270.311 - Geobiology A survey of the interactions between geological and biological processes at and near the Earth’s surface, covering topics such as biogeochemistry and nutrient cycles, soil chemistry, biomarkers, archives of paleobiology, and the evolution of life, with an emphasis on terrestrial systems. Advanced undergraduate and graduate student level. Prerequisite: 270.220 (Dynamic Earth) or consent of instructor. Offered Fall 2010 and alternating years 270.350 - Sedimentary Geology Introduction to sedimentary processes and sedimentary rocks. Focus is placed on linking physical observations to earth surface processes. Fundamental tools for interpreting the sedimentary rock record, such as depositional models, geochronology, and chemostratigraphy are reviewed. Weekend field trips. Advanced undergraduate and graduate student level. Prerequiste: 270.220 (Dynamic Earth) or consent of instructor. Fall 2009 and alternating years Fall 2011: this class will now be a 4 unit class due to the required of labs and field trips, scheduled time MW 3-5pm. The recommended text is Sedimentary Geology (2nd edition) by Prothero & Schwab. 270.377 - Climates of the Past Earth’s climate history through study of forcing mechanisms, climate proxies, paleoclimate modeling. Presentation of climate-sensitive archives will be followed by discussion of geochemical principles, climates through time, recent advances and emerging problems. For upper level and beginning graduate students in the natural sciences. Co-taught with Linda Hinnov and Ben Passey. Offered Spring 2011 270.633 - Advanced Topics in Isotope Geochemistry Consent of instructor required In depth exploration of selected systems in stable isotope geochemistry, and examination of the physical basis of stable isotope fractionation. Topics vary annually. Co-taught with Ben Passey. Offered every Fall semester, meeting time Friday 3-5pm. 270.644 - Physics of Climate Variability This course is an advanced-level review of the ways in which climate varies on time scales of seasons to decades, including El Nino, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, the Indian Ocean Dipole Mode, the North Atlantic Oscillation and others. Topics covered will include, depending on class’s interest: 1) Methods for isolating climate modes. (2) Key dynamic and thermodynamic processes involved in causing such fluctuations, including atmospheric and oceanic wave propagation, air-sea interaction and changes in the thermohaline circulation. (3) Impacts of climate modes on biogeochemical cycling, including some that are used by paleoclimatologists to reconstruct past variability. Geophysical understanding and links to fundamental mechanisms are emphasized. Format will consist of a mix of lectures and paper discussions. Co-taught with Anand Gnanadesikan. Offered Fall 2011, meeting time TBA 020.334 - Planets, Life and the Universe This multidisciplinary course explores the origins of life, planets’ formation, Earth's evolution, extrasolar planets, habitable zones, life in extreme environments, the search for life in the Universe, space missions and planetary protection. Co-taught with Jocelyne diRuggiero (Biology), Colin Norman (Physics and Astronomy), and faculty members from a range of JHU departments. Meets with 020.616, 171.333, and 171.699. Offered every Fall semester. Fall 2011, meets MWF 11:00 - 11:50 For more information on this course and the related astrobiologyseminar series check out the Institute for Planets and Life at the Space Telescope Science Institute and JHU. |