Winter 2024 Class Schedule
Winter 2024 class Schedule
Winter 2024 course descriptions
114 – Evolution and the Scientific Method
The scientific method is explored through the role it has played in the development of evolutionary thought. The course tracks the history of evolutionary theory from its earliest origins to the modern consensus, and in so doing, provides examples of scientific method as practiced in biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. It is the story of one of the greatest paradigm shifts in the history of human thought, and is designed to serve the needs of a broad spectrum of non-science majors seeking to satisfy the Area I distribution requirement.
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180 – Fantasy Worlds - How to Build Your Own Planet
The formation and evolution of rocky planets. Introduction of physical concepts common in the lives of planets as they are in our everyday lives: gravity, heat transport, magnetism, and others. Students will apply these concepts to build their own unique planet, and will present their creation at a culminating poster presentation.
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202 – Earth's Interior
The earth as a planet: origin, composition, and evolution of the solar system and the earth; internal structure of the earth; plate tectonics. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics.Natural Sciences Distro Area
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204 – Communication for Geoscientists
Science writing and presentation skills necessary for careers in the earth sciences. Topics include science writing as a language, scientific manuscript components, abstracts, poster presentations, formal talks, and informal presentations. Registration is reserved for Earth & Planetary Sciences majors and minors.
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300 – Earth and Planetary Materials
Mineralogy of the earth and planets from atomic to continental scales, focusing on structure, composition, identification, and physical properties of minerals as they pertain to geological and societal applications. Recommended Background: At least one course in each of chemistry, physics, and math.Natural Sciences Distro Area
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312-0 – Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Fractionation and distribution of stable isotopes (C, H, N, O, S) in the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere. Isotopic biogeochemistry, environmental problems, and global climate change. Recommended Background:EARTH201-0andEARTH203-0, or equivalent.
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371 – Biogeochemistry
The cycling of biogenic elements (C, N, S, Fe, Mn) in surficial environments is the focus of this course. Emphasis will be placed on microbial processes and isotopic signatures. Prerequisites: One quarter of chemistry plus one quarter of geoscience, environmental science, or biology to enroll in this course. Taught with CIV ENV 317; students may not earn credit for both courses. [Previously offered as EARTH 317]
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390-8 – Special Topics: R Data Science
As we are in the era of ‘big data’, the quantity and quality of data available for environmental, ecological and earth science research has exploded over the past few decades. The free and open-source R programming language has become a powerful tool in data analysis in scientific research. This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of data science using the programming language, R. The course contents span from basic R programming skills to advanced skills including data management, visualization and analysis of spatial data such as weather and satellite imagery data. By conducting hands-on exercises and an extensive project, students will develop dynamic and reproducible outputs based on their own fields of interests. This course does not require prior coding experience.
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390 - Stable Isotope Analytical Methods
This class will include chemical and analytical techniques for stable isotope analysis of a variety of matrices and organic compounds. This will include hands-on laboratory experiments as well as some theoretical considerations. Extraction, chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, data processing, and other common techniques in organic and inorganic chemistry will be discussed.
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450-0-02 – Advanced Topics: Communicating Science Beyond Academia
Through reading, discussion, writing and peer critique, this course will explore strategies for successful scientific communication beyond academia. How can scientists break through barriers to understanding and foster engagement with scientific information, while still conveying nuance and uncertainty? What happens when science becomes politicized and controversial? This seminar is open to graduate students in all STEM disciplines, with preference to students who have begun to conduct independent research.
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438 - Topics - Shock Wave Physics ofCondensedMatter
In this seminar, we will explore fundamentals of shock compression of condensed matter and applications to material equations of state at extreme conditions. The seminar will draw structure and material from the downloadable book by Jerry W. Forbes of the same title, as well as recent literature. Platforms will include gas gun, laser drive, and pulsed power. Hands-on data processing exercises will cover PDV and VISAR. One or two guest lectures from National Lab scientists will be arranged. Additional topics will include vibrational spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, density functional theory, electron microscopy of shock-recovered samples, and job opportunities at the National Laboratories.
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519-0 – Responsible Conduct of Research Training
All Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post Doctoral Fellows must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training in their first year of the program. This course includes 6 online "CITI" modules as well as discussion sections. New students and fellows should contact the Assistant Chair with any questions. Recommended Background:Earth and Planetary Sciences Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows Only
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