Reviews wave generation, wave prediction, wave refraction, transformation, shoaling, and associated inshore currents. Topics include the generation of littoral drift and shallow water surge; beach and barrier island geomorphology and problems of erosion. Includes the historical development of research in coastal processes and a quantitative analysis of spatial patterns along sandy coasts. Prerequisite: EVSC 2800; corequisite: EVSC 4851.

Specialized topics in ecology, atmosphere, hydrology, environmental geology, or environmental systems not normally covered in formal classes under the direction of the faculty. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Original research usually involving a field or laboratory problem in the environmental sciences under the direction of one or more faculty members. The results may form the basis of an undergraduate thesis which is required to partially fulfill the Distinguished Majors Program in environmental sciences. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Provides credit for doing work in pursuit of the undergraduate thesis option for majors in Environmental Science

This is an introductory course focusing on the theory and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology. The course combines related theory with practical laboratory assignments.

The principles of oceanography with views on real world applications, especially to the teaching of this class at the high school as well. Prerequisite: At least one year of college-level chemisty or physics or instructor permission..

Examination of the fundamental radiative, thermodynamic, and fluid dynamic processes in Earth's atmosphere with an emphasis on climatic time and space scales. Topics include atmospheric composition and radiative transfer, synoptic climatology, atmospheric general circulation, climate change, El Niño, and teleconnections. Prerequisites include EVSC 3300 or an undergraduate science degree.

In this course, students will learn about the behavior, dynamics, and thermodynamics of the tropical atmosphere. A wide range of time and space scales will be examined, from the large-scale energy balance down to cumulus convection and tropical cyclones. Emphasis will be placed on studying atmospheric convection. This course is a foundation for advanced study and research in atmospheric science, meteorology, and atmosphere-related disciplines.

In this course, various aspects of the effects of mountains on weather and climate will be covered. Examples include diurnal mountain wind systems, mountain waves, and cold air pools. Applications of mountain meteorology to other fields (air pollution, carbon cycle) will also be discussed. The students will learn to write up the results of an independent investigation of a research topic related to mountain meteorology and to present the results.

Studies the physical properties, processes, and structure of the oceans; mass and energy budgets; methods of measurements; and the nature and theory of ocean currents, waves, and tides in the open sea, near shore and in estuaries. Prerequisite: PHYS 2310, 2320 or equivalent, two semesters calculus, MATH 1310, 1320 recommended, or instructor permission.