Earth Sciences
Courses
NOTE: The program will endeavor to offer the courses outlined below.
However, unforeseen circumstances (particularly changes in ship schedules)
sometimes mandate a change of scheduled offerings, especially the quarter
offered (F,W,S). Students are strongly advised to check the Schedule
of Classes or to contact the Earth Sciences Program Office (Galbraith
Hall, room 188, Revelle College, (858) 534-8157) to obtain up-to-date
information.
Lower-Division
ERTH 1. The Planets Space exploration
has revealed an astonishing diversity among the planets and moons in
our solar system. The planets and their histories will be compared to
gain insight and a new perspective on planet Earth. Prerequisite:
none. (S)
ERTH 10. The Earth (4) A basic introduction
to geology for students with little previous science background. The
course stresses understanding of the concepts of the structure of the
Earth and the processes which have formed it and continue to modify
it. The course emphasizes material which every educated citizen should
know for appreciation and enjoyment of the world around us, for understanding
geological events as reported in the news, and for participating in
making intelligent decisions regarding the future of our environment.
Three-hour lecture plus optional local field trips. Prerequisite:
none. (W)
ERTH 12. History of the Earth and Evolution (4) Evolution
of the Earth from its origin in the early solar system to formation
of continents and ocean basins, and how the planet became habitable.
It examines the geologic record of evolution, extinction, plate tectonics,
and climate changes through time. Three-hour lecture. Prerequisite:
none. (S)
ERTH 15. Natural Disasters An introduction
to environmental perils and their impact on everyday life. Geological
and meteorological processes are explored, including earthquakes, volcanic
activity, large storms, global climate change, mass extinctions throughout
Earths history, and human activity that causes and prevents natural
disasters. Prerequisite: none. (F)
ERTH 20. The Atmosphere (4) Descriptive
introduction to meteorology and climate studies. Topics include global
and continental wind and precipitation patterns, weather forecasting,
present climate and past climate changes (including droughts, El Nio
events), man-made modification of climate, including CO2 and other greenhouse
gases effects, ozone destruction, little ice ages, acid
rain. Three-hour lecture. Prerequisites: some high school physics
and chemistry background recommended. (W)
ERTH 30. The Oceans (4) Presents modern
ideas and descriptions of the physical, chemical, biological, and geological
aspects of oceanography, and considers the interactions between these
aspects. Intended for students interested in the oceans, but who do
not necessarily intend to become professional scientists. Three-hour
lecture, one-hour discussion. Prerequisite: some background in high
school chemistry recommended. (F)
ERTH 96. Frontiers in the Earth Sciences (2) An
introduction to current research in the earth sciences. Background in
science not required, but may be useful for some topics. Areas covered
vary from year to year. (S)
Upper-Division
ERTH 101. Introduction to Earth and Environmental Science (5) This
course is an introduction to how our planet works, focusing on the formation
and evolution of the solid earth, and the processes affecting both its
surface and interior. Laboratories and field trips complement and extend
the lecture material. Prerequisites: one year each of college-level
math, physics, and chemistry, or consent of instructor. (F)
ERTH 102. Introduction to Geochemistry (4) A
broad introduction to the chemical composition and evolution of the
Earth and the solar system. This course explores applications of chemical
methods to elucidate the origin and geologic history of the Earth and
the planets, the evolution of the oceans and atmosphere, and the impact
of humankind on the environment. Prerequisites: ERTH 101, Chemistry
6A-B-C or equivalent, first-year, mathematics, and physics, or consent
of instructor. (W)
ERTH 103. Introduction to Geophysics (4) An
introduction to the structure and composition of the solid earth. Topics
include seismology, the gravity and magnetic fields, high-pressure geophysics,
and concepts in geodynamics. Emphasis is on global geophysics, i.e.,
on the structure and evolution of the planet. Prerequisites: Math.
