ERTH - Earth Systems

ERTH 101IN Earth System Sciences: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

(F, Sp) Examination of basic geologic processes, Earth and planets through geologic time, internal geosystems, and surficial geosystems.

View Course Outcomes:

Students will be able to Use models to portray various aspects of the Earth system
Use a systems thinking approach to Earth Science
Explain the processes that shape the physical Earth
Analyze Earth Science data and interpret the results
Describe the tools Earth scientists use
Develop arguments and opinions on relevant issues and topics in Earth Sciences using evidence-based reasoning.

ERTH 201IN Honors Earth System Science: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: Enrollment in the MSU Honors Program. () Offered on demand. This Honors course explores the complex interactions occurring at all scales between the Earth's geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. The goal of the course is to understand the Earth as a "system" of interconnected sources of energy through deep geologic time and space

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Explain the interactions and energy pathways among the five Earth System spheres (geosphere-hydrosphere-atmosphere-biosphere-anthroposphere) at various scales of observation (from the planetary scale to the molecular scale)
Explain the geochemical cycles and positive/negative energy feedbacks (i.e., basic thermodynamics) among the five spheres that comprise the Earth System
Explain the deep geologic time and the modern dating methodologies employed to unravel Earth's complex physical and biological history (both relative and absolute dating techniques)
Explain the basics of biological evolution in the context of processes, deep time, and the history of life on Earth (including extinction events); in addition, it is important to understand that biological evolution is mutually dependent on the physical evolution of the planet's geosphere
Explain the dramatic, destabilizing impact of the modern anthroposphere on all other Earth System sectors

ERTH 212RN Yellowstone: Scientific Lab: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Other)

() Offered Fall, odd years. The Yellowstone region is an unparalleled laboratory for earth scientists. The volcanic, glacial, climatic, and ecological processes that shaped the region will be introduced through lecture, discussions, and projects. Recitation sections and field trips provide additional hands-on experiences. -.

View Course Outcomes:

Identify the key geophysical, biological and human processes shaping the Yellowstone landscape.
Describe examples of different ongoing research efforts in Yellowstone across the disciplines of geology, ecology and human history.
Evaluate and critique scientific papers focused on research related to Yellowstone.
Develop a research proposal and paper on a specific aspect of Yellowstone.
Deliver an effective presentation of their research results and conclusions to their peers.

ERTH 303 Weather and Climate: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN or ERTH 201IN. (F) The climates of the continents, and their classification, characteristics and interrelationships with other factors of the physical and human environment

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Analyze, describe, and plot the major atmospheric processes controlling weather and\\nclimate, including radiation budgets, pressure gradients, frontal movement, and air masses.
Make use of online weather and climate resources to assist in planning daily activities.\\n
Access and analyze various weather and climatic data.\\n
Relate analyses of weather and climatic data to personal experiences.
Describe the methods used to reconstruct past climates and predict future climates.\\n
Develop and express an informed opinion on the causes, likelihood, and consequences of\\nhuman-caused global climate change.

ERTH 307 Principles of Geomorphology: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN or ERTH 201IN and GPHY 284. (F) Framework, process, system, and time as factors which control the generation of land forms. Laboratories involve field trips and map interpretation, and computer modeling

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Identify geomorphic features in the field, imagery, and topographic maps
Predict the processes responsible for observed geomorphic features
Describe how geomorphology connects with other fields including tectonics, soil science, hydrology, sedimentology, and ecology

ERTH 432R Surface Water Resources: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: Junior Standing, ERTH 101IN and STAT 216Q or STAT 332 and PHSX 205 or PHSX 220. () Offered on demand. Physical analysis of the surface portion of the hydrologic cycle: climate, evapotranspiration, precipitation, runoff, flooding, stream channels, sediment production, sediment transport and drainage basins. The surface-water resource in terms of regional supply and human use and intervention. Laboratory fee required

View Course Outcomes:

Work in small groups effectively.
Communicate the results of their work to others.
Demonstrate good hydrologic field skills
Utilize standard hydrologic measurement instruments
Apply hydrologic models
Apply concepts of precision, accuracy and uncertainty
Download and manipulate large hydrologic data sets
Communicate the rudiments of hydraulics and how hydraulics relates to a stream
Explain the connections between hydrologic elements on a landscape
Answer research questions and test hypotheses

