Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS)
EPS 101a, Climate Change Mary-Louise Timmermans and Noah Planavsky
An introductory course that explores the science of global climate change. We analyze processes that regulate the climate on Earth, assess the scientific evidence for global warming, and discuss consequences of climate change. We explore Earth’s climate history as it relates to the present climate as well as future climate projections. Uncertainty in the interpretation of climate observations and future projections are examined. SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm
* EPS 105b / APHY 100b / ENAS 100b / EVST 100b / PHYS 100b, Energy, Environment, and Public Policy Daniel Prober
The technology and use of energy. Impacts on the environment, climate, security, and economy. Application of scientific reasoning and quantitative analysis. Intended for non–science majors with strong backgrounds in math and science. QR, SC
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm
EPS 110a, Dynamic Earth David Evans
An introduction to the Earth as a planetary system, from its atmosphere to its core; and how the constantly changing surface environment controls both the foundation and fate of industrial society. Topics include planetary structure; plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes; minerals, rocks and soils; evolution of landscapes; hydrology and floods; coasts and oceans; climate and weather; Earth history and biological evolution; humanity's economic dependence on natural resources; and human influences on the natural environment. SC
MWF 10:30am-11:20am
EPS 111La, Dynamic Earth Laboratory and Field Methods David Evans
Practical exercises in the laboratory and in the field to complement EPS 110 or 115. Identification of minerals and rocks; construction of geologic maps and cross sections to determine Earth-system processes and histories. Includes a field trip to the northern Appalachians during the October recess. After or concurrently with EPS 110, or after EPS 115. SC ½ Course cr
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* EPS 240a, Forensic Geoscience Maureen Long
Approaches and technologies developed for geoscience that have been adapted and applied in criminal, environmental, historical, and archaeological investigations. Methods related to seismology, geophysics, geomorphology, geochemistry, and radiometric dating. Case studies include nuclear treaty verification, detection of unexploded ordnance and clandestine graves, military history, soil and groundwater contamination, archaeological controversies, art and antiquities fraud, and narcotics provenance. SC
MW 11:35am-12:50pm
EPS 274a, Fossil Fuels and World Energy Michael Oristaglio
The origins, geologic settings, exploration, distribution, and extraction of coal, oil, and natural gas as finite Earth resources. The role of fossil fuels in the world's energy systems; environmental impacts of fossil fuels, including climate change; the transition to low-carbon energy sources. Prerequisites: high school chemistry, mathematics, and Earth science. Recommended preparation: G&G 110 or 205. SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm
EPS 319a, Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials Shun-ichiro Karato
Basic principles that control the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials. Thermodynamics, equation of state, phase transformations, elastic properties and phase diagrams. After CHEM 161, 165, or 167 (or CHEM 115), MATH 120, and PHYS 181, or equivalents. QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm
EPS 325a, Vertebrate Paleontology Jacques Gauthier
Phylogeny and evolution of the major clades of vertebrates from Cambrian to Recent, as inferred mainly from the fossilized remains of the musculoskeletal system (cranial, axial, and appendicular skeletons). Special attention given to the evolution of vertebrate feeding, locomotor, and sensory systems. Prerequisite: E&EB 225, or with permission of instructor. SC 1½ Course cr
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm
EPS 335a, Physical Oceanography Alexey Fedorov
An introduction to ocean dynamics and physical processes controlling large-scale ocean circulation, the Gulf Stream, wind-driven waves, tsunamis, tides, coastal upwelling, and other phenomena. Modern observational, theoretical, and numerical techniques used to study the ocean. The ocean's role in climate and global climate change. After PHYS 181 and MATH 120 or equivalents, or with permission of instructor. QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm
* EPS 336b / ANTH 336b / ARCG 336b, Geoarchaeology Ellery Frahm
A survey of the numerous ways in which theories, approaches, techniques, and data from the earth and environmental sciences are used to address archaeological research questions. A range of interfaces between archaeology and the geological sciences are considered. Topics include stratigraphy, geomorphology, site formation processes, climate reconstruction, site location, and dating techniques. Prior introductory coursework in archaeology or geology (or instructor permission) suggested. SC, SO
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm
EPS 342a / PHYS 342a, Introduction to Earth and Environmental Physics John Wettlaufer
A broad introduction to the processes that affect the past, present, and future features of the Earth. Examples include climate and climate change and anthropogenic activities underlying them, planetary history, and their relation to our understanding of Earth's present dynamics and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 170, 171, or 180, 181, or 200, 201, or 260, 261, or permission of instructor. Recommended preparation: familiarity with basic calculus and differential equations. QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm
* EPS 487a, Individual Study in Earth and Planetary Sciences Staff
Individual study for qualified undergraduates under faculty supervision. To register for this course, each student must submit a written plan of study, approved by the adviser, to the director of undergraduate studies. May be taken more than once for credit. ½ Course cr
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* EPS 488a, Research in Earth and Planetary Sciences Staff
Individual study for qualified juniors and seniors under faculty supervision. To register for this course, each student must submit a written plan of study, approved by the adviser, to the director of undergraduate studies.
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* EPS 490a and EPS 491a, Research and Senior Thesis Staff
Two terms of independent library, laboratory, field, or modeling-based research under faculty supervision. To register for this course, each student must submit a written plan of study, approved by a faculty adviser, to the director of undergraduate studies by the start of the senior year. The plan requires approval of the full EPS faculty.
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* EPS 492a, The Senior Essay Staff
One term of independent library, laboratory, field, or modeling-based research under faculty supervision. To register for this course, each student must submit a written plan of study, approved by a faculty adviser, to the director of undergraduate studies at the beginning of the term in which the essay is to be written.
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