Fall Term Schedule
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Fall 2022
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|
|
EESC 101-1
Julia Masny
MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
|
EESC 101-2
Julia Masny
R 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
|
EESC 101-3
Julia Masny
M 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
|
EESC 101-5
Julia Masny
W 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials.
|
|
EESC 105-1
Erin Black
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
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|
EESC 105-2
Erin Black
M 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
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|
EESC 105-3
Erin Black
R 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry.
|
|
EESC 206-1
Wriju Chowdhury
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: EES 101, CHM 131, EES 204W Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examinations of the major rock types in the laboratory.
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|
EESC 206-2
–
T 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: EES 101, CHM 131, EES 204W Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examinations of the major rock types in the laboratory.
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|
EESC 213-1
Karen Berger
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
|
This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required.
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|
EESC 213-2
Karen Berger
W 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required.
|
|
EESC 213-3
Karen Berger
R 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required.
|
|
EESC 213W-1
Karen Berger
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
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|
See description for EES 213. This is the upper-level writing section of the course; it is open to EES majors only
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EESC 213W-2
Karen Berger
W 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
See description for EES 213. This is the writing requirement section.
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EESC 213W-3
Karen Berger
R 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
See description for EES 213. This is the writing requirement section.
|
|
EESC 220W-1
Chiara Borrelli
MW 3:25PM - 4:40PM
|
|
This course investigates Geobiology, the study of the interactions between the biosphere (living organisms and their products) and the geosphere (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere). In the first part of the semester, the class will explore how the geopshere's chemical and physical processes influenced life and evolution and how life influenced the Earth system during roughly the last 4 billion years. This will be done mainly through the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students' investigation of specific geobiology topics, like microbial weathering of minerals, biomineralization, the role of different microbial metabolisms in elemental cycling, the ocean redox history and its relationship to the origin of life itself. In addition to learning geobiology fundamentals, students will learn how to undertake a scientific literature search, read and understand scientific material, brainstorm and develop new ideas and write a final research paper.
|
|
EESC 224-1
Rachel Glade
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
Prerequisites: should should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals Particles are transported in fluid flows in a wide variety of settings, for example: sediment moving in rivers, on the ocean floor, and through windblown sand dunes; granular-fluid mixtures in industrial settings; and dust or contaminants moving through the atmosphere. This course will cover both fluid and particle dynamics with an eye toward understanding sediment transport on Earth’s surface. The first part of the course will cover necessary fluid mechanics principles, while the second part of the course will examine how particles move in fluids. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge sediment transport research. Classes will include physical experiments demonstrating important principles. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project.
|
|
EESC 224-2
Rachel Glade
R 2:00PM - 4:40PM
|
|
Prerequisites: should should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals Particles are transported in fluid flows in a wide variety of settings, for example: sediment moving in rivers, on the ocean floor, and through windblown sand dunes; granular-fluid mixtures in industrial settings; and dust or contaminants moving through the atmosphere. This course will cover both fluid and particle dynamics with an eye toward understanding sediment transport on Earth’s surface. The first part of the course will cover necessary fluid mechanics principles, while the second part of the course will examine how particles move in fluids. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge sediment transport research. Classes will include physical experiments demonstrating important principles. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project.
|
|
EESC 232-1
Thomas Weber
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
|
Marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles are currently subject to unprecedented perturbations due to anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. In turn, changes in ocean biogeochemistry can feed back and amplify climate change by releasing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This class will take a deep dive into the recent scientific literature on some key issues, including: ocean acidification; ocean oxygen loss; declining productivity of marine ecosystems; perturbation of the ocean’s biological carbon pump; and potential for destabilization of methane hydrates. We will also explore “geo-engineering” solutions to climate change, which propose deliberate perturbation of ocean biogeochemical cycles to drive greenhouse gas uptake from the atmosphere. Students will learn how to critically assess the scientific literature, compare evidence and arguments from multiple (often contradictory) papers, and how to obtain and analyze published datasets. Assessment is based on participation in discussion and debate, written summaries of the literature, and a final project that combines literature review and data analysis on a topic of interest to each student. At least one of EESC 212, 233, or 235 is a recommended pre-requisite, and students are assumed to be familiar with simple data analysis and plotting in Excel or MATLAB.