ERTH 450R Snow Dynamics and Accumulation: 4 Credits (1 Lec, 3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN or ERTH 201IN, STAT 332, PHSX 205 or PHSX 220, and ACT 160. (Sp) Senior capstone for the Snow Science Option. The accumulation, redistribution, and metamorphism of snow as related to humans. Avalanche, recreation, agriculture, silviculture, runoff, and the alpine environment. Field studies are conducted on a regular basis under rigorous field conditions

View Course Outcomes:

Analyze, describe, and observe the major processes controlling snow and avalanche formation, including snow formation, deposition, metamorphism, radiation budget, transport and avalanche formation and dynamics.
Make use of on-line weather and snow and avalanche resources to assist in planning snow based activities
Perform robust snow and avalanche observations in the field.
Develop and express an informed opinion on importance of snow to a range of applications.

ERTH 462 Advanced Geomorphology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 307
COREQUISITE: M 172Q. This course will provide students an advanced view into active, ongoing research in geomorphology. The course is designed for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students who have taken a previous course in geomorphology. Emphasis will be placed on the tools available to analyze and interpret geomorphic processes, active research in the field, and the interactions of geomorphic processes with other fields of geology, geology, hydrology, chemistry, etc
.

View Course Outcomes:

Provide examples of how active research in the field of geomorphology intersects with and relates to other fields of geology, ecology, physics, chemistry, soil science, hydrology, and atmospheric science
Describe fundamentals and applications of analytical, geospatial, and/or geochemical research methods
Critique scientific journal articles in the field of geomorphology
Explain and apply the method of multiple working hypotheses in data interpretation
Communicate in visual, written, and oral form to synthesize key geomorphic concepts from several scientific papers

ERTH 484 Climates of the Past, Present and Future: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN and Junior standing. (Sp) This course is an opportunity to learn about the history of the western US over the last 2 million years through a critical analysis of current and historic literature. It will provide an overview of the tools and approaches used to study past environmental change, significant events in the climate history of region, the geologic record of ice-age environments, including glaciation, pluvial lakes, and vegetation, the evolution of the postglacial landscape, and important biotic and human events during the Holocene. Co-convened with ERTH 584

View Course Outcomes:

Describe the primary boundary conditions governing Earth’s climate
Describe the natural and human influences on Earth’s climate system
Identify the tools used to reconstruct past climatic conditions and environments
Compare interacting factors that control climatic conditions in different regions of the world
Describe environmental changes that have occurred in response to changing climatic conditions
Evaluate and synthesize changes in past climatic conditions for a region of the world and projections for the future

ERTH 490R Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. (F, Sp, Su) Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

ERTH 491 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec, 1-4 Lab)

Offered on demand.
Repeatable up to 4 credits.

ERTH 492 Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

(F, Sp, Su) Directed research and study on an individual basis.

View Course Outcomes:

individual learning outcomes discussed with advisor depending on student's topic

ERTH 494 Seminar: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and as determined for each offering. (F, Sp) Topics at the upper division level not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material. Co-convened with ERTH 594
Repeatable up to 4 credits.

ERTH 498 Internship: 2-12 Credits (2-12 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of department head. (F, Sp, Su) An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

ERTH 499 Senior Thesis/Capstone: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Senior standing; minimum 3.0 cum gpa; faculty recommendation. (F, Sp, Su) Senior thesis provides an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member leading to the production of a research paper ("mini-thesis") and an oral presentation to the department or at a professional meeting. Excellent preparation for graduate school and professional work

ERTH 505 Geomicrobiology: 3 Credits (3 Other)

(Sp) Offered Spring of even years. The course examines geochemical and microbial interactions that control earth surface processes and ultimately major biogeochemical cycles. The course focuses on how integrated approaches using geochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry and microbial techniques are applied to research problems.

ERTH 512 Mtn & Plns Riparian Proc: 2 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN, secondary teaching certification plus two years teaching experience; recommended ERTH 516 and access to the world wide web. Riparian hydrologic and geomorphic processes with examples drawn from the mountains and plains. Ground-water recharge and discharge; Horton overland flow; partial variable runoff areas; riparian best management practices; sapping, types of springs; sediment from slopes. K-12 riparian science education

ERTH 516 North Rocky Mtn Geology: 2 Credits (1 Lab, 1 Other)

(Su) Geologic history of Northern Rocky Mountains, and landscapes from Archean to present. Structural, tectonic, and surficial elements. Field examination of geologic evidence for history of the Gallatin Range, Bridger Range, and Yellowstone National Park. Exploration and development of teaching methods and resources for the K-12 classroom. Offered Summer.

