B.S. in Earth and Space Exploration
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Major Maps: 2011-2012 | 2009-2010 | 2008-2009 | 2007-2008
Curriculum Check sheets (2007-2008 only)
The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Exploration (ESE) offers four concentrations -- Geological Sciences, Astrophysics, Astrobiology, and Systems Design -- and emphasizes problem solving through the integration of engineering and science. It is excellent preparation for graduate programs in the physical sciences as well as a variety of engineering disciplines.
The degree incorporates strong quantitative preparation, a learning community that includes both science and engineering students, and a yearlong collaborative capstone senior exploration project. The ESE degree will promote a new generation of explorers who are part scientist and part engineer, who not only identify fundamental science questions that lead to great discoveries but also design the instruments to answer those questions.
The ESE degree consists of 38 semester hours in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and 31 hours of related courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to become involved in research as part of their undergraduate education and training in earth and space exploration. This strong foundation in geosciences, astrophysics and exploration engineering will prepare students for key roles in space research and industry, environmental and geologic engineering, earth resources and exploration, and water and environmental use policy. However, the ESE degree provides students with basic skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and reasoning which would support almost any profession. The ESE degree is also excellent preparation for graduate study and research in the earth and space sciences.
Core courses for: Geological Sciences, Astrophysics, Astrobiology, and Systems Design
The B.S. degree in Earth and Space Exploration (no concentration) requires the following core courses:
SES 100 Introduction to Exploration (3)
SES 101 Earth, Solar System, and Universe I (3)
SES 102 Earth, Solar System, and Universe II (3)
SES 103 Earth, Solar System, and Universe Laboratory I (1)
SES 104 Earth, Solar System, and Universe Laboratory II (1)
SES 210: Engineering Systems (3)
SES 310/394 ST: Concepts of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Design (3)
GLG 400: Geology Colloquium (1)
In addition, three of the following five branch courses must be taken:
AST 321 Intro to Planetary and Stellar Astronomy (3)
AST 322 Intro to Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy (3)
SES 311 Essentials of Astrobiology (3)
GLG 321 Mineralogy (3)
GLG 424 Petrology (3)
SES 330 Practical Engineering and Inst. Assembly (3)
SES 405 Sys Engg for Space Missions (3)
GLG 310 Structural Geology (3)
GLG 418 Geophysics (3)
GLG 470 Hydrogeology (3) OR CEE 440 Engineering Hydrology (3)
GLG 481 Geochemistry (3)
GLG 490 Topics in Geology: Remote Sensing (3)
Upper division electives and 6 units of capstone:
2 Upper Division SES/AST/GLG/ Electives (6)
SES 410 Senior Exploration Project I (3)
SES 411 Senior Exploration Project II (3)
Required courses in other related fields include the following:
CHM 114 General Chemistry for Engineers (4)
MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I (3)
MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II (3)
MAT 267 Calculus for Engineers III (3)
MAT 275 Modern Differential Equations (3)
PHY 121 University Physics I: Mechanics SQ1 (3)
PHY 122 University Physics Laboratory I SQ1 (1)
PHY 131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism SQ2 (3)
PHY 132 University Physics Laboratory II SQ2 (1)
1Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure SQ credit.
2Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure SQ credit.