Courses of Study 2024-2025
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
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In the College of Engineering .
Course Offerings
Faculty
G. A. Abers, chair; W. D. Allmon, T. R. Ault, G. Barcheck, L. D. Brown, R. Culbgerg, A. T. DeGaetano, L. A. Derry, N. Fernandez, P. M. Fulton, E. Gazel, P. G. Hess, P. Hitchcock, K. Olson Hoal, M. Holycross, D. L. Hysell, K. M. Keranen, F. Lehner, R. B. Lohman, N. M. Mahowald, B.C. Monger, A. Pendergrass, M. E. Pritchard, S. C. Pryor, S. J. Riha, B. Schmidt, M. W. Wysocki
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
2102A Snee Hall
(607) 255-5466
www.eas.cornell.edu
The global-scale environmental challenges our society faces today demands a new generation of earth scientists who want to join in the effort to make a more sustainable planet. We work at spatial scales from atoms to solar systems and time scales from seconds to billions of years. Our aim is to understand the fundamental dynamics of our earth, ocean, and atmosphere in sufficient detail to fully reveal our planet’s past and to reliably predict its future. We study a wide range of topics that include paleontology, earthquakes, volcanos, geophysics, climate change, melting ice sheets and changes in global ocean ecosystems. EAS faculty members and graduate students carry out cutting-edge research on subjects as diverse as satellite monitoring of volcanic activity, the deep structure of the Andes Mountains and Tibetan Plateau, natural and man-made earthquakes, the nature of the earth’s ionosphere, global ocean ecosystems and climate change.
The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) major is the undergraduate program offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to Cornell students in the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We offer four concentrations within the EAS major: Environmental Science, Geological Science, Atmospheric Science and Ocean Science. Each concentration will prepare students with a tailored set of skills and provide the flexibility to choose different pathways depending on their interests.
An abundance of opportunities exists for geological, oceanographic, and climate research in the field and for nationwide and international travel as well as paid research experience. Students have worked with faculty members in the Andes, the Aleutians, the Rocky Mountains, the Atacama Desert, the Caribbean, Tibet, and Hawaii, and have spent a semester at sea in the Sea Semester Program. Students are also able to probe the ionosphere of Earth and the surface of Mars by utilizing techniques in remote sensing.
The EAS major provides a strong preparation for graduate school in any one of the earth sciences, such as climate science, geological science, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science. Students seeking employment with the B.A. or B.S. degree will have many options in a wide variety of careers related to energy, the environment, and critical resources in both the private sector and government. Students with the strong science background provided by the EAS major are also highly valued by graduate programs in environmental law, public affairs, economics, and public policy.
Earth and Atmospheric Science students learn to:
- Obtain working knowledge of scientific method.
- Discover the way that data are collected.
- Construct and evaluate scientific hypotheses from Earth sciences data.
- Design, conduct and analyze experiments to test hypotheses.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret field and laboratory data.
- Identify, formulate, and solve scientific problems using appropriate mathematical tools.
- Compile and interpret spatial and temporal earth science data.
- Explain and assess important concepts in the chosen concentration.
- Utilize computer systems and programming to find, analyze and present data and evaluate hypotheses.
- Communicate the earth sciences effectively in written and oral mediums.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in teams.
- Have a broad education, including liberal studies.
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Requirements for the Major
In addition to the major requirements indicated below, students must meet the appropriate college graduation requirements.
Students in the Colleges of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Arts & Sciences must complete a total of 120 credit hours to graduate in this major. Students in Engineering must complete a total of 122 credit hours to graduate in this major. All coursework for this major is in person, in Ithaca, unless otherwise noted.
1. Basic Math and Sciences
This part of the EAS curriculum builds a strong and diverse knowledge of fundamental science and mathematics, providing the student with the basic tools needed in upper-level science classes.
a. At Least Two Semesters of Mathematics
b. Two Semesters of Physics
c. Two Semesters of Chemistry
d. One Semester of Biology
e. One Advisor-Approved Course in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Natural Science
In addition to the math, physics, chemistry, and biology requirements listed above, students are required to take an advisor-approved course in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or natural science (including, but not limited to, a course in astronomy, a second course in biology, or an additional course in physics or chemistry). Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences must select a second course in biology.