View Course Outcomes:

Identify basic rock types and describe their origin
Identify landscape features and describe the geologic processes that formed them
Develop an understanding of geologic principles through field observations
Develop an understanding of how geologic history (particularly of SW Montana) is constructed through field observations
Construct a classroom or laboratory project based on knowledge gained in this course that would be applicable to their own teaching

ERTH 519 Watershed Hydrology for Teachers: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab, 1 Other)

(Sp) Offered Spring of odd years. Watershed hydrology for teachers explores the relationship of water quality and water quantity. Students in the course will learn about relationships among watershed hydrology, including water quality, water quantity, water inputs and outputs, effects of modification of watersheds and more. Offered Spring.

View Course Outcomes:

Have a deep understanding of the relationships among watershed hydrology, water quality, and water quantity,
Know how water inputs and outputs are measured,
Understand how human modification of watersheds influences surface and ground water flow
Understand how to access and manipulate online water data, and
Have the skills and knowledge to implement lesson plans designed in this course appropriate for use in the participant’s educational setting.

ERTH 520 Fundamentals of Oceanography for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Every summer, Spring of even years) This course will provide students with an introduction to the chemical, physical, biological and geological properties of the ocean. Students will learn the complexities of these interrelationships, their influence on terrestrial ecosystems and the impacts of humans on these processes.

View Course Outcomes:

Explain the evolution of oceanic research and the development of observation and sampling techniques.
Analyze the geological classifications, characteristics and topography of the oceanic basins and explain the theory of plate tectonics, identifying the evidence and effects of this process on the oceans.
Evaluate the principle chemical and physical properties of sea water and assess the effects of the salinity, temperature and other variables in sea water in determining oceanic circulation.
Analyze the interactions between the oceans, atmosphere, and humans and their direct effect on climate.
Measure the distribution of abiotic factors (temperature, salinity, density, and nutrients) and predict their effect on the distribution of marine communities.
Analyze and synthesize the principle elements that characterize different marine communities like pelagic, benthic, coral reefs and estuaries.
Design and create oceanography curriculum and activities appropriate for the middle school and high school classrooms.

ERTH 521 Geology of the Moon for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Sp) Offered Spring of even years. Geology of the Moon is an on-line course designed for educators interested in learning about the Moon and its history and relationship to Earth. We will explore theories for its formation and the geologic processes that have helped it to evolve including, differentiation, volcanism, impact cratering, space weathering and former, current and upcoming missions to the Moon. Students will review presentations and assigned readings and interactively participate through a combination of on-line discussions, classroom exercises and dynamic activities. Students will keep a course journal that will help them develop future moon-related curricula for their future use. Offered even Springs.

View Course Outcomes:

Explain the major geologic processes that formed and modified the Earth and Moon;
Recognize and summarize linkages between the geologic processes on Earth and Moon;
Plan, create and adapt inquiry-based lessons and activities related to the Earth-Moon system;
Assemble and utilize a collection of vetted web-based resources and hands-on activities available for use in the classroom;
Evaluate peers’ classroom activities for appropriateness and effectiveness.

ERTH 522 Teaching Middle School Earth System Science: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

This course for middle school teachers uses Problem Based Learning (PBL) to explore the processes and interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Teachers will examine processes within and among the four major Earth systems and increase pedagogical skills through modeling PBL, teacher networking, and sharing of ideas and resources. Offered even Springs.

View Course Outcomes:

Describe and summarize Earth processes and interactions within and between the four major Earth spheres within the context of an Earth System Sciences problem based scenario.
Develop questions and a problem statement that address a given Earth System Sciences problem based scenario.
Propose a plan to solve the problem in an Earth System Sciences problem based scenario.
Compose a final report that includes an Earth System Sciences analysis, problem statement, and action plan to address a given Earth System science problem based scenario.

