2024-2025
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- Academic Year 2024-2025 Class Schedule
- Course Descriptions: 100-Level Courses for Undergraduates
- Course Descriptions: 200-Level Courses for Undergraduates
- Course Descriptions: 300-Level Courses for Undergraduates and Graduate Students
- Course Descriptions: 400-Level Courses for Graduate Students
Academic year 2024-2025 class Schedule
100-LEVEL COURSES FOR UNDERGRADUATES
101- 0 – Earth Science for the 21st Century
Earth science encompasses the geology, chemistry, biology, and physics of our planet, while appreciating its beauty. Environmental degradation, natural resources, energy, climate change, and geologic hazards are among the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century. This course introduces students to Earth science through topical lectures and discussion of current events and research in Earth science. Topics include formation, evolution, structure, and composition of the Earth, plate tectonics and the rock cycle, the water cycle, climate change, paleoclimate, peak oil and fracking, renewable energy, nuclear fuel cycle and policy, geology of the National Parks, and job prospects in Earth science
102- 8 – Sustainability & Social Justice (First-Year Seminar)
The challenge of sustainability to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" has evolved over the past few decades. This course will introduce fundamental concepts of sustainability, consider the application of these concepts in diverse societal, economic, and cultural settings, and explore the potential of climate science and sustainable development to act as forces for environmental and social justice.
102- 8 – Climate Change: The Scientific Evidence (First-Year Seminar)
Anthropogenic climate change represents a massive global experiment. In this course we will discuss the scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change, including atmospheric composition changes, sea level rise, melting ice sheets, temperature records, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes. Current trends and the role of human activities will be examined in the context of the geologic record of natural climate variability and the feedbacks inherent in the climate system. Anticipated future impacts include droughts, floods, spread of infectious diseases, drinking water shortages, habitat loss and extinctions. Given these forecasts, strategies for managing the effects of global warming will be assessed. This writing seminar specifically aims to develop effective scientific writing and visual communication for the natural sciences.
102- 8 – Earth is Out to Kill You: Science and History of Earthquakes and Volcanoes (First-Year Seminar)
In this seminar, we will learn about some of the most devastating natural disasters in Earth's recorded history. We will explore the science and the human toll of earthquakes and volcanoes - frequent reminders from our dynamic planet that it has little respect for human life. We will cover current events, as exemplified by recent destructions in Haiti and Spain, as well as historical events such as the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 which kicked off the Age of Enlightenment, and the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 which led to the Year Without a Summer, and which gave us Dracula and Frankenstein. There will be several writing assignments on science-related topics. In the words of Voltaire, bemoaning the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755: "Come, ye philosophers, who cry, "All's well," And contemplate this ruin of a world."
105- 0 – Climate Catastrophes in Earth History
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental components of the Earth system--the atmosphere, hydrosphere and solid Earth--and more importantly, examine how these components interact in response to internal and external influences to control climate. Within this Earth systems context, we will explore how climate is changing today, how it has changed (sometimes catastrophically) in the geologic past, and how it may change in the future. Natural Sciences Distro Area
106- 0 – The Ocean, The Atmosphere and Our Climate
The role of the world's oceans in the earth's climate system. Properties of the oceans and marine life. Interaction of oceans, atmosphere, and land. Natural Sciences Distro Area
108- 0 – Geological Impacts on Civilization
Impacts of geological processes and materials upon human civilizations. Geological, archaeological, and historical records. Societal responses to disasters, environmental changes, resource distributions, etc. Ancient and modern examples. Natural Sciences Distro Area
114- 0 – Evolution and the Scientific Method
The scientific method is explored through the role it has played in the development of evolutionary thought. The course tracks the history of evolutionary theory from its earliest origins to the modern consensus, and in so doing, provides examples of scientific method as practiced in biology, geology, physics, and chemistry.
180- 0 – Fantasy Worlds - How to Build Your Own Planet
The formation and evolution of rocky planets. Introduction of physical concepts common in the lives of planets as they are in our everyday lives: gravity, heat transport, magnetism, and others. Students will apply these concepts to build their own unique planet, and will present their creation at a culminating poster presentation.
200-LEVEL COURSES FOR UNDERGRADUATES
201- 0 – Earth Systems Revealed
Introduction to Physical Geology: The study of Earth systems and their interactions. This course will approach the study of Earth systems from two perspectives: 1) description and classification of Earth's features, including Earth materials, internal structure, and landforms and 2) description and explanation of the physical, chemical and biological processes that form and modify these features. Topics include minerals; sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; the interior Earth, oceans, and atmosphere; solid Earth processes, such as volcanism, seismicity, and plate tectonics and their interactions with the atmosphere and hydrosphere to drive surface Earth processes, such as climate, weathering, and glaciation; geologic time; global change. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics. Natural Sciences Distro Area.
