Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences
Date
April 7, 2026
Upcoming Courses for Fall 2026
As we prepare for the Fall 2026 semester, DEEPS is excited to share our upcoming course options.
We encourage you to learn about the Earth, environmental and planetary sciences and understand the natural world from a new perspective.
Current graduate-level courses in the subjects of earth, environmental and planetary sciences.
EEPS 0050 – Mars, Moon, and the EarthInstructor: John Mustard Space exploration has revealed an astonishing array of surface features on the planets and their satellites. Why are atmospheres on the planets different from Earth's atmosphere? Do other planets represent our past or future environment? Is there life on other planets? The planets and their histories are compared to gain insight and a new perspective on planet Earth. |
EEPS 0070 – Introduction to OceanographyInstructor: Christopher Horvat Examines the ocean's role in Earth's global environment, emphasizing the dynamical interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and lithosphere. Focus on physical/chemical/biological systems' interconnections needed to understand natural and anthropogenic variability on various time and space scales, from El Niño to global warming. Three lectures, written exercises on oceanographic problems; two field trips to study estuarine and coastal processes. |
EEPS 0080 – Art in Flight: The Creative Exploration of TitanInstructor: Samuel Birch Titan represents one of the most enigmatic and evocative frontiers in our solar system – a world where liquid methane falls as rain, waves crash against icy shorelines, and organic dunes stretch across the horizon. This course uses the Dragonfly mission as a gateway to bridge the sciences and the arts, and to develop new ways to communicate how and why we are so fundamentally inclined to go over the next horizon and explore the unknown. The course is structured around five segments, each beginning with an instructor-led discussion on an aspect of Titan or the mission. Students then have three weeks to translate these scientific concepts into original creative works – be it music, choreography, visual art, or a comic book. students present their work to the class. Focused on evolution of the idea rather than technical perfection. |
EEPS 0100 – Surviving the Apocalypse: Earth’s Journey Through Natural Disasters Past and PresentInstructor: Harriet Lau The course explores Earth’s geological disasters, focusing on global changes over its long history We will work our way from past to present and explore whether, through our actions, we are plunging towards another Mass Extinction. Using the physical principles we learn from the geological past; we will apply these concepts to today’s natural hazards and explore how hazards are exacerbated in a warming world. The course will turn to the future towards paths to mitigate climate change through geoengineering. Unlike an engineering approach, we will mirror geo-engineering strategies with geological events we have already explored. We emphasize interdisciplinary processes occurring within Earth’s depths and surface, taking an expansive viewpoint on time. The student’s overarching learning outcome is scientific communication. Students will develop a term-long project creating a short documentary or a popular science article. |
EEPS 0160I – DiamondsInstructor: James Dottin This class will connect the fascinating scientific story of diamonds with their equally fascinating role in history and society. This class will explore topics that include: (1) the origin of diamond’s physical and optical properties; (2) the geologic processes involved in the generation of diamonds and diamond enriched deposits; and (3) modern methods of synthetic diamond production. Societal topics include: (1) the role and perception of diamonds in society ; (2) the political and societal impact of the discovery of vast diamond deposits in South Africa in the 1800’s; (3) the role of diamond (and gold) mining in the rise of Apartheid in South Africa in the 20th century; (4) the rise and fall of the de Beers monopoly and its influence on popular culture; (5) the race to make synthetic diamonds; and, (6) ‘blood diamonds’ in modern west Africa. |
EEPS 0160K – Geology of Star WarsInstructor: Emily Cooperdock A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a universe filled with volcanic worlds, vast deserts hiding Kyber crystals, lush jungles teeming with life, and enchanting water worlds. Journey through the heart of Star Wars, where science fiction meets science fact. Join us as we assess the realism of these fictional realms, drawing comparisons with Earth, our planet's history, and other celestial bodies. It takes you beneath the surface, relating geologic systems with key environmental issues. Climate change, mineral mining, water management, and the quest for energy resources are all on the agenda. You get to choose your path, diving deeply into your favorite Star Wars planet and unraveling its connections to these crucial challenges. It promises an exhilarating ride through the Star Wars galaxy, where the Force of geology intersects with the thrill of storytelling. |
