Fall 2021 Class Schedule
NOTE: This course schedule is subject to change based on instructional guidelines to comply with COVID restrictions. Courses may be added, cancelled, or moved quarters as deemed necessary.
View the latest Northwestern University COVID news.
Fall 2021 class Schedule
| Course | Title | Instructor | Day/Time | LAB(S)/DIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | The Ocean, The Atmosphere and Our Climate | Blair | TTh 9:30-10:50 AM | F 12:00-1:50 PM or F 2:00-3:50 PM |
| 203 | Earth System History | Hurtgen | MWF 12:00-12:50 PM | |
| 310 | Aqueous Geochemistry | Jacobson | MWF 11:00-11:50 AM | |
| 342 | Contemporary Energy and Climate Change | Axford | TTh 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM | |
| 350 | Physics of the Earth | Bina | MWF 1:00-1:50 PM | Th 1:00-1:50 PM |
| 353 | Mathematical Inverse Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences | van der Lee | TTh 9:30-10:50 AM | |
| 362 | Data Analysis | Stein | TTh 12:30-1:50 PM | |
| 373 | Microbial Ecology | Osburn | MW 9:00-9:50 AM | F 9:00-9:50 AM |
| 450 | Advanced Topics: Atmospheric Science | Horton | TTh 2:00-3:20 PM |
Fall 2021 course descriptions
106 – The Ocean, The Atmosphere and Our Climate
The role of the world's oceans in the earth's climate system. Properties of the oceans and marine life. Interaction of oceans, atmosphere, and land. Natural Sciences Distro Area
203 – Earth System History
Evolution of the earth system and its record through geological time. Interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, sediments, and life on earth. Recommended Background: At least one credit in math, chemistry, biology or physics. Natural Sciences Distro Area
310 – Aqueous Geochemistry
The geochemistry of rivers, groundwater, lakes, and seawater. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, pH and alkalinity, carbonate equilibria, chemical weathering, and numerical modeling. Recommended Background: At least one year of chemistry coursework. Natural Sciences Distro Area
342 – Contemporary Energy and Climate Change
Interdisciplinary course examining global energy use and associated challenges, including the history of energy use, the science of climate change, and technological, economic, and environmental aspects of various energy sources. Registration reserved for seniors majoring in math, science, or engineering, and graduate students in all disciplines. Taught with ISEN 410-0; may not receive credit for both courses. Natural Sciences Distro Area
350 – Physics of the Earth
Solid-earth geophysics: the earth's gravity field, the earth's magnetic field, interior of the earth, heat flow, elementary wave propagation, plate tectonics. Prerequisites: second-year standing in ISP; or comparable background in mathematics and physics and consent of both instructor and ISP director.
353 – Mathematical Inverse Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Theory and application of inverse methods to gravity, electromagnetic, seismic, and other data. Linearized, non-linear, underdetermined, and mixed-determined problems and solution methods, including regularized least-squares and search algorithms. Recommended Background: Python programming language and two of 1) linear algebra, 2) statistics for physical scientists, 3) differential calculus of multivariable functions.
362 - Data Analysis
Types and characteristics of earth science data, development and applications of model types, observational and systematic sources of uncertainties and their characterization, spatial and temporal predictions. Recommended Background: EARTH 201-0 and EARTH 202-0, or equivalent. Formal Studies Distro Area
373 - Microbial Ecology
This course will provide a framework for understanding the role of microbes in natural environments in terms of cell numbers, metabolisms, and interactions with geochemical cycles. We will delve deeply into the interactions between microbial populations, higher organisms, and even our own bodies. The course will finish on a survey of microbial composition and dynamics in key settings across the planet. Recommended Background: Basic understanding of chemistry, biology, and earth science.
450 – Advanced Topics
Topics at the frontiers of research taught by visiting or departmental faculty.