EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

270.108 (N)

FLUID EARTH (3) Haine Limit 110 25
This course is a broad survey of the Earth's oceans also touching on the atmosphere and climate.  Topics include:  waves, tides, tsunamis, ocean and atmosphere circulation, fisheries, and El Niño.

Sec. 01 

MWF 12-12:50

270.111 (N)

FRESHMAN SEMINAR: SEA LEVEL RISE (1) Conrad   Limit 20  Discussion of the evidence for, and causes of, sea level change through time.  We will examine both historical (10-100 years) and geological (thousands to millions of years) changes in sea level, as well as predicted future trends and their potential impact on society.  Discussion-oriented interactive format intended for freshmen interested in environmental issues.

Sec. 01

W 1:30-2:20
1-1:50

270.113 (N)

FRESHMAN SEMINAR: ENVIROMENTAL POISONS (1) Sverjenski  Limit 12    An exploration of the occurrence and potential effects of poisons in the environment, from naturally occurring ones such as arsenic to those that may be introduced by mankind such as nuclear waste.

Sec. 01

T 1:30-2:20

270.114 (N)

GUIDED TOUR: THE PLANETS (3) Marsh Limit 110   An introduction to planetary science and planetary exploration primarily for non-science majors.  A survey of concepts from astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics applied to the study of the solar system.

Sec. 01

TTh 1:30-2:45

270.303 (N)

GEODYNAMICS (3) Conrad       Prereq: 171.101 or 171.105, 110.202   Study of the basic principles that control deformation of Earth's crust and mantle.  Elastic, viscoeleastic, and viscous deformation are described using examples from tectonics, uplift, mantle convection, faulting, etc.

Sec. 01

MWF 11-11:50

270.308 (N)

POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY(3) Szlavecz   Limit 30 12 This course explores the distribution and abundance of organisms and their interactions.  Topics include dynamics and regulation of populations, population interactions (competition, predation, mutualism, parasitism, herbivory), biodiversity, organization of equilibrium and non-equilibrium communities, energy flow and nutrient cycles in ecosystems.  Field trip included. Cross-listed with Public Health

Sec. 01

TTh 1:30-2:45

270.315 (N) 

NATURAL CATASTROPHES (3) Olson Limit 35 20 A survey of naturally occurring catastrophic phenomena, with emphasis on the underlying physical processes.  Topics include hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions and climate change.  Intended for students in science and engineering.

Sec. 01

MWF 10-10:50

270.360 (N)

CLIMATE CHANGE: SCIENCE & POLICY (3) Waugh   Limit 60 30  This course will investigate the policy and scientific debate over global warming.  It will review the current state of scientific knowledge about climate change, examine the potential impacts and implications of climate change, explore our options for responding to climate change, and discuss the present political debate over global warming. Cross-listed with Public Health Studies

Sec. 01

MW 1:30-2:45 TTh 3-4:15

270.377 (N)

CLIMATES OF THE PAST Hinnov   Limit 30
Course added 11/7/07

Sec. 01

TTh 10:30-11:45

270.401 (N)

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL OCEANOPGRAPHY (3) Osborn/Haine   Limit 12 This course is designed for first-year graduate students in oceanography, graduate students in engineering disciplines that will involve ocean processes (Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering departments), and advanced undergraduates who want to understand the application of their knowledge of physics and mathematics to the ocean.  This first semester of the sequence is an introduction to a wide range of oceanic phenomena.  Prerequisites:  Students are to be knowledgeable about partial differential equations.

Sec. 01

WF 3-4:45

270.496 (W)

SENIOR THESIS (4) Staff   Limit 10Preparation of a substantial thesis based upon independent student research, supervised by at least one faculty member in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Open to Senior departmental majors only. Required for department honors.

Sec. 01

TBA

270.502

INDEPENDENT STUDY Staff

270.504

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (1-3) Staff  Research under the direction of members of the Earth and Planetary Sciences faculty.  Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

TBA

270.508

INTERNSHIP  Staff

270.604

SEMINAR:GEOPHYSICAL PETROLOGY Marsh   Limit 15 Discussion of present research topics in geophysics and igneous petrology. With consent of instructor.

Sec. 01

W 12-12:50

270.606

JOURNAL CLUB Conrad   Limit 50  Review and discussion of new geologic literature and current research.  All geology students participate and deliver at least one paper a year.

Sec. 01

M 3:30-4:20 Th W 12-12:50

270.624

SEMINAR IN STABLE ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES Jahren   Limit 10   This laboratory course will compare the new automated preparation systems attached to the isoprime mass spectrometer with more traditional off-line vacuum apparata, on the basis of ease/rapidity of analysis, sensitivity, precision and flexibility.  We will focus on the stable isotopes of C in organic matter (modern and fossil) and D/H and O in water. Course canceled 01/16/08

Sec. 01

MT 10:30-11:45

270.630

SEMINAR IN BIOGEOCHEMISTRY Jahren   Limit 10 Course added 01/16/08

Sec. 01

TBA

270.631

SPECIAL TOPICS IN STABLE ISOTOPE TECHNIQUES Jahren   Limit 10 Course added 02/11/08

Sec. 01

TBA

270.638

MINEROLOGY AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHY SEMINAR     Veblen   Lectures and discussion on crystallographic problems in mineralogy.

Sec. 01

TBA

270.642

MOELCULAR SURFACE GEOCHEMISTRY   Sverjensky Limit 20 An overview of theoretical models of adsorption at the solid-aqueous solution interface.  Surface chemistry of oxides and silicates in electrolyte solutions.  Surface complexation of metals.  Prediction of adsorption on surfaces.

Sec. 01

TTh 2:30-3:45

270.647

EARTH'S INTERIOR Olson   Limit 20
Course added 11/6/07

Sec. 01

TBA

 500.602

SEMINAR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND  APPLIED FLUID MECHANICS  Meneveau Cross-listed with General Engineering, DOGEE, and Mechanical Engineering

Sec. 01

F 11-12:20

270.808

RESEARCH Staff