https://www.ess.uci.edu/bachelor-science-earth-system-science
Earth System Science is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines oceanography, atmospheric science, meteorology, geography, geology, hydrology, and environmental science. ESS students gain an understanding of how individual aspects of the environment interact, including the influence of humans on this complex system.
Examples of important questions in Earth System Science include, but are not limited to, the influence of atmospheric chemistry on climate and air quality, biological controls on the chemistry of the oceans, and physical controls on atmosphere and ocean circulation.
The Earth System Science (B.S.) program provides students with a fundamental understanding of the oceanographic, atmospheric, and terrestrial sciences. This program of study prepares students for careers in science, research, or technical fields. Students learn to apply basic sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology) to understand the major processes and systems governing the Earth's climate, biogeochemical cycles, and global change. Central to the B.S. program is an understanding of relevant scientific literature, methods to collect/analyze data, and interpret results in the context of scientific theory. Students will learn to work collaboratively to understand and address complex problems and communicate scientific knowledge.
Through the core course work, students will learn to explain the current and projected future state of the Earth system in the context of past climate change and current human activities. Once the core course work is complete, students are encouraged to focus on a particular area within Earth System Science and to choose electives that build a coherent core of knowledge. Focus areas include but are not limited to climatology, biogeochemical cycles, oceanography, hydrology, terrestrial sciences, and atmospheric sciences. Optional specializations are available in Atmospheric Science, Hydrology and Terrestrial Ecosystems, and Oceanography.
Earth System Science students are encouraged to become directly involved in research. The Department provides excellent opportunities to learn from and work with recognized experts in the field, while fulfilling degree requirements. EARTHSS 198W may satisfy Department and UCI upper-division writing requirements.