202- 0 – Earth's Interior
The earth as a planet: origin, composition, and evolution of the solar system and the earth; internal structure of the earth; plate tectonics. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics. Natural Sciences Distro Area
203- 0 – Earth System History
Evolution of the earth system and its record through geological time. Interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, sediments, and life on earth. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics. Natural Sciences Distro Area
204- 0 – Communication for Geoscientists
This course will help undergraduate Earth Sciences majors hone their communication skills, and learn some specific communication styles applicable to our field. Science writing and scientific literature can be intimidating and obtuse. This course is designed to break manuscripts down into their base components, detailing the goal, style, and content required for each section. In addition we will cover verbal and visual forms of communication such as posters and talks. Writing is learned through practice, so this course will be hands on with weekly assignments, peer review, and required classroom engagement.
300-LEVEL COURSES FOR UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
300- 0 – Earth and Planetary Materials
The Earth and planets are composed of minerals, rocks, melts, and fluids. Earth materials covers the materials science of these substances. The study of Earth materials is fundamental to Earth, environmental, and engineering sciences because it deals with formation, stability, environments, and properties of natural materials at all scales from the atomic to large-scale processes such as weathering and earthquakes. The physical properties of Earth materials are largely controlled by bonding and crystal structure. This course begins with an atomistic approach to understanding mineral properties, but then extends physical properties and mineral stability to the larger geological and planetary scales. The properties of minerals also dictate how we use them for societal applications, ranging from raw materials to energy sources, chemical filters, and storage materials. Mineralogy is the application of physics, chemistry, and biology to natural materials, and this course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of mineralogy. Students will also gain knowledge about the analytical methods used to study minerals and their environments.
301- 0 – Petrology: Evolution of Crustal and Mantle Rocks
Origin, composition, and classification of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Application of laboratory characterization and basic thermodynamics to interpreting observed rock textures and mineral assemblages in terms of geological processes. Natural Sciences Distro Area
310- 0 – Aqueous Geochemistry
The geochemistry of rivers, groundwater, lakes, and seawater. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, pH and alkalinity, carbonate equilibria, chemical weathering, and numerical modeling. Recommended Background: At least one year of chemistry coursework. Natural Sciences Distro Area
312- 0 – Stable Isotope Geochemistry
A survey of the chemical, physical and biological mechanisms and fundamental concepts of stable isotope fractionation. The course will focus on applications of H, O, C, S, N and trace metal (i.e., Fe and Mo) isotopes to geologic problems with an emphasis on climate change and ancient ocean chemistries.
313- 0 – Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
Application of radiogenic isotopes to problems in geochemistry, petrology, hydrology, oceanography, ecology, and environmental science. Includes radioactive decay, nucleosynthesis, cosmochemistry, geochronology, mixing processes, and numerical modeling. Recommended Background: At least one year of chemistry coursework.
314- 0 – Organic Geochemistry
The sources and fates of organic matter in the natural environment; global cycling of organic carbon; applications to the study of modern and ancient environments. Recommended Background: at least one quarter of earth or environmental science, and one quarter of chemistry. Taught with CIV_ENV 314- 0; may not receive credit for both courses.
323- 0 – Seismology and Earth Structure
Elastic theory, seismic waves, seismometers and seismograms, ray paths, travel times; internal structure of the earth; field seismology. Recommended Background: EARTH 202- 0, calculus, ordinary differential equations, and some exposure to complex numbers. No prior earth science experience required. Natural Sciences Distro Area
324-0 Earthquakes and Tectonics (1 Unit)
Earthquakes: location, characteristics, origin, mechanism, and relation to plate motions; seismic hazard. Recommended Background: Calculus, ordinary differential equations, and some exposure to complex numbers. No prior earth science experience required. Natural Sciences Distro Area
327- 0 – Geophysical Time Series Analysis
Analysis of seismic and other geophysical data. Sampling, windowing, discrete and fast Fourier transforms, z-transforms, deconvolution, and filtering. Recommended Background: EARTH 202- 0 and calculus differential equations; or consent of instructor.
330- 0 – Sedimentary Geology
Sedimentary rocks; stratigraphy; local, regional, and global correlation. Ancient depositional systems; facies analysis in context of tectonic, eustatic, and climatic controls on deposition. Recommended Background: EARTH 201- 0 or ENVR_SCI 201-0 or consent of instructor.
331- 0 – Field Problems in Sedimentary Geology
Field methods in stratigraphy and sedimentology; interpretation of depositional systems, facies models, and sequence stratigraphy based on field observations. Includes 3½-week late-summer field trip to Colorado and Utah. Prerequisite: EARTH 330- 0.
