ASTRONOMY COURSES

ASTR       1100          Introduction to Astronomy                      (4)

A study of our solar system and the sidereal universe, with an emphasis on the nature of astronomical investigation. (3 hr. lec/3 hr. lab.)

Approved General Education Distribution Course

ASTR       3168          Practical Astronomy                                 (3)

Methods of determining, describing and using the positions and apparent motions of celestial bodies.  Topics include fundamental position determination, time systems and standards, celestial navigation, the calendar, and related astronomical instrumentation.

Prerequisites: ASTR 1100 and MATH 2412 or permission of instructor.

ASTR       3171          The Solar System                                      (3)

Planets, moons, and other members of the solar system; techniques and results of planetary investigations; theories of planetary origin, efforts to detect other planetary systems, the search for extraterrestrial life.

Prerequisites: ASTR 1100 or permission of instructor.

 

EARTH SCIENCE COURSES

ES             1000          Observing the Earth                                 (3)

A study of the earth and its processes from the perspective of observations and measurement, observing technology and systems, applications of observations and data to problem solving.

Approved General Education Distribution Course

ES             2000          Foundations of Earth
System Science                                          (4)

An introduction to the study of Earth as an inclusive system. The atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere and their interrelations. (3hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: ES 1000 or permission of instructor

ES             2200          Methods in Geoscience                             (4)

Fundamental skills and scientific techniques used in the study of geoscience: computer applications; Internet resources, spatial data representation and analysis; quantitative descriptions of geophysical phenomena; statistical methods for data analysis; basic numerical methods. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: MATH 1054 and four hours of Geoscience

ES             3200          Geographic Information Systems in Geoscience     (4)

Principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Fundamentals of digital cartography, spatial analysis, digital data. Acquiring, assembling, geo-referencing field data; topographic maps; images from remote sensing. Emphasis on Earth and Human Systems; population, urban development and land use. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: MATH 1054, four hours of Geoscience or permission of instructor

ES             3310          The Geosphere in the
Earth System                                             (4)

Examination of the solid earth as part of an Earth System: Earth origin, chemistry, internal structure and processes, mineralogic and lithologic composition, origin and effect of organisms, history, modern processes and human impacts. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: ES 2000

ES             3320          The Atmosphere in the
Earth System                                             (4)

Examination of the atmosphere as part of an Earth System: History of atmosphere, source of energy, pollution, extreme weather events, atmospheric processes and climatic dynamics, and its interaction with organisms and human impacts. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: ES 2000

ES             3330          The Hydrosphere in the Earth System   (4)

Examination of the distribution and movement of water as part of an Earth System: Oceans and seas, ice, surface waters, groundwater, historical and modern processes, the relationship to organisms and human impacts. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: ES 2000

ES             4200          Remote Sensing                                         (4)

Theory, technology and methods of remote sensing for observing the earth. Application of remote sensing to problems in the earth sciences including resource exploration, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring and land use. (3 hr lec./3 hr lab.)

Prerequisites: Eight hours of Geoscience, MATH 1054, PHYS 2091 or PHYS 2095

ES             4980          Environmental Internship                       (3)

A work-study opportunity to obtain practical experience with the multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems, relate course material to these problems, and discern decision-making processes associated with their solution.

Prerequisites: Permission of the department and the supervising instructor.

ES             4981          Environmental Issues Seminar                (3)

Contemporary environmental topics are explored from a scientific and societal perspective. Students conduct research and present in written and oral form, issues of local, national, and global concern.

Prerequisites: ES 4980

 

GEOGRAPHY COURSES

GEOG      2010          World Geography                                     (3)

World geography from the point of view of how physical features, resources, climates, and economic and political systems help to shape human culture. Using geographic tools to explore current themes and problems in various world geographic regions.

Approved General Education Distribution Course

GEOG      2020          Conservation of Natural Resources        (3)

A study of relationships among natural resources, technological development, population growth and levels of living as a means of exploring and evaluating the foundations of environmental management and conservation.

Prerequisite: Three hours of geography or science or permission of instructor.

GEOG      3110          Practical Geographic Skills                      (3)

The practical skills and techniques of the geographer, such as those developed for studies in the field and the library, and for graphic, cartographic, written and oral presentation of geographic information.

Prerequisite: Six hours of geography or permission of instructor.

