Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science
Students on Summer 2018, Fall 2018, or Spring 2019 requirements EASCIBS
Requirements
The major requires at least 39 credit hours (70–73 credit hours with the Addenda Requirements), including the requirements listed below.
- Core Requirements.
- Earth Materials. One (1) course:
- EAS-E 225 Earth Materials
EAS-E 225 Earth Materials
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- This course sequentially considers minerals, rocks, sediments, and soils; the materials that comprise the solid earth. The distribution and environmental significance of these materials are studied, as are their chemical and physical interactions with groundwater and plants. Three 50-minute lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Laboratory attendance is required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-E 221, EAS-E 225, GEOL-G 221, or GEOL-G 225 .
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Earth Processes. One (1) course:
- EAS-E 226 Earth Processes
EAS-E 226 Earth Processes
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to the processes that shape our planet, the composition and structure of Earth, and the erosion and deposition of sediments at the surface. Study of processes ranging from forces driving plate motion, fluid flow in and on the earth, crustal deformation and mountain building, erosion of source terrain, the transport system, and the depositional record.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-E 226 or GEOL-G 226.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Earth Climate. One (1) course:
- EAS-E 227 Earth Climate and History
EAS-E 227 Earth Climate and History
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Earth's climate is linked to geological processes and life on our planet. Covers climate systems in the context of changes in continents, atmospheric composition, and life on land and in the oceans. Focuses on interactions between humans and climate and how climate and its variability are tied to Earth systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-E 227 or GEOL-G 227.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Data Analysis.
- EAS-E 314 Data Analysis for Earth Science
EAS-E 314 Data Analysis for Earth Science
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 211 or MATH-S 211
- Description
- Introduction to processing, visualizing, and interpreting data using scientific computing techniques used in Earth science fields. Includes univariate and multivariate statistics, time-series analysis, signal processing and filtering, spatial data analysis, and computational methods such as regression, Taylor series truncation, accumulating error, interpolation, differentiation, and integration.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-E 314 or GEOL-G 314.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Field Expereince. One (1) course:
- EAS-X 429 Field Geology in the Rocky Mountains
- EAS-X 479 Geology, Hydrology and Geochemistry in the Rocky Mountains
EAS-X 429 Field Geology in the Rocky Mountains
- Credits
- 5–8 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- EAS-E 322, EAS-E 323, GEOL-G 222, or GEOL-G 323
- Description
- Six weeks, including five weeks at the Geologic Field Station in Montana. Geologic reconnaissance, measurement of stratigraphic sections, mapping on aerial photographs, construction of structure sections. Regional geomorphology, stratigraphy, and structure through South Dakota, the Black Hills, Wyoming, Montana, Yellowstone Park, and Glacier Park.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-X 429, GEOL-G 429, or GEOL-X 429.
EAS-X 479 Geology, Hydrology and Geochemistry in the Rocky Mountains
- Credits
- 6
- Prerequisites
- At least 22 credit hours of coursework in earth science or consent of instructor
- Description
- Surface and near-surface environmental processes are examined within the geologic setting of the IU Judson Mead Geologic Field Station. Components of the Willow Creek Demonstration Watershed are studied within the same general field areas to illustrate their interconnectedness. Includes trips in and around Yellowstone National Park and Butte, Montana.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-X 479, GEOL-G 433, or GEOL-X 479.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Earth Materials. One (1) course:
- Advanced Electives.