2. Required Introductory Course
3. Concentrations in the EAS Major
Climate Science Concentration
The curriculum in Climate Science concentration emphasizes the scientific study of the behavior of climate and applications to the important practical problems of understanding how humans are modifying the climate system, the changing hazards caused by climate change, and the impacts of proposed mitigation efforts on the climate system. Students develop a fundamental understanding of the climate system, focused on the atmosphere and ocean, and develop skills to allow the analysis of changes in climate and their impacts on hazards such as extreme precipitation, drought, air quality, and the interactions with renewable energies. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in basic mathematics and science courses; core courses in atmospheric thermodynamics, atmospheric dynamics, and climate dynamics among a variety of Climate Science electives, including electives that teach students about how science and policy interact, as well as understanding the controversies and conclusions from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Climate Science Concentration Core Courses
Students must complete the following 3 core courses:
Climate Science Concentration Courses
Students must complete 5 concentration courses at the 3000-level or above. Students should speak with their advisor about which concentration courses are most appropriate for their program of study.
EAS 3530 - Physical Oceanography
Climate Science Concentration Field Course
Exposure to the basic observations of earth science in the field is necessary to fully understand the chosen area of concentration in the major. A minimum of 3 credits of appropriate coursework is required, although more experience with fieldwork is encouraged. The following field course is recommended:
Other field options:
- Field courses offered by another college or university*
- Experience gained participating in field research with Cornell faculty (or REU at another institution) *
- 3-semester credits of advisor-approved Independent Research (EAS 4910 /EAS 4920 ). Independent research must conclude with formal paper describing results and conclusions or else a poster or oral presentation of results presented at a public venue.
*Field course options marked by an asterisk (*) require pre-approval by the faculty advisor and the EAS Curriculum Committee. These courses/internships/REUs should require observations to be taken in the field and interpreted by the student. Field courses should generally require 40+ hours of active observation and data collection in the field. Students using a non-credit research option for the field course requirement are required to complete an additional EAS concentration course.
Environmental Science Concentration
The curriculum in the Environmental Science concentration focuses on the scientific study of the environment. Students in the Environmental Science concentration of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences develop knowledge and understanding necessary to characterize environmental conditions, make informed predictions about the future, and prevent or address environmental problems. Environmental problems can involve physical, chemical, and biologic processes within the air, water, rock, and soil, and thus often require multidisciplinary solutions. The curriculum for the Environmental Science concentration in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences prepares students to tackle these challenges through a strong foundation in basic math and science courses; core courses in Earth materials, environmental geophysics, and biogeochemistry; as well as elective concentration courses involving the fields of groundwater and surface water hydrology, biogeochemistry, the geology sediments and soils, and geophysical methods of characterization; and includes field course options that focus on building practical experience. Beyond coursework, students also often take advantage of opportunities for work experience through internships, undergraduate research projects, and environmental-themed project teams.
Environmental Science Concentration Core Courses
Students must complete the following 3 core courses:
Environmental Science Concentration Courses
Students must complete 5 concentration courses at the 3000-level or above. Students should speak with their advisor about which concentration courses are most appropriate for their program of study.
Environmental Science Concentration Field Courses
Exposure to the basic observations of earth science in the field is necessary to fully understand the chosen area of concentration in the major. A minimum of 3 credits of appropriate coursework is required, although more experience with fieldwork is encouraged. The following field course is recommended:
Other field options:
- Field courses offered by another college or university*
- Experience gained participating in field research with Cornell faculty (or REU at another institution) *
- 3-semester credits of advisor-approved Independent Research (EAS 4910 / EAS 4920 ). Independent research must conclude with formal paper describing results and conclusions or else a poster or oral presentation of results presented at a public venue.
*Field course options marked by an asterisk (*) require pre-approval by the faculty advisor and the EAS Curriculum Committee. These courses/internships/REUs should require observations to be taken in the field and interpreted by the student. Field courses should generally require 40+ hours of active observation and data collection in the field. Students using a non-credit research option for the field course requirement are required to complete an additional EAS concentration course.
Geological Sciences Concentration
Geological Science studies processes involved in Earth’s origin and evolution, its relationship with the solar system, and its structure and composition. Geological Science is also interconnected to society’s needs, including the responsible use of natural resources, preserving the environment, and studying and mitigating natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, etc.). With exponential population growth, we face the challenge of securing resources (water, minerals, food) sustainably. The concentration on Geological Science concentration focuses the Earth’s fundamental processes with numerical, analytical, field, and communications skills needed to conduct scientific research and work on solving some of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. The concentration requirements and flexibility to design your curriculum with many specialized concentration courses to choose from, and field and lab opportunities provide excellent preparation for graduate school and careers in the geoscience industry, sustainable use of resources, land use planning, material science, remote sensing, law, etc. The gorgeous landscape of New York’s Finger Lakes and the proximity to the Adirondack mountains provide natural laboratories to study geologic processes in the field as well as field opportunities abroad. The program features small classes with personalized mentorship offered by our world-class faculty.