GEOG      3410          Urban Geography                                    (3)

An examination of urban settlements with special emphasis on the practical application of modern geographic theories to the contemporary urban situation.

Prerequisite: Six hours of geography or permission of instructor.

GEOG      3420          The Resource Base and the Urban Pattern            (3)

An investigation of the problems posed by the multiplicity of users for the limited natural resources of urban areas.

Prerequisite: Six hours of geography or permission of instructor.

GEOG      3920          Geography of Latin
America
                                                     (3)

The physical geography and human adaptation in Middle South America.

Prerequisite: Six hours of geography or permission of instructor.

GEOG      3950          The Geography of New Jersey                (3)

The various geographic aspects of the State of New Jersey: physical environment, cultural diversity, resource base, and economic pattern. Special emphasis placed on the high degree of urbanization which characterizes New Jersey. Field observations included.

ECO         3730          Economic Geography                               (3)

(See Economics and Finance Department for course description.)

 

GEOLOGY COURSES

GEOL       1200          Introduction to Geology                           (4)

Processes at work upon and within the earth; earth history; rocks, minerals, and fossils; historical development of geology as a science. (3 hr. lec/ 3 hr. lab).

Approved General Education Distribution Course

GEOL       1201          Geologic Hazards                                      (3)

An investigation of geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding and beach erosion. Consideration given to hazards resulting form normal geologic activity as well as those caused by human interaction with the environment. Intended for non-majors. May be taken without GEOL 1202. Students cannot receive credit for both GEOL 1200 and GEOL 1201/1202.

GEOL       1202          Geologic Hazards
Laboratory                                                (1)

Must be taken concurrently with GEOL 1202.

GEOL       1205          Mineral and Fossil Fuel Resources         (3)

Minerals and fossil fuels, supplies and their use. Past use and future trends in light of depletion, recycling and technological advances. Does not fulfill major requirements.

GEOL       1210          Geology of the
National Parks                                          (3)

An in-depth study of the depositional, tectonic and erosional processes that have produced the unique geological regions designated as National Parks by the Congress of the United States. Does not fulfill major requirements.

GEOL       2262          Geology and the Environment                 (3)

Examination of the problems associated with man’s urban pattern of civilization and resultant interactions with the geologic environment.

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       2263          Geology and the Environment Lab         (1)

Must be taken concurrently with GEOL 2262.

GEOL       3261          Mineralogy                                                (4)

An introductory study of minerals; their morphology, internal structure, origin, occurrence, and properties. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: GEOL 1200 and CHEM 1083-1084, or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       3263          Structural Geology                                   (4)

A study of the architecture of the rock materials of the earth, including a description of geologic structure in terms of origin, principles and mechanics of crustal deformation. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       3264          Invertebrate Paleontology                        (4)

A study of the classification, relationships, and evolutionary history of fossils. Emphasis is placed on paleoecological relationships. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       3265          Geomorphology                                        (4)

Analysis of the various land forms of the Earth’s surface in terms of their nature, origin, and evolution. The influence of the different geologic and climatic environments upon the development of land form. Map interpretation. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       3266          Hydrology                                                  (4)

The distribution and movement of water with emphasis given to surface waters, their relation to the fluvial aspects of geomorphology and to the impact of man on the hydrologic cycle. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or METR 1300 or permission of instructor.

GEOL       3269          Astrogeology                                             (4)

The geologic environments of the moon and the planets examined with emphasis on the nature of the lunar surface. Consideration given to pertinent terrestrial environments and phenomena and to the related aspects of meteoritics. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: ASTR 1100 or GEOL 1200 or permission of instructor.

GEOL       3281          Field Geology                                            (2)

Field practice in the methods of geological mapping including the use of pace, compass, and clinometer surveys, the plane table and alidade, and aerial photographs.

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4252          Field Geology II                                        (2)

Field conference and studies of one or more selected areas with written reports and maps. Additional expenses may be incurred.

Prerequisites: GEOL 3261, 3263, 4266 (may be taken concurrently), or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4256          Glacial and Pleistocene Geology              (3)

Analysis of the distribution, movement, and deposits of modern glaciers used to interpret glacial features formed during the Pleistocene glacial epoch. Theories concerning the cause or causes of continental glaciation.