EEPS 0220 – Earth and Environmental ProcessesInstructors: Karen Fischer & Dan Ibarra How does plate tectonics create mountains, earthquakes and volcanoes? What processes drive climate change? How do humans exacerbate flooding and other hazards? What processes govern water and energy resources? This course provides an introduction to the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, govern the structure of its interior, cause natural hazards, contribute to climate change and affect the human environment. Topics include interior processes (plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanism, earthquakes, flow of solid rocks), environmental processes (climate change, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, flow of rivers, glaciers, groundwater, water and energy resources), and the connections between them. Lectures are complemented by four labs, informal small-group study sessions, and a field trip. Collaborative learning is encouraged. |
EEPS 0350 – Mathematical Methods For EarthInstructor: Baylor Fox-Kemper Intended for undergraduates concentrating in geological and physical sciences or engineering, especially those interested in the quantitative study of Earth. Problem sets will cover common approaches to quantify the dynamics and chemistry of solids and fluids in nature. Mathematical topics to be introduced include linear algebra, vectors and tensors, differential equations, dynamical systems, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, empirical orthogonal functions, fractals, chaos, and statistics. Applications include waves in the oceans, atmosphere, and solid earth, convective and conductive heat flow, reaction rates, gravitational potential energy, Newton’s laws on a rotating planet, measuring coastlines and ranges, and dating errors in stratigraphy. |
EEPS 0830 – Water in Our WorldInstructor: Laurence Smith This course will focus on understanding natural and societal dimensions of the water cycle. The coming century will see substantial pressure on global water resources owing to increasing human demand, alteration of river systems, and climate change. The first half of the course introduces fundamental concepts in physical hydrological science, and the second explores human modifications and environmental problems associated with a perturbed water cycle. The topical sequence of the class will progress first through different components of the water cycle (e.g. precipitation, evaporation, runoff), followed by different ways in which humans use and depend upon freshwater resources. |
EEPS 1130 – Ocean Biogeochemical CyclesInstructor: Timothy Herbert A quantitative treatment of the cycling of biologically important elements in the world ocean. Special attention paid to the carbon system in the ocean and the role that organisms, in conjunction with ocean circulation, play in regulating the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere through exchange with the surface ocean. For science concentrators. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: CHEM 0330 or equivalent, or instructor permission. |
EEPS 1240 – Stratigraphy and SedimentationInstructor: Eben “Blake” Hodgin Introduction to depositional environments and processes responsible for formation of sedimentary rocks. Major sedimentary environments in the Recent are discussed, general models are proposed, and stratigraphic sequences in older sediments are examined in the light of these models. The Phanerozoic stratigraphic record is examined from the perspective of Earth system history. Laboratory arranged. Prerequisites: EEPS 0220 or 0240, or instructor permission. |
EEPS 1320 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Environmental ApplicationsInstructor: Seda Salap-Ayca This class serves as an introduction to Geographic Information Science (GIS). This innovative field explores the relationships between spatial information and a vast array of spatial data types. Through lab work and foundational lectures, this course covers the guiding principles behind various facets of GIS including the nature of spatial data, map projections, spatial model building, spatial analysis, and cartographic production. You will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge GIS techniques and apply them to real-world problems across multiple disciplines. Throughout the course, you will be challenged to think spatially and practice basic GIS concepts and theory to enable you to make useful and meaningful contributions to various disciplines through spatial analysis and techniques. By evaluating the relationship between different spatial information, you'll develop a better understanding of how the world interacts and gain tools to make a difference. |
EEPS 1370 – Environmental GeochemistryInstructor: Yongsong Huang The course will examine the biogeochemical cycling, fate and transport of chemicals in the atmospheric and aquatic environments. Topics such as chemical weathering, natural water pollution and remediation, acid deposition, global warming and air pollution will be examined through natural ecosystem examples from rivers, lakes, estuaries, and ocean. Field trips and laboratory arranged. Prerequisites: CHEM 0100 or 0330, or instructor permission. |