20A-B-C-D and Physics 2 sequence or equivalent, ERTH 101, or consent
of instructor. ERTH 160 recommended. (F)
ERTH 104. Geobiology (5) Introduction
to the major biological transitions in earth history from the origins
of metabolism and cells to the evolution of complex societies. The nature
and limitations of the fossil record, patterns of adaptation and diversity,
and the tempo and mode of biological and environmental change. Laboratories
and field trips complement and extend the lecture material. Prerequisites:
ERTH 101, BILD 3 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. (S)
ERTH 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4) This
course will examine sedimentary environments from the mountain tops
to the deep sea across a variety of time scales. The focus will be to
understand how depositional processes form the stratigraphic record.
The central goal of the course is to develop the skills to interpret
stratigraphy and read the history of the earth that it records. Prerequisite:
Erth 101. (F)
ERTH 120. Introduction to Mineralogy (4) This
course focuses on the symmetry, crystal structure, chemical, and physical
properties of minerals with special emphasis on the common rock-forming
minerals, and highlights the applications of mineralogical and X-ray
crystallographic techniques to a spectrum of important problems in the
earth sciences. The laboratory will introduce the students to the polarizing
microscope and X-ray powder diffraction methods for the study of rock-forming
minerals. Prerequisites: ERTH 101, ERTH 102 (may be taken concurrently
with ERTH 102). (W)
ERTH 130. Geodynamics of Terrestrial Planets (4) Planetary
differentiation through geodynamical processes is the fundamental agent
controlling the evolution of the planet on geological time scales. Similarities
and differences between the Earth, Venus, Mars, and other terrestrial
planets and satellites teach us about the processes which shape a planets
formation and evolution. The course includes a computer-oriented lab.
Prerequisites: Math. 20A-B-C-D and Physics 2 sequence, or consent
of instructors. (S)
ERTH 142. Atmospheric Chemistry and the Biochemical Cycles of Atmospheric
Trace Gases (4) Evolution of the Earths
atmosphere, from the earliest days of the planet to the present, and
into the future. The atmospheres of other terrestrial planets are discussed
to provide a planetary perspective. Discussions will include effects
of greenhouse gases such as H2O, CO2, and CH4 in climate
modification, and other influences of civilizations byproducts
on atmospheric chemistry, e.g., the destruction of the ozone layer.
The biogeochemical cycles of the radioactively important trace gases
will be examined. Prerequisites: Chemistry 6 sequence or equivalent.
Offered in alternate years (offered winter 2004). SIO staff. (W)
ERTH 143. Marine Paleoecology (4) Paleoecology
of marine plankton, nekton, and benthos. Patterns and changes in marine
communities and ecosystems over geological time in relation to changes
in the physical, chemical, and geological environment and biotic interactions.
The preservation filter and inference of ecological processes from fossils
and biogeochemical proxies. Biotic interchanges, incumbency, escalation
and trends, mass extinctions, and recovery. Lectures, seminar discussion,
and field trips. Prerequisites: Bachelors degree in science
or consent of instructor; open to undergraduates with completion of
ERTH 104 and either BIEB 130 or BIEB 140 or equivalent. (S)
ERTH 144. Isotope Geochemistry (4) Isotopic
ratios of various elements serve as natural tracers, as chronometers,
and as geothermometers. Thus isotope measurements have become an indispensable
tool for earth scientists. This course introduces students to the theory
of radioactivity, geochronology, and stable isotope fractionation and
shows how these principles are used to investigate important geochemical
problems. Prerequisites: ERTH 101, ERTH 102, ERTH 120. (F)
ERTH 150. Environmental Perils (4) An
advanced field-oriented course for engineering and science students
stressing the geologic basis for environmental perils such as earthquakes,
erosion flooding, and waste disposal. Two one-hour lectures and a two-hour
lab/field trip each week. One Saturday field trip. Prerequisites:
Math. 20A-B-C-D, sequence and Physics 2A-B-C sequence or equivalent.
