3 credit(s) In this course, students study the Earth using a systems approach. The major themes of Earth System Science are (1) Earth’s subsystems and the interactions and evolution of those subsystems on different temporal and spatial scales, (2) the impact of past and present human activities on Earth’s subsystems, (3) the relevance of the Earth system to the individual and to society, and (4) the nature of scientific knowledge and its historical development. Topics include the changing climate, water resources, geologic hazards, and natural resources.