Courses

Atmospheric Science

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Summer 2020 8 Week Session, Spring 2020
An overview of the processes that control water supply to natural ecosystems and human civilization. Hydrologic cycle, floods, droughts, groundwater. Patterns of water use, threats to water quality, effects of global climate change on future water supplies. Water issues facing California.
The Water Planet: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

The Water Planet: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
This course covers the physical processes that determine Earth's past, present, and future climate, with a particular focus on the essentially irreversible climate change (a.k.a., global warming) caused by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Topics will also
include the estimation of future warming and impacts, the Earth resources that can be used to combat climate change, and the policies being used to shift towards the use of those resources.
Introduction to Climate Change: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Summer:
3 weeks - 16 hours of lecture per week
6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required, with common exam group.

Instructor: David Romps

Introduction to Climate Change: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
A science-based course on the most significant eruptions Earth has produced. Most eruptions discussed will be from within historic time and will involve information from geology (volcanology), geography, archaeology, history, art, and paleoenvironmental records such as tree-rings and ice-cores. After a two-class introduction to volcanoes, volcanic activity, and volcanology, and the hazards vs benefits of eruptions, each class will feature one of more eruptions of different types from around the world. A science-based interpretation of the eruptions and effects on human-kind and the environment, will be presented. Class participants will learn about one type of natural hazard, its causes, and the variability of volcanism on Earth.
Earth's Greatest Volcanic Eruptions: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Summer: 6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructors: Self, Manga

Earth's Greatest Volcanic Eruptions: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will introduce basic physics, chemistry, and math to understand planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres, and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe.
The Planets: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 2.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructors: Jeanloz, Dressing

Also listed as: ASTRON C12/L & S C70T

The Planets: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Summer 2023 8 Week Session, Summer 2022 8 Week Session
A tour of the mysteries and inner workings of our solar system. What are planets made of? Why do they orbit the sun the way they do? How do planets form, and what are they made of? Why do some bizarre moons have oceans, volcanoes, and ice floes? What makes the Earth hospitable for life? Is the Earth a common type of planet or some cosmic quirk? This course will introduce basic physics, chemistry, and math to understand planets, moons, rings, comets, asteroids, atmospheres, and oceans. Understanding other worlds will help us save our own planet and help us understand our place in the universe. This course is web-based.
The Planets: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of web-based lecture per week

Online: This is an online course.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Militzer

Formerly known as: Astronomy W12/Earth and Planetary Science W12

Also listed as: ASTRON W12

The Planets: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session
Introduction to earthquakes, their causes and effects. General discussion of basic principles and methods of seismology and geological tectonics, distribution of earthquakes in space and time, effects of earthquakes, and earthquake hazard and risk, with particular emphasis on the situation in California.
Earthquakes in Your Backyard: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geophysics 20

Earthquakes in Your Backyard: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Introduction to earthquakes, their causes and effects. General discussion of basic principles and methods of seismology and geological tectonics, distribution of earthquakes in space and time, effects of earthquakes, and earthquake hazard and risk, with particular emphasis on the situation in California.
Earthquakes in Your Backyard: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-3 hours of lecture and 1-0 hours of discussion per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Also listed as: L & S C70Y

Earthquakes in Your Backyard: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
The freshman seminar in earth and planetary science is designed to provide new students with an opportunity to explore a topic in geology or earth sciences with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Topics will vary from semester to semester but will include such possible topics as great voyages of geologic discovery and the role of atmospheric sciences in geologic study.
Freshman Seminar in Earth and Planetary Sciences: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.

Formerly known as: Geology 24

Freshman Seminar in Earth and Planetary Sciences: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2019, Spring 2019
Freshman and sophomore seminars offer lower division students the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member and a group of peers in a small-seminar setting. These seminars are offered in all campus departments; topics vary from department to department and from semester to semester.
Freshman/Sophomore Seminar: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Priority given to freshmen and sophomores

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.

