Intro-level ERTH courses for all UHM students

ERTH101: Dynamic Earth (3 hrs)

Earth’s natural physical environment; the landscape; rocks and minerals, rivers and oceans; volcanism, earthquakes, and other processes inside the Earth; effects of human use of the Earth and its resources. DP

How does the Earth work? How has it changed through time? Why are there continents and oceans? What changes are occurring now and how will they affect you?

Multiple sections including online sections offered every semester

ERTH101L: Dynamic Earth Lab (1 hr)

Hands-on study of minerals, rocks, and topographic maps. Studies of volcanism, hydrology, coastal processes and hazards, geologic time and earthquakes. Field trips to investigate landslides, beaches and O‘ahu geology. DY

How do geologists and geophysicists find earthquakes, measure streamflow, identify rocks and minerals, etc?

5–6 sections including online sections offered every semester

ERTH102: Quantifying Environmental Change (3 hrs)

Introductory mathematical approaches to quantifying key aspects of global and environmental change. Includes data analysis, graphical representation and modeling of population growth, greenhouse gas emissions and fate, sustainable resource utilization, and sea level change.(Cross-listed as SUST 113) FQ

Curious about the real data showing big changes in Earth's oceans, atmosphere and climate? Fulfill your FQ requirement and gain spread-sheet skills at the same time!

Offered once per year

ERTH103: Geology of the Hawaiian Islands (3-hrs)

Hawaiian geology and geologic processes: origin of Hawaiian islands, volcanism, rocks and minerals, landforms, stream and coastal processes, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis, groundwater, geologic and environmental hazards. Field trip. DP

Why does Hawaiʻi Nei exist? Why does Kauaʻi look so old and Maui look so young? Why are ʻaʻā and pāhoehoe so different? What's going on at Kīlauea?

Offered every semester

ERTH104 Volcanoes in the Sea (3 hrs)

Lecture with field trips covering the manner in which geological conditions, resources, and events have affected past and present circum-Pacific societies. Credit not given for both 103 and 104. H-Focus

How have the geological and geophysical conditions on Pacific islands affected the cultures that developed there? How do these conditions affect the populations who live there now?

Next offering TBA

ERTH105: Voyage Through the Solar System (3 hrs)

An illustrated voyage through the Solar System based on recent scientific results. The class highlights the origin, evolution, and current knowledge of the eight planets, their moons, asteroids, comets, and one star, the Sun. Field trip. (Cross-listed as ASTR 150) DP

Why is the biggest volcano on Mars, not Earth? Why is there a storm on Jupiter 3x the size of Earth? Is there anywhere else in the solar system where life could exist?

Offered each Fall

ERTH106: Humans and the Environment (3 hrs)

Prepares students to make decisions such as where to build/buy a house, sustainable use of natural resources, and what environmental actions relevant to society and Earth's ecosystem are appropriate on a local and global scale. DP

How much oil and gas is left? What happens to the waste and rubbish we produce? How many people can the Earth sustain? How do I know if the fish on my plate is safe?

Offered each Fall

ERTH107: Solar System Studio (4 hrs)

An interactive exploration of our Solar System through in-class group research projects and activities. Topics include Solar System exploration and birth and development of our Sun, planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Field trip. DP & DY

Do other planets have seasons? What can Mars and Venus teach us about climate change? Why are comets 4.6 billion year old time capsules? What does Pluto look like?

Offered once per year

ERTH130: Geologic Hazards (3 hrs)

Introductory covering the causes of, and effects from, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, landslides, rockfalls, and other natural geologic phenomena. Open to non-majors. Field trips. DP

Why are there earthquakes, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions? What risks do they pose to society? How have they affected history? What can we do to reduce these risks?

Offered each Spring

ERTH135: Natural Disasters and Human History

Examines how natural hazards have affected the course of human culture and societies from pre-history to the present in Hawaiʻi/Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. FGC

Offered each Spring

ERTH150: Quantitative Earth Science

Introduction to pre-calculus math and physics applied to Earth and environmental science. Students work on real-world problems and engage in participatory learning. Preparatory for classes in calculus and physics. FQ

How are math and physics applied to real Earth-Science situations? Hone your pre-calculus and physics skills. Satisfy your FQ requirement in the most interesting way!

Offered each Fall

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