Abstract

The MSU School of Engineering plans to establish an undergraduate Earth system science program in which students will receive hands-on experience and training in research, using geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing.  Special workshops during the summer will teach students to utilize GIS and remote sensing technologies in real world problems.
 
The primary goal of the program will be to increase the number of highly trained minority and under-represented individuals in Earth system and global change sciences, and encourage them to choose careers in Earth system science.
 
The program will develop two courses in Earth system and global change sciences for undergraduate and graduate students.  The difference between the courses will be breadth, depth, and applications.  The courses will include the following sections:
*    Fundamentals of remote sensing
*    Image processing
*    Fundamentals of GIS
*    Introduction to GPS
*    Soil and water conservation
*    Introduction to marine science
*    Environmental Science/Weather
*    Weather prediction and simulation
*    Computational modeling.
 
The courses will have three modules, each with its own theme.  For example:
 
Module 1: GreenLinks.  Students will learn about the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere as it relates to Earth system and global change science.   Sections of the northern Chesapeake Bay, the Montebello Lake, and sections of the Herring Run River will be used as the study area for themodule.  Students will carry out measurements, observations, and analysis of biotic and abiotic features.
 
Module 2: Desperate Step Disparate Scales.  This module will introduce students to the concepts, principles, and methodologies of multi-disciplinary fields of study.  They will use GIS, GPS, and remote sensing techniques to study selected biophysical processes on different spatial and temporal scales.
 
Module 3: Optimum Solutions.  This module will focus on solving environmental problems.  Multi-approach solutions will be emphasized for resolving incidents/problems in the biosphere with minimal negative impact on the environment.
 
This is planned as a 4-credit course; three for lecture, one for seminar.