- 300-Level Electives. Three (3) courses:
- EAS-A 332 Atmospheric Thermodynamics & Cloud Processes
- EAS-A 339 Weather Analysis and Forecasting
- EAS-A 347 Instrumentation for Atmospheric Science
- EAS-A 364 Atmospheric Dynamics I
- Any EAS-E 300–399 except EAS-E 314; EAS-E 333
EAS-A 332 Atmospheric Thermodynamics & Cloud Processes
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 211 or MATH-S 211; and one of EAS-E 122, GEOG-G 109, or GEOL-G 122
- Description
- Earth's weather and climate are controlled by how heat and moisture move in the atmosphere. In this course, students learn and apply the basic physical laws that govern those processes. Topics include thermodynamic laws, principles of atmospheric stability, phase changes of water, nucleation of cloud droplets and the growth of clouds, and the use of common meteorological tools and data to interpret cloud and precipitation behavior.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 332 or GEOL-G 332.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 339 Weather Analysis and Forecasting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- EAS-E 122, GEOG-G 109, GEOL-G 107, or GEOL-G 122; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Analysis and interpretation of meteorological data with a focus on forecasting applications for the mid-latitudes. Students learn the practical skills that weather forecasters use.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 339, GEOG-G 339, or GEOL-G 339.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 347 Instrumentation for Atmospheric Science
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduces the principles of atmospheric measurement including sampling strategies, instrumentation and data analysis to quantify atmospheric variables and processes. Covers standard meteorological techniques: ground-based, satellite and airborne remote sensing; atmospheric chemistry and aerosol measurements. Research projects in experimental design will employ field and laboratory equipment to investigate climatological and meteorological principles.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 347 or GEOL-G 347.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 364 Atmospheric Dynamics I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 211, MATH-S 211, or MATH-M 120
- Description
- A calculus-based coverage of the theory of atmospheric flows. Topics include: derivation of fundamental forces and the equations of motion in inertial and rotating reference frames; isobaric, natural, and spherical coordinates; geostrophic, cyclostropic, and gradient wind balances; and the kinematics and dynamics of circulation and vorticity.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- 400-Level Electives. Four (4) courses:
- EAS-A 434 Dynamic Meteorology 2
- EAS-A 437 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology
- EAS-A 460 Mesoscale Meteorology
- EAS-A 466 Hydrometeorology
- EAS-A 474 Topics in Atmospheric Science (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- EAS-A 476 Climate Change Science
- Any EAS-E 400–499
EAS-A 434 Dynamic Meteorology 2
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One of EAS-A 339, EAS-A 364, GEOG-G 339, or GEOG-G 364; and one of MATH-M 212 or MATH-S 212; and one of PHYS-H 221 or PHYS-P 221
- Description
- Introduction to dynamical processes at the synoptic to global scales. Principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics and their application to the atmosphere. Basic conservation laws and equations of motion. Topics covered also include planetary waves and blocking mechanisms, teleconnections, and the global general circulation.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 434, GEOG-G 431, or GEOL-G 434.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 437 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology and Climatology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- EAS-A 339, EAS-A 340, GEOG-G 304, GEOG-G 339, GEOL-G 339, or GEOL-G 340; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Analysis and prediction of synoptic scale weather systems, emphasizing the mid-latitudes. Other topics include severe weather and atmospheric/oceanic teleconnections.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 437, GEOG-G 433, or GEOL-G 437.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 460 Mesoscale Meteorology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- EAS-A 332, EAS-A 339, EAS-A 340, or EAS-A 364, or permission of instructor
- Description
- Introduces the processes that govern the complex phenomena produced on the mesoscale and how they range in size from cold fronts and hurricanes to thunderstorms and tornadoes. Investigates how the phenomena develop, propagate, and dissipate.
EAS-A 466 Hydrometeorology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- EAS-A 340, GEOG-G 304, GEOG-G 339, GEOL-G 339, or GEOL-G 340
- Description
- Hydrometeorology is a branch of meteorology that deals with problems involving the hydrologic cycle, the water budget, and the rainfall statistics of storms. Students gain experience with the physics controlling these processes and with the tools and techniques used to observe and predict hydrometeorological processes.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 466 or GEOL-G 466.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 474 Topics in Atmospheric Science
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topics may include surface-vegetation-atmosphere interactions, climatology and statistics of extreme events, dimensional analysis and similarity theory, dynamics of turbulent transport, boundary layer dynamics, urban meteorology, general circulation, or applications of numerical modeling at a variety of scales.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours in EAS-A 474 and GEOL-G 474.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
EAS-A 476 Climate Change Science
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: At least two college-level physical science courses or other experience reading and interpreting scientific data
- Description
- Evidence for and theories of climate change over a range of time scales. Sources of natural climate forcing are presented, historical evolution of climate change is quantified, and model tools and climate projections are presented along with analyses of climate change impacts.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of EAS-A 476, GEOG-G 475, or GEOL-G 476.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- 300-Level Electives. Three (3) courses:
- Addenda Requirements*.
