Geology 302: Seminar: Global Climate Systems and Paleoclimatology


Instructor: Dr. Eric Hiatt
Office: Harrington Hall 315
E-mail: hiatt@uwosh.edu
Phone: (920) 424-7001


Office hours: 11:30-12:30 T, 3:00-4:00 PM W & F, and by appointment or chance.

Class Meets: Monday 4:10-5:10 PM, Harrington Hall 217.

Important Dates: Thanksgiving Break, November 27-29; Semester end, December 13.


Grades:

Your course grade will be based on the following:

  1. Critical evaluation of a scientific paper (includes a short
    written summary and in-class discussions). 30%
  2. Collaborative writing project 10%
  3. Research paper. 30%
  4. Presentation and discussion. 30%

Note: This course requires your participation—attendance is critical for success in the course!


Grade scale: 92% and up = A; 87-91 = AB; 82-86 = B; 77-81 = BC; 72-76 = C; 67-71 = CD; 60-66 = D; <60% = F


Required texts:


Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to develop your communication skills, especially as they apply to the Earth Science field. Skills that we will focus on here include: 1) critical analysis of the scientific literature; 2) your ability to synthesize, summarize, and express information and ideas; and 3) effective communication, both written and oral.

 

Geology 302 Schedule:

Week of:

Sept. 9 Introduction and course overview; Research topics.
Sept. 16 Research strategies: how to find what you need; Critical evaluation of scientific papers.
Sept. 23 Student-led critical evaluation and discussion of a scientific paper
Sept. 30 Student-led critical evaluation and discussion of a scientific paper.
Oct. 7 Student-led critical evaluation and discussion of a scientific paper.
Oct. 14 Outline of research paper due; be ready to discuss your outline with the class and to give input to others.
Oct. 21 Aspects of scientific writing.
Oct. 28 GSA Meeting in Denver; work on research paper.
Nov. 4 Research papers: formatting and structure.
Nov. 11 Research paper due; making effective presentations
Nov. 18 Student presentations and discussion
Nov. 25 Student presentations and discussion.
Dec. 2 Student presentations and discussion
Dec. 9 Course wrap-up



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research Theme Topics:


B: Coral reefs and global climate.

H: Ocean circulation and climate.

J: Planetary orbital cycles and climate change.

N: Greenhouse gases and global climate.

N: El Niño.

S: Volcanism and climate change.

Words to live by:
"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."
-- Bob Dylan

"Public speaking is very easy."
-- Vice President Dan Quayle to reporters in 10/88

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