Courses

Courses

top ⇑Course Checklists

Geology Course Checklist

Environmental Science Course Checklist

top ⇑Lecture-Laboratory Courses Fulfilling the Newcomb-Tulane Core Requirement of Scientific Inquiry Physical and Life Sciences

EENS 1110/1115 – Physical Geology

Lab Website: Physical Geology Laboratory

EENS 1120/1125 – Earth History

Lab Website: Earth History Laboratory

EENS 1300/1305 – Earth as a Living Planet

top ⇑Course Information for Non-Majors

Courses Suitable for Non-Majors including Non Scientists

EENS 2020 – Environmental Geology

EENS 2030 – History of Life

EENS 2060 – Intro to Geography

EENS 2070 – Weather and Climate

EENS 2230 – Oceanography

EENS 3050 – Natural Disasters

Website: Natural Disasters

EENS 3060 – Dinosaurs

COLQ 4120 – Grand Canyon Colloquium

Website: Grand Canyon Colloquium

top ⇑Undergraduate Courses

EENS 1110 – Physical Geology (3)

Staff: Dr. Agnew
Co-requisite: 1115

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 1115 – Physical Geology Laboratory (1)

Staff: Dr. Agnew
Co-requisite: 1110
Website: Physical Geology Laboratory

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 1125 – Earth History Laboratory (1)

Co-requisite: 1120
Website: Earth History Laboratory

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 1200 – Earth Systems (3)

Staff: 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 1300 – Earth as a Living Planet (3)

Staff: Dr. Sigler
Co-requisite: 1305

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 1305 – Earth as a Living Planet Laboratory (1)

Co-requisite: 1300

Laboratory to accompany EENS 1300.

EENS 1890 – 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 2020 – 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 2030 – History of Life (3)

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 2030.

EENS 2060 – Introductory Geography (3)

Staff: 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 2070 – Weather and Climate (3)

Staff: 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 2080 Extreme Weather (3)

Staff: Dr. Flowers

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of severe weather and its impact on man and the environment. Students focus on life cycles of thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and ice storms, as well as the impacts of temperature and precipitation extremes

EENS 2110 – Mineralogy (4)

Staff: Dr. Flowers, Dr. Nelson
Prerequisite: EENS 1110
Co-requisites: CHEM 1080/10 (concurrent enrollment)
Website: Mineralogy Laboratory

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 2120 is permitted. In addition to lectures, there are two laboratories per week.

EENS 2120 – Petrology (4)

Staff: Dr. Nelson
Prerequisite: EENS 2110
Website: Petrology

The study of igneous and metamorphic rocks including their nature and origin in both hand specimen and using the petrographic microscope. In addition to lectures there are two laboratories per week.

EENS 2230 – Oceanography (3)

Staff: 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 2230.

EENS 3050 – Natural Disasters (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson
Website: Natural Disasters
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 3060 – Dinosaurs (3)

Staff: 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 3150 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)

Staff: Dr. Amer

This course is designed to give students a general understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software. The approach taken is detailed instruction in utilizing ArcGIS to solve problems in the earth and environmental sciences.

EENS 3170 – Geomorphology (3)

Staff: Dr. Gasparini
Prerequisite: EENS 1110 /1300
Co-requisite: Math 1210

Quantitative study of surface processes, landform creation, and landscape evolution. Overview of basic principles and skills required for careers in surface water hydrology and geomorphology. Class includes three mandatory, one-day, weekend field trips and a required weekly one-hour discussion section.

EENS 3270 – Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (3)

Staff: Dr. Straub
Prerequisite: EENS 2110

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 3410 – Structural Geology (3)

Staff: Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: EENS 1110/1115, 2110
Website: Structural Geology

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 3550 – Shark Paleobiology (3)

Staff: Dr. Agnew
Prerequisites: EBIO 1010, EENS 1120/1125, EBIO 3500, EENS 4090, or approval of instructor

This course examines the processes and patterns of shark speciation, diversification, macroevolution, and extinction within the framework of developing a problem-based learning activity using shark teeth for a K-12 classroom. Particular emphasis is placed on the systematics and functional morphology of shark teeth.

EENS 3720 – Infrastructure of Sustainable Urban Environments (3)

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.