- Chemistry.
- Principle of Chemistry Lecture. One (1) course:
- CHEM-C 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I
- CHEM-H 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors
- CHEM-J 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry for Science Majors
CHEM-C 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- (CHEM-C 101 and CHEM-C 121) or CHEM-C 103 or (chemistry placement examinations and consent of the department)
- Description
- Lecture course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of the following: CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-H 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Chemistry placement examination; and consent of department
- Description
- An honors course for students with unusual aptitude or preparation. Covers basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-J 117, CHEM-S 117, or CHEM-H 117.
CHEM-J 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry for Science Majors
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Chemistry placement examination; and consent of the department
- Description
- A course for well-prepared science majors. Lecture course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Principle of Chemistry Lab. One (1) course:
- CHEM-C 127 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I Laboratory
- CHEM-H 127 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I Laboratory, Honors
- CHEM-X 150 ASURE Chemistry Research Lab I
CHEM-C 127 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- P or C: CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117 or CHEM-J 117.
- Description
- Basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry that align with the topics in CHEM-C 117. Chemical bonding (atomic structure, molecular structure, molecular orbital theory, and non-covalent interactions), macroscopic properties (energy, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics). Hands-on laboratory techniques in chemistry necessary for success in later chemistry laboratory courses, especially organic chemistry.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 125, CHEM-C 127, CHEM-H 127, or CHEM-X 150.
CHEM-H 127 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I Laboratory, Honors
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- P or C: CHEM-H 117 or CHEM-J 117
- Description
- Basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry that align with the topics in CHEM-J 117 and CHEM-H 117. Hands-on laboratory techniques in chemistry necessary for success in later chemistry laboratory courses, including course-based undergraduate research project.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 125, CHEM-C 127, CHEM-H 127, or CHEM-X 150
CHEM-X 150 ASURE Chemistry Research Lab I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- P or C: CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, or CHEM-J 117 with a grade of C- or higher
- Description
- First in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students engage in guided research in teams. The research area of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 125, CHEM-C 127, CHEM-H 127, or CHEM-X 150.
- Principle of Chemistry Lecture. One (1) course:
- Mathematics.
- Calculus I. One (1) course:
- MATH-M 211 Calculus I
- MATH-S 211
MATH-M 211 Calculus I
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: To be successful, students will demonstrate mastery of two years of high school algebra, one year of high school geometry, and pre-calculus, and trigonometry as indicated by an appropriate ALEKS score or completion of MATH-M 027
- Description
- Limits, continuity, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, applications.
- Repeatability
- A student may receive credit for only one of the following: MATH-J 113, MATH-M 119, MATH-V 119, MATH-M 211, or MATH-S 211.
- Fall 2024CASE MMcourse
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Calculus II. One (1) course:
- MATH-M 212 Calculus II
- MATH-S 212 Honors Calculus II
MATH-M 212 Calculus II
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 211 or MATH-S 211; or consent of department
- Description
- Techniques of integration (by parts, trigonometric substitutions, partial fractions), improper integrals, volume, work, arc length, surface area, infinite series.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MATH-M 120 or MATH-M 212.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
MATH-S 212 Honors Calculus II
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- MATH-S 211 or consent of department
- Description
- Includes material of MATH-M 212 and supplemental topics. Designed for students of outstanding ability in mathematics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MATH-M 120, MATH-M 212, or MATH-S 212.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Calculus I. One (1) course:
- Physics. One (1) course:
- PHYS-H 221 Honors Physics I
- PHYS-P 221 Physics I
PHYS-H 221 Honors Physics I
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- Consent of department
- Notes
- P or C: MATH-M 211 or equivalent
- Description
- First semester of a calculus-based sequence in introductory physics, intended primarily for highly motivated and well prepared students. Covers the material of P221 and supplementary topics. Course fee required.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of PHYS-H 221, PHYS-P 201, or PHYS-P 221.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
PHYS-P 221 Physics I
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- MATH-M 211 or consent of instructor
- Notes
- First semester of a three-semester, calculus-based sequence intended for science majors. Three lectures, two discussion sections, and one 2-hour lab each week. Physics majors are encouraged to take PHYS-P 221 in the fall semester of the freshman year
- Description
- Newtonian mechanics, oscillations and waves, heat and thermodynamics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of PHYS-H 221, PHYS-P 201, or PHYS-P 221.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Biology. One (1) course:
- BIOL-L 111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology
- BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
BIOL-L 111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- For biology and other science majors. Preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores
- Description
- Focus is on the processes of evolution leading to organismal diversity and adaptation, as well as basic ecological concepts.
