Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Environmental Earth Sciences] From Washington University

our understanding of environmental science is fostered both by a broad base of coursework across the natural sciences and by the unique perspective earth science provides on the context and complexity of environmental systems. This major is housed in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

EARTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Introduction to the study of the Earth as a dynamic, evolving planet. Emphasis on how internal and surface processes combine to shape the environment. Themes: Earth's interior as revealed by seismic waves; Earth history and global tectonics shown by changes to ocean floors, mountain-building, formation of continents, earthquakes, and volcanism; climate history and global biogeochemical cycles, influenced by circulation of atmosphere and oceans, ice ages, and human activity. Composition and structure of rocks and minerals. Three class hours and one two-hour lab a week.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

Introduction to the geochemistry of natural waters and the processes that alter their composition. Key principles of aqueous geochemistry and their application to describe the main controls on the chemistry of pristine and polluted soil, surface, and ground water environments. Acids and bases, mineral solubility, carbonate chemistry, chemical speciation, redox reactions, adsorption and ion exchange, and the speciation, mobility, and toxicity of metals.