Earth System Science EARTHSS

EARTHSS 1 Introduction to Earth System Science

Units

4

(II and VA.)

Covers the origin and evolution of the Earth, its atmosphere, and oceans, from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles, energy use, and human impacts on the Earth system.

Offered: Fall 2026 (6 sections)

EARTHSS 2 Coding for Climate

Units

4

(II)

Introduction to computing in the context of Earth's climate and through the lens of Python.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 3 Oceanography

Units

4

(II and Va)

Examines circulation of the world oceans and ocean chemistry as it relates to river, hydrothermal vent, and atmospheric inputs. Geological features, the wide variety of biological organisms, and global climate changes, such as greenhouse warming, are also studied.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 5 The Atmosphere

Units

4

(II and VA.)

The composition and circulation of the atmosphere with a focus on explaining the fundamentals of weather and climate. Topics include solar and terrestrial radiation, clouds, and weather patterns.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 7 Physical Geology

Units

4

(II and VA.)

Introduction to Earth materials and processes. Topics include rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, Earth surface processes, Earth resources, geologic time, and Earth history. Laboratory work involves hands-on study of geologic materials, maps, and exercises pertaining to geologic processes. Materials Fee

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 15 Introduction to Global Climate Change

Units

4

(II and (VA or VIII).)

Introduction of scientific, technological, environmental, economic, and social aspects underlying the threat and understanding of global climate change. Human and natural drivers of climate. Impacts of climate on natural, managed, and human systems, including their vulnerability and ability to adapt.

Offered: Fall 2026 (5 sections)

EARTHSS 17 Hurricanes, Tsunamis, and Other Catastrophes

Units

4

Overlaps with PUBHLTH 90

(II and (VA or VIII).)

Introduction to the basic science and state of predictability of various natural catastrophic events including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, floods, hurricanes, fires, and asteroid impacts and their interactions and implications with human society in the U.S. and globally.

Offered: Fall 2026 (4 sections)

EARTHSS 21 On Thin Ice: Climate Change and the Cryosphere

Units

4

(II and (VA or VIII).)

Introduction of the basic science that governs the cryosphere and its interaction with the climate system. Covers some of the significant economic, sociological, and political consequences of the recent melting of the cryosphere driven by anthropogenic climate change.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 23 Air Pollution: From Urban Smog to Global Change

Units

4

(II and (VA or VIII).)

Air pollution occurs on regional to global scales. A wide range of air pollution sources and physical, chemical, and meteorological sciences behind air pollution are introduced. The consequences of air pollution to our society are also discussed.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 40A Earth System Chemistry

Units

4

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

(II and VA.)

To understand the cycling of matter on Earth, we need to learn about the chemistry of elements and molecules in the environment. Introduces students to the understanding of how chemical principles apply in context to their everyday lives.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 40B Earth System Biology

Units

4

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

(II)

Earth System Science is a highly interdisciplinary field that requires knowledge of various components of the Earth as a system, including the biosphere. Students are introduced to several fundamental principles of biology, from the smallest cells to the largest ecosystems.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 40C Earth System Physics

Units

4

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

(II and VA.)

Covers the fundamental physical forces and laws that affect the Earth system, such as electromagnetic radiation and energy transfer, atmospheric and ocean dynamics. Also covers aspects of physics related to environmental issues, such as electricity generation and transmission.

Offered: Fall 2026 (3 sections)

EARTHSS 45 New Student Seminar

Units

1

Grading Option: Pass/Not Pass only

Restrictions: Environmental Science majors and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment. New students only (freshman, transfer, and change of major)

Weekly meetings led by faculty, current students, and staff, to provide information on the Department of Earth System Science, campus resources, and special programs and opportunities. Designed for students who recently joined the Earth System Science and Environmental Science majors.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 50 Introduction to Computational Problem Solving with Python

Units

4

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors only

Introduction to computation for mathematical problem solving in the physical sciences. Through computational problem-solving exercises, students gain fluency in using different representations of mathematical, geometrical, and physical objects in a computational setting.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 51 Land Interactions

Units

4

Corequisite

CHEM 1C

Restrictions: Environmental Science majors and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

The role of terrestrial processes in the Earth system. Provides an introduction to ecosystem processes that regulate the cycling of energy, water, carbon, and nutrients. Analysis of the impact of human activities. Materials Fee

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 53 The Ocean System

Units

4

Prerequisite

CHEM 1C

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Offers an interdisciplinary and quantitative overview of oceanographic concepts, examining geological, chemical, physical, and biological processes and Earth system interactions. Topics include ocean origins, plate tectonics, marine sediments, seawater chemistry, circulation, life, biogeochemical cycles, and climate interactions.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 55 Earth's Atmosphere

Units

4

Prerequisite

(MATH 2B or MATH 5B) and (PHYSICS 3B or PHYSICS 7C)

Corequisite

PHYSICS 3B or PHYSICS 7C

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Composition, physics, and circulation of Earth's atmosphere with an emphasis on explaining the role of atmospheric processes in shaping the climate system. Topics include atmospheric composition, the global energy balance, radiative transfer and climate, atmospheric circulation, and climate sensitivity.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 70A Sustainable Energy Systems

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 40C (may be taken concurrently) or PHYSICS 3C (may be taken concurrently) or PHYSICS 7E (may be taken concurrently)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Addresses how modern energy services can be provided sustainably and the challenges and barriers that must be overcome. Major environmental issues are discussed, such as climate change, air pollution, and resource demands.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 70B Sustainable Food and Water Systems

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 40B or (BIO SCI 93 and BIO SCI 94)

Corequisite

EARTHSS 40B

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors, Environmental Science majors, and Environmental Science and Policy majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Explores the biophysical underpinnings of food production, the history of agricultural development, and a range of environmental issues facing agricultural systems, including water management, climate change, and land use.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 112 Global Climate Change and Impacts

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Observations over the 20th century show extensive changes in atmospheric composition, climate and weather, and biological systems that have paralleled industrial growth. Evidence of globally driven changes in these biogeochemical systems is studied, including projected impacts over the 21st century.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 114 Earth System Science Laboratory and Field Methods

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Introduction to methods used to measure exchange of gases and energy between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. Laboratories include data acquisition and isotopic and chromatographic analysis. Field measurements at UCI's Marsh Reserve include microclimate, hydrology, trace-gas exchange, and plant growth. Materials Fee

Offered: Fall 2026 (5 sections)

EARTHSS 115 Aquatic Field Methods

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Students design sampling plans, conduct field research techniques, and carry out data analyses that are relevant to aquatic field research. Aquatic field sites covered in the course include marine, estuarine, and fluvial systems. Materials Fee

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 116 Introduction to Environmental Data Science

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Analysis and interpretation of geophysical data, including functional fitting, probability density functions, and multidimensional time-series methods, with applications in atmospheric, oceanic, and biogeochemical sciences.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 118 Analysis, Modeling, and Visualization of Multidimensionnal Environmental Data

Units

4

Prerequisite

I&C SCI 31 or EARTHSS 116

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Students learn programming and numerical methods in Python with applications in Earth System Science and ecology. Topics include regression, uncertainty and significance, the development of simple box models, and the visualization of multi-dimensional climate and satellite datasets.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 122 Atmospheric Dynamics

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 55 and (PHYSICS 7C or PHYSICS 3B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science majors and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Fluid dynamical processes that determine the large-scale flow of the atmosphere and ocean. Most important are interactions between the density stratification and the Coriolis force associated with Earth's rotation. Topics include circulation, vorticity, planetary waves, and their role in climate.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 124 Weather Analysis

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 55 or EARTHSS 40C or (PHYSICS 3A and PHYSICS 3B and PHYSICS 3C) or (PHYSICS 7C and PHYSICS 7E)

