Explore the geological and environmental issues that impact life in California.
8-units total: students will be enrolled in either FYS 1-1 (4 units) or FYS 1-2 (4 units), as well as GEO 105 (4 units).
Students enrolled in this Immersive Course will fulfill both the fall First-Year Seminar requirement and also the Core Lab Science requirement.
Taught by Prof. Ann Blythe and Prof. Lydia Harmon
The Life on the Edge immersive program pairs a First-Year Seminar with a section of one of Oxy's most popular science courses, Geology 105: Earth: Our Environment. It will focus on geologic and environmental issues that directly impact our lives in southern California.
The program will include a weekend-long field trip to Joshua Tree National Park, providing students with an hands-on opportunity to explore of the desert environment.
Prof. Ann Blythe (FYS 1-1): MWF 11:45-12:40 + W 3:00-3:55
Prof. Lydia Harmon (FYS 1-2): MWF 11:45-12:40 + W 3:00-3:55
This course will focus on Geologic and Environmental issues that directly impact our lives in southern California. The societally-relevant issues we will explore will expand upon the scientific focus of topics in the Geology 105 course, through assigned readings, discussions, and the crafting of three papers. The major issues we will discuss will be 1. Earthquakes (Are we ready for the Big One?), 2. Water (How have water issues shaped the growth of California?) and 3. Energy and Climate (Where does our energy come from? Can we move towards a more sustainable future?). The class will include a two-day field trip to Joshua Tree where we will explore the desert environment.
Profs. Ann Blythe and Lydia Harmon: MWF 9:35-10:30
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Prof. Ann Blythe's Lab M 3:00-4:55 OR Prof. Lydia Harmon's Lab M 5:00-6:55
This course will explore the physical processes that shape the environment on the Earth's surface. The course will cover the fundamentals of plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, geologic time, surface processes, and Earth's interior. Special attention will be paid to geologic hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and landslides), the history and future of global climate change, and the human impact on the environment.
Complete the interest form linked below by the end of the day June 11th. Seats are limited and we may not be able to accommodate all interested students. Sign up early for the best chance getting a seat.
Ann Blythe teaches Introductory Geology, Introduction to Field Methods, Geomorphology, and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy.
Lydia is a geologist who studies volcanoes and magma systems. Her work focuses on the magmatic processes and tectonic influences that govern magma formation and eruption. This research is driven by a combination of fieldwork, lab work, and computer modeling.
Room 115