Geological Sciences Concentration Core Courses
Students must complete the following 3 core courses:
Geological Science Concentration Courses
Students must complete 5 concentration courses at the 3000-level or above. Students should speak with their advisor about which concentration courses are most appropriate for their program of study.
Geological Science Concentration Field Courses
Exposure to the basic observations of Earth science in the field is necessary to fully understand the chosen area of concentration in the major. A minimum of 3 credits of appropriate coursework is required, although more experience with fieldwork is encouraged. The following field course is recommended:
- EAS 4370 - Field Geophysics
- Field courses offered by another college or university with pre-approval by the faculty advisor
- Experience gained participating in field research with Cornell faculty (or REU at another institution) with pre-approval by the faculty advisor.
Other field options:
- Field courses offered by another college or university*
- Experience gained participating in field research with Cornell faculty (or REU at another institution) *
- 3-semester credits of advisor-approved Independent Research (EAS 4910 / EAS 4920 ). Independent research must conclude with formal paper describing results and conclusions or else a poster or oral presentation of results presented at a public venue.
*Field course options marked by an asterisk (*) require pre-approval by the faculty advisor and the EAS Curriculum Committee. These courses/internships/REUs should require observations to be taken in the field and interpreted by the student. Field courses should generally require 40+ hours of active observation and data collection in the field. Students using a non-credit research option for the field course requirement are required to complete an additional EAS concentration course
Ocean Sciences Concentration
The field of ocean science encompasses four subdisciplines covering marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography, and biological oceanography. There is a strong interdisciplinary overlap among all four of these sub-disciplines. An EAS concentration in ocean sciences touches on all four subdisciplines but is often tailored to emphasize one of the sub-disciplines over the other three. Marine geology often involves the study of seafloor processes associated with plate tectonic motion (e.g., spreading centers and seafloor subduction). It may also address the issue of coastal erosion and the impact of sea-level rise on coastline stability. Marine chemistry involves the study of global-scale cycles of the major elements on earth such as carbon or nitrogen. Or it might involve the use of chemical tracers to delineate deep ocean water mass movements. More recently, this discipline has been in a race to understand human-caused ocean acidification and ocean de-oxygenation resulting from global warming. Physical oceanography is the study of fluid dynamics at geophysical scales. This involves the study of coastal wave dynamics, coastal upwelling, open-ocean eddies, air-sea exchanges of heat, freshwater and momentum or global-scale heat transport via meridional overturning circulation (aka, conveyor belt circulation). Biological oceanography is the study of marine food webs and their role in the global biogeochemical cycling of major elements. More recently, biological oceanographers have been in a race to understand the impacts of global warming and ocean acidification on marine ecosystems.
Ocean Sciences Concentration Core Courses
Students must complete the following 3 core courses:
Ocean Sciences Concentration Courses
Students must complete 5 concentration courses at the 3000-level or above. Students should speak with their advisor about which concentration courses are most appropriate for their program of study.
Ocean Sciences Field Courses
Exposure to the basic observations of earth science in the field is necessary to fully understand the chosen area of concentration in the major. A minimum of 3 credits of appropriate coursework is required, although more experience with fieldwork is encouraged. Students can choose from the following course options.
- Shoals Marine Lab Courses
- Sea Education Association Courses
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Courses
Other field options:
- Field courses offered by another college or university*
- Experience gained participating in field research with Cornell faculty (or REU at another institution) *
- 3-semester credits of advisor-approved Independent Research (EAS 4910 /EAS 4920 ). Independent research must conclude with formal paper describing results and conclusions or else a poster or oral presentation of results presented at a public venue.
*Field course options marked by an asterisk (*) require pre-approval by the faculty advisor and the EAS Curriculum Committee. These courses/internships/REUs should require observations to be taken in the field and interpreted by the student. Field courses should generally require 40+ hours of active observation and data collection in the field. Students using a non-credit research option for the field course requirement are required to complete an additional EAS concentration course.
