Undergraduate Field Study in Earth and Environmental Science
Earth and Environmental Science (EES) undergraduate students can choose from a series of field-based modules to learn critical skills that align their degree program with career opportunities available to graduates of our majors.
B.S. Geology majors are required to complete 5 to 6 credits of field study as part of their major. This requirement may be satisfied through Temple EES field modules, an external field course taken outside Temple University, or a combination of the two.
B.S. Environmental Science majors can take advantage of field course opportunities by combining at least 3 credits of Temple EES field modules to satisfy Land Elective course requirements.
Requirements
All EES field modules require prior completion of EES 2001 Physical Geology. Several field modules have additional prerequisites.
There are currently seven courses that may be used for EES field study credits.
- All listed courses may count toward the 5-6 credit Field Course requirement for B.S. Geology majors.
- Courses marked with an * in the course list below may be used toward Land Elective credits for B.S. Environmental Science majors. Approved courses for Environmental Science majors vary by Concentration; students should consult the Undergraduate Bulletin and EES faculty advisors regarding options for their specific Concentration.
Field Course Modules
EES 2031*. Introduction to Field Methods in the Earth and Environmental Sciences (1 credit)
This half semester (7-week) course offers an introduction to various field methods.
EES 2032*. Environmental Sensors (1 credit)
This two-week summer intensive course provides hands-on experience with implementing field-sensor systems to monitor the environment for research and citizen science projects.
EES 3015*. Drone Short Course (1 credit)
This course offers a short introduction to the use of drones, otherwise known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); it does not provide certification to become a drone pilot.
EES 3031. Field Study in Paleontology (2 credits)
This half semester (7-week) course offers an opportunity to learn and refine skills in lithologic description and stratigraphic mapping as well as basic paleontological field excavation and data collection techniques.
EES 3032*. Field and Laboratory Methods in Environmental Geochemistry (2 credits)
This course provides training in fundamental principles of geochemistry, sampling and analytical techniques, and field report preparation, as they apply to environmental problems.
EES 4031*. Appalachian Tectonics (2 credits)
This two-week summer intensive course applies classroom and laboratory training from other EES courses to solve geological problems in the field to build understanding of the formation and erosion of the Appalachian mountains.
EES 4589. Field Geology (2 to 6 credits)
This external summer course trains students in the techniques and methodologies of field geology. This course number is not used for courses offered through Temple University. Students must seek prior permission to take a course at a different institution through the Petition to Take a Course at Another Institution. Course selection must be approved by an EES faculty advisor.
Support for Earth and Environmental Science Majors
EES undergraduate students can request financial support for summer field courses. Support is available up to the equivalent value of 2 in-state tuition credits.
Each student requesting summer financial support must first consult with an EES faculty advisor, and submit documentation regarding which course is being requested, and a syllabus if the course is external to Temple University and being used for EES 4589.
To submit a financial support request, please complete this form.