The Earth System Science Department here at UCI offers a variety of classes and educational opportunities for students – from those taking introductory classes to satisfy their general education requirements to research opportunities in our labs for upper division Earth System Science majors. More information about our undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found at www.ess.uci.edu.
I have taught the following classes regularly:
General education/Introductory classes:
ESS 1 – Introduction to Earth System Science (4 units)
Covers the origin and evolution of the Earth, its atmosphere, and oceans, from the perspective of biogeochemical cycles, energy use, and human impacts on the Earth system. Full series of lectures can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOZ6FD_RQ7n_eydBs7yLrA5hG4Vd1FES
ESS 3 – Oceanography (4 units)
Examines circulation of the world oceans and ocean chemistry as it relates to river, hydrothermal vent, and atmospheric inputs. Geological features, the wide variety of biological organisms, and global climate changes, such as greenhouse warming, are also studied.
ESS 5 – Atmosphere (4 units)
The composition and circulation of the atmosphere with a focus on explaining the fundamentals of weather and climate. Topics include solar and terrestrial radiation, clouds, and weather patterns. Full series of lectures can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOZ6FD_RQ7n-sh-_X7U_n7JjS-xGOuHa
ESS 21 – On Thin Ice; Climate Change and the Cryosphere (4 units)
Introduction to the basic science that governs the cryosphere and its interaction with the climate system. Covers some of the significant economic, sociological, and political consequences of the recent melting of the cryosphere driven by anthropogenic climate change. Full series of lectures can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOZ6FD_RQ7naGB0pp1C4O8gVCgS4gd36
Uni Stu H30B and H30C – Environmental Sustainability I and II (4 units)
Over two quarters, these courses explore 3-4 environmental challenges facing the world: e.g. universal sustainable access to fresh water, universal sustainable food production, becoming carbon neutral, selection of safer chemicals, and the use of materials in a cradle-to-cradle economy. The treatment of each topic begins by laying out the science underlying the problem. The focus then turns to solutions. After exploring the scientific and technical constraints on possible solutions, the course delves into the social science issues that arise when communities must agree on and implement solutions. Using this treatment, these courses satisfy both a quarter of GE II (Science and Technology) and III (Social Behavioral Sciences). These courses also provide an excellent opportunity to explore modelling in general, to introduce nonlinear and dynamic models (e.g., global population, planetary energy balance), and to explore issues related to making assumptions, interpreting results, and the causes of uncertainty involved in such models. In this way, these courses also satisfy a quarter of the GE Vb (Quantitative, Symbolic, and Computational Reasoning) requirement.
Lower division classes:
ESS 40C – Earth System Physics (4 units)
In this class we study the fundamental physical forces and laws that affect the Earth system, such as electromagnetic radiation and energy transfer, atmospheric and ocean dynamics. The class will also cover aspects of physics related to environmental issues and sustainability, such as electricity generation and transmission, noise pollution, natural hazards, and environmental monitoring. Labs focus on quantitative problem-solving, data analysis, and practical applications related to environmental science.
Upper division classes:
ESS 132 – Hydrology (4 units)
Comprehensive treatment of modern conceptual and methodological approaches to hydrological science. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes with quantitative representation, approaches to measurement, and treatment of uncertainty. Components of the hydrological cycle and their linkages within the coupled Earth system.
ESS 140 – Advanced Geology (4 units)
Introduces students to the geological processes which have formed and continue to shape the Earth. Topics will include geological time, minerals and the rock cycle, plate tectonics and associated geological hazards, earth resources, and earth surface processes.
ESS 191 – Introduction to Research in Earth System Science (1 unit)
Weekly presentations by Earth System Science faculty describing ongoing research in their laboratories. The goals are to introduce students to the range of research topics and methods in Earth System Science and to the research opportunities available within the Department.
ESS 192 – Careers in Earth System Science (1 unit)
A weekly seminar course designed to help students transition to post-graduation career paths. Topics include designing effective resumes, applying to graduate school, and seeking employment. Also includes presentations by faculty, business, and government leaders describing potential environmental science career trajectories.
ESS 197 – Independent Study in Earth System Science (1-4 units)
Field study, educational outreach, or other independent projects under faculty direction. Interested students should arrange with an ESS faculty member to supervise and support an independent study project. A written summary is required at the end of each quarter.