4. Academic Standards
The criteria for good standing in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences major are as follows:
- Semester GPA ≥ 2.0
- Cumulative GPA ≥ 2.0
- At least C- in all required courses
- A minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
Please note: students must take all required courses for a letter grade.
Honors Program
An honors program is offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for qualified students. Students interested in applying should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the second semester of their junior year or very early in the first semester of their senior year. Minor Programs
The department offers three undergraduate minor programs. For more information about the major program or any of the minor programs please contact Annmarie Card, ac2666@cornell.edu, or visit www.eas.cornell.edu.
Offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Contact: 2102A Snee Hall, (607) 255-5466
A minor is a secondary area of interest that often complements a major and allows grouping of related electives in a meaningful way. Students typically need four to six courses to fulfill the requirements for a minor. EAS offers three undergraduate minor programs.
1. Atmospheric Science Minor
2. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Minor
A minor in Earth and atmospheric sciences is available to all undergraduates except those majoring in earth and atmospheric sciences. The minor requirements are as follows:
3. Climate Change Minor
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and dozens of courses at Cornell explore the many facets of a warming world—from impacts on farming and food, to the causes of climate change, from the potential of sustainable energy to replace fossil fuels, to the slow response of governments worldwide. The climate change minor gives students the opportunity to explore climate change from varied disciplinary perspectives while gaining a firm grounding in the basic physical, ecological, and social science as well as its interactions with history, philosophy and the arts. Based in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the minor is available to all Cornell undergraduates.
The minor is offered collaboratively with classes across campus coordinated by Peter Hess (BEE/CALS), Christy Goodale (EEB/A+S), Natalie Mahowald (EAS/ENG), and Karen Pinkus (COML/A+S). This coordinating committee can add or subtract courses from this list, based on proposals by professors or students. The minor is administered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
During your final semester (or earlier if you have already completed your minor requirements), you should submit a completed climate change minor certification form to Annmarie Card in 2102A Snee Hall for approval. We have an email list with special events for climate change minors, so please email us to put your name on the list. Please contact Annmarie Card with any questions about the minor certification process and to obtain the climate change minor certification form.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the physical mechanisms that underlie climate change and the drivers of uncertainty in the future climate projections.
- Recognize how climate forces changes in ecosystems and agriculture, and how these can further amplify or mitigate climate change forcings.
- Explain how humans interact with climate change, including historical, social science perspectives, mitigation and/or adaptation solutions.
- Synthesize and communicate the multi-disciplinary complexities and uncertainties in the possible solutions to climate change.
Contacts:
Curricular topics: Natalie Mahowald (nmm63@cornell.edu)
Administration: Annmarie Card (ac2666@cornell.edu)
Minor Requirements
Many courses across Cornell deal with the multi-facets of climate change. The minor is structured such that students without prerequisites can obtain the minor, thus enabling students from most any major at Cornell to obtain the minor.
This minor requires that students complete at least 18 credits of appropriate coursework as follows:
1. BEE 2000 Perspectives on the Climate Change Challenge (1 credit spring seminar consisting of public lectures on climate change)
2. At least one course in each of the following categories:
Category 1: Physical Science Behind Climate Change
Category 2: Ecosystems and Climate Change
Category 3: Humans and Climate Change
3. Additional courses to meet the 18 credit requirement, chosen from the broad list (Categories 1-4) below.
Only one course at the 1000 level can count for the minor, and at least 12 credits must be at the 3000 level or higher.
Note: Students enrolled before Fall 2022 can use the old minor requirements including courses.
Category 1: Physical Science Behind Climate Change
Category 2: Ecosystems, Water Resources and Climate Change
a. Water Resources
b. Ecosystems and Agriculture
Category 3: Humans and Climate Change
a. Economics and Policy
b. Understanding the Context
c. Solutions: Mitigation, Adaptation and Remediation
Category 4: Additional Climate Change Courses
Note:
Students should pay close attention to prerequisite information for all courses listed above.
If a student would like a new course to be considered for the minor, they should email Professor Natalie Mahowald (nmm63@cornell.edu) and Annmarie Card (ac2666@cornell.edu) with the course syllabus and a statement from the instructor indicating that at least 30% of the course content is about climate change. Only Cornell classes, and some transfer classes, count towards the minor. AP credit cannot be used towards the minor. No more than 3 unstructured credits can count towards the minor.
Academic Standards
At least C- in courses taken for a letter grade, or, for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses, Satisfactory.
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