***Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for the list of available courses by semester.***

Note that syllabi are recent examples and are subject to minor changes each semester. GT log-in required.

EAS1600 Introduction to Environmental Science 

An introduction to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere as well as how each component interact with the others and influences Earth's climate. [non-majors syllabus] [majors syllabus] [summer syllabus]

EAS1601 Habitable Planet

An exploration of the history of the solar system and the Earth as the one currently known example of a habitable planet—one that can support living organisms. We will consider how stars, elements, and planets form, the important planetary processes that brought about the Earth as it was when life arose, and the factors that shape the planet we live on today. [syllabus]

EAS2551 Introduction to Meteorological Analysis

An introduction to analysis of forecasting data and model output. Pre-requisite: EAS 2750 or PHYS 2750 [syllabus]

EAS2600 Earth Processes

An introduction to earth materials and processes that shape the landscape, cause natural hazards, influence climate change, and produce natural resources. [majors syllabus]

EAS2655 Quantitative Techniques for EAS

Integrated course in mathematical, physical, and computing techniques for application in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. The objective of this course is to master practical application of basic statistics and differential equations as a set of tools to investigate Earth Science problems. Pre-requisite: CS 1301 or CS 1371 AND MATH 2551 [syllabus]

EAS2750 Physics of the Weather

An exploration on the basic physical and dynamical principles driving meteorological phenomena on a variety of space and time scales, including Earth’s seasons, climate differences between locations, thunderstorms (including severe weather hazards), hurricanes, extratropical cyclones, precipitation types and more mundane phenomena such as non-precipitating clouds, fog, prevailing wind directions, and even clear skies. Students will apply scientific principles to develop an understanding of meteorological phenomena through learning meteorological theory and analysis of “real” data (e.g. time series and observational data, forecast data (both from Numerical Weather Predication models as well as AI/ML-driven forecasting), weather maps, and sounding data. Cross listed with PHYS 2750. [syllabus]

EAS3001 WxChallenge Forecasting Seminar

Students actively participate in facilitating weather discussions and participating in the WxChallenge national forecasting competition. Guest speakers within meteorology and the atmospheric sciences may visit to lead guest discussions and discuss career or graduate school opportunities. [syllabus]

EAS3110 Environment, Energy, & Society

EAS3603 Earth System Thermodynamics

An introduction to the thermodynamics of the Earth and atmosphere, in which thermodynamic principles are applied to problems with relevance to earth science, aquatic chemistry, environmental science, and atmospheric science. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2211 AND MATH 2551 [syllabus]

EAS3610 Introduction to Geophysics

An introduction to visualizing and understanding earth history, structure, and dynamics through geophysical methods including seismology, gravity, magnetism, heat flow, geochronology, and geodesy. Pre-requisite: EAS 2600 AND PHYS 2211 or PHYS 2231 [syllabus]

EAS3803 Natural Hazards *NEW*

An introduction to the physical underpinnings of the major natural geologic and climate-related hazards, as well as strategies to mitigate damage to life, the environment and infrastructure to maximize long-term sustainability. Synthesis of many components of Earth sciences (including geology, oceanography, and climatology) to understand the varied contributions that influence regional susceptibilities to hazards, including event severity, frequency, and impact on economics, regulations, and monitoring may have on the community. [syllabus]

EAS4101 EAS Career Development

An interactive class providing skills and strategies for identifying a preferred career path and conducting a successful job search. Students will learn to network effectively to advance career goals, the fundamentals of good interviewing, how to create a high impact resume, and how to "pitch" their career goals. [syllabus]

EAS4200 Structural Geology and Continuum Mechanics

Structural geology and continuum mechanics for scientists and civil engineers. Stress and strain in rocks; faults, joints and folds; basic field mapping; laboratory exercises. Pre-requisite: EAS 2600 AND PHYS 2211 [syllabus]

EAS4205 Geomorphology 

This course offers a quantitative overview of the processes shaping Earth and planetary surfaces, with a focus on predictive models and modern methods for measuring landscape change across timescales. Students engage in field trips, Matlab-based labs, and outdoor exercises while exploring topics such as tectonic geomorphology, river dynamics, glacial processes, weathering, and landscape dating techniques. Pre-requisite: EAS 2600 AND PHYS 2212 [syllabus]

