This course provides an introduction to the ways in which chemical principles are used to study geological and environmental processes. The emphasis is on low-temperature processes that influence the chemistry of water, sediment, and soil. Specific topics include aqueous solutions, thermodynamics, mineral-water equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, adsorption-desorption processes, and applications of radiogenic and stable isotopes. The laboratory component of the course is field-based and involves sampling and analysis of water and sediment from around Tacoma.

This course provides an introduction to the study of a variety of the Earth’s natural resources, and the environmental impacts of their extraction and use. The course focuses on the origin of different types of resources including metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, and building stone. A discussion/lab session is scheduled for in-class activities, labs and field trips. Course readings center around case studies from the primary scientific literature.

The Pacific Northwest is at the forefront of the fastest energy transition in human history with its move away from fossil fuels and development of wind, solar, hydro, nuclear and energy storage technologies. The lab requirement for this class is met with field experiences along the Columbia Plateau during the first part of spring break that engages students with the innerworkings of energy facilities, environmental professionals and other groups and individuals navigating the alternative energy transition.

This course examines the physical, chemical, and geologic processes that determine the distribution, movement, and nature of freshwater resources (rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater). The course pays particular attention to issues of water supply and quality in North America. Lab and field exercises introduce the fundamentals of measuring and modeling river and groundwater flow; field trips to several dams and reservoirs in Washington illustrate some of the ways that surface water resources are utilized.

In this course students learn a variety of techniques that are used to locate, describe, and document features in the field. Specific topics may include navigating with topographic maps and GPS, sketching features relating to scientific endeavors, recognizing and interpreting features on topographic maps, aerial photos and lidar images, and working with ArcGIS to produce a variety of different types of maps. All-day field trips on Saturdays and/or Sundays may be required.

This course investigates how life on earth has changed through time as recorded in the fossil record. It includes a survey of major invertebrate and vertebrate fossil groups, with emphasis on paleoecological pattern and process, and reconstruction of paleoenvironments.

The principles, methods, and materials of stratigraphy and paleontology used to interpret the physical and biological history of the Earth. Emphasizes the classification, correlation, interrelationships, and interpretation of rock strata and of the various types of fossils that occur in these rocks.

This course covers igneous rocks and the processes by which they form. Specific topics include magma formation and evolution, characteristics of igneous rocks in different tectonic settings, and the causes, styles, and impacts of volcanic eruptions. Students learn and utilize a variety of field and lab techniques including ICP analysis and thin section microscopy.

Detailed study of agents, processes, and products involved in landscape development and water movement at the Earth’s surface. Special emphasis is on the effect of the Pleistocene (Ice Age) climate on landforms.

The origin, texture, composition, classification, and interpretation of sediments and sedimentary rocks. The various methods for studying these materials in the field and laboratory are emphasized. A portion of the course is devoted to the main groups of microscopic fossils that occur as components of many sedimentary rocks.