COLQ 3880 – Writing Practicum (1)

Co-requisite: three-credit departmental course
Prerequisite: successful completion of the First-Year Writing Requirement

Fulfills the School of Science and Engineering intensive-writing requirement.

EENS 3890 – 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 3970 – Special Topics in Environmental Sciences (3)

A special course taught by Tulane faculty or visiting faculty. The topic will be listed in the Schedule of Classes

EENS 3980 – Environmental Field Study (4-6)

Prerequisites: EENS 3270, 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 3990 – Field Geology (3)

Prerequisites: EENS 2120, 3270, 3410 and approval of undergraduate advisor before enrollment
Website: Field Geology

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.

EENS 4020 – 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 4030 – Environmental Spatial Analysis (3)

Staff: 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 4060 – Tectonic Geomorphology (3)

Staff: Dr. Gasparini & Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: recommended prior knowledge of structural geology and geomorphology

The interplay between tectonic processes and the development and modification of landforms, from the scale of earthquake ruptures to mountain building. The course will also include an overview of techniques for analyzing tectonic and geomorphic data, and an introduction to geochronology and thermochronology. Lecture and seminar format; fieldtrip; optional service learning component.

EENS 4080 – Special Topics (3)

A special course taught by Tulane faculty or visiting faculty. The topic will be listed in the Schedule of Classes.

EENS 4090 – Invertebrate Paleontology (4)

Staff: Dr. Parsley
Prerequisites: EENS 1120, EBIO 6140, or approval of instructor
Website: Invertebrate Paleontology

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 6090.

COLQ 4120 – Grand Canyon Colloquium

Website: 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 4160 – Construction and Interpretation of 3D Stratigraphy (3)

Staff: Dr. Straub

From Earth surface to subsurface, this course uses three-dimensional volumes of basin-filling stratigraphy to explore how depositional landscapes are preserved in the sedimentary record and how sedimentary deposits can be analyzed to produce quantitative reconstructions of past environmental states.

EENS 4250 – Isotopes in the Environment (3)

Staff: 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 6250.

EENS 4260 – Paleoclimatology (3)

Staff: Dr. Törnqvis
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 6260.

EENS 4280 – Stable Isotope Geochemistry (3)

Staff: Dr. Rosenheim

Students will learn about the distributions, exchange mechanisms, and fractionation factors of light isotopes (H,C,N,O,S) in the environment. Students will learn about measurement techniques and experimental design employing the powerful tool of stable isotope geochemistry and they will participate in an investigatory research project involving measuring isotope ratios.

EENS 4300 – Groundwater Hydrology (3)

Staff: Dr. Johannesson
Prerequisites: CHEM 1070, 1080, MATH 1210, 1220, 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 4310 – Depositional Mechanics (3)

Staff: Dr. Kyle Straub

A quantitative description of the mechanics of sediment transport in steady and unsteady flows based on hydrodynamic principles. Aspects of flow and sediment-transport mechanics relevant to understanding the construction of landscapes and depositional systems. Equations of motion for particles in turbulent flow, entrainment, bedload, and suspended load; and mechanics of bedforms, ripples, and dunes. Quantitative methods relating properties of stratigraphy to paleo-environmental conditions.

EENS 4320 – Subsurface Geology (3)

Staff: Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: EENS 3270, 3410, and approval of instructor
Website: Subsurface Geology

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 4340 – The Earth (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson, Dr. Flowers
Prerequisites: MATH 1210 and 1220, or equivalent, PHYS 1210 and 1220 or 1310 and 1320, and approval of instructor
Website: The Earth

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 4360 – Environmental Geochemistry (3)

Staff: Dr. Johannesson
Prerequisites: CHEM 1070,1080; MATH 1210,1220; EENS 2110 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 4560, 4570 – Internship Studies (1-3, 1-3)

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 4680 – Volcanology (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson
Prerequisite: approval of instructor

The study of volcanoes including volcanic landforms, eruptive mechanisms, and tectonic environments.

EENS 4800 – Air Pollution Fundamentals and Modeling (3)

Staff: Dr. Sigler

Provides both a conceptual and qualitative understanding of meteorology with major emphasis on air pollution. Overview of major air pollutants, including their sources, sinks, transformation, effects and related control technologies. Exploration of the meteorological basis for pollutant dispersion/transport.