ERTH 523 Weather for Elementary and Middle School Teachers: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

() Offering to be determined. The course is designed to increase content knowledge and understanding of weather processes. It exposes teachers at the elementary and middle school level to using kit-based, hands-on instruction to facilitate the teaching and learning of weather concepts (meteorology). Weekly discussions encourage reflection on learning and teaching and help solidify weather concepts. will also maintain a weather observations journal in which they will apply their skills and knowledge. Assignments and quizzes are included to help with knowledge acquisition. Offered in the Spring (odd years).

View Course Outcomes:

Manually observe common weather variables using weather instrumentation
Evaluate the effectiveness of weather-based teaching activities for the K-8 classroom
Instruct students in the use of weather instrumentation
Demonstrate and guide hands-on scientific inquiry using kit-based weather activities
Interpret and analyze surface weather maps
Find and evaluate weather data from online sources

ERTH 524 K-14 Earth System Science: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F) Participants will learn to find the Internet's abundant digital Earth Systems Science (ESS) resources and use these resources to create Earth Science lessons that integrate the use of Earth Science specific skills, math, and content. Participants will learn to adapt online resources to their own instructional environments at the K-14 levels. Offered Fall.

View Course Outcomes:

Outline the steps and uses of the scientific method
Explain the role of models of the Earth System and its components in teaching Earth Sciences
Discuss the role of the atmosphere as a system
Determine the importance of changes in weather and climate
Compare different measurement scales used to characterize different components of the Earth System
Discuss and explain connections between plate tectonics and long-term changes in the Earth System
Discuss why phase changes of liquid water to ice or water vapor occur and how those changes affect the hydrosphere and hydrologic processes.
Create or adapt classroom activities that integrate Earth Science, mathematics, and internet resources and tools
Evaluate and critique established classroom activities

ERTH 525 Landforms for Elementary Teachers: 1 Credits (1 Lec)

(Su) Do you take scenic drives, walks, or bike rides and wonder how the landscapes around you were formed? Have you taken trips to national parks or through other scenic areas and wondered how America's landscapes can be so different from coast to coast? In this online course we will investigate our landforms and the processes that shaped some of the most prominent and spectacular landmarks and features across the country. To do this, we will look at a variety of landscapes and investigate how they came to look like they do. Through hands-on labs, we will model landforms and encourage sharing and discussions of additional teaching ideas in this course. The principles you learn will increase your confidence in teaching science in general, specifically the science of scenery! Offered Summer.

View Course Outcomes:

articulate the mechanisms behind the development of mountains, volcanoes, valleys, hills, and coastal areas through geologic processes.
apply the portfolio of activities they developed in the course to enhance elementary student curriculum through hands on experiential learning of landform science.
develop landform science activities that illustrate the broader relationship to other earth sciences, as well multidisciplinary opportunities in art, history, civics, etc.
use and demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills when addressing potential barriers to implementing landform science in their classroom.
evaluate K-6 student comprehension of landform science through a variety of assessment tools and techniques.
value the network/community of practice developed through in-class sharing and discussions of teaching ideas and approaches to landform study.

ERTH 527 Weather & Climate for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Sp) This graduate course uses weekly readings, discussions, and hands on activities to build a physical understanding of weather and climate, and to equip our teachers and educators with the tools to better prepare and motivate the next generation of Earth scientists. Offered Spring.

View Course Outcomes:

distinguish between weather and climate
describe key weather processes and climatic concepts
explain how and why key weather processes occur
use newly acquired pedagogical skills in teaching weather and climate
plan, create, and adapt appropriate teaching activities related to weather and climate ;
review peers’ classroom activities for appropriateness and effectiveness

ERTH 528 Climate Change for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 527 or equivalent. (Su) This graduate course uses weekly readings, discussions, and hands on activities to build a physical understanding of weather and climate, and to equip our teachers and educators with the tools to better prepare and motivate the next generation of Earth scientists

View Course Outcomes:

Increase content knowledge about causes and effects of climate change
Increase content knowledge about methods used to determine past climates
Increase pedagogical skills related to teaching climate change topics
Create teaching activities relating to climate change
Engender changes in teacher-participants' classrooms that lead to an increased quantity and quality of climate change related instruction

ERTH 551 Snow Science Seminar: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate Standing; PHYS 211, STAT 332 or STAT 500. (F) Offered Fall of even years. A mixed lecture and laboratory style course providing an in-depth examination of recent developments in snow science based upon current literature, newly published or about to be published literature, field methods and modeling regarding snow science. Topics will depend partially upon the interests of the instructor and student in the course

