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Courses for Fall 2019

  • 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.
    GEOL 0050 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard

  • Volcanos, Windows into the Deep Earth

    Examines the physical and chemical principles controlling the generation of volcanoes and their different styles of eruption. Investigates where and why volcanoes occur, and what volcanic lavas can tell us about the composition and evolution of the Earth and other planets. Evaluates volcanic hazards and their environmental impacts and the economic benefits and cultural aspects of volcanism. Two-day field trip. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students.
    GEOL 0160E S01
    Primary Instructor
    Saal

  • Physical Processes in Geology

    Introduction to the physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth’s surface, govern the structure of its interior, cause natural hazards and affect the human environment. Topics include interior processes (plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanism, earthquakes, and flow of solid rocks) and environmental processes (climate, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, flow of rivers, glaciers, and groundwater). Four labs and two field trips arranged. Intended for science concentrators or those wishing in-depth treatment. CAP course. Enrollment limited to 100. After pre-registration, instructor permission is required to register or get on wait-list. Please see or email instructor ([email protected]).
    GEOL 0220 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis

  • Mathematical Methods of Fluid and Solid Geophysics and Geology

    Intended for undergraduates concentrating in geological and physical sciences or engineering, especially those interested in the quantitative study of Earth. Problem sets will cover common approaches to quantify the dynamics and chemistry of solids and fluids in nature. Mathematical topics to be introduced include linear algebra, vectors and tensors, differential equations, dynamical systems, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, empirical orthogonal functions, fractals, chaos, and statistics. Applications include waves in the oceans, atmosphere, and solid earth, convective and conductive heat flow, reaction rates, gravitational potential energy, Newton’s laws on a rotating planet, measuring coastlines and ranges, and dating errors in stratigraphy.
    GEOL 0350 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper
    GEOL 0350 L01
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    GEOL 0350 L02
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    GEOL 0350 L03
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab
    GEOL 0350 L04
    Schedule Code
    L: Lab

  • Paleoceanography

    An examination of the Cenozoic history of the world ocean with attention to the processes which have acted to change its circulation, climate, geometry, and biology. Develops a strategy to use marine sediments and microfossils to identify and understand past variations in the oceans. Class projects analyze and interpret various types of paleoceanographic data. Laboratory arranged. Offered alternate years.
    GEOL 1120 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert

  • 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: GEOL 0220 or 0240, or instructor permission. GEOL 0310, 1410 are also recommended.
    GEOL 1240 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Russell

  • 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.
    GEOL 1320 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson
    GEOL 1320 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson

  • 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.
    GEOL 1370 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Huang

  • 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: GEOL 0230, CHEM 0100 or 0330, or equivalent.
    GEOL 1410 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper

  • 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.
    GEOL 1430 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Lee

  • Glaciers and Climate Change (ENVS 1605)

    GEOL 1605 S01

  • Solid Earth Geophysics

    A survey of basic geophysical techniques for determining the structure and dynamics of Earth's interior. Topics include: global structure from seismic waves; gravity, magnetic field, and shape of the Earth; thermal processes within the Earth; structure of continental and oceanic lithosphere. Recommended courses: GEOL 0220, PHYS 0470, APMA 0330. No prerequisites.
    GEOL 1610 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton

  • The Environmental Policy Process

    The diminishing quantity and quality of the resources of the Earth carries profound implications for the fulfillment of human rights and aspirations. But even as we understand better the intrinsic interdependencies between humans and the environment, policy gridlock persists. Indeed, the findings of fundamental environmental science are regularly contested on political grounds. The purpose of this course is to learn how to apply knowledge to map the relevant policy context in environmental issues, and to develop the tools and approaches to address any problem of decision in the environmental arena more creatively, effectively, and responsibly.
    GEOL 1615 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch

  • 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. GEOL 1410 (Mineralogy), PHYS 0060, or equivalent recommended.
    GEOL 1710 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken

  • Gravitational Fields and Data Analyses

    The course will cover fundamental and cutting-edge methods applied to Earth and planetary gravity data acquired by spacecraft, aircraft, sea, and surface gravimeters. Students will learn and practice how to represent, analyze, manipulate, and interpret gravitational data. The course will also include topics on potential field theory, geomagnetic data, pattern recognition methods, Monte Carlo methods, and computer modeling techniques. Topics covered in this course provide a foundation for a wide variety of advanced data analysis, representation, and manipulation techniques that extend beyond Earth and planetary sciences. The following courses are recommended prerequisites (and/or permission of the Professor): MATH 0090, 0100; PHYS 0030, 0040 or 0050, 0060 or 0070; and, GEOL 0250 or previous programming experience in MATLAB or a high-level programming language (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, etc.).
    GEOL 1950H S01
    Primary Instructor
    Evans

