Fall Term Schedule
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Fall 2025
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|
|
EESC 101-01
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 101-02
Julia Masny
T 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 101-03
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 101-04
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 105-01
Vas Petrenko
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
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 105-02
Vas Petrenko
T 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 105-03
Vas Petrenko
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 105-04
Vas Petrenko
W 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 205-01
Rory Cottrell
MWF 11:50AM - 12:40PM
|
|
This course is intended for motivated students that are interested in an introduction to geophysics. Material covered will focus on deep Earth processes: an introduction to potential fields, gravity, heat flow, magnetic fields, propagation of seismic waves, and a bottom-up approach to core processes, mantle flow and plate tectonics.
|
|
EESC 206-01
Kevin Righter
MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM
|
|
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 206L-01
Kevin Righter
F 9:00AM - 11:40AM
|
|
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 208-01
Julia Masny
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
|
Geometric analysis of faults, folds, joints, foliation and lineation developed in deformed rocks. Mechanical properties of rock, theories of experimental rock deformation. If majoring in an Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science program the lab is a requirement.
|
|
EESC 208L-01
Julia Masny
R 11:05AM - 1:45PM
|
|
Labs focus on analysis of structural data using geologic maps, and orthographic and stereographic projections. If majoring in an Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science program the lab is a requirement.
|
|
EESC 209-01
Dustin Trail
MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. Fluxes and feedbacks today and in the past extend from the deep interior of our planet to the near surface. We will explore the interconnected nature of our planet by investigating chemical interactions between Earth’s fluid envelopes, the crust, and the deep interior to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. As needed, we will cover relevant kinetic phenomena, equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, and “planetary chemistry” from first principles. While not necessary, students are encouraged to have completed university-level chemistry or an earth science course before enrolling.
|
|
EESC 213-01
Karen Berger
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers.
|
|
EESC 213L-01
Karen Berger
M 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers.
|
|
EESC 213L-02
Karen Berger
T 3:25PM - 6:05PM
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers.
|
|
EESC 213W-01
Karen Berger
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers.
|
|
EESC 224-01
Rachel Glade
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project.
|
|
EESC 225-01
Tolulope Olugboji
MWF 10:25AM - 11:15AM
|
|
Research frontiers in earth imaging, quake detection, volcano and nuclear explosion monitoring, require extraction of seismic and acoustic signals buried in noise. Seismo-acoustic signals are mechanical vibrations generated in the solid earth and its coupling with the fluid atmosphere and oceans. In this course we will introduce linear system theory, digital signal processing and how they enable routine processing of recorded Seismo-acoustic waves contaminated by the nuisance of ‘noise’. Topics include Fourier analysis, spectrograms, z-transforms, poles-zeros, instrument design, (de-)convolution, autocorrelation, cross-spectra, and filter theory: homomorphic filters, cepstral analysis. Exemplary data will cover geotechnical engineering, forensic, exploration, glacial, submarine and planetary seismology.
|
|
EESC 232-01
Thomas Weber
TR 9:40AM - 10:55AM
|
|
The ocean plays in a critical role in the global climate system, storing vast reservoirs of heat and greenhouse gases that can rapidly exchange with the atmosphere. The physical ocean, and the ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles it hosts, are currently subject to unprecedented perturbations due to anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. In turn, these perturbations can feed back and amplify climate change by altering the ocean-atmosphere exchanges of heat and greenhouse gases. This class will take a deep dive into the recent scientific literature on some key areas of current research, including: ocean acidification; ocean deoxygenation; declining productivity of marine ecosystems; perturbation of the biological carbon pump; potential for destabilization of methane hydrates; and collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. 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.
|
|
EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent)
|
|
EESC 236-2
Lee Murray
F 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent)
|
|
EESC 236W-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.
|
|
EESC 236W-2
Lee Murray
F 10:25AM - 11:40AM
|
|
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.