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|
EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
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EESC 236-2
Lee Murray
F 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
|
A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century.
|
|
EESC 256-1
Rory Cottrell
MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: MATH 161 (OR 141) The basic paleomagnetic methods used to determine absolute plate motions are reviewed. Applications include the potential cause and effect relationship between changes in absolute plate motions, mantle plume volcanism, orogeny, and climate change.
|
|
EESC 261W-1
John Kessler
TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 131-132; MATH 161-162 Most courses in stable isotopes highlight the analytical techniques and classic examples of applications of stable isotopes in the geosciences. However, the stable isotope investigations in this course will stress the fundamentals of stable isotope models, along with their underlying assumptions, guided by several classic applications. Not only will we learn the equations used in these pioneering applications, but we will set-up and derive these equations. The goal of this course is to equip students with the knowledge needed to both dissect as well as manipulate traditional stable isotope models so that they can analyze their data in the most appropriate and intelligent fashion.
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|
EESC 265-1
Vas Petrenko
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
Pre-Reqs: EES 101 or 103 (or equivalent), MTH 161-162 or equivalent, CHM 131 or equivalent The Earth's climate is changing in a potentially fundamental way because of human activity. In this course we will look into Earth's climate history in order to gain a better understanding of how the climate system works and what we can expect from Earth's climate in the future. During its history, the Earth has gone through periods that were much warmer as well as periods that were much colder than today. By examining the geological record of the environmental conditions, we can gain insights into how key parameters such as greenhouse gas concentrations, insolation and postions of the continents influence the climate system. The students will also learn how different paleoclimate indicators work and practice working with paleoclimate data.
|
|
EESC 265W-1
Vas Petrenko
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: EES 101 or 103 (or equivalent), MTH 161-162 or equivalent, CHM 131 or equivalent The Earth's climate is changing in a potentially fundamental way because of human activity. In this course we will look into Earth's climate history in order to gain a better understanding of how the climate system works and what we can expect from Earth's climate in the future. During its history, the Earth has gone through periods that were much warmer as well as periods that were much colder than today. By examining the geological record of the environmental conditions, we can gain insights into how key parameters such as greenhouse gas concentrations, insolation and postions of the continents influence the climate system. The students will also learn how different paleoclimate indicators work and practice working with paleoclimate data
|
|
EESC 320-1
Karen Berger
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
This capstone course, designed for students in their junior year and above who are pursuing majors or Take-Five programs in environmental fields, provides an opportunity to explore definitions and metrics of sustainability and systems thinking, and to explore these topics in greater detail for certain sectors (buildings, food, energy and urban systems) and for a system of each student's choice.
|
|
EESC 320W-1
Karen Berger
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
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|
See EES 320 and EES Department Writing Plan. This section fulfills the upper level writing requirement.
|
|
EESC 368-1
Dustin Trail
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
Many of the geochemical and physical processes in the solid earth occur in regions inaccessible to drilling. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to techniques that enable scientists to study the interior of our planet and other planets in the solar system through laboratory experimentation. Over the course of the semester, students will be guided though the design and execution of state-of-the-art high temperature high pressure experiments. Writing assignments and data analysis will also be a key component of the course. Students will synthesize the results of the experiments, and place them in a broader context to understand how the interiors of planets work.
|
|
EESC 368W-1
Dustin Trail
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
Many of the geochemical and physical processes in the solid earth occur in regions inaccessible to drilling. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to techniques that enable scientists to study the interior of our planet and other planets in the solar system through laboratory experimentation. Over the course of the semester, students will be guided though the design and execution of state-of-the-art high temperature high pressure experiments. Writing assignments and data analysis will also be a key component of the course. Students will synthesize the results of the experiments, and place them in a broader context to understand how the interiors of planets work.