EAS4220 Environmental Geochemistry

An overview of the fundamental geochemical principles controlling distribution of chemical elements on Earth and the solar system, covering basics of thermodynamics, kinetics, activity, solubility, carbonate chemistry, pH, alkalinity, aqueous speciation, weathering and adsorption, redox, crystal field theory, stable isotopes, and radiogenic isotopes. Includes semester-long term paper or video project. Pre-requisite: MATH 1552 AND CHEM 1212K [syllabus]

EAS4221 Environmental Geochemistry Lab

Lab and field exploration of the chemical, biological, and geological processes controlling the distribution of chemical nutrients and pollutants in aquatic and soil environments. Includes campus and local field trips to collect samples, which are analyzed throughout the semester, followed by a group poster presentation of results. Provides basic training in wet chemical techniques and quantitative skills in a chemistry lab (e.g. making standards and quantitative solutions, calibration methods) and analytical methods (ion-selective electrodes, ion chromatography, gas chromatography, flame atomic absorption, titration, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry). Pre-requisite: MATH 1552 AND CHEM 1212K [syllabus]

EAS4224 Mineral Surface Geochemistry

Examination of chemical reactions at mineral-fluid interfaces, which control the movement of nutrients, carbon, metals, and contaminants on Earth and other planets. Students will study mineral surface properties, element distribution in solutions, and relevant analytical techniques. Pre-requisite: CHEM 1211K [syllabus]

EAS4300 Oceanography

An introduction to the ocean sciences, with particular focus on the role of the ocean in the geological, biological, chemical, physical, climatic, and human aspects of the Earth system. Covers the origin of the ocean basins, marine sedimentation, properties of seawater, ocean circulation, aspects of marine ecology and biological productivity, and additional interdisciplinary aspects of oceanography. [syllabus]

EAS4305 Physical and Chemical Oceanography

Study of the dynamics of large-scale ocean circulation, air-sea interaction and their roles in biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nutrients. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2212 AND CHEM 1212K [syllabus]

EAS4312 Geodynamics

This course is a quantitative discussion of the physical properties of earth materials and dynamic processes in the solid Earth. We will cover topics in stress and strain, elasticity and texture, heat transfer, gravity, fluid mechanics, rock rheology, and crustal faulting as mechanisms and consequences of plate tectonics. [syllabus]

EAS4314 Seismology

Introduction to elastic wave propagation, and studies of the solid Earth's interior and earthquake source from seismic waves. Credit not allowed for both EAS 4314 and EAS 6314. Pre-requisite: EAS 3610 [syllabus]

EAS4316 Earthquake Physics

The course consists of a series of lectures and discussions on the fundamental physical processes that control fault slips and earthquakes with a focus on the latest emerging research topics in the field. Pre-requisite: EAS 3610 [syllabus]

EAS4331 Physical Volcanology

Volcanic eruptions transfer mass and gases from deep within the planet, rapidly altering landscapes and affecting the atmosphere. This course explores magma’s journey from the mantle through the crust to eruption, covering the fluid dynamics of magma flows and explosive eruptions. [syllabus]

EAS4350 Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography

Exploration of the history of the earth’s climate and how paleoclimate studies can help us learn more about the workings of the climate system and associated biogeochemical cycles. Pre-requisite: EAS 1600, EAS 4300, OR EAS 4305 [syllabus]

EAS4370 Physics of Planets

Study of the forces and influences that determine the composition, structure and evolution of the planets in our solar system. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2212 AND MATH 2552 [syllabus]

EAS4380 Land Remote Sensing

This course will cover the broad spectrum of techniques for making remote measurements of the composition, morphology, and thermophysical properties of solid surfaces on Earth and other planetary bodies. Both the physics underlying the techniques and their applications to a range of problems of interest will be discussed. Students will gain experience accessing, processing and interpreting remote sensing data, and will acquire an understanding of which techniques are most useful for answering particular scientific questions about a range of land environments. [syllabus]

