Information For:

Courses for Fall 2022

  • Individual Study of Geologic Problems

    One semester is required for seniors in Sc.B. and honors program. Course work includes preparation of a thesis. Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course. Enrollment is restricted to undergraduates only.
    EEPS 1970 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Forsyth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Head
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Parmentier
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Pieters
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Prell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Russell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Smith
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Smith
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Lee
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Murray
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S21
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S23
    Primary Instructor
    Hirth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S24
    Primary Instructor
    Hastings
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S25
    Primary Instructor
    Parman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S26
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S27
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S28
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S29
    Primary Instructor
    Daubar
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S30
    Primary Instructor
    Tsai
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S31
    Primary Instructor
    Ibarra
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 1970 S32
    Primary Instructor
    Prilipko Huber
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Research in Geological Sciences

    Section numbers vary by instructor. Please check Banner for the correct section number and CRN to use when registering for this course. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students only.
    EEPS 2980 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Forsyth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Head
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Parmentier
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Pieters
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Prell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Russell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S21
    Primary Instructor
    Lee
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Hirth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S23
    Primary Instructor
    Hastings
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S24
    Primary Instructor
    Parman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S25
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S26
    Primary Instructor
    Evans
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S27
    Primary Instructor
    Smith
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S28
    Primary Instructor
    Bergen
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S29
    Primary Instructor
    Ibarra
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    EEPS 2980 S30
    Primary Instructor
    Prilipko Huber
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Thesis Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the residency requirement and are continuing research on a full time basis.
    EEPS 2990 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Graduate Thesis Prep

  • Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary Surfaces

    Geologic applications of remotely sensed information derived from interaction of electromagnetic radiation (X-ray, gamma-ray, visible, near-IR, mid-IR, radar) with geologic materials. Applications emphasize remote geochemical analyses for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Several spectroscopy and image processing labs. EEPS 1410 (Mineralogy), PHYS 0060, or equivalent recommended.
    EEPS 1710 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken

  • Mars, Moon, and the Earth

    Space exploration has revealed an astonishing array of surface features on the planets and their satellites. Why are atmospheres on the planets different from Earth's atmosphere? Do other planets represent our past or future environment? Is there life on other planets? The planets and their histories are compared to gain insight and a new perspective on planet Earth.
    EEPS 0050 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard

  • Igneous Petrology

    Study of mineral equilibria in igneous rocks in relation to theoretical and experimental studies in silicate systems. Principles of the origin and evolution of igneous rocks in space and time. Offered alternate years.
    EEPS 2430 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Parman

  • Earth Processes

    How does plate tectonics create mountains, earthquakes and volcanoes? What processes drive climate change? How do humans exacerbate flooding? This course provides an introduction to the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, govern the structure of its interior, cause natural hazards, contribute to climate change and affect the human environment. Topics include interior processes (plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanism, earthquakes, flow of solid rocks), environmental processes (climate change, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, flow of rivers, glaciers, groundwater, water and energy resources), and the connections between them. Lectures are complemented by three labs, informal small-group study sessions, and field trips. Collaborative learning is encouraged. Enrollment is limited to 100.
    EEPS 0220 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer

  • Computational Approaches to Modelling and Quantitative Analysis in Natural Sciences: An Introduction

    Application of numerical analysis to mathematical modelling in the natural sciences including topics such as ground water and glacier flow, earthquakes, climate models, phase equilibrium, and population dynamics. Numerical methods will include the solution of linear algebraic systems of equations, numerical integration, solution of differential equations, time series analysis, statistical data analysis tools. Development of computer programming skills in the Matlab programming environment. Suggested prerequisites: MATH 0090, 0100; PHYS 0030, 0040, or 0050, 0060.
    EEPS 0250 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Huber

  • Monsters of the Abyss: Oceanography and Sea Tales

    We will read from the logbooks of Cook, Darwin, Wallace, and Nansen. Their discoveries and expeditions inspired and were inspired by fiction that we will also read, including Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The daring successes and cannibalistic dooms of the Essex, Beagle, Terror, Challenger, and Fram inspired 19th century writers to imagine what lay far across and deep beneath the oceans. These retellings--fictional, narrative, and scientific--helped formulate and fund further research. Who risks their life for a bird, a map, a widow, or an eclipse? How would these scientists and their ideas do today? Enrollment limited to 19 first year students.
    EEPS 0160N S01
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper

  • Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

    Introduction to depositional environments and processes responsible for formation of sedimentary rocks. Major sedimentary environments in the Recent are discussed, general models are proposed, and stratigraphic sequences in older sediments are examined in the light of these models. The Phanerozoic stratigraphic record is examined from the perspective of Earth system history. Laboratory arranged. Prerequisites: EEPS 0220 or 0240, or instructor permission.
    EEPS 1240 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Russell

