Teaching
Geology 100: Geology in the Field
Spring 2009 (old format)This course is designed for first-year students interested in geology. The course meets twice a week and involves many outdoor laboratory experiences.
Geology 110: Introduction to Geology
Winter 2012Co-taught with Mary Savina
In this course, we'll learn about the large-scale structure of the Earth, formation of mountains, explosive processes like volcanoes, earthquakes, and how water, glaciers, and mass wasting can shape the landscape. Weekly laboratory exercises focus on understanding the geology of southeastern Minnesota.
Geology 220: Tectonics
Fall 2011Plate tectonic theory gained widespread acceptance in the earth science community less than 40 years ago. We will explore topics related to this important theory such as the structure of the Earth, earthquake analysis and prediction, the creation and destruction of the ocean floor, and the location and style of mountain building across the globe. Weekly writing assignments focused on a particular tectonic plate, homework exercises, and a group laboratory project are required.
Geology 287/288: Geology of the South Island
Winter 2012Students will have the opportunity to hone their field observations skills through a series of mapping projects and tectonic reconstructions in the South Island of New Zealand. Kiwi experts will travel with us throughout the island, visiting sites such as Cass, Kaikoura, Westport, and the west coast of the South Island.
Geology 365: Structural Geology
Winter 2011 (old format)Structural geology involves the study rock deformation at scales ranging from the collision of continents all the way down to the movement of individual atoms within crystals. In this course, we'll discuss many types of geologic structures (e.g. faults, folds) and how they are typically interpreted by structural geologists. The term-long focus is on understanding the San Andreas fault system using the primary literature. As part of this project, students will discuss articles, give talks, and prepare a paper about some aspect of the fault system.