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Provides an overview of weather systems in midlatitudes and tropics. The fundamental dynamics possible for these weather systems are described. Elementary weather analysis and forecasting techniques are introduced.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 125 Global Climate System: Processes and Change

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55 and EARTHSS 116 (may be taken concurrently)

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Process-based study of Earth’s climate system, emphasizing coupling between atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere. Covers energy balance, circulation, feedbacks, past climates, and modeling, applying theory and data to understand climate change and inform decision-making.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 130 Physical Oceanography

Units

4

Prerequisite

(PHYSICS 7C or PHYSICS 3B) and EARTHSS 53

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Physical processes that determine the distribution of water properties such as salt and temperature. Fluid-dynamical underpinnings of physical oceanography. Wave motions. The wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Similarities and differences between ocean and atmosphere dynamics.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 132 Terrestrial Hydrology

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 40C and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Comprehensive treatment of modern conceptual and methodological approaches to hydrological science. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes with quantitative representation, approaches to measurement, and treatment of uncertainty. Components of the hydrological cycle and their linkages within the coupled Earth system.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 133 Soil: It's the Good Dirt

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors only

An introduction to the critical role soils play in sustaining land ecosystems and humans. Covers how soils form and how human actions contribute to the pollution and loss but also the health and productivity of soils.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 134 Fundamentals of GIS for Environmental Science

Units

5

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topics include fundamentals of cartography, creating/editing GIS data, linking spatial and tabular data, georeferencing, map projections, geospatial analysis, spatial statistics, and the development of GIS models. Examples from hydrology, ecology, and geology.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 135W Advanced Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Science

Units

5

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 134

(Ib)

Explores advanced GIS applications including geographic data analysis, spatial modeling, remote sensing, and time series analysis. Develops skills in documenting, analyzing, and communicating in the environmental sciences.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 137 Terrestrial Ecosystems and Biogeochemistry

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 51

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Examines biological and chemical processes regulating terrestrial ecosystems and nutrient cycles. Topics include soil organic matter, plant–atmosphere interactions, disturbance, land-use change, and climate feedbacks, with emphasis on how human activity alters ecosystem function across scales.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 138 Satellite Remote Sensing for Earth System Science

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Satellite remote sensing data are increasingly used to study the Earth system. Provides an overview of the principles behind remote sensing, and the types of satellite data available for study of the oceans, land, and atmosphere.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 140 Advanced Geology

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 51 or EARTHSS 70B

Overlaps with EARTHSS 7

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Introduces students to the geological processes which have formed and continue to shape the Earth. Topics include geological time, minerals and the rock cycle, plate tectonics and associated geological hazards, earth resources, and earth surface processes. Materials Fee

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 141 Air Quality Management

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 40A and EARTHSS 40B and EARTHSS 40C

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Fundamental science and terminology of regional air quality issues and developing and implementing the strategies used to prevent and mitigate air pollution impacts. Topics include setting regional air quality goals, applying measurements and numerical models, cost/benefits analysis, evaluation and enforcement.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 142 Atmospheric Chemistry

Units

4

Prerequisite

(CHEM 1C or CHEM M2C or CHEM H2C or CHEM M3C) and (PHYSICS 3C or PHYSICS 7E) and (MATH 2B or MATH 5B or AP Calculus BC with a minimum score of 4)

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include processes controlling the lifetime and reaction pathways of chemicals in the atmosphere, the role of the atmosphere in biogeochemical cycles, and interactions between atmospheric chemistry and the physical climate system.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 144 Marine Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 53 or CHEM 51C

Restrictions: Environmental Science majors, Earth System Science majors, and School of Physical Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment

Processes controlling the major and minor element composition of seawater and element distributions in the ocean. Gas exchange, carbon dioxide system, stable isotopes, radionuclides as tracers and chronometers, particle fluxes, organic geochemistry, sediment geochemistry, global cycles of biogeochemically important elements.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 146 Consequences of Air Pollution

