Earth and Resource Science (ERS)

516 William R. Murchie Science Building
(810) 762-3355
Fax: (810) 762-3153
www.umflint.edu/ers

Chair: Martin M. Kaufman

Professors: Martin M. Kaufman, Randall Repic; Associate Professor: Richard Hill-Rowley; Assistant Professors: Victoria Morckel, Greg Rybarczyk; Lecturers: Garry Green, Marlos Scrimger. Professor Emeritus William M. Marsh
Supervisor of Science Laboratories: Keith King; Secretary: Laura Bender

Earth and Resource Science is the study of earth environments. Several related fields, including geography, geology, planning, hydrology, and environmental science, are united by a common interest in the spatial nature of earth environments, how they are changed by natural and human forces, and how they can be planned and managed for the future.

Degree programs are designed to lead to careers in fields such as environmental management, planning, teaching, landscape architecture, resource management, remote sensing, GIS, computer mapping, and to prepare students for graduate study.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The mission of the Earth and Resource Science Department is to develop an environment for disseminating information, engaging in experimentation and research, and empowering student-based learning. As part of the larger mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, ERS offers courses and degree programs enabling graduates to make meaningful contributions to the research and resolution of environmental problems as citizens, teachers, and professionals. The Department participates in the University wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at www.umflint.edu/assessment.

Scholarships

The Mary Sullivan Award is available to assist students in Earth and Resource Science. The Croner Scholarship Program provides assistance to qualified students in physical geography. A scholarship from the Flint Rock and Gem Club provides assistance to students with geological interests. Both the M.A. & C.M. Younes and the Karen Rouse scholarships are available for those students demonstrating outstanding community involvement. Outstanding students may also be nominated for a Morris K. Udall Scholarship. Teaching assistant-ships are also available to students completing degree work in Earth and Resource Science programs.

Urban Alternatives House

The Urban Alternatives House is a laboratory for learning about energy efficiency, alternative energy systems and sustainable lifestyles. It contains two residential units and a teaching space with sensors to monitor system performance, energy use and outside temperature. This complete learning environment will support the new Energy and Sustainable Systems major in the Department of Earth and Resource Science and other academic units at UM-Flint.

Programs in Earth and Resource Science

Three concentration programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree are offered: the Program in Environmental Science and Planning , the Honors Program in Environmental Science and Planning , and the Program in Energy and Sustainable Systems . We have an Environmental Science Minor and minors in Physical Geography and Geographic Information Science . In addition, a Certification Program in Environmental Hazards/Risk Management is offered.