Courses in Environmental Science & Geography
The following provides a brief description of the classes I teach.
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GEOG101 Our Physical EnvironmentThis course examines the physical processes that shape our planet including: elements of weather and climate; landform creation and change; formation and distribution of soils and biological systems; and the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis is placed on the strong links between processes, patterns and phenomena of our Earth-atmosphere system. We explore these topics through lecture, reading, discussion, practical exercises and field work. |
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GEOG313 Earth's Climate System This course examines the physical characteristics, processes and controlling mechanisms of Earth’s climate system and the patterns of its change across both space and time. Fundamentals of Earth’s atmospheric composition, heat budget, motion and water will be covered with a focus on global climate change, regional climate variability and the climate of California. Students will develop and strengthen analytical skills through labs on computer based; processing and analysis of observational data; simple climate change modeling and graphic presentation of analysis to peers and through a culminating research project builds on these skills. |
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GEOG314 BioclimatologyThis course investigates interactions between climate and the biosphere, including both climatic controls on biological functioning and vice versa, especially modification and use of climate by plants and humans. We combine theoretical study with applications in agriculture and forestry, urban design and air pollution. Topics explored include ecosystem-atmosphere cycles of water, carbon and energy, human thermoregulation, urban climates and surface winds. Students participate actively in learning through weekend fieldwork, data interpretation, reading and classroom discussions. |
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GEOG500 Physical & Human Dimensions of Climate ChangeThis course guides students through an interdisciplinary investigation of climate change, including the causes, environmental and societal impacts as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies. The class bridges the traditional human and physical branches of Geography, which is necessary for understanding this complex environmental issue. Learning will take place through extensive readings, classroom lectures and discussion and student-driven research, an interdisciplinary study of all dimensions of climate change for a specific region. This topic is also used to explore the writing conventions of Geography and Environmental Science including scientific writing, social science writing styles and planning and policy reports. |
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GEOG602/702 Field Methods in Physical GeographyThis course investigates applications of field methods to Physical Geography and Environmental Science. Research methods and experimental design for field-based data collection include topics in geomorphic surveying, biometric sampling and atmospheric measurement and monitoring. Paired undergraduate (GEOG 602) and graduate (GEOG 702) course. |
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GEOG810 Graduate Seminar in BioclimatologyVarious topics in bioclimatology are investigated in the literature and through data analysis. Topically, we focus on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions in both natural and urban ecosystems. Prerequisites: GEOG 801 and GEOG 314 (GEOG 313 ok) and classified status in Geography |