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 40C and EARTHSS 70A)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

From public health to the global climate system, this course explores the impacts of air pollution from the beginning of human history to current and emerging issues. Scientific concepts behind air pollution and solutions are discussed.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 148 Marine Ecosystems and Global Change

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 53 or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Presents an overview of marine ecosystem structure, diversity, and processes in the context of global change, including the impacts of climate warming, ocean acidification, marine fisheries, and anthropogenic additions of nutrients and pollutants.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 154 Ecosystem Services

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B) or (EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55)

Covers what ecosystem services are, how to classify them, what the impacts of land degradation are on ecosystem services, how to quantify and value them, and the importance of mainstreaming ecosystem services in decision-making.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 156 The Future of Forests

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B) or (EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55)

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Introduces students to the determinants of global forest distribution; ecosystem services associated with forest functioning; threats to forests resulting from climate and land-use change; and, opportunities for conserving natural forests in the near future.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 162 The Impact of Climate Change on California's Landscape

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B)

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors, Environmental Science majors, and Environmental Science and Policy majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Overview of anticipated impacts of climate change on California's landscape. Includes projections of future climate; anticipated impacts on ecology, hydrology, wildfire, coastal environment, and agriculture; and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to climate change through land management.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 164 Ecosystem Ecology

Units

4

Prerequisite

BIO SCI E106 or EARTHSS 51 or EARTHSS 60A or CHEM 51C

Same as BIO SCI E118

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors, and Environmental Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

A mechanistic perspective on ecosystem processes. Covers ecosystem development, element cycling, and interactions with plants and microbes. The role of ecosystems in environmental change is also addressed.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 168 Physiological Plant Ecology

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 51 or EARTHSS 40B or BIO SCI 94 or BIO SCI H94

Same as BIO SCI E127

Restrictions: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors, Earth System Science majors, and School of Biological Sciences students have the first consideration for enrollment

An examination of the interactions between plants and their environment. Emphasis on the underlying physiological mechanisms of plant function, adaptations and responses to stress, and the basis of the distribution of plants and plant assemblages across the landscape.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 177W Documenting and Understanding Earth System Change

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B). Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors only

(Ib)

Students select a time series of key environmental interest as the focus for their writing.They become familiar with common writing practices for the Earth Sciences, and exercise their ability to use the scientific method to produce reports.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 179 Climate Solutions

Units

4

Same as ENGRMAE 119, UPPP 111

Introduction to climate change science and impacts on the health of people and the planet with a focus on the multi-dimensional aspects of solutions to the climate crisis.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 184 Understanding the Carbon Cycle for Climate Change Solutions

Units

4

Prerequisite

(EARTHSS 51 and EARTHSS 53 and EARTHSS 55) or (EARTHSS 70A and EARTHSS 70B) or (CHEM 1C and MATH 2B)

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Environmental Science and Policy majors have the first consideration for enrollment

Covers the scientific principles of the carbon cycle and tools for climate change mitigation. Topics include carbon dioxide buildup, its relation to climate change, achieving net-zero emissions, and proposed sequestration technologies. Also explores economic and equity implications.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 190A Senior Seminar on Global Sustainability I

Units

2

Same as SOCECOL 186A, BIO SCI 191A

Restrictions: Seniors and Global Sustainability minors have the first consideration for enrollment

Students attend weekly seminar to discuss current issues in global sustainability. Weekly attendance at Global Sustainability Forum is also required. Seminar utilized to analyze forum presentations. Prepare bibliography.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 190B Senior Seminar on Global Sustainability II

Units

2

Prerequisite

BIO SCI 191A or SOCECOL 186A or EARTHSS 190A

Same as SOCECOL 186B, BIO SCI 191B

Restrictions: Seniors only

Students attend weekly seminar to discuss current issues in global sustainability. Weekly attendance at Global Sustainability Forum is also required. Seminar utilized to analyze forum presentations. Prepare research proposal.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 190CW Writing/Senior Seminar on Global Sustainability III