  • Special Topics in Geological Sciences: The Arctic

    This course blends principles of physical and social science with regional focus on the Arctic Ocean and northern areas of eight Arctic nations encircling the northern latitudes of the planet. The coming century will see substantial transformation of this region driven by warming climate, global demand for natural resources, demographic trends, new governance models, & other factors. The ability of northern societies to react to these phenomena is shaped by new legal frameworks. As a result, the northern region faces an array of challenges and opportunities ranging from species extinctions to increased viability of shipping lanes through the Arctic region.
    GEOL 1950P S01
    Primary Instructor
    Smith

  • The Early Earth

    Primary focus on evolution of the solid Earth (core, mantle, crust) but will also include discussion of the Archean hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Reading and discussing current literature, with lectures. Intended for graduate students and upper level undergraduates with advanced petrology and/or geophysics. Enrollment limited to 20.
    GEOL 1960H S01
    Primary Instructor
    Parman

  • 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.
    GEOL 1970 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Forsyth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Gromet
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Head
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Hermance
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Parmentier
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Pieters
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Prell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Russell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S18
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Lee
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S21
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Murray
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S23
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S24
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S25
    Primary Instructor
    Hirth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S26
    Primary Instructor
    Hastings
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S27
    Primary Instructor
    Parman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 1970 S28
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research

  • Mathematical and Computational Earth Sciences

    For graduate students interested in quantitative study of the Earth in geological, physical, or engineering sciences. Mathematical topics to be introduced include tensor analysis, asymptotic and per turbation analysis of differential equations, numerical integration of differential equations, basis functions and pattern recognition, fractals and multifractals, and statistics. Applications will vary by offering, but examples include: statistics of turbulence and earthquakes, advection-reaction-diffusion systems, boundary layers, development of shocks and singularities, climate change, carbon sensitivity, and dimensional reduction of geophysical data. Intensive review of introductory mathematical methods through leading discussions in a lower level class. Earth, fluid, or solid science background recommended.
    GEOL 2300 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper

  • Planetary Science Seminar

    New data for the Moon and Mercury from recent missions (including Chanrayaan-1, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, GRAIL and MESSENGER) permit new insights into “The Crater to Basin Transition on the Moon and Mercury”. In this seminar course we will examine this transition using these new data and recent developments in cratering theory and modeling. The course will feature research from the NASA SSERVI activity. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
    GEOL 2810 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Head

  • Special Topics in Geological Sciences: Interactions between Tectonics and Climate

    Examines connections between Earth’s long-term climate and plate tectonics and solid Earth. Reading and discussing scientific papers we'll consider the various mechanisms by which tectonics can affect climate and by which climate may affect tectonics. Including volcanic degassing at mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, large igneous provinces, and continental rifts; weathering of silicate rocks on continents and of sediment, basalt, and peridotite on the seafloor; regional metamorphism of carbonate rocks; effects on climate of changes in tectonic plate motions and configurations; possible effects of Milankovitch cycles on mantle melting; and implications of mantle viscosity and convection for sea-level rise and ice-sheet stability.
    GEOL 2910X S01
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton

  • Introduction to Geochemical Modeling

    Continuum descriptions of mass transfer in geochemical cycles. Topics include: fundamentals of diffusive and advective mass transfer, kinetics of weathering and early diagenesis, fluid flow in the Earth's crust and mantle, trace elements and isotopes in magmatic processes. Recommended: CHEM 0330, GEOL 1610 and APMA 0330, 0340.
    GEOL 2920D S01
    Primary Instructor
    Liang

  • 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.
    GEOL 2980 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Clemens
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S02
    Primary Instructor
    Cooper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S03
    Primary Instructor
    Lynch
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S04
    Primary Instructor
    Fischer
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S05
    Primary Instructor
    Forsyth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S06
    Primary Instructor
    Gromet
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S07
    Primary Instructor
    Head
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S08
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S09
    Primary Instructor
    Hermance
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S10
    Primary Instructor
    Huang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S11
    Primary Instructor
    Liang
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S12
    Primary Instructor
    Mustard
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S13
    Primary Instructor
    Parmentier
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S14
    Primary Instructor
    Pieters
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S15
    Primary Instructor
    Prell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S16
    Primary Instructor
    Russell
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S17
    Primary Instructor
    Saal
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S18
    Primary Instructor
    Johnson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S19
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S20
    Primary Instructor
    Dalton
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S21
    Primary Instructor
    Milliken
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S22
    Primary Instructor
    Carlson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S23
    Primary Instructor
    Huber
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S24
    Primary Instructor
    Lee
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S25
    Primary Instructor
    Hirth
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S26
    Primary Instructor
    Hastings
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S27
    Primary Instructor
    Parman
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S28
    Primary Instructor
    Johnson
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S29
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S30
    Primary Instructor
    Amaral Zettler
    Schedule Code
    I: Independent Study/Research
    GEOL 2980 S31
    Primary Instructor
    Evans
    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.
    GEOL 2990 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep