TEACHING
University of Pittsburgh Department of Geology and Environmental Science
Courses Taught:
Geol 1060/2060 Geomorphology (Taught Spring Semesters)
This course introduces the physical forces shaping planetary surfaces. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical (e.g., an introduction to transport “law”) and practical aspects (e.g., creative measurements with rulers) of geomorphology. Whenever possible, class examples and problems will focus on regionally important facets of geomorphology, ranging from landsliding to stream restoration to glacial and periglacial terrain.
Geol 2054 Soils (Taught Alternating Fall Semesters '19, '21, ....)
This course serves as an introductory overview to soil science, providing a foundation for subsequent advanced work in chemical weathering, interpretation of paleosols, etc. Lectures will provide a fundamental understanding of soil formation, the resulting chemical and physical properties of these soils, and the interactions of soil with coupled geological, biological, and chemical systems. This course will emphasize the role of soil in earth systems at the landscape scale and include practical exercises in site and soil evaluation. Lab and field components will embrace Pittsburgh as a laboratory and may include exercises such as field soil mapping, chemical analyses of soils, and/or modeling of soil formation and hydrology. Students will be expected to prepare presentations and written documents as part of course participation. Some GIS experience will be helpful. Undergraduates are welcome with permission from the instructor.
Geol 2000 Geoscience Communications (Taught Alternating Fall Semesters '20, '22, ...)
This class begins with an examination of scientific narrative, a critical foundation for any mode of communication. The concept of narrative is then applied to scientific writing, message honing and speaking. The course focuses on defining the story in a dataset and clearly articulating that story using a variety of communication modes and audience perspectives. This class demands a substantial amount of reading and engagement; however, the products of this class are geared toward the student’s research. Thus, the writing and speaking exercises will prepare the student to deliver the eventual products of their own research.
Geol 3951 Topics in Geochemistry: Catchment Science (Taught Every Semester)
A course for those interested in catchment science, hydrology, and biogeochemistry. The format of the course will vary each semester dependent on interests of those enrolled in the course and current research directions. The course will generally include critical reading and discussion of journal articles, presentation of laboratory and field results, group editing of manuscript preparation, etc. as interest dictates.
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University of Pittsburgh
Department of Geology and Planetary Science 200 SRCC / 4107 O'Hara St. Pittsburgh, PA 15260 |
dbain at pitt dot edu
412 624 8766 Fax: 412 624 3914 |