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The Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) Department provides an interdisciplinary approach to studying the Earth, Earth processes, the environment, and astronomical bodies and phenomena. The department offers courses in a variety of disciplines, including astronomy, environmental science, geography, geology, and meteorology. Courses within the department incorporate a variety of other themes, including human impact on the environment, globalization, and culture.

ESS classes provide students with the opportunity to complete a variety of General Education requirements for graduation and transfer, science preparation for majors, professional development, and self-enrichment goals.

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Earth Science

Earth Science courses involve varied topics. At Santa Rosa Junior College, we currently offer the following Earth Science courses: ERTHS 49 - Independent Study in Earth Sciences Independent Study in Earth Sciences: Individually designed project in one of the earth and space science disciplines.…

Astronomy

Come with us on a voyage to red giants, planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, and other exotic places far beyond our greatest imagination! Begin to explore our home, the Cosmos, and learn more about these and other phenomena by taking an astronomy course at SRJC.…

Environmental Science

Global climate change, oil spills, broken levees, skyrocketing energy prices … now, more than ever, there is a need for everyone to have a basic understanding of our environment and the environmental impact of our actions, or inactions. Environmental Science focuses on the interactions between…

Geography

Have you ever wondered how globalization is reshaping the earth? Perhaps you are curious about other cultures. Or perhaps you are interested in how mountain ranges like the Andes are formed and how that affects where and how people live? These topics, as well as global warming, flooding, monsoonal…

Geology

Geology is the study of planet Earth. Geologists study the materials (rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils) and processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis) that make up and alter the appearance of the surface of our planet. It is empowering and exciting to see and understand the world around us.…

Meteorology

Meteorology focuses on the structure and dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere, the most rapidly changing of the Earth's environmental spheres. Weather-related events and catastrophes seem to be increasingly making front page news. Although emphasis is placed on understanding fundamentals, we take…

Physical Science

A descriptive introduction into the major fields of the Physical Sciences, including Earth Sciences, Astronomy, Physics, and Chemistry. This course is designed to provide a foundation for students interested in the physical sciences, and also for those pursuing a career in primary education…

Planetarium

The Santa Rosa Junior College Planetarium is pleased to offer planetarium presentations especially designed to be of interest to students of all grade levels and the community. Each program contains spectacular visual effects and up-to-date information on the various topics covered. The goal in…