EEPS 1400 – Climate Modeling IInstructor: Mara Freilich An introduction to climate modeling, focusing on the fundamental principles of climate dynamics and the techniques used to simulate and understand the climate system of Earth and other planets. Students will learn about the underlying physics, concepts, and computational methods involved in climate modeling. The course will explore the challenges and uncertainties associated with climate models and their role in predicting future climate change. The course has two tracks: quantitative and qualitative. |
EEPS 1420 – PetrologyInstructor: Stephen Parman Introduction to the origin and evolution of igneous rocks. Topics include: physical properties of magma, thermodynamics and phase equilibria, igneous rocks and their classification, magmatic processes, trace elements and isotopes, basalts and layered intrusions, survey of lunar and planetary petrology. Prerequisites: EEPS 1410, or instructor permission. |
EEPS 1430 – Atmospheric Circulation and Climate DynamicsInstructor: Jung-Eun Lee This course provides the physical foundation for understanding large-scale atmospheric circulation and its central role in shaping Earth’s climate system, with emphasis on atmospheric radiation, radiative–convective equilibrium, tropical circulation and moist convection, the role of transient and stationary eddies in maintaining the general circulation, and the structure and dynamics of the stratospheric circulation. Through in-class exercises and homework, students develop a rigorous grasp of fundamental physical concepts while strengthening quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. Designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, the course emphasizes analytical approaches and the application of theory to observed features of the climate system. |
EEPS 1615 – Climate Change, Human Rights, and the Policy ProcessInstructor: Amanda Lynch The diminishing quality of Earth’s systems and resources carries profound implications for the fulfillment of human rights and aspirations. But even as Western knowledge systems understand better the intrinsic interdependencies between humans and the non-human, policy gridlock persists. Indeed, scientific findings are regularly contested on political grounds. The purpose of this course is to learn how to apply diverse knowledges from Indigenous to Modern to map the relevant policy in problems at the intersection of human rights and environmental integrity, and to develop approaches to address them in ways that are creative, effective, responsible and just. |
EEPS 1670 – Time Series Analysis & Modeling in Climate SciencesInstructor: Emanuele Di Lorenzo This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and techniques of time series statistical analysis and modeling, focusing on APPLICATIONS in climate and environmental sciences. Through lectures, hands-on exercises, and case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of the methods and of how to analyze and interpret time series data in the context of environmental changes and phenomena. Each student will also conduct a research project that can be connected to their own research involving time series. |
EEPS 1690 – Introduction to Methods in Data AnalysisInstructor: Victor Tsai This class will be an overview of different ways one can quantitatively analyze data. Topics will include linear regression, least squares inversion, principal component analysis, and Bayesian methods. Emphasis will be on both a theoretical understanding of these methods and on practical applications to geophysical and earth science problems. Exercises will include using MATLAB to analyze data. |
EEPS 1710 – Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary SurfacesInstructor: Ralph Milliken Geologic applications of remotely sensed information derived from interaction of electromagnetic radiation (X-ray, gamma-ray, visible, near-IR, mid-IR, radar) with geologic materials. Applications emphasize remote geochemical analyses for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Several spectroscopy and image processing labs. EEPS 1410 (Mineralogy), PHYS 0060, or equivalent recommended. |
EEPS 2910N – Melt and Melting in the Mantle and CrustInstructors: Colleen Dalton & Christian Huber This seminar focuses on the presence, distribution and composition of melts in the upper mantle and their transport from the mantle to the crust. The course is designed to cover multiple disciplines, including the use of geophysical methods to constrain the state and conditions where melts are produced and transported and geodynamics to study the processes associated with melting and melt extraction. The tectonic settings where melting happens and some geochemical constraints on melting will also be considered. While introductory lectures will be offered to provide the necessary background for students coming with different expertise, a large portion of the class is devoted to the reading and discussion of both seminal and recent papers in the field. |
EEPS 2920D – Introduction to Geochemical ModelingInstructor: Yan Liang Continuum descriptions of mass transfer in geochemical cycles. Topics include: fundamentals of diffusive and advective mass transfer, kinetics of weathering and early diagenesis, fluid flow in the Earth's crust and mantle, trace elements and isotopes in magmatic processes. Recommended: CHEM 0330, EEPS 1610 and APMA 0330, 0340. |