Introduction
The Earth and Environmental Science (ERTH) minor focuses on earth processes and how those processes affect the environment and society. Unlike a pure geology program, earth and environmental science considers all 4 spheres of the Earth, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and the biosphere. The environment encompasses our surroundings, and the discussion of how these spheres interact, particularly the anthropogenic component of the biosphere, will shape the future environment. Thus, this minor more effectively serves the needs of 21st century students who require an understanding of climate change, resource management, and community resilience.
Earth and Environmental Science gives students a broad introduction to earth processes as well as current environmental issues. The minor provides a broad coverage of earth science related topics, such as weather, water, and rocks. Additionally, courses in chemistry, biology, and GISS (Geographic Information Systems and Science) will help develop a diverse set of critical spatial thinking skills. Therefore, this new minor is believed to more closely complement the existing major programs in Biology (Forest Wildlife, Biology, Zoology, Botany) and Chemistry.
Careers
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, jobs in the geological sciences are growing fairly rapidly (7%) however there are relatively few occupations directly associated with geology (n = 37) and many require advanced degrees. The replacement of the traditional Geology minor with a more modern Earth and Environmental Science curriculum will likely be of more immediate use for our students going into the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 581 different occupations are associated with sustainable development and projected growth in sustainability related markets is growing rapidly (>10% nationwide;) urban planning, a sustainable development occupation which incorporates knowledge of Earth processes and Geographic Information Systems and Science (GISS), is growing much faster than average (>11% nationally and 8% in New Mexico).
Minor in Earth and Environmental Science- Student Learning Outcomes
Students can identify, describe, and understand earth processes and interactions between humans and the environment.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate proper and safe field and laboratory practices including the proper use of equipment and the ability to use basic field and lab techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to reason quantitatively.
- Understand common quantitative approaches in earth and environmental science.
- Evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
- Interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.
- Understand the role of uncertainty in science.
- Evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of biology.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate science through formal and informal written, visual, and oral methods.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science.
Students will understand the relationship between science and society.
- Explain the historical context of geological discoveries.
- Evaluate the impact of science on society.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of science.
- Explain why science is integral to addressing social and environmental problems.
- Explore how science is applied in a social context.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake entry-level careers in earth and environmental science or to gain admittance to graduate or professional schools.
Dr. Marie Sanchez Weide
Email: Denise.Weide@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 119A (inside 119)
Office phone: 575-538-6352
Dr. Corrie Neighbors
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
(Remote)
Core Courses
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
GEOL 1110/L. Physical Geology & lab. Physical Geology is an introduction to our dynamic Earth introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. (4)
GEOL 1120/L. Environmental Geology & lab. This course is a survey of environmental geology with an introduction to problems of pollution, population, human relations to the environment, resource use, geologic hazards and environmental problems. The course covers the major components of the Earth system, i.e. atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and how they are related. (4)
BIOL 1132. Introduction to Climate Studies. An introduction to climate science that provides background on Earth’s climate system, the scientific principles that govern climate, climate variability, and climate change with the implications for society. (3)
GEOL 2130/L Introduction to Meteorology & lab. Introduction to Earth’s atmosphere and the dynamic world of weather as it happens. Working with current meteorological data delivered via the Internet and coordinated with learning investigations keyed to the current weather; and via study of select archives. (4)
CHEM 1215/L General Chemistry I for STEM Majors. Students will be introduced to several fundamental concepts, including mole, concentration, heat, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, bonding, physical states, stoichiometry, and reactions. (4)
CHEM 1225/L General Chemistry II for STEM Majors. The course includes, but is not limited to a theoretical and quantitative coverage of solutions and their properties, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Additional topics may include (as time permits) organic, polymer, atmospheric, and biochemistry. (4)
GISS 361/363 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. A computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and techniques of GIS. Emphasis is placed on GIS data collection, entry, storage, analysis, and output visualization (map-making). (4)
GEOL 340/342. Field and Research Methods & lab. Understanding and creating geologic maps and cross-sections. Introduction to tools and techniques of field mapping. Development of a research proposal. Presenting field data and communication results. Lectures and field work. (4)
GEOL 401/403. Hydrogeology & lab. The hydrologic cycle. Principles of surface and ground water flow. Water quality and resource management. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (4)
GISS 362/364 Spatial Analysis. Multidisciplinary applications of advanced GIS techniques in vector, roster, map overlay, surface, and network systems analysis. Other topics include geospatial statistics and methods in 3-D visualization and modeling. (4)
GISS 366/368 Webmapping & WebGIS. Covers topics in web mapping and online spatial data repositories. Emphasis will be placed on making interactive web maps and performing GIS-based spatial analysis in an online environment. (4)
CHEM 301 Instrumental Analysis. Lectures and laboratory work on spectrophotometry (visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and atomic absorption), gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, refractometry, polarimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electroanalytical and radiochemical methods. (4)
CHEM 406/408 Environmental Chemistry. Scientific basis for all aspects of environmental issues, soil, water and atmospheric chemistry are discussed in detail. (4)
BIOL 301/303 Ecology. The study of the interactions between organisms, their abiotic environment, and other biotic components of natural systems; the structure and function of biotic communities and ecosystems. (4)
BIOL 432 Biogeography. An overview of the planet Earth. Studies of plant and animal distribution are based upon ecological, evolutionary, and physical factors. (4)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Dr. Marie Sanchez Weide
Email: Denise.Weide@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 119A (inside 119)
Office phone: 575-538-6352
Dr. Corrie Neighbors
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
(Remote)