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EESC 390-1
Karen Berger
–
|
|
Attendance of all primary class lectures. Assist in at least one laboratory session per week and general preparation for answering student questions. Preparation and delivery of at least one laboratory lecture and summary discussion following the lab. Assistance with setup and dismantling of extensive lab displays of rocks, fossils and maps. Assistance with grading of lab quizzes and homework assignments and in proctoring exams. |
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EESC 390-3
Gautam Mitra
–
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|
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in EESC 208 |
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EESC 390-4
Erin Black
–
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Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for EESC 105 |
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EESC 390A-1
Karen Berger
–
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|
Blank Description |
|
EESC 391-1
–
–
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Students must have permission. Interested students should meet with their advisor regarding course content. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. |
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EESC 391W-1
–
–
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|
Permission of instructor required.See EES 391 and EES Departmental Writing Plan. This section fulfills the upper level writing requirement. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. |
|
EESC 393W-1
John Kessler
–
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|
Senior Thesis |
|
EESC 394-1
–
–
|
|
Students should contact their major advisor for details. Closure course for Environmental Studies majors (ESP) and Environmental Science majors (EVS) Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. |
|
EESC 395-1
–
–
|
|
Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed thru the instructions for online independent study registration. |
Fall 2022
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | |
|
EESC 101-3
Julia Masny
|
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
|
EESC 105-2
Erin Black
|
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
|
| Monday and Wednesday | |
|
EESC 320-1
Karen Berger
|
|
|
This capstone course, designed for students in their junior year and above who are pursuing majors or Take-Five programs in environmental fields, provides an opportunity to explore definitions and metrics of sustainability and systems thinking, and to explore these topics in greater detail for certain sectors (buildings, food, energy and urban systems) and for a system of each student's choice. |
|
|
EESC 320W-1
Karen Berger
|
|
|
See EES 320 and EES Department Writing Plan. This section fulfills the upper level writing requirement. |
|
|
EESC 368-1
Dustin Trail
|
|
|
Many of the geochemical and physical processes in the solid earth occur in regions inaccessible to drilling. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to techniques that enable scientists to study the interior of our planet and other planets in the solar system through laboratory experimentation. Over the course of the semester, students will be guided though the design and execution of state-of-the-art high temperature high pressure experiments. Writing assignments and data analysis will also be a key component of the course. Students will synthesize the results of the experiments, and place them in a broader context to understand how the interiors of planets work. |
|
|
EESC 368W-1
Dustin Trail
|
|
|
Many of the geochemical and physical processes in the solid earth occur in regions inaccessible to drilling. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to techniques that enable scientists to study the interior of our planet and other planets in the solar system through laboratory experimentation. Over the course of the semester, students will be guided though the design and execution of state-of-the-art high temperature high pressure experiments. Writing assignments and data analysis will also be a key component of the course. Students will synthesize the results of the experiments, and place them in a broader context to understand how the interiors of planets work. |
|
|
EESC 213-1
Karen Berger
|
|
|
This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required. |
|
|
EESC 213W-1
Karen Berger
|
|
|
See description for EES 213. This is the upper-level writing section of the course; it is open to EES majors only |
|
|
EESC 220W-1
Chiara Borrelli
|
|
|
This course investigates Geobiology, the study of the interactions between the biosphere (living organisms and their products) and the geosphere (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere). In the first part of the semester, the class will explore how the geopshere's chemical and physical processes influenced life and evolution and how life influenced the Earth system during roughly the last 4 billion years. This will be done mainly through the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students' investigation of specific geobiology topics, like microbial weathering of minerals, biomineralization, the role of different microbial metabolisms in elemental cycling, the ocean redox history and its relationship to the origin of life itself. In addition to learning geobiology fundamentals, students will learn how to undertake a scientific literature search, read and understand scientific material, brainstorm and develop new ideas and write a final research paper. |
|
| Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | |
|
EESC 101-1
Julia Masny
|
|
|
The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
|
|
EESC 256-1