335- 0 – Tectonics and Structural Geology
Deformation of rock masses: strain, fracture, slip, stress, and rheologic regimes; rock structures; folds, faults, foliations; seismic parameters in tectonic studies; orogenic belts and their tectonic evolution. Recommended Background: EARTH 201- 0, and at least one credit of physics; or consent of instructor.
340- 0 – Physics of Weather and Climate
An investigation of atmospheric processes and the physical laws that govern them. Topics covered include atmospheric composition and structure, radiative transfer, thermodynamics, convection, precipitation, and the general circulation of the three-dimensional atmosphere. When possible, course content will engage with contemporaneous atmospheric conditions, and provide students with a better understanding of their meteorological and climatic environments. Recommended Background: Completion of full year of calculus Math and Physics. Natural Sciences Distro Area
341- 0 – Quaternary Climate Change: From the Ice Age to the Age of Oil
Methods for reconstructing and dating past environmental changes, causes of natural climate change, and major climate events of the Quaternary through the present. Their relevance for understanding current climate change. Prerequisite: At least one 200-level EARTH course; or consent of instructor. Natural Sciences Distro Area
342- 0 – Contemporary Energy and Climate Change
Interdisciplinary course examining global energy use and associated challenges, including the history of energy use, the science of climate change, and technological, economic, and environmental aspects of various energy sources. Registration reserved for seniors majoring in math, science, or engineering, and graduate students in all disciplines. Taught with ISEN 410- 0; may not receive credit for both courses. Natural Sciences Distro Area
343- 0 – Earth System Modeling
Introduction to the art and science of reducing Earth's complex systems into simple numerical models to build a better understanding of how components interact and evolve. Recommended Background: At least one 200-level course in Earth or Environmental Science, one course in each of calculus and physics.
344- 0 – The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization
The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization will address the fundamental scientific understanding of how biogeochemical cycles moderate greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and marine realm, how changes in these gases control Earth climate on short and long timescales, and how human activities have rapidly altered the geologic balance of the carbon cycle. This knowledge base provides the foundation to understand decarbonization. Because most decarbonization strategies target different aspects of the carbon cycle, the core content of the course will review the geochemistry of carbon on land, in the lithosphere, and in the atmosphere, oceans, and other waters. This background will prepare students for a series of guest lectures from alumni of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (currently employed in decarbonization start-ups and government agencies) that will present the most recent advances in decarbonization being investigated and/or implemented in the U.S. and abroad.
350- 0 – Physics of the Earth for ISP
Solid-earth geophysics: the earth's gravity field, the earth's magnetic field, interior of the earth, heat flow, elementary wave propagation, plate tectonics. Prerequisites: second-year standing in ISP; or comparable background in mathematics and physics and consent of both instructor and ISP director.
352- 0 – Global Tectonics
Kinematics of plate tectonics. Geometry, determination, and description of plate motions. Paleomagnetism, marine magnetism, and hot spots. History of ocean basins and mountain-building processes. Recommended Background: EARTH 202- 0, and completion of first-year calculus and physics.
353- 0 – Mathematical Inverse Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Theory and application of inverse methods to gravity, electromagnetic, seismic, and other data. Linearized, non-linear, underdetermined, and mixed-determined problems and solution methods, including regularized least-squares and search algorithms. Recommended Background: Python programming language and two of 1) linear algebra, 2) statistics for physical scientists, 3) differential calculus of multivariable functions.
354- 0 – Physics of Rock Deformation in Planetary Interiors
Rock deformation governs many geological processes that shape the history and the future of terrestrial planets, including mantle convection, plate tectonics, earthquake cycles, volcanism, etc. Physics of rock deformation involves generation and motion of crystalline defects in minerals, such as vacancies, dislocations, and grain boundaries. This course provides an interdisciplinary treatment of the science of deformation of solid Earth with an emphasis on the materials science (microscopic) approach. We cover mechanical behavior over various time-scales, including the elastic, anelastic (viscoelastic), and plastic response, in addition to the applications of these results to important geological and geophysical problems. Special attention is given to high-temperature creep of olivine, the main constituent of the lithosphere and upper mantle. No previous knowledge of geology/geophysics or of materials science is assumed. The basics of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics are presented as far as they are relevant to the main topics of the course.
360- 0 – Instrumentation and Field Methods
Theory and practicum on electronic instrumentation for monitoring and measurement in earth sciences, including data loggers, conceptual design and construction of electronic sensors, signal processing, data management, and network design. Recommended Background: 3 EARTH courses.
