To see a complete list of courses offered and their descriptions, visit the online course catalog.
The courses listed below are provided by Student Information Services (SIS). This listing provides a snapshot of immediately available courses within this department and may not be complete. Course registration information can be found at https://sis.jhu.edu/classes.
Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another pogram, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.
Course # (Section)
Title
Day/Times
Instructor
Room
PosTag(s)
Info
AS.270.302 (01)
Aqueous Geochemistry
MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Sverjensky, Dimitri
Olin 346
Aqueous Geochemistry AS.270.302 (01)
Modeling the chemistry of water-rock interactions from weathering and riverine development at Earth’s surface to hot springs at depth, fluids in subduction zones in Earth’s interior, and the ancient fluids preserved in fluid inclusions. Thermodynamic basis for the calculation of equilibria and irreversible chemical mass transfer involving minerals and aqueous species at low and high temperatures and pressures. The course culminates with practical examples of research interest to individual participants.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 3/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.103 (01)
Introduction to Global Environmental Change
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Szlavecz, Katalin, Waugh, Darryn
Olin 305
ARCH-RELATE
Introduction to Global Environmental Change AS.270.103 (01)
An introduction to the science behind global environmental issues. Earth systems, biogeochemical cycles, and the interrelationships between the living and nonliving world are explored, along with applications to climate change, biodiversity loss, and other issues of global significance.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 63/110
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.221 (01)
The Dynamic Earth Laboratory
W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
Olin 204
GECS-SCI
The Dynamic Earth Laboratory AS.270.221 (01)
This course is a hands-on learning experience for introductory geological concepts and techniques using geological tools, such as mineral/rock samples, microscopes, and maps. Field trips are its essential part. The course is open to undergraduates at all levels; freshmen who wish to get their hands (and boots) dirty are encouraged to enroll.
Credits: 2.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 4/20
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI
AS.270.305 (01)
Energy Resources in the Modern World
WF 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Burgess, Jerry
Olin 304
ARCH-RELATE
Energy Resources in the Modern World AS.270.305 (01)
This in-depth survey will inform students on the non-renewable and renewable energy resources of the world and the future prospects. Topics include petroleum, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and ocean energy. Global production, distribution, usage, and impacts of these resources will be discussed.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/20
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.318 (01)
Remote Sensing of the Environment
MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Lewis, Kevin, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Krieger 108
ARCH-RELATE
Remote Sensing of the Environment AS.270.318 (01)
This course is an introduction to the use of remote sensing technology to study Earth’s physical and biochemical processes. Topics covered include remote sensing of the atmosphere, land and oceans, as well as remote sensing as a tool for policy makers. Also offered as 270.618
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 1/10
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.125 (01)
People and the Earth: The Science Behind Our Interactions
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Hodson 313
People and the Earth: The Science Behind Our Interactions AS.270.125 (01)
This course is designed to introduce non-science students to the ways in which humans and the Earth interact. These interactions go in both directions, with Earth processes and materials affecting human society, and human activities altering the Earth. Topics include natural disasters, natural resources, and environmental issues rooted in geology; and they are examined from both a historical perspective and in the context of current events. Class time involves active learning and hands-on experiences. Course open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors by instructor permission only.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.111 (01)
Freshman Seminar: The Story of Earth
M 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Sverjensky, Dimitri
Olin 346
Freshman Seminar: The Story of Earth AS.270.111 (01)
The four and a half billion year story of Earth's global changes focusing on the co-evolution of Earth and Life.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 2/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.307 (01)