Prerequisite: GEOL 1200 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4263          Optical Mineralogy                                   (4)

Mineral identification through the use of the petrographic microscope by immersion and thin-section methods. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 3261 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4265          Petrology                                                   (4)

A study of the petrologic processes at work upon and within the crust of the earth that produce and modify rock bodies. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 3261 or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4266          Stratigraphy and Sedimentation             (4)

Origin and characteristics of sediment grains; sedimentation processes; diagenesis and rock classification; correlation of stratigraphic units; sedimentary environments and their deposits. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: Twelve hours of geology or permission of the instructor.

GEOL       4268          Topographic Map Interpretation            (3)

Description and interpretation of selected topographic maps chosen to illustrate variety of landforms of the United States and the influence of structure, process and time on landform development. (1 hr. lec./6 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: GEOL 3265 (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.

 

METEOROLOGY COURSES

METR      1300          Introduction to
Meteorology                                              (4)

An introductory study of the atmosphere including historical perspectives, weather elements, instrumentation, fronts, air masses, cyclones and anticyclones, severe weather, weather analysis, weather prediction, pollution, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, global warming. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Approved General Education Distribution Course

METR      2101,2102,2103,2104   Meteorology Seminar I, II, III, IV        (1,1,1,1)

Course sequence is over four semesters. Students will investigate and explore specialization areas of the discipline in-depth to provide comprehensive skills and aptitude as evidenced by products generated and practicum completed. General topics include: Operational Meteorology with Modeling & Forecasting; Media Meteorology with Science Reporting; Environmental Meteorology including Air Quality; and Industrial/Forensic Meteorology with Consulting. Students may register for any of the courses in the sequence and are not required to complete all sessions.

Prerequisite: METR 1300 or permission of instructor.

METR      2300          Climatology                                               (3)

Global distribution of the principal climatic elements with emphasis on the physical causes of climate. Theories regarding climatic change will also be discussed.

Prerequisite: METR 1300 or permission of the instructor.

METR      2301          Climatology Laboratory                          (1)

Techniques in handling climatological data.

Corequisite: METR 2300 or permission of the instructor.

METR      2310          General Meteorology                                (4)

An overview of meteorology with emphasis on the dynamic aspects of atmospheric behavior. Topics include air masses, fronts, cyclones and anticyclones, winds, theoretical basis for weather forecasting, and mathematical techniques. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: METR 1300 and Math 2412 (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.

METR      2350          Aviation Meteorology                               (3)

A study and analysis of mid-latitude meteorology in the Northern Hemisphere with an emphasis on those phenomena affecting aircraft operation.

Prerequisite: METR 1300 or permission of instructor.

METR      2360          Weather Analysis                                      (3)

Familiarization with daily weather data and NCEP forecasting products; plotting and analyzing of weather maps; weather map discussion; weather forecasting; daily weather observations. (2 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: METR 1300.

METR      3360          Air Pollution                                              (3)

An examination of the problem of air pollution as seen principally from a meteorological viewpoint. Topics include the terminology and nomenclature of air pollution, the history of air pollution, types of pollutants in the atmosphere, atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, methods of sampling and control, trends in legislation, and cost benefit and risk analysis.

Prerequisites: METR 1300 and Math 1054.

METR      3369          Planetary Atmospheres                            (4)

The earth’s atmosphere as a planetary environment and the origin, evolution and current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of other planets and their prospects for harboring life. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: ASTR 1100 or METR 1300 and MATH 1054.

METR      3370          Atmospheric Dynamics                            (4)

A mathematical formulation of the physical laws which govern weather processes and atmospheric motion. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: METR 1300, PHYS 2096, MATH 2412 or permission of instructor.

METR      3371          Atmospheric Thermodynamics               (4)

The application of thermodynamic principles to the atmosphere: heat, work, internal energy and available energy of the atmosphere; the thermodynamics of water vapor and moist air; dry and moist thermodynamic processes; hydrostatic equilibrium and altimetry; atmosphere stability and convection. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: METR 1300, PHYS 2096, MATH 2412 or permission of instructor.

METR      3372          Physical Meteorology                               (3)

An examination of the physics of atmospheric phenomena. Topics include wave theory, transfer processes, cloud physics, atmospheric radiation, and remote sensing. Emphasis is placed on the application of physical theory to obtain a better understanding of atmospheric phenomena.

