proficient in the use of spreadsheets. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: BIO 195<\/a>; ENVR 203<\/a>; EACS 103<\/a>, 107<\/a>, 109<\/a>, or FYS 476<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> Paleoseismology is the study of past earthquakes. According to Charles Lyell, "[the] present is the key to [the] past," but the past is also the key to the present and future. Therefore, the estimation of past earthquake timelines is important to better access the potential of the future earthquakes. In this course, students develop an understanding of the earthquake geology and tectonic geomorphology and learn to identify earthquake generating active faults around the world using of aerial photographs, satellite data, and ArcGIS. Students learn to estimate the magnitude of past and future earthquakes using trench logs, borehole cores and geochronology as a case study from different seismically active regions such as New Zealand, Japan, Himalaya, and California and synthesize future potential trenching sites using conceptual knowledge learned from this course. Prerequisite(s), which may be taken concurrently: EACS 230<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Catalog Listing<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 104: Plate Tectonics and Hazards\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 109: Earth\u2019s Climate System\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 110: Oceanography<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 210: Sedimentary Processes and Environments\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 217: Mapping and GIS\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 220: Dynamical Climate\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 223: Earth Materials\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 226: Hydrogeology<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 230: Earth Structure and Dynamics\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 240: Environmental Geochemistry\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 241: Water and Watersheds\/Lab<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
EACS 302: Paleoseismology and Active Tectonics<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t
More details<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t