Courses

 

Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Shake and Bake (110T)

Investigations of the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; hazard forecasting and understanding/preparing/responding to hazards; plate tectonics, rock cycle, and the scientific method. This team-taught lecture/lab/field trip course is offered to members of Freshman Programs, and counts both as G.E. credit and as a portal into the Geology major.

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (303B)

Description, classification, occurrence and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Magma generation, differentiation and properties as revealed by the study of volcanic eruptions and rocks. Field-based exercises in the San Gabriel Mountains, Joshua Tree N.P. and the Mojave Desert emphasize petrology, petrography and regional geology

Geology of National Parks (310T)

Physical Geology in the context of National Parks, taught as three, 5-week short courses: deposition and erosion of sedimentary rocks (parks of the Colorado Plateau); volcanism (Hawaii, Yellowstone, and Cascade parks); California Geology (Sierra Nevada and Death Valley parks). Emphasis on making and interpreting observations. Optional field trip.

Geochemistry (406)

Basics of inorganic, isotope and aqueous geochemistry as applied to the formation and alteration of minerals, rocks, and ore deposits; water-rock interactions; geochronology.

Environmental Isotope Geochem. (506T)

Application of stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry to the study of near-surface environments, including fractionation of oxygen and hydrogen in the hydrosphere; water-rock interactions; geothermometry, emphasizing paleoclimatology; and radioactive systems useful for geochronologic and tracer studies. Examination of the literature and case studies.

The Mesozoic Era (510T)

An overview of the global climate, biota and paleogeography during the Mesozoic Era with a focus on the western North American stratigraphic record and tectonic evolution. Designed for graduate students conducting research in Mesozoic stratigraphy, tectonics and paleontology.

Advanced Igneous Petrology (510T)

Theoretical concepts and quantitative tools necessary for graduate research in igneous petrology. Emphasis on quantitative evaluation and modeling of magma generation, modification, transport, emplacement, crystallization and eruption. Term project focused on evaluation of literature related to a single petrotectonic assemblage.

Other courses taught: Physical Geology, Optical Mineralogy and Petrography, Advanced Field Geology, Writing in the Geosciences, High-T Isotope Geochemistry, Advanced Concepts/Research Methods