Geology 202: Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry (Fall 2010): The crystal chemistry of representative minerals. Descriptive and determinative mineralogy, as well as the relation between the physical properties of minerals and their structures and chemical compositions. The occurrence and petrography of typical mineral associations and rocks is also covered. Lecture three hours, laboratory at least three hours a week. Prerequisite: introductory course in geology or chemistry (both recommended).
Geology 115: Living With Volcanoes (Fall 2010): This course explores how people have long lived alongside, in the shadow of, and at times directly on top of active volcanoes. Volcanic centers are hosts to sporadic and difficult-to-predict destructive and explosive activity, persistent and damaging passive degassing, valuable nutrient-rich soils, vibrant ecosystems, and important geothermal energy systems. The goals of this class are to examine the scientific basis for understanding volcanoes and predicting their behavior; to study the role of volcanoes in history and lore across human societies; and to examine our complicated relationship with them in the modern world. Limited to Freshman; Half Credit course. Class meets 1st quarter.
Geology 350: Advanced Topics in Geology: High-Temperature Geochemistry (Fall 2009): A seminar studying the geochemistry and origins of igneous rocks.
Includes igneous petrography and examination of the chemistry of
igneous materials to approach questions about igneous petrogenesis.
How to use major element, trace element, and isotopic chemistry as
tools to study igneous systems. Prerequisites: GEOL 202.
Geology 101: How the Earth Works (Fall 2008, Fall 2009): An introduction to the study of planet Earth - the materials of which it is made, the forces that shape its surface and interior, the relationship of geological processes to people, and the application of geological knowledge to the search for useful materials. Laboratory and fieldwork focus on learning the tools for geological investigations and applying them to the local area and selected areas around the world. (Co-taught with A. Weil.)
Geology 102: Earth History (Spring 2010): The history of the Earth from its beginning and the evolution of the living forms that have populated it. (Co-taught with P. Marenco.)
Geology 103: Earth Systems and the Environment (Spring 2009, Spring 2010): This integrated approach to studying the Earth focuses on interactions among geology, oceanography, and biology. Also discussed are the consequences of poopulation growth, industrial development, and human land use. (Co-taught with D. Barber.)
Senior Thesis Seminar (Spring 2009): An independent project in the field, laboratory, or library culminating in a written report and oral presentation. This is a weekly seminar for discussing and working on these independent projects, and to work on writing scientifically.