|
|
EESC 264-01
Erin Black
R 11:05AM - 12:20PMT 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
This experimental course builds on the principles from EESC262/462. Class meetings will integrate lecture and hands-on exercises, alternating between various EES lab facilities, classrooms, and on-campus field sampling sites. Students will learn how to execute their own mini-research project from start to finish and will gain skills in ‘clean’ room analyses, environmental sample collection, instrumentation operation, and data processing. Students will be required to take the university’s online general chemical and radiation safety trainings during the first week of classes.
|
|
EESC 274W-01
Chiara Borrelli
MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
|
This course will explore the ocean-climate system from a geological perspective, with particular emphasis on the past 65 million years of Earth’s history. In the first part of the semester, the class will learn about the ocean-climate connection today and will explore how physical, chemical, and biological aspects of ocean and climate leave characteristic imprints in marine sediments and what are the tools available to scientists to extract and read such clues. This will be done through lectures and the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students’ investigation of specific past climatic regimes (e.g., greenhouse periods, rapid climatic perturbations, and transitions to cooler climates). In addition to learning paleoceanography 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. This class has no specific prerequisites, but some coursework in earth sciences, oceanography, and/or geochemistry might be helpful. Cluster: N1EES007
|
|
EESC 390-06
Karen Berger
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
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.
|
|
EESC 390-1
Karen Berger
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
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.
|
|
EESC 390A-1
Karen Berger
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
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.
|
|
EESC 391-1
Lee Murray
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
Students must have permission. Interested students should meet with their advisor regarding course content. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Form
|
|
EESC 393W-1
John Kessler
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
Senior Thesis
|
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EESC 394-1
–
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
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 Internship Registration Form
|
|
EESC 395-1
–
7:00PM - 7:00PM
|
|
Students must have permission. Interested students should meet with their advisor regarding course content. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Form
|
Fall 2025
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | |
|
EESC 101-03
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 213L-01
Karen Berger
|
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers. |
|
| Monday and Wednesday | |
|
EESC 206-01
Kevin Righter
|
|
|
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 209-01
Dustin Trail
|
|
|
Earth's chemical systems are interconnected. Fluxes and feedbacks today and in the past extend from the deep interior of our planet to the near surface. We will explore the interconnected nature of our planet by investigating chemical interactions between Earth’s fluid envelopes, the crust, and the deep interior to develop an appreciation of the complexity, breadth, and scales of Earth-systems chemistry. As needed, we will cover relevant kinetic phenomena, equilibrium phenomena, radioactive dating, and “planetary chemistry” from first principles. While not necessary, students are encouraged to have completed university-level chemistry or an earth science course before enrolling. |
|
|
EESC 213-01
Karen Berger
|
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers. |
|
|
EESC 213W-01
Karen Berger
|
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers. |
|
|
EESC 274W-01
Chiara Borrelli
|
|
|
This course will explore the ocean-climate system from a geological perspective, with particular emphasis on the past 65 million years of Earth’s history. In the first part of the semester, the class will learn about the ocean-climate connection today and will explore how physical, chemical, and biological aspects of ocean and climate leave characteristic imprints in marine sediments and what are the tools available to scientists to extract and read such clues. This will be done through lectures and the reading and discussion of seminal papers. The second part of the semester will focus on students’ investigation of specific past climatic regimes (e.g., greenhouse periods, rapid climatic perturbations, and transitions to cooler climates). In addition to learning paleoceanography 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. This class has no specific prerequisites, but some coursework in earth sciences, oceanography, and/or geochemistry might be helpful. Cluster: N1EES007 |
|
| Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | |
|
EESC 101-01
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 225-01
Tolulope Olugboji
|
|
|
Research frontiers in earth imaging, quake detection, volcano and nuclear explosion monitoring, require extraction of seismic and acoustic signals buried in noise. Seismo-acoustic signals are mechanical vibrations generated in the solid earth and its coupling with the fluid atmosphere and oceans. In this course we will introduce linear system theory, digital signal processing and how they enable routine processing of recorded Seismo-acoustic waves contaminated by the nuisance of ‘noise’. Topics include Fourier analysis, spectrograms, z-transforms, poles-zeros, instrument design, (de-)convolution, autocorrelation, cross-spectra, and filter theory: homomorphic filters, cepstral analysis. Exemplary data will cover geotechnical engineering, forensic, exploration, glacial, submarine and planetary seismology. |
|
|
EESC 205-01
Rory Cottrell
|
|
|
This course is intended for motivated students that are interested in an introduction to geophysics. Material covered will focus on deep Earth processes: an introduction to potential fields, gravity, heat flow, magnetic fields, propagation of seismic waves, and a bottom-up approach to core processes, mantle flow and plate tectonics. |
|
| Tuesday | |
|
EESC 101-02
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 105-02
Vas Petrenko
|
|
|
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 213L-02
Karen Berger
|
|
|
Physical flow of water through the natural environment and use as a resource for human consumption. Physical and chemical properties, global water balance, basics of hydrology. Understanding and calculating water flows: precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface runoff, and atmospheric processes. Causes of scarcity and surplus. Human uses: storage in dams, municipal usage, agriculture, energy. Sensitivity of water systems to climate change, population growth, and economic drivers. |
|
| Tuesday and Thursday | |
|
EESC 208-01
Julia Masny
|
|
|
Geometric analysis of faults, folds, joints, foliation and lineation developed in deformed rocks. Mechanical properties of rock, theories of experimental rock deformation. If majoring in an Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science program the lab is a requirement. |
|
|
EESC 232-01
Thomas Weber
|
|
|
The ocean plays in a critical role in the global climate system, storing vast reservoirs of heat and greenhouse gases that can rapidly exchange with the atmosphere. The physical ocean, and the ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles it hosts, are currently subject to unprecedented perturbations due to anthropogenic climate change and other human activities. In turn, these perturbations can feed back and amplify climate change by altering the ocean-atmosphere exchanges of heat and greenhouse gases. This class will take a deep dive into the recent scientific literature on some key areas of current research, including: ocean acidification; ocean deoxygenation; declining productivity of marine ecosystems; perturbation of the biological carbon pump; potential for destabilization of methane hydrates; and collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. 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. |
|
|
EESC 105-01
Vas Petrenko
|
|
|
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 224-01
Rachel Glade
|
|
|
PREREQUISITE: MATH 162 or equivalent (should be comfortable doing calculus, basic derivatives and integrals. We will work with differential equations but it is not assumed that students will have taken a Diff Eq. Course) Earth and other planetary bodies are constantly deforming as geophysical flows drive transport of materials over a wide range of length and time scales. In this course we will explore the mechanics of geophysical flows including (but not limited to) lava flows, rivers, debris flows, ocean and atmospheric currents, mantle convection, and glaciers. The first part of the course will be a primer on necessary fundamental fluid and granular mechanics, including topics such as rheology, the navier stokes equation, fluid drag, and fluid instabilities. In the second part of the course we will use these fundamental principles to discuss scientific literature and explore case studies of geophysical flows, with specific topics driven by student interest. Throughout the semester we will cover both well-established principles and cutting edge research, using hands on demonstrations to visualize physical processes. Coursework will consist mainly of labs, problem sets, readings, and a final project. |
|
|
EESC 236-1
Lee Murray
|
|
|
PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) |
|
|
EESC 236W-1
Lee Murray
|
|
|
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. |
|
| Wednesday | |
|
EESC 101-04
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 105-04
Vas Petrenko
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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 208L-01
Julia Masny
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Labs focus on analysis of structural data using geologic maps, and orthographic and stereographic projections. If majoring in an Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science program the lab is a requirement. |
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EESC 264-01
Erin Black
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This experimental course builds on the principles from EESC262/462. Class meetings will integrate lecture and hands-on exercises, alternating between various EES lab facilities, classrooms, and on-campus field sampling sites. Students will learn how to execute their own mini-research project from start to finish and will gain skills in ‘clean’ room analyses, environmental sample collection, instrumentation operation, and data processing. Students will be required to take the university’s online general chemical and radiation safety trainings during the first week of classes. |
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EESC 105-03
Vas Petrenko
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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 206L-01
Kevin Righter
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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 236-2
Lee Murray
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PREREQUISITES: PHYS 121 or equivalent) |
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EESC 236W-2
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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