Formerly known as: Geology 39

Freshman/Sophomore Seminar: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Freshman and sophomore seminars offer lower division students the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member and a group of peers in a small-seminar setting. These seminars are offered in all campus departments; topics vary from department to department and from semester to semester.
Freshman/Sophomore Seminar: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Priority given to freshmen and sophomores

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of seminar per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 5-10 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geology 39

Freshman/Sophomore Seminar: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
An introduction to the physical and chemical processes that have shaped the earth through time, with emphasis on the theory of plate tectonics. Laboratory work will involve the practical study of minerals, rocks, and geologic maps and exercises on geological processes.
The Planet Earth: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 7.5 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geology 50

The Planet Earth: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2023
This course focuses on the processes on and in the earth that shape the environment. Humanity's use of land and oceans is examined based on an understanding of these processes.
Environmental Earth Sciences: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 80 after taking Integrative Biology 80 or Paleontology 15.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Environmental Earth Sciences: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2020
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the extreme weather and climate variability that have affected Earth in recent decades. We begin with an overview of fire weather and hurricanes, using these phenomena to explore general principles that are also relevant to drought, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. Then we examine how atmospheric composition, planetary orbits, and radiation control global climate, and how all of these influence extreme weather. Additional topics include prediction of complex systems, chaos theory, feedbacks, instability, atmospheric aerosols, and air pollution. We use the atmospheres of other planets for comparison, learning more about Earth by seeing just how different planetary climate can be.
Extreme Weather and Climate: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Boos

Extreme Weather and Climate: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course offers multidisciplinary approach to begin answering the question "Why are oceans important to us?" Upon a physical, chemical, and geologic base, we introduce the alien world of sea life, the importance of the ocean to the global carbon cycle, and the principles of ecology with a focus on the important concept of energy flow through food webs. Lectures expand beyond science to include current topics as diverse as music, movies, mythology, biomechanics, policy, and trade.
Oceans: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for EPS 82 after completing EPS N82.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring:
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 2.5 hours of discussion per week
8 weeks - 5.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Edwards

Formerly known as: Earth and Planetary Science C82/Integrative Biology C82

Oceans: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session
The geology, physics, chemistry, and biology of the world oceans. The application of oceanographic sciences to human problems will be explored through special topics such as energy from the sea, marine pollution, food from the sea, and climate change.
Introduction to Oceans: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Earth and Planetary Science N82 after taking Earth and Planetary Science/Integrative Biology/Geography C82.

Hours & Format

Summer:
6 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Introduction to Oceans: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012
Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores.
Sophomore Seminar: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: At discretion of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring:
5 weeks - 3-6 hours of seminar per week
10 weeks - 1.5-3 hours of seminar per week
15 weeks - 1-2 hours of seminar per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 2.5-5 hours of seminar per week
8 weeks - 1.5-3.5 hours of seminar and 2-4 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final exam required.

Sophomore Seminar: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Earthquakes and El Ninos are examples of natural hazards in California. The course uses Python/Jupyter Notebook and real-world observations to introduce students to these and other Earth phenomena and their underlying physics. The students will learn how to access and visualize the data, extract signals, and make probability forecasts. The final module is a project that synthesizes the course material to make a probabilistic forecast. The course will be co-taught by a team of EPS faculty, and the focus of each semester will depend on the expertise of the faculty in charge.
PyEarth: A Python Introduction to Earth Science: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).

Instructors: Fung, Boos, Dreger

PyEarth: A Python Introduction to Earth Science: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2009, Spring 2008
Group studies of selected topics which vary from semester to semester.
Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

Formerly known as: Geology and Geophysics 98

Directed Group Study: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Introduction to structural, compositional, and physical properties of minerals, their analogs and related substances, their genesis in various geological and synthetic processes, and laboratory techniques to identify and investigate minerals. One field trip to selected mineral deposits and visits to laboratories.
Minerals: Their Constitution and Origin: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Some background in chemistry and physics

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 6 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geology 100A

Minerals: Their Constitution and Origin: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Introduction to the principal geologic environments where rocks are formed and displayed. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes discussed in the context of global tectonics.
Genesis and Interpretation of Rocks: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 4 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geology 100B

Genesis and Interpretation of Rocks: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
For undergraduates interested in improving their ability to communicate their scientific knowledge by teaching ocean science in elementary schools or science centers/aquariums. The course will combine instruction in inquiry-based teaching methods and learning pedagogy with six weeks of supervised teaching experience in a local school classroom or the Lawrence Hall of Science with a partner. Thus, students will practice communicating scientific knowledge and receive mentoring on how to improve their presentations.
Communicating Ocean Science: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: One course in introductory biology, geology, chemistry, physics, or marine science required and interest in ocean science; junior, senior, or graduate standing; consent of instructor required for sophomores