EAS4410 Climate and Global Change

An exploration of the physical science that controls how atmospheric greenhouse gases affect global climate. Students will look at the problem of climate change from multiple angles to understand the complexity of climate science. [syllabus]

EAS4420 Environmental Field Methods

Semester-long focus on single environmental project in the local area. Chemical and physical techniques for parameterizing environmental problems, data analysis, report writing, and interpretation of results in societal context. Pre-requisite: EAS 2600 and (EAS 4200 or EAS 4656 or EAS 4221) and EAS 3610 or (EAS 4220 or EAS 4305 or EAS 4370 or EAS 4655 or EAS 4740) [syllabus - atmos sci section]

EAS4440 Mesoscale Meteorology 

Mesoscale meteorology focuses on the study of weather phenomena on spatial and temporal scales that are smaller than synoptic meteorology features but generally larger than cumulus-scale phenomena. Course topics can include: mesoscale instabilities, mesoscale frontal dynamics, and deep moist convection (e.g., severe weather). Pre-requisite: EAS2750 [syllabus]

EAS4450 Synoptic Meteorology

Synoptic meteorology traditionally refers to the analysis of weather at a specific period of time, with that analysis being accomplished through the investigation observed surface and tropospheric weather data. Pre-requisite: EAS 2750 or PHYS 2750 AND EAS 4655 [syllabus]

EAS4460 Satellite and Radar Meteorology

Learn about how satellites and radars "work" and to apply these technologies to observing (and even forecasting) hazardous atmospheric phenomena, through a combination of theory and a series of "case study" events with emphasis on the application of these technologies. Pre-requisite: EAS 2750 or PHYS 2750 [blog] [syllabus]

EAS4470 Large Scale Atmospheric Circulation 

An introduction to the phenomenology and dynamics of large-scale atmospheric variations in the tropical regions having time scales of a month and longer. Overview of the basic characteristics, underlying physics, and status of several large-scale atmospheric phenomena. Students also learn by experimenting with an atmospheric circulation model. Pre-requisite: EAS 4655 [syllabus]

EAS4480 Environmental Data Analysis

This course is to equips students with statistical, time series, and machine-learning (ML) analysis skills apply to environmental challenges. Through practical examples and MATLAB demonstrations, students gain hands-on experience in analyzing research data from atmospheric and earth sciences. The course emphasizes the practical application of these methods in data processing and interpretation, complementing lectures with hands-on exercises and an independent student project where students apply data analysis to environmental data. Pre-requisite: CS 1301 or CS 1371  AND  MATH 1553 or MATH 1554 [syllabus]

EAS4490 Geophysical Field Methods

Semester-long development of basic field skills, specific geophysical skills, and synthesis of multiple geophysical datasets to answer fundamental geological questions, including production of a professional quality report that presents field data in a cohesive narrative. Includes a spring break field trip to the southwestern US. [syllabus]

EAS4525 Introduction to Weather Risk and Catastrophe Modeling 

An overview of the physics and dynamics behind different types of hazardous weather and climate phenomena at various temporal and spatial scales., and an introduction to mathematical modeling tools to quantify and manage the risks associated with these phenomena, including methodology of catastrophe modelling for assessing financial risk associated with hazards weather and climate phenomena. [syllabus]

EAS4602 Biogeochemical Cycles

Physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that control global biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, metals, halogens, and oxygen, and have maintained Earth as a habitable planet throughout its history, based on Earth system science and focused on discussion of foundational review papers. Pre-requisite: EAS 4220 and EAS 4221 and BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1520 [syllabus]

EAS4610 Earth System Modelling

Covers the fundamentals of numerical methods and their application to problems in Earth sciences. Course content includes differential equations (ordinary and partial), integrals, root-finding and linear algebra. Pre-requisite: CS 1301 or CS 1371 AND MATH 2551 AND MATH 2552 [syllabus]

EAS4611 Earth System Evolution

Exploration of how the Earth system has evolved over time, placed in the broader context of dynamic planetary habitability, with Earth viewed as an integrated system, considering the forcings and interactions that structure relationships between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2211 AND CHEM 1212K [syllabus]

