EAS 1600:
INTRO TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This course begins by considering external influences on Earth’s environment and reviewing the systems approach for studying interrelated phenomena, as well as the basic physics needed for such studies. We then explore how each component interacts with the others and how these processes control Earth’s climate. We use parameters from potentially habitable exoplanets for examples of how to perform fundamental planetary calculations. We finish with a discussion of modern anthropogenic climate change. This class is in a “flipped course” format with recorded lectures, quizzes, and two course projects including presentations. Weekly small group discussions of articles and current topics in environmental science apply the course material to “real-world” problems like the Flint water crisis, hurricane storm surges, drinking water quality, Mars geology mapping, environmental policy, and environmental justice. Through the laboratory sessions, students develop an understanding of the scientific method and scientific research. In the exoplanets project, students apply planetary energy balance equations to assess the habitability of an exoplanet. In the Wikipedia editing project, students gain experience in scientific writing on notable topics in environmental sciences of high interest to the public and will gain experience in identifying an audience, citing literature, peer review, and revisions.
EAS 4220/6200:
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY
The objective of this course is to learn how chemical, biological, and geological processes control the distribution of chemical elements on Earth and the solar system. Geochemical processes are central to a variety of environmental issues, including the distribution of CO2 on Earth and the transformation and storage of inorganic and organic contaminants. Simultaneously, geochemical processes are involved in the transformation of natural species, including nutrients, carbon, and minerals. In this course, we will study the fundamental geochemical processes regulating the distribution of chemicals in aqueous solutions and at the mineral-water interface and will learn how to predict the distribution of these species in aquatic systems and soils using an equilibrium approach. This course will also introduce stable and radiogenic isotopic techniques essential for tracing elements through biogeochemical cycles and dating the age of planetary materials. This course is designed for students interested in securing jobs in environmental agencies or consulting companies or pursuing graduate studies in the geosciences, environmental science, or environmental engineering. Through a semester-long Wikipedia editing project, students will gain experience in scientific writing on notable topics in environmental sciences of high interest to the public. The Wikipedia editing project will also provide students with experience in identifying an audience, citing literature, peer review, revising, and ethical standards to avoid plagiarism.
EAS 4602/6122:
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
The objective of this course is to learn the chemical, and biological mechanisms that control global biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, metals, halogens, and oxygen, and have maintained Earth as a habitable planet throughout its history, based on Earth system science.