Units

4

Prerequisite

BIO SCI 191B or EARTHSS 190B or SOCECOL 186B. BIO SCI 191B or EARTHSS 190B or SOCECOL 186B. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Same as BIO SCI 191CW, SOCECOL 186CW

Restrictions: Seniors only

(Ib)

Students attend weekly seminar to discuss current issues in global sustainability. Weekly attendance at Global Sustainability Forum also is required. Seminar utilized to analyze Forum presentations and to prepare senior research paper. Prepare/write research paper under direction of faculty member.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 192 Careers in Earth System Science

Units

1

Grading Option: Pass/Not Pass only

Restrictions: Environmental Science and Policy majors, Environmental Science majors, and Earth System Science majors have the first consideration for enrollment

A weekly seminar course designed to help students transition to post-graduation career paths. Topics include designing effective resumes, applying to graduate school, and seeking employment. Also includes presentations by faculty, business, and government leaders describing potential environmental science career trajectories.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 197 Independent Study in Earth System Science

Units

.5-4

Grading Option: Pass/Not Pass only

Repeatability: May be taken for credit for 12 units

Field study, educational outreach, or other independent projects under faculty direction. Interested students should arrange with an ESS faculty member to supervise and support an independent study project. A written summary is required at the end of each quarter.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 198W Senior Thesis in Earth System Science

Units

4

Prerequisite

Two quarters of EARTHSS 199. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Overlaps with EARTHSS H198

(Ib)

Students receive guidance on the effective oral and written communication of research results. Students prepare and present a seminar, a poster, and a written thesis describing their research in Earth System Science.

Offered: Fall 2026 (28 sections)

EARTHSS H198 Honors Thesis in Earth System Science

Units

4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 199A and EARTHSS 199B

Restrictions: Consent of instructor to enroll and Prerequisite required

(Ib)

Students receive guidance on effective written and oral communication of research results. Students prepare and present a seminar, poster, and written thesis describing their honors research in Earth System Science. Submission of the thesis and successful completion of this course will also satisfy the UCI upper-division writing requirement.

Offered: Fall 2026 (28 sections)

EARTHSS 199 Undergraduate Research

Units

1-4

Repeatability: May be taken for credit for 12 units

For undergraduates with majors in science or engineering. Interested students should arrange with an ESS faculty member to supervise and support a research project. A written summary is required at the end of each quarter.

Offered: Fall 2026 (29 sections)

EARTHSS H199A Honors Research in Earth System Science

Units

4

Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only

Undergraduate honors research in Earth System Science. A student commitment of 10-15 hours a week is expected, and a written report is required at the end of the quarter.

Offered: Fall 2026 (28 sections)

EARTHSS H199B Honors Research in Earth System Science

Units

4

Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only

Undergraduate honors research in Earth System Science. A student commitment of 10-15 hours a week is expected, and a written report is required at the end of the quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS H199C Honors Research in Earth System Science

Units

4

Restrictions: Campuswide Honors Collegium only

Undergraduate honors research in Earth System Science. A student commitment of 10-15 hours a week is expected, and a written report is required at the end of the quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 200 Global Physical Climatology

Units

4

A descriptive overview of Earth’s climate system and energy budget. Large-scale circulations, key physical processes, and climate sensitivity of the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, and cryosphere.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 204 Humans in the Earth System

Units

4

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors only

Focuses on the human systems of energy and food production which have the greatest effects on the Earth system. Assess the physical mechanisms and feedbacks of human-nature interactions and consider approaches of mitigation, interventions, and adaptation.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 212 Geoscience Modeling and Data Analysis

