ESCI 112 Historical Geology
Past events in earth’s history as interpreted by record of the rocks. Major geologic periods, continuity of change, and evolutionary progress of life. Prerequisite: 111 or departmental permission. Lecture and laboratory hours. Four semester hours.

ESCI 201 Weather and Climate
Meteorological and climatological principles presented as background to understanding the global geography of climates. Special emphasis on understanding the relationships between climate and vegetation, and climate and human activities.

ESCI 202 Geomorphology
Examination of landforms in relation to tectonics, climatic environment, and geologic processes. Special emphasis on understanding the development and evolution of the Appalachian Mountains. Required field trips.

ESCI 310 (a, b) General Oceanography
Part (a): chemical and biological aspects of the ocean environment; emphasis on life in the beach zone; chemical factors important to study of the ocean world. Two semester hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. [Note: Persons seeking general science or earth science teacher endorsement should also enroll in part b.] Part (b): physical and geological aspects of the ocean and coastal region; emphasis on topographic features and longshore processes of the coastal environment; erosion problems of Atlantic and Gulf beaches. Ocean beach field trip of several days duration required. Prerequisites: 111 and 112 or permission of instructor. Two semester hours.

ESCI 350 Selected Topics in Geography and Earth Science
Special studies offered according to needs of students. Emphasis on remote sensing, cartography, environmental geology, and other topics for students in geography, land use planning, environmental studies, and archeology.

ESCI 400 (a, b, c, d, e) Field Study
A culminating earth science experience in which skills in field geology are developed and geological sites are investigated; travel required. Each section lasts one week and earns one semester hour of credit. Week 1 (part a) devoted to using tools of geology and the construction of a geologic map. Weeks 2-5 (parts b-e) involve close study of sites in Southwest Virginia and other regions. Depending on student needs, field trips in meteorology and astronomy may be substituted for some geology activities. Prerequisites: 111, 112, and permission of instructor. One semester hour credit per section up to a maximum of four semester hours.