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Rhew

Formerly known as: Earth and Planetary Science C100/Geography C146/Integrative Biology C100

Also listed as: GEOG C146/INTEGBI C100

Communicating Ocean Science: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Geological mapping, field observation, and problem-solving in the Berkeley hills and environs leading to original interpretation of geological processes and history from stratigraphic, structural, and lithological investigations. Integration of the Berkeley hills geology into the Coast Ranges and California as a whole through field trips to key localities. Training in digital field mapping, global positioning systems, and laser surveying. Interdisciplinary focus encourages participation by nonmajors.
Field Geology and Digital Mapping: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50 or equivalent introductory course in Earth and Planetary Science

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 7 hours of fieldwork and 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Formerly known as: Geology 101

Field Geology and Digital Mapping: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Formation and evolution of the earth. Nucleosynthesis; formation of the solar system; planetary accretion; dating the earth and solar system; formation of the core, mantle, oceans, and atmosphere; plate tectonics; heat transfer and internal dynamics; stratigraphic record of environment, and evolution; climate history and climate change.
History and Evolution of Planet Earth: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

History and Evolution of Planet Earth: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Introduction to marine geochemistry: the global water cycle; processes governing the distribution of chemical species within the hydrosphere; ocean circulation; chemical mass balances, fluxes, and reactions in the marine environment from global to submicron scales; carbon system equilibrium chemistry and biogeochemistry of fresh and salt walter; applications of natural and anthropogenic stable and radioactive tracers; internal ocean processes. Students participate in a one day field trip to sample and analyze waters in the vicinity of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes.
3 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion week, and a 10 hour field trip.
Introduction to Aquatic and Marine Geochemistry: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A, Mathematics 1A or 16A. C82 recommended

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Bishop

Introduction to Aquatic and Marine Geochemistry: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Linear systems. Linear inverse problems, least squares; generalized inverse, resolution; Fourier series, integral transforms; time series analysis, spherical harmonics; partial differntial equations of geophysics; functions of a complex variable; probability and significance tests, maximum likelihood methods. Intended for students in geophysics and other physical sciences.
Mathematical Methods in Geophysics: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Mathematics 53-54

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geophysics 104

Mathematical Methods in Geophysics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2019
Basic principles in studying the physical properties of earth materials and the dynamic processes of the earth. Examples are drawn from tectonics, mechanics of earthquakes, etc., to augment course material.
Geodynamics: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: EPS 50, Physics 7A, or Mathematics 53, 54

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Geodynamics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Introduction to modern computer simulation methods and their application to selected Earth and Planetary Science problems. In hands-on computer labs, students will learn about numerical algorithms, learn to program and modify provided programs, and display the solution graphically. This is an introductory course and no programming experience is required. Examples include fractals in geophysics, properties of materials at high pressure, celestial mechanics, and diffusion processes in the Earth. Topics range from ordinary and partial differential equations to molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations.
Computer Simulations with Jupyter Notebooks: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Math 1A or equivalent

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Computer Simulations with Jupyter Notebooks: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
We will survey the biological oceanography underlying geochemical transformations in the sea. Students will develop a strong understanding of evolution, the central dogma of molecular biology, cell structure across the domains of life, population ecology, the metabolic strategies employed by marine organisms, and the biomarkers of life in the ocean. These biological concepts will be the foundation for understanding geochemical shifts as the earth was oxygenated, changes in inorganic nutrient pools with depth and location, nitrogen cycling, Southern Ocean silica leakage, the cryptic sulfur cycle, redox chemistry leveraged by organisms at hydrothermal vents, and the biological carbon pump.
Biological Oceanography and Biogeochemistry: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Biological Oceanography and Biogeochemistry: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2018
Collecting, analyzing, and presenting stratigraphic data; dating and correlating sedimentary rocks; recognizing ancient environments and reconstructing Earth history; seismic and sequence stratigraphy; event stratigraphy and neocatastrophism; applications of stratigraphy to climate change, petroleum geology, and archaeology.
Stratigraphy and Earth History: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50, 100A, 100B, or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Alvarez

Formerly known as: Geology 115

Stratigraphy and Earth History: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
Introduction to the geometry and mechanics of brittle and ductile geologic structures; their origins and genetic relation to stress fields and their use as kinematic indicators; case histories of selected regions to elucidate tectonic evolution in different plate tectonic settings. Laboratory exercises will focus on analysis of hand specimens and structural relations portrayed on geologic maps. Several trips to observe geologic structures in the field to supplement laboratory exercises.
Structural Geology and Tectonics: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.

