Courses taught at the University of Pittsburgh 

GEOL 1030 The Atmosphere, Oceans, & Climate

Warming of the climate system is now evident from observations of increases in surface air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of glaciers and ice caps, and shrinking Arctic sea ice extent. Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures is very likely due to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations associated with human activities (e.g., agriculture, industry, and land-use changes). Nonetheless, considerable debate surrounds the establishment of greenhouse gas emission limits, and informed government, corporate, and individual action to mitigate the extent and impact of warming has been limited. Improving our knowledge of the Earth's climate system and past climate changes is therefore a matter of urgency. This course will examine the atmospheric and oceanic interactions that determine the nature of the global climate system. Specifically, the course will explore the origin, evolution, and structure of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere, radiative and non-radiative components of the Earth's energy balance, global, synoptic, and mesoscale atmospheric circulation patterns, and surface and deep ocean currents. The course will also consider records of past climate, evidence for recent warming, climate change projections, and climate change policy.
Offered every fall term. Lecture 2 hours; recitation 1 hour. 


GEOL 2501 Organic Geochemistry

Production and chemical composition of natural organic matter (OM), diagenesis and catagenesis of OM, petroleum formation, molecular isotopic indicators of cliimate and biogeochemical processes. 
Offered alternate years typically in spring term. Lecture 3 hours.


GEOL XXXX Aquatic & Sedimentary Geochemistry 

This course (currently in development, previously taught as a special topics course) will examine the chemistry and geochemistry of modern and ancient aquatic and sedimentary systems, including oceans and freshwaters. Students will gain an understanding of the biogeochemical processes occurring in aquatic systems, and the geochemical signatures they leave in the sedimentary record. 
Offered alternate years typically in spring term. Lecture 3 hours.


GEOL 3931 Topics in Paleoenvironmental Analysis

This course will provide students with a review of recent advances in the field of paleoenvironmental analysis. Scheduled course meetings will consist of brief lectures and/or student presentations addressing specific paleoenvironmental indicators and discussion of significant developments in the use of the environmental archive. The pace and depth of material covered will be determined by interest level and time needed for comprehensive treatment of techniques
Offered every fall and spring term. Lecture/discussion.


GEOL 3952 Topics in Geobiology & Biogeochemistry

This course will provide students with a review of recent advances in the fields of geobiology & biogeochemistry. Scheduled course meetings will consist of brief lectures and/or student presentations addressing specific aspects of geobiology & biogeochemistry and discussion of significant developments in the field. The pace and depth of material covered will be determined by interest level and time needed for comprehensive treatment of topics.
Offered every fall and spring term. Lecture/discussion.

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Courses taught at the University of Minnesota

CHEM 2172 General Chemistry
CHEM 2212 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 4184 Chemistry Undergraduate Seminar I
CHEM 4185 Chemistry Undergraduate Seminar II
LIM 5001 Physical & Chemical Limnology
LIM 5002 Geological Limnology
LIM 5004 Field Limnology 
LIM 5102 Chemical Limnology
CHEM 5150 Organic & Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
WRS 8100 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Water Resources Science
​WRS 8581 Research and Professional Ethics in Water Resources and Environmental Science

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