Units

4

Computer-based course. Fundamental statistical techniques needed to analyze Earth system data and models. Basic numerical techniques to solve Earth system models. Focuses on linear and non-linear ordinary differential equations, as well as simple partial differential equations.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 215 Cryosphere

Units

4

A global perspective of the major components of the cryosphere. Includes current extent and trends, mass balance, energetics, and physical processes. Quantitative assessment of current state, in situ and remote observations, and interactions with climate.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 225 Marine Biogeochemistry

Units

4

Restrictions: Earth System Science majors and Doctor of Philosophy have the first consideration for enrollment

Overview of ocean biology and biogeochemistry, with a focus on lower trophic levels and the roles of biota in the marine biogeochemical cycles of key elements.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 226 Land Surface Processes

Units

4

A mechanistic perspective of the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Includes processes such as nutrient cycling, biogeochemical cycling, mass balance, energetics, terrestrial hydrology, and water cycle.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 230 Physical Oceanography

Units

4

Prerequisite

MATH 2D and PHYSICS 7A and PHYSICS 7B and PHYSICS 7E

Physical processes that determine the distribution of water properties such as salt and temperature. Fluid-dynamical underpinnings of physical oceanography. Wave motions. The wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Similarities and differences between ocean and atmosphere dynamics.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 238 Satellite Remote Sensing for Earth System Science

Units

4

Satellite remote sensing data are increasingly used to study the Earth system. Provides an overview of the principles behind remote sensing, and the types of satellite data available for study of the oceans, land, and atmosphere.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 242 Advanced Atmospheric Chemistry

Units

4

Chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include: processes controlling the lifetime and reaction pathways of chemicals in the atmosphere, the role of the atmosphere in biogeochemical cycles, and interactions between atmospheric chemistry and the physical climate system.

Offered: Fall 2026 (2 sections)

EARTHSS 244 Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics

Units

4

Covers fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics including thermodynamics, quasi-geostrophy, the weak-temperature gradient of the tropics, and the turbulent boundary layer.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 256 Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography

Units

4

Explores past changes in Earth's climate. Topics include tools and techniques used to reconstruct past climate from natural archives; records and mechanisms of past climate changes throughout Earth history; and lessons learned from the paleo-record for prediction of future climate.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 266 Global Biogeochemical Cycles

Units

4

Global biogeochemical cycling of the elements. Topics include global cycling of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; impact of human activities on biogeochemical processes.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 280A Special Topics in Earth System Science

Units

1-4

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to current topics in the field of Earth System Science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Offered: Fall 2026 (7 sections)

EARTHSS 280B Special Topics in Earth System Science

Units

1-4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 280A with a minimum grade of B-

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to current topics in the field of Earth System Science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 280C Special Topics in Earth System Science

Units

1-4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 280B with a minimum grade of B-

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to current topics in the field of Earth System Science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 286A Special Topics in Biogeochemistry

Units

1-4

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to in-depth analysis of a subarea in biogeochemistry which is undergoing rapid development. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 286B Special Topics in Biogeochemistry

Units

1-4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 286A with a minimum grade of B-

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to in-depth analysis of a subarea in biogeochemistry which is undergoing rapid development. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 286C Special Topics in Biogeochemistry

Units

1-4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 286B with a minimum grade of B-

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to in-depth analysis of a subarea in biogeochemistry which is undergoing rapid development. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 288C Special Topics in Ecosystems

Units

1-4

Prerequisite

EARTHSS 288B with a minimum grade of B-

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Each quarter is devoted to current topics relating to Ecosystems. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 290 Seminar

Units

1

Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Weekly seminars and discussions on topics of general and current interest in Earth System Science. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

EARTHSS 298 Practicum in Earth System Science

Units

4

Designed to introduce first-year graduate students to research. Students explore research opportunities and develop a proposal for a summer research project under the direction of a faculty mentor.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

EARTHSS 299 Research

Units

2-12

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times

Supervised original research in areas of Earth System Science.

Offered: Fall 2026 (27 sections)