Information For:

Courses for Fall 2020

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Mineralogy

    Introduction to mineralogical processes on Earth's surface and its interior. Topics include crystallography, crystal chemistry, nucleation, crystal growth, biomineralization, environmental mineralogy, and mantle mineralogy. Laboratory study devoted to optical identification of rock-forming minerals. Prerequisites: EEPS 0230, CHEM 0100 or 0330, or equivalent.
    EEPS 1410 S01
    Lecture portion of the course will be taught remotely; laboratory portion of the course will combine remote and onsite parts (but available for fully remote). Student participation during lectures/discussions is expected (cameras on), but lectures will also be recorded.
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    EEPS 1410 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Kinetics of Geochemical Processes

    Emphasizes kinetic theories and their geological applications. Topics include: rate laws of chemical reaction, rates of chemical weathering; fundamentals of diffusion, nucleation, crystal growth, and dissolution; transport theory. Recommended prerequisite: EEPS 2460 or equivalent.
    EEPS 2410 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    EEPS 2410 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • 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
    The course will be accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Video lecture supplements to be watched before class. Discussion board with questions by students required. Student participation during lectures/discussions expected. All lectures will be recorded. There will be homework assignments, quizzes and final take home exam. There will be four discussion sessions with associated reflection pieces
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    EEPS 0050 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0050 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0050 C04
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Advanced Remote Sensing

    Strategies and the physical principles behind the quantitative extraction of geophysical and biophysical properties from remotely sensed data. Emphasis on radiative transfer theory and modeling of spectra and spectral mixtures from optical constants. Advanced methods of digital image processing. Methods of integrating remotely sensed data into a GIS framework will be introduced. Recommended preparation course: EEPS 1330 or 1710; MATH 0100; PHYS 0600.
    EEPS 2330 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    EEPS 2330 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • 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
    The course will be hybrid but fully accessible online. Lectures will be asynchronous and in-person lab sections will be available 2x/week with an additional lab session for people not able to attend in person.
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    EEPS 0250 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0250 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0250 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles

    A quantitative treatment of the cycling of biologically important elements in the world ocean. Special attention paid to the carbon system in the ocean and the role that organisms, in conjunction with ocean circulation, play in regulating the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere through exchange with the surface ocean. For science concentrators. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: CHEM 0330 or equivalent, or instructor permission.
    EEPS 1130 S01
    The course will be hybrid; accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Video lecture supplements to be watched before class. Discussion board with questions by students required. Student participation during lectures/discussions expected. All lectures will be recorded. There will be homework, labs midterm and final exam.
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    EEPS 1130 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 1130 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 1130 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • 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
    The course will be hybrid; accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Video lecture supplements to be watched before class. Discussion board with questions by students required. Student participation during lectures/discussions expected. All lectures will be recorded. There will be homework, labs midterm and final exam. Some labs may have an in-person option, depending on conditions. Possibility of field trips will follow University guidance.
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    EEPS 1240 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 1240 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • 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
    EEPS 1370 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 1370 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • 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
    The course will be fully online. Student attendance/participation during lectures/discussions is encouraged (not required), but lectures will be recorded. No course component is in-person.
    Primary Instructor
    Lee

  • 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
    The course will be hybrid but accessible for fully online learning as well. Depending on class size, live lectures will be recorded for those not wishing to attend in person and/or unable to attend due to class size and room size restrictions.
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    EEPS 0070 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0070 C02
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference
    EEPS 0070 C03
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Applications

    An introduction to basic geographic information system (GIS) concepts, and the utilization and application of geospatial data for analysis. Topics will include data structures and management, coordinate systems and projections, data creation, obtaining spatial data from outside sources, georeferencing and address-matching, model building and batch geoprocessing, and performing fundamental spatial analysis techniques such as overlay, extraction, and interpolation, viewsheds, and hot spot analysis among others. Concepts are presented via online videos (Canvas) and put into practice through weekly hands-on laboratory exercises utilizing the GIS software product ArcGIS 10.x and ArcGIS Pro (ESRI, Inc.). Two presentations by each student are required - a case study, and an original research project employing the methods learned. A public poster session on the original research project culminates the term. If unable to pre-register, a wait list will be used to fill openings on a first come, first serve basis. S/NC.
    EEPS 1320 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson
    EEPS 1320 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson

  • 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
    The course will be accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Participation in slightly shortened online interactive lectures/discussions will be expected, with additional video lecture supplements to be watched asynchronously after each synchronous class. If the virus situation improves, some course components may be in person.
    Primary Instructor
    Tsai
    EEPS 1690 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Tsai
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Physics of Planetary Evolution

    The course will explore and expose students to the fundamental physics necessary to understand how planetary bodies evolve. The evolution of planetary bodies will be discussed on the basis of geological and geophysical evidence derived from exploration of the Solar System. This course will study the physical processes responsible for and that occur as a consequence of differentiation and deformation of planetary bodies. Includes the study of physical processes responsible for volcanism and deformation on the surface as well as the state and structure of the interior of planets.
    EEPS 1810 S01
    The course will be fully online. Student attendance/participation during lectures/discussions is encouraged (not required), but lectures will be recorded. No course component is in-person.
    Primary Instructor
    Evans

  • Water in Our World

    This course will focus on understanding natural and societal dimensions of the water cycle. The coming century will see substantial pressure on global water resources owing to increasing human demand, alteration of river systems, and climate change. The first half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in physical hydrological science, and the second explores human modifications and environmental problems associated with a perturbed water cycle. The topical sequence of the class will progress first through different components of the water cycle (e.g. precipitation, evaporation, runoff), followed by different ways in which humans use and depend upon freshwater resources.
    EEPS 0830 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Smith

  • Quaternary Climatology Seminar

    Discussion of current problems in paleoclimatology and global climate change. Students analyze the primary literature, and do original analyses of their own on published data. Topics include: theories of ice ages, millennial-scale climate variability, the influence of greenhouse gases and radiative forcing on climate, and historical and future climate changes. Prerequisites: graduate student status; or EEPS 0240 and 1240; or instructor permission.
    EEPS 2350 S01
    This is a fully online seminar. I have had advanced undergraduates interested in paleoclimate take this one, so students can do that if they choose.
    Primary Instructor
    Russell

  • Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes

    This course is an introduction to the formation of minerals and rocks, and the physico-chemical processes acting during planetary evolution. Topics include: Earth formation and differentiation, determination of age and origin of volcanic, crustal and mantle rocks using their elemental compositions and radiogenic and stable isotopes. Weekly laboratory. Intended for science concentrators. Lab times TBD, Prerequisites: no prerequisites
    EEPS 0230 S01
    The course will be accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Video lecture supplements to be watched before class. Discussion board with questions by students required. Student participation during lectures/discussions expected. All lectures will be recorded. There will be homework, labs midterm and final exam. Some labs may have an in-person option, depending on conditions.
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    EEPS 0230 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Earthquake Seismology

    This course is an introduction to seismology that focuses on the seismic waves generated by earthquakes, and how the information contained in these waves can be used to understand earthquake processes and the structure of the Earth. We will discuss applications of seismology that address earthquake hazards and other societal issues. Recommended courses: EEPS 1610; or EEPS 0220 and experience with differential equations; or the equivalent. Offered in alternate years.
    EEPS 1650 S01
    The course will be accessible to students who opt for fully online learning. Student participation during lectures/discussions is expected, but lectures will also be recorded. Some course components may have an in-person option, depending on conditions.
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    EEPS 1650 C01
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    Schedule Code
    C: Discussion Section/Conference

  • Topics in Geophysics

    The course will be focused on geophysical studies of the Earth’s crust, lithosphere, and asthenosphere. Through reading and discussion of historical and recent scientific papers we will consider a range of topics such as: interactions between the solid Earth and ice sheets; using geophysical observations to infer rheology; the nature of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary; and recent advances in geophysical methodologies.
    EEPS 2910X S01
    This seminar will be fully online. I am hoping synchronous meetings will be possible so that we can have discussion, but if not I will record all class meetings and create other opportunities to simulate dicsussion.
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton