G115 Introduction to Oceanography (undergraduate)
Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science that explores the chemistry of seawater, the characteristics of the seafloor, the geologic processes that created the oceans, natural hazards, human impacts on the marine environment, life in the ocean and much more. We discuss many aspects of oceanography to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world’s ocean.
G335 Evolution of Earth and Life (undergraduate)
This course examines evidence for evolution of the Earth and life in the rock record. We explore sequences of events, time of occurrence, and rates of change. Principal themes include chemical evolution of the planet, evolution of the biosphere, plate tectonics, mountain building, and sea level changes. We also discuss human alteration of the planet during our current era of the Anthropocene. The course includes a lab in which we learn various geochemical techniques used in the reconstruction of past environments.
G583/483 Isotope Geochemistry (graduate/upper level undergraduate)
This is an introduction to the theory and application of radiogenic and stable isotopes to a variety of subdisciplines in the earth sciences. Topics include geochronology, tracers, mass balance and mixing, hydrology and environmental applications, water-rock interaction, and biogeochemical cycles.
G688/488 Global Cycles (graduate/upper level undergraduate)
The global environment is dominated by interlinking cycles of earth materials, chemicals, and biological components. This course explores the major elements of the geochemical cycles found in the atmosphere, land, lakes, river, biota, and oceans, as well as the human impacts on these cycles. This course takes a global approach to geochemistry and environmental problems and will introduce fundamental concepts of meteorology, surficial geology (weathering, erosion, and sedimentation), biogeochemistry, limnology, and oceanography.