Rory Cottrell
|
|
|
PREREQUISITES: MATH 161 (OR 141) The basic paleomagnetic methods used to determine absolute plate motions are reviewed. Applications include the potential cause and effect relationship between changes in absolute plate motions, mantle plume volcanism, orogeny, and climate change. |
|
| Tuesday | |
|
EESC 206-2
–
|
|
|
PREREQUISITES: EES 101, CHM 131, EES 204W Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examinations of the major rock types in the laboratory. |
|
| Tuesday and Thursday | |
|
EESC 105-1
Erin Black
|
|
|
This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
|
|
EESC 206-1
Wriju Chowdhury
|
|
|
PREREQUISITES: EES 101, CHM 131, EES 204W Distribution, description, classification, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the light of theoretical-experimental multicomponent phase equilibria studies; use of trace elements and isotopes as tracers in rock genesis; hand specimen and microscopic examinations of the major rock types in the laboratory. |
|
|
EESC 232-1
Thomas Weber
|
|
|
Marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles are currently subject to unprecedented perturbations due to anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. In turn, changes in ocean biogeochemistry can feed back and amplify climate change by releasing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This class will take a deep dive into the recent scientific literature on some key issues, including: ocean acidification; ocean oxygen loss; declining productivity of marine ecosystems; perturbation of the ocean’s biological carbon pump; and potential for destabilization of methane hydrates. We will also explore “geo-engineering” solutions to climate change, which propose deliberate perturbation of ocean biogeochemical cycles to drive greenhouse gas uptake from the atmosphere. Students will learn how to critically assess the scientific literature, compare evidence and arguments from multiple (often contradictory) papers, and how to obtain and analyze published datasets. Assessment is based on participation in discussion and debate, written summaries of the literature, and a final project that combines literature review and data analysis on a topic of interest to each student. At least one of EESC 212, 233, or 235 is a recommended pre-requisite, and students are assumed to be familiar with simple data analysis and plotting in Excel or MATLAB. |
|
|
EESC 224-1
Rachel Glade
|
|
|
Prerequisites: should should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals Particles are transported in fluid flows in a wide variety of settings, for example: sediment moving in rivers, on the ocean floor, and through windblown sand dunes; granular-fluid mixtures in industrial settings; and dust or contaminants moving through the atmosphere. This course will cover both fluid and particle dynamics with an eye toward understanding sediment transport on Earth’s surface. The first part of the course will cover necessary fluid mechanics principles, while the second part of the course will examine how particles move in fluids. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge sediment transport research. Classes will include physical experiments demonstrating important principles. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project. |
|
|
EESC 265-1
Vas Petrenko
|
|
|
Pre-Reqs: EES 101 or 103 (or equivalent), MTH 161-162 or equivalent, CHM 131 or equivalent The Earth's climate is changing in a potentially fundamental way because of human activity. In this course we will look into Earth's climate history in order to gain a better understanding of how the climate system works and what we can expect from Earth's climate in the future. During its history, the Earth has gone through periods that were much warmer as well as periods that were much colder than today. By examining the geological record of the environmental conditions, we can gain insights into how key parameters such as greenhouse gas concentrations, insolation and postions of the continents influence the climate system. The students will also learn how different paleoclimate indicators work and practice working with paleoclimate data. |
|
|
EESC 265W-1
Vas Petrenko
|
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PREREQUISITES: EES 101 or 103 (or equivalent), MTH 161-162 or equivalent, CHM 131 or equivalent The Earth's climate is changing in a potentially fundamental way because of human activity. In this course we will look into Earth's climate history in order to gain a better understanding of how the climate system works and what we can expect from Earth's climate in the future. During its history, the Earth has gone through periods that were much warmer as well as periods that were much colder than today. By examining the geological record of the environmental conditions, we can gain insights into how key parameters such as greenhouse gas concentrations, insolation and postions of the continents influence the climate system. The students will also learn how different paleoclimate indicators work and practice working with paleoclimate data |
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EESC 261W-1
John Kessler
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PREREQUISITES: CHEM 131-132; MATH 161-162 Most courses in stable isotopes highlight the analytical techniques and classic examples of applications of stable isotopes in the geosciences. However, the stable isotope investigations in this course will stress the fundamentals of stable isotope models, along with their underlying assumptions, guided by several classic applications. Not only will we learn the equations used in these pioneering applications, but we will set-up and derive these equations. The goal of this course is to equip students with the knowledge needed to both dissect as well as manipulate traditional stable isotope models so that they can analyze their data in the most appropriate and intelligent fashion. |
