Introduction to Earth System Modeling; discussion of energy balance models, carbon cycle models, and atmospheric chemistry models with multiple time scales; methods for numerical solution and practice building and analyzing results from models.

Instruction is directed toward how geochemical methods, such as stable isotope and trace element analysis, radioactive age dating, determination of phase relations of minerals and melts at low to high temperature and pressure, and computation of or experimentation on equilibria in the hydrosphere, hydrothermal solutions, and metamorphic and igneous systems, can unravel and provide insight into the origin and chemical evolution of the earth and its parts (core, mantle, crustal rocks).

Field Studies in Stratigraphy, Paleontology, and Sedimentology.

Focuses on global Earth system changes over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Major climatic events occurring over the last 60 million years and their interaction with biota, ocean, and atmospheric chemistry and sediments are examined.

This course provides an introduction to hydrogeology with particular emphasis to physical aspects. We will particularly focus on process and direct applications to geological settings. Problem solving is an important course component. The hydrologic cycle, physical rock framework, and properties of aquifer systems will be described and quantified. Groundwater flow and mass transport equations will be covered, as well as pump test design and analysis. Natural tracers and groundwater dating also will be discussed. An introduction to groundwater modeling with simulation of groundwater flow and mass transport will be provided.

Elastic properties of rocks, elastic waves, seismological instruments and data, use of body wave travel times, surface wave dispersion, and periods of free vibrations to infer the structure and composition of the earth's interior; earthquake intensity and magnitude scales; spatial, temporal, and magnitude distribution of earthquakes, earthquake source mechanisms, seismological contributions to understanding of earth dynamics and global tectonics, moonquakes, underground nuclear explosions and "man-made" earthquakes, and earthquake prediction and control. Lectures and laboratory.

The modern Earth Sciences are in the middle of some of the hottest debates in science on topics such as climate, global change, natural hazards, water and resources, evolution and origin of life, and the future of our planet. The Geological Sciences Department hosts an endowed Smith Lecture Series in which earth scientists from many research areas around the world share their latest work on these topics. Seminar participants attend the lectures, read the posted topical articles, and post a weblog entry each week discussing new earth science insights gained from hearing the lecture and the effectiveness of the speaker in communicating these points.

Meets for one hour before the lecture and then for the Smith Lecture each Friday afternoon of the term. Attendance at both the Smith Lecture and the preceding seminar is mandatory. Grade is based on weekly attendance, participation in discussion sessions, and weblog entries.

Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with GEOSCI 499.

Research or special work in geological sciences for undergraduate or graduate students. May be taken as a one-term or two-term sequence with GEOSCI 498.

This course will examine how and why microorganisms (primarily bacteria and archaea) drive geochemical processes. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of cellular physiology/metabolism with cycling and transformation of elements. Topics include biomineralization, mineral dissolution and weathering, and critical evaluation of molecular biogeochemical approaches.

A course in general tectonics intended for entering graduate students in geology. It considers modern tectonic processes at plate boundaries and the geologic signatures of past large-scale tectonic events. Most of the present day plate boundaries lie beneath the sea, but ocean basins are relatively young features so it is the continents that preserve the long geologic record of past events. The course is subdivided into five segments: Introduction and theory development; processes at modern plate boundaries; evolution of new and old ocean basins; modern tectonic systems of the continents; and the geologic history of those systems. Students will be required to read and understand the geological literature, present oral reports, and write papers and research proposals.

This seminar includes presentations on current research by all active research faculty in the Department. It is required for all incoming graduate students.

A seminar on problems in Geological Sciences. Content varies by term and instructor.

A seminar on topics in quaternary geology or geomorphology. Content varies by term and instructor.

Topical or current research presentations by graduate students.

Topical or current research presentations by graduate students.

Topics in Stratigraphy, Paleontology, or Sedimentology for graduate students.

The Master of Science degree in Geology or the Master of Science degree in Mineralogy. A thesis, a report on a research project, or a publishable scientific paper must be presented to and judged acceptable by two faculty members who form the Candidate's M.Sc. Committee. The chair of the Committee will be the faculty member under whose direction the work is done. The subject of the research project, scientific paper, or thesis, whichever the Candidate elects, must be chosen no later than the first week of the second term in residence. Four copies of the hardbound thesis (or the report or manuscript in lieu of thesis) must be presented to the Department Chair no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the degree is expected. Copies will be put on permanent reserve at the Science Library and in the Department. If the Candidate elects to submit a scientific paper, it will be read and judged acceptable for submission as a publication by his/her faculty committee.

Laboratory research, readings, and investigations in geology and mineralogy (other than thesis research).

Election for dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted as a Candidate.

Graduate School authorization for admission as a doctoral Candidate. N.B. The defense of the dissertation (the final oral examination) must be held under a full term Candidacy enrollment period.