Course Descriptions

EASC - Earth Science
SCI 110, (406) 657-2341

* EASC 100 Lithosphere and Hydrosphere (TN) 3 cr. Corequisite: EASC 101.  Presents an introduction to the study of the earth through a study of its materials and composition, structure, geologic processes, surface and ground waters, physical, chemical and biological oceanography.

* EASC 101 Lithosphere and Hydrosphere Lab (TN) 1 cr. Corequisite: EASC 100.  Enhances the lecture material of EASC 100 through the usage of experiential activities.

EASC 120 Historical Geology and Paleontology (TN) 3 cr. Corequisite: EASC 121.  Presents a systematic study of the earth through geologic time by analysis of the geological evolution of earth and its sequence of life forms reconstructed from the paleontological record.  Lab required.

EASC 121 Historical Geology and Paleontology Lab (TN) 1 cr. Corequisite: EASC 120.  Enhances the lecture material of EASC 120 through the usage of experiential activities.

EASC 200 Mineralogy 3 cr. Prerequisite: EASC 100.  Surveys the crystallography, chemistry and physics of minerals, determinative mineralogy, mineral field occurrences and associations.  Studies the mineralogical compositions of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks through the use of hand specimens.  Lab included.  Field trips required.

EASC 201 Montana:  Its Geological Environment 3 cr.  Examines the geological evolution of Montana utilizing a regional approach.  Considers Montana’s resources and the roles that they have played in the historical development of the state’s past, present and future.  Field trips required.

EASC 220 Meteorology 4 cr. (Lec.  3; Lab 1).  Presents a semi-technical approach to the elements and controls of weather.  Lab required.

EASC 230 Optical Mineralogy and Petrography 4 cr. (Lec.  3; Lab 1). Prerequisite: EASC 200.  Introduces the student to the polarizing microscope and identification of minerals by oil immersion and thin section analysis, identification and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks through thin section analysis.  Lab required.

EASC 300 Structures and Tectonics 3 cr. Prerequisite: EASC 200.  Presents a study of classical geological structures and their mechanical processes, traces the development of plate tectonic theory and deformation, explores the graphic methods and the preparation of geologic maps and structure sections.  Extensive field work required.

EASC 320 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy 3 cr. Prerequisites: EASC 230 and EASC 300.  Introduces and studies the processes of sedimentation, mechanical analysis sediments, environments of deposition, origin and classification of sedimentary rocks, principles and techniques utilized in measuring sedimentary rock strata, facies changes, tectonic framework, biostratigraphic units and paleo-environments.  Extensive field and lab work required.

EASC 400 Geomorphology and Quaternary Geology 3 cr. Prerequisite: EASC 300.  Investigates the origin and evolution of landforms, through quantitative techniques, aerial photos and topographic maps.  Considers the origin, structure, chronology and movement of glaciers and associated periglacial environments of the Quaternary.  Extensive field work required.

EASC 440 Geologic Field Methods 4 cr. Prerequisite: EASC 300.  Presents the techniques used by the geologist to conduct field surveys.  Standard geologic surveying equipment will be utilized by the student to conduct an investigation and prepare a geological map of an area of moderately complex structure.  Extensive field work required.

EASC 460 Science and Society: Problem Solving Issues in Science Education. 3 cr. Prerequisites: PSSC 101, BIOL 105.  Investigates and analyzes the scientific concepts that are the basis of selected societal issues that are applicable to Montana and global environments.  The problems selected for study vary with course offerings.  This course is intended primarily for Elementary Education majors and graduate students in Elementary Education; others admitted by permission of instructor.

EASC 490 Internship 1 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.  Provides instructional experience in the Earth Sciences program with an opportunity for early exploration of teaching interests.

EASC 491 Independent Study V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.  Provides advanced students an opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Earth Science courses.  A contract describing the study must be completed at the time of enrollment.

EASC 492 Seminar V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.  Provides advanced students an opportunity to intensively investigate topics pertinent to the field of Earth Sciences.

EASC 493 Workshop V 1-4 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.  Provides an opportunity for group study in an area of Earth Science.

EASC 496 Cooperative Education V 1-8 cr.  Provides university credit for a paid work experience in the area of Earth Science supervised by faculty and requiring written assignments.

EASC 497 Field Studies V 1-4 cr. Prerequisite: Undergraduate - 10 semester hours of Earth Science or consent of instructor; Graduate - 20 hours of natural sciences or consent of instructor.  Provides an opportunity through field experience for students to study quantitatively and/or qualitatively exemplary geological sites.

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