Geoscience Modeling
TTh 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Haine, Thomas
Olin 145
ARCH-RELATE
Geoscience Modeling AS.270.307 (01)
An introduction to modern ways to interpret observations in the context of a conceptual model. Topics include model building, hypothesis testing, and inverse methods. Practical examples from geophysics, engineering, and medical physics will be featured.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 9/15
PosTag(s): ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.205 (01)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis
M 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Chen, Xin
Krieger 108
GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial Analysis AS.270.205 (01)
The course provides a broad introduction to the principles and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related tools of Geospatial Analysis. Topics will include history of GIS, GIS data structures, data acquisition and merging, database management, spatial analysis, and GIS applications. In addition, students will get hands-on experience working with GIS software.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/25
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.220 (01)
The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Geology
TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
Olin 204
GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE
The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Geology AS.270.220 (01)
Basic concepts in geology, including plate tectonics; Earth’s internal structure; geologic time; minerals; formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; development of faults, folds and earthquakes; geomagnetism. Corequisite (for EPS Majors): AS.270.221; optional for others. The course is introductory and open to undergraduates at all levels; freshmen are encouraged to enroll.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 11/30
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, ARCH-RELATE
AS.270.326 (01)
Cosmochemistry
MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM, F 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Beck, Andrew, Wicks, June K
Olin 247
Cosmochemistry AS.270.326 (01)
Students in this course will gain an understanding of the origin of various forms of matter in our Solar System and beyond, along with its evolution through geologic processes. Beginning with the concepts of nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution, this course will then cover the condensation of matter, meteoritics, and petrogenetic evolution of differentiated, rocky bodies (i.e. asteroids, the Moon, Mars). Evolution of matter in extra-Solar planetary systems (i.e. exoplanets) will also be broached. In lab we will examine thin sections of meteorites, lunar material, and terrestrial analogs - a field trip to the Smithsonian Meteorite Collection is planned. Graduate and advanced undergraduate-level students are encouraged, as are interdisciplinary students with an interest in planetary science.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 18/25
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.379 (01)
Atmospheric Science
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Waugh, Darryn, Zaitchik, Benjamin
Olin 304
Atmospheric Science AS.270.379 (01)
A survey of core topics in atmospheric science, including dynamics, thermodynamics, radiative transfer, and chemistry. The course addresses both basic principles and applications to weather and climate.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 4/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.337 (01)
Freshwater Systems Lab
W 1:30PM - 4:20PM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 347
Freshwater Systems Lab AS.270.337 (01)
A hands-on investigation of the water quality, hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology of streams and other freshwater bodies. Includes field trips to water-related facilities such as drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
Credits: 1.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.328 (01)
Planetary Exploration: Techniques and Data Analysis
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Yu, Xinting
Olin 204
Planetary Exploration: Techniques and Data Analysis AS.270.328 (01)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could visit other planets and travel through the space? Students in this course will use state-of-the-art observational techniques in planetary exploration and actual spacecraft data from the Cassini mission to Saturn and the Mars Rover mission to solve problems in planetary science and design a space exploration mission. Important planetary properties, such as atmospheric composition and interior composition of a planet, will be studied using remote sensing and in situ data. Recent discoveries about exoplanets will be integrated into course activities. Recommended Course Background: One semester of Introductory Chemistry (AS.030.101).