361- 0 – Scientific Programming in Python
Introduction to coding, scientific computing, and visualization for analyzing data in the physical sciences. Emphasis on Python, but Unix, shell scripting, and Generic Mapping Tools are also introduced. Students undertake a significant final coding project individually or in pairs. [Previously offered as EARTH 322]
362- 0 – Data Analysis for Earth and Planetary Sciences
Types and characteristics of earth science data, development and applications of model types, observational and systematic sources of uncertainties and their characterization, spatial and temporal predictions. Recommended Background: EARTH 201- 0 and EARTH 202- 0, or equivalent. Formal Studies Distro Area
370- 0 – Geobiology
This course will evaluate the interplay between biological and physical processes in shaping the surface Earth. Major topics include: the role of microbes in major element cycling (C, N, S, P), historical geobiology (how has life changed the planet over time?), methodologies applied in geobiology, humans as agents of geobiology, and the related fields of astro/exobiology. Taught with CIV_ENV 317- 0; may not receive credit for both courses. Natural Sciences Distro Area
371- 0 – Biogeochemistry
The cycling of biogenic elements (C, N, S, Fe, Mn) in surficial environments is the focus of this course. Emphasis will be placed on microbial processes and isotopic signatures. Prerequisites: One quarter of chemistry plus one quarter of geoscience, environmental science, or biology to enroll in this course. Taught with CIV ENV 317; students may not earn credit for both courses. [Previously offered as EARTH 317]
373- 0 – Microbial Ecology
This course will provide a framework for understanding the role of microbes in natural environments in terms of cell numbers, metabolisms, and interactions with geochemical cycles. We will delve deeply into the interactions between microbial populations, higher organisms, and even our own bodies. The course will finish on a survey of microbial composition and dynamics in key settings across the planet. Recommended Background: Basic understanding of chemistry, biology, and earth science.
390- 0 – Special Topics in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Topics of current interest to students and faculty. Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
390 – Special Topics: Hydrology
Storage and flux of water in near-earth terrestrial surface: surface water hydrology, shallow groundwater hydrogeology, and lake limnology. Recommended Background: Three courses in EARTH or ENVR SCI at the 200 or 300 level, or permission of the instructor.
390- 05 – Special Topics: Paleobiology
Fossils record the 3.8 billion year history of life on Earth, and extinct organisms make up 99% of all the species that ever lived. The fossil record reveals insights into evolutionary processes and the distributions and structures of organisms and ecosystems that cannot be observed by studying living organisms. This course is an introduction to the concepts of paleobiology: the nature of fossils, evolutionary trends and adaptations, systematics, paleoecology, and biogeography. We will investigate how life, from individual organisms to whole biomes, has changed over time; the geologic processes that lead to the burial and preservation of organic material; and the scientific methods by which we infer the biological processes that occurred across deep time from the limited and often biased fossil record. Course has prerequisites.
390- 10 - Special Topics: Stable Isotope Methods
This class will include chemical and analytical techniques for stable isotope analysis of a variety of matrices and organic compounds. This will include hands-on laboratory experiments as well as some theoretical considerations. Extraction, chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, data processing, and other common techniques in organic and inorganic chemistry will be discussed.
390 – Special Topics: R Data Science
As we are in the era of ‘big data’, the quantity and quality of data available for environmental, ecological and earth science research has exploded over the past few decades. The free and open-source R programming language has become a powerful tool in data analysis in scientific research. This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of data science using the programming language, R. The course contents span from basic R programming skills to advanced skills including data management, visualization and analysis of spatial data such as weather and satellite imagery data. By conducting hands-on exercises and an extensive project, students will develop dynamic and reproducible outputs based on their own fields of interests. This course does not require prior coding experience.
399- 0 – Independent Study
Special problems under direct faculty supervision. Comprehensive report required. Consent of instructor required.
400/500-LEVEL COURSES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
DATA_SCI 401 – Data-Driven Research in Physics, Geophysics, and Astronomy
Major projects in earth sciences, physics, and astronomy have revolutionized research in these fields and have created major data challenges. In this course we will review the science motivation and goals and the relevant data challenges of the Earthscope, aLIGO, and LSST projects that represent large-scale investments in these research communities. Although the goals for the three projects may appear to overlap only partially, there are strong intellectual bridges and shared challenges because of the data-intensive science involved.
438- 0 – Advanced Topics in Geophysics
Topics include tectonophysics and the bodily structure of the earth, dislocation theory in earth motions, glaciology, geochronology, and emerging and new areas of geophysics.
440- 0 – Advanced Topics in Geochemistry
Topics include organic and environmental geochemistry, global cycling of elements, stable isotope geochemistry, mineral surface reactions.
450- 0 – Advanced Topics
Topics at the frontiers of research taught by visiting or departmental faculty.
450- 0 – Advanced Topics: Communication for Geoscientists
This course will help undergraduate Earth Sciences majors hone their communication skills, and learn some specific communication styles applicable to our field. Science writing and scientific literature can be intimidating and obtuse. This course is designed to break manuscripts down into their base components, detailing the goal, style, and content required for each section. In addition we will cover verbal and visual forms of communication such as posters and talks. Writing is learned through practice, so this course will be hands on with weekly assignments, peer review, and required classroom engagement.
450-01 – Advanced Topics: Nemmers Seminar Supercharged
The departmental seminar series provides graduate students with a unique opportunity to explore topics beyond their immediate disciplinary focus, meet with scholars from around the country, and evaluate different styles of scientific communication. This seminar will enrich the student experience through readings from each scholar’s lexicon prior to their seminar and the opportunity to ask the speaker questions in an intimate group setting. The seminar is open to all graduate students and upper level undergraduates with instructor approval.
450-01 – Advanced Topics: The Subsurface: Real Estate, Residents, & Resources
The subsurface hosts one the largest biomes on the planet, is a key source of drinking water, energy resources, and minerals, and plays a critical role in many of the planned solutions to climate change such as decarbonization, green hydrogen, and critical mineral extraction. This course will transport students underground, examining aspects of subsurface hydrology, geology, and microbiology. We will aim to examine each of these aspects using a range of tools, holistically building a better understanding of how the subsurface works in it's natural state and how this may change moving forward. The course structure will be framed around regional case studies, each featuring readings from the primary literature, lectures from experts, and class discussion and synthesis. All content will be aimed to engage an interdisciplinary audience, and the discussion will benefit from a range of expertise.
450- 0 – Advanced Topics: Communicating Science Beyond Academia
Through reading, discussion, writing and peer critique, this course will explore strategies for successful scientific communication beyond academia. How can scientists break through barriers to understanding and foster engagement with scientific information, while still conveying nuance and uncertainty? What happens when science becomes politicized and controversial? This seminar is open to graduate students in all STEM disciplines, with preference to students who have begun to conduct independent research.
451- 0 – Advanced Topics in Paleoclimate
Methodology in paleoclimate: stable isotopes, paleoecological and other methods for reconstructing the past climate. Fundamental principles of climate change on the time scale of thousands to millions of years. Climate reconstructions from the Cretaceous to the present.
461- 0 – Advanced Topics in Plate Tectonics
Geophysical study of plate boundary and intraplate processes; intraplate earthquakes and intraplate deformation; the subduction process; physical processes at mid-ocean ridges; history of the ocean basins; evolution of the earth's mantle/crust.
462- 0 – Advanced Topics in Seismology
Earthquake source models, normal modes of the earth, and body wave synthesis methods.
499- 0 – Independent Study
Study of special problems under the direct supervision of one or more members of the teaching staff. A comprehensive report and/or a comprehensive examination is required. May be repeated for credit.
EARTH 499 Independent Study Course Agreement
519- 0 – Responsible Conduct of Research Training
All Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post Doctoral Fellows must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training in their first year of the program. This course includes 6 online "CITI" modules as well as discussion sections. New students and fellows should contact the Assistant Chair with any questions. Recommended Background: Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows Only.
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Fall 2024 class Schedule
| Course | Title | Instructor | Day/Time | Lab(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | The Ocean, the Atmosphere, & Our Climate | Blair | TTh 9:30am-10:50am | F 11am-12:50pm F 1 pm-2:50pm |
| 203 | Earth System History | Horton | MWF 12pm-12:50pm |
|
| 310 | Aqueous Geochemistry | Jacobson | MWF 1pm-1:50pm | |
| 342 | Contemporary Energy and Climate Change | Axford | TTh 11am-12:20pm | |
| 361 | Scientific Programming in Python | van der Lee | TTh 9:30am-10:50am | |
| 370 | Geobiology | Osburn | TTh 2pm-3:20pm |
Fall 2024 course descriptions
EARTH 106 – The Oceans, the Atmosphere, and Our Climate
Most of our planet's surface is blanketed by ocean. The dynamic nature of the oceanic environment and how it influences the Earth as a whole will be explored in this course. The interconnectivity of ocean characteristics (chemistry, physics, geology, biology) will be stressed. This course includes short walking field trips to the lake front during class time.
EARTH 203 – Earth Systems History
This course covers the evolution of the Earth's dynamic systems and its record through geologic time. Emphasis of this course is centered on the physical, chemical and biological components of the Earth system that interact to regulate Earth's surface environment and how these processes have changed through time. Topics include the systems approach to Earth science, the co-evolution of life and Earth's surface environment, the carbon cycle and its relationship to climate, Snowball Earth events, and mass extinctions.
EARTH 310 – Aqueous Geochemistry
Basic principles of aqueous geochemistry applied to geologic and environmental problems. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, pH and alkalinity, carbonate equilibria, surface phenomena, redox chemistry, chemical weathering, and numerical modeling. Recommended Background: At least 1 year of introductory chemistry is required. EARTH 310 draws from Calculus, Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry, and Differential Equations, but these courses are not strictly required. Problem sets require basic use of Microsoft Excel.
EARTH 342 – Contemporary Energy and Climate Change
The increasing worldwide demand for energy presents a number of complex interdisciplinary challenges, from resource depletion to climate change. This class will challenge students to answer the question, How shall we power the world in the 21st century? We will examine the history and geography of energy use; links between energy and climate change; inequities in climate impacts; challenge of sustainability; and the fundamental science of climate change.
EARTH 361 – Scientific Programming in Python
Introduction to coding, scientific computing, and visualization for analyzing data in the physical sciences. Emphasis on Python, but Unix, shell scripting, and Generic Mapping Tools are also introduced. Students undertake a significant final coding project individually or in pairs.
EARTH 370 – Geobiology
A technical overview of the major topics of geo(micro)biology highlighting the fossil record, biogeochemical cycling, biomineralization, key tools of the field, historical geobiology, and astrobiology. Recommended Background: EARTH 201-0 (concurrent enrollment acceptable) and first-year chemistry.
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Winter 2025 class Schedule
| Course | Title | Instructor | Day/Time | Lab(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202 | Earth's Interior | van der Lee | TTh 3:30pm-4:50pm |
F 12pm-1:50pm |
| 204 | Communication for Geoscientists | Osburn | TTh 2:00pm-3:20pm | Graduate students register for EARTH 390-09 |
| 300 | Earth and Planetary Materials | Jacobsen | TTh 11am-12:20pm | W 11am-12:50pm and W 2pm-3:50pm |
| 312 | Stable Isotope Geochemistry | Scott | MW 11:00am-12:20pm | Optional co-registration in 390-10: SI Methods |
| 314 | Organic Geochemistry | Blair | TTh 9:30am-10:50am | |
| 327 | Geophysical Time Series Analysis | van der Lee | TTh 9:30am-10:50am | |
| 330 | Sedimentary Geology | Sageman | MW 12:30pm-1:50pm | F 12pm-1:50pm |
| 350 | Physics of the Earth for ISP | Ciardelli | MW 3:30-4:50pm | Th 5pm-5:50pm |
| 390-05 | Paleobiology | Bush | TTh 12:30pm-1:50pm | |
| 390-10 | Stable Isotope Methods | Scott | M 2pm-4:50pm | |
| 450-03 | Contemporary Topics in Climate Science | Horton | TTh 11am-12:20pm | |
| 519 | Responsible Conduct of Research Training | Beddows | TBD |
Winter 2025 course descriptions
202 – Earth's Interior
Mechanics of plate tectonics; past plate motions; seismic waves; earthquake mechanisms; earth structure from seismology; shape, size, density, & gravity of the Earth; radiometric age dating; heat and temperature in the Earth; composition and dynamics of mantle and core; oceanic & continental lithosphere, minerals & rocks; planetary formation. Students should be familiar with calculus, introductory physics, introductory chemistry. Some familiarity with computer programming or other ways to process and visualize data (e.g. spreadsheet) is also expected.
204 & 390-09 – Communication for Geoscientists
This course will help undergraduate Earth Sciences majors hone their communication skills, and learn some specific communication styles applicable to our field. Science writing and scientific literature can be intimidating and obtuse. This course is designed to break manuscripts down into their base components, detailing the goal, style, and content required for each section. In addition we will cover verbal and visual forms of communication such as posters and talks. Writing is learned through practice, so this course will be hands on with weekly assignments, peer review, and required classroom engagement.
300 – Earth and Planetary Materials
The Earth and planets are composed of minerals, rocks, melts, and fluids. Earth materials covers the materials science of these substances. The study of Earth materials is fundamental to Earth, environmental, and engineering sciences because it deals with formation, stability, environments, and properties of natural materials at all scales from the atomic to large-scale processes such as weathering and earthquakes. The physical properties of Earth materials are largely controlled by bonding and crystal structure. This course begins with an atomistic approach to understanding mineral properties, but then extends physical properties and mineral stability to the larger geological and planetary scales. The properties of minerals also dictate how we use them for societal applications, ranging from raw materials to energy sources, chemical filters, and storage materials. Mineralogy is the application of physics, chemistry, and biology to natural materials, and this course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of mineralogy. Students will also gain knowledge about the analytical methods used to study minerals and their environments.
312 – Stable Isotope Geochemistry
A survey of the chemical, physical and biological mechanisms and fundamental concepts of stable isotope fractionation. The course will focus on applications of H, O, C, S, N and trace metal (i.e., Fe and Mo) isotopes to geologic problems with an emphasis on climate change and ancient ocean chemistries.
314 – Organic Geochemistry
The sources and fates of organic matter in the natural environment; global cycling of organic carbon; applications to the study of modern and ancient environments. Recommended Background: at least one quarter of earth or environmental science, and one quarter of chemistry. Taught with CIV_ENV 314-0; may not receive credit for both courses.
327 – Geophysical Time Series Analysis
Analysis of seismological times series and other 1-dimensional physical data. Sampling, windowing, filtering, continuous and discrete forward and inverse Fourier transforms, deconvolution (unfolding), cross-correlation, matched filtering (template matching). Application of geophysical inverse methods to 1- and 2-dimensional unfolding problems, like image sharpening. Recommended background: Integral and differential calculus, linear algebra; or consent of instructor.
330 – Sedimentary Geology
Review of description and classification of sedimentary rocks; principles of stratigraphy and sedimentology; methods of local, regional, and global correlation; interpretation of ancient depositional systems (facies analysis); cyclostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy in the context of tectonic, eustatic, and climatic controls on deposition; tectonics and basin analysis. Pre-requisite: EARTH 201 or ENVR_SCI 201, or consent of instructor.
350 – Physics of the Earth for ISP
Solid-earth geophysics: the earth's gravity field, the earth's magnetic field, interior of the earth, heat flow, elementary wave propagation, plate tectonics. Prerequisites: second-year standing in ISP; or comparable background in mathematics and physics and consent of both instructor and ISP director.
390-05 - Paleobiology
Fossils record the 3.8 billion year history of life on Earth, and extinct organisms make up 99% of all the species that ever lived. The fossil record reveals insights into evolutionary processes and the distributions and structures of organisms and ecosystems that cannot be observed by studying living organisms. This course is an introduction to the concepts of paleobiology: the nature of fossils, evolutionary trends and adaptations, systematics, paleoecology, and biogeography. We will investigate how life, from individual organisms to whole biomes, has changed over time; the geologic processes that lead to the burial and preservation of organic material; and the scientific methods by which we infer the biological processes that occurred across deep time from the limited and often biased fossil record. Course has prerequisites.
390-10 - Stable Isotope Analytical Methods
This class will include chemical and analytical techniques for stable isotope analysis of a variety of matrices and organic compounds. This will include hands-on laboratory experiments as well as some theoretical considerations. Extraction, chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, data processing, and other common techniques in organic and inorganic chemistry will be discussed.
450-03 – Contemporary Topics in Climate Science
TBD
519-0 – Responsible Conduct of Research Training
All Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post Doctoral Fellows must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training in their first year of the program. This course includes 6 online "CITI" modules as well as discussion sections. New students and fellows should contact the Assistant Chair with any questions. Recommended Background: Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows Only.
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- Spring 2025 Class Schedule
- Spring 2025 Course Descriptions
- Spring 2025 Environmental Science Courses
Spring 2025 class Schedule
| Course | Title | Instructor | Day/Time | Lab(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Earth Science for the 21st Century | Jacobsen | TTh 11am-12:20pm | |
| 201 | Earth Systems Revealed | Jacobson | MWF 12pm-12:50pm | W 1pm-2:50pm W 3pm-4:50pm |
| 343 | Earth Systems Modeling | Horton | TTh 12:30pm-1:50pm | |
| 344 | The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization | Sageman, Jacobson | MW 3:30pm-4:50pm | |
| 354 | Physics of Rock Deformation in Planetary Materials | Mulyukova | TTh 9:30am-10:50am | |
| 450 | The Subsurface: Real Estate, Residents, & Resources | Osburn | TTh 11am-12:20pm | |
| 450 | Research Writing for the Physical Sciences | Jacobsen | MW 11am-12:20pm |
Spring 2025 course descriptions
EARTH 101 - Earth Science for the 21st Century
Earth science encompasses the geology, chemistry, biology, and physics of our planet, while appreciating its beauty. Environmental degradation, natural resources, energy, climate change, and geologic hazards are among the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century. This course introduces students to Earth science through topical lectures and discussion of current events and research in Earth science. Topics include formation, evolution, structure, and composition of the Earth, plate tectonics and the rock cycle, the water cycle, climate change, paleoclimate, peak oil and fracking, renewable energy, nuclear fuel cycle and policy, geology of the National Parks, and job prospects in Earth science.
EARTH 201 – Earth Systems Revealed
Introduction to Physical Geology: The study of Earth systems and their interactions. This course will approach the study of Earth systems from two perspectives: 1) description and classification of Earth's features, including Earth materials, internal structure, and landforms and 2) description and explanation of the physical, chemical and biological processes that form and modify these features. Topics include minerals; sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; the interior Earth, oceans, and atmosphere; solid Earth processes, such as volcanism, seismicity, and plate tectonics and their interactions with the atmosphere and hydrosphere to drive surface Earth processes, such as climate, weathering, and glaciation; geologic time; global change. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics.
Natural Sciences Distro Area
EARTH 343 – Earth Systems Modeling
Introduction to the art and science of reducing Earth's complex systems into simple numerical models to build a better understanding of how components interact and evolve. Recommended Background: At least one 200-level course in Earth or Environmental Science, one course in each of calculus and physics.
EARTH 344 – The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization
The Scientific Foundations of Decarbonization will address the fundamental scientific understanding of how biogeochemical cycles moderate greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and marine realm, how changes in these gases control Earth climate on short and long timescales, and how human activities have rapidly altered the geologic balance of the carbon cycle. This knowledge base provides the foundation to understand decarbonization. Because most decarbonization strategies target different aspects of the carbon cycle, the core content of the course will review the geochemistry of carbon on land, in the lithosphere, and in the atmosphere, oceans, and other waters. This background will prepare students for a series of guest lectures from alumni of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences (currently employed in decarbonization start-ups and government agencies) that will present the most recent advances in decarbonization being investigated and/or implemented in the U.S. and abroad.
EARTH 354 – Physics of Rock Deformation in Planetary Materials
Rock deformation governs many geological processes that shape the history and the future of terrestrial planets, including mantle convection, plate tectonics, earthquake cycles, volcanism, etc. Physics of rock deformation involves generation and motion of crystalline defects in minerals, such as vacancies, dislocations, and grain boundaries. This course provides an interdisciplinary treatment of the science of deformation of solid Earth with an emphasis on the materials science (microscopic) approach. We cover mechanical behavior over various time-scales, including the elastic, anelastic (viscoelastic), and plastic response, in addition to the applications of these results to important geological and geophysical problems. Special attention is given to high-temperature creep of olivine, the main constituent of the lithosphere and upper mantle. No previous knowledge of geology/geophysics or of materials science is assumed. The basics of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics are presented as far as they are relevant to the main topics of the course.
EARTH 450 – The Subsurface: Real Estate, Residents, & Resources
The subsurface hosts one the largest biomes on the planet, is a key source of drinking water, energy resources, and minerals, and plays a critical role in many of the planned solutions to climate change such as decarbonization, green hydrogen, and critical mineral extraction. This course will transport students underground, examining aspects of subsurface hydrology, geology, and microbiology. We will aim to examine each of these aspects using a range of tools, holistically building a better understanding of how the subsurface works in it's natural state and how this may change moving forward. The course structure will be framed around regional case studies, each featuring readings from the primary literature, lectures from experts, and class discussion and synthesis. All content will be aimed to engage an interdisciplinary audience, and the discussion will benefit from a range of expertise.
EARTH 450 – Research Writing for the Physical Sciences
This graduate research seminar will focus on the preparation of manuscripts and thesis writing. Students will learn how to develop good writing habits, gain experience editing other student’s work and receiving feedback on their own, and discuss best practices for navigating co-authorship dynamics. Common questions in scientific writing will be discussed: Is this plagiarism? Should I publish this work in two papers instead of one? What journal should I submit this to? Students will also group-review one manuscript together for a journal.
Spring 2025 ENvironmental Science Courses
ENVR_SCI 203 – Humans and the Environment
Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the living and nonliving parts of their environment. In this course, we will examine current environmental challenges, such as climate change, the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable production of energy, and the implications of human population growth. A case study approach will be used bringing in dimensions of ethics, justice, law, economics, policy, culture, and more, in compliment to the understanding of the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere functions and condition.
ENVR_SCI 390 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Vector Focused
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful analytical tool for spatial datasets with a very wide range of interdisciplinary applications. This is a first course for students with no or little knowledge in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial theory. We will apply GIS methods and tools by working with vector data types, that represent the real-world objects as point, lines and polygons. This class will be provided students with both theoretical and technical GIS skills through hands on learning and lab assignments, with a final real-world problem-solving mini project and a lot of fun.
ENVR_SCI 390 – Environmental Site Assessment
This class will introduce students to perform an environmental site assessment and is designed to develop skills necessary to perform quality work in the field. Experience gained in this course will assist students interested in the characterization, assessment, and management of field sites for environmental or economic purposes. Mastery of material presented in this course will benefit those seeking advanced academic degrees in science or engineering disciplines that involve subsurface characterization and modeling as well as students seeking professional employment in applied geology or environmental science. Site assessment involves both qualitative and quantitative analyses: development of conceptual site models requires imagination and experience; quantification of site characteristics requires the design of sampling strategies and application of statistical analyses.