(S)
ERTH 152. Petrology and Petrography (4) Mineralogic,
chemical, textural, and structural properties of igneous, metamorphic,
and sedimentary rocks; their origin and relations to evolution of the
Earths crust and mantle. Includes rocks of both the continents
and ocean basins. The laboratory emphasizes both hand specimens and
microscopic studies of rocks in thin sections. Prerequisites: ERTH
101, ERTH 102, and ERTH 120 or their equivalents. (S)
ERTH 155. Igneous and Metamorphic Processes (4) This
course provides an overview of the Earth from a geochemical and petrogenetic
point of view. Topics include the formation and chemical differentiation
of material in the solar system, the formation and differentiation of
the Earth into core, mantle, crust and atmosphere/hydrosphere, the generation
of magma in a variety of plate tectonic settings, and isotope and trace
element geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Literature readings
will be assigned for most topics and discussion is expected of everyone.
Prerequisite: ERTH 152, or consent of instructors. (W)
ERTH 160. Introduction to Tectonics (4) The
theory of plate tectonics attempts to explain how forces within the
earth give rise to continents, ocean basins, mountain ranges, earthquake
belts and most volcanoes. In this course we will learn how plate tectonics
works. Prerequisites: ERTH 101 or consent of instructor. (S)
ERTH 162A. Introduction to Field Geology (4) Mapping
and interpretation of geologic units and structures in the field. Field
observations at the surface are related to theory and extrapolated to
three dimensions. Field work is done on weekends in local areas; field
data are discussed and evaluated through applicable geologic principles
in the laboratory. Prerequisites: ERTH 101, ERTH 120 or consent of
instructor. To be taken concurrently with ERTH 162L. (W)
ERTH 162L. Structural Analysis for Field Geology (4) Principles
of stratigraphy and structural geology applicable to field geologic
studies. Discussion and laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: ERTH
101, ERTH 120, or consent of instructor. To be taken concurrently
with ERTH 162A. (W)
ERTH 180. Geophysics of Natural Resources (4) Introduction
to seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical methods used in exploration
geophysics on scales of hundreds of kilometers to tens of meters. These
are the principal means of discovering energy and mineral resources
such as oil, gas, and ore deposits. Emphasis is on the underlying physical
principles of the methods, instrumentation, and data interpretation,
including an introduction to geophysical inverse theory. Prerequisites:
Math. 20A-B-C-D and Physics 2 sequence or equivalent, or consent of
instructor. ERTH 182 must be taken concurrently. (S)
ERTH 182. Field Geophysics (4) Introduction
to design and execution of simple geophysical field experiments, including
seismic, gravimetric, geoelectrical, and geodetic techniques. The focus
is on a simple geological problem that can be solved by geophysical
experiments. Computer-aided data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisites:
ERTH 180 (must be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor.
(S)
ERTH 190. Special Topics in Earth Sciences (2-4) A
seminar course designed to treat emerging or topical subjects in the
earth sciences. Involved reading from the literature and student participation
in discussion. Topics vary from year to year.
ERTH 194. Research Seminar in Washington, D.C. (4) Course
attached to six-unit internship taken by students participating in the
UCDC program. Involves weekly seminar meetings with faculty and teaching
assistant and substantial research paper. Prerequisites: departmental
approval. Participating in UCDC Program.
ERTH 196. Honors Thesis Research (4) Independent
reading or research on a problem. By special arrangement with a faculty
member. (Letter grade only.)
ERTH 197. Earth Science Internship (2-4) The
Earth Science Internship program is designed to complement the programs
academic curriculum with practical field experience. Prerequisites:
consent of instructor, upper-division standing, minimum GPA of 2.0,
department stamp.
ERTH 198. Directed Group Study (24) This
course covers a variety of directed group studies in areas not covered
by formal ERTH courses (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisite: consent
of instructor.
ERTH 199. Independent Study for Undergraduates (4) Independent
reading or research on a problem. By special arrangement with a faculty
member. (P/NP grades only.)
ERTH 211. Research Seminar (2) A three
quarter required sequence for BS/M.S. Earth Sciences students to prepare
students for thesis writing. (F,W,S)
Earth Sciences Courses
|