Earth & Environmental Sciences

Course Descriptions

EENS111 Physical Geology (3) Dr. Martin, Corequisite: 113. The origin, nature and evolution of the Earth-Moon system  and their constituent materials; development of Earth's surficial features through interaction of physical, chemical and biological processes over geologic time; considerations of interactions between Earth processes and present day human activity.

EENS 112 Earth History (3)  Dr. Parsley, Staff. Corequisite: EENS 114. The physical evolution of the Earth over the past 4.6 billion years. Particular attention is paid to North America’s geological history.  The  course also covers the evolution of life through geological time.

EENS 113 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)  Dr. Martin, Staff.  Corequisite: 111. A hands-on study of rocks, minerals, landforms and geologic structures using topographic maps, aerial photographs, physical models, field examination and independent research projects.  One laboratory per week; field trips. 

EENS 114 Earth History Laboratory (1) Staff. Corequisite: 112. An introduction to the study and use of fossils as recorders of geologic time.  The lab also employs geologic maps and cross-sections to unravel geologic histories of various regions.

EENS 120 Earth Systems (3)  Dr. Törnqvist.  An introduction to the variety of processes that shape the Earth’s surface.  This includes an outline of the evolution of the surface of our planet, focusing primarily on the past few million years.  This time interval is particularly relevant to understanding the Earth system in which we live and that is undergoing rapid transformation due to human activities.

EENS 130 Earth as a Living Planet (3) An introduction to the interaction of earth systems and man; anthropogenic impacts of population growth and economic development; renewable and non-renewable resources, air, water and soil pollution and mitigation; ecosystems and biological diversity; and environmental problem solving using the scientific method. Students develop a holistic understanding of environmental science using class discussions and laboratories to reinforce basic scientific principles.

EENS 131 Earth as a Living Planet Laboratory(1)
Laboratory to accompany EENS 130.

EENS 189 Service Learning (0 or 1)Service learning component to Earth and Environmental Sciences courses.  See Schedule of Classes each semester for offerings.  20 or 40 hours of public service with a CPS approved community partner.

EENS 202 Environmental Geology (3)  The interaction of humans and their geologic environment. A study of Earth processes and their action on rocks, soil, fluids, and life in ways that either affect or control the human environment. The effect of humans on their environment with consideration of the feedback between Earth processes and human activities.  Lectures and field trips.

EENS 203 History of Life (3) Staff.  Multi-disciplinary introduction to the evolution of life on Earth, from its origin through the Pleistocene. Evolution and ecology of organisms in primitive environments, with special attention given to key taxa and events, such as the transition to land, the origin of angiosperms, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, and the origin and early evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Emphasis placed on the reconstruction of ancient environments, using modern ecological and evolutionary principles as a guideline to the nature of early biological communities and ecosystems. Same as EBIO 203.

EENS 204 Natural Disasters (3) Dr. Nelson. An examination of the causes and effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, subsidence, coastal erosion, flooding, severe weather (including hurricanes), and meteorite impacts.  Also includes a discussion of options available to mitigate disasters.

EENS 206 Introductory Geography (3) Dr. Flowers.  An introduction to the basic facts concerning the physical environment: landforms, climates, vegetation and soils, followed by a comprehensive survey of the relationship between the physical environment and human activity in the major geographic regions of the world. The geography of Louisiana is considered in relation to the region. Recommended to students working toward Louisiana certification in elementary education.

EENS 207 Weather and Climate (3) Dr. Flowers. An introduction to the earth’s atmosphere with particular emphasis on weather and climate. Topics covered include: heating and cooling of the atmosphere; atmospheric circulation and wind; air masses and cyclonic storms; tropical weather and hurricanes; global climates and climatic change.

EENS 211 Mineralogy (4) Dr. Flowers,  Dr.  Nelson. Prerequisite: EENS 111. Corequisites: CHEM 108/118 (concurrent enrollment). Crystallography, mineralogy, and the identification of minerals in hand specimen and using the petrographic microscope.  A grade of C- or better is required in this course before subsequent enrollment in EENS 212 is permitted. In addition to lectures, there are two laboratories per week.

EENS 212 Petrology (4)  Dr. Nelson.   Prerequisite: EENS 211. The study of igneous and metamorphic rocks including their nature and origin in both hanad specimen and using the petrographic microscope. In addition to lectures there are two laboratories per week.

EENS 223 Oceanography (3)  Dr. Rosenheim. A broad survey of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography with a brief historical overview and a consideration of current concepts. Same as EBIO 223.

EENS 306 Dinosaurs (3)  Dr. Parsley.  Evolution of the dinosaurs and their ancestors. An examination of dinosaurs’ classification, morphology, and modes of life. Emphasis on their fossil record and man’s concept about dinosaurs.