View Course Outcomes:

Become broadly familiar with the current snow avalanche literature
Critically evaluate and review scientific papers
Draw common themes from a wide range of scientific research
Present scientific work both orally and in writing

ERTH 562 Advanced Geomorphology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 307
COREQUISITE: M 172Q or equivalent. () Offered Spring, odd years. This course will provide students an advanced view into active, ongoing research in geomorphology. The course is designed for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students who have taken a previous course in geomorphology. Emphasis will be placed on the tools available to analyze and interpret geomorphic processes, active research in the field, and the interactions of geomorphic processes with other fields of geology, geology, hydrology, chemistry, etc
.
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

Identify research frontiers in geomorphology that intersect with and relate to other fields of geology, ecology, physics, chemistry, soil science, hydrology, and atmospheric science
Differentiate between and apply different analytical, geospatial, and/or isotopic methods to quantify rates and processes of landscape change
Critically evaluate scientific journal articles in the field of geomorphology
Understand and apply multiple working hypotheses in research of complex geomorphic systems. ;
Communicate in visual, written, and oral form to synthesize key geomorphic concepts from several scientific papers
Demonstrate sufficient advanced knowledge in a geomorphic research method to teach background, applications, and limitations of that method

ERTH 583 Topics in Paleoecology: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate Standing or Consent of Instructor. Course examines important themes in paleoecology. Topics change on a yearly basis addressing needs and interests of current students. It is intended for students with an interest in ecology, paleontology and environmental history

View Course Outcomes:

Describe the primary proxies used to describe long-term (millennial) ecosystem change.
Demonstrate an understanding of how Earth’s ecosystems have changed since the last ice age 21,000 years ago.
Identify the methods and tools used to reconstruct past environments
Describe environmental changes that have occurred in response to changing climatic conditions
Demonstrate understanding of how dynamic ecosystem models work
Evaluate and synthesize changes in past ecosystem conditions for a region of the world and projections for the future

ERTH 584 Climates of the Past, Present and Future: 3 Credits (3 Lec, 3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: ERTH 101IN or BIOB 170IN or equivalent. (Sp) This graduate course examines current research and recent developments in Quaternary paleoclimatology in the western U.S. The seminar will be centered around weekly discussions of the primary literature, hands-on experience with international data bases, and class paper and presentation. Co-convened with ERTH 484

View Course Outcomes:

Describe the primary boundary conditions governing Earth's climate
Demonstrate an understanding of the natural and human influences on Earth's climate system
Identify the tools used to reconstruct past climatic conditions and environments
Compare interacting factors that control climatic conditions in different regions of the world
Describe environmental changes that have occurred in response to changing climatic conditions
Evaluate and synthesize changes in past climatic conditions for a region of the world and projections for the future

ERTH 585 Advances in Geobiology: 1 Credits (1 Other)

Discussion of recent developments in paleontology, paleoecology, biogeochemistry, and biogeography based on current literature and presentation of faculty and student works in progress.
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

ERTH 586 Geology of Earthquakes: 1 Credits (1 Lab)

(Su) Course prerequisites as determined for each offering. Topics offered at the graduate level which are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material.

View Course Outcomes:

Identify the landforms that are most indicative of recent earthquake activity
Describe the different types of faults (and their tectonic settings) that produce earthquakes
Illustrate the concept of elastic rebound theory
Illustrate the different types of earthquake waves
Explain how earthquakes inform seismologists about the structure and composition of the Earth’s interior

ERTH 587 Invertebrate Paleontology for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Spring (odd years)) This course will focus on the evolution of invertebrate life throughout Earth’s history. As a result of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary processes. Through class discussions and assignments, students will identify the vast diversity of both extinct and extant invertebrates, and their interrelationships with one another. At the end of the course, students will be able to: • Describe the evolution and processes involving in organismal change through time • Identify the diversity within invertebrate clades • Describe phylogenetics and the interrelationships of invertebrates • Create a unit of study specific to their teaching situation that incorporates major course content specific to the evolution of vertebrate life.

View Course Outcomes:

Describe the evolutionary processes involving organismal change through time.
Interpret and utilize phylogenetic trees as a tool to interpret the interrelationships of different vertebrates clades.
Identify major transitions in vertebrate evolution.
Understand mass extinctions and how vertebrates respond to such events.
Develop lesson plans and utilize best practices for the instruction of topics in the Earth Sciences.

