Courses
Thinking of taking an introductory course? Any course listed below can serve as a gateway to the Earth and Planetary Sciences major!
All introductory Earth and Planetary Science courses cover the following concepts and skills:
• To understand how the process of science and the evolution of scientific concepts has led to our current understanding of Earth as a dynamic system including physical, chemical and biological interactions.
• To understand Earth's origins, including an appreciation for geologic time and spatial/temporal scales.
• To be able to generate, read, and understand maps and spatial data.
• To develop an awareness of the impact of geology and natural resources on the evolution of life and vice versa.
• To understand the concept of uncertainty as it applies to the analysis of Earth processes, resources, and hazards.
Students on the Stretch off campus program examin the geomorphology of the Clarks Fork Valley, WY
Fall Term
How the Earth Works (EAPS 1)
Explore Earth's materials, structure, and processes that shape the world we live in. Engage with rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, and erosion through real-world examples and applications. (Fall & Spring)
Modeling the Earth System (EAPS 4)
Build hands-on interactive Earth-system models linking physical, chemical, and biological processes using STELLA. You will explore how Earth Systems interact and evolve and apply the scientific method and core physical principles to real-world phenomena. No prior modeling experience required.
Carbon Sequestration (EAPS 8)
Examine rising atmospheric CO₂, global warming, and ocean acidification. Evaluate technological and natural carbon capture and storage strategies—their potentials, risks, and limitations—using science-based analysis. (Fall & Spring)
Winter Term
Evolution of Earth and Life (EAPS 2)
Explore how life and Earth co-evolved through deep time. Learn how past climates and events reveal patterns and lessons that inform our understanding of modern climate change.
Earth Resources (EAPS 9)
Discover how Earth's mineral and energy resources form, are found, and are extracted. Learn exploration techniques and scientific methods used to locate resources for societal use, plus economic and environmental considerations.
Spring Term
Elementary Oceanography (EAPS 3)
An introduction to the ocean's physical, chemical, biological, and geological systems. Covers circulation, marine ecosystems, coasts, and human impacts with an emphasis on real-world connections.
Environmental Change (EAPS 6)
Learn how scientists study past, present, and future Earth-system changes, with emphasis on climate change—its causes, impacts, and methods used to detect and predict environmental shifts.
Summer Term
Natural Disasters and Catastrophes (EAPS 5)
An introduction to Earth's physical, chemical, biological, and geological systems through natural disasters and hazards.
The Latest EAPS Course Information
Upcoming Courses in the EAPS Department – for a tentative list of upcoming courses offered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. PLEASE NOTE: This is a tentative course schedule that is subject to constant modifications. Please make sure to check back on this regularly and always confirm with final updates from the ORC.