EENS 310 Geomorphology (3)  Dr. Gasparini. Prerequisite: EENS 111/113. The study of processes leading to landform creation and development in response to climate and tectonics.  Overview of fundamental and applied activities undertaken by geomorphologists.

EENS 327 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (3)  Dr. Straub, Staff.  Prerequisite: EENS 211.  Composition, primary textures, and structures of sediments in major sedimentary environments. Environmental interpretation of ancient sedimentary sequences. The basic principles utilized in interpretation of the stratigraphic column. The associated laboratory focuses primarily on methods of sedimentary analysis.  Mandatory field trip to Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. 

EENS 340 Structural Geology (4)  Dr.  Dawers. Prerequisites: EENS 111/113, 211.  Principles and mechanics of rock deformation, the evolution of geological structures, and the relations between structures and plate tectonics. Laboratory section focuses on geological problem solving.  Field trip to the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

EENS 372 Infrastructure of Sustainable Urban Environments (3) Dr. Piringer. Three urban infrastructure systems - buildings, water, power- serve as starting points to illustrate concepts from underlying science fields, and to explore elements of sustainable infrastructure systems. The central question is: "What makes a city work, and how can this be accomplished in a sustainable way?" The course will include two to three field trips to sites in the New Orleans area that will provide opportunities for experiential learning and first-hand observation of relevant physical phenomena.

EENS 380 Environmental Analysis Lab  (3) Dr. Piringer. Environmental Analysis. Introduction to basic analytical techniques commonly used in environmental science, with a focus on aqueous and soil/sediment matrixes. Includes determination of solids, alkalinity and hardness, adsorption isotherms, oxygen content, conductivity, as well as spectrometric and chromatographic techniques and soil metals analysis.

COLQ 388 Writing Practicum (1) Staff. Corequisite: three-credit departmental course. Prerequisite: successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement. Fulfills the School of Science and Engineering intensive-writing requirement.

EENS 389 Service Learning (0 or 1)Service learning component to Earth and Environmental Sciences’ courses.  See Schedule of Classes each semester for offerings.  20 or 40 hours of public service with a CPS approved community partner.

EENS 397 Special Topics in Environmental Sciences (3)  Staff. A special course taught by Tulane faculty or visiting faculty. The topic will be listed in the Schedule of Classes

EENS 398 Environmental Field Study (4-6) Staff. Prerequisites: EENS 327, approval of undergraduate advisor before enrollment. The application of basic field methods to practical problems in environmental science. Students typically complete this course at an approved summer field camp offered by another college or university. Students may pursue opportunities in groundwater hydrology, oceanography, remote sensing, environmental field methods, or environmental internships. Offered in summer session only.

EENS 399 Field Geology (3) Staff. Prerequisites: EENS 212, 327, 340 and approval of undergraduate advisor before enrollment. The application of basic field methods to practical problems in field geology, including the construction of geological maps. Students typically complete this course at an approved summer field camp offered by another college or university. Offered in the summer session only.

COLQ 412 Grand Canyon Colloquium -  This is a May term multi-disciplinary course with emphasis on geology of the Grand Canyon and adjacent Colorado plateau.  Course culminates with a 188 mile week-long rafting trip down the Colorado River through Marble and Grand Canyon.  For more information, contact Professor Ron Parsley: parsley@tulane.edu

EENS 422 Advanced Oceanography (3) Staff. A broad survey of biological, chemical, physical, and geological oceanography with a brief historical overview and consideration of current concepts. There will also be an examination of biogeochemical relationships at macroscales, mesoscales, and microscales in the ocean. Same as EBIO 422. 

EENS 456, 457 Internship Studies (1-3, 1-3)  Staff. Prerequisites: approval of instructor and department. Open only to juniors and seniors in good standing. An experimental learning process coupled with pertinent academic coursework and supervision. Registration is completed in the department office. Only one internship may be completed per semester. A maximum of six credits may be earned in one or two courses. 

EENS 480 Air Pollution Fundamentals and  Modeling (3) Dr. Piringer. Fundamental concepts associated with air pollution, its modeling, and its control. Major air pollutants and their effects control technologies overview, meteorological basis for pollutant dispersion, pollutant transport, and dispersion modeling.  Students gain hands-on experience conducting their own air dispersion modeling with state-of-the art software.

EENS 491, 492 Independent Studies (1 or 3, 1 or 3)

EENS 495 Environmental Science Research (1-3)

EENS 538, 539 Junior Year Abroad

 

Honors Courses

EENS H491, H492 Independent Studies (1 or 3, 1 or 3)  Individual studies in a selected discipline.  Open to juniors and seniors in Tulane’s Honors Program with approval of the instructor.

EENS H499-H500 Honors Thesis (3, 4) Open to seniors in the Tulane Honors Program. Culminating in a defended thesis based on substantial independent research overseen by a faculty advisor.