EAS4651 NWS Practical Internship

This course is an internship collaboration with the National Weather Service Peachtree City, GA office. Students will work with one or more members of the NWS office on a term research project. Students will be required to work at the NWS office or remotely and/or in-person about 9 hours per week (hours vary depending on discussion with NWS personnel and course instructor). Must have approval in advance. Pre-requisite: EAS 2750 or PHYS 2750 AND EAS 4655 [syllabus]

EAS4655 Atmospheric Dynamics

Advance understanding of the atmosphere to the next level by learning how to apply calculus and physics towards understanding of the fundamental laws and principles that govern the Earth’s atmosphere and can readily be applied to Earth’s oceans as well as similar atmospheric and oceanic fluid bodies on other planetary bodies. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2211 AND MATH 2551 AND MATH 2552 [syllabus]

EAS4656 Atmospheric Dynamics Practicum

Students learn to apply meteorological analysis tools to atmospheric observations to interpret the structure and dynamics of historical and real-time weather events. Pre-requisite: PHYS 2211 AND MATH 2551 AND MATH 2552 [syllabus]

EAS4670 Atmospheric Dynamics II

This course emphasizes physical concepts and analytic techniques for solving problems in atmospheric instabilities and wave dynamics at various temporal and spatial scales. Pre-requisite: EAS4655 [syllabus]

EAS4690 Glacier Dynamics

This course covers the fundamentals of glacier and ice-sheet dynamics and their application to problems in sea level, paleoclimate, and planetary science. Course content includes glacier mass balance, the material properties and rheology of ice, the basic equations of ice-sheet and -shelf flow, basal processes, the stability and history of ice sheets. Pre-requisite: EAS4655 [syllabus]

EAS4699 Undergraduate Research

Research with EAS faculty. To learn how to get involved click here.

EAS4740 Atmospheric Chemistry

Provides a general chemical description of the Earth atmospheric system with a major focus on the two lowest layers of the atmosphere, i.e., the troposphere and the stratosphere. Pre-requisite: EAS 3603 AND (CHEM 1310 or CHEM 3411)  AND MATH 2551 AND PHYS 2211 [syllabus]

EAS4755 Sea Level Rise and Global Geotechnics

Covers the fundamentals of modern sea level science, and the application to the pressing issue of sea level rise which impacts coastal infrastructure, including introduction to engineering-relevant definitions of sea level, flooding, past drivers of sea level change, modern measurement techniques for sea level, drivers of current sea level change, and future projections of sea level rise. Includes a community-based learning to the coast. Pre-requisite: CS 1301 or CS1371 [syllabus]

EAS4801 Planetary Science & Astrobiology Seminar

The aim of this course is to expose students to the diversity of research areas that encompass astrobiology and planetary science, and to enhance the communication between astrobiologists, planetary scientists, engineers, and other space enthusiasts on campus. Each week an invited speaker (internal or external)  will present on a topic related to astrobiology and/or planetary science for 40-45 minutes, with time for questions and discussion. [syllabus] 

EAS4802 Seminal Papers in Astrobiology

A seminar-style course in which students give a presentation about a seminal paper in the field of astrobiology and complete a science communication project to explore the range of disciplines comprising astrobiology, strengthen their skills at written and oral communication, and engage cross-disciplinary learning beyond their field of expertise. [syllabus] 

EAS4803 Space Instrumentation for Life Detection

An exploration of the interdisciplinary foundations of space instrument development focusing on the search for life beyond Earth, including methods of sample analysis, including fluid handling, and analytical methods for life detection in the context of specific mission scenarios. Group projects will involve modifying, building, or modeling a life detection instrument or supporting hardware. Enrollment is restricted via permits. Please contact the course instructor for more information at cecarr@gatech.edu. [syllabus] 

EAS4803 Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences

Comprehensive introduction to a broad range of machine learning techniques, with a particular emphasis on their applications in earth systems and environmental sciences. Students will engage with both foundational and advanced algorithms, applying them to analyze complex earth and environmental datasets and solve critical real-world challenges. [syllabus] 

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