The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department has five major curricular areas: geology, astronomy, meteorology, environmental science, and earth science education. Students with an interest in geology have numerous opportunities to conduct field investigations as well as laboratory based research in the department's well equipped facilities. Astronomy students use two on-campus observatories, as well as have access to numerous on-line data bases, including those at NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute. Meteorology students have access to the latest computer forecasting models and weather data from around the world. There are also laboratory and field equipment for student to conduct research in air and water quality. The department offers B. A. degrees in Environmental Science, Earth Science, Environmental Resource Management, as well as a B. A. Earth Science Teaching degree, and a B. S. degree in Environmental Science.
Like the Earth itself, the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences' history is long and interesting. The department formed as a unique entity in 1970. For 25 years, the head was Dr. Wayne I. Anderson, the authority on the geological history of Iowa. Over the years more faculty were added to the department until the present time when professionals in the fields of Astronomy, Meteorology, Earth Science Education, Environmental Science and Geology, work together to make the department one of the most eclectic at U.N.I.
If you are interested in obtaining literature about the department or would like to set up an appointment to discuss majoring in the department, please contact the department Head, Dr. Siobahn Morgan.
|To the left, Latham Hall as it is seen today. Art work in front is entitled Nature's Secret by Janet Lofquist. To the right, an old postcard showing Latham Hall, circa 1961.