MS Degree in Geosciences
with a Concentration in Earth and Space Sciences
MS ESS HOME REQUIREMENTS COURSES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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