ERTH 588 Professional Development: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, teaching experience and/or current employment in a school organization, consent of instructor and Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses offered on a one-time basis to fulfill professional development needs of in service educators. A specific focus is given to each course which is appropriately subtitled. May be repeated
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

ERTH 589 Graduate Consultation: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Master's standing and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. This course may be used only by students who have completed all of their course work (and thesis if on a thesis plan) but who need additional faculty or staff time or help

ERTH 590 Master's Thesis: 1-10 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Master's standing. (F, Sp, Su)
Repeatable up to 99 credits.

ERTH 591 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Upper division courses and others as determined for each offering. Offered on demand. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

ERTH 592 Independent Study: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, approval of Department Head and Dean of Graduate Studies. (F, Sp) Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

ERTH 594 Seminar: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

View Course Outcomes:

Identify the landforms that are most indicative of recent earthquake activity
Describe the different types of faults (and their tectonic settings) that produce earthquakes
Illustrate the concept of elastic rebound theory
Illustrate the different types of earthquake waves
Explain how earthquakes inform seismologists about the structure and composition of the Earth’s interior \\n

ERTH 595 Historical Geology for Teachers: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab, 1 Other)

(F) The course will provide a rigorous overview of the evolution of Earth and its life forms with a focus on the major trends and interactions between geology and life. Additionally, the course will address the primary methods that geologists use to investigate the history of our planet. Throughout the semester students will be required to participating in online class discussions (via Zoom) and complete a class project. The class project will require students to create lesson plans designed to adapt content from the course to their own classrooms.

View Course Outcomes:

Relate physical geology (e.g., plate tectonics, sedimentary geology, the rock \\ncycle) to Earth’s history.
Describe the geologic time scale and how it was first established
Use fossils and geologic principals of uniformitarianism and stratigraphy to \\ninterpret local geologic features.
Use data from the fossil record to explain the evidence for evolution.
Use information about evolution and extinction to help predict the impact of \\nchanges occurring today.

ERTH 596 Geology of Glacier National Park for Teachers: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab)

(Su) A field course for teachers of science examining geologic evidence for the evolution of the rocks and landscape of Glacier National Park and surrounding areas over geologic time. Offered summer.

View Course Outcomes:

identify relevant features of an outcrop: rock type, primary sedimentary structures, fossils, tectonic structures, and weathering patterns
interpret the ancient processes responsible for generating key geological signatures in the rocks, including stratification, primary sedimentary structures that indicate exposure to air, primary sedimentary structures that indicate current direction, primary sedimentary structures that indicate shallow deposition, and primary sedimentary structures that \\nindicate the presence of microbial mats, tectonic structures such as folds and thrust faults, and landscape features such as U-shaped valleys, cirques, striations, moraines, kettles, and pater noster lakes
utilize the principles of relative and numeral dating to correctly order multiple geologic events
synthesize multiple days of field work and discussion into a complete narrative geologic history of Glacier National Park.
create robust field notes and annotated sketches.\\n

ERTH 597 Vertebrate Paleontology for Teachers: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

(Spring (even years)) This course will focus on the evolution of vertebrate life throughout Earth’s history. As a result of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary processes. Through class discussions and assignments, students will identify the vast diversity of both extinct and extant vertebrates, and their interrelationships with one another. At the end of the course, students will be able to: • Describe the evolution and processes involving in organismal change through time • Identify the diversity within vertebrate clades • Describe phylogenetics and the interrelationships of vertebrates • Create a unit of study specific to their teaching situation that incorporates major course content specific to the evolution of vertebrate life.

View Course Outcomes:

Describe the evolution and processes involving in organismal change through time
Interpret and utilize phylogenetic trees as a tool to interpret the interrelationships of different vertebrates clades
Identify major transitions in vertebrate evolution.
Understand mass extinctions and how vertebrates respond to such events
Develop lesson plans and utilize best practices for the instruction of topics in the Earth Sciences.

ERTH 598 Internship: 2-12 Credits (2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor and approval of department head. (F, Sp, Su) An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

ERTH 690 Dissertation Research: 1-10 Credits (1-10 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Doctoral candidate standing
Repeatable up to 99 credits.

ERTH 694 Doctoral Seminar: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Doctoral candidate standing
Repeatable up to 6 credits.