 

Advanced Undergraduate & Graduate Courses

EENS 602 Geostatistics (3)This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of basic statistical techniques, including univariate, multivariate and non-parametric statistics, as applied in the earth and environmental sciences.   

EENS 603 Environmental Spatial Analysis (3)   Dr. Flowers. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. An introduction to the art and science of mapmaking with the aid of state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically Environmental Sciences Research Institute (ESRI), ArcGIS and Golden Software Surfer. An introduction to geodetic models, map projections, geographic coordinate systems, global position systems, geographic information systems, satellite photogrammetry, and database design. Practical skills will be developed through mapping projects designed to illustrate the use of contouring algorithms and other spatial analysis tools.

EENS 604 Coastal Marine Geology (3)  Staff. Prerequisites: EENS 111/113, 112/114, and CHEM 107, 108. Geomorphic features of estuarine, coastal, and continental shelf environments: erosional, depositional, and geochemical processes; field and laboratory methods; emphasis on dynamic coastal environments of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Offered summers only.

EENS 605 Natural Disasters (3)   Dr. Nelson. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. An examination of the causes and effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence, coastal erosion, flooding, severe weather (including hurricanes), and meteorite impacts.  Also includes a discussion of options available to mitigate disasters.

EENS 607 Geological Problems (3)   Staff. Prerequisite:  approval of instructor.  Topical and timely course, typically in a seminar format in which students lead discussions based on current scientific literature.  The topics will be listed on a semester-by-semester basis in the Schedule of Courses.

EENS 608 Special Topics (3)  Staff. A special course taught by Tulane faculty or visiting faculty. The topic will be listed in the Schedule of Classes.

EENS 609 Invertebrate Paleontology (4)   Dr.. Parsley. Prerequisites: EENS 112, EBIO 614, or approval of instructor. Principles of invertebrate paleontology; a systematic treatment of the fossil invertebrates and their living relatives. Emphasis on functional morphology, ontogeny, and paleoecology. Lectures, laboratory, field trip. Same as EBIO 609.

EENS 610 Micropaleontology (3)  Staff. Prerequisite: EENS 609 or elementary biology. The foraminifera, ostracoda, nannofossils, conodonts and other groups of microfossils. Lectures and laboratory. Same as EBIO 610.

EENS 612 Petrology (4)  Dr. Nelson.   Prerequisite: EENS 211. The study of igneous and metamorphic rocks including their nature and origin in both hanad specimen and using the petrographic microscope. In addition to lectures there are two laboratories per week.

EENS 613 Principles of Paleobiology (3)  Staff. Prerequisites: EBIO 101, EENS 112/114, EENS 609, or approval of instructor. Selected topics on macroevolutionary theories; phylogeny and the fossil records of metazoans; Major events in the history of life; Patterns of biodiversity through geological time; Taphonomy; Paleoecology. Same as EBIO 613.

EENS 614 Igneous Petrology (3)  Dr. Nelson. Prerequisites: EENS 212 and approval of instructor. An in-depth study of the origins of igneous rocks from the standpoint of experimental investigations, thermodynamics, trace elements, radiogenic isotopes, and field investigations. Includes a laboratory.

EENS 616 Fluvial Responses to Allogenic Controls (3)  Staff. Prerequisites: EENS 310 and approval of instructor. Study of the geomorphological and sedimentological responses of rivers to tectonics, climate, and sea-level changes. Discussion of recent scientific literature on river changes and associated stratigraphic records over time scales of 10⁰ to 10⁶ years.

EENS 619 Marine Geology (3)   Staff. Prerequisites: EENS 111/113 or 121. Survey of marine plate boundaries, ocean floor morphology, and paleooceanology and sedimentary history of the ocean basins and their margins.

EENS 621 Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3)    Staff. Prerequisites: CHEM 241, 243. An introduction to the global biogeochemical cycles in fresh water, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed on key environmental issues as they relate to perturbations of these global cycles. Same as EBIO 621.

EENS 622 Major World River Systems  (3)   Dr. Gasparini.  Prerequisite: EENS 310 or approval of instructor.  Major rivers are important environmental features on Earth's surface in terms of their impact on humans and their vulnerability to negative impact by human activities.  This course will explore natural river and watershed processes and how humans affect and are affected by these processes.  Case studies from across the world will be explored.

EENS 625 Isotopes in the Environment (3)   Dr. Rosenheim. The use of stable and radioactive isotopes as tools to trace the movement of air, water, and sediments through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Same as EBIO 625.

EENS 626 Paleoclimatology (3)  Dr. Törnqvist. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. Understanding past climate change is necessary to effectively predict the future of our planet, which is currently in a state of rapid transition. The main focus of the course is on the reconstruction and modeling of climates of the Quaternary, the past two million years of Earth’s history. Same as EBIO 626.