EENS 4820 – Soil and Water Pollution

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the nature, fate, and transport of contaminants in soils and surface water. We will review chemical processes that affect transport and bioavailability of a wide range of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, organics pollutants, nutrients, and radionuclides.

EENS 4910, 4920 – Independent Studies (1 or 3, 1 or 3)

EENS 4950 – Environmental Science Capstone (1-3)

EENS 5380, 5390 – Junior Year Abroad

top ⇑Honors Courses

EENS H4910, H4920 – 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 H4990-H5000 – 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.

top ⇑Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

EENS 6020 – Geostatistics (3)

EENS 6030 – Environmental Spatial Analysis (3)

Staff: Dr. Flowers
Prerequisite: approval of instructor

EENS 6040 – Coastal Marine Geology (3)

Prerequisites: EENS 1110/1115, 1120/1125, and CHEM 1070, 1080

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 6050 – Natural Disasters (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson
Prerequisite: approval of instructor
Website: Natural Disasters
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 6060 – Tectonic Geomorphology (3)

Staff: Dr. Gasparini, Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: recommended prior knowledge of structural geology and geomorphology

EENS 6070 – Independent Research (1-3)

Prerequisite: approval of instructor

Topical and timely course, typically in a seminar format, based on current scientific literature, in which students lead discussions with their research advisor(s).

EENS 6080 – Special Topics (3)

A special course taught by Tulane faculty or visiting faculty. The topic will be listed in the Schedule of Classes.

EENS 6090 – Invertebrate Paleontology (4)

Staff: Dr. Parsley
Prerequisites: EENS 1120, EBIO 6140, or approval of instructor
Website: Invertebrate Paleontology

EENS 6150 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)

Staff: Dr. Gani

EENS 6151 – Laboratory to accompany Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

EENS 6160 – Construction and Interpretation of 3D Stratigraphy (3)

Staff: Dr. Straub
Pre-requisite: EENS 3170 or EENS 3270 and approval of instructor

Study of the geomorphological, sedimentological, and stratigraphic 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 1 to millions of years. Formerly Fluvial Responses to Allogenic Controls.

EENS 6170 – Geomorphology (3)

Staff: Dr. Gasparini
Prerequisite: Either EENS 1110 or EENS 1300
Co-requisite: Math 1210

EENS 6210 – Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3)

Prerequisites: CHEM 2410, 2430

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 6210.

EENS 6240 – Advanced Oceanography (3)

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 4220.

EENS 6250 – Isotopes in the Environment (3)

Staff: 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 6250.

EENS 6260 – Paleoclimatology (3)

Staff: Dr. Törnqvist
Prerequisite: approval of instructor

EENS 6270 – Major World River Systems (3)

Staff: Dr. Gasparini
Prerequisite: EENS 3170 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 6280 – Stable Isotope Geochemistry (3)

Staff: Dr. Rosenheim

EENS 6300 – Groundwater Hydrology (3)

Staff:Dr. Johannesson
Prerequisites: CHEM 1070, 1080, MATH 1210, 1220, 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 6310 – Depositional Mechanics (3)

Staff: Dr. Kyle Straub

EENS 6320 – Subsurface Geology (3)

Staff: Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: EENS 3270, 3410, and approval of instructor
Website: Subsurface Geology

EENS 6340 – The Earth (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson, Dr. Flowers
Prerequisites: MATH 1210 and 1220, or equivalent, PHYS 1210 and 1220 or 1310 and 1320, and approval of instructor
Website: The Earth

EENS 6360 – Environmental Geochemistry (3)

Staff: Dr. Johannesson
Prerequisites: CHEM 1070,1080; MATH 1210,1220; EENS 2110 or equivalent

EENS 6400 – The Scientific Enterprise (3)

Staff: 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 6410 – Structural Geology (3)

Staff: Dr. Dawers
Prerequisites: EENS 1110/1115, 2110, and approval of instructor
Website: Structural Geology

EENS 6680 – Volcanology (3)

Staff: Dr. Nelson
Prerequisite: approval of instructor

The study of volcanoes including volcanic landforms, eruptive mechanisms, and tectonic environments.

EENS 6800 – 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.