Prerequisites: MATH 2412, METR 1300, PHYS 2096.

METR      3380          Meteorological Instrumentation              (4)

Familiarization with the various instruments used to observe the atmosphere; principles of operation, instrument calibration and maintenance, error analysis, observing systems. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: METR 1300 and MATH 1054.

METR      4301-4302 Meteorology Cooperative Education
I and II                                                    (3,3)

A practical field experience. Student assigned to an organization involved in meteorological activity such as federal and state government, industry, media, etc. Cooperative employers matched with student’s area of interest within field of meteorology. Working hours flexible. Credits earned count as free electives.

Prerequisite: Explicit written permission of the instructor.

METR      4351-4352 Synoptic
Meteorology I and II                             (4,4)

Understanding the processes which govern the weather; practical application of the predictive equations through use of weather maps; in depth analysis of NCEP forecasting products; extensive plotting and analysis of synoptic charts stressing the three dimensional nature of weather systems; weather forecasting and briefing. (2 hr. lec./6 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: METR 3370 and 3371 or permission of instructor. METR 4351 is a prerequisite to 4352.

METR      4370          Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics          (3)

Circulation, vorticity, and divergence theorems, theory of Rossby Waves, pressure coordinates, turbulence and diffusion, energy conversions, numerical weather prediction, the general circulation.

Prerequisites: METR 3370 and METR 3371 or permission of the instructor.

 

OCEANOGRAPHY COURSES

OCEN      2400          Introduction to Oceanography                (4)

A survey of modern oceanography and including the biological, geological, chemical and physical characteristics of the ocean and, methods and applications of sciences to the study of the oceans.   (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisites: MATH 1000, 4 credit lab science course or permission of instructor.

OCEN      3463          Marine Science                                          (4)

Impact of global change on the marine realm. The geologic, biologic and general oceanographic nature of beaches, coral reefs, swamps, estuaries, lagoons and tidal flats, continental shelf, deep sea, and mid-ocean rift zones. Major global environmental issues/topics such as sea level change, ocean carbon cycle, and catastrophic events will be discussed. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: Oceanography 3453 or permission of instructor.

OCEN      4454          Marine Geology                                        (4)

Introduction to the geology of the oceans, including tectonics, geochemistry, shoreline processes, stratigraphy, sedimentology, and related subjects. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: OCEN 3453 or permission of instructor.

OCEN      4455          Chemical Oceanography                          (4)

Study of the properties and interactions of chemical substances present in the marine environment, including their reactions at the air-sea and sea-bottom interfaces. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: OCEN 3453 or permission of instructor.

OCEN      4470          Physical Oceanography                            (4)

Detailed study of the physical aspects of the oceans including ocean currents, radiation, air-sea interaction, theories of the ocean circulation, geostrophic computations, vorticity. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)

Prerequisite: OCEN 3453 or permission of instructor.

 

RESEARCH, SPECIAL TOPICS AND SEMINARS

ES             3801-3802 Special Topics in
Earth Science                                        (1, 2)

Intensive study of specific topics of an advanced nature in the Earth Science which are not studied in regular courses.  Topics will be announced by the department. 

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

 

ES             4901-4902 Special Topics in
Earth Science                                         (3,3)

Intensive study of specific topics of an advanced nature in the earth sciences. Subject of a semester’s work varies.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ES             4953, 4954 Earth Science
Seminar I and II                                    (2,2)

The student is asked to pursue a problem of current interest in earth science. The student prepares and presents a paper to a seminar group. Following the presentation, the speaker serves as moderator in a discussion of the subjects.

Prerequisite: Senior standing in the Department of Geology and Meteorology.

Writing Emphasis Course

ES             4971,2, 3 Independent Research
in Earth Science
                                                            (1, 2, 3)

Each student is asked to pursue a specific current research problem in earth science under the supervision of a faculty member. Approximately forty-five hours of work under the direction of the faculty member is required for each credit hour. May be repeated for credit, however, only 3 credits may be used to fulfill major elective requirement.

Prerequisites: Explicit written permission of sponsoring faculty member and department chairperson.