EENS 628 Coastal Strata Formation (3)  Staff. An examination of the petrology of major terrigenous and carbonate coastal settings including fluvio-deltaic, nearshore, and continental shelf with a focus on the transition from modern sediments to lithified rocks.  The course will combine lectures and discussions of pertinent recent literature with laboratory and field examination of sediment grains, thin-sections, and core intervals.

EENS 629 Sedimentary Geochemistry (3)  Staff. Prerequisite: EENS 327 or approval of instructor. Quantitative aspects of early sediment diagenesis. The topics examined include: sediment deposition, resuspension, bioturbation and accumulation; redox reactions; diffusion and desorption of dissolved species; and organic matter decomposition and storage. These basic concepts will be used to examine early diagenesis in a range of sedimentary environments.

EENS 630 Groundwater Hydrology (3)    Dr. Johannesson. Prerequisites: CHEM 107, 108, MATH 121, 122, or equivalent. Occurrence of water in the near-surface environment.  Topics include saturated and unsaturated flow in aquifers, aquifer characterization, well hydraulics, and groundwater chemistry.

EENS 632 Subsurface Geology (3)    Prof. Dawers. Prerequisites: EENS 327, 340, and approval of instructor. Principles of subsurface mapping with emphasis on 3-dimensional seismic reflection data. Utilization of geophysical data to construct subsurface maps. Students gain hands on experience with Seismic Micro-Technology’s state-of-the-art software, The Kingdom Suite, in work-station based laboratory sessions. Lectures and laboratory.

EENS 634 The Earth (3)    Dr. Nelson, Dr. Flowers. Prerequisites: MATH 121 and 122, or equivalent, PHYS 121 and 122 or 131 and 132, and approval of instructor. Earth as seen in the light of solid-earth geophysics: age and origin; seismology and structure of the interior; gravity, geodesy, and the geoid; heat budget; generation of the magnetic field and paleomagnetism; and geophysical constraints on plate tectonics. Lectures.

EENS 636 - Environmental Geochemistry (3) Dr. Johannesson.  Prerequisites: CHEM 107,108; MATH 121,122; EENS 211 or equivalent. Quantitative examination of the fundamental processes that control the chemistry of natural waters. Topics will include equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics, oxidation-reduction reactions , solution and surface complexation (adsorption), chemical weathering and biogeochemical cycling of chemical elements in the environment.  

EENS 640 The Scientific Enterprise (3) Dr. Törnqvist.  Scientific research has evolved into a complex activity that requires numerous skills which are typically not captured by traditional curricula. This course covers such topics as science funding, publishing, misconduct, media, and politics, and is specifically intended for (aspiring) graduate students.

EENS 645 Structural Geology (3) Prerequisites: EENS 111/113, 211 and approval of instructor. Principles and mechanics of rock deformation, the evolution of geological structures, and the relations between structures and plate tectonics. Laboratory section focuses on geological problem solving.  Field trip to the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

 EENS 668 Volcanology (3)   Dr. Nelson. Prerequisite: approval of instructor. The study of volcanoes including volcanic landforms, eruptive mechanisms, and tectonic environments.

EENS 669 Biochemistry of Estuaries (3)  Staff. Prerequisites: CHEM 242 and MATH 122 or 131. Physico-chemical and biological aspects of the zone interfacing fresh water and marine environments. Emphasis will be place on the biogeochemical cycles of this highly dynamic ecosystem. Field trips to estuarine regions along the Gulf Coast. Same as EBIO 669.

EENS 680 Air Pollution Fundamentals and Modeling (3) This course presents fundamental concepts associated with air pollution, its modeling and its control. The course discusses major air pollutants and their effects and provides insight into the meteorological basis for pollutant dispersion. IN a core portion, pollutant transport and dispersion modeling are introduced and students gain hands-on experience conducting their own air dispersion modeling with state- of-the art software. Finally major types if control devices are discussed with regard to their scientific basis and operating principles

EENS 703,704 SEMINAR IN PALEONTOLOGY AND/OR STRATIGRAPHY (3, 3) Staff.

EENS 710 SEMINAR IN GEOLOGY (1-3) 

EENS 715 ADVANCED TOPICS IN SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY (3) Staff. 

EENS 716 CARBONATE PETROLOGY (3) Staff. Prerequisites 618, 620.

EENS 720 INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL GEOCHEMISTRY (3) Flowers.

EENS 723 PALEOECOLOGY OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES (3) Staff.

EENS 724 STUDIES IN STRATIGRAPHIC MICROPALEONTOLOGY (3) Staff.

EENS 750 ADVANCED FIELD GEOLOGY (4) Staff.

EENS  797 RESEARCH IN PALEONTOLOGY (1-3).

EENS  799 RESEARCH IN GEOSCIENCES (1-3). 

EENS  998 MASTER’S RESEARCH

EENS  999 DISSERTATION RESEARCH