Geography and Earth and Environmental Sciences

Study of the earth's environmental systems and of the role of humans in those systems. Focus on the major policy and scientific developments and debates, including such topics as nuclear waste disposal, depletion of stratospheric ozone, global climate change, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Study of human effects on the biosphere and the physical and chemical techniques used to monitor environmental quality. Waste disposal, recycling, energy utilization, industrial pollution, pesticide use, water quality, and regulatory instruments such as the Environmental Protection Act. Quantitative monitoring of air, water, and general environmental quality. Analytical methods and use of modern instrumentation, including gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, and potentiometric methods. 

Relations between society and the geologic environment. Focus on geologic hazards such as floods, landslides, volcanoes, and earthquakes; geologic resources such as metals, fossil fuels, and water; and environmental challenges such as groundwater contamination. Lab includes required field trips. 

Agriculture is the largest single land use on our planet. This course examines both conventional and unsustainable agriculture and their impacts on our environment. We review design and management of plant crops and animal husbandry systems and the sustainability of these procedures for our region and for our planet.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Research experience through assistance in faculty-led research projects.

Modern techniques used by field researchers for monitoring individuals and populations of various animal groups important in the Appalachian region. Modern issues and approaches to habitat and species management. Emphasis on research methods.

Study of the movement, distribution, and quality of fresh water throughout the Earth. Focus on the hydrologic cycle, water resources, watershed sustainability, hydrologic modeling, and the influence of climate, geology, and human activity on the hydrosphere. The lab component requires fieldwork.

Historical development and current assessment of policy for environmental protection. Emphasis on the geographic nature of policies, resulting from the interplay of local, state, and federal governments and non-governmental organizations. 

Advanced study of selected topics in environmental policy and science, including guest lectures and presentations by faculty and students. Open to senior Environmental Studies majors or by permission of instructors.

Independent research under faculty supervision by students either in the policy track or in the science track.

field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Independent research in a special topic for honors.

Study of rocks and minerals, forces and processes that alter the earth's surface, and mechanisms that contribute to the constantly changing earth. Earth materials, plate tectonics, erosion, volcanism, and diastrophism. Lecture, laboratory, and field work hours. 

Past events in earth's history as interpreted by record of the rocks. Major geologic periods, continuity of change, and evolutionary progress of life.

Relations between society and the geologic environment. Focus on geologic hazards such as floods, landslides, volcanoes, and earthquakes; geologic resources such as metals, fossil fuels, and water; and environmental challenges such as groundwater contamination. Lab includes required field trips. 

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.

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.

Study of the movement, distribution, and quality of fresh water throughout the Earth. Focus on the hydrologic cycle, water resources, watershed sustainability, hydrologic modeling, and the influence of climate, geology, and human activity on the hydrosphere. The lab component requires fieldwork.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Natural forces influential in shaping cultural patterns that evolved in human history. Relationship of humankind to such elements as climate, terrain, vegetation, and world location. Cultural forces affecting humankind. 

Introduction to contemporary environmental issues and problem solving at various geographic scales. Particular attention given to planning approaches to environmental issues. 

The Middle East as a cultural crossroads; the region's rich diversity of people, life, and landscape; and its dependence on oil production and scarce water supplies. 

Comparative study of geography and history of two southern states. Emphasis on teacher responsibilities in the public schools with regard to the standards of learning.

Historical development and current assessment of policy for environmental protection. Emphasis on the geographic nature of policies, resulting from the interplay of local, state, and federal governments and non-governmental organizations. 

Introduction to the study of health issues using geographic information systems. Students learn basic skills of geographic information systems (GIS) while applying them to questions about health, such as the spread of disease, access to health care, and the links between health and environmental pollution. 

Regional studies not included in regular course sequence, such as Russia, China, Africa, or East Europe, or systematic or topical studies such as geographic concepts, research methods, urban studies.

Advanced independent research in a specific area of geography, under the supervision of a faculty member.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.