- Repeatability
- Credit not given for both BIOL-E 111 and BIOL-L 111.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM-C 117, CHEM-J 117, CHEM-H 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Description
- Integrated picture of manner in which organisms at diverse levels of organization meet problems in maintaining and propagating life.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-E 112, BIOL-H 111, BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 104, BIOL-L 112, BIOL-Q 201.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Allied Mathematics and Sciences.
- Allied Mathematics and Sciences Advanced Electives. Two (2) courses:
- One of the following:
- BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- BIOL-Z 374
- One of the following:
- CHEM-C 360 Introductory Physical Chemistry
- CHEM-C 361 Physical Chemistry of Bulk Matter
- One of the following:
- MATH-M 311 Calculus III
- MATH-M 343
- One of the following:
- PHYS-P 331 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism I
- PHYS-P 340 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
BIOL-B 300 Vascular Plants
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- One introductory biology course
- Description
- Survey of the ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants, including their morphology, classification, ecology, evolution, and economic importance.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-C 360 Introductory Physical Chemistry
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 106, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, CHEM-S 117, or CHEM-C 243; and MATH-M 119, MATH-V 119, MATH-M 212, or MATH-S 212; and PHYS-H 221, PHYS-P 201, or PHYS-P 221
- Description
- Elements of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular quantum states, and spectroscopy. For students not intending to specialize in physical sciences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 360 or CHEM-C 361.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-C 361 Physical Chemistry of Bulk Matter
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 106, CHEM-S 106, CHEM-C 243, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117; and MATH-M 212 or MATH-S 212; and PHYS-H 222, PHYS-P 202, or PHYS-P 222.
- Description
- Thermodynamics laws, free energy and chemical potentials, gases and dilute solutions, phase transitions, colligative properties, chemical equilibria, ionic solutions, chemical kinetics and transport processes, current topics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 360 or CHEM-C 361.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
MATH-M 311 Calculus III
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 212, MATH-M 213, or MATH-S 212
- Description
- Elementary geometry of 2, 3, and n-space; functions of several variables; partial differentiation; minimum and maximum problems; multiple integration.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
PHYS-P 331 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- PHYS-H 222 or PHYS-P 222; or PHYS-P 202 and consent of instructor; and MATH-M 312 or PHYS-P 321
- Description
- Electrostatic fields and differential operators, Laplace and Poisson equations, dielectric materials, steady currents, power and energy, induction, magnetic fields, scalar and vector potentials, Maxwell\'s equations.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
PHYS-P 340 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- PHYS-H 222 or PHYS-P 222; or PHYS-P 202 and consent of instructor
- Notes
- P or C: MATH-M 311 or MATH-S 311
- Description
- Intermediate course, covering three laws of thermodynamics, classical and quantum statistical mechanics, and some applications.
- Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
- One of the following:
- Allied Mathematics and Sciences Elective. One (1) course:
- Additional course from Allied Mathematics and Sciences Advanced Electives list above
- Additional EAS course at the 400-499 level (<em>Note:</em> This course will count toward the Major Hours and Major GPA requirements)
- Allied Mathematics and Sciences Advanced Electives. Two (2) courses:
- Chemistry.
- Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to major requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Notes
The Bachelor of Science degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
- Upper Division Courses. At least 36 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
- College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College GPA. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required for all courses taken at Indiana University.
- CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
- CASE Foundations
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- CASE Culture Studies
- Diversity in the United States: Not required
- Global Civilizations and Cultures: Not required
- CASE Critical Approaches: 1 course
- CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the first semester of the second year of college-level coursework
- CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
- CASE Public Oral Communication: 1 course
- Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.
Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.