MS Degree in Geosciences
with a Concentration in Earth and Space Sciences

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Course Descriptions

ESS 501 Foundations of Earth Science
Comprehensive analysis of the New York State Earth Science Curriculum taught by an experienced Earth Science teacher.
Prerequisites: Science Teacher or Science Education Student
3 credits
ABCF grading.

ESS 522 The Planets
A study of present knowledge of planets and their satellites, the interplanetary medium, asteroids, meteorites, comets, and the Sun. Emphasizes the methods of science including the history of astronomical sciences, ongoing deep-space missions, modern astronomical instrumentation, and exoplanet discoveries. Emphasis will be placed on topics contained in the Earth Science curriculum in New York State. A research report is required.
Prerequisites: MAT 123 and PHY 119 or equivalent. Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 523 Collisions in the Solar System
A discussion of the evidence that comet and asteroid impacts have played a significant part in the evolution of the Earth, and other planets of the solar system, as well as an assessment of the actual and perceived hazard posed by terrestrial impacts and discussion of what can be done about it. Research report required.
Cross listed with AST 301 Collisions in the Solar System
Prerequisites: MAT 123 and PHY 119 or equivalent.
Spring Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

524 The Universe
The origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. The course begins with a historical approach with emphasis on the evolution of cosmological ideas from geocentric universes to the Big Bang. Consideration of the evolution of the universe from the earliest moments after the Big Bang to the distant future, including the formation of the galaxies, stars, and planets.
Research report required.
Prerequisites: MAT 123 and PHY 119 or equivalent and
Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 532 Atmospheric Fundamentals
This course considers: the principles of atmospheric thermodynamics to assess adiabatic and saturated adiabatic processes; the concepts of radiative transfer such as blackbody radiation, scattering, absorption, and emission by molecules and particles will be discussed; tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry with its subsequent effects on air pollution and chemical cycles; meteorological physical concepts such as geostrophic and gradient winds, and general circulation; and the microphysics of cloud formation and precipitation. Research report required.
Prerequisites: MAT 123 and PHY 119 or equivalent and
Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 533 Global Climate
The course examines the processes governing the global climate and discusses the scientific basis behind questions of global climate change. Topics include evidence and courses of past climatic changes, monsoons and El Nino events, greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect, analogues with other planets, and the depletion of ozone. The role of ocean circulations, sea ice and glaciers, snow, vegetation and land features in the climate system will be discussed. The course will also consider the basic concepts of global climate models and remaining challenges.
Research report required.
Fall Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 534 Air Pollution and Control
This course provides an overall picture of air pollution caused by gas phase species and airborne particulate matter. The sources of air pollution and the transport of air pollutants will be discussed. We will study the underlying chemical processes which can lead to the formation of secondary air pollutants. Their effect on an urban, regional, and global scale and on human health will be assessed. National and international air quality policy regulations will be discussed. The causes and consequences of the stratospheric ozone hole will be outlined. The international efforts in form of policy protocols to stop stratospheric ozone depletion will be discussed. The natural greenhouse effect will be introduced and our current understanding of global warming will be presented. Research report required.
Prerequisites: CHE 123/131, MAT 123 and PHY 119 Science Teacher or Science Education Student.
Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 536 Principles of Weather Analysis and Forecasting
This course explores the fundamental physical processes associated with various weather phenomena: tropical cyclones, extratropical cyclones, fronts, convective storms, and local air-sea and mountain flows. The latest analysis techniques, datasets, and tools will be used to understand the climatology and structural evolution of these weather phenomena. Basic forecasting techniques will be applied using observations and numerical model output. Research report required.
Prerequisites: ESS 532Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 541 Earth's Surficial Environment
The course examines: (1) earth-surface processes, the study of landforms, and the processes that produce and modify them; (2) the significant events in the evolutionary history of plants and animals through geological time; (3) dating approaches used to depict earth's history; and (4) the origin, dispersal, and deposition of sediments. Instruction will include lectures and laboratory exercises. Research report required. Four hours per week.
Prerequisites: Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Fall Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 542 Tectonic Environment
Determining positions on earth, including use of maps; recognition, description and origin of structural features of the earth's crust and interior; using seismic data to locate earthquakes and describe the earth material through which seismic waves travel; and understanding the role of plate tectonics in the earth's geologic evolution. Instruction will include lectures and laboratory exercises. Research report required. Four hours per week.
Prerequisites:.
Spring Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 543 Rocks and Minerals
Identification, properties, formation and occurrence of rock-forming minerals: characterizing igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks including the diverse geologic settings in which they occur with emphasis on their occurrence in the Metropolitan New York area. Instruction will include lectures and laboratory exercises. Research report required. Four hours per week.
Prerequisites:Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Fall Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 544 Geology of New York
The course will explore: (1) the development of the geological terranes during the Grenville, Taconian, Acadian and Alleghenian orogenies; (2) the effects of late Proterozoic and Mesozoic rifting; and (3) Pleistocene glaciation. These will be considered in the context of plate tectonics and global geology. Instruction will include, lectures, two full-day field trips. . Research report required.
Three hours per week.
Prerequisites:Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Spring Alternate years, 3 credits.
ABCF grading

ESS 585 Directed Studies
Special studies directed by various faculty members to be taken for variable and repetitive credit.
Prerequisites:Science Teacher or Science Education Student
Fall, spring, and summer, 1-3 credits,
ABCF grading

ESS 589 Research for Earth Science Teachers
This course is intended to provide science teachers or graduate students in the Science Education program an opportunity to obtain research experience. A written report is required.
Prerequisites:Science Teacher or Science Education Student and permission of instructor
Fall, Spring and Summer 1-3 credits ,
ABCF grading
May be repeated for credit.

ESS 601 Topics in Earth and Space Sciences
Prerequisites:Science Teacher or Science Education Student and permission of instructor
Fall, spring orsummer, 1-3 credits,
ABCF grading
May be repeated for credit

ESS 610 Capstone Project in Earth and Space Sciences
This required capstone project considers unifying themes or "big ideas" such as scale and structure, models, stability and change, systems and interactions, energy and time as they apply to astronomy, atmospheric science and geology. This capstone course integrates "big ideas" across the earth and space sciences.
Prerequisite at least two courses in each of astronomy, atmospheric science and geology. Science Teacher or Science Education Student
1 credit,
ABCF grading.

Evening Courses that are acceptable for this MS program

CEN 514 Geology of Long Island
This introduction to the geologic process will explore timeliness, continental drift, volcanism, erosion, weathering, and more, all related to the geologic development of Long Island. There will be two mandatory full-day field trips to observe the region's geologic features.
Prerequisite: Introductory geology course
Fall Every year 3 credits
ABCF grading

GEO 520 Glacial Geology
History of glaciation on earth; formation and dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets; processes of glacial erosion and deposition; and the nature of glacial sediments and landforms particularly relating to the development of Long Island.
Prerequisite: Physical Geology
Spring, Alternate years 3 credits,
ABCF grading