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EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
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PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |
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EESC 101-5
Julia Masny
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The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
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EESC 213-2
Karen Berger
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This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required. |
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EESC 213W-2
Karen Berger
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See description for EES 213. This is the writing requirement section. |
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EESC 101-2
Julia Masny
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The Earth is a complex of interrelated systems, all of which fall under the umbrella of Earth Science. This course is an introduction to some of Earths systems: the Exosphere (the Universe and everything in it, including the Earth); the Geosphere (geology, the study of rocks and the history they record); Hydrosphere (liquid and frozen water moving on and under the surface of the Earth); the Atmosphere (the gas envelope blanketing the Earth); and the Biosphere (the relationships of living things on Earth). These systems interact, and a perturbation in one sphere may have lasting effects on others (for example, global climate change). This course includes a laboratory in which students gain hands-on experience with Earth materials. |
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EESC 224-2
Rachel Glade
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Prerequisites: should should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals Particles are transported in fluid flows in a wide variety of settings, for example: sediment moving in rivers, on the ocean floor, and through windblown sand dunes; granular-fluid mixtures in industrial settings; and dust or contaminants moving through the atmosphere. This course will cover both fluid and particle dynamics with an eye toward understanding sediment transport on Earth’s surface. The first part of the course will cover necessary fluid mechanics principles, while the second part of the course will examine how particles move in fluids. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge sediment transport research. Classes will include physical experiments demonstrating important principles. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project. |
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EESC 105-3
Erin Black
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This course will explore the Earth's dynamic climate system through lectures, discussions and computer-based modeling of climate processes. We will work toward an understanding of several fundamental and important questions. What are the main factors that determine the Earth's climate? What forces can drive climate to change? What can we learn from climate change in the Earth's distant past, when our planet experienced periods of both extreme cold and warmth? How do we know that our climate is now changing? What can we expect from the Earth's climate in the near future and how would it affect us? While the course is designed to be accessible to all students, a working knowledge of high school level algebra is expected; it is also expected that you have taken high school level chemistry. |
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EESC 213-3
Karen Berger
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This course examines the physical flow of water through the natural environment and its use as a resource for human consumption. Topics include physical properties of water, global and local water balance, and the concept and relevance of watersheds. Students will evaluate the processes driving the following flows, including how they may be affected by climate change: precipitation, evapotranspiration, and surface and subsurface runoff. Human uses include hydropower and other energy production, municipal usage, and agriculture. Study of dams will highlight the challenges with regional and international river management. Students will explore the challenges of flooding and water scarcity to integrate the relevant hydrologic and anthropogenic factors.Enrollment in associated lab is required. |
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EESC 213W-3
Karen Berger
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See description for EES 213. This is the writing requirement section. |
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EESC 236-2
Lee Murray
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A broad and quantitative overview of the basic features of Earth's climate system and the underlying physical processes. Topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, general circulation, weather systems, surface processes, ocean circulation, and climate variability and forecasting. Students will understand what drives present-day temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, as well as major modes of natural climate variability including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and Ice Age cycles, and extreme weather. We will learn how the rise of human civilization has influenced the climate system, and how this legacy and our future actions can influence climate in the coming century. |
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