Instructor: Burgmann

Structural Geology and Tectonics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Quantitative examination of landforms, runoff generation, weathering, mechanics of soil erosion by water and wind, mass wasting, glacial and periglacial processes and hillslope evolution.
Geomorphology: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geology 117

Geomorphology: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Advanced geological mapping, intensive field observation, and problem solving in the field areas selected by instructors. Includes preparation of final reports.
Advanced Field Course: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50, 100A-100B, 101, or consent of instructor; 119 is strongly recommended

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Instructor: Brimhall

Formerly known as: Geology 118

Advanced Field Course: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2019
Two to four weekend field trips to localities of geological interest.
Geologic Field Studies: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 101 and consent of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Formerly known as: Geology 119

Geologic Field Studies: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Gravity field, density distribution, and internal seismic structure of the Earth and planets. Constitution, composition, temperature distribution, and energetics of the Earth's interior. The geomagnetic field and the geodynamo, and concepts in seismic imaging and geophysical fluid dynamics. This
course welcomes physics, computer science, engineering and applied maths majors.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Physics 7A-B, Mathematics 53-54, or equivalent

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.

Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2019
An overview of the use of natural isotopic variations to study earth, planetary, and environmental problems. Topics include geochronology, cosmogenic isotope studies of surficial processes, radiocarbon and the carbon cycle, water isotopes in the water cycle, and radiogenic and stable isotope studies of planetary evolution, mantle dynamics, volcanoes, groundwater, and geothermal systems. The course begins with a short introduction to nuclear processes and includes simple mathematical models used in isotope geochemistry.
Isotopic Geochemistry: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A-1B, Mathematics 1A-1B

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: David Shuster

Isotopic Geochemistry: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
This course provides an introduction to the principles of stable isotope geochemistry and the application of these principles to problems in Earth and planetary science. This course provides a foundation for the physical, chemical, and biological processes that cause isotopes to fractionate in nature including the kinetic theory of gases, equilibrium thermodynamics, and the kinetics of chemical reactions. These principles will be applied to the study of problems related to the water cycle, paleoclimate, igneous petrology, biogeochemical cycles in the past and present, and planetary science.
Stable Isotope Geochemistry: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Stolper

Stable Isotope Geochemistry: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
This course describes how the physical environment (light, wind, temperature, humidity) of plants and soil affects the physiological status of plants and how plants affect their physical environment. Using experimental data and theory, it examines physical, biological, and chemical processes affecting transfer of momentum, energy, and material (water, CO2, atmospheric trace gases) between vegetation and the atmosphere. Plant biometeorology instrumentation and measurements are also discussed.
Biometeorology: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Baldocchi

Also listed as: ESPM C129

Biometeorology: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Generation of seismic waves. Synthetic accelerograms. Instrumentation to measure strong ground motion. Estimation of seismic motion at a site. Ground motion spectra. Influence of soils and geologic structures. Seismic risk mapping.
Strong Motion Seismology: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Mathematics 54, or equivalent and consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Geophysics 130

Strong Motion Seismology: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Chemical reactions in geological processes. Thermodynamic methods for predicting chemical equilibria in nature. Isotopic and chemical tracers of transport processes in the earth. Chemistry of the solid earth, oceans, and atmosphere.
Geochemistry: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 100A-100B, Chemistry 1A-1B

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: David Shuster

Geochemistry: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Analysis and discussion of three research problems on the interactions of solid earth, hydrologic, chemical, and atmospheric processes. Emphasis is on the synthesis and application of the student's disciplinary knowledge to a new integrative problem in the earth sciences.
Case Studies in Earth Systems: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 50, senior standing or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Case Studies in Earth Systems: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Fall 2020
Physics of planetary systems, both solar and extra-solar. Star and planet formation, radioactive dating, small-body dynamics and interaction of radiation with matter, tides, planetary interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres. High-quality oral presentations may be required in addition to problem sets and a final exam.
Planetary Astrophysics: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Mathematics 53, 54; Physics 7A-7B-7C