 

HONORS PROGRAM

     The Honors Program in Earth and Planetary Environments had been developed for the twofold purposes of recognition of superior achievement and the encouragement of meaningful original research by senior majors.  In order to be eligible for admission to the honors program, the student must have maintained a grade-point average of 3.0 in all courses through the end of the junior year as well as a grade-point average of 3.0 in all earth science courses through the end of the junior year.

 

ES             4963,4964 Honors Research Seminar in
Earth Science I and II                           (2,2)

Individual research of an original nature under the supervision of a research sponsor.  Results of the work to be presented as a seminar.  May be taken in place of but not in addition to ES 4953, 4954.

o a seminar group. Following the presentation, the speaker serves as moderator in a discussion of the subjects.

Prerequisite: Earth Science major of senior standing, with a grade point average of 3.0 overall as well as in Earth Science courses, admitted upon written nomination by a departmental research sponsor and written recommendation by one other departmental faculty member.

Writing Emphasis Course

 

 

 

GRAUDATE COURSES

Astronomy Courses

Astr 5101 Planets and Moons (3)
A comparative study of the terrestrial planets and the larger moons,
their characteristics and histories, with consideration given to the concepts
and methods employed in such investigations.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Astr 5110 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (3)
Stellar evolution, planetary formation, and probabilities of extraterrestrial
life and methods and problems in contacting and communicating with
other possible galaxian civilizations.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Astr 5191 Planetary Geography (1)
Naming features and delineating mapping units on planetary surfaces.
Prerequisite: Graduate Status.

Geology Courses

Geol 5210 Geology of New Jersey (3)
A province-by-province study of the geologic history of New Jersey.
Field experience emphasized.
Prerequisites: Three upper division courses in geology and permission
of the department.

Geol 5211, 5212, 5312 Regional Geology (3, 4, 6)
Field study of the geology of a region which is significantly different
from that of the local area. The region selected for any given semester
varies. Course conducted in the region of investigation. Travel expenses
incurred by the student.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Geol 5251 Advanced Sedimentology (4)
In-depth study of the processes responsible for the formation of sediments
and sedimentary rocks, including origin, methods of transportation,
environments of deposition of both clastic and nonclastic sediments;
and their diagenesis and lithification
Prerequisites: Geol 4266 Stratigraphy, undergraduate course in
sedimentology, or equivalent.

Geol 5252 Sedimentary Petrography (4)
Description and interpretation of the sedimentary rocks. Microscopic
and megascopic analysis of structural, textural and compositional properties
of sedimentary rocks, using both petrographic microscope and hand lens.
(3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)
Prerequisites: Optical Mineralogy and Advanced Sedimentology.

Geol 5262 Fluvial Processes (3)
An investigation of the erosional and depositional characteristic
of streams with an emphasis on viewing such activity as operating
within a larger drainage system.
Prerequisites: Geol 3265 Geomorphology or Geol 3266 Hydrology
or equivalent and permission of the department.

Geol 5272 Mineral Resources (3)
A study of the world's mineral resources, their origin, exploration,
uses and limitations and use in international politics.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Geol 5282 Special Topics in Geology (3)
Intensive study of a timely topic in geology. Subject matter
will vary. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Geol 5291 Silicate Mineralogy (1)
Chemistry, structure, origin, occurrence and uses of the
silicate group of minerals; physical properties, hand sample
and crushed grain identification.
Prerequisites: Baccalaureate Degree.

Geol 5292 Drainage Patterns (1)
Description and analysis of map patterns of river systems.
Prerequisite: Graduate Status.

Geol 5293 Geologic Hazards: Floods (1)
Causes, effects, and possible human responses to riverine flooding.
Prerequisite: Graduate Status.

Geol 5294 Analysis of Sediments (1)
Methods of analysis of sedimentary materials; sampling design,
analytical techniques, data analysis, and interpretation.
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate Degree.

Meteorology Courses

Metr 5300 Atmospheric Storms (3)
Structure, behavior, and prediction of atmospheric storms.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Metr 5301 Special Topics in Meteorology (3)
Intensive study of a timely topic in meteorology. Subject selected
will vary. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Metr 5360 Air Pollution (3)
An examination of the problem of air pollution as seen principally
from a meteorological viewpoint. Topics include the terminology and
nomenclature of air pollution, the history of air pollution, types of pollutants
in the atmosphere, atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, methods of
sampling and control, trends in legislation, and cost benefit and risk analysis.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate degree in science or permission of the instructor.