CoursesEcosystems: Land-Water-Atmosphere Interactions (GEOL-3853):
Understanding the science of watersheds is critical to improving water quality. This course will examine surface water hydrology, biogeochemistry, and management of watersheds. In addition, we will focus on how varying land uses influence the dynamics of hydrology and biogeochemistry across these systems. This course focuses on project-based learning. Taught in alternating years, graduate and and advanced undergraduate students are welcome to enroll, 3 credits. Ecosystem Ecology (GEOL-1641): This new course explores the complex interactions of Earth’s atmospheric, water, and life systems that determine the chemical characteristics of the environment. The course examines the distribution, cycling, and transport of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and terrestrial environment on local and global scales. Energy sources, production, and impacts to Earth's geochemistry are also explored. Offered annually each Fall semester, 4 credits. Scientific Communication (GEOL-2001): Communication is a vital part of a scientific career, but is rarely examined from the first principles of what constitutes “effective” or “good” communication strategies. Science Communication is a course for second year GES graduate students to provide them with training in skills critical to their graduate and post-graduate professional development. Topics covered by the course include the technical writing, oral presentation skills, and social media. Fall 2019 and in alternating years. Topics in Nitrogen Biogeochemistry (GEOL-3956): A graduate seminar for those interested in nitrogen dynamics and biogeochemistry, and isotopic techniques for understanding human impacts to nitrogen cycling. The format of the course will vary each semester dependent on interests of those enrolled in the course and current research directions. The course will generally include critical reading and discussion of journal articles, presentation of laboratory and field results, and manuscript preparation. Offered every semester, 1 credit. Environmental Geochemistry (GEOL-1515): This course explores the complex interactions of Earth’s atmospheric, water, and life systems that determine the chemical characteristics of the environment. The course examines the distribution, cycling, and transport of chemical compounds in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and terrestrial environment on local and global scales. Energy sources, production, and impacts to Earth's geochemistry are also explored. Stable Isotope Geochemistry (GEOL-2525): This course provides an introduction to stable isotope systematics of light elements (hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur), principles of mass spectrometry, and applications for environmental systems. Taught in alternating years, cross-listed for graduate and undergraduate enrollment. |
Course OutcomesIn Spring 2021, GEOL3853 embarked on a group project to investigate drivers of harmful algal blooms on the Allegheny Reservoir. Students examined climate, hydrological, and land use drivers of bloom formation, the dynamics of bloom formation, along with water chemistry data, point and non-point source nutrient pollutants. This class made teaching a bright light during the COVID pandemic! You can learn more through the final report of the class.
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