Program Overview

Earth System Science Program

The Earth System Science Program was established in 1997, combining courses from the College of Science's Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Geosciences, Department of Geography, and Institute of Oceanography, as well as the College of Bioresources and Agriculture and the College of Life Science. This interdisciplinary program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's systems and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Program Description

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex environmental issues facing the world today. The curriculum includes courses in Earth system science, ecology, and system integration, providing students with a broad understanding of the Earth's systems and the interactions between human and natural systems.

Course Planning and Application

• The program's course planning is overseen by the program's promotion and planning committee, and the Global Change Research Center is responsible for announcing the course plan.
• Students who wish to enroll in the program must take at least 20 credits of courses from the program's curriculum, including at least 3 credits from the "Earth System" course group, 3 credits from the "Ecology" course group, and 3 credits from the "System Integration" course group.
• Students must also take at least two advanced courses, which can be counted towards the program's total credits.
• The program is open to students with formal academic status at the university, and the application process is held once per semester, with a maximum of 30 students accepted per semester.

Course Curriculum

The program's course curriculum includes a range of courses in Earth system science, ecology, and system integration, including:

• Earth System Science:
  • Introduction to Atmospheric Science
  • Introduction to Geology
  • Introduction to Geography
  • Hydrology
  • Deep-Sea Exploration
• Ecology:
  • Ecology
  • Climate Change and Environmental Ecology
  • Environmental Ecology
  • Population Ecology and Fisheries Resources Sustainability
  • Biological Oceanography
• System Integration:
  • Human Geography
  • Natural Geography
  • Environmental Resource Conservation and Management
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Advanced Courses

The program also offers a range of advanced courses, including:

• Earth System Science:
  • Atmospheric Dynamics
  • Weather Science
  • Climate Science
  • Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry
  • Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate
• Ecology:
  • Ecological Conservation and Management
  • Climate Change and Environmental Ecology
• System Integration:
  • Environmental Resource Conservation and Management
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Development
  • Statistical Ecology and Programming Language Application
  • Marine Ecology
  • Marine Pollution

General Education Courses

The program also offers a range of general education courses, including:

• Earth System Science:
  • Weather and Climate
  • Introduction to Ocean Science
  • Climate and Ocean

Program Requirements

• Students must complete at least 20 credits of courses from the program's curriculum.
• Students must take at least two advanced courses, which can be counted towards the program's total credits.
• Students must maintain a passing grade in all courses taken as part of the program.

Program Benefits

The Earth System Science Program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's systems and the impact of human activities on the environment. The program's interdisciplinary approach and range of courses equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex environmental issues facing the world today. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in environmental science, conservation, and sustainability.