Information For:

Courses for Fall 2017

  • 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 20 first year students. FYS
    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 (Jan_Tullis@brown.edu).
    GEOL 0220 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Tullis

  • 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.
    GEOL 0250 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Huber

  • 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. WRIT
    GEOL 1240 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Russell

  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Applications

    Introduction to the concepts of geospatial analysis and digital mapping. The principles of spatial data structures, coordinate systems, database development and design, and techniques of spatial analysis are learned. This is an applied course, primarily using ESRI-based geographic information system software. Focal point of class is the completion of student-selected research project employing GIS methods. Enrollment limited to 10 in each section. Permission by an application provided by the instructor (to be requested through email). 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

  • 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. WRIT
    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

  • Special Topics in Geological Sciences: Geoengineering Or, The Unnatural World

    Examines the processes, dynamics, and consequences of geoengineering, or intentional climate intervention, approaches to controlling climate change. Through assignment students will create a series of referenced, researched, public wikipedia pages summarizing the state of the art understanding (i.e., a geoengineering hackathon). Intended for undergraduate and graduate students with interests in oceans, climate, paleoclimate, egineering, and climate change policy. Pre-requisite: GEOL 0240 or ENVS 0490 or GEOL 1350 recommended; permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited to 30.
    GEOL 1950M S01
    Primary Instructor
    Fox-Kemper

  • 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

  • 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: GEOL 2460 or equivalent.
    GEOL 2410 S01
    Primary Instructor
    Liang

  • Past Variations in the Global Carbon Cycle

    This course will examine variations in the earth's carbon cycle over multiple time scales. We will examine geological tools that measure rates of carbon storage and release, especially over the past one million years. Special emphasis will be given to monitoring rates of past biological carbon storage.
    GEOL 2920H S01
    Primary Instructor
    Herbert

  • Special Topics in Geological Sciences: The Hydrological Cycle on Mars

    Evidence for the changing hydrological cycle on Mars, ranging from what appears to be an early warm and wet Mars, through history to the present very cold polar desert Antarctic-like environment will be examined. Ongoing rover exploration of Mars will be followed to assess what these new results are telling us about the hydrological cycle.
    GEOL 2920K S01
    Primary Instructor
    Head

  • 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
    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
    Tang
    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

  • Thesis Preparation

    For graduate students who have met the tuition requirements and are paying the registration fee to continue active enrollment while preparing a thesis.
    GEOL 2990 S01
    Schedule Code
    E: Grad Enrollment Fee/Dist Prep