  • Environmental Geochemistry

    The course will examine the biogeochemical cycling, fate and transport of chemicals in the atmospheric and aquatic environments. Topics such as chemical weathering, natural water pollution and remediation, acid deposition, global warming and air pollution will be examined through natural ecosystem examples from rivers, lakes, estuaries, and ocean. Field trips and laboratory arranged. Prerequisites: CHEM 0100 or 0330, or instructor permission.
    EEPS 1370 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Huang

  • Principles of Planetary Climate

    This course provides the physical building blocks for understanding planetary climate. Topics include thermodynamics applied to planetary atmosphere, basic radiative transfer, energy balance in the atmosphere, and climate variability. In-class exercises and homework problems are designed to strengthen the understanding of basic concepts and to improve problem-solving skills.
    EEPS 1430 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Lee

  • Making Connections: The Environmental Policy Process

    The diminishing quality of Earth’s systems and resources carries profound implications for the fulfillment of human rights and aspirations. But even as Western knowledge systems understand better the intrinsic interdependencies between humans and the non-human, policy gridlock persists. Indeed, scientific findings are regularly contested on political grounds. The purpose of this course is to learn how to apply diverse knowledges from Indigenous to Modern to map the relevant policy in problems at the intersection of human rights and environmental integrity, and to develop approaches to address them in ways that are creative, effective, responsible and just. Students are admitted in the following order: capstone fulfillment, core requirements, EEPS or ENVS concentrator, and others, in the order received in each category.
    EEPS 1615 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch

  • Introduction to Oceanography

    Examines the ocean's role in Earth's global environment, emphasizing the dynamical interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and lithosphere. Focus on physical/chemical/biological systems' interconnections needed to understand natural and anthropogenic variability on various time and space scales, from El Niño to global warming. Three lectures, written exercises on oceanographic problems; two field trips to study estuarine and coastal processes.
    EEPS 0070 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens

  • Isotope Geochemistry

    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry. Beginning with a brief overview of nuclear physics and nucleosynthesis, it then reviews radioactive decay schemes including and their use in geochronology. Subsequent classes cover nucleosynthetic anomalies in meteorites and early solar system chronology and the use of radiogenic isotopes (including Uranium-series) in understanding the evolution of the Earth’s mantle, crust, and oceans. Attention then turns to stable isotopes reviewing the basic principles involved in controlling stable isotopes during both equilibrium and kinetic fractionation, followed by their application on diverse topics but particularly on climate evolution. Finally, the course explores recent developments including unconventional stable isotopes, mass-independent fractionation, isotopic ‘clumping’, noble gasses isotopes and their applications.
    EEPS 1730 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Saal

  • Introduction to Methods in Data Analysis

    This class will be an overview of different ways one can quantitatively analyze data. Topics will include linear regression, least squares inversion, principal component analysis, and Bayesian methods. Emphasis will be on both a theoretical understanding of these methods and on practical applications to geophysical and earth science problems. Exercises will include using MATLAB to analyze data.
    EEPS 1690 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tsai

  • Early Evolution of the Solar System

    The so-called NC-CC dichotomy describes the fundamental difference in the genetic make-up of inner (‘non-carbonaceous’) and outer (‘carbonaceous’) Solar System materials, and is one of the most influential discoveries in modern cosmochemistry. In this seminar, we will follow a series of scientific studies that ultimately led to its full recognition and use recent publications to discuss how it revolutionized our understanding of the early evolution of the Solar System. This includes diverse topics such as (i) the origin, processing, and transport of material in the protoplanetary disk, (ii) the timescales and processes of planetesimal/planet formation and migration, as well as (iii) the nature of Earth’s building blocks and origin of its habitability. No prior courses required; basic knowledge of cosmochemistry and isotope geochemistry is recommended. Intended for graduate students, but upper-level undergraduates may register with permission of the instructor.
    EEPS 2910J S01
    Primary Instructor
    Budde

  • Advanced Seismology

    The theory of modern seismology will be applied to imaging of Earth structure (from local to global scales) and determination of earthquake source models. Topics include elastic wave propagation, representation theorems, seismic tomography, moment tensors, source-time functions, and models of fault rupture. Offered alternate years.
    EEPS 2650 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton

  • The Ice Ages: How We Got Here

    This seminar-style course will examine how the earth's climate evolved from a mild late Miocene and Pliocene when Greenland really was green, into a state with repeated glaciations of the northern hemisphere. These ice ages have sculpted mountain ranges, beveled much of the land surface, shaped our coastlines and produced crustal deformations that continue to the present day. Major theories that offer explanations of this evolution will be supplemented by detailed consideration of relevant data sets. Technical approaches such as time series analysis will be developed through exercises using R, Python, and Matlab codes. The course will culminate in final projects of their choice focusing on a particular aspect of ice age evolution.
    EEPS 2910W S01
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert