Environmental Geology (GEOSCI 106/ENVIR ST 106)
What sets the current state of Earth’s environment? How will it change in the future? This course is an introduction to the materials that make up the Earth and the processes that have created and shaped these materials over time. A central thread through this course is the response of Earth’s climate to various factors, including modern anthropogenic climate change. By the end of the course, students will understand the processes by which the dynamic Earth system operates, and will be able to critically evaluate the natural and anthropogenic influences on the environment. Unlike some traditional geology courses, this course places significant emphasis on the ways that these geologic materials and processes serve as resources, benefits, hazards, or constraints for life on Earth.
Introduction to Geophysics (GEOSCI 350)
How are earthquakes, Earth’s magnetic field, and geothermal heat flow affected by Earth’s interior properties? What methods can we use to measure these properties? The goal of this course is to introduce students to geophysical methods and concepts with a blend of pure and applied geophysics from the global to the outcrop scale. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with key geophysical methods and concepts and will be in an excellent position to learn more about additional geophysical methods.
Quantitative Geomorphology (GEOSCI 701)
Why does Earth’s topography look the way it does? How has it changed in the past, and how will it change in the future? This course focuses on the quantitative study of processes that shape the Earth’s surface, including mountain growth, glaciation, channel incision, hillslope transport, and life itself. This course is designed for students from a range of backgrounds, including geosciences, engineering, environmental science, and biosciences. Prerequisites are a proficiency in mechanics, a basic familiarity with differential equations, and a willingness to make some measurements.
