Specified Textbook：            

[1] Xinwen Wang. Introduction to Earth Science. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2013, the second Edition. (in Chinese).

           

Further Reading：        

[1] Shilong Tao, Tianfeng Wan. Introduction to Earth Science. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2014, 
the second Edition. (in Chinese).
[2] Liangshu Shu, Xi Yang. Physical Geology Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2014, the third Edition. (in Chinese).
[3] Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa. Earth Science. Prentice Hall/Pearson, 2012, 13th Edition.

           

Course Prerequisites：        N/A       

  

Course Description：            

This course introduces the students to the basics of earth by taking a global view, looking at its origin and dynamic nature.

This course will expose students to the principles that underlie our understanding of how the Earth works. 

The goal of Earth Systems Science is to obtain a scientific understanding of the entire Earth system by describing 
its component parts (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere) and their interactions, and describe how they have 
evolved, how they function, and how they may be expected to respond to human activity.

The challenge to Earth Systems Science is to develop the capability to predict those changes that will occur in the 
next decade to century, both naturally and in response to human activity. Energy, both natural and human-generated, 
will be used as a unifying principle. 

Knowledge gained through this course will help students make informed decisions in all spheres of human activity: 
science, policy, economics, etc.

Grading:
Final Score = (Attendance + Coursework assignment) * 20% +Final Exam * 80% 
The final exam will be a closed-book one.