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 7/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.425 (01)
Earth and Planetary Fluids
Staff, Stanley, Sabine
Earth and Planetary Fluids AS.270.425 (01)
An introductory course on the properties, flow, and transport characteristics of fluids throughout the Earth and planets. Topics covered include: constitutive relationships, fluid rheology, hydrostatics, dimensional analysis, low Reynolds number flow, porous media, waves, stratified and rotating fluids, plus heat, mass, and tracer transport. Illustrative examples and problems are drawn from the atmosphere, ocean, crust, mantle, and core of the Earth and other Planets. Open to graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Recommended Course Background: Basic Physics, Calculus, and familiarity with ordinary differential equations.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Canceled
Seats Available: 15/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.335 (01)
Planets, Life and the Universe
MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Diruggiero, Jocelyne
Mudd 100
BIOL-UL
Planets, Life and the Universe AS.270.335 (01)
This multidisciplinary course explores the origins of life, planets’ formation, Earth's evolution, extrasolar planets, habitable zones, life in extreme environments, the search for life in the Universe, space missions, and planetary protection. Co-listed with AS.020.334, AS.020.616 and AS.171.333
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 5/19
PosTag(s): BIOL-UL
AS.270.495 (01)
Senior Thesis
Gnanadesikan, Anand
Senior Thesis AS.270.495 (01)
Preparation of a substantial thesis based upon independent student research, supervised by at least one faculty member in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Open to Sr. departmental majors only. Required for department honors.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 17/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.350 (01)
Sedimentary Geology
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Gomes, Maya L, Lewis, Kevin
Olin 204
Sedimentary Geology AS.270.350 (01)
Sedimentary rocks are the historical records of the Earth, documenting climate change, mass extinctions, and the evolution of life. This course will provide an introduction to sedimentary processes and sedimentary rocks. Focus is placed on linking physical observations to the ancient environments in which sedimentary rocks once formed. Fundamental tools for interpreting the sedimentary rock record, such as depositional models, geochronology, and chemostratigraphy will be reviewed. Two 1-day weekend field trips will occur over the course of the semester. There will also be weekly 1-hour labs. Lab and field trip times will be determined in the first week of class. Graduate and advanced undergraduate level. Recommended Course Background: AS.270.220 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/15
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.380 (01)
Seminar in Regional Field Geology
M 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Smith, Emmy, Viete, Daniel R
Olin 346
Seminar in Regional Field Geology AS.270.380 (01)
Introduction to the regional geology and geological history of the Appalachian system (from Alabama to Newfoundland). Key papers on regional bedrock geology and Mesoproterozoic through Phanerozoic tectonics are reviewed in weekly seminar classes. Two three-day field trips are made on weekends negotiated at the beginning of the semester. Fieldwork will be designed with student input to test ideas and models from the literature. Techniques in sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous and structural field geology are introduced and developed in the field. Recommended course background: AS.270.220 and AS.270.221, or instructor permission.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 6/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.270.336 (01)
Freshwater Systems
TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Kelly, Rebecca E
Olin 304
GECS-SCI
Freshwater Systems AS.270.336 (01)
A study of streams, lakes, and groundwater with a focus on aspects of water quality, hydrology, geomorphology, and aquatic ecology that are relevant to human impacts on freshwater systems. US environmental policies and water resource management agencies will also be examined in the context of issues such as dams, cattle grazing, climate change, and water allocation.
Credits: 3.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Open
Seats Available: 1/25
PosTag(s): GECS-SCI
AS.270.333 (01)
Mineral Physics Recitation
T 6:00PM - 7:00PM, W 4:30PM - 5:30PM
Wicks, June K
Mineral Physics Recitation AS.270.333 (01)
This course is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing geophysics research in the topics of solid state physics or inorganic chemistry. It will consist of a weekly seminar paired with a separate paper reading+discussion group, covering a range of topics on the frontiers of mineral physics. Themes rotate each semester, and Fall 2018 will be paired with the Mineralogy Lecture Series on Modeling and Experimental challenges in Cosmochemistry. Recommended Course Background: Relevant coursework such as Mineralogy or equivalent in other department, and instructor permission.
Credits: 2.00
Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
Status: Closed
Seats Available: 4/7
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.271.302 (01)
Exploring Nature
T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Monopolis, Alexios Nicolaos
Olin 304
GECS-SOCSCI
Exploring Nature AS.271.302 (01)
This course integrates environmental media analysis and production with weekly outdoor excursions. Environmental media increasingly structures our experience of nature, environmental problems, human-environmental relations, and ecological awareness. Students will survey a range of authors, photographers and filmmakers that have written about or documented nature and environmental issues. Field trips to Baltimore's parks and green spaces will encourage students to discover their own sense of place and environmental worldview through careful exploration, observation and reflection. Using a mixed media journal, students will reflect on their experiences, perspectives, and insights. A background in photography or film is not required.