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructors: Chiang, Dressing, Militzer

Also listed as: ASTRON C162

Planetary Astrophysics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2019
The theory and practice of geophysical methods for determining the subsurface distribution of physical rock and soil properties. Measurements of gravity and magnetic fields, electrical and electromagnetic fields, and seismic velocity are interpreted to map the subsurface distribution of density, magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties.
Applied Geophysics: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Rector

Also listed as: CIV ENG C178

Applied Geophysics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course is an introduction to air pollution and the chemistry of earth's atmosphere. We will focus on the fundamental natural processes controlling trace gas and aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere, and how anthropogenic activity has affected those processes at the local, regional, and global scales. Specific topics include stratospheric ozone depletion, increasing concentrations of green house gasses, smog, and changes in the oxidation capacity of the troposphere.
Air Pollution: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B, and PHYSICS 8A or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructor: Goldstein

Also listed as: CIV ENG C106/ESPM C180

Air Pollution: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
This course examines the processes that determine the structure and circulation of the Earth's atmosphere and ocean, and how they control regional and global climate. The approach is deductive rather than descriptive: to determine the properties and behavior of the atmosphere and ocean based on the laws of physics and fluid dynamics. Topics will include interaction between radiation and atmospheric composition; the role of water in the energy and radiation balance; governing equations for atmospheric and oceanic motion, mass conservation, and thermodynamic energy balance; geostrophic flow, quasigeostrophic motion, baroclinic instability, and dynamics of extratropical cyclones and wind-driven ocean gyres.
Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Mathematics 53, 54; Physics 7A-7B-7C

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Instructors: Chiang, Fung, Boos

Also listed as: GEOG C139

Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Fluid dynamics, radiative transfer, and the kinetics, spectroscopy, and measurement of atmospherically relevant species are explored through laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field observations.
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Laboratory: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Earth and Planetary Science 50 and 102 with grades of C- or higher (one of which may be taken concurrently) or two of the following: Chemistry 120A, 120B, C130, or 130B with grades of C- or higher (one of which may be taken concurrently)

Credit Restrictions: Deficiency in C182 may be removed by successfully completing 125. Consent of instructor is required to enroll in C182 after completing 125.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of lecture and 5 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Formerly known as: Chemistry C182/Earth and Planetary Science C182

Also listed as: CHEM C182

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Laboratory: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2019
The focus is the (unsolved) puzzle of the contemporary carbon cycle. Why is the concentration of atmospheric CO2 changing at the rate observed? What are the terrestrial and oceanic processes that add and remove carbon from the atmosphere? What are the carbon management strategies under discussion? How can emission protocols be verified? Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience with the available data, and learn modeling skills to evaluate hypotheses of carbon sources and sinks.
Carbon Cycle Dynamics: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Instructor: Fung

Also listed as: ESPM C170

Carbon Cycle Dynamics: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2014, Spring 2013
Original research and preparation of an acceptable thesis. May be taken during two consecutive semesters of senior year and may be substituted for six units of the upper division requirement with consent of major adviser.
Senior Honors Course: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Limited to honors candidates

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 units.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0-0 hours of independent study per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 0-0 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 0-0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Senior Honors Course: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2010
Written proposal signed by faculty sponsor and approved by major faculty advisor. Supervised experience relevant to specific aspects of students' EPS specialization in off-campus organization. Regular meetings with faculty sponsor and written report required.
Field Study: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and declared major in Earth and Planetary Science

Credit Restrictions: Enrollment is restricted; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-12 hours of fieldwork per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 7.5-30 hours of fieldwork per week
8 weeks - 6-24 hours of fieldwork per week
10 weeks - 4.5-18 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

Field Study: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Group studies of selected topics which vary from semester to semester.
Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

Formerly known as: Geology 198

Directed Group Study: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Enrollment is restricted by regulations.
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Earth and Planetary Science/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

Formerly known as: Geology 199

Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read Less [-]

Atmospheric Science

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